8th Grade Centers

Use this Close Reading for students to learn about the National Road(also called the Cumberland Road or the National Pike Road). There are several comprehension questions and fun facts. Additionally, there are lots of extension activities especially writing in the content area.

The Close reading and review would be one period. If you do some of the extension activities, the resource could take a couple of days.

Additional Resources on this topic:

1. Use this reading passage(and extension activities) to learn about the Santa Fe Trail and specifically Wind Wagon Thomas. As people were beginning to travel west by covered wagon along the plains of the Santa Fe Trail, William Thomas, had a most unusual idea. The average trip along the Santa Fe Trail took about eight weeks! He envisioned prairie schooners with sails that could move across the plains on wind-power much faster than wagons hitched to horses. https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Santa-Fe-Trail-Wind-Wagon-ThomasReading-Passage-5934650

2. If you are studying Westward Expansion and pioneers, specifically the Oregon Trail, this informative Reader's Theater Script will be a positive addition to your lessons. Based on a true person, the play is about one of first woman to go on the Oregon Trail. Narcissa Whitman kept a journal of her trip. She and her husband(and Henry and Eliza Spalding) left upstate New York for Independence, Missouri(most popular starting point) for their journey along the Oregon Trail to Oregon, where Marcus and Narcissa would become missionaries. The play, packed with lots of information, is one of my Ms. Bie Ografee playsseries, includes a Did You Know? fun fact section, comprehension questions and a teacher page with extension activities.https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Oregon-Trail-A-Visit-with-a-PioneerNarcissa-Whitman-Readers-Theater-Script-6034419?st=c229610a8da62f93976e3ae1695006df

❄️ Winter Themed Coloring Sheets Bundle – Snowmen, Clothes, Mandalas & Animals (PreK--3rd) ⛄

Add excitement to your January activities with this Winter-Themed Coloring Sheets Bundle! Designed for kids in PreK to 3rd grade, this fun and educational pack includes a mix of snowmen, winter clothes, mandalas, and animals for hours of creative engagement.

✅ What’s Inside:

• Adorable snowman coloring pages featuring winter outfits like hats, scarves, and mittens.
• Winter clothes designs to celebrate the cozy season.
• Beautiful yet kid-friendly mandala pages with snowflakes and winter themes.
• Fun and educational animal-themed winter pages.
• Ideal for classroom centers, morning work, or at-home activities during the winter months.

This Winter Activity Bundle is a versatile, no-prep resource for parents and teachers looking to combine fun with skill-building.

Instant Download – Get 191 pages of winter fun and start coloring today!

******You might be interested in visiting My winter Section.******

⛄Winter Themed Mandala Coloring Pages Snowflakes Book Fun Winter Sheets For Kids

⛄Winter Themed Coloring Sheet Snowman Animal Page January Activity Kids Prek-3rd

⛄Winter Clothes Coloring Sheet Preschool January Activity Pages Center (Prek-3rd)

⛄Winter Clothes Coloring Sheet Preschool January Activity Pages Center (Prek-3rd)

⛄Winter Themed Coloring Sheets For PreK Preschool No Prep Activity Math January

⛄Winter Coloring Sheet | Snowman Animal Page December January Holiday (Prek-3rd)

⛄Winter Themed Coloring Sheet For PreK Preschool No Prep Activity January Centers

⛄Feed the reindeer Letters & Numbers Recognition Centers ,Math Activity Preschool

⛄Winter Themed Math Activity Pages Coloring Sheet For PreK Preschool Kindergarten

⛄winter coloring sheet | Snowman Animal Page December January Holiday (Prek-3rd)

⛄Winter Themed Math Addition Subtraction For Prek Preshool Kindergarten Activity

❄️ Winter Mandala Coloring Pages – Snowflakes & Fun Winter Designs for Kids ⛄

Spark creativity this season with these Winter-Themed Mandala Coloring Pages, perfect for kids of all ages! Featuring intricate yet kid-friendly designs of snowflakes and other winter elements, this coloring book offers hours of artistic fun.

✅ What’s Included:

• Beautiful snowflake mandalas and winter-themed designs.
• Perfect for kids, classroom centers, and winter crafts.
• Great for developing fine motor skills and encouraging calm, focused creativity.
• Suitable for January activities, both at home and in the classroom.

This Winter Mandala Coloring Book makes a wonderful resource for teachers and parents looking for engaging and creative activities during the winter months.

Instant Download – Print and let the winter fun begin today!

