What’s better than a FREEBIE that can be used for any subject? This reading log not only requires students to record the date, time, and page numbers, but also provides space for them to write a short summary of the reading. Writing a few sentences to summarize the passages/pages require students to think through and process what they read and holds them accountable for the reading assignment. Use for ANY reading assignment-- chapter books & novels, textbooks, assigned passages, articles, etc. The file includes two pages for front/back printing (in black and white).

This list of 50 debate topics will keep your students engaged and allow them to practice their thinking, research, writing, speaking, and argumentation skills! All topics are school appropriate and the wording can be modified by the teacher. The topics are divided into the following categories: School and education Government, judicial system & military Science & environment Technology, ethics & society SAMPLE TOPICS: -Should students be required to wear school uniforms? -Should schools block access to all social media sites (while on campus)? -Should the United States help third world countries? -Should the United States have a draft for military service? -Should the United States end its use of the penny? -Is human activity a substantial cause of global climate change? -Are there more disadvantages to recycling than advantages? -Are professional athletes overpaid? **Written in American English.

Speaking in front of the class or a group can be intimidating for many students, so why not make it fun? This activity pack includes directions for 7 public speaking events and ice breakers. Activity Titles: -What’s My Bag? -As Seen on TV (Shown on preview) -5 Minute Speed Debating -Tallest Tower -I’ve Got Your Back! -Interviews & Introductions -Our Island** Each page includes a detailed description of the activity and supply list. Activities range from 10 minutes to a full class period. All activities can be modified for your class size! Most activities begin with group work then progress into full-class share time. Written in American English.

Regardless of the subject-area, if a student is giving a presentation or speech, they should know and understand vocabulary associated with public speaking. Good habits start early, so encourage vocal variety and polished performances in your classroom! Included in this PDF are 20 public speaking vocabulary words and definitions (one per page) that can be printed as posters, word walls, flash cards, etc! Print in full color or opt for grayscale. Words include: volume, rate, articulation, enunciation, pitch, inflection, tone, gesture, visual aid, projection, pronunciation, monotone, diction, resonance, optimum pitch, fluency, timbre, dialect, intonation & pause. *(Written in American English)

Teaching a unit over argumentation, debate, or persuasive speaking? These 30 words are basic vocabulary words that every debater should learn and use in rounds! Print each on a full page or 2+ per page to create a FUN and colorful word wall!! You can also print these (several per page) and have students make flash cards with definitions! **BONUS debate vocabulary list with definitions included in file!

Printable bookmarks are an easy, inexpensive idea for student gifts, rewards, or incentives! GLITTER BOOKMARKS are even more exciting!! Check out this set of 10 designs-- students will go crazy for them! *Printable *Full-color *Bookmarks print 3 per page (one design on each page) *Good variety for both boys and girls *For best results, print on white copy paper or cardstock and laminate. Heavy cardstock (thicker paper) will make for a longer-lasting bookmark. **Written in American English.

Logical fallacies are all around us in advertising, the media, and in daily conversations! Students should learn how to identify these sometimes confusing persuasive techniques. This is a great unit for speech, debate, law, English, and public speaking classes! The zip file includes logical fallacy posters (or can be used as a word wall), student handout/notes with definitions, worksheet/activity, and definition cards (may be used as task cards or flash cards). Logical fallacies defined: -Ad hominem -Slippery slope -Red herring -Straw man -Begging the question -Hasty generalization -False dichotomy -Ad populum -Appeal to authority -Emotional appeal -No true scotsman -Appeal to nature Written in American English.

As we all know, students are obsessed with their technology-- phones, laptops, tablets! This 3-part expository writing activity for secondary students is a FUN way to get students thinking outside the box while writing about something they love! After reflecting on the apps they use every day, students are given the opportunity to create their own unique, never-before-seen app that their classmates will review. Part 1: Design the app cover and fill out an “App Store” page with brief overview. Part 2: Write an expository essay (review of key terms and essay format included). Part 3: Conduct a peer rotation session where each student reviews three of their classmate’s apps. There is a five-star review section and space for comments. This activity may take 2-3 class periods, depending on how much time they are given to create, write, and review. To add an additional activity, allow students to orally present their apps for the class. It never hurts to throw some public speaking in the mix! *Written in American English.

Public speaking can be difficult for students, but allowing them to chose their topic makes them more interested and engaged in the research and speech writing process! This zip file includes TWO choice boards (9 informative topics on each board), a two-page guide for students, and a grading rubric. The choice boards cover a variety of topics: science, environmental issues, history, and arts/media. Sample topics: -What are the effects of global warming? -What medical advancements have been made over the past 20 years? -Who is a leader that changed the world? -What are the impacts of media on society? The speech guidelines explain the basics of informative speaking, including speech format/structure, purpose, use of note cards, length, etc. Students will actually enjoy researching and speaking about a topic that interests them! The grading rubric makes the evaluation process fair and allows students to clearly see what they did well and how they can improve. Written in American English.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this activity pack for mid to upper-elementary students! With a variety of writing and research activities, your students will enjoy this festive day learning about the traditions of the Irish! Activities include: -2 full-page writing prompts -Internet research scavenger hunt (suggested websites listed) -8 quick write or discussion topic cards -St. Patrick’s Day word search (with answer key) -Limerick writing (examples and lines to write their own) Written in American English.

