This lesson focuses on helping middle school students identify the different types of sentence. Students will notice that each structure signals differing relationships among ideas, as based on the Common Core Standard 7.1.b . This is a challenging topic. I have worked on this product to bring some fun to the lesson. I have included: # a PowerPoint, # a lesson plan (with activating strategy, vocabulary, exit ticket, etc.), # a graphic organizer # worksheets # FIVE activities, # a quick quiz, # a vocabulary list # answer keys and # a Your Turn exit ticket The lesson plan is detailed so that it is easy for the teacher to teach each structure with an activity (or two) without getting overwhelmed! The 66-slide PowerPoint is filled with information and is easy for students to follow- especially as they fill in their graphic organizer. There are visuals included. Plus, there is a silent activity where students guess by using sign language letter to show their choice! Fun! I have also included the worksheets in PDF in case that works best for you! CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.1.b Choose among simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences to signal differing relationships among ideas. Thank you!

This 9th- 10th grade resource consists of a PowerPoint, a Lesson plan, 3 worksheets and an answer key- everything you need to teach euphemisms and oxymora, based on the Common Core Standards L.9-10.5 and L.9-10.5a. The PowerPoint discusses euphemisms and oxymora, giving several examples and opportunities for students to participate in discussions. The class will follow along with the lesson by filling in the first two worksheets. The class will begin with an Activating Strategy and move into a discussion on the obstacles people face while learning English and encountering euphemisms. Students will pair up and brainstorm euphemisms and oxymora- as well as guess what the illustration on the PowerPoint represents. Students will be challenged to answer the Essential Questions: How can I uncover the meanings of euphemism and oxymoron? AND How do I analyze the role of euphemism and oxymorons inside of a text? Differentiated instruction is offered with extra challenges- such as providing the definition of the opposite of euphemism (dysphemism). Students will be given a chance to review before completing an Exit Ticket. A third optional worksheet is included for fun- or for extra differentiation, if there is a need for extra practice. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.5a Interpret figures of speech (e.g., euphemism, oxymoron) in context and analyze their role in the text.

This is a PowerPoint, lesson plan, several worksheets and activities on phrases and clauses. An EATS lesson plan (tied to the Common Core Standards) as well as two graphic organizers are included. Complete with an essential question, activating strategy, vocabulary, teaching strategies, and an exit ticket, students learn the difference between phrases and clauses. In Part 1, students are shown examples of each phrase type: Noun phrase Verb phrase Adjectival phrase Adverbial phrase Participial phrase Prepositional phrase Absolute phrase The class will fill out a graphic organizer, practice with partners and practice individually using different phrases. In Part 2, students are shown examples of each clause type: Independent Clause Dependent Clause Noun Clause Relative Clause Adjectival Clause Again, the class will fill out a graphic organizer, practice with partners, and practice individually using different clauses. In Part 3, students get a chance to review. There are opportunities for differentiation in the activities. For example, on the PPT, students are asked to create example sentences. To challenge students, teachers may opt to ask students to use a topic. On Worksheet #5, students are challenged to identify phrase/clause types. Lastly, students will complete an exit ticket. This is a complete lesson- ready for your classroom. Thank you!

This 2- day, comprehensive lesson includes a PowerPoint, (EATS) lesson plan, and 3 worksheets. Complete with essential question, vocabulary, teaching strategies, and an exit ticket, students learn 3 strategies to correct vague pronouns. Once students are shown several examples, they will practice with slides on the PowerPoint. Students will work as a class, with partners, and finally, on individual worksheets. If you teach sixth-grade, this is for you. No prep. Print and go! CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.1.d Recognize and correct vague pronouns (i.e., ones with unclear or ambiguous antecedents).* This standard falls under the umbrella standard: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. Thanks!

