STAAR ECR Mastery Resource Informational Essay Test Prep Grades 6-8 Thesis Claim
By TooBookedUp
Transform your students’ writing skills with this STAAR ECR Mastery Resource, designed to make essay writing both engaging and effective for grades 6-8. This product breaks down the often overwhelming task of essay writing into clear, manageable steps, ensuring that your students feel confident and prepared for the Extended Constructed Response (ECR) section of the STAAR exam. Whether for classroom instruction, intervention, or test prep, this resource delivers everything you need to support your students in writing strong, structured essays.
✅ Thorough Skill Development Across 3 Days
This 3-day lesson plan guides students through each critical step of informational essay writing. Starting with a solid foundation in developing a thesis, students will then practice writing claims, supporting them with evidence, and providing sound reasoning. By the end of the unit, students will have completed a full-length informational essay on a highly engaging topic—Fortnite—a subject that captures their attention while reinforcing essential writing skills.
✅ Engaging and Interactive Resources
To maintain student engagement, this resource includes interactive slides that break down each element of essay writing. These slides are designed to support all learners by making the concepts of thesis development, claims, evidence, and reasoning more accessible and relatable. The step-by-step instructions and accompanying answer keys ensure that students receive clear feedback and can refine their skills with guided practice.
✅ Real-World Topic for Practice
Students will have the opportunity to write a complete essay on Fortnite, a popular video game that they are likely familiar with and excited to discuss. This essay topic makes practicing the skills they need for STAAR ECR a fun, relevant experience, allowing them to see the real-world application of writing techniques.
✅ Key Features of the Resource:
✅ Perfect for Test Prep and Classroom Instruction
This resource is perfect for helping students master the skills needed to succeed on the STAAR Extended Constructed Response. Whether used for whole-class instruction or focused intervention, the STAAR ECR Mastery Resource delivers everything you need to elevate your students' essay writing abilities.
Prepare your students for STAAR writing success with a resource that not only builds essential writing skills but also keeps them engaged and excited to learn. Perfect for middle school teachers looking for practical, engaging ways to improve writing outcomes.
Additional STAAR resources:
ECR Relay Race: Engaging STAAR Writing Prep Grades 5-8 Comprehension 12 Prompts!
Thanksgiving Argument Writing Unit Debate Topics & Lesson Plans 4 STAAR ECRs
Minimum Wage: Argumentative Prompt, articles, and outline sheet
By Educate and Create
Should the federal minimum wage be increased? This is an argumentative essay prompt, 3 articles, graphs , and outline sheet. Your kids will all have their own opinions about the federal minimum wage and whether or not it should be increased. This comes complete with rubric
Looking for more argumentative prompts with articles?
Cell phones in School: Argumentative prompt, articles, and outline sheet
Facebook: Argumentative prompt, articles, and outline sheet
Did Shakespeare write his own stuff?:Argumentative prompt, articles, and rubric.
Should Schools Ban Soda? - Argumentative prompt, articles, and outline sheet
Figurative Language CENTERS: 8 Stations, 3 Quizzes, 1 Glossary | All SHAKESPEARE
By Rigorous Resources for High School English
Hoping to deepen your students' knowledge of figurative language? Eager to equip your students with the tools and techniques for analyzing figurative language in Shakespeare's plays?
This FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE STATIONS activity is a fun and effective method for giving students practice at analyzing the most important types of figurative language. Students will develop the skills not only to identify types of figurative language but also to explain how figurative language contributes to the meaning of a literary text!
This stations activity focuses on the 8 types of figurative language that are used most frequently in William Shakespeare's plays: metaphor, simile, metonymy, personification, apostrophe, paradox, oxymoron, and hyperbole. It features over 120 quotations from Shakespeare's best plays. Students will learn about figurative language while gaining exposure to the most profound and thought-provoking lines from the world's greatest playwright!
