11th Grade Writing Literature Circles

WHAT'S INCLUDED

I've included various prompts for learners to use who want to enrich their reading and go deeper. It can be difficult to remember all that's going on with the plot, and to not disrupt the reading when new words pass our view, so I've created a template for readers who like to notate their reading. They can do so while they read, or it can turn into almost a test of their memory after they finish a book!

OTHER RESOURCES YOU MIGHT LIKE

• missing work handout form

• new to teaching BUNDLE

• writing prompts

Copyright © Early Childhood Essentials

Purchase of this product is for use in *one* home or classroom, virtual or in-person. Thank you in advance!

This resource features a set of 25 reader response journal prompts for use during your unit on The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho. Each bell ringer is comprised of a quote from the novel and a thoughtfully crafted question that encourages students to personally connect with his inspirational words. Prompts can be used as bell-ringers (most popular and mean the first 5 minutes of every class for a month are planned for you!), summarizers, stations, full class or small group discussion questions, for homework, task cards, sub plans, as a filler activity… the possibilities are endless!

Example of a prompt:

“Because I don't live in either my past or my future. I'm interested only in the present.” 

What does “living in the present” mean to you? Do you agree that it is important to live in the present? On the other hand, what can one gain by reflecting on one’s past and how could looking towards future events be beneficial?

Note that page numbers are not included due to varying editions of the book.

_________________________________________________________________________

Also, check out these great resources to complement your unit on The Alchemist by Language Arts Excellence:

⭐ The Alchemist Socratic Seminar Materials

⭐ The Alchemist ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ The Alchemist "Silent Conversation" Quote Pass Activity

⭐ The Alchemist Anticipation Guide & Lesson Plan

⭐ The Alchemist Quote Posters

___________________________________________________________________________

⭐Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence⭐

I used this resource with one of my guided reading groups. After they completed a book they choose from the list of extra activities.

Thanks for looking! Please rate and leave a comment.

This 2025 February ELA Bell Ringers resource offers 20 engaging and thoughtfully crafted daily prompts designed to inspire middle and high school students. Each week reflects different skill areas such as: reflective writing, descriptive writing, persuasive writing, creative writing, and literary analysis. Perfectly aligned with key ELA objectives, these prompts encourage critical thinking, creativity, and meaningful reflection. Whether used as warm-ups, journaling exercises, or discussion starters, this resource supports skill development in a structured and time-efficient way.

INCLUDED IN THIS RESOURCE:

• 20 bell ringers divided across four weeks.
• Prompts targeting reflective, descriptive, persuasive, creative, and analytical writing.
• Flexible format for use as daily warm-ups, homework assignments, or classroom discussions.

PERFECT FOR:

• Middle and high school ELA teachers seeking meaningful daily prompts.
• Homeschool parents looking to supplement their English curriculum.
• Students practicing critical thinking, creativity, and writing skills.
• Classrooms focused on incorporating literary analysis and comparisons.

WHY CHOOSE THIS RESOURCE?

• Promotes critical thinking and creativity through targeted writing exercises.
• Saves planning time with ready-to-use, skill-focused prompts.
• Adaptable for various teaching styles, classroom settings, and student levels.
• Encourages thoughtful discussions and deeper engagement with literature.

BENEFITS FOR TEACHERS/HOMESCHOOL PARENTS:

• Provides structured and theme-based writing exercises to support curriculum goals.
• Easily customizable for specific lessons or themes.
• Encourages student participation while developing essential writing and analytical skills.
• Simplifies daily planning with pre-made, high-quality prompts.

BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS:

• Improves writing proficiency across multiple genres and skill areas.
• Enhances critical thinking and analytical abilities through literary comparisons.
• Sparks creativity with engaging and varied prompts.
• Encourages thoughtful reflection and personal growth through journaling.

Make February a month of meaningful engagement in your ELA classroom with this comprehensive set of 20 bell ringers. Each prompt is designed to inspire thoughtful writing and critical thinking across multiple skill areas, including reflective writing, descriptive writing, persuasive writing, creative writing, and literary analysis. Perfect for middle and high school students, these bell ringers encourage creativity and deeper connections with literature while building essential writing skills.

Organized into four weeks, this 2025 February ELA Bell Ringers resource provides a clear structure to streamline your lesson planning. Students will explore reflective moments, craft vivid descriptions, develop persuasive arguments, unleash creativity through storytelling, and analyze literary elements with these carefully crafted prompts. Whether you use them as warm-ups, journaling activities, or discussion starters, they are flexible enough to fit any teaching style.

