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Focus: Narrative Writing

Resource Library

Looking for something specific? You will find it here. All lessons, activities, and resources are separated by topic.

Use as a choice board or download for individual activities.

Download Includes: 

• Link to a Google Slides Choice Board

• Digital versions of the activities

• Formatted PDF versions of the activities

• Answer Keys

• Teacher Instructions

Story Elements Choice Board

Differentiate and increase interest for your students with this leveled choice board for story elements. The engaging and creative activities range from building foundational skills to applying the concepts. 

Activity Levels:

• Level One: Building a foundation. 

  • Students will work with understanding vocabulary; identify the story elements in the Pixar short, Wind; and use the templates provided to create an Instagram page that teaches the meaning of the story elements. 

• Level Two: Understanding the concepts. 

  • Students will read Hou Yi and the Ten Suns and complete graphic organizers based on the story elements; read an excerpt from Piecing Me Together and use the templates provided to create a set of Instagram stories for the main character; read an excerpt from Refugee and compare the story elements between the different chapters. 

• Level Three: Applying the concepts. 

  • Students will analyze what will change in their favorite movie or story if one of the story elements was different; create an original story that follows the plot diagram and turn it into a picture book; write a one-act play based on someone or an event in history.

Inference and Text Evidence Choice Board

Differentiate and increase interest for your students with this leveled choice board for inference and text evidence. The engaging and creative activities range from building foundational skills to applying the concepts. 

Activity Levels:

• Level One: Building a foundation. Students will work with understanding vocabulary; developing inner dialogue for characters in the short movie, Soar; and complete inference station activities. 

• Level Two: Understanding the concepts. Students will read excerpts from Where the Red Fern Grows, The Landlady, and The Adventure of the Blue Jewel. After reading, students complete creative activities that help them build an understanding of the concepts. 

• Level Three: Applying the concepts. Students will create a short story, mystery game, and/or a Mike Rowe The Way I Heard It style podcast. 

Use as a choice board or download for individual activities.

Download Includes: 

• Link to a Google Slides Choice Board

• Digital versions of the activities

• Formatted PDF versions of the activities

• Answer Keys

• Teacher Instructions

Download Includes: 

• Link to a Google Slides Choice Board

• Formatted PDF versions of the activities

• Answer Keys

• Teacher Instructions

Main Idea, Objective Summary, and Theme Choice Board

Differentiate and increase interest for your students with this leveled choice board for main idea, objective summary, and theme. The engaging and creative activities range from building foundational skills to applying the concepts. 

Activity Levels:

• Level One: Building a foundation. Students will work with understanding vocabulary; identifying examples of main idea, details, topics, and theme; and identifying errors in sample student responses.

• Level Two: Understanding the concepts. Students will read excerpts and complete creative activities that help them build an understanding of the concepts. 

• Level Three: Applying the concepts. Students will create a blog post, storyboard, poster, personal story, and/or test based on main idea, objective summary, and theme. 

Standards Vocabulary Posters

3 colorful posters that teach and reinforce main idea, objective summary, and theme.

Download Includes:

3- 8.5 X11 Posters

Link to the Google Slides for the digital version

Standards Bell Ringer Series: Main Idea, Objective Summary, Theme

*ELA Unlimited Exclusive*

Provide your students with focused practice on main idea, objective summary, and theme with these engaging and rigorous bell ringer activities. They are perfect for providing targeted practice and review in small chunks.

Bell Ringer Activities:

• Practice #1: Students determine if statements are examples of main idea or theme.

• Practice #2: Students read a short passage and complete an objective summary graphic organizer.

• Practice #3: Students read a short fable and answer 4 multiple choice questions about the main idea, objective summary, and theme.

• Practice #4: Students write their own short story that includes a clear theme and write 4 multiple choice questions based on their short story.

• Check In: 10 question assessment that covers vocabulary, understanding the concepts with 2 short passages, and applying the concepts to an excerpt from Growing Up by Gary Soto.

Download Includes: 

• Link to a Google Slides version

• Link to the Google Form check in

• Formatted PDF versions of the activities and check in

• Answer Key

• Teacher Instructions

Main Idea and Theme Assessment

Test your student’s understanding of main idea and theme with this thorough 20-question assessment that covers vocabulary, understanding the concept, and applying the concept.

Assessment Components: 

• Vocabulary: 5 questions covering main idea, theme, detail, topic, and the difference between main idea and theme.

• Understanding: 6 questions where students are given an example and they have to determine if it is most likely the theme, main idea, or topic. 

• Applying: Students are given 3 passages where they have to determine the main idea, theme, and supporting details. 

Format: Google Docs, Google Forms, PDF

Download Includes:

• Link to a Google Forms Version

• Link to Google Docs Version

• PDF of the assessment

• PDF of the passages

• Answer Key

• Teacher Instructions

Main Idea: The Quests 

You have done a great job teaching main idea and your students have completed the mini lesson and activities. Now it’s time for students to practice their main idea skills.

The Quests: 

• Quest 1: Students will sort characteristics and examples of main idea, theme, and topic into a chart. This is a drag and drop activity. 

• Quest 2: Students will read a short passage and determine the main idea and theme. They will analyze the differences between the two. 

• Quest 3: Students will analyze the lyrics of a song and complete a main idea graphic organizer. 

• Quest 4: Students will read an excerpt from Elijah of Buxton and complete a main idea graphic organizer.

• Quest 5: Students will read an excerpt from The Unteachables and write their own main idea multiple choice questions. 

Download Includes:

• Link to a Google Slides Download 

• Link to excerpts 

• PDF Versions 

• Teacher Instructions

Main Idea - Mini Lesson and Activities 

Determining the main idea is a foundational skill for all students. This lesson will help students learn how to write a main idea statement and how to differentiate the main idea from topic, a detail from the text, and theme. The scaffolded activities will guide your students in the understanding of main idea and how to write their own main idea statement based on a passage. 

This Product Includes:

• Google Slides Mini Lesson: 14 slides that explain the main idea, how to write a main idea statement, and how to differentiate the main idea from topic, details, and the theme.  

• Student Notes Sheet: Students use the Frayer Model to take notes on the information in the slides.

• 3 Activities: 3 Interactive practice activities that will guide students in their understanding of the main idea.

• Instructional Video: Video where I walk students through the slides and help them gain an understanding of how to find the main idea. 

Download Includes:

• Link to a Google Slides Download (Notes and Student Notes Sheet)

• Link to a YouTube Instructional Video 

• PDF Versions 

• Teacher Instructions

The Grammar Series - Common Grammar Mistakes

Are you tired of seeing your students make the same mistakes in their paper? Do they need a grammar refresher course?

This grammar lesson will walk students through the five main mistakes they make when writing and provide examples. Students can practice identifying and correcting these mistakes with 3 practice sets and a 10 question check-in. 

This download includes:

• Google Slides Mini Lesson (with video link to the instruction, if needed)

• 3 Digital Practice Activities

• 10 Question Google Forms Check-In

• Answer Key

• PDF versions of the practice activities and check-in

Daily Agenda Slides

Stay organized with these colorful, engaging, and fun slides.

This Download Includes:

• 180 unique slides with a daily topic

• Day one: Would You Rather

• Day Two: Fun Facts

• Day Three: Dad Jokes

• Day Four: Inspirational Quote

• Day Five: Fun GIF to celebrate the end of the week.

Download is a PDF with links to each month and suggestions on how to use the slides.

New Year New Goals

Let’s get 2021 off to a great start with this engaging, creative, and meaningful digital activity! With this goal setting activity, students reflect on where they have been, where they want to go, and how to get there. 

This is a perfect activity to complete on your first day back from winter break! It will get your students motivated and thinking about what they want to accomplish in school and their personal life.

Product Includes: 

• 4 reflection prompts that encourage students to think and write about what went well last year, their challenges, time wasting habits, and their future best self. 

• 1 writing prompt that guides students in thinking about how they want their best life to look like one year from now. 

• 3 goal setting templates that focus on the GROW goal setting method. For each key area of their life, academics, personal, and relationships, students write a goal, explain their current reality, develop organized steps to help accomplish their goal, and explain how it will feel when they win and reach their goal. 

• 1 vision board template where students create a vision board based on their new goals. Students find images and quotes that relate to their goals and insert them into a Google Slide. 

• Student instructions in the speaker’s notes. 

Download Includes:

• PDF link for 10 colorful and editable Google Slides

• Teacher Instructions

Story Elements Assessment

This 20-question editable multiple choice test will help you determine if your middle school students understand story elements and how to apply them when reading fictional stories. The short story questions resemble a Common Core ELA state assessment. 

The Assessment is split into three sections. 

• Section one covers vocabulary for the 5 story element terms: Character, Conflict, Setting, Theme, and Plot 

• Section two covers the stages of the plot diagram: Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.

• Section three has students apply the elements within three short stories: “The Legend of the Dipper”, an excerpt from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and “The Cabin”

Download Includes:

• Google Docs Version

• Google Forms Version

• PDF Version

• Answer Key

Story Elements Poster Set

This colorful, engaging, and fun poster set will easily help you teach and reinforce the story element vocabulary. This set is perfect for a bulletin board, anchor chart, or as reference material on your digital learning platform.

Download includes Posters for:

• Protagonist

• Antagonist

• Plot

• Setting

• Conflict

• Theme

Frozen Figurative Language Review

Bring some excitement to your figurative language unit with this fun and engaging activity. Students read and analyze the lyrics from the songs in Frozen and then answer multiple choice questions. You can listen to the song or watch the clips to increase engagement!

Download Includes:

• 9 songs with figurative language multiple choice questions.

• Answer Key

• Google Docs or PDF format

Standards Bellringer Series: Story Elements

*ELA Unlimited Exclusive*

Download includes:

• Google Slides Format: 12 colorful and engaging slides where your students can highlight and type their answers.

• 4 Practice Activities:

  • Practice 1: Read a passage and answer questions about theme and character traits.

  • Practice 2: Read a passage and answer 3 multiple choice questions about characters and conflict

  • Practice 3: Read a passage and write your own questions about story elements.

  • Practice 4: Change one element from one of the stories and analyze how it would affect the plot.

• Check in: 10 question check in to assess your student’s understanding of story elements.

  • Vocabulary Section: Students select the correct definition for the story elements vocabulary.

  • Theme application: Students read a short passage and answer a theme related question.

  • Character and Conflict: Students read a short passage and answer questions related to character and conflict.

Purpose of Dialogue Mini Lesson

*ELA Unlimited Exclusive*

Help your students understand the purpose of dialogue with this quick mini lesson.

Download Includes:

1. 10 Google Slides: Notes that explain internal dialogue, outer dialogue, and the three purposes of dialogue (to provoke a decision, propel action, or reveal aspects of a character).

