With television, social media, and the internet, students have the ability to gather information almost effortlessly. But, this convenience requires an ability to discern between what is true and what is the author's opinion or a misguided belief. This sample, excerpted from a two-day lesson, includes both a reading passage and exit ticket. CONTENTS Informational text: the story of Nicholas of Patara, who may have been the man who we know today as Santa Claus. Exit ticket: a winter-themed worksheet to check your students' abilities to distinguish fact from commonplace assertions and opinions. Reading comprehension questions: assess student knowledge over the reading. PowerPoint slides: preview the longer lesson

Every week, I give my ESL Newcomers twelve or thirteen of the most commonly misspelled words in the English language. I ask them to translate the words into their home language, copy each word three times, create a sentence, illustrate three of the words, complete a word search and do a fill-in-the –blank activity . These activities can be assigned as classwork or homework throughout the week. We do a quick review of the words each day before going on to our lesson, and at the end of the week, we take a spelling test using the words. Words in this resource: again all right always  an and animals another around asked babies beautiful because before believe bought came caught  children clothes coming course cousin decided didn't different

Every week, I give my ESL Newcomers twelve or thirteen of the most commonly misspelled words in the English language. I ask them to translate the words into their home language, copy each word three times, create a sentence, illustrate three of the words, complete a word search and do a fill-in-the –blank activity . These activities can be assigned as classwork or homework throughout the week. We do a quick review of the words each day before going on to our lesson, and at the end of the week, we take a spelling test using the words. Works in this resource: Week 5: looked*many*money*morning*mother*name*named*off*once*our*people*pretty*received Week Six: running*said*school*some*something*sometimes*started*stopped*surprise*swimming*than*that's

Every week, I give my ESL Newcomers twelve or thirteen of the most commonly misspelled words in the English language. I ask them to translate the words into their home language, copy each word three times, create a sentence, illustrate three of the words, complete a word search and do a fill-in-the –blank activity . These activities can be assigned as classwork or homework throughout the week. We do a quick review of the words each day before going on to our lesson, and at the end of the week, we take a spelling test using the words. Words in this resource: their then there they they're things thought threw through to together too tried two until very wanted went were when where with woman would you're

This resource focuses on Literary Fiction and includes: Four page story with reading tips Four Square Follow-Up Comprehension questions with STAAR stems

It's the most wonderful time of the year . . .unless you're a teacher with one day left before vacation and you need to keep your students focused and entertained. Word searches are the perfect solution for those difficult days when clock watching and fidgeting seem to be the major activities. Word puzzles such as the ones included in this package can help increase vocabulary, improve spelling, and give your students a fun mental challenge, while still engaging your students with a special holiday activity.. This download includes four different types of word searches with hidden messages. In two puzzles, students must unscramble the words before finding them in the grid. There are two versions of the scrambled word search, one with words that only go left to right and top to bottom with no overlap, and one where the words are written in all directions, including diagonally, and using shared letters. For younger students, or ESL students who are just learning holiday vocabulary, there are two versions of the word search puzzle with the words unscrambled. One version has words in all directions and with shared letters, and the other has the words only written left to right and top to bottom with no shared letters. Once the words have been found in the grid, the remaining letters can be written in the blank grid to reveal the hidden message. The two scrambled word searches have the same hidden message, and the two unscrambled word searches have the same message.

Groundhog Day 2017 is on February 2. Treat your students to some quick and educational activities to celebrate the day. From an informational text telling about the ancient origins of Groundhog Day to a maze requiring the students to use all four arithmetic operations on two and three- digit numbers, your students will have a chance to review skills and learn some interesting facts along the way. Activities: Informational Text: The Origins of Groundhog Day Comprehension Questions Math Maze: Help the groundhog find his shadow by finding the answers to basic two- and three-digit addition, subtraction, multiplication and division problems. Groundhog Day Word Search Make-a-Word And, don't forget that Super Bowl Sunday is right around the corner!! Super Bowl 2017: Informational Text and No-Prep Activities

Review the academic language that students will see on end of the year tests and standardized exams with these vocabulary activities.

