Homeschool Literature Circles

The Chapter Book Response Sheets can be used with any chapter book. This product comes with 14 different response sheets-students can complete a response sheet after each chapter or after several chapters. These response sheets are ideal for Literature Circles, Independent Read, Homework, etc. Each response sheet focuses on different concepts that are aligned with Common Core. Please check out the Preview for a better view of examples.

Below are suggestions for the use of the Chapter Book Response Sheets:

Literature Circles- Students can use the response sheet after each chapter or every couple of chapters. The concepts covered can be used as discussion pieces during Literature Circle.

Independent Read- Students can use these response sheets to keep their reading skills and memory fresh while reading a chapter book. They can keep their response sheets in order and have a study guide to look back on at the end of the book.

Homework- Students can be assigned one or more chapters, and do a response sheet for homework.

All printables are in black and white. Please rate and comment. Thank You!

Being able to analyze and understand characters is very important skill students need in order to understand a story at a deep level. With these Characterization and STEAL character analysis reading response templates for Google Jamboard™, your students will interactively analyze characters by collecting evidence of speech, thoughts, effects, actions and looks.

What's Included:

• 5 templates ( 1 template for each element: speech, thoughts, effects, actions and looks

Directions:

• It is time to take a closer look at a character.
• Click on the Google Slide to access a forced copy of the templates in Jamboard.
• Students go back into the text to identify & explain aspects of the character.
• Students find at least 3 textual example for each element of characterization (S.T.E.A.L.).

Uses:

• individual activity
• small collaborative groups
• whole class where students can each contribute to a part of the activity, or as a guided lesson on character analysis
• distance learning
• assigned as a paper-pencil assignment
• short stories
• novel studies
• book clubs
• litereacy centers
• AVID

What is Google Jamboard:

Google Jamboard is a digital interactive and collaborative whiteboard. It is a FREE online and app version.

Click HERE to see our other reading resources!

Click HERE to see our other AVID resources!

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NEW IN 2021: Rigorous! Thought-provoking! Discussion-Based! This 45-page EDITABLE mini-unit promises to elicit dynamic engagement from all students without compromising on intellectual rigor. The discussion questions, quizzes on poetic devices, and analytical writing assignment will challenge your students to dig beneath the surface of Dickinson's poems and generate profound interpretive insights!!

Here are some highlights from this 45-page mini-unit on Dickinson's poetry:

• 10 Poems by Emily Dickinson: The 10 poems in this mini-unit feature Emily Dickinson's best works of poetry. The packet includes a representative sampling of riddle poems ("It sifts from Leaden Sieves"), nature poems ("There's a certain Slant of light"), death poems ("Because I could not stop for Death"), feminist poems ("I'm ceded — I've stopped being Theirs"), ars poetica ("I dwell in Possibility"), and more. The 10 poems are split between two Homework Packets, with each packet containing 5 poems. (12 pages)

• Discussion Questions: This bundle features a list of discussion questions for two poems from each of the homework packets. The discussion questions will ensure that every class discussion starts on a productive note. Every discussion question is grounded in concrete textual details and challenges students to arrive at lucid interpretive insights! The questions lend themselves to a range of different pedagogical uses: 1) to focus students’ thinking prior to beginning a discussion, 2) to prompt in-class writing, 3) to assign written reflections for homework, etc. Guaranteed to elicit student engagement and foster deep thinking! Answer keys included. (15 pages)

• Quick Writes: The quick writes give students an opportunity to capture and refine the best ideas generated in the discussion. Quick writes can also help reticent students to gather their thoughts so they'll feel ready and eager to contribute. (4 pages)

• Literary Devices Quizzes: Open each class with a quiz of 10 questions to assess whether your students can accurately identify the literary devices used in the poems from the homework packets: metaphor, personification, symbolism, imagery, alliteration, etc. Answer keys included. (4 pages)

• Literary Devices Glossary: A glossary with definitions and examples of the various types of figurative language, imagery, stanzas, and syntactic devices. Many teachers already have a glossary of literary devices, but I'm providing this in case you need one. (2 pages)