Ring in the New Year with these writing and activity pages for your mid to upper elementary students (3-6th grade). Use as warm-ups, additions to your lesson plans, time-fillers, sub assignments, or just for fun! If you have time, encourage students to share their essays and New Year’s resolutions with a partner or the class. Activities Include: New Year Celebration Word Search (with key) Reflections Writing Prompt A Look into the Future Writing Prompt New Year’s Resolutions Google Your Way into the New Year! (with key) Tic-Tac-Toe! New Year’s Writing Choice Board Blank Lined Paper (for choice board writing) Sample essay question: Imagine ringing in the New Year 20 years from now! How old will you be? What do you hope to have accomplished in life? Write a prediction of where you see yourself in 20 years. Written in American English.

“Inferencing and Making Predictions with Animal Pictures” is an engaging digital activity created for students in lower-mid elementary (although older students may enjoy the activity as well). Created in Google Slides, this inferencing activity can be easily posted on Google Classroom—it’s perfect for distance learning! Included in this digital activity: -Opening slide (definition of inferencing and directions for activity) -12 picture slides with four questions per slide (Questions ask students to inference, predict, and make observations.) The Google slides are easy to navigate and include all necessary text boxes. Check out the PREVIEW to get a sneak peek! Notes about this digital activity: *A link to the digital file will be provided on a PDF document. After clicking the file link, you will be prompted to “Make a Copy.” *This activity/project may be posted on Google Classroom and was made with Google Slides. *When posting this assignment on Google Classroom, be sure to select “make a copy for each student.” *Only the text box areas where students can type information are editable. Backgrounds and pictures are locked in place. The textboxes are already sized, inserted in appropriate places, and ready for students to type their information. *Perfect activity for distance learning! No printing necessary! *Please only share this digital activity with your students.

“30 Days of Gratitude: A Digital Reflective Journal” is an engaging activity designed especially for elementary students. With so much going on in the world around them, it is important to teach students to focus on what they have, rather than what they don’t have! Created in Google Slides, this digital journal can be easily posted on Google Classroom—it’s perfect for distance learning or to use as a daily warm-up! Each slide provides a “Today’s Focus” topic and a place for students to reflect on what they are thankful for in that specific area of their lives. There is also an extension question for students to complete and explain their answer. Included in this digital activity (33 slides): -Cover slide -“What is Gratitude?” slide -“Daily Entry” directions slide -Days 1-30 individual slides The Google slides are easy to navigate and include all necessary text boxes. Check out the PREVIEW to get a sneak peak of this activity. Notes about this digital activity: *A link to the digital file will be provided on a PDF document. After clicking the file link, you will be prompted to “Make a Copy.” *This activity/project may be posted on Google Classroom and was made with Google Slides. *When posting this assignment on Google Classroom, be sure to select “make a copy for each student.” *Only the text box areas where students can type are editable. Backgrounds and pictures are locked in place. The textboxes are already sized, inserted in appropriate places, and ready for students to type their reflections. *Perfect activity for distance learning or digital warm-ups! No printing necessary! *Please only share this digital activity with your students. Feel free to ask questions before purchasing this digital activity.

“My Utopian Bedroom Descriptive Writing & Design Project” is an engaging, creative, and FUN project for upper-elementary and junior high students! Students are given the freedom to think outside the box, use their imaginations, and create a unique space that represents their interests and unique style. The best part is, while they are having fun, YOU get to evaluate their outlining, descriptive writing, and public speaking skills! Feel free to modify this project to meet the needs of your students. You can give the students a packet with all of the pages and allow them to work on the project at their own pace, or you can work on a different part of the project as a class each day. For the oral presentation, you may project the student’s bedroom floor plan on a screen for all to view, or you can require students to make a poster-sized floor plan to use as a visual aid during their presentation. File Includes: *Student Project Guidelines *Descriptive Essay Outline *Descriptive Essay Lined Pages *Bedroom Floor Plan *Presentation & Note Card Tips *Project Grading Rubric Simply print and begin! No additional supplies necessary. Written in American English.

Time to celebrate the winter holidays! It is important for students to learn that a TRADITION is a custom, activity, or belief carried on from generation to generation, or repeated over a long period of time. Traditions are important because they represent our culture, allow us to celebrate diversity, and enable us to create lasting memories with our friends, family, and community! In these activities (best suited for grades 4-8), students will reflect and write about a special holiday tradition in their own family, create a new tradition, and research how people celebrate in other parts of the world! Students will use their thinking, reading, writing, and research skills. If time permits, they can also use their public speaking/presentation skills! Activities included in this 9-page PDF file: -“Holiday Traditions: How do YOU Celebrate?” Brainstorm Activity -Holiday Tradition Essay -Create-a-Tradition Activity -Winter Holiday Traditions Around the World Research Activity *24 topics provided (traditions from around the world) *Research outline with space for simple citations *Picture collage page **Written in American English.

