5th, 6th, 7th, 8th MIDDLE SCHOOL ENGLISH ELA HALLOWEEN ACTIVITY: HALLOWEEN WORD SEARCH
Now includes BONUS ACTIVITY!! Create Your Own Halloween Word Search!
Save yourself some time (and sanity!) with this quick “time-filler” for the crazy week around Halloween. Includes 15 Halloween-related words! This activity now includes a “CREATE YOUR OWN HALLOWEEN WORD SEARCH ACTIVITY” with detailed student instructions.
HOCUS POCUS
GHOST
HAUNTED HOUSE
ZOMBIE
TRICK OR TREAT
WITCH
HAYRIDE
COSTUME
SUPERSTITION
BROOMSTICK
PUMPKIN
HALLOWEEN
CANDY
BLACK CAT
OCTOBER
Answer Key provided!
1984 BY GEORGE ORWELL for NOVEL STUDY: TEN Activities/Assessments
✮ EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO TEACH THIS NOVEL from START TO FINISH! ✮
This bundle was created with lessons and assessments designed to ignite student engagement without the teacher’s burden of doing all the prep work. Each lesson is print-ready-to-go with detailed instructions for students to allow you to do less work while teaching the novel. The following activities and assessments are listed in order from pre-reading, to during-reading, and post-reading.
PRE-READING:
INTRODUCE THE NOVEL (VIDEO & ACTIVITY): This introductory activity is a great way to spark student background knowledge and interest in reading the novel. Students will be shown a short video of images related to the novel’s setting, theme(s), and plot. They will do a quick write as they view the film, and then use their quick write to create a pre-reading creative reflection.
DURING READING:
UNIT TIMELINE 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.
VOCABULARY PACKET AND PRESENTATION: This packet provides a great way to integrate vocabulary and reading comprehension as students are asked to find, define, illustrate, and present their own vocabulary words throughout the novel. This packet also provides you with two easy-to-grade rubrics.
PLOT ENGAGEMENT: READING AND MAKING INFERENCES WORKSHEETS: Your students will make inferences about the plot based on a short section of the novel they are given. Through reading deeply and thinking critically, students will make inferences by answering the questions about his or her section. (Best done early on within the novel).
INTEGRATING GRAMMAR: Students will use the novel to review the 8 parts of speech. This is a great way to give a grammar lesson while teaching the novel (vs. teaching grammar through isolation). Included in this lesson is a graphic organizer for students to keep in their binders throughout the year (no matter what you are teaching!)
POST-READING: (Some of these may be assigned during reading if you prefer)
CHARACTER ANALYSIS/CHARACTERIZATION ACTIVITY: 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.
CREATIVE WRITING: Reinventing a Chapter: This activity not only helps them to further engage in the novel but also allows them to work on Creative Writing. This lesson was designed to help each student brainstorm how to Reinvent a chapter from the novel. Includes detailed instruction and prompts for students. Easy-to-grade Rubric is also provided!
LETTER WRITING: Letter to a Character: This lesson will help students think critically about how characters are driven by plot. In addition, this lesson will hold your students accountable for their reading engagement. This lesson is also print-ready-to-go to allow little effort on your part!
WORD SEARCH ACTIVITY: This is a great worksheet to have on hand for your early finishers or if you have a substitute while teaching the unit. Includes 15 character names/words associated with the novel. Solution is provided.
FINAL ESSAY ASSESSMENT: This bundle also includes an Essay assignment that may be used as an in-class “exam” (based on how much time your class periods allow for assessment) or assigned as an individual take-home or in-class essay. The Essay assignment also includes an easy-to-grade Rubric, a Brainstorming Sheet, an Outline Sheet, and a Final Draft Sheet.
1984 BY GEORGE ORWELL NOVEL UNIT Reading and Writing Unit Activity: Letter to a Character
This is a great lesson to help students think critically about how characters are driven by plot. In addition, this lesson will hold them accountable for their reading engagement. This lesson is also print-ready-to-go to allow for little effort on your part!
For this lesson, students will be asked to write a letter to a round/dynamic character of their choice from the novel (simple definitions of round/dynamic characters provided). This lesson can be done mid-reading or upon completion of the novel. This assignment helps students review the parts of a letter (a skill quickly becoming lost in the age of technology!) by providing them with detailed prompts and a template to help them structure their final draft.
The prompts for each paragraph will help them flush out the following:
Description of character and reflection of self in comparison
Description of a particular moment in the novel that has an impact on their character
Reflection of how character has undergone a change (or if they are still reading–how they think a character may undergo a change)
Optional Fourth paragraph for extra credit/extra reflection
An easy-to-grade rubric and clear, lined drafting paper is also provided!
