9th Grade Reading Literature Circles

Studying Dragonwings? Looking to give students some context for the novel ?

Then this product is for you! Introduction power point includes:

• About The Author
• Chinese Exclusion Act
• Geary Act of 1892
• Life in Chinatown
• Black Dog and his BIG Problem
• Earthquake of 1906
• Themes
• Symbols
• Essential Questions

Character traits and analysis fun!

Have some outdoor fun (or use butcher paper for indoors) with sidewalk novel characters! Students choose a character from their novels then do body outlines with sidewalk chalk. Fill these with physical and character traits from quotes within the novel...full directions for implementing and making a competitive game. Can be used with all ages and novels. Excellent for comprehension and assessment.

My students LOVED this book, so we recently added it to our literature circle choices! I designed this activity to be a structured student-led discussion after the group finished reading the novel. I typically use it as their final assessment grade!

This file contains two different packets of Socratic Seminar packets- packet A and packet B. Each packet contains three different discussion questions that require students to answer and provide two quotes from the text to back up their answers. Students are also required to come up with three additional questions they will ask if there’s time in their seminar. Finally, the packet has a page where each student will monitor a partner in the opposite circle. They will make a check each time their partner speaks, and paraphrase meaningful comments their partner makes. The file also contains a rubric for you to use while your students are discussing!

When you print out the file, you’ll see packet A on the top half of the sheet, packet B on the bottom half, and then the rubric as the last page of the file. Remove the rubric and print one out for each of your students. Copy the rest of the pages, cut them in half, and staple them. Each student will receive one half-sheet booklet; packet A or packet B.

Give your students adequate time to plan for their Seminar! I usually give them a full class period (40 minutes for me), but you could have them do it for homework, or over the course of a few days. The day of the Seminar, you’ll assign partners with opposite packets. Let A discuss for as long as they need (usually 30-ish minutes for me!), then flip-flop your circles and have B discuss afterwards.

My students LOVE Socratic Seminars! I have found the fishbowl discussion format works much better when you give each group three different questions so you don’t hear the same discussion two times, which is how this product is set up. I have used Socratic Seminars in small literature circle groups, as well as with the whole class at once. Please ask if you have questions!

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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!

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

3 Little Pigs with a twist- Part of my first story of my Bilingual Series

Tales with a twist is designed to give students a familiar feel, but with surprising elements throughout the story.

Print out the stories in either English, or Spanish or both!!!

It is not direct translation rather I focused in translating the stories in a way they feel right and are authentic.

More stories coming soon!

“These simple Book Request cards solved my problem of students coming to class without a book!”

These helpful cards are essential to providing every student with a silent reading book at all times! Whether you use the AR program or not, you realize that, as a language arts teacher, it is critical that students use their free time to read. There is nothing worse than having a child say, “I don’t have a book.” as an excuse to waste time. Possibly, the school library is not regularly scheduled for students, or they do not have a regular opportunity to visit the public library.

It had been mandatory in my classroom for all students to have a silent reading book at all times. When they would be nearing the end of a book or were unsure what book they wanted to read next, they would fill out a card and leave it on my desk. When I had the opportunity, I would look in my own classroom library and “hand pick” a book for them. students began to enjoy leaving me the book request because the books I would provide for them were completely suitable and of their genre interest. It saved All of us a lot of time! Students in my building had very limited access to the school library, and I truly enjoyed picking out very good literature for each student individually.

Have a pile of these small AR book request card handy for students to use throughout the day.…these cards are a lifesaver.

NOW WITH NEWLY ADDED MATERIALS!!

Socratic Seminars (or "Fish Bowl" Conversations as I like to call them with my students) are fantastic, higher order ways of assessing whether your students are able to understand and react to your class text. 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 Walter Dean Myers' acclaimed novel, Monster... and no preparation is required by you at all!

Product Includes:

• Assignment Directions with step-by-step instructions on how to conduct fishbowls in your classroom

• Fun Introductory Lesson Plan on Academic Conversations - NEWLY ADDED!

• 5 Discussion Questions for each “Fish Bowl”

• “Fish Bowl” Preparation Sheet

• Conversation Builder Prompts

• Observation Sheet

• Rubric

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Save over 20% on this resource when you purchase as part of a growing bundle of all Monster products by Language Arts Excellence:

⭐ Monster (Myers) Activity BUNDLE

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Also, check out these great resources to complement your unit on Monster:

⭐ Monster (Myers) Anticipation Guide & Lesson Plan

⭐ Monster (Myers) Literature Guide

⭐ Monster (Myers) Quizzes for Entire Novel

⭐ Monster (Myers) Social Media Materials

⭐ Monster (Myers) ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ Monster (Myers) vs. Murder on a Sunday Morning Compare Contrast Project

⭐ Monster (Myers) Breaking News Article Assignment

⭐ Monster (Myers) Literature Guide and Quizzes BUNDLE

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⭐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.