Every week, I give my ESL Newcomers twelve or thirteen of the most commonly misspelled words in the English language. I ask them to translate the words into their home language, copy each word three times, create a sentence, illustrate three of the words, complete a word search and do a fill-in-the –blank activity . These activities can be assigned as classwork or homework throughout the week. We do a quick review of the words each day before going on to our lesson, and at the end of the week, we take a spelling test using the words. Words in this resource: dropped  every February first for friend friends frightened from getting going happening hear heard here him interesting its it's jumped knew know let's like little

Celebrate Pi Day with these fun, no-prep activities that focus on the number (and its homophone) in a variety of ways that will engage and educate your elementary, middle, and even high school students. Activities in this resource:Activities in this resource: Agamograph: This engaging art project shows the word and symbol for Π when viewed from one angle, and the approximation 3.14 when viewed from another. Discovering Pi: Students measure the diameter and circumference of circles to determine the value of pi for themselves, them use their discovered value to predict the circumference of a circle they draw. Pie Idioms: Students use context clues to predict the meaning of idioms that include the word “pie” Hidden Message Pi Word Search: Students find the names of people throughout history who worked on calculating the value of pi. When they are done, the unused letters will reveal a quotation about pi. Uncovering Pi: Use PEMDAS to find the first ten digits of pi. Memorizing Pi: Create a story to help memorize the first ten digits of pi.

Challenge your students with this 1000 L reading passage about superstitions. This text can be used with students at any time of the year, but is particularly relevant when Friday the 13th rolls around. ( In 2017, there will be one in January and one in October). This product gives students an informational text to read about the superstitions, and activities that go with the reading. The no-prep format allows you to print it out and hand to the students, which also makes it ideal for days when you need an emergency lesson for a substitute. This packet contains: Frayer model to be used for a bellringer or anticipatory set (3 versions: ESL, Gen ED, and customizable)) Informational reading passage about superstitions (2 versions -- one-sheet "paper saver" and two-page "note-taker) Comprehension questions, including questions about text structure, fact vs opinion, and author’s purpose Phrase search Word Search with hidden message Superstition Acrostic Writing Prompt with Pre-writing guides and editing checklists Answer keys for all activities

Every US History student is expected to know the names of prominent Federalists and Anti-Federalists, weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, and why we have a Bill of Rights, This fun, 20-minute reader's theater script allow students to review these concepts in a fresh, interactive way. With added bits of humor (did Patrick Henry really say, "Give me liberty or give me a side of beef?") and the constant middle-school scuffling between Alexander Hamilton and John Adams, students will see that the Founding Fathers might be a little less stuffy and a lot more interesting than first impressions might have indicated. It's the Federalists vs Anti-Federalists reader's theater that you've been waiting for! The dialogue is conversational and modern, to engage students and make the material more accessible. Contents 20- minute Reader's Theater script with 9 speaking parts Comprehension questions

This product was designed to help 7th grade students review for their STAAR Writing test, but would also be great throughout the year. Use it any time you need a no-prep activity for a sub or want to give your students a little extra writing practice. This resource includes: Two Revision Practice Texts: One expository (about Jackie Robinson) and one persuasive ((asking the Capitol to end the Hunger Games). Revision Questions: Each set of revision questions uses sentence stems from the STAAR. Two Writing Prompts: one about forgiveness and one about respect. Both are formatted in a manner similar to the STAAR expository writing prompt for Grade 7. Peer/Self Editing Checklists Final Draft Lined Paper: Based on the format of the STAAR lined paper. Suggested Timeline for Review

