Say hello to a platform dedicated to industrious, yet overtasked teachers like you. Say goodbye to countless hours spent developing relevant and engaging ELA lessons. Whether you are teaching the fundamentals of grammar, creative writing skills, classic literature, or contemporary fiction, you will find thousands of activities and assessments to help you achieve a healthier work-life balance without sacrificing academic rigor.
Say hello to a platform dedicated to industrious, yet overtasked teachers like you. Say goodbye to countless hours spent developing relevant and engaging ELA lessons. Whether you are teaching the fundamentals of grammar, creative writing skills, classic literature, or contemporary fiction, you will find thousands of activities and assessments to help you achieve a healthier work-life balance without sacrificing academic rigor.
Promote active engagement with fiction, support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school, and evaluate general reading comprehension with this bundle of resources for teaching the Gothic short story “The Black Cat” by Edgar Allan Poe. Included are the following: a plot-based quiz, a worksheet composed of rigorous close reading questions, a craft analysis activity, the public domain narrative, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats.
By engaging with these materials, students will perform the following tasks:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Articulate the narrator’s intent in a given excerpt
Isolate a false statement from factual details associated with a given excerpt
Examine the narrator’s modes of thinking to discern and articulate what he identifies as the cause(s) of his current circumstances
Analyze a given excerpt to discern its primary function
Apply knowledge of the anaphora to an excerpt
Apply knowledge of simile to an excerpt
Apply knowledge of hyperbaton to an excerpt
Apply knowledge of paradox to an excerpt
Apply knowledge of alliteration to an excerpt
Examine cause and effect relationships
Conduct brief research on Roman mythology to discern and articulate why the name Pluto carries symbolic value
Analyze the narrator’s past behaviors and statements to make logical inferences about the cause of a destructive fire
Identify textual details to support the claim that the second cat never existed
Use logic and textual evidence to support the claim that the narrator feels subconscious guilt over the murder of Pluto
Articulate why the narrator may be resentful of his wife
Articulate how the narrator exhibits hubris and how hubris contributes to plot development
Write with clarity, logic, and precision
Promote active engagement with fiction, support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school, and evaluate general reading comprehension with this bundle of resources for teaching the science fiction short story “The Fog Horn” by Ray Bradbury. Included are the following: a plot-based quiz, a rigorous close reading worksheet, a craft analysis activity, and answer keys. By engaging with these materials, students will perform the following tasks:
Articulate what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly
Identify several examples of personification and/or anthropomorphism in the narrative
Identify several textual details that contribute to a sense of isolation
Discern the intended meaning of figurative language
Discern the function of a given excerpt
Apply knowledge of sonic literary devices including consonance and assonance
Analyze the author’s craft
Identify stylistic changes in a given excerpt
Articulate the intended effect of stylistic changes in a given excerpt
Analyze relationships between complex characters
Articulate how a given detail is an example of foreshadowing
Make logical inferences about character motivations
Cite textual evidence in support of inferences and claims
Write with clarity and precision
Develop a greater understanding of how Ray Bradbury used descriptive language, characterization, setting, and various literary devices to establish an eerie mood that is consistent with the supernatural fiction and science fiction genres.
For many middle and high school readers, realistic and young adult fiction are genres that maximize relatability and engagement with literature. “Thank You, Ma’am” by Langston Hughes is a short story involving socioeconomic struggles, social pressures, the importance of second chances, and the power of empathy and forgiveness. Included in this bundle are the following: a multiple choice, plot-based quiz; a worksheet composed of rigorous close reading questions; a craft analysis activity; the public domain narrative; and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats.
By engaging in this exercise, students will…
Discern what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly
Articulate character motivations
Analyze how a character’s behaviors reveal their life principles
Apply knowledge of metaphor to the text
Analyze the author’s choice of words conveys subtle meaning
Analyze how complex characters interact
Explore Roger’s emotional and psychological state
Cite textual evidence in support of inferences and claims
Write with clarity and precision
Evaluate reading comprehension, support the development of close reading analysis skills, and minimize take-home lesson planning with this set of instructional resources covering chapter one of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Included are the following: a multiple choice, plot-based quiz; a short answer quiz for re-assessment; vocabulary development games and activities; a close reading analysis worksheet; and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats.
Students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Discern point of view
Explore character motivations
Clarify cause-and-effect relationships
Apply knowledge of a variety of literary devices including situational irony, hyperbole, simile, and metaphor
Articulate the intended effect of metaphorical language
Analyze the author’s craft to determine intent
Write with clarity and precision
Evaluate general reading comprehension, support critical thinking, and facilitate vocabulary development with this bundle of formative assessments covering Kate Chopin’s short story “Desiree’s Baby,” a piece of historical fiction that, when integrated into the English Language Arts classroom, complements American History curricula, as the plot precedes the Civil War and addresses the issue of how race and ethnicity affect one’s life experiences in the South. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the public domain short story, and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
This resource may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly.
By engaging with these materials, students will perform the following tasks:
Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Consider the effects of the author’s language and narrative techniques
Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including irony and foreshadowing
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the science fiction short story “The Star Beast” by Nicholas Stuart Gray. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
This resource may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly.
By engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques with emphasis on how the author helps the audience empathize with a non-human protagonist
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including hubris and situational irony
Consider themes in context
Articulate how the narrative conforms to standard conventions of science fiction
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching O. Henry’s ironic short story “The Last Leaf.” A plot-based quiz, a close reading worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the short story, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats.
This resource may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly.
By engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare and contrast characters
Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, metaphor, personification, dramatic irony, and situational irony
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about coming-of-age fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching O. Henry’s ironic short story “The Cop and the Anthem” A plot-based quiz, a close reading worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the short story, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
This resource may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly.
By engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Determine the function of a particular passage
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, juxtaposition, and situational irony
Articulate the significance of a given detail
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the classic Grimm’s fairy tale “Rapunzel” (Lexile Measure estimate of 1010-1200). A plot-based quiz, a close reading worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the short story, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
This resource may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly.
By engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Consider tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including simile, situational irony, and dramatic irony
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about coming-of-age fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the coming-of-age short story “Raymond’s Run” by Toni Cade Bambara. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
This resource may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly.
By engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including hyperbole, metaphor, simile, epiphany, situational irony, and more
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
Evaluate comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of resources covering chapters 4 through 6 of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. A plot-based quiz, close reading worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, copy of the relevant chapters, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats.
By engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Discern the most proper application of vocabulary words as they are used in sentences
Determine the function of a given paragraph
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Consider how diction influences the audience’s understanding of the narrator’s psychological state
Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed
Apply knowledge of literary devices including dramatic irony
Draw parallels between Coleridge’s Ancient Mariner and Shelley’s Frankenstein
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Evaluate comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of resources covering chapters 10 through 12 of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. A plot-based quiz, close reading worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, copy of the relevant chapters, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats.
By engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Discern the function of a given paragraph
Consider the greater significance of the pool of water
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Contrast elements of chapter 11 with elements of chapter 10
Explore themes in context with emphasis on “the barbarity of man”
Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing and allusion
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Evaluate comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of resources covering chapters 13 through 15 of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. A plot-based quiz, close reading worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, copy of the relevant chapters, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats.
By engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Explore cause-and-effect relationships
Consider the greater significance of given details
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare and contrast the creature with the biblical character of Adam
Apply knowledge of literary devices including antithesis, allusion, and irony
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Evaluate comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of resources covering chapters 7 through 9 of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. A plot-based quiz, close reading worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, copy of the relevant chapters, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats.
By engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define complex words and phrases in context
Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed
Discern the most proper application of vocabulary words as they are used in sentences
Determine the intended effect of figurative language in context
Consider the greater significance of the locket
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare and contrast complex characters
Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Evaluate comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of resources covering chapters 22 through 24 of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. A plot-based quiz, close reading worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, copy of the relevant chapters, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats.
By engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Describe tone in context
Consider the greater significance of given details
Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Analyze the treatment of Elizabeth and other female characters in the novel
Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, metaphor, situational irony, and symbolism
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Evaluate comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of resources covering chapters 16 through 18 of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. A plot-based quiz, close reading worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, copy of the relevant chapters, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. (Alternatively, a Google Drive bundle option is available.)
By engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Articulate the effect of animal imagery
Explain the function of a given scene
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Make a sound inference about the author’s personal philosophy based on textual details
Apply knowledge of literary devices including simile and dramatic irony
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Evaluate comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of resources covering chapters 19 through 21 of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. A plot-based quiz, close reading worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, copy of the relevant chapters, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats.
By engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Determine the intended effect of Victor’s dialogue in context
Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Compare Victor and Justine
Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, metaphor, and aposiopesis
Make logical predictions about plot in context
Consider themes in context with emphasis on the topic of systemic inequity
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Evaluate reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and support the development of critical thinking skills with this bundle of resources for teaching Animal Farm by George Orwell (chapter 2). A plot-based quiz, close reading analysis worksheet, vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. (Alternatively, a Google Drive bundle option is available.)
By engaging with these activities, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed
Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Discern the intended effects of the author’s diction and narrative techniques
Determine the main function of a given passage
Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Consider themes in context
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction
Evaluate reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and support the development of critical thinking skills with this bundle of resources for teaching Animal Farm by George Orwell (chapter 3). A plot-based quiz, close reading analysis worksheet, vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
By engaging with these activities, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed
Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Determine the purpose of a given passage or detail
Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Predict which character is likeliest to challenge leadership and take interest in the world outside of Animal Farm
Articulate why the pigs in particular would favor the incorporation of slogans and mottos into Animal Farm’s culture
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction
Evaluate reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and support the development of critical thinking skills with this bundle of resources for teaching Animal Farm by George Orwell (chapter 5). A plot-based quiz, close reading analysis worksheet, vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
By engaging with these activities, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed
Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Discern the greater significance of the windmill debate
Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Consider the motif of forbidden pleasures
Apply knowledge of literary devices including symbolism and situational irony
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction