Punctuation - Punctuating Dialogue PowerPoint FREE! Improve writing by using quotation marks! Punctuation is important! Show students how to use quotation marks in dialogue correctly. 10 slides explain the correct way to punctuate dialogue. Explains split quotations, capitalization, commas, question marks, exclamation points, and periods. Helpful for understanding where to place punctuation. Good for reviewing for state tests. Supports Common Core! CCSS L 3.2c - using commas and quotation marks in dialogue. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.2b Use commas and quotation marks to mark direct speech and quotations from a text. A great activity to do with this PowerPoint is to have the kids write their own dialogues. I cut out of magazines some interesting pictures of all kinds of different people interacting. I glued them on cardstock, with the words Who? What? Where? When? and Why? written on each card, and laminated them. I passed the cards out, and students had to imagine what the people were saying to each other in the pictures, and then write the dialogue, using correct punctuation. They also had to later incorporate the dialogue into a short story that answered the five W questions/ The kids enjoyed this activity and got very creative with their stories! Enjoy! :) HappyEdugator

Myth Writing Lesson for Middle School. Fun for your mythology unit or writing lesson. Includes lesson plan details, assignment handout, and rubric. Students will learn the elements of myth, research a mythological hero, and write their own narrative on how the hero they chose can solve one of a list of problems that face middle school kids today. - HappyEdugator

All Summer in a Day by Ray Bradbury. Two versions of a final test for the short story. Includes constructed response questions. The first version includes vocabulary and has three sections: Fill-in the Blank, Multiple Choice, and a Constructed Response requiring evidence from the text to support the answer. 25 total questions, plus a constructed response. 5 Fill in the blank questions, and 20 multiple choice, with key. Grading scale given for constructed response. This test assesses understanding of story vocabulary, literary elements, and reading comprehension. The second version of the test does not assess vocabulary, but also has three sections: Multiple Choice, Short Answer Constructed Response, and Essay. All of the constructed response questions require text evidence, critical thinking, and are of the rigor expected for the new standards. 16 multiple choice questions, 3 short answer questions, and 1 essay. They are on separate pages, so you may choose which parts of the test you wish to give. - HappyEdugator

Valentine Quiz...a free Valentine's Day Activity for choosing the right word. Multiple choice questions about Valentine's Day. Help children with word choice. Students have to choose the best choice of three words to fill in the blank. Grammar usage that is often tested on standardized tests. Great for building an understanding of how words are used correctly. Especially good for ELL, ESL and ESOL students, who may need extra help in identifying subtle differences in word choice and easily confused words. - HappyEdugator

Valentine Quiz. Valentine's Day Activity for choosing the right word. Multiple choice questions about Valentine's Day. Help children with word choice. Students have to choose the best choice of three words to fill in the blank. Grammar usage that is often tested on standardized tests. Great for building an understanding of how words are used correctly. Especially good for ELL, ESL and ESOL students, who may need extra help in identifying subtle differences in word choice and easily confused words.

United States Word Search. 49 out of 50 states are hidden in this word search puzzle. Students need to find the states hidden in the puzzle and also discover which one is missing. Fun activity for a United States geography unit or patriotic holidays such as Presidents' Day, Flag Day, Memorial Day, July Fourth, and Veterans Day! Enjoy! - HappyEdugator

Presidents' Day Word Search. 38 Presidents are hidden in this President's Day word search puzzle. Students need to find the United States Presidents hidden in the puzzle. Fun activity for Presidents Day and other patriotic holidays such as Flag Day, Memorial Day, July Fourth or Independence Day, and Veterans Day! Enjoy! - HappyEdugator

Welcome students back to school with this WELCOME banner in black and white chevron. Includes the letters W-E-L-C-O-M-E-! and an editable one so you can write your own messages in your own fonts. - HappyEdugator

