The unit was designed to teach students about argumentative writing. The Common Core Standards highlight the shift from persuasive writing to argumentative writing, which requires students to use evidence to support and arguable claim. This unit walks teachers and students through this process. This unit is designed for the middle grades! Mini-Lessons: - Argument vs. Persuasive Writing - Writing Claims - Fact and Opinion - Counterarguments - Writing Leads *********************************************** Grammar Lessons: Run-on Sentences Compound Complex Sentences Using Commas *********************************************** Graphic Organizers: Brainstorming Outlining Building a Case Problem/Solution Counterarguments Evaluating Arguments ***********************************************

Dr. Maya Angelou was an author, actress, singer, and most notably a poet. Known for her command of language, the poem “Still I Rise” is one of her most acclaimed works that speaks to overcoming oppression. This resource contains an in-depth analysis of the poem for teachers and aligned graphic organizers and text dependent questions for students. This is a NO PREP resource for teachers. Teacher Resources: - Detailed Lesson Plan - Text Analysis (3 pages) - Teacher Response Guide The Texts: - Dr. Angelou biography - “Still I Rise” student copy with wide margins for literal and analytical annotations Graphic Organizers: - Finding the Theme - Vocabulary

I love teaching poetry and this includes the poems that are included in all my resources and many more!This resource is just a list of poems from various poets. Share them on National Poem in Your Pocket Day by folding them up and putting them in your pocket. Enjoy!

“Thank You Ma'am” by Langston Hughes is a timeless short story with very rich themes. This story demonstrates the value of compassion and second chances. All materials provided in this resource provide multiple opportunities to critically evaluate character traits, character change, character challenges, and theme! One of the most amazing components is the inclusion of SIX original graphic organizers with answer keys. These organizers can be used with other text! This is a jam packed short story evaluation that includes: - Common Core Aligned Questions from the text - Six Original Graphic Organizers with Answer Key - Description of how to implement Graphic Organizers - Writing Extension Activity Excluding Title and Resource pages this resource is 18 pages! It is perfect for introducing a short story unit and reinforcing ideas from fiction reading. It is simple enough to be used as an emergency substitute lesson plan!

The entire unit focuses on the Common Core Standards and shift to getting students to use evidence from the text to answer and defend their responses. The structure of my class was a vocabulary mini-lesson, mini-lesson connected to a skill, whole class and independent reading connected to the text. LESSON PLANS ARE IN WORD (AND PDF) FORMAT. This perfect for teachers who like to tweak class activities to the needs of their individual classes. Please note restrictions on commercial use. The Unit Includes: 25 Original Vocabulary Mini-lessons 24 Lessons (Questions from the chapters, Exit Ticket, Homework) 22 Mini-lessons aligned to skills from the text 4 Extension Activities (Create a Creature, Wanted Ads, Character Traits, Alternative Ending) Graphic Organizers 1 Character Study Mini-Book (9 pages) for students to track characters

This is a rigorous unit geared at student engagement, thinking, reading, and writing skills. Students read and analyze both informational and fictional texts, and write an argumentative and literary essay. This unit was designed for students to celebrate the rich and complex history of North America’s first people. Please download the preview for more information. There are more than 80 pages which include: Two page Informational Text Articles with Comprehension Questions and Activities: - The First Americans - Cultures of the Southwest - Cultures of the Northwest - Cultures of the Great Plains - Eastern Woodlands Natives - Mound Building Cultures - The Inuit Fictional Text with Comprehension Questions and Activities: - The Raven and The Crow: The Stolen Potlatch - The Legend of Good Luck - The Coyote and the Buffalo ***********************************************

This personal narrative unit is directly aligned to Common Core Writing and Language standards, and is designed for students in grades 6-8. This unit will lead you and your students through the process of writing personal narratives. There are more than 65 pages which include: Suggested Lesson and Resource Scope and Sequence Lesson Plan Template Graphic Organizers Narrative Definition Poster Narrative Subway Art Mentor Text Narrative topics Narrative Activities Student Revision Checklist Student Editing Checklist Common Core Aligned Rubric 32 Task Cards aligned to Language standards Publishing Paper Mini-lessons: Flashbacks Dialogue and Quotations Descriptive Language Voice Point of View Clauses and Phrases Sentence Fluency Writing Narrative Leads Using Transition Words