• Analytical Writing Assignment: Challenge students to take their interpretations one step further by writing an analytical paper on a poem of their choice. The assignment sheet contains detailed instructions for how to generate a formalist analysis of a poem (analyzing how the poem's formal features contribute to its meaning). This kind of formalist analysis is exactly what students are asked to generate on the AP Literature exam! Sample paper included. (3 pages)

The entire 45-page unit will come to you in two separate formats: Word doc and PDF. Because the Word doc is fully editable, you'll be able to customize the materials to suit your teaching style and/or the skill levels of your students — year after year! If you don't have Microsoft Word, you'll still be able to access all of the materials in a PDF file, which is easy to navigate and quick to print!

Because I believe that teachers should be able to see exactly what they'll be getting before they purchase, the preview for this resource allows viewing accesses to 20 pages. Click on the green “PREVIEW” button to see exactly what you’ll get. . . .

Thank you for choosing “Rigorous Resources”!!

Happy teaching!

Adam Jernigan, Ph.D.

adamjernigan@gmail.com

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

This 38-page EDITABLE poetry unit promises to elicit dynamic engagement from all students without compromising on intellectual rigor. The 10 poems in this mini-unit all focus on different kinds of ethical dilemmas.

Because teenagers are genuinely intrigued by ethical dilemmas, these poems will set the stage for your class to have authentic discussions that inspire a whole new depth of reflection. The literary devices quizzes, discussion prompts, and analytical writing assignment will challenge your students to dig beneath the surface of the text and generate profound interpretive insights!

Here are some highlights from this 38-page curriculum:

• Homework Packets with Poems about Ethical Dilemmas: The two homework packets contains a total of 10 poems by a diverse range of award-winning poets such as Robert Frost, William Stafford, Ada Limón, Jan Beatty, Ross Gay, and others. Every poem focuses on some kind of ethical dilemma. Because teenagers are genuinely intrigued by ethical dilemmas, these poems will set the stage for your class to have fascinating and profoundly productive discussions!! (10 pages)

• Literary Devices Glossary: A glossary with definitions and examples of the various types of figurative language, imagery, stanzas, and syntactic devices. Many teachers already have a glossary of literary devices, but I'm providing this in case you need one. (2 pages)

• Literary Devices Quizzes: Open each class with a quiz of 10 questions to assess whether your students can accurately identify the literary devices used in the poems from the nightly homework packets: metaphor, personification, symbolism, imagery, alliteration, etc. The digital versions of the quizzes on Google Forms will grade every student's work and generate a list of their scores. Answer keys included. (4 pages).

• Discussion Questions: This bundle features a list of discussion questions for the first poem in each of two nightly homework packets. The discussion questions will ensure that every class discussion starts on a productive foot. Every discussion question is grounded in concrete textual details and challenges students to arrive at lucid interpretive insights! The questions lend themselves to a range of different pedagogical uses: 1) to focus students’ thinking prior to beginning a discussion, 2) to prompt in-class writing, 3) to assign written reflections for homework, etc. Guaranteed to elicit student engagement and foster deep thinking! Answer keys included. (7 pages)

• Quick Writes: The quick writes give students an opportunity to capture and refine the best ideas generated in the discussion. Quick writes can also help reticent students to gather their thoughts so they'll feel ready and eager to contribute. (3 pages)

• Analytical Writing Assignment: Challenge students to take their interpretations one step further by writing an analytical paper on a poem of their choice. The assignment sheet contains detailed instructions for how to generate a formalist analysis of a poem (analyzing how the poem's formal features contribute to its meaning). This kind of formalist analysis is exactly what students are asked to generate on the AP Literature exam! Sample paper included. (3 pages)

This entire 38-page unit will come to you in two separate formats: Word *and* PDF. Because the Word doc is fully editable, you'll be able to customize the materials to suit the skill levels of your students — year after year! If you don't have Microsoft Word, you'll still be able to access all of the materials as a PDF — which is easy to navigate and quick to print! Finally, as a free bonus, I'm including links to digital copies of every document in user-friendly platforms like Google Docs and Google Forms.