Here's what you'll find inside this 40-page resource:
• Stations Worksheets (x8): This resource includes a total of 8 worksheets focused on 8 types of figurative language. Each worksheet challenges students to explain the meaning or effect created by the same figure of speech found across 6 quotations from Shakespeare's plays. The quotations include some of the most profound and thought-provoking lines from Shakespeare's best plays: Romeo and Juliet, Julius Caesar, Hamlet, Twelfth Night, As You Like It, Othello, Macbeth, King Lear, The Tempest, and more. There are a total of 48 quotations from over 15 plays! (8 pages)
• Answer Keys to Stations Worksheets (x8): The answer keys explain how the figures of speech found across 48 quotations contribute to the meaning of Shakespeare's plays. (8 pages)
• Station Placards (x8): The 8 placards can be folded and placed on the desks that correspond to the 8 stations. The placards add a splash of colorful decoration to this activity. (8 pages)
• Literary Devices Glossary: This 1-page glossary features the 8 types of figurative language that are used most frequently throughout Shakespeare's plays. The glossary includes definitions of the 8 types of figurative language as well as one or two examples of how each figure of speech gets used in one of Shakespeare's plays. Students can use the glossary to study for the quizzes on figurative language. (1 page)
• Quiz on Metaphors & Similes: This quiz focuses only on metaphors and similes; it challenges students to identify the figures of speech used across 15 quotations from Shakespeare's plays. Includes answer key. (2 pages)
• Quiz on 8 Types of Figurative Language (x2): These two quizzes focus on all 8 types of figurative language. The first quiz challenges students to identity the figures of speech used across 25 quotations. The second quiz is similar but features 20 longer quotations; it could be used as a make-up quiz or extra-credit quiz. Includes answer keys. (8 pages)
Here are the types of figurative language featured across the 8 stations:
1. Metaphor
2. Simile
3. Metonymy
4. Personification
5. Apostrophe
6. Paradox
7. Oxymoron
8. Hyperbole
This entire 40-page unit will come to you in two separate formats: a Word doc *and* a PDF. Because the Word doc is editable, you'll be able to customize the materials to suit the skill levels of your students. If you don't have Microsoft Word, you'll still be able to access the entire unit as a PDF — which is easy to navigate and quick to print!
If you have any questions, please don't don't hesitate to get in touch. As a full-time teacher who is currently teaching a year-long Shakespeare elective, I'm eager to do everything I can to ensure that you have an amazing experience with the swan of Avon!
Thank you for stopping by Rigorous Resources!
Happy teaching!
Adam Jernigan, Ph.D.
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!
Context Clues Worksheets Determining Meaning of Unknown Words
By Blooming Through High School
THIS IS A PDF FILE
Why teach word meaning through nonsense words?
All of these are things we want every student to do! This is something that is already adapted for high and low learners.
Starting with three nonsense words gets students going so they can work in groups or independently to decode the meaning of 7 REAL words (selected from the SAT vocabulary list).
This is a perfect activity for group problem solving and critical thinking!
Writing Cause and Effect Essay Planning Charts
By Beth Hammett
Need help with organizing cause and effect essays? These 7 charts will guide students through planning and pre-writing cause and effect essays. Step-by-Step graphic organizers with note about cause and effect definitions, paragraph writing tip, and writing challenge to reorganize the essay on each handout.
Excellent for assessment practice, college test prep, standardized test prep, and expository writing. Helps build critical thinking skills. Meets state and federal ELA guidelines.
Number the Stars, REVIEW GAME playing cards with question/answer cards PDF
By Kiwious About Vocab
REVIEW GAME post-reading activity for novel Number the Stars by Lois Lowry.
This interactive card game has been specifically designed to review the novel with comprehension questions and answers woven into the playing of "THE RESISTANCE" review card game.
This printable card game is made for groups of 2-4 players with 64 playing cards and 32 question/answer cards. The game is made to be played similarly to the card game "WAR". *Cards can be printed in COLOR or BLACK and WHITE.
Unpunctuated Reading Passages to Practice Comma and Punctuation Rules
By Betsy Newmeyer
Review and practice those tricky comma rules by editing 10 short, unpunctuated (and uncapitalized) passages. If you've taught compound sentences, complex sentences, appositives, commas in dialogue, commas in a series, introductory element commas, direct address commas, and tag question commas, then this low-prep grammar resource is ideal for reviewing and honing those editing skills. Each passage uses several different types of commas making this activity fun but challenging. When laminated, these passages become reusable write & wipe boards and are the perfect addition for independent and small group writing centers/stations. Better yet, they can serve as a fast, informal assessment so you know exactly which comma rules to review and practice some more. Answer keys are included.
