This is a complete lesson for the short story “Charles” by Shirley Jackson. No prep necessary! This product includes: ---3 day lesson plan in EATS format (including an activating strategy, teaching strategies, and more…) ---4 printable worksheets (including comprehension questions, writing prompts, exit tickets, and more…) ---Answer Keys ---41- Slide PowerPoint (including methods of characterization, PALS reading strategy, Sample Answer for the Essential Question, and more…)This is a great short story for the middle school! The lesson discusses: explicit details vs. implicit details, inferring, static vs. dynamic characters, and theme. During the three days, students are given the opportunity to work independently, in pairs, in groups, through writing, through speech, etc. Various activities will help with differentiated learning. This lesson is particularly effective in helping students answer the Essential Question (How can a reader determine theme of a text?) because a sample student answer is given for the class to critique. Students will independently answer the E.Q. at the culmination of the lesson (on Day 3!). I hope you enjoy this lesson ! This lesson is Common Core aligned to: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.1 Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.2 Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.

REVENGE! This short story deals with justice and revenge. If you have the short story "Bargain" by A. B. Guthrie in your anthology, this lesson is for you! Created to be fully useful, this is a lesson that I have found to be successful with ""Bargain." I use this at the beginning of the year when teaching the plot mountain. I have included: -- an EATS lesson plan with an Essential Question, preview vocabulary, activating strategy, teaching strategies and a summarizing strategy (Exit Ticket) --2 worksheets- Just print and go! --Answer keys --PowerPoint The lesson has original (written by me!) sample answers to the Essential Question, which I have found to be EXTREMELY helpful for students. They get to see an answer before they are expected to write one. One sample is on "The Three Little Pigs." I have also included the components for PALS reading- as I've found this to be an effective strategy with short stories in my classroom. External and Internal Conflict are discussed. This product turns the short story in your book into an interactive lesson. Thanks so much! ~Kim

These exercises for learning how to determine an unknown word using context clues focuses on 4 categories: examples, definition, antonym, and details. Teaching these strategies will help your students’ reading comprehension with secondary texts. Context clues are so important; they are part of the Common Core Standards in grades TWO through TWELVE. This product includes: ---An EATS Lesson plan (with vocabulary, teaching strategies, etc.) ---A complete PowerPoint for this lesson ---Two worksheets ---Two activities ---A PowerPoint of printable TASK CARDS (8)- perfect for differentiated instruction This lesson focuses on grades 9 through 12. The lesson gives the definition for context and shows examples. A sample sentence without context clues is also shown. Students will be given an original picture of "clues" as a PowerPoint visual to connect with this concept. Students will learn the four main strategies that writers use to give context clues to their readers (telling, examples, antonyms, and picture-painting). As a class, students will practice with the examples on the PowerPoint- identifying which strategy the writer used. Later, students will pair up and work on TASK CARD examples (perfect for differentiating this lesson- or use them as homework slips!). Finally, students will work independently on a worksheet and create a context clue-filled sentence of their own for their peers to critique. Most of the students' unknown words come from my "Word of the Day: Preparing for the S.A.T." So, if they accidentally learn the meaning, it's a win!! This lesson has a lot of information and several strategies for students to learn. The second PowerPoint (the one with task cards) is intended to be printed. This lesson focuses on: CCSS Literacy .L9 -12.4.a. Thank you!

This product includes a Powerpoint, two- day lesson plan, and several worksheets. Created to be fully useful, this is a straightforward lesson plan with worksheets that I have found to be very successful with "Ta-Na-E-Ka," a short story on traditions. I use this at the beginning of the year when teaching the plot mountain. Included: ---2 EATS lesson plan with an Essential Question, preview vocabulary, activating strategy, teaching strategies and a summarizing strategy (Exit Ticket). ---4 worksheets- Just print and go! ---Answer keys ---An extra (optional) worksheet for differentiated instruction. ---Quiz The lesson has a sample answer to the Essential Question, which I have found to be EXTREMELY helpful for students to see before they are expected to write. The sample is on "The Three Little Pigs." A link to the story is provided if you want to read the story to your students. I have also included the lesson plan, worksheet and sample for PALS reading- as I've found this to be an effective strategy. External and Internal conflict are discussed. Thanks so much! ~Kim

