12th Grade English Language Arts Handouts

World War II Historical Fiction List * World History * U.S. History * AP*

By Christa Nonnemaker

World War II fiction novels offer high school teachers a powerful tool for engaging students in historical learning. These novels provide immersive experiences that transport readers into the tumultuous era of the 1940s, allowing them to witness the human experience amidst the chaos of war. Through compelling characters and gripping narratives, students can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the conflict, including its causes, consequences, and the diverse perspectives of those involved. Moreover, reading World War II fiction encourages critical thinking and empathy as students explore themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the impact of war on individuals and societies. By delving into these narratives, students not only enhance their historical knowledge but also develop important skills in analysis, interpretation, and perspective-taking, making World War II fiction an invaluable addition to any high school curriculum.

This list is by no means exhaustive but it contains newer as well as classic titles, many of which have been made into movies. Share this list with students for reading suggestions over the break or during the school year for book reports or other assignments. Or use for a student book club or even your own book club! World War II historical fiction is quite popular right now!!!

I admit that my own historical fiction novel, Hearts at War, is on the list! I wrote this novel with the high school student in mind, in order to delve deeper into life on the home front for those coming-of-age. The story centers around a Japanese-American boy and a Caucasian girl who grow up in Southern California and then follows how their lives diverge once Pearl Harbor is attacked. Students might be surprised to learn that Japanese-American Nisei served as secret translators in the Pacific theater of war during World War II. I wanted that piece of history to come to light which has been hidden for far too long.

Free

Shakespeare's Hamlet | Pre-Reading Handout on Major Themes in Hamlet | Free

By Rigorous Resources for High School English

This 3-page pre-reading handout introduces students to the most prominent themes in William Shakespeare's Hamlet. By having your class read and discuss this thematic introduction together, students will be captivated by the complex questions invoked in Shakespeare's play before they begin reading the enigmatic first scene.

If you like this 3-page pre-reading handout, you'll definitely want to check out my 200-page Complete Teaching Unit on Hamlet. The complete unit features worksheets on every scene in Shakespeare's longest play. Because the complete unit is both professionally designed and academically rigorous, it is especially well-suited for courses like Honors English and AP Literature.

Wishing you an amazing experience with teaching this complex play. If you have any questions along the way, please don't hesitate to get in touch. And don't forget to check out the Complete Teaching Unit on Hamlet...

Happy teaching,

Adam Jernigan, Ph.D.

adamjernigan@gmail.com

P.S. Don't forget to click “follow” for email updates on new products by Rigorous Resources. New products will be 50% OFF for the first 24 hours!

Please check out these complete units on Shakespeare's masterpieces:

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Romeo and Juliet

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Julius Caesar

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Macbeth

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Othello

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Hamlet

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Much Ado About Nothing

INTRO TO SHAKESPEARE: Biography, Globe Theater, Language, & Meter

Free

RACE - All Things English Addendum

By Blooming Through High School

An easy to read format to get your students writing!

And check out these other resources!

  • All Things English For Middle & High School Students
  • Defending Disney Villains
  • Revising & Editing Workbook
  • Revising & Editing for Group Lessons
  • Bell Ringers for the Semester
  • Everything Writing
Free

Martin Luther King, Jr. Word Puzzles

By Beth Hammett

Introduce your students to MLK with these five word puzzles (word search, double word, crossword, maze, word scrambles, posters) with solutions. Individual or group activities to reinforce concepts learned for Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

Free

FREEBIE: 9/11 Reading Passage, Q & A, and Note-Taking Sheets

By Homeschool with Big Easy Homeschooling Mom

This detailed resource package includes a thorough reading passage on 9/11, exploring the causes, events, and consequences of this pivotal moment in history. It comes with 20 critical questions, an answer key, and note-taking sheets for students making this resource perfect for engaging your upper middle and high school students.

Free

The Six Troublesome Verbs (Language Analysis with AK)

By Online Educator's Corner

This is a language analysis of the six troublesome verbs (sit, set, lie, lay, rise, and raise) Students can do the language analysis sheet in pairs or groups.

Free

Brainstorm Blank Bubble Map with lines Graphic organize Template Writing Diagram

By Epsilon Math Craft & Special Education

This cloud of thoughts cute simple and basic graphic organizer is a great tool for students to benefit from brainstorming activities. It is can be used to many different books in any curriculum or else. Two versions are avalaible.


