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!

Display this student collaboration to show gratitude to the cafeteria staff ! Twenty pages total, this product has one extra page that can be added many times to the final poster (for any extra students you have). GREAT for end of the year! Pages can be colored any color, or you can ask students to: Color the background - Blue Color each letter - Yellow NO CUTTING Required. Just color and tape up! This Collaborative Poster is one of many. (Thank You, Guidance Counselors! / Thank You, Administrators! / Thank You, Teachers! ETC.) This is an inclusive, community-building activity that promotes student collaboration. Each student colors one section of a large mosaic poster. Once all sheets are colored (NO CUTTING!), they are assembled to reveal a large multi-colored mosaic / poster / mural. You will love the results! Thank you!

Display this student collaboration to show gratitude to the administrators! Eighteen pages total, this product has one extra page that can be added many times to the final poster (for any extra students you have). GREAT for end of the year! Pages can be colored any color, or you can ask students to: Color the background - Blue Color each letter - Yellow NO CUTTING Required. Just color and tape up! This Collaborative Poster is one of many. (Thank You, Guidance Counselors! / Thank You, Cafeteria Staff! / Thank You, Teachers! ETC.) This is an inclusive, community-building activity that promotes student collaboration. Each student colors one section of a large mosaic poster. Once all sheets are colored (NO CUTTING!), they are assembled to reveal a large multi-colored mosaic / poster / mural. You will love the results! Thank you!

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.

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.

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

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.

Hyphenation conventions are the focus of CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.11-12.2.A. This product contains a PowerPoint, Lesson Plan, Worksheets and an activity on the use of Hyphens. There are many hyphen rules, but here are the 10 most common (and important) uses of hyphens: 1) Two words that, when linked, describe a noun 2.) Ex- words 3.) All compound numbers from 21-99 4.) Spelled-out fractions 5.) Self- words 6.) Well- words 7.) With figures or letter 8.) Between a prefix and a capitalized word 9.) New word blends 10.) Avoid confusion or an awkward combination of letters The second worksheet, “Matching Hyphens with a Rule” can be completed independently. The third worksheet “Hyphen Needed?” is a great paired activity because students can discuss which rule applies to each sentence. Finally, the FIRST worksheet is my favorite- because it helps students focus on the message of the PowerPoint lecture. When they are finished, they have a great study sheet that lists the ten rules! Answer Keys are provided. This product is aligned with CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.2A Observe hyphenation conventions. Thank you!

This figurative language (Hyperboles and Paradoxes) lesson includes a PowerPoint, a lesson plan, two worksheets and an Exit Ticket- everything you need to teach hyperbole and paradox. The PowerPoint discusses hyperbole and paradox, giving several examples and opportunities for students to participate. The class will follow along with the lesson- filling in an individual worksheet. Common Core Standard L 11-12.5a is the focus. The class begins with the Essential Question and Activating Strategy. The teacher will discuss the definition and role of hyperbole and paradox. Students will have opportunities to pair up, brainstorm, and work individually. Differentiated instruction is offered with the Exit Ticket. A second optional worksheet is included for fun- or if there is a need for extra practice.This lesson uses examples from classic literature. Focus: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.5a Interpret figures of speech (e.g., hyperbole, paradox) in context and analyze their role in the text.

“The Sea” by James Reeves is OFTEN used in state tests, worksheets, and anthologies. It is short, but provides a lot to discuss. It is straightforward, and yet still complex. The imagery is superb. Almost all of it is within the grasp of the student, and yet there are parts that need discussion to be revealed. All in all, it is a perfect poem to use with a class! Due to copyright laws, I am unable to include the poem. It is easy to find and is likely in your anthology. Included is a lesson plan originally written for 7th graders- appropriate for grades 6-12. This is a PowerPoint, lesson plan AND worksheet. The PowerPoint includes: the Essential Question Activating Strategy Defined vocabulary and Examples. Students will learn figurative language, metaphor and simile. They will see examples and create some new ones. Next, they will learn denotation and connotation. Again, they will see examples and try their hand at examples. Finally, they will apply this knowledge to the poem, "The Sea" by James Reeves. After reading through once, students will answer questions about the first stanza and discuss. Then, the teacher (and PowerPoint) will guide them to answer the essential question based on the first stanza. The second stanza will be read, questions will be answered, and the essential question will be attempted again, discussed and perfected. Finally, the third stanza will be the focus of the assessment. The students will again read and answer questions, but this time, the students will be expected to use the strategy taught (re-read, locate, investigate and compare) to answer the essential question on their own. There are more slides after the poem study is over, including an activity to write the poem in as few words as possible (to illustrate how word choice is important) as well as an exit ticket. I hope you enjoy this lesson! Thank you!

