Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement Chinua Achebe’s short story “Dead Men’s Path.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: condemnation, cordiality, denigration, disused, eradicate, frail, further, headmaster, pivotal, propitiate, quarrel, rank, scandalize, shrine, stout, superannuated, and zeal. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the classic fairy tale “Jorinda and Jorindel” by the Brothers Grimm. A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain short story, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these activities, students will determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words, consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings, and discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: bewitch bough disenchant gloomy hie hoarse mournfully mutter nightingale screech seize swiftly weep

Help middle and high school students go beyond basic comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading inference worksheet covering a portion of The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin: chapters 4, 5, and 6 (“The Cyclops’ Cave,” “Keeper of the Winds,” and “Cannibal Beach”). An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Select the best synonym for a word as it is used in the text Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings as needed Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Locate relevant textual details in support of the claim that Ulysses was the only crew member with the ability to think critically in the face of danger Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, dramatic irony, and simile Apply knowledge of sound devices including sibilance Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the classic fairy tale “Rumpelstiltskin.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain short story, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: acquiesce, avarice, bewail, boast, despondently, dolefully, droll, earnestly, formidable, jeer, rapacious, shrewd, slyly, and vain. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the classic fairy tale “Little Red Riding Hood” by the Brothers Grimm (also called “Little Red Cap”). A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain short story, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: arresting, bouquet, enraptured, feeble, infirm, odious, ominous, peer, scarcely, sly, trough, and velvet. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement Hans Christian Andersen’s short story “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, a copy of the public domain narrative, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: accordingly, array, council, diligently, elaborate, knave, procession, retinue, riband, rogue, sovereign, vexed, and viz. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement Anita Desai’s short story “Games at Twilight.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: arid, defunct, elude, glare, heartily, hirsute, ignominy, jubilation, laurels, lavishly, lugubrious, maniacal, melancholy, mortuary, sari, shutter, sidle, stridently, superciliously, vague, and veranda. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “The Possibility of Evil” by Shirley Jackson. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the narrative. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Miss Strangeworth’s first name Miss Strangeworth’s age The name of the street on which Miss Strangeworth lives The sources of Miss Strangeworth’s pride Mr. Lewis’ profession The condition of Miss Strangeworth’s house Miss Strangeworth’s stated motivations The content of various letters delivered to townspeople What Miss Strangeworth keeps by the bed The character who writes strange letters The character who discovers a dropped letter The startling resolution

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement Ray Bradbury’s short story “The Pedestrian.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: alibi, ceaseless, ebb, entranced, intermittent, manifest, murmur, peer, phonograph, regressive, revue, rustle, seam, and wander. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “Two Kinds” from The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan. The resource may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the narrative. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The mother’s perspective on America The mother’s backstory The mother’s goals for her daughter The significance of the magazines collected by the mother The daughter’s changing emotional state A musical instrument of significance to the plot The mother’s criticism toward her daughter Mr. Chong’s condition The title of a piece performed at a talent show The crowd’s general reaction to the daughter’s performance at the talent show The mother’s reaction to the performance The type of daughter the mother prefers How the daughter conveys anger toward her mother How the mother and daughter’s relationship evolved over the decades

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement Anne Estevis’ short story “The Whistle.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: abuela, affect, bleat, bound, cabrito, discern, flare, glare, infuriated, nippy, paternal, permeate, savory, and wretched. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “The Pedestrian” by Ray Bradbury. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the narrative. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Setting A general description of society The protagonist’s profession The reason the protagonist goes for a walk How to protagonist tries not to alarm neighbors The interaction between the protagonist and the police car The protagonist’s final destination

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Shirley Jackson’s short story “The Possibility of Evil.” An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Discern the functions of given details Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including dramatic irony, foreshadowing, situational irony, and symbolism Conduct brief online research on a relevant topic (Ethan Allen) in order to answer a question about plot Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Roald Dahl’s short story “The Landlady.” An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including euphemism, foreshadowing, simile, and more Consider themes in context Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

Evaluate general reading comprehension with this set of quizzes on Life As We Knew It, a dystopian young adult novel by Susan Beth Pfeffer, with emphasis on chapters one through four. A multiple choice assessment is provided, as well as a subjective version. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important details: The relationship between Miranda and her mother The neighbors’ collective reaction to the meteor strike The subsequent natural disasters that occur The significance of school not being cancelled the following day Miranda’s heroism in the face of disaster People’s peculiar purchasing habits at the supermarket Rumors that begin to circulate Miranda’s step-mother and her condition Megan’s alarming response to the worldwide disaster Matt’s arrival home and his comments on heroism

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement Ray Bradbury’s short story “The Flying Machine.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: apparatus, bewildered, dominion, farthest, grove, horde, murmur, nestle, plead, rustle, scarlet, seize, serene, solace, sorrowful, splendid, and writhe. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement Gary Soto’s short story “Broken Chain.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: abuelita, frijoles, gaudy, glare, hesitate, impulse, iodine, muster, pamper, pester, portable, retrieve, stingy, sullen, and wince. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement Francisco Jiménez’s short story “The Circuit.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: acquire, enthusiastically, hesitantly, husky, instinctively, jot, loose, murmur, pale, peak, savor, thoroughly, wearily, and whom. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement Joan Aiken’s short story “The Third Wish.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: composure, dusky, extricate, hoarse, mend, mournful, preen, presumptuous, rash, remote, rheumatism, serenely, thrash, wander, and withered. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “The Landlady” by Roald Dahl. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the narrative. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Setting The protagonist’s age A porter’s recommendation The protagonist’s immediate reaction to the building The landlady’s personality How the protagonist learns of previous visitors Similarities among the guests The landlady’s eccentricities A sign of danger And more