You may like:

  • Polygons for beginners.
  • Coordinate for beginners.
  • Fractions for beginners.

Don't forget that leaving feedback earns you points toward FREE TeachShare purchases.


All the resources I make are free for the first 24 hours! so follow my store <3 to stay updated every time I post.

Free

The History of Dinosaurs Reading Passage, Q & A, and Note-Taking Sheets

By Homeschool with Big Easy Homeschooling Mom

Dive into the fascinating world of prehistoric giants with The History of Dinosaurs Reading Passage, Q&A, and Note-Taking Sheets**!** This comprehensive The History of Dinosaurs Reading Passage, Q&A, and Note-Taking Sheets resource is designed specifically for middle to high school students, making it perfect for homeschoolers and traditional classrooms alike. ***The History of Dinosaurs Reading Passage, Q&A, and Note-Taking Sheets ***resource provides a detailed, engaging, and age-appropriate exploration of dinosaurs, covering essential topics like their origins, adaptations, extinction theories, and the connection to modern birds. Students will develop critical thinking and note-taking skills while exploring the scientific, historical, and biological aspects of these incredible creatures.

Tailored to meet the needs of middle and high school learners, this resource helps students grasp complex topics with ease. The well-structured reading passage breaks down information into manageable sections, ensuring clarity and comprehension. Paired with guided note-taking sheets and 20 thought-provoking Q&A questions, it encourages students to delve deeper into the content while practicing essential academic skills like critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning.

INCLUDED IN THIS RESOURCE:

  • A detailed, reading passage on the history of dinosaurs.
  • 20 thought-provoking Q&A questions with an answer key.
  • Editable and printable note-taking sheets for guided learning.
  • Topics include: dinosaur adaptations, extinction theories, paleontology, and their connection to modern birds.

PERFECT FOR:

  • Middle and high school students.
  • Homeschooling families.
  • Science and history classrooms.
  • Supplemental learning for paleontology and biology units.

WHY CHOOSE THIS RESOURCE?

  • Engaging and age-appropriate content.
  • Combines science, history, and biology in a single lesson.
  • Saves teachers and parents hours of lesson preparation.
  • Designed with flexibility for various learning styles.

BENEFITS FOR TEACHERS/HOMESCHOOL PARENTS:

  • Ready-to-use materials that save valuable planning time.
  • Includes detailed answer keys for efficient grading.
  • Encourages independent learning and critical thinking.
  • Flexible design to accommodate different teaching styles and student needs.
  • Printable note-taking sheets help guide students in structuring their thoughts.
  • Provides engaging content that seamlessly integrates science and history.

BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS:

  • Enhances reading comprehension and analytical skills.
  • Encourages curiosity about natural history and paleontology.
  • Develops effective note-taking habits.
  • Offers an engaging, interactive approach to learning.

This resource includes well-structured reading passages that captivate learners and challenge them to think deeply. It’s not just about dinosaurs—it’s about fostering a love for learning, sharpening analytical skills, and bringing history and science to life. Whether you're a teacher or a homeschooling parent, this product makes lesson planning effortless while offering students a memorable educational experience.

Whether you're a homeschool parent, classroom teacher, or tutor, this resource simplifies your preparation while providing a rich, educational experience for your students. It’s not just a lesson on dinosaurs—it’s a gateway to understanding Earth's geological past, fostering a lifelong interest in science and history. With this comprehensive resource, you can turn any learning space into a dynamic exploration of the prehistoric era.

If you and your students/children enjoyed this resources, please leave a review.

Thank you for your support!

Tina - Big Easy Homeschooling Mom

Social Media Links

Tide Wind Academy Homeschool Website

Free

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein: Thematic Introduction (Pre-Reading Handout)

By Rigorous Resources for High School English

This four-page handout introduces students to the themes which are most prominent in Mary Shelley's literary masterpiece, Frankenstein (1818). By having your students read and discuss this thematic introduction together, you will have them captivated by the complex questions invoked by Frankenstein before they open the novel's cover.

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein asks a series of profound questions about human nature. Are human beings inherently benevolent or malevolent? Are humans better off when they live alone in isolation or when they live together in society? Can the development of modern technology have the effect of transforming human nature?

This handout is part of a larger bundle of Frankenstein resources which includes discussion questions, short writing prompts, vocabulary lists, daily quizzes, and an analytical writing assignment. To view my comprehensive bundle of Frankenstein resources, visit the following link:

https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Mary-Shelleys-Frankenstein-AP-Literature-3-WEEKS-of-DYNAMIC-Lesson-Plans-5293594

Thank you for choosing "Rigorous Resources"!