Teach indirect and direct characterization! Use “My Favorite Chaperone” by Jean Davies Okimoto at beginning of the school year to review characters and plot- and build on elements of a short story. This product includes a 40-slide PowerPoint, a 3-page editable EATS Lesson Plan (complete with Essential Questions, Activating Strategy, Exit Ticket, etc), a 3-page Reading Guide, Discussion Questions printable, Summary Paragraph Worksheet, Answer Keys, and an Assessment. What a valuable time-saver. Just print and go! The best part? A sample answer to the Essential Question is provided (on the PowerPoint and student worksheet) so students will understand the concept- and have a model when they respond. This has proven very effective in my classes. Students read and analyze the sample answer before attempting to write. Students also have the sample as a guide for their writing. Some activities are optional and can make this a 6- day unit. I encourage you to read the text (available online). This particular story lends itself nicely to teaching the elements of a short story plot. Students enjoy the collaborative discussions based on the text. Thanks for taking a look at my store!

Verbals are to be taught in 8th grade, so says the Common Core. Gerunds, Infinitives, Participles might be difficult to teach if you've kind of forgotten yourself! (right?) This lesson solves that problem! The EATS lesson includes: -- the content standard and essential question -- preview vocabulary -- the definition and example of each verbal -- a quick review -- an Exit Ticket The graphic organizer works really well for my 8th graders! Higher grades can use it as a review/refresher, too. This PowerPoint gives step-by-step instructions to the students. The lesson plan guides the teacher through, too! CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.1.a is the focus of the lesson.

This lesson includes an EATS lesson plan, 3 worksheets, answer keys, discussion questions, and a PowerPoint for the classic short story that includes O. Henry's trademark twist! Focusing on CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.3 and 6.5, students will describe how the main character changes as the plot moves toward a resolution & analyze how a particular sentence contributes to the development of the plot. (Similar seventh-grade and eighth-grade standards are provided. The PowerPoint for "Retrieved Reformation" by O. Henry guides the class in activating activities, defining vocabulary, discussing key details, and answering the essential question. A sample answer to the E. Q. is provided for the class to critique (and use as a model for students to answer the E.Q. at the end of the lesson!). This is a great short story for students to enjoy! Thank you!

This is a set of ROOTS for your Word Wall. Included are 80 Root Words with meaning and examples, AND illustrations -plus extra pages of the same Root words with meaning, examples, and blank spaces so students can draw. These printable pages are excellent to display on your word wall- or for students to study. Four Root "cards" are formatted on a single page. Simply print, cut, and pin! You may also want to print on stock paper and place on a ring for students to clip to their bookbags. All pages are in Black and White. Learning to identify root words is a valuable lesson that will assist students when they decode unfamiliar words – throughout life! Although the CCSS specifically assigns roots and affixes to grades 6, 7, and 8, every grade from 1 to 12 is expected to “determine or clarify the meaning of unknown words” Language Standard 2.4, 3.4, 5.4, 6.4, 7.4, 8.4, 9-10.4, and 11-12.4. Thanks!

Secondary students will learn how to determine the meaning of unknown words using the surrounding text. This NO PREP product uses the 4 strategies of definition, example, antonym, and details to guess the definition of the mystery word when reading to help comprehension. Included: -- Preview Activity with 4 sample task cards -- Preview PowerPoint, with sample answers for discussion --20 Task Cards with a mystery word and a context clue-filled sentence. Print, cut, and go! -- Answer Key (in two formats) -- Bonus: What's the Difference Between Details and Examples? The Preview Activity allows students to try their hand at context clues before the graded assignment. This will be especially useful if task cards are not being used immediately after a Context Clues lesson. The four sample cards work as a review to remind students of the four main strategies (definition, example, antonym, and details) for context clues.The class will use the PowerPoint to check their answers and generate a discussion if they have questions. (This is the same Preview Activity included in Set #1.) To find Set #1, click this link: Task cards work perfectly after a “Context Clues” lesson. Need one? Search for Kroll Context Clues Lesson Task Cards can also be used as Entrance Tickets, differentiation, homework, comprehension check, Exit Tickets … the possibilities are many! Simply print and cut. Laminate for years of use.