******You might be interested in visiting My winter Section.******

⛄Winter Themed Coloring Sheet Snowman Animal Page January Activity Kids Prek-3rd

⛄Winter Clothes Coloring Sheet Preschool January Activity Pages Center (Prek-3rd)

⛄Winter Clothes Coloring Sheet Preschool January Activity Pages Center (Prek-3rd)

⛄Winter Themed Coloring Sheets For PreK Preschool No Prep Activity Math January

⛄Winter Coloring Sheet | Snowman Animal Page December January Holiday (Prek-3rd)

⛄Winter Themed Coloring Sheet For PreK Preschool No Prep Activity January Centers

⛄Feed the reindeer Letters & Numbers Recognition Centers ,Math Activity Preschool

⛄Winter Themed Math Activity Pages Coloring Sheet For PreK Preschool Kindergarten

⛄winter coloring sheet | Snowman Animal Page December January Holiday (Prek-3rd)

⛄Winter Themed Math Addition Subtraction For Prek Preshool Kindergarten Activity

Are you looking for an interactive and easy way to teach your middle school students about graphs and charts? This resource will help your students by providing descriptions and examples of a pie chart, line graph, scatter plot, and bar graph. Students will then be challenged by being asked to create their own example of each chart or graph. Some examples will also require students to collect their own data.

No prep and an answer key is included.

This resource also comes with 2 versions - version 1 can be used as stations and requires students to record answers on separate paper. Version 2 can be used as a worksheet and provides enough space for students to record answers.

Your students will:

• Apply knowledge
• Analyze data
• Learn and apply key terms
• Demonstrate understanding
• Use math skills
• Engage in problem solving
• Time management - if used as a station

Quick matching activity to assess or practice cube roots and square roots!

Bring Thanksgiving fun to your classroom with these easy, step-by-step directed drawings! Students can follow along to draw seasonal favorites like an acorn, piece of pie, turkey, turkey leg, squash, and a festive place setting. Designed to inspire creativity and enhance writing time, this pack makes it easy for students to add their drawings to writing projects, keeping them excited and engaged.

What's Included:

• 6 Thanksgiving/Fall-Themed Directed Drawings (Acorn, Pie, Turkey, Turkey Leg, Squash, Place Setting)
• Choice of Line Styles: Standard, Primary, or Drawing
• Large Cards
• Journal Strips for Easy Use in Notebooks or on Rings

Engage your students this Thanksgiving season with easy, step-by-step directed drawing pages! This Thanksgiving pack includes guided drawing sheets for creating holiday images like an acorn, piece of pie, turkey, turkey leg, squash, and a place setting. Students can use these drawings to spark ideas for writing and storytelling, making it a perfect addition to writing centers or independent activities.

Perfect For:

• Writer's Workshop & Creative Writing
• Independent Work & Centers
• Early Finishers & Homework
• Journal or Ring-Bound Use
• Sub Plans

With primary and standard-lined pages as well as journal strips, this pack provides versatile options for every classroom setup. Use it to boost students' creativity while encouraging them to express themselves through both drawing and writing!

Keywords: Thanksgiving directed drawing, step-by-step Thanksgiving drawing, Thanksgiving drawing activities, primary lined drawing pages, Thanksgiving writing prompts, drawing and writing centers, Thanksgiving journal strips

What’s Included?

• 20 Bookmarks, each featuring a critical reading skill or strategy for grades 3 - 8:

  • Main Idea & Supporting Details
  • Summarizing
  • Making Inferences
  • Context Clues
  • Identifying Theme
  • and many more!

Why You'll Love This Resource

• Student-Friendly Format: Each bookmark simplifies complex skills into bite-sized, actionable steps.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for guided reading groups, independent practice, or homework aids.
• Aligned with Curriculum Standards: Helps reinforce essential reading skills aligned with Common Core and other standards.
• Durable and Reusable: Print, laminate, and reuse for years!

The 2025 January ELA Bell Ringers resource offers an engaging, ready-to-use set of daily activities designed to enhance students' language arts skills throughout the month. Each bell ringer encourages critical thinking, creativity, and mastery of core ELA concepts, making them ideal for middle to high school learners. The prompts range from grammar corrections and vocabulary exercises to creative writing and reflection activities, ensuring students remain focused and engaged as they transition back to school after winter break. With a balance of structured tasks and open-ended prompts, these bell ringers foster a dynamic start to each lesson.