Final Four, Elite Eight, Sweet Sixteen. In March, conversation is peppered with all these terms as focus shifts to the NCAA basketball tournament. Use the excitement surrounding thispopular sporting event to engage students in activities that provide practice in revision, math, writing and reading comprehension. In addition, this resource contains word puzzles, which are great for strengthening student focus, spelling, and problem-solving abilities. Activities in this packet include: Reading Passage and Comprehension Questions: History of the tournament Revision Passage and questions: The Gonzaga mascot Basketball Idioms: Students use context clues to determine the meaning of common idioms derived from the game of basketball. Creative Writing: Students will create an appropriate mascot for fictional Earhart University (named for Amelia Earhart), and will write a paragraph to describe the mascot and why they chose it. When done, they will illustrate their paragraph. Two Word Searches with Hidden Messages Word Criss-Cross Puzzle Blank Tournament bracket: Students can research game outcomes, fill in the bracket and predict the outcome of future games Math Madness: Gracie has spilled coffee all over the paper with the statistics from the Elite Eight games. Students must use math to help her reconstruct the chart.

Agamographs, writing prompts, and spelling games, all with a St. Patrick's Day theme. Each of the three activities comes with two variations, one easy and one a little more challenging, to allow differentiation. The activities are: Irish agamographs: Choose from a combination of St. Patrick and a snake or a leprechaun and his pot of gold to make a 3D piece of art. This is a great cooperative activity, with pairs of students working together to each complete one part of the art, then assempling the finished artwork. Two writing prompts accompany the agamographs. One is an eyewitness account of seeing St, Patrick drive the snakes out of Ireland. The other is a story about finding a pot of gold. Blarney Stone Spelling: Students will make their own tetrahedron-shaped “Blarney Stones” and use them in to complete two spelling games. Losers have to "kiss the Blarney Stone" by complimenting the winner..

Use the activities in this packet for a themed reading lesson, or to celebrate Dental Health Month. Activities include: Ratón Perez, Collector of Teeth: In Spanish-Speaking countries, Ratón Perez is the equivalent of the Tooth Fairy. This informational text tells a little of his background and baby tooth customs in other countries. Text Evidence: Ratón Perez: Students use colors to highlight the text evidence that answers questions about the Ratón Perez reading. Tooth Idioms Context Clues: Students use context clues to find the meaning of English idioms involving teeth. Tooth Idioms Task Cards: Eight Task Cards to be used in centers or posted around the room to assess student knowledge. Two types of answer keys are included. One page has a set of four individual answer keys for just the task cards. The other sheet has an individual answer key, along with additional activities for students to use with the idioms, including differentiating between figurative and literal meanings. Washington’s Teeth: Informational Text about our first president and his often painful dentures. Four Square Follow-Up: Activity sheet to be used as a follow-up to the informational text. Root Word Interactive Notebook Page: Instructions and page with cut-outs for students to create a notebook page for the root word “DENT” Math word problems: Combine reading AND math with these four story problems involving money earned when the Tooth Fairy visits.

A lot of people are arguing about the 2016 election and the Electoral College, but do your students understand how the president is really elected?. This packet introduces your students to the concept of the Electoral College by comparing the process to winning a sports championship. The packet includes three leveled reading passages that cover the same information, to meet the needs of students at different reading abilities. The estimated Lexile levels are: Winning the Election – about 400L (Written with the beginning/low intermediate level ESL student in mind) Winning the Big Game—about 750 L The World Series of Politics—about 900 L Each reading passage is followed by seven comprehension questions, mostly at the interpretive and evaluative levels. The question stems come directly from the seventh and eighth-grade STAAR Reading template. Another activity requires students to research 2016 election results, compare the popular vote and electoral vote, and make inferences. Finally, there are three leveled writing activities. All involve responses to the question “Should the president of the United States be elected by popular vote?”" and include pre-writing activities to guide the student writing. Should we abolish the electoral college? Try this lesson with your students and start tomorrow's voters thinking about this issue today.