Twenty-Three (23!) different task cards are formatted (four to a page) and are EDITABLE. Just add your questions in text boxes! --OR print the task cards and add your content in your own handwriting. You must have PowerPoint to use this product. These templates are ready for you to create TASK CARDS in math, science, Language Arts, or any subject. Customize your content as you like. Use as exit tickets, entrance tickets, comprehension checks, sponge activities, brain breaks, Scoots, Center activities, Station activities, and so much more. An EDITABLE Answer Sheet/ Answer Key is included. Terms of Use If you use as a commercial product, you must flatten the final product into a PDF. All content in this product is the copyrighted property of Kim Kroll Use in your personal classroom and/or commercially to create task card products that you flatten and secured with questions that you have added. You may not post to a blog. You may not share with other teachers. Please give credit by stating “graphics by ©Kim Kroll” in your product package. You may not sell, trade, share or redistribute this product

These rigorous Run-On Task Cards are great practice for secondary students. Students will correct run-ons and produce complete sentences on these no-prep printables. Perfect for individual practice, test prep, review or homework. Included are: –20 challenging Task Cards in two different formats (40 cards total) for secondary students. –Answer Sheets –Answer Keys –Class Directions –Bonus Activity Card: “One Way to Fix Run-Ons” Using Semicolons Print and cut task cards. Students write the answer on the task card (Set #1) or the provided answer sheet (Set #2). Use as: Entrance Tickets, Exit Tickets, Differentiation, Comprehension Check, review, stations, partner work, centers, whole class instruction, and more! Suggested Option: Make copies of each slide, but do not cut apart. Each student will answer all four items on one page- writing answers on the Answer Sheet. The next day, as students enter the room, they will receive the next page. Continue until all answers are completed. On the fifth day, students pair up and check answers. Give students time to re-do all numbered selections that are different from their partners’. Turn in for a grade. Have students write on task cards – or laminate and use them more than once. CCSS Focus: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6.3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.7.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.7.3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.8.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.8.3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.11-12.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

Theme task cards are great practice BEFORE, DURING, or AFTER a lesson on theme! Based on Common Core. RI.6.2, 7.2, 8.2, and 9-10.2, these task cards present students with a reading selection and 3 multiple choice options. Students select the correct theme! Students can then pair and discuss- or continue until all 20 are completed. Included are: SET of 20 original Task Cards Answer Sheets Answer Keys Optional Activity Students read a selection on each card and decide which is the best theme. These cards are an easy way to check student understanding of theme, but can be used in many more ways: Entrance Tickets, Exit Tickets, Differentiation, Comprehension Check, Homework… They might also be used as a springboard for discussion on how the author accomplishes his/ her theme. Theme Task Cards are included in: Kroll Task Card Bundle One of my favorite ways to use is as follows: Make copies of each slide, but do not cut apart. Each student will answer all four items on one page (on the answer sheet provided). The next day, as students enter the room, they will receive the next page. Continue until all answers are completed. On the fifth day, students pair up and check answers. Give students time to re-read any that are different from their partners. Turn in for a grade. Have students write on task cards – or laminate and use the task cards year after year. Focus: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.2 Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.7.2 Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.2 Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to the characters, setting, and plot; provide an objective summary of the text. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.2 Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text.

Students are shown the humor that can be created with dangling and misplaced modifiers. (Prepare to have your students laughing!) This lesson shows the definition of a modifier and a clause, as well as the difference between a misplaced modifier and a dangling modifier. The PowerPoint provides several examples for mastery and later for students to identify. Following the PowerPoint, groups will use the printable worksheets to determine which sentences contain misplaced/dangling modifiers. An EATS lesson plan (tied to the Writing Common Core Standards) includes an essential question, preview vocabulary, teaching strategies, assessment strategies, and an exit ticket. This lesson is easy to follow, interactive and high-interest. The lesson plan, PPT, a group activity and individual worksheets are all included. There is also a challenge section to differentiate instruction for quick learners. Finally, students will complete an individual worksheet and an Exit Ticket. This lesson was a hit in my classroom. I hope you enjoy this product, too!