“The Sea” by James Reeves is OFTEN used in state tests, worksheets, and anthologies. It is short, but provides a lot to discuss. It is straightforward, and yet still complex. The imagery is superb. Almost all of it is within the grasp of the student, and yet there are parts that need discussion to be revealed. All in all, it is a perfect poem to use with a class! Due to copyright laws, I am unable to include the poem. It is easy to find and is likely in your anthology. Included is a lesson plan originally written for 7th graders- appropriate for grades 6-12. This is a PowerPoint, lesson plan AND worksheet. The PowerPoint includes: the Essential Question Activating Strategy Defined vocabulary and Examples. Students will learn figurative language, metaphor and simile. They will see examples and create some new ones. Next, they will learn denotation and connotation. Again, they will see examples and try their hand at examples. Finally, they will apply this knowledge to the poem, "The Sea" by James Reeves. After reading through once, students will answer questions about the first stanza and discuss. Then, the teacher (and PowerPoint) will guide them to answer the essential question based on the first stanza. The second stanza will be read, questions will be answered, and the essential question will be attempted again, discussed and perfected. Finally, the third stanza will be the focus of the assessment. The students will again read and answer questions, but this time, the students will be expected to use the strategy taught (re-read, locate, investigate and compare) to answer the essential question on their own. There are more slides after the poem study is over, including an activity to write the poem in as few words as possible (to illustrate how word choice is important) as well as an exit ticket. I hope you enjoy this lesson! Thank you!

Display this student collaboration to show gratitude to the administrators! Eighteen pages total, this product has one extra page that can be added many times to the final poster (for any extra students you have). GREAT for end of the year! Pages can be colored any color, or you can ask students to: Color the background - Blue Color each letter - Yellow NO CUTTING Required. Just color and tape up! This Collaborative Poster is one of many. (Thank You, Guidance Counselors! / Thank You, Cafeteria Staff! / Thank You, Teachers! ETC.) This is an inclusive, community-building activity that promotes student collaboration. Each student colors one section of a large mosaic poster. Once all sheets are colored (NO CUTTING!), they are assembled to reveal a large multi-colored mosaic / poster / mural. You will love the results! Thank you!

If you’ve never read The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate (“EvCT”) by Jacqueline Kelly, you are in for a treat. My sixth graders love EvCT and I LOVE teaching it! It works well as a cross-curricular unit with science OR history- and the author’s voice is simply incredible. 71 pages + 91 PowerPoint slides = 162 page resource! This product contains everything you need for a great unit and aligns with the Common Core State Standards. This product includes: • TWELVE lessons, each with a worksheet (study guide) featuring vocabulary. Answer keys are included. Most lessons also include extra activities to supplement the lesson (For example, one chapter features a PALS activity, complete with instructions; another chapter features a figurative lesson worksheet and activity.). The lesson plans are grouped as: 1. EvCT Ch 1 2. EvCT Ch 2 3. EvCT Ch 3 4 5 4. EvCT Ch 6 7 5. EvCT Ch 8 9 6. EvCT Ch 10 11 7. EvCT Ch 12 13 8. EvCT Ch 14 15 16 9. EvCT Ch 17 18 19 10. EvCT Ch 20 21 22 11. EvCT Ch 23 24 25 12. EvCT Ch 26 27 28 EvCT POWERPOINT (90 slides) The PPT gives visual references for background information (pinafore, kerosene lamp, Wounded Knee Massacre, author background, etc.), discussion questions, Venn diagrams, exit tickets and much more. Students also get to guess the prices from the 1890’s (my students love this activity!) EvCT Final Test (Answer Key included) Bookmarks What student doesn't like a little gift? Packed with EvCT info (and vocab!), this bookmark is a handy "cheat sheet" to use with the worksheets ~and possibly the final test (IF the teacher allows it...). This product also features several opportunities for figurative language practice (EvCT has a ton of figurative language: perfect for mini-lessons!) and a semi-colon study. Some worksheets (study guides) offer “challenge questions.” There are opportunities for differentiated learning. You can use challenge questions for students who are absent or as an activity for cooperative learning…). There are also suggestions for research. PLUS- writing prompts! This product is editable, if you prefer to customize any part. Final test, writing prompts, and extra activities are included! The Common Core Standards cited are for 6th grade, but other grades are largely interchangeable. Recommended for grades 5-8, The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is a 2010 Newbery Honor Book and the winner of the 2010 Bank Street - Josette Frank Award. I spent over 100 hours on this product. I pride myself on creating a unit that offers user-friendly, thought-provoking lessons and creative activities. Click this link to buy all of my