Fostering avid readers means consistently presenting books to your class. I have witnessed, first-hand, the power of consistent Book Talks with my students. Book Talks have the power to foster continued love in avid readers and reach even the most struggling readers.
Check out my brand new series of no-prep Book Talk Guides for teachers--starting with this Freebie for Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds.

What's Included?

• Teacher Tips and Tricks for successful book talks, including suggested links for book trailers*

• Book Talk Guide, including genre, what kind of students might enjoy each book, and a plot summary

• At least one student book talk response activity

Follow my store and check back as new titles and themed Book Talk bundles will be added in the days and weeks to come!

Use this ESL SSR Coffee Shop Menu to get your students actively reading, discussing, and analyzing their SSR books! A great speaking support activity!

Students will be able to:

1. Analyze what they read with three different options of their choice

2. Talk about their book with a peer with sentence frame supports

3. Share with the teacher or class about predictions, wonderings, and things that surprised them

Try this great SSR resource to help your multilingual learners with reading analysis and speaking!

Reading The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian? Looking for a way to engage your students? Our graphic organizers go perfectly with this timeless classic. Helping your students learn vocabulary, theme, plot, and symbols. This includes 5 graphic organizers and a rubric for easy grading.

***Need More Resources for "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian?***

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian Introduction Powerpoint

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian Study Guide Flipbook

The Absolutely True Life Diary of a Part-Time Indian Characterization Flipbook

This set of 32 unique task cards contain engaging thought-provoking questions meant to prompt lively discussion for literature circles or books clubs in your middle or high school ELA classroom. Questions are mainly reader-response and are fully aligned to the Common Core. They can be used at any point during the reading of a novel or short story and are great as both full-class lesson plans or for time-fillers at the end of class. I also like to use these cards as bell-ringer activities to check in on my students' thoughts and understanding of the novel as we go. These are the perfect task cards to add to your teacher's toolbox and use all year long! __________________________________________________________________________ Also, check out these great resources that can be adapted for any novel by Language Arts Excellence: Differentiated Essay Prompt Task Cards Novel Soundtrack Assignment Socratic Seminar Lesson Plan and Materials Adaptable for ANY Topic Differentiated End of Term Reflection Activities Book Recommendation Form Differentiated Essay Prompts for use with ANY Novel Active Reading Strategy Task Cards

Introducing the Ethan Frome study guide flip book, an essential tool for English teachers looking to enhance their students' understanding of Edith Wharton's classic novel. This comprehensive guide features 16 pages of carefully curated questions organized by chapter, making it easy to keep track of students' progress and identify areas that may require further review.

The Character Map included in this study guide offers a helpful visual representation of the key characters in Ethan Frome, helping students to better understand their relationships and motivations. The Historical Context section provides valuable background information on the social and cultural influences that shaped the novel, while About the Author gives insight into Edith Wharton's life and work.

With the answer key included, grading and assessment become effortless, freeing up time for more meaningful class discussion and analysis. The flip book format allows for easy reference and quick navigation, making it an invaluable resource for both teachers and students.

This study guide is specifically designed for English teachers, offering a convenient and practical tool to help guide their students through the complex themes and characters of Ethan Frome. With its user-friendly layout and comprehensive content, the Ethan Frome study guide flip book is an indispensable addition to any English teacher's toolkit.

Sometimes the best classroom discussions arise when students say nothing at all!

This product features a thoughtful and engaging activity for use during the study of Harper Lee's ever-enduring tale, To Kill a Mockingbird. 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 To Kill a Mockingbird.

Product Includes:

- 5 "Silent Conversation" worksheets with 5 different quotes from the novel

- Full lesson plan

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Also, check out these great resources to complement your unit on To Kill a Mockingbird by Language Arts Excellence:

To Kill a Mockingbird Anticipation Guide &

Lesson Plan

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Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence

Studying The Hate U Give ? Looking to give students some context for the novel ? Then this product is for you! Introduction power point includes:

-About the Author

-Brief History of Race and Policing in America

-Black Lives Matter Movement

-Story Overview

-Themes

- Symbols

- Essential Questions

This product features 16 reader response journal prompts for your study of the harrowing dystopian novel, The Handmaid's Tale, by Margaret Atwood. Prompts are intended for contemplation following each section of the novel and work great for both independent study and open-ended class discussions. These prompts encourage deep thinking from students but more importantly, allow students to understand the relevance of the novel to today's world.

