4th Grade Short Stories Activities

These no prep nonfiction and fiction reading passages with comprehension questions and main idea and key detail graphic organizers are perfect for your second grade, third grade, fourth grade, and fifth grade students! These reading comprehension worksheets will bring a love of learning back to your reading block. Your students will be engaged while learning!

Do your students DREAD having to read nonfiction texts? Do they moan and groan when it's time to read informational text because they find the topics boring or tiresome? These engaging, nonfiction passages about the animals of the Amazon rainforest, Chinese New Year, Presidents' Day and Arctic Animals will have your readers begging for more!

☀️_Check out my preview for details and click on each product included in this bundle to get a better look at what is inside each one._

With This Resource You'll Get:
★ Engaging nonfiction passages
★ Different formats for students response
★ Main idea and key details graphic organizer
★ Text dependent questions
★ Some multiple choice answers
★ Short answer written response
★ Standards-based tasks

How You Can Use This Resource:
✎ whole group
✎ small group
✎ partner work
✎ independent work
✎ homework
✎ literacy centers
✎ animal research
✎ animal research reports

Check Out What Teachers Are Saying:

❤️Brittney S. says, "Great articles and easy prep!"

❤️Ariane O says, "Interesting passages and solid level given the COVID learning loss.

❤️Wendy W says, "I used this with my class when discussing rainforest habitats. They loved learning about the different animals."

IRelated Products

☀️Monthly Holiday Nonfiction Reading Passages

☀️Arctic Animals Reading Passages
☀️Amazon Rainforest Animals Nonfiction Passages

☀️Chinese New Year Passages

☀️Nonfiction Passages about Presidents and Inauguration Day

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PURPOSE: These 4 Google Slide lessons provide digital pre-reading resources, historical background info, vocabulary word study, practice, and assessment for 4 classic stories: THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL, A CHRISTMAS MEMORY, THE GIFT OF THE MAGI,THE BURGLAR’S CHRISTMAS.

GOAL: to prepare each student to read rigorous literature by front-loading story elements critical to comprehension aligned to standards

AUDIENCE: whole group, small group, or independent work for regular ed, learning support, ESL or virtual classrooms

PDF FILE. Plus, each ZIP file comes with a PDF folder containing 8 printable worksheets to be used with the PPT lesson! These printables include Connotation and Grammar sort, Word Study, and Vocabulary Quiz with optional word bank and answer key.

EACH Google Slide Lesson:

1. **Author Bio:** To connect vocabulary with real-world context, we provide author biographies related to each short story. This adds depth to the lesson, allowing students to appreciate the words in the context of the author's life experience.

2. **Setting**: highly informative slides include maps, historical images and intriguing video links to prepare students to have a deeper understanding of the location and time period in which the story takes place. This is a crucial element when preparing students to read outside their own worldview.

3. **Vocab with Concise Definitions :** Our PowerPoint lesson provides clear and concise definitions for challenging vocabulary words, ensuring that students understand the meaning of each word in context as it appears in the text. (See Individual lesson for vocabulary words)

4.**Bold Photos:** Visual learners will thrive with our visually appealing slides, featuring bold and relevant images that help reinforce vocabulary concepts and make learning more engaging.

5.**Parts of Speech:** Understanding the parts of speech is crucial for effective language comprehension. Our lesson includes sections dedicated to identifying the part of speech for each vocabulary word.

6. **Grammar Review & Sort** Strengthen language skills with integrated grammar review sections, ensuring students can apply the vocabulary words correctly in their own writing and communication.

7. **Connotation Review & Sort** Dive deeper into vocabulary nuances by exploring the connotations of words, helping students grasp the subtle shades of meaning and usage.

8.**Context Clues Sentences:** Our lesson includes carefully curated sentences that employ context clues, enabling students to decipher word meanings from surrounding text. This fosters independent comprehension skills. These worksheets can be used for practice or assessment.

9.**Quizlet Practice:** Reinforce learning and encourage self-assessment with Quizlet practice sets tailored to the vocabulary words covered in the lesson. This interactive tool allows students to review and quiz themselves.

10**PDF file** 9 organizers, activities, and quizzes

11 **Fun Fact** video link are inserted throughout to bring important elements of the story into context and aid comprehension

DIGITAL USES IN THE CLASSROOM:

· Introduce new story

· Provide backstory to text

· Stimulate group discussion/prediction

· Create predictions about text

· Use as distance learning resource

· Post on webpage for review

· Add to electronic notebooks

· Provide test review

· Prompt Writing or Research assignments

· Grammar study / parts of speech

· Discuss Word Connotation

PRINTABLE USES: word walls and interactive notebooks

This bundle is also available in PowerPoint!