This is a PowerPoint, lesson plan, several worksheets and activities on phrases and clauses. An EATS lesson plan (tied to the Common Core Standards) as well as two graphic organizers are included. Complete with an essential question, activating strategy, vocabulary, teaching strategies, and an exit ticket, students learn the difference between phrases and clauses. In Part 1, students are shown examples of each phrase type: Noun phrase Verb phrase Adjectival phrase Adverbial phrase Participial phrase Prepositional phrase Absolute phrase The class will fill out a graphic organizer, practice with partners and practice individually using different phrases. In Part 2, students are shown examples of each clause type: Independent Clause Dependent Clause Noun Clause Relative Clause Adjectival Clause Again, the class will fill out a graphic organizer, practice with partners, and practice individually using different clauses. In Part 3, students get a chance to review. There are opportunities for differentiation in the activities. For example, on the PPT, students are asked to create example sentences. To challenge students, teachers may opt to ask students to use a topic. On Worksheet #5, students are challenged to identify phrase/clause types. Lastly, students will complete an exit ticket. This is a complete lesson- ready for your classroom. Thank you!

This 2- day, comprehensive lesson includes a PowerPoint, (EATS) lesson plan, and 3 worksheets. Complete with essential question, vocabulary, teaching strategies, and an exit ticket, students learn 3 strategies to correct vague pronouns. Once students are shown several examples, they will practice with slides on the PowerPoint. Students will work as a class, with partners, and finally, on individual worksheets. If you teach sixth-grade, this is for you. No prep. Print and go! CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.1.d Recognize and correct vague pronouns (i.e., ones with unclear or ambiguous antecedents).* This standard falls under the umbrella standard: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. Thanks!

Teach indirect and direct characterization! Use “My Favorite Chaperone” by Jean Davies Okimoto at beginning of the school year to review characters and plot- and build on elements of a short story. This product includes a 40-slide PowerPoint, a 3-page editable EATS Lesson Plan (complete with Essential Questions, Activating Strategy, Exit Ticket, etc), a 3-page Reading Guide, Discussion Questions printable, Summary Paragraph Worksheet, Answer Keys, and an Assessment. What a valuable time-saver. Just print and go! The best part? A sample answer to the Essential Question is provided (on the PowerPoint and student worksheet) so students will understand the concept- and have a model when they respond. This has proven very effective in my classes. Students read and analyze the sample answer before attempting to write. Students also have the sample as a guide for their writing. Some activities are optional and can make this a 6- day unit. I encourage you to read the text (available online). This particular story lends itself nicely to teaching the elements of a short story plot. Students enjoy the collaborative discussions based on the text. Thanks for taking a look at my store!

Verbals are to be taught in 8th grade, so says the Common Core. Gerunds, Infinitives, Participles might be difficult to teach if you've kind of forgotten yourself! (right?) This lesson solves that problem! The EATS lesson includes: -- the content standard and essential question -- preview vocabulary -- the definition and example of each verbal -- a quick review -- an Exit Ticket The graphic organizer works really well for my 8th graders! Higher grades can use it as a review/refresher, too. This PowerPoint gives step-by-step instructions to the students. The lesson plan guides the teacher through, too! CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.1.a is the focus of the lesson.

This is a set of ROOTS for your Word Wall. Included are 80 Root Words with meaning and examples, AND illustrations -plus extra pages of the same Root words with meaning, examples, and blank spaces so students can draw. These printable pages are excellent to display on your word wall- or for students to study. Four Root "cards" are formatted on a single page. Simply print, cut, and pin! You may also want to print on stock paper and place on a ring for students to clip to their bookbags. All pages are in Black and White. Learning to identify root words is a valuable lesson that will assist students when they decode unfamiliar words – throughout life! Although the CCSS specifically assigns roots and affixes to grades 6, 7, and 8, every grade from 1 to 12 is expected to “determine or clarify the meaning of unknown words” Language Standard 2.4, 3.4, 5.4, 6.4, 7.4, 8.4, 9-10.4, and 11-12.4. Thanks!