2. Engaging Examples and Practice: Help students understand the purpose of dialogue with three engaging examples. Students watch Script to Screen clips from popular Pixar films and analyze the dialogue to determine the purpose.

Inference & Text Evidence Pre Assessment

Looking for a way to provide differentiation? This 10 question pre-assessment will help you determine what your students know and what they need to work on.

Download Includes:

• 10 Questions Assessment: 2 Vocabulary Questions , 2 Basic Inference Questions, Short Fiction Passage and 3 Related Questions, Informational Text Passage and 3 Related Questions

• Google Forms or PDF format with Answer Key

• Instructions: Break down of how to analyze your student’s results and determine what activities are best for their level (activity suggestions provided).

Do you find yourself constantly needing to explain inference?

Do you need a quick reference chart for question stems and tips related to inference?

This colorful chart is the perfect addition for your classroom!

It includes: Word, Definition, Tips, and Question Stems.

Help your students write quality constructed responses with text evidence by using this structured framework.

The RTQT has been the best framework for my students! They are now writing 4 or more amazing sentences in response to an open-ended question about what they read! It's almost like magic!

This download has everything you need to get your students writing responses that answer the questions and give textual evidence.

Download Includes:

1. Google Slides Mini Lesson: 19 colorful and engaging slides that will guide your students through the RTQT process.

2. Practice Activities: Provides 5 practice slides for restating the question, 1 short story with practice RTQT question, 1 collaboration activity for students to write their own question and answer other group’s questions.

3. Poster: Print and have students glue in their notebook for easy reference.

4. Delivery: PDF with link to Google Slide.

Introduce or review inference and text evidence vocabulary terms with this fun mini lesson.

What’s included:

1. Colorful and engaging Google Slides presentation with Term, Definition, and Explanation: Infer, Analyze, Explicit, Text Evidence, Support.

2. Digital Foldable: Students can follow along and take notes on the Google Slides interactive foldable!

3. Quizizz Link: Practice the terms with this short 5 question Quizizz.

4. Video: Instructional video included.

Links for the activities are included on the instruction sheet.

This year, before we jumped right into inferring based on clues from passages, we did this activity to help make inferences more relevant and engaging - and the students LOVED it!

Mystery Box Station Activity:

1. Put everyday items in tissue boxes.

2. Without looking, students will put their hand in each box.

3. They will use clues and past experiences to make predictions about what is in the box.

4. Afterward, they will come up with a definition for inference based on the activity.

Download Includes:

1. Step by Step Instructions (PDF)

2. Prediction Sheets (PDF)

3. Google Slides Presentation to help manage the stations and reveal of what's in the box

This download includes: Google Slides Presentation

Notes: Defines inference, how to infer, and why we infer.

• Whole Class Activity: This is a set of teacher-led activities that allow students to practicing inferring.

  • Activity 1 &2: Students look at images and infer what the people/animals are thinking based on what is happening.

  • Activity 3: Students read a text message and infer what will happen based on the info in the message.

  • Activity 4: Students read a product review and determine how the reviewer feels about the product and what their rating would be.

• Individual or Group Activity: 5 Quest Cards where students determine inferences based off of short passages

*All PDF downloads and Links to Google Slides

This download includes:

1. Google Slides Presentation: 11 colorful and engaging slides that introduce the concept of text evidence.

2. Notes: Defines and explains text evidence, how to analyze, direct quotation, paraphrase, and summary.

3. Vocabulary Practice: Practice the five terms with Quizziz. Link and instructions included.

4. Whole Class Activity: Work with your class and help them find text evidence to support their inferences using the song “Believer” by Imagine Dragons.

5. Individual or Group Activity: 5 Quest Card activities that have students find text evidence to support inferences about 5 different songs. Lyrics and links to songs included. (Digital and paper version available.)

6. Answer Key and Instructions: Find your instructions, links, and answer key all on one PDF document.

Delivery:

Google Slides Links & PDF Copies

For this activity, I read aloud the story “The Landlady,” and pause at key moments listed on the activity sheet. During these pauses, students talk and infer about the characters, motivations, and actions. After the story, we watch the short movie and students reflect on their inferences.

What's Included:

1. Student Activity Sheet: 12 inference-based questions with text evidence prompts and reflection area.

2. Teacher Instruction Sheet: Step by step instructions with links to the story (if needed) and short film.

PDF download

Since this movie does not have dialogue, it is perfect for students to rely on prior knowledge, music, and actions. The activity sheet included tells students where to pause and write possible inner dialogue. I encourage my students to use first person POV and write dialogue that shows character's feelings and motivations.

My middle school students really love this activity and I think it is helpful with learning HOW to infer.

Download Includes:

1. Student Activity Sheet: Includes pausing spots and areas to write inferences for both characters.

2. Teacher Instructions: Detailed instructions for you. Link to movie included.

All PDF downloads

The 20 Question Test Includes:

1. 4 Term Questions: Covers the definition and importance of inference and reading between the lines.

2. 4 Basic Inference Questions: Students will read a short paragraph and infer based on the details in the paragraph.

3. 5 Inferring Character Trait Questions: Students will read a short paragraph and infer the character trait of main characters based on scenarios and dialogue.

4. 12 Inference Questions based on Mini Passages: Students will read 4 mini passages and answer questions for each one that have students infer about events, character traits, and use text evidence to support an inference.

Google Forms, Google Docs, and PDF version available.

100% editable within the Google versions so you can make it meet the specific needs of your classroom.

Station One: Inferring Based on Images

Students will analyze each of the 5 images carefully based on the image. Students will fill in the chart noting what they See, Infer...Because, and Wonder.

Station Two: Inferring Ratings of Amazon Product Reviews *Classroom Favorite*

Students carefully read the Amazon reviews. Based on the clues from the review, students determine if the review is positive or negative. Then they highlight sentences that helped them determine their inference.

Station Three: Inferring Setting

Students will read each scene carefully. Based on the clues from the paragraph, students will determine the setting. Students highlight sentences that helped them determine their inference.

Station Four: Inferring Character Traits

Students carefully read the short stories. For the first three slides, students determine the character trait of the main character based on the clues.

For the last two activities, students will write their own short stories that require the reader to infer character traits.

Google Slides and PDF Versions available

Figure It Out

If you are looking for a rigorous activity for students who have an understanding of inference, then this lesson is perfect for you!

Students select a character trait and setting from a list and write a short story where the reader has to infer the setting and trait based on the clues given by the author.

After writing the story, students construct their own text evidence and inference based multiple choice questions.

This download includes:

The digital activity: 9 colorful and engaging slides to guide students through the process. There is even an example activity provided!

Formatted PDF: Prefer paper copies? No worries! There is a PDF version of the entire activity available.

Standards Bell Ringer Series: Main Idea, Objective Summary, Theme

*ELA Unlimited Exclusive*

Provide your students with focused practice on main idea, objective summary, and theme with these engaging and rigorous bell ringer activities. They are perfect for providing targeted practice and review in small chunks.

Bell Ringer Activities:

• Practice #1: Students determine if statements are examples of main idea or theme.

• Practice #2: Students read a short passage and complete an objective summary graphic organizer.

• Practice #3: Students read a short fable and answer 4 multiple choice questions about the main idea, objective summary, and theme.

• Practice #4: Students write their own short story that includes a clear theme and write 4 multiple choice questions based on their short story.

• Check In: 10 question assessment that covers vocabulary, understanding the concepts with 2 short passages, and applying the concepts to an excerpt from Growing Up by Gary Soto. 

Download Includes: 

• Link to a Google Slides version

• Link to the Google Form check in

• Formatted PDF versions of the activities and check in

• Answer Key

• Teacher Instructions

Main Idea - Mini Lesson and Activities 

Determining the main idea is a foundational skill for all students. This lesson will help students learn how to write a main idea statement and how to differentiate the main idea from topic, a detail from the text, and theme. The scaffolded activities will guide your students in the understanding of main idea and how to write their own main idea statement based on a passage. 

This Product Includes:

• Google Slides Mini Lesson: 14 slides that explain the main idea, how to write a main idea statement, and how to differentiate the main idea from topic, details, and the theme.  

• Student Notes Sheet: Students use the Frayer Model to take notes on the information in the slides.

• 3 Activities: 3 Interactive practice activities that will guide students in their understanding of the main idea.

• Instructional Video: Video where I walk students through the slides and help them gain an understanding of how to find the main idea. 

Download Includes:

• Link to a Google Slides Download (Notes and Student Notes Sheet)

• Link to a YouTube Instructional Video 

• PDF Versions 

• Teacher Instructions

Main Idea: The Quests 

You have done a great job teaching main idea and your students have completed the mini lesson and activities. Now it’s time for students to practice their main idea skills.

The Quests: 

• Quest 1: Students will sort characteristics and examples of main idea, theme, and topic into a chart. This is a drag and drop activity. 

• Quest 2: Students will read a short passage and determine the main idea and theme. They will analyze the differences between the two. 

• Quest 3: Students will analyze the lyrics of a song and complete a main idea graphic organizer. 

• Quest 4: Students will read an excerpt from Elijah of Buxton and complete a main idea graphic organizer.

• Quest 5: Students will read an excerpt from The Unteachables and write their own main idea multiple choice questions. 

Download Includes:

• Link to a Google Slides Download 

• Link to excerpts 

• PDF Versions 

• Teacher Instructions

Theme Mini Lesson: Notes and Activities

Your students have probably been studying theme since 1st grade. By the time they get to middle school, they need to dive a little deeper into this concept. This lesson will review theme and help students further explore this topic.

This Download Includes:

1. Google Slides Notes: 9 creative and colorful slides that cover theme, 3 steps to identify theme, and how theme relates to plot.

2. Quizizz Practice: Review the notes with an engaging Quizizz review.

3. Whole Class Activity: Watch a short film and apply the 3 steps in order to identify the theme of the movie.

4. Instructional Video of the notes to guide students in understanding.

Theme Quest Activities

Provide your students with the opportunity to practice determining the theme with these 5 quests!

For each quest, students will:

• Read a short passage and determine the theme.

• Relate each theme to their life.

• Write their own short passage that has the same theme.

Download Includes:

• Link to a Google Slides Download 

• Link to excerpts 

• PDF Versions 

• Teacher Instructions

Main Idea and Theme Assessment

Test your student’s understanding of main idea and theme with this thorough 20-question assessment that covers vocabulary, understanding the concept, and applying the concept.

Assessment Components: 

• Vocabulary: 5 questions covering main idea, theme, detail, topic, and the difference between main idea and theme.

