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<strong>A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE TIMELINE PROJECT:</strong>
This is a unit project for A Streetcar Named Desire that is introduced prior to reading and worked on as you progress through the reading. (The project could also be done post-reading if preferred; students will just have to go back through the play a second or third time to find his or her information). It includes a guideline with instructions for the students, a graphic organizer for note-taking, and an easy-to-grade rubric for you.
This project encourages student engagement throughout the entire progression of the play. I have found this to be an extremely helpful tool in my classroom with ensuring that students are engaged and comprehending. This Timeline can be done individually, in pairs, or in groups. With the timeline project, you are able to assess formative student engagement and comprehension throughout the unit, as opposed to a summative assessment at the end of the unit.
1984 BY GEORGE ORWELL NOVEL STUDY UNIT ACTIVITY! WORD SEARCH
This is a handy worksheet to have on hand for your early finishers. It also is good to have to use as a quick review of characters and terms. There are 15 words included:
ORWELL
OCEANIA
PROLES
WINSTON
BIG BROTHER
THE PARTY
JULIA
TELESCREENS
ST. CLEMENTS
O’BRIEN
MANIFESTO
PAPERWEIGHT
CHARRINGTON
GOLDSTEIN
VICTORY
1984 BY GEORGE ORWELL NOVEL STUDY ACTIVITY | TIMELINE PROJECT |
This is a comprehensive unit project for the novel that is both fun for the students and a great way for you to assess their engagement. This fun project is a favorite of the students that encourages student engagement with the entire progression of the novel. This project can be done individually, in pairs, or in groups. With the timeline project, you are able to assess formative student engagement and comprehension throughout the unit, as opposed to just a summative assessment at the end of the unit.
In this packet, you will find the:
Timeline Instructions and Checklist for students. This project can be given after reading the novel, but it works best if given at the beginning. This activity asks the students to document important moments, events, and/or dialogue as they read. Included is a graphic organizer that will help them compile their notes for their Timeline.
An example (partial) Timeline and Student notes are also provided:
This will help them get started. After they have compiled the required number of moments in their notes (this required number will be decided by you–there is a blank space provided on the Instructions), they will put together an organized and creative Timeline for the novel. (The example Timeline is from the novel "The Giver.’) How they create their Timeline is up to you (and them!) My students have done PowerPoints, print-outs, dioramas, videos, and just good ol’ Posterboard.
Finally, you will find an easy-to-grade Rubric that should allow you to grade their projects quickly, yet efficiently.
1984 BY GEORGE ORWELL NOVEL STUDY UNIT Activity: Creative Writing: Reinventing a Chapter
One of the most memorable activities I did when I was in middle school was re-creating a chapter from a novel we were reading in English. I loved being able to create my own version of the chapter! Little did I know, this was actually helping me to understand plot, conflict, and character development, as well! So, I decided to create a similar activity to the one I loved back in middle school!
Not only will this packet allow for students to dive deeper into their reading, but this packet will also allow YOU to spend less time grading and more time focused on class discussion of the novel!
This creative writing unit includes:
Easy-to-Grade Rubric
Guided and Detailed Instructions for each “section” of their chapter. Each template provides thorough questions to ask themselves in order to help them understand what to write:
Brainstorming (Free Writing)
Brainstorming (Word Web)
Organizing Your Thoughts (Character, Setting, Conflict)
Organizing Your Thoughts (How to Start Writing the Chapter)
Inventing the Moments (Creating Moments for the Chapter)
Wrapping It Up (Using a “Cliffhanger” / Building Tension)
Clear, Lined Drafting Paper
1984 BY GEORGE ORWELL NOVEL STUDY Final Unit Assessment: Essay Writing (ESSAY QUESTION(S), TEMPLATES, EASY-TO-GRADE RUBRIC)
This essay packet could be used as an in-class assessment or as a take-home assignment. There are three essay questions that promote higher-level thinking skills and deep engagement with the novel and theme. You may decide to have the students do one or all three questions.