Secondary students will learn how to determine the meaning of unknown words using the surrounding text. This NO PREP product uses the 4 strategies of definition, example, antonym, and details to guess the definition of the mystery word when reading to help comprehension. Included: -- Preview Activity with 4 sample task cards -- Preview PowerPoint, with sample answers for discussion --20 Task Cards with a mystery word and a context clue-filled sentence. Print, cut, and go! -- Answer Key (in two formats) -- Bonus: What's the Difference Between Details and Examples? The Preview Activity allows students to try their hand at context clues before the graded assignment. This will be especially useful if task cards are not being used immediately after a Context Clues lesson. The four sample cards work as a review to remind students of the four main strategies (definition, example, antonym, and details) for context clues.The class will use the PowerPoint to check their answers and generate a discussion if they have questions. (This is the same Preview Activity included in Set #1.) To find Set #1, click this link: Task cards work perfectly after a “Context Clues” lesson. Need one? Search for Kroll Context Clues Lesson Task Cards can also be used as Entrance Tickets, differentiation, homework, comprehension check, Exit Tickets … the possibilities are many! Simply print and cut. Laminate for years of use.

Twenty-Three (23!) different task cards are formatted (four to a page) and are EDITABLE. Just add your questions in text boxes! --OR print the task cards and add your content in your own handwriting. You must have PowerPoint to use this product. These templates are ready for you to create TASK CARDS in math, science, Language Arts, or any subject. Customize your content as you like. Use as exit tickets, entrance tickets, comprehension checks, sponge activities, brain breaks, Scoots, Center activities, Station activities, and so much more. An EDITABLE Answer Sheet/ Answer Key is included. Terms of Use If you use as a commercial product, you must flatten the final product into a PDF. All content in this product is the copyrighted property of Kim Kroll Use in your personal classroom and/or commercially to create task card products that you flatten and secured with questions that you have added. You may not post to a blog. You may not share with other teachers. Please give credit by stating “graphics by ©Kim Kroll” in your product package. You may not sell, trade, share or redistribute this product

These rigorous Run-On Task Cards are great practice for secondary students. Students will correct run-ons and produce complete sentences on these no-prep printables. Perfect for individual practice, test prep, review or homework. Included are: –20 challenging Task Cards in two different formats (40 cards total) for secondary students. –Answer Sheets –Answer Keys –Class Directions –Bonus Activity Card: “One Way to Fix Run-Ons” Using Semicolons Print and cut task cards. Students write the answer on the task card (Set #1) or the provided answer sheet (Set #2). Use as: Entrance Tickets, Exit Tickets, Differentiation, Comprehension Check, review, stations, partner work, centers, whole class instruction, and more! Suggested Option: Make copies of each slide, but do not cut apart. Each student will answer all four items on one page- writing answers on the Answer Sheet. The next day, as students enter the room, they will receive the next page. Continue until all answers are completed. On the fifth day, students pair up and check answers. Give students time to re-do all numbered selections that are different from their partners’. Turn in for a grade. Have students write on task cards – or laminate and use them more than once. CCSS Focus: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6.3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.7.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.7.3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.8.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.8.3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.11-12.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

Author's Purpose Inform, Entertain and Persuade: a lesson on Author's Purpose This PowerPoint was created for my observation/ evaluation. It has a lesson plan and worksheet included. It is: *interesting and rigorous *timed perfectly for a 53-minute class period *showcases teacher strengths *uses various activities for high interest *keeps students involved This lesson was used during my observation/ evaluation, and my principal LOVED it. This PPT focuses on the 3 purposes-- inform, entertain and persuade-- giving examples, practice and eventually an Exit Ticket. This presentation was used for 6th and 7th grade, but could work with 5th-12th. At one point, students can use sign language to silently engage in the lesson. (Principal and students LOVE this part!) Included with the lesson plan are activities for partners (sorting slips) and individuals (writing). Answer keys are also provided. I HIGHLY SUGGEST USING THIS ONE-DAY LESSON WHILE GETTING EVALUATED. Using the Essential Question: How can a reader determine the author’s purpose?, the worksheet allows students to follow along with the PowerPoint smoothly. There are pictures to stimulate interest, along with an easy format for students and teachers, alike. The Author's Purpose lesson plan follows LFS (Learning Focused Strategies) to include an activating strategy, teaching strategies and summarizing strategies. The lesson helps students determine the author's purpose as found in the Common Core Standards: "Reading Standards for Informational Text - Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author distinguishes his or her position from that of others." This teaches students to look for clues to the author's purpose. I truly think you will like this one! Enjoy!