Middle School Writing Rubrics - BUNDLE! Rubrics for writing assessment at the middle level. Includes rubrics for technical writing, essay writing, narrative writing, and expository writing. Some writing assignments also included. 19 different files. Full assessment rubrics and short rubrics for brief summaries. All together you would pay more than $20 for these separately, but buy the bundle and save a ton! Some rubrics are editable, so you can adjust for your own classroom use. Nice to have at the beginning of the year to help plan instruction. Zipped file contains PDF and Word Documents. Includes all of the rubrics in my store. Save money and buy them all! 26 pages created to support common core standards. - HappyEdugator Bundle includes these products which are also sold separately: Short Story Writing Project Rubric Biography Poster Person Project with Rubric Middle School Expository Writing Rubric Children's Book Writing Project Rubric 100 Points Book Report Rubric for Nonfiction Biography Project Rubric Informational Text Writing Rubric Middle School Writing Rubric Middle School Technical Writing Rubric Rubric for Writing a Brief Summary 100 Points Research Paper Rubric Book Project Rubric Essay Rubric for a Formal Essay. Standards Based Persuasive Writing Rubric Standards Based Narrative Account or Short Story Rubric Standards Based Ruric for Analyzing Character Standards Based Technical Writing Rubric. ©2016 HappyEdugator.

Poetry Bundle – Teaching Poetry - a large variety of poetry resources for Grades 4 - 8. This 140 page poetry unit is a resource that includes: What is Poetry - an introduction to any Poetry Unit – 6 pages PDF All About Poems Graphic Organizer and Poetry Preview Activity- 5 pages PDF Poetry Characteristics Notes and Poetry Writing Activity – 2 pages PDF Nursery Rhymes - Poetry You Should Know PowerPoint – 26 slides PPT Poetry Concept Map – 1 page PDF Poetry Image Map – 1 page JPG Poetry Elements Graphic Organizer – 4 pages PDF Poetry Graphic Organizer Sheet – 1 page PDF Poetry Scavenger Hunt – 3 pages PDF Poetry Sound Patterns – 2 pages PDF Rhyme in Poetry Practice sheet – 2 pages PDF Poetry – Five Senses Poem Handout – 1 page PDF Poetry Activity for A Remarkable Adventure by J. Prelutsky – 3 pages PDF Poetry Anthology Anchor Activity and Rubric – 3 pages PDF Poetry Using Emotions to Create Poetry PowerPoint – 20 slides PPT SMARTBOARD Writing Poetry is EASY Activities - 8 slides - Notebook Adjective Poem – 3 pages PDF Preposition Poem Worksheet – 1 page PDF Diamante Poem – 1 page PDF Cinquain Formula Poem PowerPoint – 10 slides PPT Writing a Parody Poem Activity-How Doth the Little Crocodile- 3 pages PDF Reading Poetry Process Handout – 2 pages PDF Alliterative – Superlative Adjectives – 1 page PDF Reading Poetry Process Handout – 2 pages PDF Ways to Read Poetry PowerPoint – 15 slides PPT Poetry Terms Study Guide with Key – 2 pages PDF Poetry Multiple Choice Formative Assessment – 3 pages PDF Poetry Types Test – 3 pages PDF Poetry Terms Crossword– 2 pages PDF - HappyEdugator

Vietnam Memorial Reading Comprehension Sheet. Students can read about the history of the Vietnam Memorial and where it is located in the United States. Includes a short nonfiction reading and reading comprehension questions sheet. Good activity for Veteran's Day.

Words to Avoid When You Write. This is a handout for students on formal academic and professional writing which explains the importance of avoiding certain words in order to have a credible style. Also includes a list of words and common phrases that should not be used or limited when writing. - HappyEdugator

Shades of Meaning Verb Cards - Bundle of Six Sets. Cut out and laminate these 16 different cards IN EACH SET illustrating different synonyms of the verb "LAUGH, SEE, SAID, JUMP, RUN, AND WALK." Helps students understand connotation. With guidance and support from adults, students acquire new vocabulary by defining word relationships and nuances in word meanings, sorting words into categories, choosing and acting out the different meanings. Buy the bundle and save 20%! Aligns to Common Core Standards CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.K.5d Distinguish shades of meaning among verbs describing the same general action (e.g., walk, march, strut, prance) by acting out the meanings. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.1.5d Distinguish shades of meaning among verbs differing in manner (e.g., look, peek, glance, stare, glare, scowl) and adjectives differing in intensity (e.g., large, gigantic) by defining or choosing them or by acting out the meanings. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.2.5b Distinguish shades of meaning among closely related verbs (e.g., toss, throw, hurl) and closely related adjectives (e.g., thin, slender, skinny, scrawny). CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.3.5c Distinguish shades of meaning among related words that describe states of mind or degrees of certainty (e.g., knew, believed, suspected, heard, wondered). Additionally, words can be used for spelling practice, writing practice, and word walls. Includes definitions for the teacher. - HappyEdugator