With this downloadable PowerPoint presentation, you can easily adapt the prompts to align with your specific curriculum needs. Each activity fosters a supportive and enriching learning environment, helping students to think critically, express themselves confidently, and improve their writing abilities.

This resource is perfect for busy teachers and homeschool parents looking to incorporate engaging and skill-focused writing exercises into their ELA instruction. Empower your students to find their voice and connect meaningfully with their writing, all while saving valuable preparation time.

If you and your students/children enjoyed this resources, please leave a review so other potential buyers can see your opinion.

Thank you for your support!

Tina - Big Easy Homeschooling Mom

Social Media Links: linktr.ee/bigeasyhomeschoolingmom

Please subscribe to my website so you do not miss out on new resources or blogs:

tidewindacademyhomeschool.com

INCLUDED:

• Parts of speech activity with images
• Reading prompt templates
• Writing prompt templates
• Practice CONCISE Writing (w/answer key)

When I say "older learners," I'd say around 3rd-6th grade, but there might be exceptions (e.g. an advanced 1st grader may still find use for these, and the concise writing might also go beyond 6th grade).

I encourage you to preview each individually included resource to see what you'd be getting.

OTHER RESOURCES YOU MIGHT LIKE:

• Growing Bundle: ELA Activities and Tools
• also here's the toolkit for younger learners
• and for those with special needs

If you like this product or others, or you want to stay notified about new ones, consider giving me a follow if you haven't!

If you want only certain resources bundled, email me and I'll list it at a good deal! This is true of ANY resource in my store.

FOLLOW ME

Instagram / TeachShare / Pinterest / TikTok

***BOGO DEAL***

Click here for the freebie explaining the details!

CONTACT ME

Email me if you have questions about how I use this resource, you find a typo, or you want to request a resource I don't have.

Did you know you can earn spending money for your TeachShare wishlist by leaving reviews? Details here!

Copyright © Early Childhood Essentials

Paid: Purchase of this product is for use in *one* classroom, virtual or in-person. Additional licenses can be purchased at checkout. Thank you in advance!

This resource features a bundle of all of our lesson plans, materials, and activities for Paolo Coelo's inspirational best-selling novel, The Alchemist. Each product is thoughtfully crafted and allows students to think outside the box by delving deeply into the novel's themes, characters, and plot development. Lessons have all been classroom-tested and allow for differentiation while encouraging optimal student engagement. You will not find tedious lists of comprehension questions and vocabulary words in this bundle; instead you will find materials that will bring the novel to life!

Included in this Bundle:

⭐ The Alchemist "Silent Conversation" Quote Pass Activity

This product features a thoughtful and engaging activity for use during the study of The Alchemist. Centering around 5 different provocative passages from the book, this lesson provides your students with a chance to think, reflect, and respond to their peers without ever saying a word. This creative approach is a great way to differentiate instruction among your students and allows even your most quiet students to shine. I am confident that this no-prep lesson will become a must-do activity within your unit on The Alchemist!

⭐ The Alchemist Anticipation Guide & Lesson Plan

This product features an anticipation guide for The Alchemist, and a meticulously-explained lesson plan that is in my opinion, the absolute best way to approach a new novel. Using a non-intimidating method called "Numbered Heads", this activity will get your students thinking, writing, conversing, and reporting about themes you will be encountering during your study of The Alchemist.

⭐ The Alchemist Bell Ringer Journal Prompts

This resource features a set of 25 reader response journal prompts for use during your unit on The Alchemist. Each bell ringer is comprised of a quote from the novel and a thoughtfully crafted question that encourages students to personally connect with his inspirational words. Prompts can be used as bell-ringers (most popular and mean the first 5 minutes of every class for a month are planned for you!), summarizers, stations, full class or small group discussion questions, for homework, task cards, sub plans, as a filler activity… the possibilities are endless!

⭐ The Alchemist ESCAPE ROOM

This meticulously-crafted resource features all of the materials you need to conduct a full-length Escape Room for The Alchemist. Planning an escape room may seem like quite the daunting task, but this product provides everything from the basics and set-up instructions to answer keys so that yours runs smoothly from start to finish. The activity involves movement, energy, creative thinking and most of all, collaboration. All tasks are skills-based so that with this fun lesson, learning is not sacrificed. Your students will be having so much fun that they won’t even realize the higher order thinking skills they are applying in the playing of this game!

