This is just for you, middle school teachers! Summer reading, character analysis, and writing are made easy with this summer-themed activity kit! Everything you need to get started (or enhance your current activities) is included in this activity pack. INCLUDED IN PDF ZIP FILE: *Reading & Summary Log *Punch Card Book Marks (3 designs, printable in full-color and B&W) *16 Summer-Themed Writing Task Cards *Task Card Writing Response Page To use with a summer reading book: *I Spy Figurative Language! *Direct & Indirect Characterization *Internal & External Conflict *Plot Diagram Although activities are meant to be used for students to analyze their summer reading books, they can also be used with short stories (especially if the summer school term is short). The writing task cards and response page are great for warm-ups, early finishers, sub work, time-fillers, write-pair-share, or however you see fit! * Written in American English.* Feel free to ask questions before purchasing. As always, your feedback is greatly appreciated. Enjoy!

This demonstration speech (also known as a “how-to” speech) is a great way to get 4th-7th grade students comfortable speaking in front of a group and gives them the opportunity to incorporate a technology-based visual aid into their presentation. This project includes three parts: an outline, speech, and slideshow presentation. All three parts are graded on a single rubric. Supporting materials such as a student guidelines page, slideshow presentation tips, and notes on using transitional words and phrases are included. If you do not have the resources or time to allow students to make a slideshow, they may bring a visual aid to reference during the presentation. You may also allow them to actually do or demonstrate the activity during their presentation. Modify the requirements of this speech however you’d like (based on time constraints, available resources, and the needs of your students). Whether or not students may use their outline, a few note cards, or simply rely on the slides during the speech is at your discretion. Included in File: -Teacher’s Notes & Table of Contents -Speech Guidelines for Students -Topic List -Transitional Words & Phrases Notes -Presentation Tips & Slideshow Guidelines -Speech Outline -Grading Rubric **Written in American English.

Make impromptu speaking FUN with these easy-to-understand student guidelines, impromptu formats, class practice activity, and 50 topics! Modify this lesson to meet the needs of your learners; you can even write your own topics based on your subject-area. Emphasize that impromptu speaking takes a lot of practice (rarely does anyone deliver a perfect speech the first time). You can also explain that impromptu speaking will help develop their quick thinking, organizational, and vocal skills such as fluency and articulation. Printable PDF File Contents: “What is Impromptu Speaking?” Student Notes & Guidelines (2 pages) Timed Class Activity: Speech Prep & Outline Practice (1 page) 50 Impromptu Speaking Topics (3 pages) Impromptu Speech Grading Rubric (1 page) Written in American English.

Persuasive messages are all around us! This lesson teaches students to identify and implement Aristotle’s 3 modes of persuasion (rhetorical appeals): ethos, logos & pathos. Appropriate for secondary students, this zip file includes 3 color and B&W posters, student notes, “Identifying Ethos, Logos & Pathos in Historical Speeches” activity, and an “Editorial Writing” activity. The student notes introduce key terms and provide a detailed diagram of Aristotle’s rhetorical triangle. The 2 activities are perfect for speech, debate, ELA, creative writing, or social studies classrooms. There is not an answer key for the activities, as student answers will vary. There is an excellent opportunity for group and classroom discussion during/after each activity. Written in American English.

If you’ve turned on the news lately, stood in line at the grocery store and browsed the magazines, or surfed the internet, then you know that conspiracy theories are everywhere! Some of the theories are so intriguing, we read further or turn up the volume. Others are so outrageous that we laugh in disbelief! How can we possibly separate fact from fiction when the media can be so convincing? Some of the oldest conspiracy theories are still circulating today, from Bigfoot and alien sightings, to the “faked” moon landing and rumors that Elvis is still alive! In this 3-part research project, Conspiracy Theories: Uncovering the Truth (research outline, paper, and slideshow presentation) plus optional debate, your 9th-12th grade students can try to get to the bottom of some of the wildest conspiracy theories and decide for themselves what is real and what is fake. This is a FUN project that your students will enjoy. Although there is a timed debate format, they will want to debate these conspiracy theories for hours! Included in 11-Page PDF file: -Teacher’s Notes & Table of Contents -What is a conspiracy theory? Information & Topic List -Info Sheet and Project Requirements -Research Outline -MLA Works Cited Page Format & In-Text Citations -Project Grading Rubric -Debate Formats (1 VS. 1 & 2 VS. 2) -Peer Debate Round Notes & Voting Ballot *The basics of MLA format are explained in this project and assessed on the grading rubric. You may implement a different format if you’d like. **Written in American English.