• Understanding: 6 questions where students are given an example and they have to determine if it is most likely the theme, main idea, or topic. 

• Applying: Students are given 3 passages where they have to determine the main idea, theme, and supporting details. 

Format: Google Docs, Google Forms, PDF

Download Includes:

• Link to a Google Forms Version

• Link to Google Docs Version

• PDF of the assessment

• PDF of the passages

• Answer Key

• Teacher Instructions

Objective Summary Mini Lesson

This RL 2 standard is a heavy one, isn't it? Theme, central idea, and objective summary. Where students have been doing theme and central idea for several years, I have found a lot of my middle school students have no idea what an objective summary is. This mini lesson helps to introduce the concept and give them some practice with identifying and writing an objective summary.

The Product Includes:

1. Google Slides Presentation: 10 creative and colorful slides that will help your students understand the basics of objective summary.

2. Vocabulary and Definitions: Introduces and explains - Objective, Summary, Opinion, and Judgement. It gives the students a three step process for writing an objective summary and there is also a Quizizz vocabulary practice embedded into the slides!

3. Whole Class Practice Article: Analyze the song “Travelin' Soldier” together. As a class, write a non-objective summary and an objective summary. (This activity really helps students start to understand what an objective summary is.)

Download Includes:

• Link to a Google Slides Download (Notes and Student Notes Sheet)

• Link to a YouTube Instructional Video 

• PDF Versions 

• Teacher Instructions

Objective Summary Activity Quest Pack

These engaging and creative quests can be used independently or with a partner. Students will read the original short story, “The Princess and the Pea: A Modern Fairy Tale,” and follow the quest activities. Quest activities can be completed digitally on the google slides or on paper.

• Quest 1: Identify characters, their traits, and write your opinion.

• Quest 2: Determine the important events of the story.

• Quest 3: Analyze an incorrect objective summary.

• Quest 4: Write an objective summary of the short story.

• Quest 5: Write a multiple choice question about objective summary.

Download Includes:

• Link to a Google Slides Download 

• Short Story-The Princess and the Pea: A Modern Fairy Tale

• PDF Versions 

• Teacher Instructions

This is a great hands on activity that will help your students explore the central idea of informational text.

Pair it with your favorite informational text for a great station rotation activity!

Download Includes:

• 4 Question Cards that explore central idea, details supporting central idea, using central idea to write an objective summary, how the author develops central idea.

• 2 blank cards for students to practice writing their own multiple choice central idea question.

• Teacher Instructions

If you are looking for something that works with your amazing interactive notebooks, then this is your activity! The cute and functional foldable provides students the opportunity to determine the central ideas of each section.

This Download Includes:

• 2-sided printable that gives students practice with finding the central idea of each section and backing it up with text evidence.

• Teacher Instructions

Story Elements Poster Set

This colorful, engaging, and fun poster set will easily help you teach and reinforce the story element vocabulary. This set is perfect for a bulletin board, anchor chart, or as reference material on your digital learning platform.

Download includes Posters for:

• Protagonist

• Antagonist

• Plot

• Setting

• Conflict

• Theme

Plot Diagram Poster Set

These colorful and easy to print posters are a perfect addition to your classroom decor!

You can also put them on your digital learning platform as a reference.

Download Includes:

• 6 Colorful Posters with definitions

Story Elements Pre-Assessment *ELA Unlimited Exclusive*

Looking for a way to provide differentiation? This 20 question pre-assessment will help you determine what your students know and what they need to work on.

Download Includes:

• 20 Question Assessment: 5 Vocabulary Questions, 5 Plot Diagram Questions, 10 Applying the Elements Questions based on a Short Story

• Google Forms or PDF Format with Answer Key

• Instructions: Break down of how to analyze your student’s results and determine what activities are best for their level.

What's Included in This Download:

1. Updated Google Slides Presentation: 11 creative and colorful slides that will help your students understand the plot structure.

2. Vocabulary and Definitions: Introduces and explains - plot diagram, exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. There is also a Quizizz vocabulary practice embedded into the slides!

3. NEW! YouTube Video: Need a digital option for your students? No worries! There is a link to a video version of the notes.

4. Whole Class Practice: Watch a short movie, examine the plot, and explain what happens in each section of the plot diagram.

5. Student Practice: This can be used independently or with a partner. Students will read the short story, “When the Clouds Roll In,” and follow the quest activities. Quest activities can be completed digitally on the Google slides or on paper.

6. Answer Key and Instructions: Find your instructions, links, and answer key all on one PDF document.

Delivery: Google Slides Links, PDF Copies

After you take notes and are in the process of learning all about plot, wouldn't it be great if you had a visual reminder of what they've learned?

With this product, you can give an introduction or quick review of the plot diagram, and then print the posters out to create a colorful classroom display your students can reference throughout the unit.

Download Includes:

1. Google Slides Notes Presentation On: Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Each slide gives the key word and explanation.

2. Printable Foldable for your students to take notes. Perfect for interactive notebooks!

3. PDFs Files for easy printing.

4. The Original Black and White Posters

Looking for a fast and fun way to teach and introduce CONFLICT TYPES to your middle school students? This is it!

This product is a great way to introduce the six types of conflict found in literature and give them quality practice in identifying the conflict types and applying their knowledge.

This Download Includes:

1. Google Slides Notes: Definitions and examples for- Internal Conflict, External Conflict, Character vs. Man, Character vs Self, Character vs Society, Character vs. Nature, Character vs. Technology, Character vs. Supernatural. Interactive elements are included to encourage collaboration and thinking!

2. Youtube Video: Need a digital option for your students? No worries! There is a link to a video version of the notes.

3. Whole Class Activity: Students are shown clips from movies and they have to determine what type of conflict is represented.

4. Updated Digital Quest Activities: Students will read paragraphs and determine the type of conflict. Then they complete activities to extend their knowledge.

Delivery: Google Slides and Docs. PDF versions also available

Updated Story Elements Mini Lesson

Y’all! I am super excited about this updated mini lesson! It is perfect for distance/remote learning, but it also works for a direct instruction as well.

This download is a great way to introduce the key terms associated with story elements, and give them quality practice in constructing and deconstructing story elements.

This Download Includes:

1. Google Slides Notes: Definitions for Character, Setting, Plot, Conflict, and Theme. NEW! Notes are included about how to analyze how story elements interact.

2. NEW! Quizizz Link: Provide Students with a fun way to practice their vocabulary words they just learned.

3. NEW! Youtube Video: Need a digital option for your students? No worries! There is a link to a video version of the notes.

4. Whole Class Activity: Students are given a picture and they will brainstorm possible story element components as a class. Then, as a class or group, students will write a Flash Story.

5. NEW! Digital Quest Activities: Students will read the Grimm Brothers’ version of Cinderella and complete 5 digital quest activities. Not only will they identify the story elements, they will practice applying how story elements interact.

Delivery: Google Slides and Docs. PDF versions also available

How Story Elements Interact: The What If Activity (UPDATED)

This 3 step digital activity is a great introduction and a way to get students to think about how elements interact and work together.

Focus Area #1: Impact of Setting

Focus Area #3: Impact of POV

Focus Area #3: Impact of PLOT

Activity:

Students brainstorm favorite movies, books, and stories you've read as a class.

Students will brainstorm how the story would change if the focus element (setting, POV, or Plot) was different.

For each focus area, students participate in a 5 minute power write where they focus on one change from the brainstorm sheet and describe HOW that one difference would impact the overall story.

This activity is designed as an introduction to get students to understand that an author creates the elements so they will work together and influence each other.

Story Elements Graphic Organizer

This is a single-page graphic organizer is great for helping students organize story details. Students have to list characters, setting, conflict, theme and the stages of the plot.

• Digital and PDF Version Available

• Use with any story!

This packed download includes:

1. Plot Diagram Google Slides Notes: Definitions for Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, & Resolution

2. Project Group Expectation Sheet: Allows for students to keep track of roles, requirements, and due dates.

3. Planning & Organizing Sheets: Detailed planning guides to help students organize their stories. This is where they really apply and demonstrate their knowledge of the plot diagram. This can be completed on Google Slides or printed for paper pencil options.

4. Storyboard Printable: This one page document allows groups the opportunities to organize the flow of their story.

5. Teacher Instruction Sheet: Links and detailed instructions on how to plan for and implement this project.

6. Products are PDFs and Linked to Google Slides (google slides can be edited to fit the needs of your classroom!)

Purpose of Dialogue Mini Lesson

*ELA Unlimited Exclusive*

Help your students understand the purpose of dialogue with this quick mini lesson.

Download Includes:

1. 10 Google Slides: Notes that explains internal dialogue, outer dialogue, and the three purposes of dialogue (to provoke a decision, propel action, or reveal aspects of a character)

2. Engaging Examples and Practice: Help students understand the purpose of dialogue with three engaging examples. Students watch Script to Screen clips from of popular Pixar films and analyze the dialogue to determine the purpose.

Dialogue Graphic Organizer

*ELA Unlimited Exclusive*

This versatile graphic organizer will help students understand RL 3: Analyze how particular lines of dialogue or incidents in a story or drama propel the action, reveal aspects of a character, or provoke a decision.

Three formats available: Google Slides, Google Docs, or PDF

Standards Bellringer Series: Story Elements

*ELA Unlimited Exclusive*

Download includes:

• Google Slides Format: 12 colorful and engaging slides where your students can highlight and type their answers.

• 4 Practice Activities:

  • Practice 1: Read a passage and answer questions about theme and character traits.

  • Practice 2: Read a passage and answer 3 multiple choice questions about characters and conflict

  • Practice 3: Read a passage and write your own questions about story elements.

  • Practice 4: Change one element from one of the stories and analyze how it would affect the plot.

• Check in: 10 question check in to assess your student’s understanding of story elements.

  • Vocabulary Section: Students select the correct definition for the story elements vocabulary.

  • Theme application: Students read a short passage and answer a theme related question.

  • Character and Conflict: Students read a short passage and answer questions related to character and conflict.

Story Elements Assessment

This 20-question editable multiple choice test will help you determine if your middle school students understand story elements and how to apply them when reading fictional stories. The short story questions resemble a Common Core ELA state assessment. 

The Assessment is split into three sections. 

• Section one covers vocabulary for the 5 story element terms: Character, Conflict, Setting, Theme, and Plot 

• Section two covers the stages of the plot diagram: Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.

• Section three has students apply the elements within three short stories: “The Legend of the Dipper”, an excerpt from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and “The Cabin”

Download Includes:

• Google Docs Version

• Google Forms Version

• PDF Version

• Answer Key

Figurative Language Posters

9 colorful posters to help your students learn and understand common figurative language posters.