Context clues are so important; they are part of the Common Core Standards in grades TWO through TWELVE! This lesson focuses on grades 6 through 8. This product includes: ---An EATS Lesson plan (with activating strategy, teaching strategies, etc.) ---A complete PowerPoint for this lesson ---Two worksheets ---Two activities ---A PowerPoint of printable task cards (8)- perfect for differentiated instruction The lesson gives the definition for context and shows examples. A sample sentence without context clues is also shown. Students will be given an original picture of "clues" as a PowerPoint visual to connect with this concept. Students will learn the four main strategies that writers use to give context clues to their readers (telling, examples, antonyms, and picture-painting). As a class, students will practice with the examples on the PowerPoint- identifying which strategy the writer used. Later, students will pair up and work on TASK CARD examples (perfect for differentiating this lesson- or use them as homework slips!). Finally, students will work independently on a worksheet and create a context clue-filled sentence of their own for their peers to critique. Most of the students' unknown words come from my "Word of the Day: Preparing for the S.A.T." So, if they accidentally learn the meaning, it's a win!! :) This lesson has a lot of information and several strategies for students to learn. The second PowerPoint (the one with task cards) is intended to be printed. This lesson focuses on: CCSS Literacy .L.6.4.a, 7.4.a, and 8-12.4.a. Thank you so much!

I am so proud of this lesson! When I found the Common Core Standard for punctuating a pause in 8th grade, I looked high and low for a resource before realizing one needed to be created. How difficult can creating an ellipsis, dash and comma lesson be? Trust me, it wasn’t as easy as I originally thought! The nuances between the three punctuation marks need to be distinguished so students can learn which to use- and further- what each one adds to the text (suspense, sudden interruption, reader direction…). Included is the PPT, Lesson plan, Worksheets and more. With the PowerPoint, a lecture unfolds following LFS (Learning Focused Strategies) to include an activating strategy, teaching strategies and summarizing strategies. Using the Essential Question: “How do I punctuate a pause?” the graphic organizer worksheet allows students to follow along with the PPT smoothly, while taking notes. There are pictures on the PowerPoint to stimulate interest, along with an easy format for students and teachers, alike. The PPT, graphic organizer worksheet, and Activity Worksheets focus on the three punctuation marks: ellipsis, dash, and comma. There is an exit ticket on the worksheet for summary. Included are examples and activities for the entire class, partners, and individuals. Answer keys are provided for each activity. Addressed Common Core Standards include: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.2a Use punctuation (comma, ellipsis, dash) to indicate a pause or break. Hope you enjoy this lesson! It will save you hours from creating a lesson from scratch! #ellipsis #dash #comma #pause

If you have the short story “The All American Slurp” by Lensey Namiokain your anthology, this lesson is for you! This short story resource includes worksheets, PowerPoint, vocabulary quiz, and lesson plan. All are editable. I have included an EATS lesson plan with an Essential Question, preview vocabulary, activating strategy, teaching strategies and a summarizing strategy (Exit Ticket). The exit tickets are printable. The lesson focuses on theme and provides an answer to the essential question so students will understand the concept. The lesson also touches on onomatopoeia. The lesson plan and worksheets are a valuable time-saver. Just print and go! Answer key is included. This resource also includes directions to use the PALS reading strategy and a PALS worksheet. I LOVE using PALS so that every student is responsible to read and comprehend. This is a great short story to use with PALS! Thank you! ~Kim

‘Get to Know You’ Cootie Catchers are perfect for the first day of school- or when students need to break the ice before they work in groups. Cootie Catchers are also called Fortune Tellers. Included in this product are 10 different cootie catchers, each with 8 different questions each. Sample questions include: • Tell me about a time when you got stitches. • Tell me about your favorite dessert. • What is the first thing you will buy if you win the lottery? • How do you feel about staying healthy? Partners will pair up to use these cootie catchers. This is a fun FOLDABLE and great interactive activity as an ice breaker! Just print and pass out! Students will cut off the bottom strip, fold, and begin discussing! These cootie catchers really promote student interest! Learning and fun!