Enjoy -from Kiwious About Vocab!

Do your students need practice to identify the main events and elements of a story? Do they have trouble distinguishing between main ideas or events and details? Then this close reading set is for you! These 15 worksheets with reading passages are designed to give your students an opportunity to practice identifying sequencing main events and details, as well as story elements!

What's included in the money-saving bundle:

Main Events and Sequencing Close Reading Worksheets

After reading each passage, students will identify the three main events in sequential order, a small detail from the story, as well as something made up that never actually happened in the story - my students love this!!

This packet contains 15 passages including one that's perfect for St. Patrick's Day titled "Catching a Leprechaun."

These no-prep worksheets are ready to go for you. Just print and proceed! The 15 passages offer variety, and this packet is ideal for teachers who want their students to get additional practice with this important skill.

INCLUDED WITH YOUR PURCHASE:

• 15 Printable Worksheets

Story Elements Close Reading Worksheets

Do your students need practice to identify the elements of story? These 15 worksheets with reading passages are designed to give your students an opportunity to practice identifying story elements.

After reading each passage, students will identify the characters, setting, problem (conflict), and lesson (theme).

This packet contains 15 passages including one that's perfect for St. Patrick's Day titled "Catching a Leprechaun."

These no-prep worksheets are ready to go for you. Just print and proceed! With 15 passages, this packet is ideal for teachers who want their students to get additional practice with this important skill.

INCLUDED WITH YOUR PURCHASE:

• 15 Printable Worksheets

***Note: both resources in the bundle utilize the same stories but each set focuses on a different skill! Perfect for practicing multiple skills!

Perfect for extra skill work during:

• morning meetings
• brain breaks
• sub-activities
• indoor recess
• snack time
• morning work
• early finishers
• end of year

★I would love to have you as my newest follower!★ Click here to follow.

Purpose: "Seventh Grade," and "The Jacket" by Gary Soto: these introductory Google Slide lessons provide digital pre-reading information for the author, genre, and setting. The lessons also include vocabulary study, practice, and assessments. -PDF text Links included

GOAL: to prepare each student to read rigorous literature by front-loading story elements critical to comprehension aligned to standards

AUDIENCE: whole group, small group, or independent work for regular ed, learning support, ESL or virtual classrooms

EACH Google Slide Lesson:

1. **Author Bio:** To connect vocabulary with real-world context, we provide author biographies related to each short story. This adds depth to the lesson, allowing students to appreciate the words in the context of the author's life experience.

2. **Setting**: highly informative slides include maps, historical images and intriguing video links to prepare students to have a deeper understanding of the location and time period in which the story takes place. This is a crucial element when preparing students to read outside their own worldview.

3. **Vocab with Concise Definitions :** Our PowerPoint lesson provides clear and concise definitions for challenging vocabulary words, ensuring that students understand the meaning of each word in context as it appears in the text.

4.**Bold Photos:** Visual learners will thrive with our visually appealing slides, featuring bold and relevant images that help reinforce vocabulary concepts and make learning more engaging.

5.**Parts of Speech:** Understanding the parts of speech is crucial for effective language comprehension. Our lesson includes sections dedicated to identifying the part of speech for each vocabulary word.

6. **Grammar Review & Sort** Strengthen language skills with integrated grammar review sections, ensuring students can apply the vocabulary words correctly in their own writing and communication.

7. **Connotation Review & Sort** Dive deeper into vocabulary nuances by exploring the connotations of words, helping students grasp the subtle shades of meaning and usage.

8.**Context Clues Sentences:** Our lesson includes carefully curated sentences that employ context clues, enabling students to decipher word meanings from surrounding text. This fosters independent comprehension skills. These worksheets can be used for practice or assessment.

9.**Quizlet Practice:** Reinforce learning and encourage self-assessment with Quizlet practice sets tailored to the vocabulary words covered in the lesson. This interactive tool allows students to review and quiz themselves.

10**PDF file** 9 organizers, activities, and quizzes

11 **Fun Fact** photos and video links are inserted throughout to bring important elements of the story into context and aid comprehension

DIGITAL USES IN THE CLASSROOM:
· Introduce new story
· Provide backstory to text
· Stimulate group discussion/prediction
· Create predictions about text
· Use as distance learning resource
· Post on webpage for review
· Add to electronic notebooks
· Provide test review
· Prompt Writing or Research assignments
· Grammar study / parts of speech
· Discuss Word Connotation

PRINTABLE USES: word walls and interactive notebooks

This bundle is also available in PowerPoint.