• Posters Include: Onomatopoeia, Simile, Metaphor, Personification, Alliteration, Allusion, Idiom, Imagery, and Hyperbole.

• Each poster has the term, definition, and example.

Figurative Language Pre Assessment

*ELA Unlimited Exclusive*

Looking for a way to provide differentiation? This 20 question pre-assessment will help you determine what your students know and what they need to work on.

Download Includes:

• 20 Question Assessment: 9 Matching, 11 Identification

• Google Forms or PDF Format with Answer Key

• Instructions: Break down of how to analyze your student’s results and determine what activities are best for their level (activity suggestions provided)

Students are given a time limit and go on a scavenger hunt for the best videos on Youtube that describe: Personification, Metaphor, Simile, Hyperbole, Alliteration, Onomatopoeia, Imagery, and Symbolism.

When they find THE BEST videos, they use it to determine the meaning of the word, an example of how the term is applied, and then they come up with their own definition.

Download Includes: 

1. Printable Youtube Scavenger Hunt Cards

2. Printable Student Sheet that requires students to write the meaning of the terms, describe examples from the videos, and then create their own example based on what they learned.

3. Teacher Instructions

4. All PDF downloads

*Bonus* Make Youtube Style Video Project for ALL of the figurative language terms with Rubric

UPDATED Figurative Language Terms Mini Lesson

With this mini lesson, you will teach your middle school students the basics of figurative language. 

What's Included:

1. Google Slides Presentation: 20 creative and colorful slides that will help your students understand the basics 9 figurative language terms

2. Vocabulary and Definitions: Introduces and explains- Simile, Metaphor, Personification, Hyperbole, Allusion, Idiom, Alliteration, Onomatopoeia, and Imagery

3. Practice Activity: Students practice matching the terms with the correct definition and examples with an interactive drag and drop Google Slides.

4. Student Practice: This can be used independently or with a partner. Quest activities can be completed digitally on the google slides or on paper.

• Quest 1: Simile or Not

• Quest 2: Using Imagery to Transform Boring Sentences

• Quest 3: Writing dialogue to explain an idiom

• Quest 4: Writing creative hyperboles

• Quest 5: Matching Allusions

5. Answer Key and Instructions: Find your instructions, links, and answer key all on one PDF document.

Building a Foundation

You have taught the terms. Now it is time for your students to practice!

This 10 question worksheet provides students with the practice they need to. make sure they understand the basics of figurative language.

Worksheet includes:

• 8 Identification Questions: Students are given a sentence and they identify the type of figurative language used. They also have to explain how they know it is that figurative language.

• 2 Digging Deeper Questions: Students analyze the mood of one question and identify words that have positive and negative connotation.

Digital Google Docs and PDF Version Available.

Figurative Language Review Game:

ELA UNLIMITED EXCLUSIVE!

*Click the video to watch the game in action*

This fun and engaging Google Slide game is the perfect way to review figurative language terms.

Each level contains a self grading 3 question practice where students will read a sentence and determine the type of figurative language used.

On the final level, students will take a self grading 10 question quiz.

There is also a bonus round where students have to determine the meaning of the figurative statements!

Students can keep up with their coins and points on the point board! It is fun way to practice

The download is a PDF with all of the links for the gameboard, practice questions, quiz, and bonus round.

Determining Meaning

Your students know the terms. Now it’s time for them to dig a little deeper and determine the meaning of figurative statements.

Worksheet includes:

• 12 Statements : Students are given figurative statements, lines from songs, and stanzas from poems to use as practice for determining meaning.

Digital Google Docs and PDF Version Available.

You will call out a type of figurative language like personification and students will have to determine the which sentence on their individual 16 square board matches the term you called out. It's perfect for review!

Terms Included: Simile, Metaphor, Personification, Onomatopoeia, Hyperbole, Alliteration, Idiom

This download Includes:

1. 30 game boards (3 sets of 10 so students can switch boards and play more!) 16 sentences on each board are a mixture of the terms listed above.

2. Answers on each game board are mixed and random!

3. Caller Figurative Language Cards

4. Answer Key

5. Blank BINGO board so students can make their own for an extension activity

6. Teacher Instructions

   Delivery: PDF Documents

Station One:

• Students will determine the meaning of 6 figurative language statements.

• To help them with the process a Thinking Sheet is included that guides students to answer: What stands out to you, what is the author comparing. what point is the author making, and how can you related it to your life.

Station Two:

• Students will determine the impact of figurative language within 3 poems.

• To help them with the process a Thinking Sheet is included that guides students to locate the figurative language in the poem, identify the type, determine what the author is comparing or highlighting, the meaning of the figurative language, and the overall meaning of the poem.

• Students will rewrite the poem using literal language

• Students will then compare the two to determine the impact of the figurative language.

Station Three:

• Students will rewrite common and cliched similes to make them more interesting.

• To help them with the process a Thinking Sheet is included that guides students in determining what is being compared, what the connection is between the two items, the meaning, and how they have experienced something similar.

Included in this download:

Student foldables for each station, Student thinking/brainstorming sheets for each station, Station Instructions, Teacher Instructions

Steps for the Activity:

• Give each group a set of the figurative language cards (separated into envelopes)

• Give each group one creative writing story prompt

• Every three minutes, students open an envelope to find out what type of figurative language they need to incorporate into their story. This part is super fun because they do not know what type of Figurative language they are going to need to incorporate until they open the envelope. It requires them to really think and apply what they know about the purpose of figurative language.

This Engaging and Rigorous Download Includes:

1. 8 Figurative Language Cards: Hyperbole, Simile, Metaphor, Personification, Imagery, Allusion, Onomatopoeia, & Alliteration. Each card includes the word, definition, and an example.

2. 8 Story Starter Prompts: You can do this activity as a station rotation, or each group gets a different story prompt. The prompts are reproducible worksheets that allow room for students to write.

3. Teacher Instructions

All documents are PDF downloads.

Figurativegram

Help your students make figurative language relevant with this engaging digital activity!

In true Instagram style, students will ‘post’ images to their feed. Students will use figurative language in the caption to describe what’s happening in the image.

It’s fun, engaging, and encourages creativity!

Download Includes:

• Google Slide Template: Student instructions, Profile page, and templates for 10 posts.

• Teacher Instructions

• PDF copies

What's Included:

1. Google Slides Presentation: 10 creative and colorful slides that will help your students understand the basics of connotation and denotation

2. Vocabulary and Definitions: Introduces and explains- Figurative , Literal, Connotation, Denotation. There is also a Quizziz vocabulary practice embedded into the slides!

3. Whole Class Practice Article: Determine how a word is used with a positive or negative connotation compared to its denotation and write correlating sentences. (Answer key Included)

4. Student Practice: This can be used independently or with a partner. Quest activities can be completed digitally on the google slides or on paper.

• Quest 1: Positive and Negative Connotation Activity

• Quest 2: Applying Connotative Understanding to determine author's attitude

• Quest 3: Changing neutral sentences to positive and negative by changing one word.

• Quest 4: Writing about impressions of sports teams based on their team name.

• Quest 5: Personality graphic organizer with short story writing activity.

5. Answer Key and Instructions: Find your instructions, links, and answer key all on one PDF document.

Delivery: Google Slides Links, PDF Copies

What's Included:

1. Google Slides Presentation: 14 creative and colorful slides that will help your students understand the basics of tone and mood.

2. Vocabulary and Definitions: Introduces and explains- tone and mood. There is also a Quizziz vocabulary practice embedded into the slides!

3. Whole Class Practice: Several practice activities for tone and mood techniques along with 3 movie clips that students can use to practice identifying tone and mood. (Answer key Included)

4. Student Practice: This can be used independently or with a partner. Students will look the picture provided and determine a mood. Then, they will write a short story based off of the picture that conveys the mood. The 5 Quest activities can be completed digitally on the google slides or on paper.

5. Answer Key and Instructions: Find your instructions, links, and answer key all on one PDF document.

*BONUS: Cute Mood and Tone Printable Word List. 30 positive and negative words students can use to describe the mood and tone.

Delivery: Google Slides Links PDF Copies

Glowing Movie Review

This activity will help your students understand and explore WHY figurative language is important.

For this activity students select one of their favorite movies.

Then, they will create a movie poster with the focus on the use of hyperboles to draw people in.

Finally, students will write a movie review that uses figurative language as a tool to get others excited about seeing the movie.

What’s Included:

• Google Slides Activity Slides

• PDF Copies

Analyzing Song Lyrics

Help students understand the purpose of figurative language with this fun, engaging, and relevant activity.

Students pick their favorite songs and analyze the figurative language in the lyrics with four digital activities.

Download Includes:

• Google Slides Activity Sheets: 4 activity sheets that will guide students as they analyze lyrics for meaning, purpose, mood and tone.

• PDF Versions

Standards Bellringer Series: Figurative Language

*ELA UNLIMITED EXCLUSIVE*

These activities are great for providing focused practice and review in small chunks.

Download includes:

• Google Slides Format: 11 colorful and engaging slides where your students can highlight and type their answers.

• 4 Practice Activities:

  • Practice 1: Identifying types of figurative language.

  • Practice 2: Determining meaning of figurative language.

  • Practice 3: Read a passage and answer 4 figurative language multiple choice questions.

  • Practice 4: Write your own passage that includes a simile, metaphor, hyperbole and either alliteration, onomatopoeia, or personification. Then write 4 multiple choice figurative language questions based on the passage.

• Check in: 10 question check in to assess your student’s ability to infer and find relevant text evidence.

  • Section 1: Identify types of figurative language

  • Section 2: Determine meaning of figurative statements

 Terms/Concepts Covered: Metaphor, Alliteration, Simile, Personification, Idiom, Onomatopoeia, Allusion, Hyperbole, Imagery

33 Question Multiple Choice Assessment Includes:

Identification: 9 questions determining the correct definition for each of the terms listed above. 3 questions determining the type of figurative language used in a sentence.

Purpose: 6 questions determining author's purpose of: (1) Figurative language, (2) similes & metaphors, (3) Allusion, (4) Hyperbole, (5) Alliteration, (6) Personification

Understanding: 7 questions that require students to analyze lyrics from popular songs in order to demonstrate understanding of figurative meaning. 

Applying: 8 questions based off the poem Still I Rise by Maya Angelou (poem included)

Questions cover: central theme, purpose of figurative language, demonstrating understanding of figurative statements, and connotation. 

Included in download: PDF Version of the Test, Link to Google Docs Version of the Test (editable), Link to Google Form (editable) Version of the Test (editable), Printable copy of Maya Angelou's Still I Rise Poem, Answer Key

This Download Includes:

1. Google Slides Guide: Step by Step instructions for you and your students. Speaker notes are included to help you facilitate the pre-reading activities and seminar.