My store is called “Rigorous Resources” because all of the resources contain rigorous content that will motivate students to engage in thought-provoking and productive discussions. Thank you for choosing Rigorous Resources!!

Happy teaching!

Adam Jernigan, Ph.D.

adamjernigan@gmail.com

Links to all of the poetry units in this collection:

Poetry Unit #1: Sensory Imagery in Poetry

Poetry Unit #2: Figurative Language in Poetry

Poetry Unit #3: Love Poems

Poetry Unit #4: Ethical Dilemmas in Poetry

Poetry Unit #5: Family Dynamics in Poetry

Store: https://www.TeachShare.com/Store/Rigorous-Resources

This 45-page EDITABLE poetry curriculum promises to elicit dynamic engagement from all students without compromising on intellectual rigor. The 12 poems in this mini-unit all focus on the complex nature of family dynamics and parent-child relationships.

Because teenagers are caught up in complex relationships with their parents, these poems will set the stage for your class to have authentic discussions that inspire a whole new depth of reflection. The literary devices quizzes, discussion prompts, and analytical writing assignment will challenge your students to dig beneath the surface of the text and generate profound interpretive insights!

Here are some highlights from this 45-page curriculum:

• Homework Packets with Poems about Parent-Child Relationships: The two homework packets contain a total of 12 poems by a diverse range of award-winning poets such as Sylvia Plath, Theodore Roethke, Sharon Olds, Audre Lorde, Li-Young Lee, Galway Kinnell, Tony Hoagland, Ada Limón, and others. Every poem focuses on a different kind of parent-child dynamic. Because teenagers have a lot to say about relationships with parents, these poems will set the stage for your class to have fascinating and profoundly productive discussions!! (12 pages)

• Literary Devices Glossary: A glossary with definitions and examples of the various types of figurative language, imagery, stanzas, and syntactic devices. Many teachers already have a glossary of literary devices, but I'm providing this in case you need one. (2 pages)

• Literary Devices Quizzes: Open each class with a quiz of 10 questions to assess whether your students can accurately identify the literary devices used in the poems from the homework packets: metaphor, personification, symbolism, imagery, alliteration, etc. The digital versions of the quizzes on Google Forms will grade every student's work and automatically generate a list of their scores. Answer keys included. (4 pages).

• Discussion Questions: This bundle features a list of discussion questions for the first poem in each of the homework packets. The discussion questions will ensure that every class discussion starts on a productive foot. Every discussion question is grounded in concrete textual details and challenges students to arrive at lucid interpretive insights! The questions lend themselves to a range of different pedagogical uses: 1) to focus students’ thinking prior to beginning a discussion, 2) to prompt in-class writing, 3) to assign written reflections for homework, etc. Guaranteed to elicit student engagement and foster deep thinking! Answer keys included. (10 pages)

• Quick Writes: The quick writes give students an opportunity to capture and refine the best ideas generated in the discussion. Quick writes can also help reticent students to gather their thoughts so they'll feel ready and eager to contribute. (4 pages)

• Analytical Writing Assignment: Challenge students to take their interpretations one step further by writing an analytical paper on a poem of their choice. The assignment sheet contains detailed instructions for how to generate a formalist analysis of a poem (analyzing how the poem's formal features contribute to its meaning). This kind of formalist analysis is exactly what students are asked to generate on the AP Literature exam! Sample paper included. (3 pages)

This entire 44-page unit will come to you in two separate formats: Word *and* PDF. Because the Word doc is fully editable, you'll be able to customize the materials to suit the skill levels of your students — year after year! If you don't have Microsoft Word, you'll still be able to access all of the materials as a PDF — which is easy to navigate and quick to print! Finally, as a free bonus, I'm including links to digital copies of every document in user-friendly platforms like Google Docs and Google Forms.

My store is called “Rigorous Resources” because all of the resources contain rigorous content that will motivate students to engage in thought-provoking and productive discussions. Thank you for choosing “Rigorous Resources”!!

Happy teaching!