You’ll pique your students’ interest when you ask, “Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go back in time? Are you curious how life was different 60, 70, or even 80 years ago?” Now is their chance to find out! This 3-part research project gives students the opportunity to step back in time and explore the 1.) Lifestyle and entertainment, 2.) Political, social, and economic issues, and 3.) Inventions and innovations of a previous decade (period of 10 years). Students are provided with the project guidelines, notes on MLA format, and a research outline to get them started. There’s even a peer editing activity and rubric for easy grading! Students are assessed on the following: Research Outline Research Paper Slideshow Presentation File Includes (9 printable pages): Teacher’s Notes 3-Part Project Guidelines Research Outline MLA Works Cited Guidelines MLA In-Text Citations Guidelines Peer Editing Activity Project Grading Rubric **Written in American English.

Scientists have captured a new, mysterious creature and are keeping it safe in the lab. Each student will create this “mystery creature” in their mind, then brainstorm ideas on an outline, design a visual aid, write a report (rough and final draft), and give a presentation detailing its physical characteristics, ideal habitat, how it communicates, and other important information. Their imaginations will run wild! The best part? They will have FUN while you are assessing their writing and presentation skills! It’s a WIN-WIN! 3-Part Project (*RUBRIC Included!): 1.) Essay (Rough draft, peer editing activity & final draft) 2.) Visual Aid (2 options: poster diagram or 3-D model) 3.) Presentation File includes PDF printables of the following: -Student Project Guidelines -Brainstorming Outline -Rough Draft Pages -Peer Editing Activity -Final Draft Pages -Grading Rubric **Written in American English.

These 10 short writing assignments for teens and tweens are a great way to assess student writing, leave with sub, or use as “filler” activities as needed. I keep a few copied and tucked away so I’m always covered if an extra assignment is needed! Each 2-page writing activity includes a review of key literary terms, important information needed for the assignment (format, guidelines, etc.) and a writing activity. These writing assignments can take anywhere from 20 minutes to a full class period. Feel free to time students or give them as long as they need. To stretch an activity, have students read aloud for the class or in small groups. The poetry activity is especially fun to read aloud! Writing assignments included: 1.) Descriptive writing: picture prompt 2.) Persuasive writing: letter to school board 3.) Narrative writing: overcoming challenge essay 4.) Editorial writing: school hot topic editorial 5.) Expository writing: bullying essay 6.) Poetry writing: free verse and haiku 7.) Compare and contrast writing: topic choices provided 8.) Opinion writing: social media essay 9.) Creative writing: sentence starter prompt 10.) Journal writing: two writing prompts Written in American English.

Students love a project when they get to CHOOSE a topic based on their personal interests! The purpose of this 3-part project for grades 4-8 is for students to explore and learn about an occupation that is of interest to them. Often, students say, “I want to be a (insert job) when I grow up,” but they don’t know what that entails. This project requires students to research an occupation of their choice, take notes on a research outline, write an informative essay, and create an eye-catching visual aid. **Please feel free to modify this project to meet the needs of your learners! –Lined pages are provided for the essay. However, some teachers may require students to type the paper or write on notebook paper. –Although an oral presentation is only required for one of the choice board activities, students should be encouraged to share details about their occupation with the class. An idea would be to have a mini job fair in your classroom where students can display and discuss their visual aids. PDF Zip File Includes (10 pages): -Project Guideline Page for Students -Topic List -Visual Aid Choice Board -Research Outline -Informative Essay Writing Pages -Rubric **Written in American English.

On each set of “Prove It!” worksheets, students are provided with five statements to research online (website list provided). The statements may be true or false. It is the students’ job to make that determination based on textual evidence. Using the “suggested websites” at the top of the page, the students should search key words in the question to locate the specific information. If the statement is false, students should write a sentence (evidence) from a source that includes the correct information. If the statement is true, they should write a sentence (evidence) from a source to verify the statement. Finally, the student should provide any information they can in the right column about the source where they found the textual evidence. Tell students that there may or may not be an author and/or date provided on the website. They should at least write the web address and title of the webpage or article. It is at your discretion whether students search additional websites from those provided on each assignment. However, all answers may be found on the websites listed. Older students should be able to find the textual evidence on their own, as they may have more experience navigating new websites. However, younger students may be more successful working in pairs. Included in File: *Prove It! #1 (Topic: Whales) *Prove It! #2 (Topic: Weather) *Prove It! #3 (Topic: Reptiles) *Prove It! #4 (Topic: Solar System) *Prove It! #5 (Topic: The Human Heart) *Answer Keys Written in American English.