Context clues are so important; they are part of the Common Core Standards in grades TWO through TWELVE! This lesson focuses on grades 6 through 8. This product includes: ---An EATS Lesson plan (with activating strategy, teaching strategies, etc.) ---A complete PowerPoint for this lesson ---Two worksheets ---Two activities ---A PowerPoint of printable task cards (8)- perfect for differentiated instruction The lesson gives the definition for context and shows examples. A sample sentence without context clues is also shown. Students will be given an original picture of "clues" as a PowerPoint visual to connect with this concept. Students will learn the four main strategies that writers use to give context clues to their readers (telling, examples, antonyms, and picture-painting). As a class, students will practice with the examples on the PowerPoint- identifying which strategy the writer used. Later, students will pair up and work on TASK CARD examples (perfect for differentiating this lesson- or use them as homework slips!). Finally, students will work independently on a worksheet and create a context clue-filled sentence of their own for their peers to critique. Most of the students' unknown words come from my "Word of the Day: Preparing for the S.A.T." So, if they accidentally learn the meaning, it's a win!! :) This lesson has a lot of information and several strategies for students to learn. The second PowerPoint (the one with task cards) is intended to be printed. This lesson focuses on: CCSS Literacy .L.6.4.a, 7.4.a, and 8-12.4.a. Thank you so much!

I am so proud of this lesson! When I found the Common Core Standard for punctuating a pause in 8th grade, I looked high and low for a resource before realizing one needed to be created. How difficult can creating an ellipsis, dash and comma lesson be? Trust me, it wasn’t as easy as I originally thought! The nuances between the three punctuation marks need to be distinguished so students can learn which to use- and further- what each one adds to the text (suspense, sudden interruption, reader direction…). Included is the PPT, Lesson plan, Worksheets and more. With the PowerPoint, a lecture unfolds following LFS (Learning Focused Strategies) to include an activating strategy, teaching strategies and summarizing strategies. Using the Essential Question: “How do I punctuate a pause?” the graphic organizer worksheet allows students to follow along with the PPT smoothly, while taking notes. There are pictures on the PowerPoint to stimulate interest, along with an easy format for students and teachers, alike. The PPT, graphic organizer worksheet, and Activity Worksheets focus on the three punctuation marks: ellipsis, dash, and comma. There is an exit ticket on the worksheet for summary. Included are examples and activities for the entire class, partners, and individuals. Answer keys are provided for each activity. Addressed Common Core Standards include: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.2a Use punctuation (comma, ellipsis, dash) to indicate a pause or break. Hope you enjoy this lesson! It will save you hours from creating a lesson from scratch! #ellipsis #dash #comma #pause

‘Get to Know You’ Cootie Catchers are perfect for the first day of school- or when students need to break the ice before they work in groups. Cootie Catchers are also called Fortune Tellers. Included in this product are 10 different cootie catchers, each with 8 different questions each. Sample questions include: • Tell me about a time when you got stitches. • Tell me about your favorite dessert. • What is the first thing you will buy if you win the lottery? • How do you feel about staying healthy? Partners will pair up to use these cootie catchers. This is a fun FOLDABLE and great interactive activity as an ice breaker! Just print and pass out! Students will cut off the bottom strip, fold, and begin discussing! These cootie catchers really promote student interest! Learning and fun!

Teaching Parallel Structure to 9th and 10th graders CAN be enjoyable! This resource was created to make teaching this Common Core Standard easy! I have included: -an EATS lesson plan -the content standard -essential question -vocabulary: Parallel and Structure -an activating strategy -collaborative activities -individual activities -a printable exit ticket -POWERPOINT -WORKSHEETS TASK CARDS -challenge activity -optional homework practice and answer keys This works really well with my 9th graders! You can also use with grades: 7, 8, 11 or 12th grade, but it was built specifically for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.1.a (Use parallel structure). The Essential Question is: How can I create and correct sentences that have parallel structure? This lesson is accompanied by a PowerPoint (included) that goes with the EATS lesson plan- and makes teaching very easy. I hope you enjoy this lesson! Thanks!- Kim Kroll