2. Pre-reading Activities: Help students build prior knowledge with an author video with foldable and key vocabulary.

3. Poem: Reproducible poem with annotating space for students.

4. Discussion Questions: 10 thought provoking discussion questions that are designed to encourage discussion and analysis of the poem. Writing prompt is also included to help the students add relevancy by relating the poem to their life.

5. Detailed Instructions: Detailed instructions to guide you through a successful seminar process.

6. Answer Key

All PDF downloads. Link to Google Slides is in the instructions.

The graphic organizers in this product will help you students start to read with a purpose, and get them thinking about how to break informational text down. Doing this is the first step to getting your students to understand author's purpose.

This download includes:

1. 5 Graphic Organizers: Help students understand and break apart informational text with Sequence, Problem/solution, Cause/Effect, Description, and Compare/Contrast graphic organizers. They can be used with your favorite informational text throughout the year.

2. Text Structure Assessment/Practice: 5 original short informational text paragraphs for students to read and analyze to determine how the text is structured. They will respond on the one page Graphic Organizer Answer Sheet. Answer key included.

Products are PDF downloads

This download includes:

1. Google Slides Presentation: This google slides presentation is animated to help you guide and fully control the lesson. The notes gives definitions and examples for: Stanza, Repetition, Rhyme, Rhyme Scheme, Line Breaks. Speaker notes are also included to help you make the most of the mini lesson.

2. Interactive Notebook Foldable: Printable foldable for your students to take notes while you are teaching. The rhyme scheme examples are also included to give students hands on practice while going over the concept as a class.

3. Individual or Group Activity: 5 Quest Cards where students will gain practice with identifying and applying structure elements.

• Quest 1: Identifying Stanzas and Analyzing the purpose

• Quest 2: Identifying Rhyme Scheme

• Quest 3: Analyzing the Purpose of Line Breaks

• Quest 4: Analyzing the Effect of Repetition

• Quest 5: Putting it all together.

*All PDF downloads, Link to google slides is included in the instructions.

This download includes:

1. Poetry Type Notes: Gives definitions and characteristics of Sonnets, Limericks, Free Verse, Narrative, Couplet, Haiku. Interactive notebook foldable is also included!

2. 12 Poems: Poems are actual examples of the types of poems listed above. They are printed in a frame with an identification number.

3. Detailed Instructions: How to create QR Codes and correlated Google Forms (with pictures since that always helps me!)

4. Please Note: This activity DOES NOT include the QR codes since you have to create ones that match your Google Forms. It does, however, give you step by step instructions on how to do this!

All items are PDF downloads

The Google Slides notes link is included in the directions.

This Download Includes:

1. Google Slides Presentation: Gives definitions, descriptions, and examples for: Sonnet, Limerick, Haiku, Narrative, Ballad, Free Verse, Couplet, & Cinquain. Notes sheet included. There are speaker notes to show how to allow for collaboration

2. Practice Activities:

• Matching/Sorting Activity. Students will match the type of poem to the characteristics.

• Quest 1: Determining the difference between a sonnet and a ballad

• Quest 2: Writing your own limerick based off an image

• Quest 3: Writing a Haiku and a My-Ku (Their own version of a Haiku using a dice to determine the number of syllables in each line)

• Quest 4: Use the same image to write a Couplet and a Cinquain

• Quest 5: Black out the unwanted words to create an original free verse poem.

*All PDF downloads and link to Google Slides {on teacher instruction sheet}

What's Included:

1. Google Slides Presentation: 19 creative and colorful slides that will help your students understand the different types of POV.

2. Vocabulary and Definitions: Introduces and explains- 1st person, 2nd person, and three types of 3rd person POV. There is also a Quizizz vocabulary practice embedded into the slides! 

3. Whole Class Practice: Read through 6 different examples and students determine the type of POV used. (Answer key Included)

4. Student Practice: This can be used independently or with a partner. Quest activities can be completed digitally on the google slides or on paper.

• Quest 1: Determine the type of POV from short paragraphs Quest 2: Determine POV from excerpts of famous books. Quest 3 & 4: Write POV sentences based on a picture Quest 5: Determine the type of 3rd person narration used in 3 paragraphs. Students will the write their own 3rd person POV paragraph given a prompt.

5. Answer Key and Instructions: Find your instructions, links, and answer key all on one PDF document. 

Delivery: Google Slides Links, PDF Copies

What's Included:

1. Google Slides Presentation: 18 creative and colorful slides that will help your students understand the basics of argument and claims.

2. Vocabulary and Definitions: Introduces and explains- Situational, Dramatic, and Verbal Irony There is also a Quizizz vocabulary practice embedded into the slides! 

3. Whole Class Practice: After a turn and talk activity where students work together to determine the differences between the types of irony, read through 6 different examples and students determine the type of irony used. (Answer key Included)

4. Student Practice: This can be used independently or with a partner. Quest activities can be completed digitally on the google slides or on paper.

• Quest 1: Analyze if a situation is irony or coincidence. Quest 2: Identify how 4 different images represents irony Quest 3: Analyzing the song Ironic  Quest 4: Analyzing a newspaper article to determine how irony is represented. Quest 5: Write a text message conversation that represents verbal irony

5. Answer Key and Instructions: Find your instructions, links, and answer key all on one PDF document. 

Delivery: Google Slides Links, PDF Copies

What's Included In This Mini Lesson:

1. Colorful Google Slides Presentation: 16 slides that includes RI 6 Common Core vocabulary (Author's Purpose, Author's Point of View, Analyze, Evidence, Conflicting Evidence)

2. Foldable: Help students keep up with their notes with a vocabulary foldable.

3. Class Activity: Students will work in pairs to read an article about the US penny. They will analyze the article to determine tone, author's purpose, author's point of view, and highlight evidence and conflicting evidence. Answers are included in the slides.

5 Quests:

Quest #1, #2, #3: These activities are designed to get students to practice using the skill of determining author's purpose and point of view by providing prompts to scaffold the ability to analyze an informational text. Links to the NewsELA articles I used with my class are included, however, you can use any informational text with these Quests! Answer Key for this part in not included due to variation of potential articles.

Quest #4, #5: The final two activities are designed to make the concepts relevant. Students will read a scenario and determine which side they are on. They will complete a chart to explain their position and possible conflicting positions and evidence. Next, they will write a point of view sentence to clearly state their opinion. Finally, they will write a paragraph to persuade and inform others. Answer Key for this part in not included due to answers being based on student opinion.

This Download Includes:

1. Google Slides Guide: As you guide your students in the investigation, use these slides to help you stay on track and as a visual tool for displaying instructions.

2. Student Printables: Creative sheets to keep your students engaged in the activity

3. Cross Examination Questions: 8 questions that will help your students deepen their understanding of perspective and point of view and make it relevant for them.

4. Collaboration Ideas: Teacher instructions include ideas and tips to make this activity collaborative and engaging.

5. Teacher instruction sheet: Includes start and end times for the clips, what to say, and how to get your class to go about coming up with the definition for point of view.

Delivery: All downloads are PDFs and There is a link to the Google Slides in the Teacher Instructions

Note: You will need the movie, Hoodwinked for this activity.

This Download Includes:

1. Google Slides: 9 slides to guide your students through the activity. Links to the story and witness statements are embedded in the slide.

2. Original Short Story: 4 page story based on Goldilocks and the Three Bears

3. 5 Witness Statements: First hand accounts of what happened from Papa Bear, Mama Bear, Baby Bear, the Forest Ranger, and Goldilocks. This will help your students with evidence for their opening argument.

4. 6 Step Guide: This Google Slides guide helps your students develop their argument, claim, and reasoning before they write the opening statement. It includes prompts and areas for students to type their responses.

5. Checklist: Google Forms Checklist to help with the editing and revising process.

Delivery: Google Slides, Docs, Forms. PDF versions also available

What's included in this download:

1. Google Slides Presentation: 10 creative and colorful slides that will help your students understand the basics of argument and claims.

2. Vocabulary and Definitions: Introduces and explains- Argument, Claim, Counterclaim, relevant evidence, and conflicting evidence. There is also a Quizziz vocabulary practice embedded into the slides!

3. Whole Class Practice Article: Read the article, The Penny Should Be Eliminated, together. The Google slides will guide you through how to model how to analyze the text for word choice, claim, counterclaim, and evidence. (Answer key Included)

4. Student Practice: This can be used independently or with a partner. Students will read the article, Show Them The Money, and follow the quest activities. Quest activities can be completed digitally on the google slides or on paper.

• Quest 1: Analyzing the article for positive and negative words

• Quest 2: Determine the author's claim and how it was developed

• Quest 3: Determining the author's reasons for their claim.

• Quest 4: Analyzing the counterclaim

• Quest 5: Determining if the overall article was effective.

5. Answer Key and Instructions: Find your instructions, links, and answer key all on one PDF document.

Delivery: Google Slides Links, PDF Copies

PERSONAL NARRATIVE WRITING UNIT - PART ONE: BUILDING AN UNDERSTANDING 

This engaging and interactive Google Slide activity will help your students understand the basics of a personal narrative and guide them in the process of discovering their personal stories. 

The Product Includes:

5 Colorful, engaging, and interactive Google Slides 

• 3 slides that define and explain personal narratives.

• 1 interactive slide where students work in partners to explore their stories while playing The Dice Game.

• 1 interactive slide that provides students with quick write sentence starters to help them understand they share stories on a daily basis. 

Download Includes:

• Google Slides Version

• Google Docs Version

• PDF Version

• Teacher Instructions

Personal Narrative Writing Unit - Part Two: Characteristics 

Help your students understand the structure of personal narratives and engagement techniques with this set of notes and activities. 

The Product Includes:

5 colorful, engaging, and interactive Google Slides 

• 3 notes slides: Characteristics of a personal narrative, how to structure a personal narrative, and 3 ways to increase reader engagement.

• 1 practice slide: Students determine the structure of a short film.

• 1 practice slide. Students analyze a speech for engagement techniques.

Download Includes:

• PDF with Link to Google Slides Download

• Teacher Instructions

Personal Narrative Writing Unit - Analyzing Mentor Texts: Lyrics

Sometimes it’s easier to start with a song! With this activity, students analyze three narrative songs for elements, structure, and technique. 

This Product Includes: 

• Lyrics for 3 narrative songs

• 3 analytical questions for each song

• Links to each song

Download Includes:

• Google Docs Format

• PDF Format

• Teacher Instructions

Personal Narrative Writing Unit - Analyzing Mentor Texts: Stories 

Students will read 3 stories that have some of the qualities that are expected when they write their own narrative. With the guiding questions, students can identify and pull out the key elements they will also need to include in their stories. 