Nelson Mandela's "Long Walk to Freedom" and Rita Dove's "An Interview: I Was Not Alone" (an essay on Rosa Parks) are perfect short non-fiction selections for Black History Month. Focus on heroes, cause and effect, black history, and more! This resource includes: --one-page lesson plan, --three worksheets, --a basic PowerPoint for Rosa Parks, ---a PALS instruction and example, and --answer keys. The PowerPoint is editable for your convenience. Using the Common Core Standards and Learning Focused, I have included an EATS lesson plan with an Essential Question, preview vocabulary (including CAUSE and EFFECT), activating strategy, teaching strategies and a summarizing strategy (Exit Ticket). Further, this lesson pairs students to work on cause and effect together. The texts of "An Interview: I Was Not Alone" and "The Long Walk to Freedom" are NOT included due to copyright laws. Please make sure you have access to the texts before purchasing this resource. The lesson plan, worksheets, and PPT are time-saving and effective. Thank you!

This lesson for the short story “Anataeus” by Borden Deal includes an EATS lesson plan with an Essential Question, preview vocabulary (including ALLUSION), activating strategy, teaching strategies, and a summarizing strategy (Exit Ticket). The product includes a Powerpoint, a PALS worksheet, a 2-paged study guide, and the answer key. RL.7.3. Analyze how particular elements of a story or drama interact (e.g., how setting shapes the characters or plot) is the Common Core focus. Best of all, this lesson splits the text into chunks so that the students can group to do an ever-popular “Jigsaw” activity. The product is editable in case you want to add or delete any section. The allusion to the “real” Antaeus is included. Instead of just reading a short story in class, use this product to teach flashback, plot, character- all tied to the COMMON CORE standard.

This Punctuation Lesson, PowerPoint, two worksheets and Answer Key teaches the Common Core standard addressed in L 9-10. 2b : using Colons for introducing a list and quote. Teachers will be able to use this resource to completely teach the concept. With the PowerPoint, a lecture unfolds to include an activating strategy, teaching strategies and a summarizing strategy. The worksheet allows students to follow along with the PPT smoothly, while taking notes. Included are examples and activities for the entire class, partners, and individuals. Answer keys are provided for each activity.

The PPT, lesson plan, worksheets, and exit ticket all focus on CCSS.L. 9-10.2. Teach punctuation to your secondary class with this no prep resource. Check out the reviews! With the PowerPoint, a lecture unfolds to include an activating strategy, teaching strategies, and summarizing strategies. Using the Essential Question: “When do I use a semicolon?” the worksheet allows students to follow along with the PPT smoothly, while taking notes.The PPT and worksheets focus on the correct ways to use the semicolon. Included are examples and activities. Answer keys are provided for each activity. Addressed Common Core Standards include: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.2.a Use a semicolon (and perhaps a conjunctive adverb) to link two or more closely related independent clauses Both “independent clauses” and “conjunctive adverb” are defined and examined in the lesson. Hope you enjoy this lesson! It will save you hours from creating a lesson from scratch! Thank you! ~Kim

If you have the short story “A Day’s Wait” by Ernest Hemingway in your anthology, this lesson is for you. Included in this resource are: a PowerPoint, lesson plan, and 3 worksheets. ✓ The EATS lesson plan includes: Essential Question, vocabulary, activating strategy, teaching strategies, and an Exit Ticket. ✓ The lesson plan and worksheets are a time-saver. Just print and go! Answer keys are included. ✓ The PowerPoint will help with pacing the lesson (especially if you are getting observed!) and will help students focus on the most important components of the lesson. Indirect and Direct Characterization are discussed. I have also answered the essential question (using an example for "The Boy Who Cried Wolf") so that students will be able to discuss how to critique an effective response. Display this sample answer when students are completing the exit ticket. The Common Core Focus is: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.5 Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot. Thank you!

Students learn how to uncover the meaning and how to analyze the role of symbols in literature in this two-day interactive lesson. The class will discuss literary symbolism using examples on the PowerPoint. There are opportunities within the lesson to brainstorm ideas before students are expected to work individually. The EATS lesson plan includes an Essential Question, Activating Strategy, Teaching Strategies and an Exit Ticket. Students will understand how to correctly answer the Essential Question by the end of the second day- because they have been taught the strategies, they have worked collaboratively, they have seen a model answer, and they have worked individually. This product includes: • A powerpoint • A worksheet • An activity • An exit ticket • Assessment • Answer keys This lesson covers: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.7.4 through 11-12.4 (determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text) CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL. 8.1 through 11-12.1 Analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text (cite the textual evidence) CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL .11-12.6 Analyze a case in which grasping a point of view requires distinguishing what is directly stated in a text from what is really meant

