Say hello to a platform dedicated to industrious, yet overtasked teachers like you. Say goodbye to countless hours spent developing relevant and engaging ELA lessons. Whether you are teaching the fundamentals of grammar, creative writing skills, classic literature, or contemporary fiction, you will find thousands of activities and assessments to help you achieve a healthier work-life balance without sacrificing academic rigor.
Say hello to a platform dedicated to industrious, yet overtasked teachers like you. Say goodbye to countless hours spent developing relevant and engaging ELA lessons. Whether you are teaching the fundamentals of grammar, creative writing skills, classic literature, or contemporary fiction, you will find thousands of activities and assessments to help you achieve a healthier work-life balance without sacrificing academic rigor.
Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the short story “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson. A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: boisterous, gravely, interminably, jovial, lapse, murmur, paraphernalia, perfunctory, precede, profusely, reprimand, and shabby.
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 Grimm’s fairy tale “Cinderella.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the short story, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: afresh, alight, betrothed, clamber, nimbly, obliged, pious, stratagem, stunted, tame, thicket, weary, and whir.
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 short story “The Devil and Daniel Webster” by Stephen Vincent Benet. A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: abide, adduce, ailing, blight, contempt, decry, glower, hanker, miser, mutter, plead, renegade, shudder, spry, and swoon.
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 short story “The Kiss” by Anton Chekhov. A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: affirm, ardor, benevolently, cumbersome, desultory, diffidence, doff, hasten, hasty, hearty, heedless, idle, incredulously, inveigle, ironical, irresolution, joviality, morose, mournful, mutter, obscure, pensive, piously, satiety, superfluity, temerity, timid, traverse, vague, verst, and weary.
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 reading comprehension, support critical thinking, and embrace the spirit of Christmas and wintertime no matter the time of year with this bundle of plot-based quizzes, close reading analysis worksheets, vocabulary development exercises, and an end-of-unit test for six holiday-themed short stories: “A Christmas Memory” by Truman Capote, “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry, “The Burglar’s Christmas” by Willa Cather, “At Christmas Time” by Anton Chekhov, “The Heavenly Christmas Tree” by Fyodor Dostoevsky, and “Three Wise Guys” by Sandra Cisneros. Answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
By engaging with these activities, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Discern the intended effects of the authors’ word choices and narrative techniques
Determine the functions of given excerpts
Describe and examine tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including epiphany, foreshadowing, idiom, metaphor, onomatopoeia, oxymoron, paradox, personification, simile, situational irony, 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
This summative test covers six short stories for the Christmas season that focus on themes of selflessness, compassion, and self-discovery (“A Christmas Memory” by Truman Capote, “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry, “The Burglar’s Christmas” by Willa Cather, “At Christmas Time” by Anton Chekhov, “Three Wise Guys: Un Cuento de Navidad” by Sandra Cisneros, and “The Heavenly Christmas Tree” by Fyodor Dostoevsky). An answer key, test prep study guide, standards-aligned writing rubric, and public domain narratives are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will:
Match the author’s name to his or her work
Demonstrate knowledge of primary and secondary characters and the key aspects of their lives
Demonstrate knowledge of significant events that take place in a variety of stories
Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, epiphany, euphemism, hyperbole, metaphor, onomatopoeia, oxymoron, personification, simile, and more
Relate themes to narratives
Match relevant vocabulary terms to their definitions
Respond to thematically significant essay prompts
Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims made in an academic essay
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the short story “At Christmas Time” by Anton Chekhov. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the public domain narrative, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
This resource may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly.
By engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Reflect on the author’s choice of title and its intended effect
Evaluate the author’s means of emotionally influencing readers
Make logical inferences about the author’s philosophies on life
Describe tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare the lives of Vasilisa and Pyotr with the life of Yefimya
Apply knowledge of literary devices including ambiguity, euphemism, metaphor, onomatopoeia, and more
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching Truman Capote’s holiday-themed short story “A Christmas Memory.” A plot-based quiz, close reading analysis worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
This resource may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly.
By engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Consider historical context in relation to the plot
Isolate examples of figurative language used in the text
Discern the intended effect of the author’s narrative techniques
Describe and examine tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Determine the functions of given details and excerpts
Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, epiphany, foreshadowing, hubris, metaphor, onomatopoeia, simile, situational irony, and unreliable narrator
Reflect on significant themes
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about coming-of-age fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching Fyodor Dostoevsky’s short story “The Heavenly Christmas Tree,” also known as “The Beggar Boy at Christ’s Christmas Tree.” A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the public domain narrative, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
This resource may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly.
By engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Determine the function of a given excerpt
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including dramatic irony, foreshadowing, onomatopoeia, situational irony, and more
Conduct research online in order to answer questions related to culture and history
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about coming-of-age fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz on the short story “The Kiss” by Anton Chekhov. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
The protagonist’s job
The characterization of primary and secondary characters
The nature of the protagonist’s invitation
The location of the titular kiss
The effects of the kiss on each person
Factors contributing to the protagonist’s negative self-reflection
Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement Fyodor Dostoevsky’s short story “The Heavenly Christmas Tree,” otherwise known as “The Beggar Boy at Christ’s Christmas Tree.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: amuse, clang, dullness, dusk, famine, fancy, kindle, kopeck, morsel, porter, rheumatism, shutter, 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
Help high school students extend beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Fyodor Dostoevsky’s short story “The Heavenly Christmas Tree,” otherwise known as “The Beggar Boy at Christ’s Christmas Tree.” An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
This resource may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly.
By completing this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Determine the function of a given excerpt
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including dramatic irony, foreshadowing, onomatopoeia, situational irony, and more
Conduct research online in order to answer questions related to culture and history
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about coming-of-age fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz on Fyodor Dostoevsky’s short story “The Heavenly Christmas Tree,” otherwise known as “The Beggar Boy at Christ’s Christmas Tree.” The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
The narrator’s identity
The young boy’s living conditions
A reason for wandering
The boy’s bold decision
The adults’ general reaction to the boy
External conflicts
What the boy hears beside the wood stack
A significant invitation
A devastating discovery
The narrator’s perspective on the story he tells
Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement Hans Christian Andersen’s short story “The Little Mermaid.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain fairy tale, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: beckon, betrothal, bough, dowager, drab, earnestly, ethereal, hasten, heartily, idle, indifferent, melodious, mournfully, procure, timid, and trifle.
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, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching Sandra Cisneros’ short story titled “Three Wise Guys: Un Cuento de Navidad.” A plot-based quiz, close reading analysis worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
By engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Discern 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 idiom, metaphor, onomatopoeia, oxymoron, and personification
Consider themes in context
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about coming-of-age fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the short story “The Burglar’s Christmas” by Willa Cather. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the public domain narrative, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
By engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Determine the function of a given excerpt
Describe tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, epiphany, foreshadowing, internal conflict, metaphor, paradox, personification, simile, and situational irony
Argue whether the author wants the audience to empathize with the protagonist
Consider themes in context
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about coming-of-age fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the holiday-themed short story “Three Wise Guys: Un Cuento de Navidad” by Sandra Cisneros. A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: atole, chicharras, comadre, descend, doilies, guillotine, improvise, obstructed, plea, portable, prophecy, sashay, and urracas.
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
Help high school students extend beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Sandra Cisneros’ Christmas-themed short story titled “Three Wise Guys, Un Cuento de Navidad.” An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
This resource may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly.
By completing this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
Discern 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 idiom, metaphor, onomatopoeia, oxymoron, and personification
Consider themes in context
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about coming-of-age fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the short story “The Burglar’s Christmas” by Willa Cather. A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: despondently, discordant, dolefully, futile, garish, hasten, introspection, loaf, lustrous, refuge, remonstrance, reproach, sophistry, unobtrusive, and vexed.
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
Help high school students extend beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Willa Cather’s short story “The Burglar’s Christmas.” An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
This resource may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly.
By completing this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Determine the function of a given excerpt
Describe tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, epiphany, foreshadowing, internal conflict, metaphor, paradox, personification, simile, and situational irony
Argue whether the author wants the audience to empathize with the protagonist
Consider themes in context
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about coming-of-age fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