Preparing your students to be engaged and respectful audience members can be fun with this lesson and follow-up performance reflection made just for elementary students! You can use all of these activities in one day or spread them out over several days before attending a field trip, concert, or public speaking event with the class. The discussion cards will allow you to talk through real-life scenarios with your students so they will know the correct and respectful way to handle themselves during a presentation or performance. Reward cards are also included to acknowledge students who follow the rules of audience etiquette! Lesson Includes: Audience etiquette rules Discussion (or quick write) cards Student audience etiquette questions LEVEL 1 (lower elementary) Student audience etiquette questions LEVEL 2 (upper elementary) Post-performance reflection LEVEL 1 Post-performance reflection and audience etiquette survey LEVEL 2 (2 pages) Audience etiquette class poster-- full-color (separate PDF file) Audience etiquette reward cards **Written in American English.

Your upper elementary/secondary students will enjoy playing travel agent as they complete this informative 3-part project! Allow students to choose a country from the list of 195 countries provided and review the project requirements with the class using the student guidelines page. A project rubric is provided for easy grading. If time allows, consider encouraging students to present information about their country and browse each other’s brochures. Modify this project (or point values on rubric) to meet the needs of your learners! PDF Zip File Includes 13 pages of resources! -List of 195 countries -Travel brochure template (print front/back) -Project guidelines -Research outline -Essay pages -Project rubric -Percentage/conversion chart for rubric Written in American English.

Brighten your students’ screens with these background wallpapers! Created with elementary and middle school students’ interests in mind, this set of 20 backgrounds display a variety of colorful and kid-friendly images and quotes/slogans that are sure to put a smile on their faces! These can be used as desktop wallpapers, screen savers, and lock screens (for Ipads). *20 High-quality PNG images *Wide-screen images for laptop and Ipad screens *Share/send a single image or the entire file (zip file with 20 individual images) *Detailed directions for setting an image as a computer or Ipad desktop background/screen saver/lock screen are included in the file. Ideas for Use: Incentives or rewards during distance learning Email/share on special days (birthdays, thinking of you, a job well done, etc.) Prize after class game (allow student to choose their favorite background) Just send/share to make your students feel special! Check out the preview to see all 20 designs! You might decide to use them on YOUR computer as well! Feel free to ask questions before purchasing and, as always, your feedback is always appreciated. Enjoy!

This environmental issues informative speech and presentation is perfect for any ELA, science, or public speaking secondary class! Students will learn the basics of informative speaking, speech writing, research/citing sources, and creating a technology-based visual aid. They will also learn a LOT about issues affecting our planet. Not only will they present, but they will fill out a peer critique chart as they listen to their classmates. An easy-to-grade rubric is included and tips to help students become more confident, less anxious speakers! Included in this 11-page PDF file: Table of Contents Informative Speech Guidelines Visual Aid & Note Card Guidelines Tips for Using Technology-Based Visual Aids Topic List Sample Informative Speech Outline Informative Speech Research Outline Speech Grading Rubric Peer Critique Charts **American English

This biographical informative speech activity is the perfect combination of research, writing, implementation of technology, and public speaking for ANY secondary subject area! Students will choose a historic or modern-day figure who made (or has made) a positive impact on society. They will brush up on their research skills, learn the correct way to cite sources, learn how to organize a 5-part speech, and create an eye-catching and engaging visual aid. Everything you need is in this 11-page, step-by-step file. Included are guidelines for the teacher, a clear format for students to follow (time format, use of note cards, etc.), topic ideas, outline, technology guidelines, grading rubric, and a peer critique chart. All guidelines can be modified for any size class, grade, or learning level! **Written in American English.

Task Cards for junior high students are perfect for early finishers, warm-ups, time fillers, journal entries, write-pair-shares, sub assignments & extra credit! The PDF file includes 11 pages of black and white printables (total of 43 task cards–4 per page). The task cards include a variety of activities, including writing prompts and graphic organizers (both short and long activities). All topics are relevant and grade-appropriate for 6th-9th grade students. Teachers can cut and laminate individual cards or make copies and use in a variety of ways! Ideas for use: Laminate each card, hole-punch the top corner of each card, and put on a ring clip. Early finishers may then look through the cards and choose which activity they’d like to complete. You can also project one of the cards on a screen as a warm-up each day or leave one of the lengthier activities for a sub. It’s also convenient to have task cards on hand for days when the lesson ends early and you need a quick time filler! Written in American English.