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
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 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 Engaging Unit Activity: Introduce the Novel (Video & Activity): Pre-Reading Activity to Spark Interest in the Novel
*** GET THEM EXCITED TO READ!!! ***
This is an activity that can be used to introduce the novel prior to reading. Detailed instructions for your students are provided on the handouts, so all you have to do is print and press play!
Included in this activity is a VIDEO composed of IMAGES related to the setting, theme(s), and plot of the novel. Each image will be displayed on the screen for about twenty seconds. Students will be asked to do a QUICK WRITE by jotting down their immediate thoughts and reactions as they view the images within the video. This allows students to spark any BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE, as well as spark an interest in the novel before even starting to read!
After the video has been viewed, the students will then use their quick write as a reference to create a poem, paragraph, drawing, etc. that reflects their initial reaction to what they believe the novel will be about. You may wish to have each student present their creative projects in front of the class prior to reading and turning them in. I hope you and your students find this source a great way to introduce the novel.
Your Students will love this activity!
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)
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 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! 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
<strong>A LETTER TO OUR PLANET EARTH:</strong>
Earth Day can come and go with some of our students never truly having the opportunity to reflect on the impact they can have with the environment. This letter-writing activity allows them to do so. They are asked to describe some of Earth’s greatest natural wonders, how the planet affects our survival as a human race, man’s impact (negative and positive) on the environment, and how they can change their daily routines in order to help preserve planet Earth.
There are instructions, suggestions/prompts for each paragraph, a letter-formatting template, and a final draft template included.
Easy, thoughtful activity with NO PREP for you!
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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.
<strong>RHETORICAL APPEAL IN WRITING</strong>
As a college instructor for Composition, I have found that most first year college students have never been exposed to rhetorical appeal or they are very confused by the concept. I have tried to develop a visually appealing and straight-forward introduction to the concept of rhetoric that may be used in high school and college courses. (This packet could also be used in advanced middle school courses)
This packet offers your students the following:
27-SLIDE POWERPOINT PRESENTATION WITH VIDEO
–Defines Ethos, Pathos, Logos
– Provides Examples of Ethos, Pathos, Logos
–Challenges students to test their knowledge on Ethos, Pathos, Logos
–Final Video presentation of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos in Commercial
Advertisements
STUDENT NOTES
–Fill-in-the-blank graphic organizer to help students comprehend, practice, and
review Ethos, Pathos, Logos
RHETORICAL APPEAL ACTIVITY
–Instructions for an activity that challenges the students to implement Ethos,
Pathos, Logos within their own commercial advertisement (print or video)
–Ready to use Rubric (one that includes scoring and one that is blank to allow
you to choose your own points per element)
strong>
GRAMMAR GAME: HOMOPHONE BINGO!:
"They're always confusing their "there" with their "they're."
BINGO! Grammar does NOT have to be boring! Make it fun with this engaging Powerpoint-driven Bingo Game to help students learn Homophones. This Bingo Game focuses on the most commonly misused homophones (see below). Can be used for a lesson, a review, or just a fun "Friday Reward Day!"
The game contains 30 individual BINGO cards--Each card includes the 24 homophones and one free space. There are 6 rounds and 72 Questions included in the easy-to-use Powerpoint. Instructions and Answer Key are provided for you.
The Homophones included in this game are:
There, They're, Their
By, Bye
Here, Hear
To, Too, Two
Sea, See
No, Know
Weight, Wait
Right, Write
Hole, Whole
Red, Read
Eight, Ate
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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
MIDDLE SCHOOL ELA ENGLISH HALLOWEEN CROSSWORD PUZZLE:
Save yourself some time (and sanity!) with this quick “time-filler” for the crazy week around Halloween!
20 Spooky Clues! For 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th Grades
Answer Key provided
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.
PERSUASIVE ESSAY RUBRIC AND STUDENT CHECKLIST:
Your grading life just got a lot easier. Of course we always want to give our student's individual feedback, but that does not mean you should sacrifice all of your free time. This rubric allows you to quickly and efficiently grade your students' persuasive essays while also providing brief feedback. Included is a student checklist that will help ensure your students' papers are grade-ready.
**This Rubric and Checklist can also be used for the two other thesis-based essays: Expository/Explanatory, and Definition/Exemplification.**
The Rubric is comprehensive with the intent to cover the primary aspects of thesis formed essay. The structure makes it easy-to-grade with numerical checkboxes. Just add them up and go!
Your students will be graded based on the following:
Brainstorming/Prewriting/First Draft(s)
Thesis Statement
Introduction/Conclusion Paragraphs
Body Paragraphs/Support of Thesis
Organization/Structure
Grammar, Spelling, Usage