Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the short story “The Chaser” by John Collier. 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: apprehensively, bountifully, effect, fervently, giddy, indifferently, laxative, oblige, obscurely, phial, rapture, scorn, and solitude. 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

“Desiree’s Baby” by Kate Chopin is an example of historical fiction that, when integrated into the English Language Arts classroom, complements American History curricula, as the plot precedes the Civil War and addresses the issue of how race and ethnicity affect one’s life experiences in the South. With this worksheet composed of challenging, text-dependent questions, teachers will help students extend beyond general reading comprehension, exercise close reading analysis skills, and save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will do the following: Articulate what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters think, interact, and behave Explore character motivations and intentions Apply knowledge of literary devices including irony and foreshadowing Analyze the author’s craft, determining how figurative language contributes to storytelling and character development Articulate point of view Make logical inferences about the psychological states of characters Cite textual evidence in support of claims Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the short story “Desiree’s Baby” by Kate Chopin. 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: corbeille, disquieting, espousal, exacting, imperious, layette, listlessly, muslin, peignoir, portly, suffuse, sumptuous, toddle, and unwonted. 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

“Desiree’s Baby” by Kate Chopin is an example of historical fiction that, when integrated into the English Language Arts classroom, complements American History curricula, as the plot precedes the Civil War and addresses the issue of how race and ethnicity affect one’s life experiences in the South. With this multiple choice quiz covering the short story, teachers will be able to evaluate general reading comprehension, promote homework accountability, and save valuable time at home without sacrificing quality in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Setting How Désirée came to be part of the Valmonde family Armand’s initial attitude toward marrying Désirée Madame Valmonde’s reaction to the sight of the baby How Armand’s treatment of others changes after the birth of his child Désirée’s observations of the plantation visitors Désirée’s demands of her husband Madame Valmonde’s response to a letter from Désirée The final interaction between Armand and Désirée Désirée’s final action in the story The fate of Désirée’s belongings Armand’s surprising discovery

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement Katherine Anne Porter’s short story “The Jilting of Granny Weatherall.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain narrative, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: dyspepsia, frippery, hasty, inquire, intently, jilt, murmur, piety, solemn, tactful, vanity, and waver. 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

Create a structured classroom environment and introduce “The Wife’s Story” by Ursula K. Le Guin with this bell ringer writing prompt for high school. Students will reflect on relevant topics including the theme of betrayal and the contrast between human and animal sensory experiences. Sample responses are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this start-of-class activity, students will: Settle into class quickly and/or transition from previous activities or periods Engage in reflective and/or critical thinking Be made aware of subject matter to be addressed in works of fiction Activate prior knowledge Be better prepared to communicate ideas during small- and large-group discussions Aid their teachers in understanding their personal experiences and points of view

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the short story “The Birds” by Daphne du Maurier. A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain narrative, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: ashen, bleak, clamor, furtively, garish, laconic, larder, leaden, murmur, pallor, pilchard, placid, pram, scullery, stealthily, weary, and whimper. 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 go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Katherine Anne Porter’s short story “The Jilting of Granny Weatherall,” a piece of psychological fiction that complements literature units involving modernist literature and the narrative technique known as stream of consciousness. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Consider using this resource as an in-class group activity. It may facilitate deeper conversations about characters, plot developments, and literary craft. By completing this close reading activity, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the narrative’s point of view and setting Determine the intended effects of the author’s narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony and symbolism Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this plot-based quiz covering Ray Bradbury’s science fiction short story “The Fog Horn.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to help students ascertain crucial details on characters, setting, and conflicts. An answer key is included. All materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Readers will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Point of view Setting McDunn’s thoughts on the ocean A strange incident involving a million fish The sound of the fog horn The characters’ nickname for the ocean The narrator’s thoughts on the sea creature McDunn’s theory about the sea creature An experiment involving the fog horn The sea creature’s reaction to the experiment The narrator’s life one year later The lesson McDunn thinks the sea creature learned The narrator’s feelings toward the sea creature