Happy teaching,

Adam Jernigan

adamjernigan@gmail.com

P.S. Don't forget to click “follow” for email updates on new products by Rigorous Resources. New products will be 50% OFF for the first 24 hours!

Free

FREEBIE 2024 Summer Games Reading Passage, Q & A, and Note-Taking Sheets

By Homeschool with Big Easy Homeschooling Mom

Dive into the excitement of the 2024 Summer Games with this comprehensive, free educational resource!  Perfect for upper middle school to high school students, this package includes a detailed reading passage on the upcoming Paris Games, a set of questions and answers to test comprehension, and note-taking sheets to help students organize their thoughts.  This resource is an excellent way to engage students in the rich history and cultural significance of the Olympics while enhancing their reading and critical thinking skills.

Free

FREEBIE 2024 Summer Games Reading Passage, Q & A, and Note-Taking Sheets

By Homeschool with Big Easy Homeschooling Mom

Dive into the excitement of the 2024 Summer Games with this comprehensive, free educational resource!  Perfect for upper middle school to high school students, this package includes a detailed reading passage on the upcoming Paris Games, a set of questions and answers to test comprehension, and note-taking sheets to help students organize their thoughts.  This resource is an excellent way to engage students in the rich history and cultural significance of the Olympics while enhancing their reading and critical thinking skills.

Free

Julius Caesar PRE-READING HANDOUT: A History of the Roman Republic | Shakespeare

By Rigorous Resources for High School English

This 4-page pre-reading handout provides students with important background information for understanding William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. This resource includes a two-page handout on the history of the Roman Republic. The resource also included is a comprehension check and answer key so that teachers can assess whether students have understood important details from the handout.

Learning about the history of the Roman Republic will provide students with the contextual information necessary for understanding certain lines in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. You could have students read this handout for homework before starting the play; or you could have students read the handout aloud together in class before giving them the comprehension check worksheet.

If you like this pre-reading handout, you'll definitely want to check out my 160-page Complete Teaching Unit on Julius Caesar. The complete unit features colorful and engaging worksheets on every scene in Shakespeare's play. Because the complete unit is both professionally designed and academically rigorous, it is especially well-suited for courses like Honors English and AP Lang.

Wishing you an amazing experience with teaching this complex play. If you have any questions along the way, please don't hesitate to get in touch. And don't forget to check out the Complete Teaching Unit on Julius Caesar....

Happy teaching,

Adam Jernigan, Ph.D.

adamjernigan@gmail.com

P.S. Remember to “follow” my store to receive email updates on new products by Rigorous Resources. New products will be 50% OFF for the first 24 hours!

Feel free to check out these complete units on Shakespeare's masterpieces:

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Romeo and Juliet

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Julius Caesar

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Macbeth

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Othello

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Hamlet

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Much Ado About Nothing

INTRO TO SHAKESPEARE: Biography, Globe Theater, Language, & Meter

Free

FREEBIE The History of Halloween Reading Passage, Q & A, and Note-Taking Sheets

By Homeschool with Big Easy Homeschooling Mom

Dive into the captivating history of Halloween with this comprehensive, FREE resource designed for middle and high school students.  This freebie includes a detailed reading passage on the origins, symbols, and global celebrations of Halloween, complete with engaging questions and guided note-taking sheets to reinforce learning.  Whether you’re exploring the cultural significance or dispelling common misconceptions, this resource is perfect for helping students develop a deeper understanding of Halloween.  Ideal for use in history, social studies, or language arts classrooms, this set is fully ready to use, with no preparation required.

Free

FREEBIE The Outsiders: PowerPoint & Note-Taking Sheets

By Homeschool with Big Easy Homeschooling Mom

Dive into the timeless world of S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders with my engaging PowerPoint Presentation and Note-Taking Sheets!  This FREEBIE is perfect for teachers and students alike, designed to complement your literature curriculum and enhance students’ understanding of the novel.  The PowerPoint slides provide a comprehensive overview of key themes, character analysis, plot summaries, and important quotes, while the accompanying note-taking sheets encourage students to actively engage with the material, track their thoughts, and organize their insights.  Whether used in the classroom or for remote learning, this resource makes studying The Outsiders interactive and enjoyable.

Free