Adam Jernigan, Ph.D.

adamjernigan@gmail.com

Links to all of the poetry units in this collection:

Poetry Unit #1: Sensory Imagery in Poetry

Poetry Unit #2: Figurative Language in Poetry

Poetry Unit #3: Love Poems

Poetry Unit #4: Ethical Dilemmas in Poetry

Poetry Unit #5: Family Dynamics in Poetry

Store: https://www.TeachShare.com/Store/Rigorous-Resources

Rigorous! Thought-provoking! Discussion-based! This 20-page EDITABLE curriculum has everything you'll need for profoundly stimulating lessons on Jhumpa Lahiri's extraordinary short story, "A Temporary Matter"! Invite your class to engage in student-driven discussions without compromising on intellectual rigor. The reading quiz, discussion questions, and analytical writing assignment will challenge your students to dig beneath the surface of the text and generate profound interpretive insights!!

Hold your students accountable for completing the homework by beginning class with a quick reading quiz. Then facilitate a dynamic discussion that motivates students to become attached to the thrill generating shared knowledge. Challenge students to explicate textual details using a wide range of interpretive lenses: formalist, psychoanalytic, cultural studies, etc.

Here are some highlights from this 20-page curriculum:

• Reading Quiz: The reading quiz contains 10 questions focused on important details from the plot of "A Temporary Matter." For this story, I chose to create a fill-in-the-blank quiz that takes the form of a summary of the story's plot. There are 10 blank lines within the summary where students are expected to provide a missing word, name, or number. As a result, grading this quiz is simple and quick. Answer key included. (2 pages)

• Discussion Question Handout: One double-sided handout featuring 12 discussion questions on Jhumpa Lahiri's "A Temporary Matter." The discussion questions are the divided into 5 sections, each of which focuses on a different literary element or theme: characterization, setting, sharing secrets, etc. As with all of my resources, the discussion questions are the beating heart of this lesson plan. Every question is grounded in concrete textual details and challenges students to arrive at lucid interpretive insights! (2 pages)

• Discussion Question Answer Key: This unit features a detailed answer key that's informed by many of the best scholarly essays on "A Temporary Matter." But please note that there is rarely a single "correct" answer for any question. Rather, the discussions questions are designed to foster lively exchanges and interpretive debates among students. They challenge students to build interpretive arguments that require the support of carefully selected textual evidence! (8 pages)

• Analytical Writing Assignment: Challenge students to take their interpretations one step further by writing an analytical paper on Lahiri's wonderfully complex story. Let students choose from one of two thought-provoking sample topics — or invite them to develop a similar topic of their own. Rubric included. (4 pages)

My store is called “Rigorous Resources” because all of the units feature rigorous, content-rich lessons guaranteed to boost your students' close-reading and critical-thinking skills. What distinguishes this unit is how the discussion questions and writing assignment are designed to help student arrive at an abundance of interpretive insights!!

This entire unit will come to you in two separate formats: Word doc *and* PDF. Because the Word doc is fully editable, you'll be able to CUSTOMIZE the materials to suit your teaching style and/or your students' skill levels — year after year! If you don't have Microsoft Word, you'll still be able to access the unit as a PDF — which is easy to navigate and quick to print. Click on the green “preview” button to see exactly what you’ll get....

Thank you for choosing “Rigorous Resources”!!

Happy teaching!

Adam Jernigan, Ph.D.

adamjernigan@gmail.com

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

Rigorous Resources is your one-stop shop for resources on American literature. Every unit was designed by a Ph.D. in English with a research specialization in American literature. Check out these units on canonical texts by diverse American authors:

Complete Unit on Tommy Orange's There There

Complete Unit on Arthur Miller's The Crucible

Complete Unit on Frederick Douglass's Narrative

Complete Unit on Nella Larsen's Passing

Complete Unit on Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God

Complete Unit on J. D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye

Complete Unit on Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun

Complete Unit on Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye

*This is one story taken from a book eight, which can be found here.

Empower your middle schoolers to understand and combat bullying with this comprehensive novel study centered around "The Bully in the Mirror." This engaging story follows Jayden, a student who uses bullying to mask his own insecurities, as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and learns the power of empathy and change.