INCLUDED IN THIS RESOURCE:

• 23 daily bell ringer activities for the month of January.
• A variety of task types, including vocabulary development, creative writing, reflection, and critical thinking.
• Seasonal themes such as New Year’s resolutions and winter-related writing prompts.

PERFECT FOR:

• Middle and high school classrooms.
• Homeschooling parents looking for structured, daily ELA practice.
• Teachers seeking classroom management tools to settle students at the start of class.
• Students of varying skill levels, as activities are designed to be accessible yet challenging.

WHY CHOOSE THIS RESOURCE?

• NO-PREP, ready-to-use prompts save preparation time for educators.
• Flexible design allows for integration into existing lesson plans.
• Includes diverse activities that cater to different learning styles and interests.
• Seasonal themes keep students engaged and motivated.

BENEFITS FOR TEACHERS/HOMESCHOOL PARENTS:

• Minimizes planning time with **NO-PREP, **pre-made, high-quality activities.
• Encourages consistent skill-building without requiring extensive grading.
• Provides a structured routine to transition students into focused learning.
• Versatile prompts can serve as discussion starters or journal assignments.

BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS:

• Builds confidence in grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills.
• Promotes critical thinking and reflection on personal growth.
• Encourages creativity and self-expression through open-ended tasks.
• Establishes a positive routine to start each day with purpose and focus.

This **2025 January ELA Bell Ringers **resource is thoughtfully curated to align with seasonal themes, such as New Year reflections and winter imagery, while incorporating a variety of ELA standards. Grammar corrections challenge students' attention to detail, while reflective prompts help them set personal and academic goals for the new year. Creative writing tasks allow for self-expression, encouraging students to develop their narrative and descriptive writing skills. Each activity is short and impactful, making it easy to integrate into your daily lessons without disrupting your overall schedule.

Teachers and homeschooling parents will appreciate the simplicity and flexibility of this resource. The bell ringers are structured to be quick and effective, taking only about 5–10 minutes of class time. Additionally, they serve as an excellent tool for classroom management, helping to settle students into a productive mindset at the start of each lesson. The wide variety of prompts ensures that students of varying skill levels and interests remain engaged, fostering a positive learning environment.

The **2025 January ELA Bell Ringers **are also designed to promote independent thinking and self-improvement among students. Activities like goal-setting and reflection help them connect their academic progress to personal growth. Meanwhile, creative tasks allow them to explore their unique voices as writers, building confidence in their abilities. By the end of the month, students will have honed essential ELA skills and developed habits that will support their success throughout the rest of the school year.

If you and your students enjoyed 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 new resources and blogs:

tidewindacademyhomeschool.com

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.EE.A.2

Order of Operations Relay Game. GEMDAS

Students can work collaboratively to learn and practice Order of Operations. Simple rules and easy to play.

Included:

* Rules and directions

* 3 pages of relay worksheets

* Answer sheets

More lessons and worksheets available at:

https://www.TeachShare.com/Store/Mathologist

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSA.REI.B.3

Solve linear equations with one variable by clearing fractions first. Least common denominators must be determined in order to proceed with solving for the given variable.

Included:

*Two versions available.

*Foldable worksheet that helps with LCD and solving for variable

*Answer Keys are included!

More on solving equations:

Solving One-Step Equations

Solving Two-Step Equations

Solving Equations with Parenthesis and Variable on Both Side

Solving Equations by Clearing Decimals

Solving Equations: Application and Mastery

Sovling Equations: Practice Tricky Problems

More resources can be found @mathologist

Evaluating Expressions, Order of Operations, GEMDAS, Activity, Worksheet

This resource introduces the order of operations using GEMDAS, complete with clear explanations and practice problems to build understanding.

Additional worksheets and engaging activities can be found in the links provided below:

Order of Operations Relay GEMDAS

Order of Operations, GEMDAS, Evaluating Expressions with Integers No Exponents

@Mathologist

Multiplying Polynomials by Monomials Game, Strive for Five

This is an activity where students can play while practicing multiplying polynomials by monomials. The player to reach five in a row either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally wins. Two players can play.

Included:

* Game board

* ANSWER sheet

* Show work sheet

Other Algebra resources available:

https://www.TeachShare.com/Store/Mathologist

Algebra, Culminating Activity.

Students can review the Algebra concepts by solving and coloring. Once the coloring is complete, an inspirational message will appear!

An excellent way to end the year!

More resources available on:

https://www.TeachShare.com/Store/Mathologist

Factoring by Grouping lesson with interactive wheels! Students can work together in groups to identify mistakes in each wheel.