Enjoy -from Kiwious About Vocab!

This GOOGLE SLIDE Holiday Unit Language Arts Bundle includes 2 Prereading Introductions for short stories: The Little Match Girl by _Hans Christian Anderson a_nd The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry. Each Introductory lesson provides pre-reading information for the story’s author and genre. Bold photo visuals and engaging video clips support the story details, as well as vocabulary study, practice, assessment, and printable organizers.

*Plus* a complete Writing Lesson with holiday prompts and grading rubrics is included in this bundle.

..........................PREREADING. GOOGLE SLIDES....................

Google Slides:
1. **Author Biography** We provide author biographies for each short story. This adds depth to the lesson, allowing students to appreciate the story in the context of the author's life experience.
2. **Setting**Highly informative slides include maps, historical images and intriguing video links allowing students to have a deeper understanding of the location and time period in which the story takes place. This is a crucial element when preparing students to read outside their own worldview.
3.**Bold Photos: ** Visual learners will thrive with our visually appealing slides, featuring bold and relevant images that help reinforce vocabulary concepts and make learning more engaging.
4. **Vocab with Concise Definitions and Part of Speech: ** Our lesson provides clear and concise definitions for challenging vocabulary words, ensuring that students understand the meaning of each word in context. Understanding the parts of speech is crucial for effective language comprehension. Our lesson includes sections dedicated to identifying the part of speech for each vocabulary word.
Vibrant Vocab slides

The Little Match Girl: urchin, farthing, cower, burnished, transparent, gaily-colored, ascend, lustre, stark, capitally

The Gift of the Magi: instigate, vestibule, agile, falter, ransack, prudence, ravage, assertion, chronicle, coveted

5.**Quizlet Practice Link ** Reinforce learning and encourage self-assessment with Quizlet practice tailored to the vocabulary words covered in the lesson. This interactive tool allows students to review and quiz themselves.
6. **Fun Fact Images and Videos** These features highlight unique elements of the text to aid comprehension

PDF FILE.
Plus, each ZIP file comes with a PDF folder containing printable worksheets to be used with the lesson!
**Grammar Sort**
Strengthen language skills with integrated grammar review sections, ensuring students can apply the vocabulary words correctly in their own writing and communication.
**Connotation Sort**
Dive deeper into vocabulary nuances by exploring the connotations of words, helping students grasp the subtle shades of meaning and usage.
**Context Clues Sentences, Word Bank and Key: **
Our lesson includes carefully curated sentences that employ context clues, enabling students to decipher word meanings from surrounding text. This fosters independent comprehension skills. These worksheets can be used for practice or assessment.
**Vocabulary Organizer**
This worksheet allows the students to infer the meaning from the animated vocabulary slide. After students complete the organizer, it is a great reference sheet.
**Synonym and Antonym Word Study**
The graphic organizer allows the students to explore the variations in meaning of the new vocabulary word.

............................WRITING....GOOGLE SLIDES................

This holiday inspired Vocabulary Writing Lesson is perfect for any language arts class grades 6-12

VOCABULARY: The lesson includes 10 highly advanced vocabulary words with three-fold animated photo slides. These vivid slides present a bold photo, the definition and part of speech for each of these challenging new words:

1. Enigmatic

2. Quintessence

3. Resplendent

4. Melancholy

5. Pernicious

6. Verisimilitude

7. Idyllic

8. Incandescent

9. Sanguine

10. Halcyon

WRITING: The 10 rigorous vocabulary words have been woven into three higher level writing prompts for creative written response. In addition to the imaginative writing prompts, a teacher-friendly grading rubric is included; designed to highlight the use of the advanced vocabulary.

PRACTICE: Eight printable graphic organizers for the newly learned words are part of this lesson. They provide grammar review, grammar sort, connotation review, connotation sort, and word study exploring synonyms, antonyms etc.

ASSESSMENT: A context clue fill-in-the-blank worksheet is provided which may be used for practice or assessment. Also included, is a vocabulary Quizlet which can be used for practice or assessment.

This standard-aligned material is for use with whole group, small group, or independent work for regular ed, learning support, ESL or virtual/homeschool classrooms.

This lesson is also available in PowerPoint.

Growth Mindset Writing Activity: Roll a Story Creative Writing with Story Cubes

Looking for creative writing activities that are engaging and fun? These growth mindset story cubes are perfect for you! Storytelling with dice is a great way to increase student engagement while reinforcing growth mindset concepts.