Characters Booklet This “booklet” will assist students in keeping track of characters in the books and/or stories they are reading. This is an excellent resource if you are working on character analysis as students are required to analyze multiple characters from the text by detailing when they are introduced, key quotes, and explain their importance to the text. The book also includes a list of character traits to help students think through how to accurately describe characters. The booklet includes: *Character Comparison Graphic Organizer *Character Change Graphic Organizer *Character description Graphic Organizer *Character Review writing component Directions for how to print this booklet are included as it is intended to be copied double sided and folded in half.

This is a rigorous Greek Mythology unit geared at student engagement, thinking, reading, and writing skills. It also includes a number of activities that would be perfect for literacy centers. There are more than 100 pages which include: Rewritten Greek Myths with Common Core Aligned Questions and Activities: - Once Upon a Beauty: The Story of Medusa - The Wonderful Weaver: The Story of Arachne - The Trojan Horse - The Greek Army - Love’s Echo - The Midas Touch - Psyche & Eros: The Story of Love - Heracles: The Twelve Labors - The Story of Zeus *********************************************** Myth Writing: Suggested Scope and Sequence Mentor Text Brainstorming Outlining Character Development Drafting Paper Revision & Editing Checklist Rubric ***********************************************

“Raymond’s Run” by Toni Cade Bambara is a short story about self-identity and confidence. The lead character Squeaky is a hard-working and smart mouthed runner who takes care of her brother Raymond who has a disability. As the story progresses readers are treated to an unexpected character change. This resource is aligned to Common Core Standards and provides opportunities for students to critically evaluate character traits, character change, character challenges, and theme using evidence from the text! One of the most amazing components is the inclusion of FIVE original graphic organizers with answer keys. These organizers can be used with other texts! This is a jam packed short story evaluation that includes: - Suggested Lesson Plan - Common Core Aligned Questions based on the text - Original Graphic Organizers - Description of how to implement Graphic Organizers - Comprehension Questions

This is a unit that can stand alone as a "mini-unit" or supplement your current poetry unit. Each poem includes an in-depth analysis of the poem that requires students to evaluate the speaker’s message, use of literary devices, rhyme scheme, and summarize the poem. Lessons combine the elements of close reading with poetry, literary analysis, and free verse writing.Included: • Teacher Resource Guide aligned to CCSS • 13 poems with printable worksheets and answer keys. • Sample lesson plans • Writing Enrichment activities • Rigorous mini-lessons to teach simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole with accompanying worksheets.

This is a bundled writing unit that saves buyers 25% versus buying each unit separately. There are more than 200 pages of materials. Each unit includes: ★ Graphic Organizers ★ Mini-lessons ★ Mentor Texts ★ Language Lessons ★ Rubrics for each Genre ★ Editing Checklists ★ Revision Checklists …AND MORE

PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE IF YOU HAVE BOUGHT MY BEGINNING OF YEAR ACTIVITIES RESOURCE OR BUNDLE. This is a great resource to start the year and capture lots of memories. It's a mini-book that walk students through the important things during the year. This is an awesome and interactive way for students to engage with each other and make new memories! Included: ♦Cover Page ♦Two Page Reading on Malleable Intelligence ♦ Interactive pages ♦ Important Book EDITABLE Templates ♦ Important Lists ♦ Important Things about Classmates

This is a great resource to get students to reflect on their year and capture lots of memories. There are two different options for creating minibooks with students. Either provides an awesome and interactive way for students to engage with each other and make new memories! Included: ✰ School Information page ✰ All About Me ✰ Personal Reflections on the Year ✰ Comparing the Year ✰ Major Accomplishments ✰ Then vs. Now ✰ Class Awards ✰ Flashback and Forward ✰ My Favorite Class ✰ Best Moments and Funny Memories ✰ The Soundtrack of My Year ✰ Current Events ✰ Autograph Pages (2) ✰ Summer Plans ✰ Cover Page This resource is also included in my End of Year A to Z Activities: 34 Activities and Memory Book PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE IF YOU HAVE BOUGHT THE END OF YEAR ACTIVITIES RESOURCE.