Comma Rules Included:
You might also like . . .
Interactive Grammar Bookmarks
Hands-On Grammar: Bundle
Build a Sentence: Comma Rules
Hands-On Grammar: Appositives
Hands-On Grammar: Tag Questions
Hands-On Grammar: Introductory Element
Hands-On Grammar: Complex Sentences
Hands-On Grammar: Compound Sentences
Hands-On Grammar: Punctuating Dialogue
I'd love to hear how you use this resource in your classroom! Feel free to email me at iteachiwrite@yahoo.com with any questions or suggestions you may have. And don't forget to rate this product in order to earn TeachShare Credits for future purchases!
Copyright © iTeach & iWrite by Betsy Newmeyer.
All rights reserved by the author.
Permission to use for single classroom use only.
Let’s be friends!
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AVID Vocabulary Awareness Chart for Reading Comprehension in Google Sheets
By Teach Savvy Store
Enhance vocabulary in any class or content area with this AVID-inspired vocabulary awareness chart in Google Sheets. This vocabulary awareness chart allows students to check their awareness and knowledge of words found in the content they are learning about.
Directions
What's Included
- Name
- Date
- What the vocabulary is for
- Word
- Students will check a box for the following: know it well & can explain it, heard it or seen it before, no Clue
- Notes/Definitions
*This resource is available for Outschool teachers to purchase without the need for extra licenses.
Check out other AVID resources HERE!
Check out other Reading resources HERE!
Check out Writing Resources HERE!
Check out Collaboration resources HERE!
Check out Public Speaking resources HERE!
Black History Month Claudette Colvin STAAR test prep text grade 6-8 FREEBIE!
By TooBookedUp
Did you know that one young girl's courage was a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement? Introduce your students to the inspiring story of Claudette Colvin with our engaging and educational resource, perfect for Black History Month and STAAR test preparation. Suitable for grades 6-8, this free, print-and-go resource combines historical significance with critical thinking.
Our resource includes a short, informative text about Claudette Colvin, followed by four carefully crafted multiple-choice questions. These questions are aligned with STAAR standards, focusing on skills such as inference, summary, and author's purpose. It's an ideal tool for deepening students' understanding of important historical figures while honing their test-taking abilities.
This versatile resource is perfect for various classroom needs:
☑️ Center in stations
☑️ Homework assignment
☑️ Warm-up activity
☑️ Part of a larger unit on informational text
As a free resource, it’s designed to be easy for teachers – just print and you're ready to go. It's a valuable addition to any lesson plan during Black History Month and beyond.
Don't forget to check out our other free February resources, including the Valentine's Day Text Structure Color Sorts and the Valentine's Day Author's Purpose Coloring Quest! Grade 5-8 FREEBIE! (TeachShare.com)!
Be sure to follow our store for more free resources that bring ease and effectiveness to your teaching. Download now and bring Claudette Colvin's remarkable story into your classroom!
Seven Ages of Man- Monologue Analysis
By Educate and Create
A worksheet with requires students to analyze the famous monologue in Shakespeare's play "As You Like It". Works well on it's own or with the play. Includes an answer key.
The Vocab Bundle - Finding Meaning Of Unfamiliar Words Using Context Clues
By Blooming Through High School
Word Meaning with Nonsense Words
Why teach word meaning through nonsense words (context clues only)?
All of these are things we want every student to do! This is something that is already adapted for high and low learners.
Starting with three nonsense words gets students going so they can work in groups or independently to decode the meaning of 7 REAL words (selected from the SAT vocabulary list).
This is a perfect activity for group problem solving and critical thinking!
Finding the meaning of words: in context, with a definition and from the Latin or Greek base. Four teaching pages are included for self-guided learning along with 7 student pages for practice with various shortened reading passages.
INCLUDED:
BUNDLE & SAVE: ELA Test Prep, Study Guide & Activities Bundle
Word Meaning with Greek & Latin
✔️Need to teach Greek & Latin along with Context Clues?
✔️Looking for way to get your students thinking critically & making connections?
✔️Need to integrate vocabulary in a meaningful way?