This roll-a-story activity is perfect for use at literacy stations, as an early finisher activity, or a creative writing assignment.

NOTE: Students must be somewhat familiar with growth mindset concepts and themes in order to utilize this product.

This file includes:

• Teacher Tips
• Student Instructions (for use at literacy stations, for example)
• A variety of planning pages with or without instructions
• Two options for story writing paper (primary and intermediate lines)
• Parts of a story posters (in full color and black-and-white on half sheets)
• 16 CUBE SKINS (4 per component)
• 4 BLANK CUBE SKINS (for students to create their own growth mindset theme, setting, action, and noun)

Please take a look at the preview and thumbnails before you purchase the product to ensure that it is a good fit for your students.

This product is most appropriate for 2nd-5th grade. There are a variety of ways to differentiate this resource to meet the needs of your students.

These growth mindset products pair well with this writing activity:

GROWTH MINDSET PICTURE BOOK BUNDLE:

GROWTH MINDSET PICTURE BOOK BUNDLE

GROWTH MINDSET BELL RINGERS:

GROWTH MINDSET BELL RINGERS FOR 2ND GRADE-3RD GRADE

GROWTH MINDSET BELL RINGERS FOR 4TH GRADE AND UP

GROWTH MINDSET ACTIVITY BUNDLE:

GROWTH MINDSET BUNDLE: AFFIRMATION POSTERS, FLIP BOOKS, AND PRIVACY FOLDER

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Kirsten Tulsian has 18 years of experience in elementary education. She has been a homeroom teacher for first grade, third grade, and fourth grade, as well as ESL. She has also been a school counselor for grades PK-6, an ESL pullout teacher for K-6, and a Reading Recovery Teacher. She received her Bachelor’s degree in elementary education and psychology from The University of Iowa and a Master’s of Education in school counseling from Sam Houston State University. She believes that students make the most progress when they are engaged in their hearts as well as their minds. Her resources offer relevant, rigorous, engaging content that nurtures the whole child.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

Copyright © Kirsten’s Kaboodle. All Rights Reserved.

• Purchasing this product gives the purchaser ONE LICENSE to this product. This allows the purchaser the right to reproduce this product for HIS/HER class ONLY.

• Duplication for an entire team, school, or school district is strictly forbidden.

• If other teachers would like copies of this product, please direct them to my store.

• You may not reproduce, redistribute, or post this item on a blog or website for download (free or paid).

• Copying any part of this product (even for a classroom website) is also in violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

• You may not modify, copy, or alter this product in any way.

• Please feel free to spread the word about this product via social media or blog post. A link to the product (or my store) is much appreciated.

Inspire your students to unleash their creativity with our Spring Picture Prompts narrative writing resource! Designed specifically for 4th to 6th graders, this dynamic tool walks students through every step of the writing process using the beauty and renewal of spring as a backdrop. From St. Patrick's Day to the wonders of a spring park, each photo prompt is a doorway to imagination and storytelling.

What’s Inside:

• 23 Engaging Slides: A visual journey that introduces students to the elements of a plot diagram, the critical difference between showing vs. telling, and 10 unique, spring-inspired photo prompts.
• 10 Spring-Inspired Photo Prompts: Carefully selected images that capture the essence of spring, ready to spark creativity in young writers.
• Comprehensive Writing Guides: Each photo prompt is accompanied by a 2-page planning guide to help students brainstorm settings, characters, and conflicts, laying the foundation for well-structured stories.
• Show vs. Tell Examples: Clear, accessible examples to teach students how to bring their stories to life, making their writing more engaging and vivid.

Perfect For:

• ☑️ Creative Writing Classes
• ☑️ Choice Boards
• ☑️ Extension Activities
• ☑️ Writing Units
• ☑️ Homework Assignments

Why You'll Love It:

• ☑️ Fosters Creativity: Encourages students to think creatively, developing unique narratives based on intriguing picture prompts.
• ☑️ Enhances Writing Skills: Guides students through the narrative writing process, from brainstorming to publishing, enhancing their writing skills.
• ☑️ Teaches Critical Writing Concepts: Offers a hands-on approach to understanding and applying key writing concepts like plot development and descriptive writing.
• ☑️ Flexible & Adaptable: Use it for a week-long writing project, a single class period, or as part of a larger unit. It’s designed to fit your needs!
• ☑️ Print & Go Convenience: Everything you need is at your fingertips, ready to be printed or shared digitally, saving you valuable preparation time.