What is included in this packet:
THREE ESSAY PROMPTS (with clear instructions for students)
EASY-TO-GRADE RUBRIC (save time with ready-to-grade or blank to create your own grading scale)
BRAINSTORMING WORKSHEET (student brainstorming sheet)
OUTLINE TEMPLATE (outline example and template for pre-drafting)
FINAL DRAFT SHEET (lined sheet for final draft if handwritten)
5th, 6th, 7th, 8th Middle School ELA English Halloween Activity Lesson: “Create a Spooky Story” | Guide for the Short Story Process
Includes Templates and Guided Organizers for:
Brainstorming Spooky Ideas and Topics
Brainstorming Word Web
Exposition: Characters, Setting, Conflict (Guided Questions Chart)
Rising Action (Guided Questions Chart)
Climax, Falling Action, Resolution (Guided Questions Chart)
Draft/Final Draft Lined Template
This packet is not only fun for students to create their very own Halloween story, this packet details and guides students with a step-by-step process of creating a short story.
VERBALS INFINITIVES PRACTICE WORKSHEETS:
☑ Common Core Standard: (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.8.1.A)
☑ Four 15-Question Worksheets that allow for practice with infinitives through context, creating sentences, and distinguishing between prepositional/participle phrases and infinitives.
☑ A clear definition and color-coded examples of infinitives included.
☑ Easy-to-read Answer Keys always included in my products
1984 BY GEORGE ORWELL NOVEL STUDY UNIT READING ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITY: Making Inferences Worksheets
This activity can be done early on as students begin the novel. This lesson allows students to dive deep into the text to ignite critical thinking about plot and character. Detailed instructions are included for students making this an easy-to-assign and easy-to-grade activity!
COLLABORATIVE ACTIVITY: The worksheets for this activity can be done individually, in pairs, or in groups! After students complete their worksheets, they will come together as a class to discuss their piece of the novel.
MAKING INFERENCES: Students are provided a definition of an “inference,” and then they are asked to make inferences about the plot throughout the activity.
GUIDED PROMPTS: NO PREP! All of the worksheets in this activity provide the students with engaging prompts to allow them to work through the activity on their own. The only preparation needed is to choose how to divide the chapter or section up among your students. (Easy tip: Write numbers for each page/section, and have the students draw from a hat!)
1984 BY GEORGE ORWELL Novel Study Activity: Integrating Grammar (Parts of Speech)
A few years ago, I changed the way I teach grammar, and it has made a huge difference in not only student recall, but I’ve also noticed a difference in student writing. Instead of teaching grammar in isolated lessons (although sometimes this is still necessary!), I integrate mini grammar lessons into whatever unit we are learning. This lesson does just that.
Not only will this grammar-integrated lesson allow for students to dive deeper into their reading, but this packet will also allow YOU to spend less time grading and more time focused on class discussion of the novel!
This unit includes the following:
8 Parts of Speech Definitions and Examples Graphic Organizer (to use all year!)
Worksheet: Finding the 8 parts of speech within the novel
Assignment: Using the text as a prompt, students will create a paragraph that uses the 8 parts of speech.
An Example for your students to use as a guide
An easy lesson to help students improve their reading and writing!
1984 BY GEORGE ORWELL NOVEL STUDY UNIT READING ACTIVITY: CHARACTERIZATION / CHARACTER ANALYSIS
NO PREP! Ready to Print and Go! Includes PowerPoint!
This is a deeply engaging activity for your students to not only learn how to analyze/characterize literature but learn how to reflect and grow as individuals through reading.
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
POWERPOINT PRESENTATION: with definition and examples of Dynamic, Static, Round, and Flat Characters; Characterization (Indirect and Direct)
STUDENT GUIDED NOTES: Two options for notes that correspond with the PowerPoint (fill-in notes or ready-to-use)
CHARACTER ANALYSIS SHEETS: Students will be given an acronym (T.R.A.I.T.S.) to help them remember what to consider when analyzing characters. Upon filling out the brainstorming work, there is an option for a paragraph or essay portion to further their analysis of each character.
CHARACTERS INCLUDED:
WINSTON
JULIA
O’BRIEN
MR. CHARRINGTON
ALSO INCLUDED: BLANK Template for students to choose additional characters
STUDENT SELF-REFLECTION: This portion of the packet allows students to complete the same process of characterizing they did with the characters, but for themselves. With this activity, students are given some insight as to why reading is so important.