This 3-part project for upper elementary and middle school students is a great teaching and learning tool for students to research and share information about cultures, holidays, and traditions around the world! Students may research a holiday listed on the provided topic list or choose a holiday that is celebrated in a country of their choice. The holidays on the topic list (28 listed) are not limited to winter months, but are a variety of celebrations throughout the year. This file contains an outline to guide student research, directions and printable information boxes for students to create a lapbook visual aid, speech presentation outline, and grading rubric. Modify the project to meet the needs and learning levels of your students! Supplies: • Manila folders (one per student) • Glue and scissors • Map pencils, crayons, or markers • Access to printer (for students to print pictures) • Optional: colored paper to print information boxes Table of Contents: Student information sheet Page 2 Topic list Page 3 Research outline Page 4-5 Lapbook visual aid directions Page 6 Information boxes (for lapbook visual aid) Pages 7-9 Speech presentation outline Page 10-11 3-Part grading rubric Page 12 **Written in American English.

Stressed about your students’ scores on the writing portion of upcoming standardized tests? Teaching students to write organized, cohesive essays can be a challenge! “Building the 5-Paragraph Essay” mini-unit breaks down the essay-writing process paragraph-by-paragraph so upper-elementary and middle school students will more easily understand the purpose and requirements of each part of the essay. Everything you will need, including student handouts, writing prompts, outline, writing pages, activities, and a grading rubric is included! PDF ZIP FILE INCLUDES: “Building the 5-Paragraph Essay” Student Handout “When should I use this format?” Student Handout “Toolbox of Transitions” Student Handout “Can You Unscramble a 5-Paragraph Essay?” Activity Informative, Expository & Persuasive Writing Prompts (24 total) Essay Outline Essay Writing Lined Pages “Peer Editing Checklist” Activity Grading Rubric Answer Key *Full-color, printable 18X24 inch (or scaled larger) classroom poster **Written in American English.

SQUABBLE Cards for secondary students are a fun and engaging way to get kids talking, participating, writing, sharing, researching, and forming opinions! There are tons of ways to use these cards in your classroom (see list below). *This set includes 88 cards. Questions are labeled based on their “category.” Categories: Education (20 cards) Sports (10 cards) Government (15 cards) Technology (20 cards) Social Issues (15 cards) Environment (8 cards) Suggestions for Use: Class discussion Debates Think, pair, share Quick writes Persuasive essays Research Time fillers Warm-up / Closing Early finishers *For best results, print cards, cut, and laminate. Written in American English.

“Writing & Public Speaking Activities for Little Kids” allow students to work on their writing and interpersonal communication skills. These activities will also build students’ confidence when speaking in front of a group. Teachers may want to take this opportunity to discuss public speaking vocabulary, such as volume, rate, eye contact, articulation, and clarity. These activities are perfect to use as ice-breakers, warm-ups, group work, centers, or time fillers! **Activities are labeled LEVEL 1 or LEVEL 2 on the top right of each page. Level 1 activities are most suitable for 1st & 2nd grade and require shorter, less detailed answers and explanations. Teachers may prompt students to elaborate on their answers by asking “Why?” or “How?” Level 2 activities are most suitable for 3rd -5th grade and require more detailed explanations. **Activities that are only provided for Level 2 (see list below) can be simplified for younger students (teacher’s discretion). Feel free to modify activities for your little speakers! Activities: • 2 Roll-N-Speak pages (Level 1) • 2 Roll-N-Speak pages (Level 2) • My Happy Place (Level 1) • My Happy Place (Level 2) • Our Island (partner/group activity, Level 2) • Book Talk (Level 2) • Name Acrostic (Levels 1 & 2) • Picture This! (Level 1) • Picture This! (Level 2) • Classmate Chit-Chat (Level 2) • My Invention (Level 1) • My Invention (Level 2) **Written in American English.