⭐ The Alchemist Quote Posters

Make your classroom pop with this set of 20 gorgeous posters featuring quotes from The Alchemist. Each 7.5 x 7.5 (square) poster contains a provocative quote from the novel imposed over a stunning photograph meant to inspire your students and motivate them to follow their dreams. The square format is reminiscent of Instagram and makes for an eye-catching arrangement on your wall or bulletin board. I suggest laminating the posters and using them not just during your Alchemist unit, but all year long!

⭐ The Alchemist Socratic Seminar Materials

This resource features lesson plans and materials to conduct a formal set of Socratic Seminars for The Alchemist. Socratic Seminars (or "Fish Bowl" Conversations as referred to in this resource) are higher order ways of assessing whether your students are able to understand and react to your class texts. These seminars rely on the power of inquiry and allow students to take the lead in their learning and discussion. The only problem? They require a great deal of preparation. Fortunately, this student-tested resource includes everything you need to conduct a structured and formal set of Socratic Seminars in your classroom surrounding The Alchemist... and no preparation is required by you at all.

___________________________________________________________________________

Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence

Freshen up your lessons with the 2025 March ELA Bell Ringers! This engaging resource includes 21 daily prompts designed to strengthen students’ language arts skills while keeping them motivated and on task. From vocabulary exercises to creative writing and reflective prompts, these bell ringers provide a dynamic way to start each lesson. Perfect for middle and high school students, the activities are quick yet impactful, taking only 5–10 minutes of class time.

The prompts celebrate the themes of March, incorporating elements of spring, St. Patrick’s Day, and seasonal transitions. Students will explore creative writing topics, sharpen their grammar and vocabulary, and engage in thoughtful reflection. The diverse activities ensure that students remain focused and inspired, whether they’re analyzing idioms, writing poetry, or setting goals for the new season. These 2025 March ELA Bell Ringers align with ELA standards, making them an effective tool for skill-building.

INCLUDED IN THIS RESOURCE:

• 21 daily ELA bell ringer activities for March.
• A mix of vocabulary challenges, creative writing, and reflection prompts.
• Seasonal themes such as spring, St. Patrick’s Day, and seasonal transitions.

PERFECT FOR:

• Middle and high school classrooms.
• Homeschool parents seeking engaging, structured daily ELA activities.
• Teachers looking for a quick, effective way to start lessons.
• Students of varying skill levels, as activities are accessible yet challenging.

WHY CHOOSE THIS RESOURCE?

• Save planning time with pre-made, high-quality prompts.
• Includes a variety of task types to engage all learners.
• Adaptable for journaling, discussions, or classroom warm-ups.
• Features seasonal themes to keep students motivated and interested.

BENEFITS FOR TEACHERS/HOMESCHOOL PARENTS:

• Simplifies lesson preparation with ready-to-use activities.
• Provides a structured, consistent start to each lesson.
• Encourages effective classroom management and focus.
• Versatile prompts that fit into any ELA curriculum.

BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS:

• Builds vocabulary, reflection, and creative writing skills.
• Encourages critical thinking and self-expression.
• Offers engaging activities that celebrate seasonal themes.
• Helps establish a productive routine to begin the day.

For teachers and homeschooling parents, this resource is a game-changer. It eliminates the need for daily prep work, offering pre-made activities that are flexible and easy to implement. Whether you’re managing a traditional classroom or creating a homeschool curriculum, the bell ringers help establish a positive routine, settle students into a learning mindset, and set the tone for productive lessons. With prompts suitable for varying skill levels, this resource ensures all students can participate and grow.

By the end of March, students will have honed essential ELA skills while gaining confidence in their abilities. These bell ringers are more than just warm-ups; they’re a meaningful way to encourage creativity, critical thinking, and personal growth. Give your students a fresh start each day with the 2025 March ELA Bell Ringers!

If you and your students enjoy this resource, please leave a review so others can see your opinion.

Thank you for your support!

Tina - Big Easy Homeschooling Mom

Social Media Links: linktr.ee/bigeasyhomeschoolingmom

Please subscribe to my website so you do not miss out on resources and blogs:

tidewindacademyhomeschool.com

Jumpstart your classroom with the 2025 January, February, and March ELA Bell Ringers, a comprehensive resource featuring 64 daily writing prompts designed to engage and inspire middle and high school students. Each slide provides a quick, focused activity that enhances essential ELA skills like grammar, vocabulary, creative writing, and reflective thinking. These **2025 January, February, and March ELA Bell Ringers **are perfect for creating a consistent daily routine that motivates students to transition smoothly into learning mode.