Transform your classroom this spring with narratives that bloom as brightly as the season itself. Our Spring Picture Prompts resource is not just a set of activities; it's a gateway to imagination, critical thinking, and joyous writing. Whether you're diving into a creative writing unit, looking for a meaningful homework assignment, or seeking engaging extension activities, these picture prompts are your key to a vibrant writing experience.

Capture the essence of spring in your classroom. Add our Spring Picture Prompts to your teaching toolkit today and watch your students' writing flourish!

Unlock the Halloween Spirit with these No PREP- Language Arts, Reading, writing, Vocabulary & Word Search Ready-to-Use! This resource has got you covered with Lesson plans, how-to-use, morning work, Fiction, and Nonfiction reading passages, Story Comprehension color by number, Vocabulary cards, and Let's Find the Match vocabulary activity, enriching your ELA/literacy center activities.

These worksheets are the perfect solution for your Halloween teaching needs. This resource has got you covered with captivating morning work, enriching ELA/literacy center activities, a comprehensive Halloween packet, and quick options for early finishers. You won't find a better fit for your classroom.

The Halloween ELA activities include:

• 2-Halloween Reading Passages
• 2- Halloween Reading Comprehension Questions
• 2- Halloween Color By Number
• 2- Halloween Vocabulary Matching Activity
• 2-Halloween Word Search
• 2- Halloween Craft
• 2- Writing pages (Planning and Final Draft)
• 2- Vocabulary Card Sets One for Each Story

Check out the preview to see all the Halloween activities you will be getting!

⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏

Thank you so much for your support and honest feedback!

All these resources are already done for you, saving you hours and prep time!

Thank you so much for your support and honest feedback!

Follow Literacytales for more engaging resources for grades 2-5!

Let's Connect:

⭐ Instagram

⭐ Facebook Group

⭐ Pinterest

**⭐**Email

Click here for more fun digital resources!

Keywords: Word Search, Reading comprehension, Google Forms, Sound Tap & Write (Phonics)

Thank you so much for all you do for students as educators!

M. Tehfe

Literacy Tales

Where Stories Come Alive**✏️**

Looking for a quick and hassle-free way to get your students into the Thanksgiving spirit? Look no further! Our No PREP Language Arts, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary & Word Search Ready-to-Use resource has everything you need, including lesson plans, morning work, fiction and nonfiction reading passages, story comprehension color by number, vocabulary cards, and a Let's Find the Match vocabulary activity. This resource is perfect for enhancing your ELA/literacy center activities and will make your Thanksgiving lesson planning a breeze.

This is a comprehensive Language Arts packet and quick options for your short week in November. Celebrate, teach, cover the skills, print, and go. You won't find a better fit for your classroom.

Key Features:

⭐ Vocabulary Enhancement: Students will enhance their vocabulary skills.

⭐ Thanksgiving Fun: With two Thanksgiving pictures waiting to be colored in, this activity adds a festive touch to your November lessons.

⭐ Bonus Word Searches: We've included three Thanksgiving -word searches that tie into the theme, giving students even more word-related challenges to enjoy.

⭐ Aligned with New Jersey Standards: Our resource is designed to align with New Jersey educational standards, ensuring that it supports your curriculum objectives.

⭐Save Time and Engage Students: This resource is a time-saver for busy teachers. Print and Go!

Included:

The Thanksgiving ELA Packet Includes:

Teacher's Resources :

• Lesson Plans
• How to Use
• Table of contents to save on ink and paper
• Answer Keys

Students' Resources:

• 2- Fiction Reading Passages 1 advance and 1 for struggling students
• 2- Non-Fiction Reading Passages 1 advance and 1 for struggling students
• 2- Reading Comprehension Questions
• 2- Color By Number
• 2- Vocabulary Card Sets One for Each Story
• 2- Vocabulary Matching Activity
• 3- Word Search
• 2- Thanksgiving pictures to design their writing.
• 3- Writing pages (Planning and Final Draft)

Check out the preview to see all the Thanksgiving activities you will be getting!

Thanksgiving Vowel Sounds

Thanksgiving Color By Code Editable

⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏⤏

Thank you so much for your support and honest feedback!

All these resources are already done for you, saving you hours and prep time!

Thank you so much for your support and honest feedback!

Follow Literacytales for more engaging resources for grades 2-5!

Let's Connect:

⭐ Instagram

⭐ Facebook Group

⭐ Pinterest

**⭐**Email

Click here for more fun digital resources!

Keywords: Word Search, Reading comprehension, Google Forms, Sound Tap & Write (Phonics)

Thank you so much for all you do for students as educators!

M. Tehfe

Literacy Tales

Where Stories Come Alive**✏️**