This Product Includes: 

• Links for 3 short stories: “Owl Moon,” “ Eleven,” and “The Jacket”

• Guiding questions for each story

• Answer Key

Download Includes:

• Google Docs Format

• PDF Format

• Teacher Instructions

BUILDING YOUR STORY PROJECT

Students will complete the slides in order to understand their life is made up of many different stories. 

The Product Includes:

10 Google Slides templates

• 4 Artifact slides where students explain the importance and meaning of 4 special objects. 

• 3 People slides where students explain the influence of 3 important people. 

• 2 Challenge slides where students explain 2 challenges or struggles they have faced and how they have impacted them.

• 1 This is Me slide where students explain what makes them unique. 

Download Includes:

• Google Slides Version

• Teacher Instructions

Personal Narrative Writing Unit - The Writing Process

Students understand the concept of a personal narrative, so now it is time for students to write their own stories! This pack of activities will guide you and your students through the process.

The Product Includes:

• Topics for Personal Narratives Worksheet: This worksheet lists 12 possible topics for students to use for their personal narrative. In addition, students can start narrowing down and exploring their favorite topics in Part Two. 

• Personal Narrative Graphic Organizer: This tool will help your students organize their thoughts and ideas before they start writing the rough draft.

• Personal Narrative Tip Sheet: Before students write, provide them with this tip sheet to keep them focused, on track, and aligned with your expectations. 

• Personal Narrative Writing Rubric: Make grading easy with this rubric. It lists the 10 major expectations for the personal narrative essay and grades it for you with a simple click of a button! 

Download Includes:

• Link to a Google Docs Download (Topics Worksheet and Tip Sheet)

• Link to a Google Slides Download (Graphic Organizer)

• Link to a Google Sheets Download (The Writing Rubric)

• PDF Versions 

• Teacher Instructions

Student Writing Tools - Editing and Revising

Before students hand in their final copy, they will need to go through the final stages of the writing process, revising and editing.

This Product Include:

• Revision Stations: Students will work through 4 stations to help students with the revision process.

• Editing Checklist: 5 section checklist that encourages students to do a final check of their writing. 

Download Includes:

• Link to a Google Slides Download (Revision Stations)

• Link to a Google Sheets Download (The Writing Rubric)

• PDF Versions 

• Teacher Instructions

Do you need journal prompts that require your students to dive deep and really think about their responses? Do you want to give them the option to complete journaling activities online? Then this is for you and your students.

This Download Includes:

1. Journal Prompts: 30 prompts that require students to think and write.

2. Student Instruction Sheet and Guide

3. Google Docs Version for each prompt.

4. PDF Printables for students and classrooms who prefer paper and pencil

5. Table that includes a list of all the prompts and video links in one spot

6. Complete one a week for a year long activity!

Engage your students with this rigorous and relevant research project!

This 8 Week Unit Plan is modeled after the Google 20% project and Genius Hour.

Download Includes:
*Project at a Glance, outline, and student worksheets.
*8 weeks of step by step/day by day activities to help students develop an interest based research project.

Week 1: Plan, develop idea & research question
Week 2: Proposal Presentation
Week 3-6: Working towards an answer, developing idea, blogging (with steps and instructions about how to set up the blog!)
Week 7: Preparing Presentation
Week 8: Reflection and Parent Presentation

This Easy to Use Download Includes:

*Student Expectation Sheet
*Compare & Contrast Chart
*Compare & Contrast Fill in the Blank Outline
*Writing Space for Rough Draft
*Peer Editing Guide Worksheet
*Writing Space for Final Copy

I used this guide with my middle school students to help them with structuring their essays comparing the novel, Hunger Games to the movie. It was a great tool for my classroom!

New Year New Goals

Let’s get 2021 off to a great start with this engaging, creative, and meaningful digital activity! With this goal setting activity, students reflect on where they have been, where they want to go, and how to get there. 

This is a perfect activity to complete on your first day back from winter break! It will get your students motivated and thinking about what they want to accomplish in school and their personal life.

Product Includes: 

• 4 reflection prompts that encourage students to think and write about what went well last year, their challenges, time wasting habits, and their future best self. 

• 1 writing prompt that guides students in thinking about how they want their best life to look like one year from now. 

• 3 goal setting templates that focus on the GROW goal setting method. For each key area of their life, academics, personal, and relationships, students write a goal, explain their current reality, develop organized steps to help accomplish their goal, and explain how it will feel when they win and reach their goal. 

• 1 vision board template where students create a vision board based on their new goals. Students find images and quotes that relate to their goals and insert them into a Google Slide. 

• Student instructions in the speaker’s notes. 

Download Includes:

• PDF Link for 10 colorful and editable Google Slides

• Teacher Instructions

Growth Mindset: Complete Capsule

Help students learn the power of their mindset and how to cultivate a growth mindset.

This capsule includes:

• 5 Journal Questions: These are designed to be beginning of class activities. They help students  apply and understand growth mindset. (Google Docs)

• Vocabulary Practice:

  • 7 words, definitions, and examples to help students understand growth mindset: Diligence, Grit, Determination, Malleable, Resilience, Optimistic (Google Slide)

  • Activity: Students come up with a synonym, antonym, and insert and image that relates to each vocabulary word. (Google Doc)

  • Check In: Students write about a time they, or someone they know, demonstrated the vocabulary word. (Google Form)

• Notes & Activities: 5 activities to help students develop an understanding of growth mindset.

  • Sorting Activity, Growth Mindset Notes, Growth Mindset Article, Motivational Message, Discussion Groups

• 5 Exit Tickets: Wrap up the concepts taught each day with a Google Form response question.

In years past, I would have students write goals maybe once or twice a school year. We would write them, be super motivated for 2.5 days, and then promptly forget about them when the days start ticking by.

I mean, I don’t eat ONE salad and run ONE 5K and expect results. Why would we write and review goals ONE time?!

If you’re reading this, I know you’re an AMAZING teacher. You WANT your students to succeed, to EXCEED their goals, to be the better then they could have ever imagined.

How can this happen? By reviewing, writing, and planning how to reach goals EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.

Just a 5 minute review as a pre-bellinger is all it takes to make goals meaningful and achievable.

This download includes...

Cover Sheet for Student Notebook

36 Week At a Glance Sheets with different motivational quotes. This is designed to help students Organize their week. {One for each week of school!}

36 Weekly Goal Focus Sheets with prompts for Goal Writing, WHY it’s a goal, Steps to achieve the goal, and Weekly Quote Reflection.

Daily Focus Sheets designed to help students stay focused on their goals every day.

.Progress Monitoring Graph so students can visually see their overall grade INCREASING as they reach their goals.

Learn all about your students with this creative and engaging digital activity!

Students will create photo collages all about their interests, friends & family, favorite things, and aspirations (5 templates total)

In addition, students are provided with a template to write a This is Me Poem to go along with the images.

Detailed instructions are included.

Product is a Google Drive direct download

If you are looking for a fun way to motivate and engage your middle school students, then this is the download for you! This is a complete guide to 3 incentives that can be used immediately in your classroom with minimal prep for you! For more on these incentives,click here to read exactly how I implement these incentives in my 8th grade classroom.

Incentive #1: Tickets

Complete & detailed description of how I use the ticket system in my classroom.

Incentive #2: Brain Bucks 

Complete & detailed description of how I use Brain Bucks in my classroom.

Printable Brain Bucks for you to use in your classroom (editable!)

Detailed instructions on how to add your Bitmoji in order to customize your Brain Bucks. 

Incentive #3: In Living Color

Complete & detailed description of how I use the poster in my classroom.

Printable Poster for you to use in your classroom (editable to fit your specific needs!)

Products are all digital downloads, PDF

Google Slides and Docs Links Included (for editing purposes)

Conversation journals are a great way to connect with your students and build a strong relationship with them! In addition, students work on writing and communication skills. Added bonus: It's all digital! That means no lugging journals around! 

How it works:

• Students write a letter to you at least once a week. In order to get the ball rolling, I have included 10 prompts.

• You respond to their writing within the week.

• Then the student will respond back to you developing a conversation. 

Instructions and 10 prompts included

Google Docs format

It is important that we start building relationships with our students from day one. We need to get to know them- what makes them tick, what life experiences they’ve had, and what challenges they might be facing.

One way to get the ball rolling is to provide your students with a questionnaire that asks questions like, If you could choose one famous person to drive you to school everyday, who would it be and why? and If you were given a crystal ball that could tell you the truth about one thing, what would you ask it?

This download Includes:

• 20 Engaging and Creative Questions: These questions are designed to get your students really thinking about their interests and life.

• Different Formats: Are you distance learning? What a tech option? Then this activity was designed for you! There is a Google Form, Google Doc, and PDF version to meet all of your needs.

• Editable: What to remove or add questions? No problem! The Google Docs and Forms version is completely editable!

You are a great teacher (that's why you're checking out products related to building relationships) and you know how important it is to spend time getting to know WHO your students are before you jump head first into content.

This bundle will help you build and start to form those relationships from day 1!

What's Included:

1. Alpha Autobiographies: All this super simple activity has them do is think of something for each letter of the alphabet that represents something about them. Even though it’s simple, this one activity gives me 26 facts about each of my students, so that’s 26 opportunities to make a connection with them. Click on the link for a more detailed description of the product.

2. All About Me One Pager: One Pagers are a visual and written expression about a subject that is contained to one page. In order to make it more structured for your students, and to get quality information out of it, a guideline template is included for them!. Students will use the template as a guide to visually represent: Their name, favorite quote, favorite things to do, the history of their name (or the meaning), where they see themselves in 10 years, and words that describe them. When these are completed, they make great bulletin board displays! 

3. Bottle Flip Question Game: This is a fast paced partner game where students get to flip water bottles Dude Perfect style while asking each other get to know you questions. I love walking around and hearing the answers to the random questions like, What animal best represents your dance moves, If you could ask your pet one question, what would it be, and what words of wisdom would you pass on to someone younger than you? 

4. Teach the Teacher: This activity really lets your students shine and show off their amazing talents! Students give a 3-5 minute presentation about something they are interested in (I’ve had everything from learning about different wolves to learning how to Snapchat to learning how to tap on the table with my pencil to create a beat.) In their presentation, they tell you what they are going to teach you, the history or interesting facts about the topic, what they like about it, and what they want you to learn.

Maybe you're new to the secondary world, or maybe you just need a reset. Whatever the situation, just know this is exactly what you need to almost eliminate discipline problems and get your classroom running smoothly. All routines are tried, tested, and work with those lovely middle schoolers.