Debate Around-the-Room for Kids & Tweens is a 4th-8th grade rotation activity in which students work in pairs (or small groups of 3-4) and respond to resolutions posted around the classroom. At each station, the students will read a resolution, brainstorm both affirmative and negative arguments, determine the impacts of each set of arguments, and decide which side’s impacts would benefit the greatest number of people. This activity teaches students the importance of weighing impacts and analyzing both sides of an issue before making a swift judgement. There are two answer sheet options provided where students can record their answers during rotations. You should determine which answer sheet is best for your students based on their age, knowledge of debate terminology, and the amount of time they have to spend at each station. There is a vocabulary sheet for the students’ use. The number and length of rotations are up to you; you can start with 10-12 minutes per rotation and add time if necessary. Suggestions: -Cut and laminate the resolution cards and/or print them on colored paper or card stock. -If you don’t have time for rotations, use the cards as warm-up writing or discussion prompts! -Use a bell or timer when it’s time to rotate. You can also play music during transitions. -Because there are 24 resolution cards, your students can participate in this activity multiple times. For example, if you use cards #1-5 on day one, use cards #6-10 on day two. -If you run out of cards, allow students to write their own! There is a blank resolution card template on page 19 of this file. -After rotations are complete, allow the students to share their arguments, impacts, and final decisions with the class. You can even have a full-class debate! -As an extension activity, students can research and write an actual case affirming or negating one of the resolutions. Included in File: -Vocabulary Review for Students -Rotation Response Sheets (Basic- front/back) -Rotation Response Sheets (Advanced- front/back) -24 Resolution Cards (2 different cards per page) -Blank Resolution Cards (for write-in topics) Feel free to ask questions before purchasing. Enjoy! **American English

What a deal! Decorate your bulletin boards, walls, and doors all year long with EIGHT FULL SETS of colorful letters, numbers & special characters. Each set is a different color with a black outline (aqua, royal blue, green, purple, red, orange, yellow & hot pink). Simply print, cut, laminate, and decorate! *Included in each set: Capital letters A-Z, numbers 0-9, punctuation/special characters ? ! & ‘ # . *Full-color, printable PDF files (in a zip file). *Print on standard 8 ½ x 11 paper, laminate, cut & decorate! Save paper and print only the pages you need! *For longer-lasting, more durable letters, print and laminate on white cardstock instead of printer paper. *Some pages had space for multiple letters (for less printing). Feel free to ask questions before purchasing. Enjoy!

“My First Research Paper” will help guide your students through the often frustrating and overwhelming process of writing a research paper! Designed for secondary students, these activities may be modified to meet the needs of your learners. For example, if your students are not ready to incorporate MLA citations into their papers (or if you prefer APA), you can teach the citations and works cited format in a different way. 7th grade teachers may want to keep things more simplified, as 10th grade teachers will want to ensure students fully understand citation/MLA format and guidelines. If you already have activities to teach research paper writing, you may pair these activities with your current materials. These pages are meant to enhance your lesson, not necessarily replace what you are already doing! You are free to use only what you need. You may also use the “Peer Revising & Editing” page for other writing assignments, not just research papers. I hope you find these tools helpful, for both you and your students. Examples are shown on every page to help the students along the way! Included in File (14 pages): -Research Paper Notes & Topic Ideas -Make a Plan! (Brainstorming Activity Page) -Research Outline -Rough Draft Pages (with tips) -Citation Station (Guide for MLA in-text citations & works cited) -Peer Revising & Editing -Final Draft Guidelines & Fill-In Information for Students -Final Paper Rubric **Written in American English.

Exit tickets are the perfect way to quickly assess your students’ understanding of the lesson! This set of creatively designed exit tickets work for any subject area and are ideal for upper-elementary or lower-secondary students (grades 3-9). They are an even mix of quick checks that take 1-2 minutes and short answer questions that may take up to 5 minutes. Many of the tickets use Bloom’s Taxonomy sentence stems to check for knowledge and comprehension, and encourage students to analyze or evaluate the material or teaching method. The last two exit tickets provide writing space for students to answer an essential question that YOU post on the board or projector. You can keep a set of these essential question tickets on hand for quick comprehension checks! There are also a few exit tickets that require you to assign the students a specific topic or concept to write about. For example, the prompt may ask them to “give an example of” or “compare and contrast.” Use these exit tickets as often as you’d like! Print on white or colored paper (they will print in black and white). Your students will love the fun designs and themes! Written in American English.

his propaganda mini-unit has everything you need to teach your students about persuasive techniques used in advertising and media! The zip file includes: -PowerPoint -Student notes outline (to go with PowerPoint) -Internet scavenger hunt activity -Identifying propaganda techniques in news headlines activity (with answer key) -Flash cards (printable foldable template) -Colorful classroom propaganda poster -Quiz with answer key My students really enjoy this unit! If you have time for a project, students can make a propaganda book with clipped ads (from magazines or internet) and display in a creative book to present to the class. This mini-unit is perfect for any secondary ELA, speech, debate, or social studies class! Written in American English.