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Inquiring Mind of the English Teacher Kind

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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.

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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.
"Games at Twilight" by Anita Desai Quiz, Close Reading, and Vocabulary Games Bundle
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"Games at Twilight" by Anita Desai Quiz, Close Reading, and Vocabulary Games Bundle

3 Resources
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this bundle of materials for teaching “Games at Twilight” by Anita Desai, a short story about a young boy whose youthful determination and immaturity lead to a difficult outcome he is not prepared to process emotionally or intellectually. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a 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 Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences Infer the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and narrative techniques Discern the function of given detail Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, personification, foreshadowing, imagery, paradox, situational irony, dramatic 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
"Dead Men's Path" by Chinua Achebe Vocabulary Games
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"Dead Men's Path" by Chinua Achebe Vocabulary Games

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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
“Dead Men’s Path” by Chinua Achebe Quiz and Answer Key
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“Dead Men’s Path” by Chinua Achebe Quiz and Answer Key

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Chinua Achebe’s short story “Dead Men’s Path.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with fiction. 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: Character motivations General description of Obi’s colleagues Nancy’s emotional and psychological states The length of time Obi has been married The nature of the conversation Obi has with a priest The meaning behind a proverb The cultural significance of the path The reason Obi wants to close the path A tragic situation Retribution The resolution
"Dead Men's Path" by Chinua Achebe Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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"Dead Men's Path" by Chinua Achebe Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Chinua Achebe’s short story “Dead Men’s Path.” An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Determine the narrative’s dominant conflict Analyze how complex characters interact and develop Explore character motivations Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing and situational irony Determine the function of a particular passage Make an inference about the author’s point of view Articulate the intended effect of the author’s diction in context Cite textual evidence in support of claims Write with clarity, accuracy, and precision
"All the Years of Her Life" by Morley Callaghan Quiz and Answer Key
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"All the Years of Her Life" by Morley Callaghan Quiz and Answer Key

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Morley Callaghan’s “All the Years of Her Life,” a short story focusing on how a young son’s behavior influences the psychological state of his loving mother. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Setting Conflict The background of the protagonist How complex characters interact
"All the Years of Her Life" by Morley Callaghan Close Reading Worksheet
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"All the Years of Her Life" by Morley Callaghan Close Reading Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Morley Callaghan’s “All the Years of Her Life,” a short story focusing on how a young son’s behavior influences the psychological state of his loving mother. 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: Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Infer the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and narrative techniques Determine the point of view of the narrative Discern the tone of a particular passage Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare and contrast characters Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony and epiphany Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
"Dead Men's Path" by Chinua Achebe Quiz, Close Reading Activity, and Vocabulary Games Bundle
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"Dead Men's Path" by Chinua Achebe Quiz, Close Reading Activity, and Vocabulary Games Bundle

3 Resources
Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this bundle of formative assessments covering Chinua Achebe’s short story “Dead Men’s Path.” A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a 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 Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences Infer the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and narrative techniques Determine the function of a particular passage Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing and situational irony 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
"All the Years of Her Life" by Morley Callaghan Vocabulary Activities
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"All the Years of Her Life" by Morley Callaghan Vocabulary Activities

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Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement Morley Callaghan’s “All the Years of Her Life,” a short story focusing on how a young son’s behavior influences the psychological state of his loving mother. 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: bluster, brusquely, contempt, doggedly, earnestness, genial, indignation, plead, proprietor, repose, sap, stern, and swaggering. 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
"Two Kinds" by Amy Tan Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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"Two Kinds" by Amy Tan Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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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 the short story “Two Kinds” from The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan. 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 Apply knowledge of the fairy tale “Cinderella” to the plot of “Two Kinds” Discern the functions of given details Describe the tone of a given excerpt Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including hyperbole, metaphor, oxymoron, paradox, simile, and situational irony 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
"All the Years of Her Life" by Morley Callaghan Quiz, Close Reading, and Vocabulary Games Bundle
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"All the Years of Her Life" by Morley Callaghan Quiz, Close Reading, and Vocabulary Games Bundle

3 Resources
Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this bundle of formative assessments covering Morley Callaghan’s “All the Years of Her Life,” a short story focusing on how a young son’s behavior influences the psychological state of his loving mother. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a 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 Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences Infer the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and narrative techniques Determine the point of view of the narrative Discern the tone of a particular passage Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare and contrast characters Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony and epiphany Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
"Two Kinds" by Amy Tan Quiz, Close Reading, and Vocabulary Games Bundle
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"Two Kinds" by Amy Tan Quiz, Close Reading, and Vocabulary Games Bundle

3 Resources
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this bundle of activities for teaching the short story “Two Kinds” from The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a 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 Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Determine the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Apply knowledge of the fairy tale “Cinderella” to the plot of “Two Kinds” Discern the functions of given details Describe the tone of a given excerpt Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including hyperbole, metaphor, oxymoron, paradox, simile, and situational irony 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
"The Flying Machine" by Ray Bradbury Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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"The Flying Machine" by Ray Bradbury Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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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 “The Flying Machine” by Ray Bradbury, a short story dealing with humanity’s fear of attack from the skies. The brevity of the narrative helps fill awkward gaps in the teaching schedule, while the objectives of the activity maintain academic rigor. 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 foreshadowing, metaphor, personification, onomatopoeia, oxymoron, simile, situational irony, and more Consider themes in context Conduct research as needed to answer questions about historical 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
"Jorinda and Jorindel" by the Brothers Grimm Quiz and Close Reading Bundle
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"Jorinda and Jorindel" by the Brothers Grimm Quiz and Close Reading Bundle