What's Included In the Capsule:

• Teacher Workbook: If you are feeling overwhelmed, then this workbook is where you need to start! It will guide you through the routines and procedures and help you focus on what's important. You got this!

• 40 Page Guide Book: This step by step book is split into two sections, The First Week and As Needed. It will help you implement each routine and procedure like a pro. Tips from veteran teachers are also included for each routine to help you get started on the right foot. Are you doing a happy dance yet?

• Resource Library: No need to spend time figuring out how to get everything together, I did it for you! 26 of the routines have resources included so you can start implementing today! Resources include forms, posters, and Google Slides. All of the forms are created on Google so you can edit to fit the needs of your classroom! How great is that?

Delivery: PDF downloads with links to the Google Resources.

This Google Slides virtual classroom template is ready for your Meet the Teacher night. All you have to do is add your Bitmoji and images .

What’s included:

• Floor and wall background blank image

• Floor and wall background image with furniture (chair, table, rug, computer, coffee cup, camera, and bookshelf)

• 9 Blank Slide Templates with Headings: Family, college, Teaching Experience, Hobbies, Pets, Classroom Expectations, Supplies, Things I Love, Clubs, Contact Information (Headings can be edited)

• Instructional Video: Need support on how to include your bitmoji, images, other furniture? No worries! Instructional video included!

Delivery: PDF with Links.

Start off on a great foot with this Welcome Letter and Student Information Sheet/Form.

Welcome Letter:

• Add a personalized message

• Include codes for Remind, Google Classroom, etc

• List materials needed

• Add Amazon Wish List QR Code

Student Information

• Get to know your students from the parent’s perspective.

• Gather best contact information

• Google Form Version Included

Everything can be edited to fit your needs!

DIGITAL CALENDAR & PLANNER

Keep up with everything you have to do in one spot with this Google Drive Planner.

What’s included:

• Google Slides Planner

• 12 Monthly layouts August 2020-July 2021

• Monthly goal settings

• Functioning Week at a Glance tabs

• Weekly layouts with 5 columns, To Do list section, and Standards Focus areas

• Functioning Month Tabs at the Top

What's In the Reading Log:

Part One: The Basics. Name, what did they read, and for how long.

Part Two: Digging Deeper. Students answer what part of the plot diagram they are in and how they know. In addition, each day has a different question that requires students to analyze character's thoughts, feelings, and actions. For example, one question states, "If you could give the main character one piece of advice, what would it be?"

Part Three: Standards Based Questions. Two questions based off the Power Standards for middle school (RL 1, 2, 3, 4, 6)

Since it is Google Forms, this is completely edible to fit your needs!

You will receive a PDF download that has the links to all 5 of the forms.

Easily link it to your Google Classroom and update daily.

Simple Weekly Layout

Form Includes Spots for:

Date

Students Absent

Bellringer

Activities

Homework

Instructions and Links Included with Download.

What's Included in the Favorite Forms Pack:

1. While You Were Out Form: Don't you just love the question: Did you do anything yesterday while I was out?!? This form allows you to have a system for your students to keep up with assignments and activities when they are absent. Fill in all of the important information from the day on one easy sheet. (PDF)

2. Colorful Student Attendance Sheet: Easy to edit sheet to help keep up with absences, computer numbers, homework completion, or anything else you need! (DOC)

3. Missing Work Form: Help your students keep up with missing assignments with this easy to use form. Included on this form is a spot for your students to reflect on WHY the assignment is late. This form is great documentation for students who repeatedly turn assignments in late. (PDF)

4. Test Correction Form: If you do test corrections, then this form is a must have! With just one sheet, students write the question they got wrong, the correct answer, and HOW they know it's the correct answer. No more flipping through random sheets of notebook paper trying to figure out and interpret corrections. (PDF)

Standards Bellringer Series

*ELA UNLIMITED EXCLUSIVE*

These activities are great for providing focused practice and review in small chunks.

Downloads includes:

• Google Slides Format: Colorful and engaging slides where your students can highlight and type their answers.

• 4 Practice Activities: Activities that break the standard into chunks so your students have a more focused review.

• Check in: Check ins designed to assess your student’s understanding of the standard.

These short and sweet mini lessons and activities are perfect for bellringers! Each topic will include a Google Slides Mini Lesson, 3 Practice Activities (can be completed digitally), and a 10 question Google Forms Check In. All practice activities and the check in are also available in PDF format!

The bellringer capsule follows the pacing guide and will be updated throughout the year. Set one, Redundant Words and Phrases, and set two, Using Commas Correctly, are ready for download.

Question of the Days are freestyle journal entries set to music. This style of writing helps students feeling more comfortable with their ideas and the process of writing. As a bonus, when you read their journals, you learned so much about your students which will strengthen relationships and connections.

This download includes:

• Colorful Google Slides Presentation: 50 colorful slides to help you stay organized. Questions are split into 8 sets (5 questions in each set)

• 40 Thoughtful Journal Questions with Songs from Popular Artists

• Teacher Instructions with Links

Read this Blog Post to learn more about Question of the Day.

Plot Diagram Poster Set

These colorful and easy to print posters are a perfect addition to your classroom decor!

You can also put them on your digital learning platform as a reference.

Download Includes:

• 6 Colorful Posters with definitions

Sentence Type Posters

These colorful and easy to print posters are a perfect addition to your classroom decor!

Provide students with a reminder of how to write simple, compound, and complex sentences!

Download Includes:

• 3 Colorful Posters with definitions and examples.

Figurative Language Posters

9 colorful posters to help your students learn and understand common figurative language posters.

• Posters Include: Onomatopoeia, Simile, Metaphor, Personification, Alliteration, Allusion, Idiom, Imagery, and Hyperbole.

• Each poster has the term, definition, and example.

This colorful chart is perfect addition for your classroom!

It includes: Word, definition, Tips, and Question Stems.

Enlarge or just print as is (8.5X11)

These gorgeous posters to reinforce annotation skills and to help your students become the best active readers!

Poster Pack Includes 9 Colorful Posters:

1. Big Idea

2. Hashtag

3. Doodle

4. Cause Effect

5. Character Motivations

6. Questions

7. Reactions

8. Conflict

9. Quote

With this product, you can give an introduction or quick review of the plot diagram, and then print the posters out to create a colorful classroom display your students can reference throughout the unit.

Product Download Includes:

1. Google Slides Notes Presentation On: Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Each slide gives the key word and explanation.

2. Printable Foldable for your students to take notes. Perfect for interactive notebooks!

3. PDFs Files for easy printing.

4. The Original Black and White Posters

The choice board gives your students a choice of 25 annotations that require them to think critically and talk about what they read. Students will select 12 annotations to complete on their response board.

This is a great activity to use in pairs! Students read together, talk about what they read, select an appropriate annotation, and write their response together.

Download Includes:

• 25 Choice Annotation Board: Includes Quotes, Questions, Doodles, Reactions, Conflicts, Hashtags, Big Ideas, and Cause Effect with detailed prompts. Since the Google Slides version is included, you can edit the choice board to fit your specific classroom needs.

• 12 Box Response Sheet: Students will respond to the annotation on this sheet.

• Student Expectation Slide: Make sure you and your students are on the same page with expectations with this slide you can keep on your board during the activity.

This activity was created to get my students talking about what they're reading and working together to analyze the content. Students practice their annotating skills while partner reading with this fun TIC TAC TOE activity.

How it works: Students compete to try to get three in a row. Each spot on the board has a different annotation skill. Since there are 5 game boards included, students can play multiple times!

Active Reading Annotation Skills Practiced:

1. Doodles

2. Significant Quotes

3. Questions

4. Conflicts

5. Cause Effects

6. Motivation

7. Big Idea

8. Connections

9. Hashtags

10. Cause/Effect

Student Reference Sheet: This sheet explains each annotation in student friendly language.

PDF Downloads

Keeping middle schoolers engaged can be a tough job! If you need some ideas to get your class up and moving and excited about what they are learning, then this is the capsule for you!

It has everything you need, from step by step tips to graphic organizers to project templates, to keep your middle school students engaged and working collaboratively throughout the year.

Capsule Includes:

• 5 Categories of Engagement and Collaboration Ideas: Introduction of a topic, developing an understanding, digging deeper, reviewing, and a bonus section.

• Detailed Instructions: The overview, purpose, materials needed, and step by step instructions to help you implement in your classroom without a lot of stress and prepping. There are even some Tech Tips if you are looking to use some of the strategies for remote learning!

• Collaborative Graphic Organizers: 10 Graphic Organizers to help your students work together and organize their ideas.

Look at you wanting to get your students collaborating!! We all know that collaborative activities that are active, social, engaging, and student-owned lead to deeper learning, but a lot of times we are left wondering WHAT exactly to do.

Included in the Download:

1. 12 low prep, super easy to implement strategy cards. These strategies are the top 12 classroom favorites (I was going to only do 10, but we couldn't narrow it down, so you get the top 12!) Each card includes when to use it, materials and procedures. Print these, put them on a ring, and use them as you plan your lessons.

Collaboration Checklist: Step by step guide to help you implement collaborative activities in your classroom.

This download includes everything I use to introduce seminars to my students:

Expectations, Goals, Etiquette: Colorful Google Slides presentation that introduces the concept of seminars and the overall goal. The slides also teach the students the basic etiquette of seminar.

Student Discussion Prompts: Since we can not assume students automatically know how to talk to each other, these prompts give them a great guide for talking respectfully to each other.

(printable PDF included. The google slides version can also be printed as a poster set!)

Reflection Prompts: After seminar have students reflect on their performance and what they learned with these 6 discussion prompts.

(printable PDF included)

Generic Discussion Questions: If you have a text, and do not know where to start, these discussion questions are a great jumping off point for conducting your seminar!

(teacher PDF printable included)

Choice Board Covers:

• Literature-Text Evidence & Inference, Identifying Theme, and Evaluating Dialogue for Character Traits

• Informational Text- Central Idea, Identifying Text Structures, and Arguments & Claims

• Language- Context Clues, Analyzing Figurative Statements, and Analogies

• Each standard has a cheat sheet hyperlinked to it so students can review on their own, as needed.

Download Includes:

1. Google Slides Choice Board: The 9 grid board with hyperlinks can easily be customized to fit your needs and dropped into Google Classroom. You can have your students complete it as a choice board, or do all of them for a great review, so it could provide content for 1-2 weeks.

2. Cheat Sheets: Students can't remember what central idea means? No worries! Each standard has a cheat sheet with student friendly definitions and examples.

3. 10 Question Practice Form: This is the best part! Each standard has a quality 10 question Google Forms quiz. That means you link the quizzes to the Choice Board , your students complete them, and they are automatically graded. It's so easy for you to see the areas students need extra support

4. PDFs: Do you have students who need paper copies? I got you! All quizzes and cheat sheets have formatted PDF version with answer keys included.