The activities celebrate the unique themes of each month, from reflections and winter imagery in January to Valentine’s Day in February, and spring transitions and St. Patrick’s Day in March. With a variety of tasks—including vocabulary exercises, and creative prompts—this resource keeps students engaged and excited to participate. The mix of seasonal topics and skill-building tasks ensures a dynamic and enjoyable start to every lesson.

INCLUDED IN THIS RESOURCE:

• 64 daily ELA bell ringers for January, February, and March 2025.
• A variety of tasks, including grammar corrections, vocabulary challenges, creative writing, and reflective prompts.
• Monthly themes: Winter (January), Valentine’s Day (February), spring transitions and St. Patrick’s Day (March).

PERFECT FOR

• Middle and high school classrooms.
• Homeschool parents seeking structured, daily ELA activities.
• Teachers looking for quick, engaging warm-up exercises.
• Students of varying skill levels, as activities are both accessible and challenging.

WHY CHOOSE THIS RESOURCE?

• Save time with pre-made, high-quality daily prompts.
• Covers three months of ELA activities in one comprehensive package.
• Offers a variety of tasks to engage all learners.
• Features seasonal and thematic prompts for added relevance and excitement.

BENEFITS FOR TEACHERS/HOMESCHOOL PARENTS:

• Reduces planning time with ready-to-use slides.
• Provides a consistent, structured start to each lesson.
• Offers versatile prompts suitable for journaling, discussions, or warm-ups.
• Helps maintain classroom focus and a positive learning environment.

BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS:

• Enhances grammar, vocabulary, and creative writing skills.
• Encourages critical thinking and self-reflection.
• Engages students with seasonal and relevant topics.
• Builds confidence and fosters a love of learning through creative expression.

Teachers and homeschool parents will appreciate the time-saving convenience of pre-made, ready-to-use slides that require no additional preparation. Whether you’re managing a traditional classroom or homeschooling environment, this resource helps establish a productive routine that fosters focus and engagement. The slides are versatile and adaptable, serving as journal prompts, discussion starters, or warm-ups before diving into core lessons.

By using this resource, students not only improve their language arts skills but also develop critical thinking and creativity. The prompts encourage self-expression and personal growth, making them both educational and meaningful. With 64 slides spanning three months, the 2025 January, February, and March ELA Bell Ringers provide everything you need to keep students motivated and on track during the winter and early spring months.

If you and your students enjoy this resource, please leave a review so others can see your opinion.

Thank you for your support!

Tina - Big Easy Homeschooling Mom

Social Media Links: linktr.ee/bigeasyhomeschoolingmom

Please subscribe to my website so you do not miss out on resources and blogs:

tidewindacademyhomeschool.com

Unlock the imaginations of your students or homeschoolers with this dynamic Winter/Christmas Writing Prompts resource. Featuring 50 thoughtfully crafted prompts across a range of genres, this resource offers endless opportunities for creativity and critical thinking. Students can explore personal reflections, craft compelling narratives, and engage with analytical and persuasive topics inspired by the magic of the winter season.

INCLUDED IN THIS RESOURCE:

• 50 Winter/Christmas-themed writing prompts across five genres:
• Narrative
• Persuasive/Argumentative
• Reflective/Personal
• Creative
• Analytical

PERFECT FOR:

• Middle and high school classrooms (grades 8–12)
• Homeschool students and co-op groups
• Independent study programs
• Seasonal writing workshops
• English and Language Arts curriculum enhancements

WHY CHOOSE THIS RESOURCE?

• These Winter/Christmas Writing Prompts resource offers a diverse and engaging approach to seasonal writing.
• The prompts are carefully designed to meet the needs of students with varying interests and skill levels, ensuring that everyone finds a topic that resonates with them.
• Teachers and homeschool parents will appreciate the flexibility this resource brings to lesson planning.

BENEFITS FOR TEACHERS/HOMESCHOOL PARENTS:

• Saves time with these NO-PREP writing prompts.
• Encourages meaningful engagement with seasonal themes.
• Provides flexibility for differentiated instruction.
• Sparks creativity and critical thinking in students.

BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS:

• Inspires creativity with engaging, relatable topics.
• Encourages exploration of personal experiences and perspectives.
• Develops writing skills across multiple genres.
• Enhances critical thinking and self-expression.
• Makes writing fun and meaningful during the holiday season.

By providing a mix of creative and analytical challenges, these prompts encourage students to grow as thinkers and writers. They’re also perfect for sparking discussions about cultural traditions, personal experiences, and imaginative possibilities. This resource makes it easy to integrate meaningful and enjoyable writing activities into your holiday curriculum.