This ready-to-use resource provides everything you need to guide your students through a meaningful exploration of the story's themes, including:

• Chapter-by-chapter summaries and analysis: Deepen comprehension and encourage critical thinking.
• Engaging discussion questions: Spark thoughtful conversations about bullying, empathy, personal growth, and the importance of support systems.
• Varied writing prompts: Inspire creative writing and encourage students to connect with the story on a personal level.
• Project-based learning activities: Foster deeper understanding through hands-on projects like designing anti-bullying campaigns, creating soundtracks, and conducting interviews.
• Vocabulary building exercises: Expand students' vocabulary with key terms related to the story's themes.

"The Bully in the Mirror" novel study unit is perfect for:

• Language Arts and Reading classes
• Advisory or Homeroom periods
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum
• Bullying prevention initiatives

This resource is designed to:

• Enhance reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.
• Spark meaningful discussions about bullying and its impact.
• Cultivate empathy and understanding among students.
• Encourage self-reflection and personal growth.
• Provide a framework for creating a more positive and supportive classroom environment.

Give your students the tools they need to recognize, understand, and combat bullying with this impactful and engaging novel study unit. Download "The Bully in the Mirror" today!

*This is one story taken from a book eight, which can be found here.

The Online Trap - A Comprehensive Cyberbullying Unit for Grades 5-8

Engage your students in a meaningful exploration of cyberbullying and digital citizenship with "The Online Trap," a comprehensive unit designed for grades 5-8. This powerful resource centers around an original, thought-provoking story that follows the journey of Samantha, a creative and kind-hearted student who faces the challenges of cyberbullying. As students dive into the story, they will develop a deeper understanding of the impact of online harassment, the importance of self-advocacy, and the power of resilience and empathy.

The unit includes:

• An analysis of themes.
• The complete story, "The Online Trap," in a printable format for easy distribution to students.
• A set of 10 discussion questions that encourage critical thinking and reflective conversations about the story's themes, including empathy, bystander intervention, digital footprint, and more.
• Five unique writing prompts that allow students to explore various perspectives and experiences related to cyberbullying, from personal narratives to persuasive essays.
• A collection of 10 engaging projects and assignments that extend the learning beyond the story. These include developing a digital citizenship campaign, creating a podcast series, conducting research on cyberbullying, and organizing a kindness challenge.
• A 20-word vocabulary table that supports language development and enhances comprehension of the story and related concepts.

By integrating "The Online Trap" into your curriculum, you will be providing your students with a safe and structured space to explore the complex issues surrounding cyberbullying. The unit's thought-provoking discussions, writing exercises, and projects will help students develop crucial social-emotional skills, such as empathy, resilience, and responsible decision-making, while fostering a positive and inclusive classroom environment.

This comprehensive unit is designed to be flexible and adaptable to your classroom's unique needs. Whether you choose to use the entire unit or select specific components to complement your existing curriculum, "The Online Trap" offers a valuable opportunity to engage your students in meaningful conversations and activities that promote digital citizenship and social-emotional learning.

*This is one story taken from a book eight, which can be found here.

Empower your middle school students to recognize, address, and prevent bullying with this comprehensive novel study centered around "The Teacher's Influence." This compelling story follows Ms. Nguyen, a dedicated teacher who takes a proactive stance against bullying when she sees a student targeted for her unique personality.

This ready-to-use resource equips you with everything needed to guide your students through a meaningful exploration of the story and its themes:

Chapter-by-chapter summaries and analysis: Facilitate deeper understanding and encourage critical thinking about the narrative.

• Thought-provoking discussion questions: Spark insightful conversations about bullying, empathy, the role of bystanders, and the importance of inclusivity.
• Engaging writing prompts: Inspire creative expression and encourage students to connect with the story on a personal level.
• Dynamic project-based learning activities: Deepen learning through hands-on projects like designing kindness campaigns, creating PSAs, and conducting inclusion audits.
• Vocabulary building exercises: Expand students' vocabulary with key terms related to bullying prevention, social justice, and positive school culture.