This product includes:

- 16 Reader response journal prompts for The Handmaid's Tale

- Student sheets to fill out for each journal entry

- Master list of all prompts for teacher

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Save 20% off this resource when you purchase as part of a growing bundle of all The Handmaid's Tale products by Language Arts Excellence:

⭐ The Handmaid's Tale Activity Bundle

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Also, check out these great resources to complement your unit on The Handmaid's Tale:

⭐ Introduction to Dystopia Powerpoint

⭐ The Handmaid's Tale Anticipation Guide & Lesson Plan

⭐ The Handmaid's Tale "Silent Conversation" Quote Pass Activity

⭐ The Handmaid's Tale "Hot Seat!"

⭐ The Handmaid's Tale Socratic Seminar Lesson Plan and Materials

⭐ The Handmaid's Tale Social Media Materials

⭐ The Handmaid's Tale Essay Questions

⭐ The Handmaid's Tale Quote Posters

⭐ The Handmaid's Tale Escape Room

Studying The Adventures of Tom Sawyer? Are students having problems with some of the vocabulary words? Then this product is for you! Includes 5 crossword puzzles covering the entire book. Pairs great with Tom Sawyer Vocabulary Lists and Quizzes Great to help students with vocabulary words as they read the text! Comes complete with answer key.

Need more Resources for The Adventures of Tom Sawyer?

Tom Sawyer Vocabulary Lists and Quizzes

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Introduction Power Point

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Flip book Study Guide

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Characterization Flip book

Sometimes the best classroom discussions arise when students say nothing at all!

This product features a thoughtful and engaging activity for use during the study of Harper Lee's ever-enduring tale, To Kill a Mockingbird. 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 To Kill a Mockingbird.

Product Includes:

- 5 "Silent Conversation" worksheets with 5 different quotes from the novel

- Full lesson plan

_________________________________________________________________________

Also, check out these great resources to complement your unit on To Kill a Mockingbird by Language Arts Excellence:

To Kill a Mockingbird Anticipation Guide &

Lesson Plan

___________________________________________________________________________

Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence

Reading The Book Thief? Looking for a way to engage your students? Our graphic organizers go perfectly with this timeless classic. Helping your students learn vocabulary, theme, plot, and symbols. This includes 5 graphic organizers and a rubric for easy grading.

Need pdf version?

CLICK HERE

Studying The Book Thief?

Need more resources?

We got you covered.

The Book Thief Flip book Study Guide

The Book Thief Characterization Flip book

The Book Thief Introduction Power Point

This resource features everything you need in order to conduct a structured and formal set of Socratic Seminars in your classroom for any novel that follows the model of the hero's journey. It is the PERFECT addition to any hero's journey unit for middle or high school students!

Socratic Seminars (or "Fish Bowl" Conversations as they are referred to in this resource) are high-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. They are also a great way for students to work together and build upon one another's ideas without the assistance of a teacher. The only problem? They require a great deal of preparation. Fortunately, with this resource, the work has been done for you and you will have several days of student-led learning during your unit on the hero's journey!

Product Includes:

• Assignment Directions with step-by-step instructions on how to conduct fishbowls in your classroom
• Engaging Introductory Activity for Conversation Building
• 7 Editable Discussion Questions that you can tailor to any novel
• “Fishbowl” Preparation Sheet
• Conversation Builder Prompts
• Observation Sheet
• Detailed Rubric

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Save 20% off this resource when you purchase as part of a bundle of hero's journey products by Language Arts Excellence:

⭐ Hero's Journey BUNDLE

Also, check out these great products for your unit on the hero's journey:

⭐ Hero's Journey ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ Hero's Journey Anticipation Activity

The Alchemist

⭐ The Alchemist "Silent Conversation" Quote Pass Activity

⭐ The Alchemist Anticipation Guide & Lesson Plan

⭐ The Alchemist Bell Ringer Journal Prompts

⭐ The Alchemist Quote Posters

⭐ The Alchemist Socratic Seminar Materials

Divergent

⭐ Divergent "Silent Conversation" Quote Pass Activity

⭐ Divergent (Roth) Socratic Seminar Lesson Plan and Materials

⭐ Divergent Faction Acrostic Poem Assignment

⭐ Divergent Faction Personality Quiz

⭐ Divergent Final Project - Long Lost Sixth Faction

⭐ Divergent Mock Choosing Ceremony - Lesson Plans and Materials

⭐ Divergent Unit Test

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⭐ Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence⭐

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