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Creating engaging and comprehensive lessons and assessments.
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Creating engaging and comprehensive lessons and assessments.
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1984 BY GEORGE ORWELL | Novel Study Intro Activity | Video & Reflection
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 Activity | Close Reading Worksheets
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 Activity | Grammar Lesson
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 Activity: Characterization Analysis
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 Packet
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
FREE! Middle School Thanksgiving Writing Activity: Acrostic Poem
**MIDDLE SCHOOL THANKSGIVING ACTIVITIES: ACROSTIC POEM (6th, 7th, 8th Grades)
**
Have your students create a “thankful” acrostic poem with the words “GIVE THANKS.” Easy-to-read instructions on how to craft an acrostic poem, as well as a short acrostic example provided.
Easy, thoughtful activity with NO PREP for you!
Have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!
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Middle School English ELA Thanksgiving Activities Bundle! FIVE FUN Activities!
**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: Complete Unit Packet (Projects, Chapter Questions, Exam and more)
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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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The Outsiders Unit Packet: Character / Plot, Mock Trial, Quizzes, Exam
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THE OUTSIDERS UNIT PACKET:
This is a UNIT PACKET for The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton.
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) JOHNNY ON TRIAL: A MOCK TRIAL
The most fun you’ll have all year…
The activity is a Mock Trial for Johnny Cade and his role in the murder of Bob Sheldon. It is the students’ job to decide if Johnny acted in self defense or if he is guilty of second degree murder. The packet guides the students through the process of the trial with easy-to-follow instructions which means no prep for you! This activity challenges them to engage their close reading, writing, group collaboration, and public speaking skills. A grading rubric is also included.
4) COMPREHENSION QUIZZES
These are three very BASIC* comprehension quizzes that cover Chapters 1-4, 5-8, and 9-12. These quizzes are just a quick assessment to ensure they are following along. There are ten multiple choice questions per quiz and an Answer Key is included. *The EXAM included in this packet delves more into details and close reading.
5) CHARACTER AND TERMINOLOGY CROSSWORD REVIEW
This is a 20-question Crossword Puzzle with terms, characters, and plot points from the play. Good for summary and review before exam, or just for days when students are silent reading and you get some early finishers.
6) 40 QUESTION UNIT EXAM (PLUS ESSAY PROMPT)
40 question unit exam that includes 15 multiple choice comprehension/critical thinking questions, 15 character and terminology matching questions, 5 true/false, and 5 plot diagram (optional). Answer key provided.
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.)
The Outsiders Unit Exam and Essay (40 Questions)
**THE OUTSIDERS 40-QUESTION UNIT EXAM PLUS ESSAY:
40-Question Unit Exam that includes 15 multiple choice comprehension/critical thinking questions, 15 character and terminology matching questions, 5 true/false, and 5 plot diagram questions (optional). 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.)
The Giver Utopia Project: Activity to introduce students to the novel
THE GIVER UTOPIA PROJECT: Activity for introducing the novel
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.
THIS IS A *PDF FILE
Thanksgiving Activity: Word Story Similar to "Mad Libs"
**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 English ELA Thanksgiving Activity: “Thankful” Letter Writing
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 English ELA Fun Thanksgiving Activities! Crossword & Word Search!
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!
Creative Writing Short Stories: Plot Development | Create a Short Story | ELA
**Creative Writing Short Stories: A Guide / Organizer for the Short Story Process for Grades 6-12. Plot Development Visuals
**
This packet offers your students detailed Graphic Organizers for the Short Story Process. This packet is READY TO GO! All you have to do is print! The organizers walk the students through each step of the writing process by brainstorming and organizing each part of the plot. Each organizer also gives a helpful description of the plot point with guided prompts to help your students get started. These tools could be used in grades 6-12.
The Packet guides the students through:
1) BRAINSTORMING
–Topics and Ideas for my short story
– Word Web
2) EXPOSITION
–Creating Characters, setting, conflict
–How do I start?
3) THE RISING ACTION
–Important Events/Moments of my short story
–How do these moments affect the conflict?
4) THE CLIMAX, THE FALLING ACTION, AND THE RESOLUTION
–How is the conflict resolved?
–How does the resolution answer all the reader’s questions?
The Diary of Anne Frank (The Play) Lessons Complete Unit Bundle 100+ Pages
**The Diary of Anne Frank (The Play) Lessons Complete Unit Bundle
This is a UNIT BUNDLE for The Diary of Anne Frank: The Play (by Albert Hackett and Frances Goodrich). The packet includes the following: **
INTRODUCING THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK: VIDEO AND ACTIVITY
This introductory activity includes a video presenting ten slides of images related to the Holocaust and Anne Frank’s story. Students will be asked to write down their immediate thoughts and reactions as they view the images within the slides.
TIMELINE UNIT PROJECT
This project encourages student engagement throughout the entire progression of the play.
PLOT ENGAGEMENT: MAKING INFERENCES
Your students will make inferences about the plot based on a short section of the play they are given.
CHARACTER ANALYSIS/CHARACTERIZATION ACTIVITY
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.
**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 play.
INTEGRATING GRAMMAR: Students will use the play to review the 8 parts of speech.
CREATIVE WRITING: Reinventing a Scene: This activity not only helps them to further engage in the play but also allows them to work on Creative Writing.
LETTER WRITING: Letter to a Character: This lesson will help students think critically about how characters are driven by plot.
WORD SEARCH
Word search with character names and terms for review.
** 50 QUESTION UNIT EXAM AND ESSAY**
50 question unit exam that includes 25 multiple choice comprehension/critical thinking questions, 15 character and terminology matching questions, and 10 grammar and vocabulary questions (optional). Answer key provided.
This packet also includes an Essay prompt.
Christmas Activities for Kindergarten: Word Search (Two Levels in Color / B&W)
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!
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Middle School Christmas Holiday Activities English ELA BUNDLE | Games & Fun
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 | 1st, 2nd
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