This activity includes worksheets, task cards and Google Quizzes for vocab practice
Students will use key words from the definitions in the first activity to determine the meaning of the Greek or Latin prefix. By recognizing the prefixes in words they recognize (and some they won't) students will begin making connections to other words they hear and read. This is a natural way to build in vocabulary to daily instruction that includes context clues and the Greek and Latin.
Included:
Vocabulary Starter
NEED TO TEACH VOCABULARY IN YOUR MIDDLE OR HIGH SCHOOL CLASSROOM AND YOU'RE NOT SURE WHERE TO START?
You came to the right place! I have been teaching for 5+ years, I have my Master's in Education with a focus on Literacy and I didn't know where to start.
So, I went back to everything I learned in my graduate program and re-read everything I could find.
I wrote & designed a student-engaging template to help students in my classroom to deeply internalize a word. I gathered key word lists when I didn't have a word from our daily reading, and thought about how to teach vocabulary so my love of etymology and words could be shared with my 10th graders. I've included all that and a guide to help other teachers get started with implementing and teaching vocabulary in THEIR classrooms.
Is this book for me?
Then this book is for you!
Adaptable to every classroom in every situation, this is more than a fill-in-the-blank activity. Your students will have a guide to build a vocabulary for a lifetime of learning.
WHY TEACH VOCABULARY EXPLICITLY?
Generating curiosity and delight in playing with words supports long-term memory, enhances the connection between orthography and meaning, and develops a disposition which stimulates word consciousness. It also builds vocabulary! All of these are a part of a vocabulary rich classroom environment.
By Beth Hammett
Every April, students can celebrate Tell-a-Story Day, which occurs at the end of the month. This 16 page handout will help students with organizing and telling fact-based stories. Great for building oral communication, evidence/proof, and re-telling memories. Includes: Finding storytelling topics Graphic Organizers for planning stories in chronological order Setting up a storytelling event Designing advertisements/invitations Peer workshopping stories Links to multicultural, professional, international/national storytelling centers, storytelling videos and websites Can be used any time of the year! Students will enjoy sharing stories while learning how to use fact-based information. Fun and educational!
Number the Stars PRE & POST reading: Background History, Vocabulary, Review Game
By Kiwious About Vocab
THIS MEGA-BUNDLE INCLUDES PRE READING DIGITAL INTRODUCTION, VOCABULARY FOR ALL CHAPTERS, AND POST REVIEW CARD GAME FOR NUMBER THE STARS BY LOIS LOWRY.
1. Pre:
PURPOSE: This NONFICTION PowerPoint Introduction lesson provides digital resources & factual historical context & background information in preparation for reading Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. BL 4.5
GOAL: to prepare each student to understand the historical background of the novel by front-loading facts to aid comprehension
AUDIENCE: whole or small group for regular ed, learning support, ESL or virtual classrooms. This product is ideal for preparing READ ALOUD, LITERATURE CIRCLES, or BOOK CLUBS.
HISTORICAL POWERPOINT: Please be aware that YOUTUBE LINKS open to a standard warning page which must be clicked to access video.
• Opening slides
-genre, author photo and short bio.
-audio link
•Setting slides
-Location facts, photos, maps
-Time period facts, photos and links
-Link to period music
-Links to historical video clip
*Assessments -Pre and Post historical assessments
2. Pre:
Animated Vocabulary slides (definition, photo, part of speech) for EVERY chapter in the novel
Vocabulary quizzes - one quiz for EVERY 5 chapters
8 PDF printable graphic organizers for all Vocabulary
3. Post:
REVIEW GAME post-reading activity for novel Number the Stars by Lois Lowry.
This interactive card game has been specifically designed to review the novel with comprehension questions and answers woven into the playing of "THE RESISTANCE" review card game.
This printable card game is made for groups of 2-4 players with 64 playing cards and 32 question/answer cards. The game is made to be played similarly to the card game "WAR". *Cards can be printed in COLOR or BLACK and WHITE.
USES IN THE CLASSROOM:
· Introduce new story
· Provide factual backstory to historical fiction text
· Stimulate group discussion
· Create predictions about text
· Use as distance learning resource
· Post on webpage
· Add to electronic notebook
* Review for test
Please be sure to view the preview and watch the video for detailed images and descriptions of the lesson.