These prompts are designed to inspire learners to think deeply, develop their writing skills, and express their unique perspectives. From reflective essays on holiday traditions to imaginative tales of winter wonderlands, there’s a prompt for every student to connect with and enjoy. By integrating these prompts into your lessons, you can spark meaningful discussions and foster a love for writing.

Perfect for English and Language Arts classes, homeschool environments, and independent study, this collection offers versatility and ease of use. Whether students are working on descriptive writing, storytelling, or persuasive essays, these prompts provide clear direction while leaving plenty of room for creativity. This resource is an excellent way to keep learners engaged and productive during the holiday season.

Bring the joy and inspiration of winter into your classroom or homeschool with these creative writing prompts. By encouraging students to explore seasonal themes, this resource helps them build essential skills and find their voice as writers. It’s a perfect addition to any curriculum looking to make writing both fun and meaningful.

If you and your students/homeschoolers enjoyed this resources, please leave a review so other potential buyers can see your opinion.

Thank you for your support!

Tina - Big Easy Homeschooling Mom

Social Media Links: linktr.ee/bigeasyhomeschoolingmom

Please subscribe to my website so you do not miss out on future resources and blogs:

tidewindacademyhomeschool.com

Unleash the creativity and critical thinking skills of your students or homeschoolers with this comprehensive Winter/Christmas Writing Prompts and Rubric resource. Featuring 50 unique and thought-provoking prompts, this resource spans a variety of genres including narrative, persuasive, reflective, creative, and analytical writing. Each prompt is designed to encourage students to engage deeply with the topic, explore their creativity, and develop essential writing skills that will last a lifetime.

INCLUDED IN THIS RESOURCE:

1. 50 Winter/Christmas-themed writing prompts across five genres:

• Narrative
• Persuasive/Argumentative
• Reflective/Personal
• Creative
• Analytical

2. A detailed grading rubric covering:

• Content Development
• Organization & Structure
• Language Use & Grammar
• Creativity & Originality
• Critical Thinking

3. Grading scale and structure tabs for easy assessment.

PERFECT FOR:

• Middle and high school classrooms
• Homeschool students and co-op groups
• Independent study programs
• Seasonal writing workshops
• English and Language Arts curriculum enhancements

WHY CHOOSE THIS RESOURCE?

• This Winter/Christmas Writing Prompts and Rubric resource stands out for its versatility and depth.
• With its mix of creative and academic prompts, it’s a perfect fit for various learning environments.
• The detailed rubric ensures fair and consistent grading, while the structured prompts allow for differentiated instruction tailored to individual needs.

BENEFITS FOR TEACHERS/HOMESCHOOL PARENTS:

• Saves time with ready-to-use prompts and a clear grading rubric.
• Provides a versatile tool that integrates seamlessly into existing lesson plans.
• Offers structured guidance for assessing creativity and critical thinking.
• Encourages meaningful discussions around winter and holiday themes.
• Fosters a supportive learning environment for students of varying skill levels.

BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS:

• Sparks creativity with engaging and diverse writing prompts.
• Develops critical thinking skills through reflective and analytical writing.
• Encourages self-expression and exploration of personal experiences.
• Provides clear expectations for success with the included rubric.
• Builds confidence in writing across multiple genres.

This resource also includes a professionally crafted rubric to simplify assessment and ensure consistency in grading. The rubric provides clear criteria for evaluating content development, organization, language use, creativity, and critical thinking. Teachers and homeschool parents will appreciate the added grading scale and structure tabs, which help streamline evaluation and save valuable time.

Whether your students are reflecting on personal holiday experiences, crafting imaginative stories about winter wonders, or analyzing cultural traditions, this resource will ignite their passion for writing. By addressing diverse interests and skill levels, these prompts ensure every learner finds inspiration and challenge in the writing process.

Perfectly suited for classrooms, homeschool settings, and independent learners, this resource is designed to foster a love for writing and provide a meaningful way to celebrate the winter season. With detailed guidance for grading and evaluation, you can focus on supporting your students' creativity and growth while reducing the stress of assessment.

This resource is both educational and engaging. It encourages students to think critically, write creatively, and reflect meaningfully on seasonal themes. Teachers and homeschool parents will love the simplicity of implementation and the value it brings to their lessons.

If you and your students/homeschoolers enjoyed this resources, please leave a review so other potential buyers can see your opinion.

Thank you for your support!

Tina - Big Easy Homeschooling Mom

Social Media Links: linktr.ee/bigeasyhomeschoolingmom

Please subscribe to my website so you do not miss out on future resources and blogs:

tidewindacademyhomeschool.com