3 Resources
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the classic fairy tale “Jorinda and Jorindel” by the Brothers Grimm. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, 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 materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Consider how words and phrases may have dual interpretations in context Discern the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and narrative techniques Describe tone in context Determine the greater significance of given details Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including symbolism and situational irony Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
"Jorinda and Jorindel" by the Brothers Grimm Quiz and Answer Key
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"Jorinda and Jorindel" by the Brothers Grimm Quiz and Answer Key

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the classic Grimm’s fairy tale “Jorinda and Jorindel.” Alternatively, the assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active reading. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The antagonist’s physical form in both the daytime and the nighttime What happens to both men and women when they approach the antagonist’s house The source of mournful singing The nature of the relationship between the titular characters Abrupt changes in Jorindel’s life The content of Jorindel’s dreams The length of time it takes Jorindel to find an item with magical properties The resolution
"The Man to Send Rain Clouds" by Leslie Marmon Silko Quiz and Answer Key
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"The Man to Send Rain Clouds" by Leslie Marmon Silko Quiz and Answer Key

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Leslie Marmon Silko’s short story titled “The Man to Send Rain Clouds.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with fiction. 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 Character relationships Actions consistent with a ritual Character motivations A complication associated with burial The priest’s reluctance Resolution
"The Man to Send Rain Clouds" by Leslie Marmon Silko Close Reading Worksheet
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"The Man to Send Rain Clouds" by Leslie Marmon Silko Close Reading Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Leslie Marmon Silko’s short story “The Man to Send Rain Clouds.” An answer key is included. 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 and implicitly Discern and articulate Leon’s motivation to keep Teofilo’s death a secret Analyze Louise’s actions to discern and articulate what they reveal about her mindset Analyze how character interactions contribute to the development of internal conflict Locate textual evidence in support of the claim that the priest is not very familiar with his community Articulate a reason for Leon to feel content Make a claim about character beliefs in the context of the entire narrative Apply knowledge of symbolism, choosing an object that represents an abstract and significant idea Write with clarity, logic, and precision
"The Man to Send Rain Clouds" by Leslie Marmon Silko Bundle
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"The Man to Send Rain Clouds" by Leslie Marmon Silko Bundle

2 Resources
With this printable bundle of high school resources for teaching “The Man to Send Rain Clouds” by Leslie Marmon Silko, educators will measure reading comprehension with a multiple choice quiz on character and plot and support high-order thinking with a set of close reading analysis questions. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may serve as the basis for small-group discussions. Through these discussions, students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development, demonstrating an ability to analyze how complex characters transform and advance the plot and themes by applying logic and citing compelling, meaningful textual evidence. They will also evaluate their peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to advance claims, clarifying or challenging unclear ideas. Using this resource for structured guidance, students, ultimately, will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking. By completing these exercises, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern and articulate Leon’s motivation to keep Teofilo’s death a secret Analyze Louise’s actions to discern and articulate what they reveal about her mindset Analyze how character interactions contribute to the development of internal conflict Locate textual evidence in support of the claim that the priest is not very familiar with his community Articulate a reason for Leon to feel content Make a claim about character beliefs in the context of the entire narrative Apply knowledge of symbolism, choosing an object that represents an abstract and significant idea Write with clarity, logic, and precision
"The Frog King" Quiz, Close Reading Activities, and Vocabulary Games Bundle
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"The Frog King" Quiz, Close Reading Activities, and Vocabulary Games Bundle

4 Resources
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the classic Grimm’s fairy tale “The Frog King” (also called “Iron Heinrich” and “Iron Henry”). A plot-based quiz, a close reading worksheet, a craft analysis handout, vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the short story, 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 Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences Infer the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and narrative techniques Explore the conventions of fairy tale literature Determine the narrative’s inciting incident Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including hyperbole, onomatopoeia, personification, dramatic irony, and situational irony 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
"Clever Gretel" by the Brothers Grimm Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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"Clever Gretel" by the Brothers Grimm Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Help middle and high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering the classic Grimm’s fairy tale “Clever Gretel.” An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Infer the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and narrative techniques Consult reference materials to learn or verify meanings of challenging words Describe tone in context Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Articulate contradictions made evident by the protagonist’s behavior Apply knowledge of literary devices including dramatic irony and foreshadowing 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
"Clever Gretel" by the Brothers Grimm Quiz and Answer Key
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"Clever Gretel" by the Brothers Grimm Quiz and Answer Key

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the classic Grimm’s fairy tale “Clever Gretel.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the short story. An answer key and copy of the text are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Objects that intensify Gretel’s self-esteem Gretel’s tendencies while she cooks Gretel’s preparations for cooking Gretel’s belief on what constitutes a sin The purpose for Gretel’s visits to the cellar The problem that exists when the master returns What the master does with a knife How Gretel gets herself out of an awkward situation The resolution