Enjoy -from Kiwious About Vocab!
Parts of Speech Activities: Word Tiles for Sentence Building, Bingo, Bookmarks
By Betsy Newmeyer
Looking for fun activities and games to teach and review Parts of Speech? With over 350 color-coded word tiles including: nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, plus 84 punctuation mark cards, your upper elementary or middle school student will expand beyond basic sentences to build sentences that are detail-rich and descriptive. Also included are 16 Parts of Speech Bingo Cards (also includes a blank bingo card) and a Parts of Speech Reference Bookmark.
This resource is perfect as a whole class activity or small group center activity, and includes both color-coded cards and black and white word cards. It also includes basic punctuation marks (period, comma, question mark, and exclamation marks) as well as more advanced punctuation marks (colons, semicolons, hyphens, and quotation marks) to allow students to experiment with more complex sentence structures.
This resource can be used in conjunction with the Part of Speech Games for Grammar Review: Grow and Build New Sentences resource.
Using the included word tiles and resources, you can do any of the following fun activities:
Parts of Speech Included:
Nouns
Pronouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Adverbs
Prepositions
Conjunctions
Punctuation Marks Included
Periods
Commas
Question marks
Exclamation marks
Colons
Semicolons
Hyphens
Quotation marks
My 5th graders LOVED this resource. When I first introduced the sentence building activity to the kids, each student was given a noun, verb, and adjective. They went to their seats to build a sentence, then met their peers at the center of the room to read their sentence and exchange one of their word tiles, returning to their seat to build a new sentence. The kids said they enjoyed being creative and that it felt like they were playing with trading cards.
You might also like . . .
Part of Speech Games for Grammar Review: Grow and Build New Sentences
Grammar Bookmarks
Spin a Great Story: Gamify Writing Time with Printable Game Spinners
Hands-On Grammar: Bundle
I'd love to hear how you use this resource in your classroom! Feel free to email me at iteachiwrite@yahoo.com with any questions or suggestions you may have. And don't forget to rate this product in order to earn TeachShare Credits for future purchases!
Copyright © iTeach & iWrite by Betsy Newmeyer.
All rights reserved by the author.
Permission to use for single classroom use only.
Let’s be friends!
Follow on TeachShare
Blog
Sign up for my newsletter
Match Maker ELA Review Game Activity Print or Digital Resource Gr 6-8
By TooBookedUp
Shake up your classroom by playing this fun ELA matchmaker review game! As the testing season approaches, this comprehensive 81-page PDF resource offers a perfect blend of fun and education, ensuring a thorough review of essential literary concepts.
Our resource is thoughtfully crafted to cover five crucial categories: Synonyms, Antonyms, Figurative Language, Literary Elements, and Affixes & Roots. Each category is rich with 30 pairs, enabling full class participation and ensuring that every student is actively engaged in the learning process.
Our 'ELA Review Extravaganza' is designed to be flexible and adaptable to your classroom needs. Here are two effective ways to use this resource:
Option 1: Print and Cut
Prepare the Activity:
Distribute the Pieces:
Hand out one piece of the puzzle to each student.
Finding Matches:
Class Discussion:
Option 2: Assign & Go (Digital Version)
Assign the Activity:
Independent or Pair Work:
Interactive Learning:
Review and Feedback:
Embrace the Versatility
Perfect Tool for Diverse Educational Needs
Transform your ELA review sessions into an 'Extravaganza' of learning and excitement. With our 'ELA Review Extravaganza,' education is not just about memorizing; it's about engaging, interacting, and understanding. Download now for an enriching educational experience that your students will love!
Twelfth Night: Soliloquy Analysis- Viola
By Educate and Create
A worksheet to help students analyze conflicts and themes in Viola's soliloquy in Act 2, Scene 2 of Shakespeare's play: Twelfth Night. Comes with a graphic organizer and answer key. Great for when reading the play or on it's own.