Students need to understand the difference between fact, opinion and commonplace assertion, so they don't fall into the trap of believing everything they read on the Internet, or hear on television or radio or podcasts. This product was designed to help students differentiate between fact and opinion, and introduce them to the idea of commonplace assertions -- those things that many people believe to be true, but really aren't. With a PowerPoint that guides both teach and students through the activities, activities that allow movement, cooperative learning opportunities, and interactive notebook suggestions, it's a two day lesson that is both engaging and valuable. This product contains the following items: PowerPoint for students that guides the lesson and activities over the two days. Card sorting Activity Give One/Get One activity Three leveled readings about Pocohontas (app. 350, 650, 1050 L) Exit ticket

Be ready for Friday the Thirteenth or any day with this bundle of thirteen reading, math, science and history activities. This package contains thirteen different activities from all four core classes for you to use for centers, early finishers, brain breaks, or just a fun Friday activity. Each activity has the number 13 as a focus, making them especially ideal for Friday the 13, but suitable for any day. The activities included in this set are: The First Thirteen Elements: Students answer questions about the first thirteen elements in the Periodic Table, then find the elements in a word search. The unused letters reveal a quotation about the Periodic Table. My _________ Day: Students select words to complete a fill-it-in story that may or may not be about Friday the 13th. Target Thirteen: Students play in groups of 2 – 4 to add and subtract single digits and develop strategies to be the first person to reach 13. The Thirteen Colonies: Students have an opportunity to review the names and locations of the thirteen colonies by labeling a map and using a color key to highlight the three major regions. Thirteen Languages: Students test their language skills as they work together to translate “hello”, “good-bye” and “thirteen” into thirteen different languages. Thirteen Pairs: After cutting apart the triangle, students reconstruct the original by pairing up sides that add up to thirteen. This would be a great activity to laminate and have on hand for early finishers to work on. Make Thirteen: Students use the ten digits 0 – 9 to make the number thirteen according to the operations given. There are two versions – one with some of the numbers in place, and one without. Friday the Thirteenth Make-a-Word: How many words can be made with the letters in “Friday the Thirteenth”? Friday the Thirteenth: This reading passage gives students information about the origins of the unlucky day, and is accompanied by a set of comprehension questions. The Thirteenth Amendment: This reading passage introduces history students to what may be a surprising fact about slavery in the United States and asks, “Does the Thirteenth Amendment need to be changed?” Thirteenth Amendment Word Fill-In: The words of the Thirteenth Amendment are featured in this Word Cross puzzle. The Thirteenth Guest: Jemima Ficklewort needs an heir. Students must solve a logic problem to find out who the lucky person is. Thirteen Pieces of Gold: This easy to learn strategy game helps students develop problem-solving skills and learn to think ahead as they try to outwit their opponent. The real treasure is the fact that once students figure out the strategy to the original game, different variations can be created to further challenge their thinking.

This resource was designed for use as a review for drama questions on the 7th grade STAAR Reading test. BEFORE PURCHASING THIS PRODUCT, PLEASE REVIEW THE EXCERPT FROM "RUIN A FOOD" (with the preview files). My students enjoyed it, but it is about a food contest where competitors try to make disgusting combinations of food, so the topic may be off-putting to some groups. This resource includes: * A template for taking notes, along with a completed copy to project for the students, or to use while giving instrauctions. * PRE-READING VOCABULARY for “RUIN A FOOD”: A Frayer model activity to help familiarize students with words in the play. Two versions are available – one for ESL students which includes a spot to translate the word into their home languages, and one for General Education students. *RUIN A FOOD: A scene for guided practice which includes figurative language and stage directions. *Comprehension questions for “RUIN A FOOD”, using question stems from the 7th grade STAAR Reading test. *THE LAST STRAW: An excerpt from a drama about bullying. *Comprehension questions for “THE LAST STRAW” using question stems from the 7th grade STAAR Reading test.