These organizers are included in my Argumentative, Informative, and Personal Narrative writing units. If you have those units, or purchased my writing bundle, please do not grab these. This resource includes 30 original graphic organizers that will assist your students with writing. These organizers are aligned to three types of writing noted in the Common Core State Standards, and will guide students with organizing their thoughts to the topic of your choice. Organizers included: ★ Argumentative (8) ★ Informative (15) ★ Personal Narrative (7)

This is a rigorous unit geared at student engagement, thinking, reading, and writing skills. This unit can stand alone, or be integrated into various units as there are multiple standards aligned resources. Students read and analyze both informational and fictional texts, and write argumentative and literary essays. This unit includes winter themes and is a LOW PREP resource for teachers. There are more than 40 pages which include: Two page Informational Text Articles with Comprehension Questions: - Winter Storms - Chinese New Year Fictional Texts with Comprehension Questions: - The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Andersen - Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost - A Frost Fancy by Richard Le Gallienne *********************************************** Skill Based Graphic Organizers: Digging for Details Story Problems ***********************************************

This unit focuses on remediating and/or enriching skills associated with quoting, inferring, and explaining using informational and fictional text. The Lexile level for each passage is noted in the table of contents, and there are multiple examples, sample questions, and aligned assessments. It is compiled in four sections that gradually develop student independence: 1. Modeled Instruction 2. Guided Instruction 3. Independent Practice 4. Assessment There are also graphic organizers, and an activity for students to practice inferring using pictures. Answer keys are included for all resources and this is aligned to Common Core States Standards (RL.4.1,RL.5.1, RI.4.1,RI.5.1). All teachers have to do it print and copy! ***********************************************

This includes an activity (or two) for each letter of the alphabet. Advice Column All About Me Alternative Ending Buddy Biography Buddy Bookmarks Charm Bracelet Comic Strips Dear Next Year Letter Diary of… End of Year Poems Facebook Page Find a Friend Who Gratitude Notes Hollywood Ending How to Survive I AM Poem Interview a Classmate Kind Words Letter to My Future Self MEMORY BOOK Newspaper Overcoming Obstacles Postcards Portrait of the Year Quiz about Me Recipe for Success Reflect and Rewind Stay or Switch Timeline Trading Cards “U” Collage Vocabulary Bookmarks Written Reflection of the Year X Marks the Spot Yearbook Pages Zooming In There are so many activities to choose from.

“The Tell Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe is a classic short story that is riveting from start to finish. This is one of Poe’s most recognized works, and it is sure to grab the attention of your students! This resource is aligned to Common Core standards and age/grade appropriate. All materials provided in this lesson will position students to make a claim about the narrator and engage in deep conversations regarding the events that unfold. This unit infuses a bit of technology with the use of QR codes, but no worries, teachers are still set up for success without the technology. This unit is designed for Grades 8-10! Mini-Lessons: - Mood and Tone - Prefixes and Suffixes - Context Clues - Irony *********************************************** Text Materials: This unit includes the text for students. There are two different options (with and without guided questions) and a teacher annotated copy to assist with analysis.

“Charles” by Shirley Jackson is an amazing short story that is sure to grab the attention of your students. Students are invested in close reading for clues, find evidence, and determining the elements of plot. All materials provided in this lesson will allow students to do this at a high level! One of the most amazing components is the higher level vocabulary activities that position students to make inferences, use new words to describe characters, and summarize sentences where the word is used. This is a jam packed short story evaluation that includes: - Detailed Lesson Plan - Five Original Graphic Organizers - Common Core Aligned Questions from the text - Task cards to assign student annotated reading role (3 different roles) - Extension Activities It is perfect for introducing a short story unit and reinforcing ideas from fiction reading. It is simple enough to be used as an emergency substitute lesson plan.