Spelling Confused Words J-W Game and Puzzles with Activities
By Beth Hammett
15 Commonly Confused Words J-W with engaging CCSS activities for students to learn. Includes: J-W game with fill-in-the-blank, definitions, make your own sentences/slides (individual/groups & competitive play) 2 Crossword puzzles with Commonly Confused Words 2 Word Searches with Commonly Confused Words All answer sheets included Directions and Suggestions with Extensions Words used are: 1. jewel joule 2. knew new 3. know no4. lay lie 5. loose lose6. moral morale 7. morning mourning 8. nose knows 9. none no one 10. passed past 11. pole poll 12. principal principle 13. rain reign 14. road rode15. sight site cite 16. stationary stationery 17. their there they’re 18. to too two 19. warn worn 20. weather whether Students will have fun learning these Commonly Confused Words.
Number the Stars PRE & POST reading: Background History Intro & Review Game PPT
By Kiwious About Vocab
THIS BUNDLE INCLUDES PRE READING DIGITAL INTRODUCTION AND POST REVIEW CARD GAME FOR NUMBER THE STARS BY LOIS LOWRY.
1. Pre:
PURPOSE: This NONFICTION PowerPoint Introduction lesson provides digital resources & factual historical context & background information in preparation for reading Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. BL 4.5
GOAL: to prepare each student to understand the historical background of the novel by front-loading facts to aid comprehension
AUDIENCE: whole or small group for regular ed, learning support, ESL or virtual classrooms. This product is ideal for preparing READ ALOUD, LITERATURE CIRCLES, or BOOK CLUBS.
HISTORICAL POWERPOINT: Please be aware that YOUTUBE LINKS open to a standard warning page which must be clicked to access video.
• Opening slides
-genre, author photo and short bio.
-audio link
•Setting slides
-Location facts, photos, maps
-Time period facts, photos and links
-Link to period music
-Links to historical video clips
*Assessments
-Pre and Post assessments
2. Post:
REVIEW GAME post-reading activity for novel Number the Stars by Lois Lowry.
This interactive card game has been specifically designed to review the novel with comprehension questions and answers woven into the playing of "THE RESISTANCE" review card game.
This printable card game is made for groups of 2-4 players with 64 playing cards and 32 question/answer cards. The game is made to be played similarly to the card game "WAR". *Cards can be printed in COLOR or BLACK and WHITE.
USES IN THE CLASSROOM:
· Introduce new story
· Provide factual backstory to historical fiction text
· Stimulate group discussion
· Create predictions about text
· Use as distance learning resource
· Post on webpage
· Add to electronic notebook
* Review for test
Please be sure to view the preview and watch the video for detailed images and descriptions of the lesson.
Enjoy -from Kiwious About Vocab!
Parts of Speech Activity Bundle: Sentence Building Word Tiles and Games
By Betsy Newmeyer
Help your students master the Parts of Speech with this fun activity bundle, which includes printable part of speech word cards in both color and black & white, a quick-reference bookmark helper, worksheets, and game boards. It's everything you need to review and practice the parts of speech.
Here's how it works: Kids trade word cards, then use them to grow simple sentences or build new sentences, sort words by part of speech, spin a part of speech spinner or roll a die in order to generate a word bank, or play Bingo.
This bundle includes the following two resources:
Part of Speech Games for Grammar Review: Grow and Build New Sentences
Parts of Speech Activities: Word Tiles for Sentence Building, Bingo, Bookmark
Parts of Speech Included:
Nouns
Pronouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Adverbs
Prepositions
Conjunctions
You might also like . . .
Grammar Bookmarks
Spin a Great Story: Gamify Writing Time with Printable Game Spinners
Hands-On Grammar: Bundle
I'd love to hear how you use this resource in your classroom! Feel free to email me at iteachiwrite@yahoo.com with any questions or suggestions you may have. And don't forget to rate this product in order to earn TeachShare Credits for future purchases!
Copyright © iTeach & iWrite by Betsy Newmeyer.
All rights reserved by the author.
Permission to use for single classroom use only.
Let’s be friends!
Follow on TeachShare
Blog
Sign up for my newsletter
STAAR ECR & ELA Test Prep Bundle for Grades 6-8: Reading Comprehension, Essays
By TooBookedUp
This bundle provides comprehensive practice in reading comprehension, essay structure, argumentation, and evidence-based responses, setting students up for success in standardized test preparation.