This no-prep lesson is includes a powerpoint, printables, plan and more to make teaching this short story a breeze! Included: -- Lesson Plan in EATS format with an Essential Question, vocabulary, activating strategy, teaching strategies, and a summarizing strategy (Exit Ticket)- aligned with the CCSS.Lit. 6.3 & 6.5 -- an original PowerPoint- that showcases the vocabulary definitions, discussion questions, sample answers, and more. Some slides have timers to keep students motivated to keep their discussions alive. --PALS reading strategy- a technique for reading to allow all students to read aloud (I use this a lot with short stories in my classroom!) --- 3 printable worksheets- No prep- Just print and go! ---an activity to mimic the author’s style. Students get to try their hand at writing a paragraph using Uchida’s sentence formation and style. --- Answer Keys -- two optional slides for differentiation. Students didn’t fully master the essential question? I have included an EXTRA Sample Answer. I often display this one as students are writing their exit tickets- so they can refer to it if they get “stuck.” A sample answer can also be printed and sent home for students to use as they write their own responses. The SAMPLE RESPONSE to the Essential Question is extremely helpful to struggling students. The sample is based on "The Three Little Pigs." Students get to see- and critique- a response before they are expected to write. Characterization is discussed in detail. Note: * Some of the activities and slides from this lesson come directly from my original product entitled “The Smallest Dragonboy.” If you have the short story “The Bracelet” by Yoshiko Uchida in your anthology, this lesson is for you! Created to be easy to use and fully engaging, the lesson plan pairs with the worksheets to be very successful with “The Bracelet,” a short story found in most middle school anthologies. The PowerPoint is very helpful to provide students examples and activities- and keep them in the right place! Thanks so much! ~Kim

If you’ve never read The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate (“EvCT”) by Jacqueline Kelly, you are in for a treat. My sixth graders love EvCT and I LOVE teaching it! It works well as a cross-curricular unit with science OR history- and the author’s voice is simply incredible. 71 pages + 91 PowerPoint slides = 162 page resource! This product contains everything you need for a great unit and aligns with the Common Core State Standards. This product includes: • TWELVE lessons, each with a worksheet (study guide) featuring vocabulary. Answer keys are included. Most lessons also include extra activities to supplement the lesson (For example, one chapter features a PALS activity, complete with instructions; another chapter features a figurative lesson worksheet and activity.). The lesson plans are grouped as: 1. EvCT Ch 1 2. EvCT Ch 2 3. EvCT Ch 3 4 5 4. EvCT Ch 6 7 5. EvCT Ch 8 9 6. EvCT Ch 10 11 7. EvCT Ch 12 13 8. EvCT Ch 14 15 16 9. EvCT Ch 17 18 19 10. EvCT Ch 20 21 22 11. EvCT Ch 23 24 25 12. EvCT Ch 26 27 28 EvCT POWERPOINT (90 slides) The PPT gives visual references for background information (pinafore, kerosene lamp, Wounded Knee Massacre, author background, etc.), discussion questions, Venn diagrams, exit tickets and much more. Students also get to guess the prices from the 1890’s (my students love this activity!) EvCT Final Test (Answer Key included) Bookmarks What student doesn't like a little gift? Packed with EvCT info (and vocab!), this bookmark is a handy "cheat sheet" to use with the worksheets ~and possibly the final test (IF the teacher allows it...). This product also features several opportunities for figurative language practice (EvCT has a ton of figurative language: perfect for mini-lessons!) and a semi-colon study. Some worksheets (study guides) offer “challenge questions.” There are opportunities for differentiated learning. You can use challenge questions for students who are absent or as an activity for cooperative learning…). There are also suggestions for research. PLUS- writing prompts! This product is editable, if you prefer to customize any part. Final test, writing prompts, and extra activities are included! The Common Core Standards cited are for 6th grade, but other grades are largely interchangeable. Recommended for grades 5-8, The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is a 2010 Newbery Honor Book and the winner of the 2010 Bank Street - Josette Frank Award. I spent over 100 hours on this product. I pride myself on creating a unit that offers user-friendly, thought-provoking lessons and creative activities. Click this link to buy all of my

Powerpoint, five printable worksheets, and MORE make up this complete lesson for the short story “The Treasure of Lemon Brown” by Walter Dean Myers. I hope you enjoy this Common Core- aligned resource! This product includes: —Lesson Plan in EATS format including an activating strategy, teaching strategies, and more. —Five printable worksheets, which include comprehension questions, figurative language identification, exit tickets, mimic writing and more… —Answer Keys —PowerPoint, which includes Essential Questions, a Figurative Language Review, PALS reading strategy, methods of characterization, Essential Question Sample Answer, and more… --- a thank you freebie This lesson is Common Core aligned to : RL.6.6, 7.6, 8.6- Analyze how an author develops and contrasts the points of view of different characters or narrators in a text. RL.6.1, 7.1, 8.1. Cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. Thanks so much!