This activity will enforce students to understand the following:

- How to group polynomials to factor

- Which terms need to be grouped in order to effectively complete each problem.

- Looking for errors will reinforce the right way of solving through continual mental reminders of how each problem should be solved.

- Collaborative learning will help students to work together.

- Extended activity (Provided) will guide students to unfold the steps of Factoring by Grouping.

Other resources on Polynomials and Factoring available:

https://www.TeachShare.com/Store/Mathologist

For this activity, your students/children will plot 12 ordered pairs within the 4 quadrant coordinate plane grid. Each ordered pair has a colored circle that the student will drag to the correct place on the grid.

Included in this resource:

1. one student/child activity

2. one teacher/parent answer key

If your students/children enjoy this activity, please let me a review in the "My Purchases" area. Your feedback will help others decide to purchase.

Tina - Big Easy Homeschooling Mom

Social Media Links

I have created a digital self-checking 15-question quiz template in Excel and Google Sheets.

With this template, you will be able to insert 15 questions as well as insert an answer key into this conditionally formatted template that will do the grading for you automatically. If a student answers a question correctly, the answer will turn green and if they answer incorrectly, the answer will turn red. You will be able to use this template for multiple quizzes in multiple subjects - all you have to do is change the questions and change the answer key.

This template will be a lifesaver and you will be sure to keep handy for every day to weekly use.

I look forward to your feedback.

Thank you for your support,

Tina - Big Easy Homeschooling Mom

Social Media Links

What a Speedy Christmas! Santa had a hectic week shopping for the Christmas gifts. Let's figure the time, speed and distance Santa had to travel tonight with some of his friends.

What's Included?

• Speed, Distance & Time triangle.
• 5 questions about time taken, distance travelled, and speed.

Science: Biology, Forces, Physics Equations, Periodic Table Recap | Task Cards

Kinetic and Potential Energy | PowerPoint

Heat Transfer Types [Conduction, Convection & Radiation] | Sort Activity

Don't forget to share with me how it went with your little ones. I hope it was useful in your classroom.

If you like this product, follow my store -Mettry Teaches- for more.

Calling all math detectives! The Pufferfish Potion Pack has vanished from the Coral Reef Research Center, and it's up to your students to crack the case using their percentage skills!

What's Included?

• Case File Cover Page: Introduces the mystery and sets the scene for the Pufferfish Potion Pack investigation.
• Answer Key.
• 4 Mission Sheets: Each sheet focuses on a different aspect keeping your detectives engaged:
  Mission: What?
  Mission: Who?
  Mission: Where?
  Mission: Why?
  Mission: When?
  - Calculating percentages
  - Word problems
  - Ordering fractions and percentages

(tip: Put on the "Mission Impossible" theme song on the board and OH the fun)

Don't forget to share with me how it went with your little ones. I hope it was useful in your classroom.

If you like this product, follow my store -Mettry Teaches- for more.

Calling all reformed villains! This holiday season, ditch the coal and rewrite your story. This activity allows students to use their imagination and persuasive writing skills to convince Santa Claus they deserve a spot on the nice list!

What's Included:

• Reformed Villain Graphic Organizer: Help students brainstorm and visualize their villainous character and their path to redemption.
• Persuasive Letter to Santa Template: Provide a structured format for students to craft their convincing arguments.
• List of Infamous Villains: Offer inspiration and a starting point for character selection.

⭐Want more writing for Christmas?⭐

Trapped in a Snow Globe | Narrative Writing

Who Will Guide The Sleigh | Persuasive Writing**⭐**

⭐Thanksgiving narrative writing: How the Turkey Escaped Thanksgiving Dinner**⭐**

⭐Journey to the center of the Earth narrative/descriptive: Earth Layers**⭐**

Don't forget to share with me how it went with your little ones. I hope it was useful in your classroom.

If you like this product, follow my store -Mettry Teaches- for more.

'Tis the season to spread joy and kindness. Allow your students to light up the world with this adorable Christmas themed worksheet. Students simply fill in each box with examples of how they can spread kindness this season. Students can choose to write or draw in their answers.

Resource comes in colored and black/white versions.

Featured animals:

Toucan

Elephant

Koala

Penguin

Bear

Lion

A HUGE thank you to the following content creators for making my resource possible:

https://www.TeachShare.com/store/bunny-on-a-cloud

https://www.TeachShare.com/store/rainbow-sprinkle-studio-sasha-mitten