Challenge middle and high school students to move beyond surface-level comprehension with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Ray Bradbury’s science fiction short story “The Fog Horn.” From applying knowledge of literary devices to making inferences about the author’s intentions, readers will be supported by a set of rigorous questions complementing the text. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. The close reading activity will prompt students to do the following: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings as needed Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Discern the function of a given excerpt Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including anthropomorphism, foreshadowing, personification, and more Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction

Help middle and high school students explore literary craft with this activity covering Ray Bradbury’s short story “The Fog Horn.” With this worksheet, students will isolate and reflect upon textual details that are consistent with the conventions of supernatural and science fiction. An answer key is provided, as well as a copy of the narrative, which makes for a compelling addition to a short story unit for grades 6 through 12. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this literary craft analysis activity, students will: Isolate examples of compelling sensory description that contribute to an eerie atmosphere Isolate characterization details that elicit emotional responses from readers Articulate how the narrative conforms to the conventions of the science fiction genre Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on dramatic irony, foreshadowing, hyperbole situational irony, and symbolism Convey information through speech and writing in a coherent manner Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction

Evaluate reading comprehension and maximize student interest in fiction with this plot-based quiz covering Nancy Springer’s short story “Black Angel,” a narrative of special appeal to middle and high school readers who enjoy mythical creatures and cryptozoology, as the New Jersey Devil is a central figure. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Setting The reason for the Jersey Devil’s frustration Distinguishing characteristics of the nameless child The comparison of the Jersey Devil to another mythical being The reason for the nameless child’s presence in the woods Where the Jersey Devil takes the child The purpose of the Jersey Devil’s visit to the World Tree Dynamic character A new dynamic to the relationship between the child and the Jersey Devil The World Tree’s judgment of the Jersey Devil Symbolism

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “The Jilting of Granny Weatherall” by Katherine Anne Porter, a piece of psychological fiction that complements high school units involving modernist literature and the narrative technique known as stream of consciousness. This resource may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with literature. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: The characterization of George Setting The joys and pleasures in life Granny Weatherall’s religious affiliation Granny Weatherall’s perspective on dying Granny Weatherall’s perspective on how women fulfill their lives The contents of a box in the attic Granny Weatherall’s message for George The purpose of Father Connolly’s visit Granny Weatherall’s eagerness to see someone The resolution

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the short story “The Fog Horn” by Ray Bradbury. 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. 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

Challenge high school students to move beyond surface-level comprehension with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Katherine Mansfield’s short story “Bliss.” From applying knowledge of literary devices to making inferences about the author’s intentions, readers will be supported by a set of rigorous questions complementing the text. An answer key and copy of the narrative are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. The close reading activity will prompt students to do the following: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings as needed Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Reflect on the author’s choice of title Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony, foreshadowing, repetition, and assonance Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction

Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this plot-based quiz covering Kurt Vonnegut’s short story “Who Am I This Time?” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to help high school students ascertain crucial details about characters and plot developments. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: The North Crawford Mask and Wig Club The avoidance of social gatherings The narrator’s wish for Harry Nash The narrator’s invitation to an auditioning woman The town’s reaction to Harry’s acting The narrator’s first impression of Helene’s acting Efforts to improve Helene’s acting Helene’s fantasy when viewing movies in the past Helene’s difficulty in establishing relationships Lydia’s impressions on who will direct Lydia’s prediction for Helene A gift from Harry “The luckiest girl in town”

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning with this plot-based quiz covering O. Henry’s ironic short story titled “The Last Leaf.” This quiz may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: The setting and its appeal (and lack of appeal) to specific communities The backstory of the narrative’s protagonists Johnsy’s medical circumstances The doctor’s assessment of Johnsy’s condition and survival chances Character motivations Johnsy’s psychological state The general characterization of Mr. Behrman An ironic turn of events A sacrifice in the resolution