Intensive Pronouns are the focus of Common Core 6.1 b. A PowerPoint, lesson plan, and worksheet on Intensive Pronouns are all included. The EATS lesson plan (tied to the Common Core Standards) as well as an individual worksheet work together to keep students on-task! If your class is studying Intensive Pronouns, this resource is for you! Complete with an essential question, vocabulary, teaching strategies, and an exit ticket, this lesson shows the difference between Intensive Pronouns and Reflexive Pronouns. Once students are shown several examples, they will practice with slides on the PowerPoint. Following the PowerPoint, students will work on individual worksheets. Lastly, students will complete an exit ticket. Students will learn: How can I use intensive pronouns correctly? CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.1b Use intensive pronouns (e.g., myself, ourselves). Thank you and ENJOY!

This Literary Terms Match-Up Game is effective, fun, and can be used over and over in the classroom! Accompanied with an EATS lesson plan and following the Common Core RI.7.4., the "board" gives 28 definitions. Literary terms included are: Dialogue, Figurative language, Plot Inference, Genre, Suspense, Imagery, Theme, Flashback, Irony, Effect, Omniscient, Point of View, Fiction, Cause, Paraphrase, Retelling, Conflict, Setting, Climax, Foreshadowing, Predict, Stanza, Tone, Mood, Main idea, Resolution,Character, Drama, Non-fiction, Narration, Onomatopoeia. The answer key is provided not only to make life easier, but to allow students to check their own work. At the beginning of the year, have students work in groups to match the term to the definition. As the year progresses, use it as a review to see if the students learned the material. Eventually, students will complete the activity individually. It is a great activity for the end of the year, too. You will be impressed how much the students have learned. What took them 20 minutes at the beginning of the year now takes 5 minutes for many students! Throughout the year, I use this as a "filler" when the power goes out or a bomb threat is called in (Yes, it happens!) without wasting students' time. Once, my principal unexpectedly visited my classroom while the students were working on this activity- and he asked if I made this myself. He was impressed. Yay! (The happiness we teachers get from a pat on the back...) I suggest making copies of the game pieces with colored paper so the words stand out more. (Mine was printed on colored paper- in the picture. Laminating the game board and pieces (hint: BEFORE you cut them apart) is a really good idea as well! I also print out copies and give at Open House or at conferences. My students' parents were very grateful!

If you are looking for a high-interest topic to tackle the reading, viewing, and listening standard, look no further! Pompeii, Mt. Vesuvius’ eruption, lava, Pliny the Younger… it’s all here. The videos are superb, the the text is rigorous (but short, accessible- and has humor!) and the audio is great. I LOVE teaching Pompeii because the students are fully engaged- mesmerized! The text for READING is by Pliny the Younger. A first-hand account of the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. Knowing that students may struggle a bit with the language, I have created a paired activity where students summarize each sentence. I have included my summary of each sentence (in case they get stuck- or ) to compare with the student’s finished activity. Yes, Pliny actually calls his uncle out for snoring! The LISTENING text is “The Dog of Pompeii” by Louis Untermyer. If you don’t have the text in your anthology, search for free copies on the web. Students individually complete a worksheet (included) after reading. The VIEWING component uses two videos readily available on the web- one made by PBS that is 2 minutes in length (but packs a punch!) and another lengthier, informative video. Once the students have completed activities on EACH of the modes, there is a writing assignment. The writing assignment begins as a group activity. Groups will write a paragraph and compare to my sample paragraph. Then, students work individually for the final assessment- a similar paragraph that compares the three modes: reading, listening, and viewing. This is a week-long lesson, but you can just teach a part of this lesson if you are focusing on other standards (For example, you may have “Dog of Pompeii” in your anthology. You can use the worksheets and activity for just this story instead of teaching the entire unit). Thanks so much for your interest. Enjoy teaching Pompeii!