A list of 120 writing prompts that will keep your students writing for most of the year! These ideas will motivate students to write creatively and may inspire them to write more! Enjoy! - HappyEdugator

Owl Moon by Jane Yolen Vocabulary and Word Search. Engaging study guide vocabulary sheet and fun word search activity. 16 words in the wordsearch. Enjoy! -

EDITABLE Teacher Binder Covers - 63 Different Ready Made Binder Covers and Spines for back to school. Choose which ones you wish to use, print out and slip into your binder front and spine. Also includes an editable cover and an editable spine, so you can add your own words if you need to! These can also be used as dividers in a larger teacher binder (cover for that included) and the spines can double as page tabs. Just print out the pages you need and put in page protectors. Print out the tabs on card stock, laminate if desired, and attach with clear packing tape to protect and make durable. Back to School background. Enjoy! - HappyEdugator With the EDITABLE BLANK covers and spines, you can create your own binders for anything you wish. Also includes ready made covers for: 504's Art Assessments Benchmarks Calendar Class Rosters Common Core Standards Conferences Curriculum Maps Cursive Data Department Duties ELL English Language Arts Evaluations Extracurricular Activities Field Trip Information Foreign Language Geography Gradebook HIstory IEP's Lesson Plans Mathematics Meeting Notes Modifications Music Newsletters Parent Guardian Contacts Passwords/Tech Information Professional Development Reading Schedule Science Social Studies Spelling Standards STEM STEAM Student Information Substitute Syllabus Teacher Binder Transportation Website Information Work Samples Writing AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY HOLIDAYS TESTING

Walrus Facts and information all about walruses. If you are studying arctic animals, introduce your students to walruses with this PowerPoint presentation about these amazing marine mammals. Includes slides on: What is a walrus? Physical features - with a link to a video on walrus sounds Flippers Skin Tusks Whiskers Diet Life Expectancy Reproduction Range Population Behavior Threats - Natural Predators Threats - Climate Change Threats - Ship Traffic and Oil Spills 21 slides of informational text on walruses. - HappyEdugator

Chalkboard and Burlap Alphabet Posters and Bunting. Decorate your classroom this school year with these chalkboard and burlap alphabet posters and bunting. With the blue trim, they will go with a nautical theme or shabby chic, too! You can also use the letters to make welcome signs, or create other messages with the pennants. Includes: 26 chalkboard and burlap alphabet posters 26 chalkboard and burlap alphabet bunting

First Day of School Activity - What if Poem. Read the poem by Judith Viorst "The First Day of School" and then have students write their own "What if..." poem. Includes a page of writing ideas and a rubric for poetry. Fairy Tale Homophones. Fun practice sheet identifying homophones in famous fairy tales. Sheet includes ten sentence that have incorrect homophones for students to find and fix. Supports national curriculum. Poetry Book Project. Students will create a poetry book by writing 11 different poems from a list of subjects, and each poem will require a different element of poetry including figurative language (metaphor, simile, idiom, personification, hyperbole) or sound device( onomatopoeia, alliteration). Students must also include one of each type of poetry given (limerick, ode, haiku, ballad, free verse, etc) Detailed rubric included. - HappyEdugator

. A great activity to do with this PowerPoint is to have the kids write their own dialogues. I cut out of magazines some interesting pictures of all kinds of different people interacting. I glued them on cardstock, with the words Who? What? Where? When? and Why? written on each card, and laminated them. I passed the cards out, and students had to imagine what the people were saying to each other in the pictures, and then write the dialogue, using correct punctuation. They also had to later incorporate the dialogue into a short story that answered the five W questions/ The kids enjoyed this activity and got very creative with their stories! Enjoy! :)

Ending Sounds Matching Game. Teach phonemic awareness and build vocabulary. This is a Literacy Center that is fun for your emergent readers! Students match the ending sound of the picture on their game card to one of 6 pictures on their game boards. Included materials: Game Sign for Center (Slide 1) Directions for Center (Slide 2) Game boards: 8 for variation of play (Slides 4-11) Game cards: 60 (Slides 12-21)