This is a brief, but comprehensive overview of the geography of Russia. Topics covered include: Steppes Volcanoes Mines Tundras Seaports Glacial lakes Caves Rock formations All are organized by the geographic region with photographs.

This is a brief, but comprehensive overview of the geography of Japan. Topics covered include: Archipelago Volcanoes Earthquakes Hiroshima Lakes Sandbars Climate Tsunami All are organized by geographic region with photographs.

This is a complete writer’s workshop for you to use with your students. The best part of this unit is the included original mystery story. I am a retired language arts teacher and former instructor for The Institute of Children’s Literature. Throughout this unit, your students will see the formation of my finished story from choosing a title through developing characters, planting clues, and resolving the conclusion. See the revised story I have included as a sample for your students to witness the author’s craft! The accompanying PowerPoint includes introductions on the following topics: - Characteristics of mystery and suspense - Mystery writer’s vocabulary - Examples of published mysteries with synopses - Choosing a theme - Defining characters - Describing a setting - Adding clues, props, and red herrings - Planning a plot - Organizing and outlining the story - Writing a rough draft - Revising - Submission of the finished product Also, I have included worksheets to go with each slide: - Vocabulary puzzle with answers - Development of story themes - Description of characters - Determining a setting - Timeline of clues - Choosing props, clues, and red herrings This unit is totally student-driven and allows individuality within the framework of the assignment. I have not included a grading rubric because any writing rubric you currently use is applicable.