1984 BY GEORGE ORWELL NOVEL STUDY UNIT Activity: Vocabulary Unit (Journal, Presentation, Rubric)
A few years ago, I changed the way I teach vocabulary, and it has made a marked difference in my students’ engagement and reading progression. Instead of presenting the students with a list of words that I would spend hours searching for throughout literature, I switched to STUDENT-DRIVEN vocabulary assignments, and the response has been amazing!
Not only will this packet allow for students to dive deeper into their reading, but this packet will also allow YOU to spend less time grading and more time focused on class discussion of the novel!
This unit includes:
Vocabulary Packet
Instructions for Vocabulary Presentation
Example Vocabulary Presentation Page
Easy-to-Grade Rubric for Vocabulary Packet
Easy-to-Grade Rubric for Vocabulary Presentation
The guided prompts for the Vocabulary Packet ask the students to:
FIND AND WRITE A WORD THAT CHALLENGES THEM AS A READER (a portion of their grade on the rubric is “Word Choice,” so they will not just choose words they already know)
DRAW AN IMAGE/CUT OUT AN IMAGE (to help them remember the definition of the word)
HOW THE WORD IS USED IN THE NOVEL (write the sentence(s))
THEIR OWN DEFINITION (of what they think the word means based on the context of the sentence and paragraph it is used)
DICTIONARY DEFINITION
**MIDDLE SCHOOL THANKSGIVING ACTIVITIES PACKET! Fun for students! Time-saver for YOU!
This Packet Includes:**
Letter of Gratitude: I am thankful for…
This meaningful and engaging activity includes writing prompts and a template for students to pen a letter of reflection and gratitude
Crossword Puzzle
Word Search
And a Parts of Speech Fill-in-the-blank Word Story (based off of the popular word game! (Always a class favorite!)
Save yourself some time (and sanity!) when the Thanksgiving Break week approaches with this packet of five “time-filler” activities:**
Answer Keys always provided! Happy Thanksgiving!
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THE GIVER UNIT PACKET:
This is a UNIT PACKET for The Giver by Lois Lowry.
The packet includes the following:
1) TIMELINE UNIT PROJECT
This project encourages student engagement throughout the entire progression of the novel. It includes a guideline with instructions for the students, a graphic organizer for note-taking, and an easy-to-grade rubric for you.This can be done individually, in pairs, or in groups.
2) MOCK CEREMONY OF TWELVE
The most fun you'll have all year...
This is a fun and engaging activity to do with your students as you read. This Mock Ceremony allows your students to actively engage with the novel as they play the roles as citizens of the community.
There is a writing portion of the activity that encourages persuasive writing, as well as a public speaking aspect. The packet includes instructions and a "script" for you, guidelines and worksheets for the students, and job assignments.
3) CHAPTER DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a packet of over 50 chapter questions that can be used as a tool for you to facilitate class discussion and/or given to your students for individual reflection. The questions are reflective of main points or themes that require critical thinking skills. Many of the questions challenge students to think outside of the novel and reflect on our own society and encourage growth as individuals.
4) CHAPTER VOCABULARY GRAPHIC ORGANIZER
This is a comprehensive unit packet of Vocabulary with over 50 Vocabulary terms used in the novel. Providing students with this packet allows for closer reading and engagement with the novel.
The Vocabulary Graphic Organizer is a column chart that instructs the students to write how the word is used in context with the book (page numbers included), provide a definition, and create a new sentence.
5) 45 QUESTION UNIT EXAM (PLUS ESSAY PROMPT)
45-Question Unit Exam that includes 25 multiple choice comprehension/critical thinking questions, 15 character and terminology matching questions, and 5 plot diagram questions. Easy-to-read Answer Key.
Also included is an Essay prompt that may be used as part of the exam (based on how much time your class periods allow for assessment) or assigned as an individual take-home or in-class essay. A Rubric, a Brainstorming Sheet, an Outline Sheet, and a Final Draft Sheet are provided. (The latter three are optional based on your preference.)