This vocabulary review contains 25 of the most used ELA terms found on common end of grade tests!

The review slides contain: 1. The term 2. The definition 3. An explanation 4. Relevant and fun GIFs to engage and hold student's attention!

The correlated worksheets contain: 1. Spot for students to write what they already know 2. The definition and notes 3. What the word reminds them of.

Terms In This Product:

Set One: Infer, Key Concept, Relevant Evidence, Author's Claim, Connect

Set Two: Objective Summary, Perspective, Figurative Language, Central Idea, Argument

Set Three: Irrelevant, Insufficient, Impact, Significance, Descriptive Language

Set Four: Mood, Tone, Text Evidence, Theme, Dialogue

Set Five: Credible, Bias, Irony, Plot, Point of View

Delivery:

Slides: Link to Google Slides in the PDF instructions

Worksheet: PDF File

Short Story #1:

Review RL 1 and RL 2 with a 3 page historical fiction story and 10 question quiz. Questions review terms (inference, central idea, theme) and application.

Short Story #2

Reviews RL 3 and RL 6 with a 4 page modern take on The Emperor's New Clothes with a 10 question quiz that applys Point of View, Characters, Inference, Theme, Author's Purpose, Dramatic Irony, & Perspective)

Short Story #3

Reviews RL 4 with a 1 page story full of figurative language and a 10 question quiz applying meaning, figurative language, connotation, and denotation.

Delivery:

All Stories are downloaded by Links to Google Docs and Google Forms.

Links and Instructions are included.

You can print or assign to Google Classroom

Keep your A/B day schedule organized with this Google Slides Daily Agenda.

Download and edit to fit your needs.

Then, share with your students so they know what you expect each day

What a historic time we are living in. Definitely a moment that will be remembered in history. Since it is such a significant time, wouldn't it be amazing if your students could capture their thoughts, feelings, activities, and way of life during this period, and have something they can look back on and share with others? This activity allows students to do just that!

Time Capsule Project Includes:

10 Google Slide Prompts: Topics covered include: Binge Watching, Activities, Communication, Soundtrack, Worries/Stresses, Day in the Life, Changes, Current Events, Reactions, and Letter to Yourself (with instructions on how to send it to your future self!)

Detailed Student Instructions: Lets your students know exactly what to include, how many sentences, and guiding questions to guide their thinking. There is also a FAQ section to help answer questions that may pop up!

Teacher Instructions & Links: Includes links to download the google slides and instructions with instructions on how to implement the activity.

Easily keep up with your assignments and who turns them in with this Google Sheets check off form.

Format:

• Four tabs

• Each sheet has a different color scheme

• Prefilled with checkboxes

Instructions on how to access, save, and format to fit your needs is included.

I see all these precious elementary school teachers making super creative postcards to keep in touch with their students. And I am all like, "Awwww. That's soooooo cute. I should do that!"

And then I laugh at myself and put it in the 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙄 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝘿𝙤 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙉𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙒𝙞𝙡𝙡 Column.

I still want to keep in touch, touch base with my students, and let them know I am thinking about them. I just want to make it a little more low maintenance for this season of my life.

So, I made this great email template! I just change out the stuff highlighted in yellow and I'm good to go! Since I teach middle school, all of my students have an email and check in regularly so I know they will get it.

I know you want to connect with your students, give them a voice in challenging times, and still keep them engaged in learning. This weekly reflection sheet is the tool to do just that.

• 8 prompts: Guide students in the reflection process. The prompts encourage analytical thought and detailed writing.

• Google Forms: Drop it right into their Google Classroom for easy access. It is also editable so you can add questions that are related to your classroom and activities.

• PDF Version: Prefer or need paper and pencil? No worries! A formatted PDF version is also included

• Instructions and Link: Check out the instruction page for the link to the form and how to use it.

This form will help you stay connected, give your students a chance to write and express themselves, and provides you the opportunity to continue to build relationships with your students.

This is a quick and easy way to help you and your students make independent reading easy to track and meaningful.

What's In the Reading Log:

Part One: The Basics. Name, what did they read, and for how long.

Part Two: Digging Deeper. Students answer what part of the plot diagram they are in and how they know. In addition, each day has a different question that requires students to analyze character's thoughts, feelings, and actions. For example, one question states, "If you could give the main character one piece of advice, what would it be?"

Part three: Standards Based Questions. Two questions based off the Power Standards for middle school (RL 1, 2, 3, 4, 6)

Since it is Google Forms, this is completely edible to fit your needs!

You will receive a PDF download that has the links to all 5 of the forms.

Question Stems

Guide your students to explore the text deeper with these standards based question stems!

At least 12 question stems per standard are provided so you will have a variety of questions you can ask.

Question stems are divided out by standard.

Question Creations

Develop higher order thinking skills and increase depth of knowledge with this creative activity! Students read informational articles and develop their own questions using the recipe cards provided.

You will select the top 10 questions, students will sample each one during a taste test, and pick their favorite creation.

Download Includes:

8 Recipe Cards: Full color or black and white. Each card has a standard, key words, and directions.

Google Slides Template: Provides students with an organized way to write their questions

Labels: Place these labels around the room with your top 10 questions.

Taste Testing Sheet: Have students sample each question and record their thoughts with this rating sheet.

Instructions: Full and detailed instructions to help you make this happen.

Collaboratory Decor

Set the stage for your students and guests with this collaboratory door decor.

Download Includes:

Letters: Spell out The Collaboratory

Signs:

• In this classroom you will see…

• Students Talking

• Group Work

• Movement

• Flexible Groups

• Happy Faces

Routines & Procedures Capsule

If you want to know how to start your year off in a way that makes discipline issues almost disappear, then this is the resource for you!

Download Includes:

• What's Included In the Capsule:

  • Teacher Workbook: If you are feeling overwhelmed, then this workbook is where you need to start! It will guide you through the routines and procedures and help you focus on what's important. You got this! 

  • 40 Page Guide Book: This step by step book is split into two sections, The First Week and As Needed. It will help you implement each routine and procedure like a pro. Tips from veteran teachers are also included for each routine to help you get started on the right foot. Are you doing a happy dance yet?

  • Resource Library: No need to spend time figuring out how to get everything together, I did it for you! 26 of the routines have resources included so you can start implementing today! Resources include forms, posters, and Google Slides. All of the forms are created on Google so you can edit to fit the needs of your classroom! How great is that?

This is a standard by standard break down for literature and informational texts.

Each section includes:

• Common Core Standards for grades 6-8

• Highlight of the differences between the grades

• Key Vocabulary for the standard

• Notes to help you understand the standard

PDF download

150 + question stems to go with each standard.

Use them to write your own questions, or give them to students and let them practice writing their own standards based questions.

This PDF download is a great resource to have at your fingertips!

The Grammar Series - Common Grammar Mistakes

Are you tired of seeing your students make the same mistakes in their paper? Do they need a grammar refresher course?

This grammar lesson will walk students through the five main mistakes they make when writing and provide examples. Students can practice identifying and correcting these mistakes with 3 practice sets and a 10 question check-in. 

This download includes:

• Google Slides Mini Lesson (with video link to the instruction, if needed)

• 3 Digital Practice Activities

• 10 Question Google Forms Check-In

• Answer Key

• PDF versions of the practice activities and check-in

Simple Sentences

We want our students to use a variety of sentences in their writings, but we have to start with the basics to help make that happen.

Students will learn the basics of sentence structure with this lesson.

This download includes:

• Google Slides Mini Lesson (with video link to the instruction, if needed)

• 3 Digital Practice Activities

• 10 Question Google Forms Check In

• Answer Key

• PDF versions of the practice activities and check in

Compound Sentences

Here is the next step in making sure your students understand the structure of sentences.

Students will learn how to combine independent clauses in order to make compound sentences.

This download includes:

• Google Slides Mini Lesson (with video link to the instruction, if needed)

• 3 Digital Practice Activities

• 10 Question Google Forms Check In

• Answer Key

• PDF versions of the practice activities and check in

Complex Sentences

Here is the final step in making sure your students understand the structure of sentences.

Students will learn how to make dependent clauses and combine them with independent clauses in order to make complex sentences.

This download includes:

• Google Slides Mini Lesson (with video link to the instruction, if needed)

• 3 Digital Practice Activities

• 10 Question Google Forms Check In

• Answer Key

• PDF versions of the practice activities and check in

Revising Run-On Sentences

Are you tired of students turning in paragraphs that are just one long sentence? If so, then this mini lesson about how revise and edit run on sentences is for you!

It’s short, sweet, and to the point about how to edit run on sentences!

This download includes:

• Google Slides Mini Lesson (with video link to the instruction, if needed)

• 3 Digital Practice Activities

• 10 Question Google Forms Check In

• Answer Key

• PDF versions of the practice activities and check in

Using Commas Correctly

The comma, y’all! It’s so abused, misused, or ignored completely. This digital resource will teach your students 5 common rules for comma usage, give them three sets of 5 practice sentences, and a 10 question check in.

This guide goes over the 5 common mistakes I see in my ELA classroom:

• Rule One: Using a comma when joining two independent clauses (compound sentence)

• Rule Two: Using a commas after an introductory dependent clause (complex sentence)

• Rule Three: Using a comma in a series

• Rule Four: Using a comma with an appositive

• Rule Five: Using a comma in a direct address

This download includes:

• Google Slides Mini Lesson (with video link to the instruction, if needed)

• 3 Digital Practice Activities

• 10 Question Google Forms Check In

• Answer Key

• PDF versions of the practice activities and check in

Redundant Words and Phrases

Do your students repeat themselves in their writing? If so, then this mini lesson about how to avoid and edit redundant words and phrases is for you!

It’s short, sweet, and to the point about what it means to be redundant and how to edit sentences in order to eliminate redundant words and phrases.

This download includes:

• Google Slides Mini Lesson (with video link to the instruction, if needed)

• 3 Digital Practice Activities

• 10 Question Google Forms Check In

• Answer Key

• PDF versions of the practice activities and check in

Sentence Types Review

Here is a quick review of the 3 sentence types in one activity!

This Download Goes Over:

*Simple Sentences (subject, predicate)

*Compound Sentences (independent clauses, conjunctions)

*Complex Sentences (dependent clauses, subordinate conjunctions, independent clauses)

Compound Complex Sentences (independent clauses, conjunctions, subordinate conjunctions, and dependent clauses)

This Download Provides:

* Students with the opportunity to go over examples of each type

*Practice labeling the components of each sentence as a class

* Independent/partner work {printable student sheet and key included}