6) STUDENT UTOPIA PROJECT
Get your students excited about reading this novel by starting off the unit with The Utopia Project. . .While this is a project designed to introduce students to the novel, it may be done during any portion of the unit. The purpose of this project is to not only introduce the novel, but to get your students actively thinking about the setting and theme of a Utopian vs. Dystopian world.
Included in this product are guidelines to help your students create an advertisement or visual depiction of their perfect, Utopian society. Also included is a Rubric for quick and easy grading.
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**Thanksgiving Activity: Word Story Similar to “Mad Libs” **
This Parts of Speech Thanksgiving Writing Activity is similar to and based on the popular and fun game of “Mad Libs!” In this Thanksgiving version, students will rewrite the story of the first Thanksgiving (respectfully) by using different parts of speech:
ADJECTIVES
NOUNS
VERBS
IDIOMS
5th, 6th, 7th, 8th Middle School English ELA Thanksgiving Activity! “Thankful” Letter Writing
LETTER OF GRATITUDE: "I AM THANKFUL FOR…"
This is a thoughtful and engaging activity with the Thanksgiving holiday in mind. This activity will allow students to reflect on that one, special person who has had a positive impact on their lives. Not only will this help students realize how they should show appreciation for others, but it will also allow them to reflect on their own sense of self, as well as how to structure a letter.
Activity Includes:
Prompts to help students brainstorm how to express their gratitude
Letter Templates to help structure the letter
Easy, thoughtful activity with NO PREP for you!
Have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!
MIDDLE SCHOOL THANKSGIVING ACTIVITIES: CROSSWORD AND WORD SEARCH (6th, 7th, 8th Grades)
Two fun and easy activities for your students to do before the Thanksgiving Break. The Crossword and Word Search Puzzles include 15 Thanksgiving-related vocabulary words:
**MAYFLOWER
APPLE CIDER
NATIVE AMERICANS
TURKEY
GIVING THANKS
PILGRIMS
NOVEMBER
CORNUCOPIA
STUFFING
CRANBERRIES
MASHED POTATOES
PUMPKIN PIE
THANKSGIVING
AUTUMN
FEAST**
Answer keys always included in my products! Happy Thanksgiving!
Christmas Activities for Kindergarten: Word Search (Two Levels in Color / B&W)
Simple Word Search with two levels for your different learners. The worksheets come in color and in grayscale.
Answer Key included!
MIDDLE SCHOOL CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES PACKET! Fun for students! Time-saver for YOU!
Now includes inclusive activities for Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and Bodhi Day
UPDATE!! I have added a new, meaningful activity that allows students to explore other cultural traditions: “Letter Writing” Now, along with the other fun activities, your kids can pen an impactful letter of cultural exploration during this holiday season.
This Packet Includes:
Letter Writing: Exploring other Cultural Traditions
This meaningful and engaging activity includes writing prompts; facts for Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and Bodhi Day; as well as a letter template. Students will explore (fact sheets provided!) a holiday different from their own, and a pen a letter to a figure or person representing that holiday.
A Parts of Speech Fill-in-the-blank Word Story (based off of the popular word game “Mad Libs”! Always a class favorite! Students will rewrite “The Night Before Christmas”
Crossword Puzzle ( 15 Christmas Clues)
Word Searches (2 Puzzles: Christmas and December Holidays)
Acrostic Poem (with brainstorming word web and template for all four holidays)
Save yourself some time (and sanity!) when the Holiday Break approaches with this packet of five activities. Great for time-fillers, subs, or just a quick activity with no prep for you!
Answer Keys always provided! Happy Holidays!
Christmas Activities Word Search Puzzles NOUNS ADJECTIVES VERBS for 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Grades (ENGLISH ELA)
Three Christmas Theme Word Search Puzzles for students to practice NOUNS, ADJECTIVES, and VERBS.
WORDS INCLUDED:
NOUNS:
ELF
SANTA
WREATH
GIFT
REINDEER
TREE
CANDY
MAGIC
TINSEL
SLEIGH
ADJECTIVES:
SNOWY
COLD
MERRY
JOLLY
MAGICAL
COZY
ICY
FESTIVE
YUMMY
JOYFUL
VERBS:
SING
WRAP
DECORATE
GIVE
TWINKLE
BAKE
CELEBRATE
EAT
REJOICE
JINGLE