"The Teacher's Influence" novel study unit is perfect for:

• Language Arts and Reading classes
• Advisory or Homeroom periods
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum
• Character Education programs
• Bullying prevention initiatives

This resource is designed to:

• Enhance reading comprehension and analytical skills.
• Facilitate meaningful conversations about bullying, empathy, and inclusivity.
• Empower students to be upstanders and advocates for positive change.
• Provide a framework for creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive classroom environment.
• Equip students with the tools and knowledge to combat bullying in their own communities.

This story is one of eight featured in the ebook, "Friendship and Loyalty: Eight Short Stories Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8."

"The Unbreakable Bond" is a captivating short story that explores the power of friendship, resilience, and the challenges of competition. This comprehensive literature guide is designed to help teachers engage their students in grades 5-8 as they delve into the story's themes, characters, and life lessons.

The package includes the complete short story, and a variety of assignments and projects that align with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts. These resources will help your students develop critical thinking, writing, and discussion skills while fostering a deeper understanding of the text.

Key features of this literature guide:

• A The full text of "The Unbreakable Bond" short story (1500 words)
• 10 engaging assignments and projects covering Language Arts, Health and Career, and Relationships
• A comprehensive vocabulary list with definitions to expand students' word knowledge
• Alignment with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for grades 5-8

The assignments and projects cover a wide range of topics and skills, including:

• Character analysis and development
• Theme exploration and essay writing
• Alternate endings and point-of-view exercises
• Stress management and collaboration skills
• Conflict resolution and friendship reflections

By using this literature guide, your students will not only strengthen their language arts skills but also gain valuable insights into the importance of friendship, perseverance, and teamwork. "The Unbreakable Bond" is a relatable and inspiring story that will capture your students' imagination and spark meaningful discussions in your classroom.

This story is one of eight featured in the ebook, "Friendship and Loyalty: Eight Short Stories Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8."

Engage your students with "The Friendship Rescue," a compelling story that explores the themes of friendship, peer pressure, and personal growth. This comprehensive Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) unit is designed for students in grades 5-8 and aligns with both Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and National Health Education Standards (NHES).

The unit includes:

• The complete story, "The Friendship Rescue" (2000 words)
• Ten thoughtful assignments that explore character education, emotions, dealing with issues, and knowing when enough is enough
• A 20-word vocabulary list tailored to grades 6-9, including definitions and parts of speech
• Alignment with CCSS ELA standards for reading, writing, and speaking & listening
• Alignment with NHES standards for health promotion, analyzing influences, interpersonal communication, decision-making, and practicing health-enhancing behaviors

Through engaging with this unit, your students will:

• Analyze the story's themes and characters, citing textual evidence to support their ideas
• Write reflective essays, narratives, and arguments related to the story's themes
• Engage in collaborative discussions and role-playing activities to explore SEL concepts
• Develop a deeper understanding of loyalty, empathy, courage, and resilience
• Learn strategies for dealing with peer pressure and making healthy decisions
• Expand their vocabulary and improve their language skills

The assignments in this unit are designed to be flexible and adaptable to your classroom's needs. They can be used for whole-class instruction, small-group work, or individual student reflection. The variety of activities, including writing tasks, role-playing, creating posters and brochures, and class discussions, will keep your students engaged and motivated.

This story is one of eight featured in the ebook, "Friendship and Loyalty: Eight Short Stories Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8."

"The Secret Keeper" is a powerful short story that delves into the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and the challenges of navigating difficult life situations. This comprehensive literature guide is designed to engage students in grades 6-9 as they explore the story's themes, characters, and important life lessons.

The package includes the complete short story and a range of assignments and projects that align with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts and National Health Education Standards. These resources will help your students develop critical thinking, writing, and communication skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the text and its relevance to their lives.

Key features of this literature guide:

• The full text of "The Secret Keeper" short story (approximately 1,300 words)
• 10 thought-provoking assignments and projects covering character analysis, mental health awareness, healthy coping mechanisms, and more
• A comprehensive vocabulary list with definitions to expand students' word knowledge
• Alignment with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for grades 6-9 and National Health Education Standards

The assignments and projects cover a wide range of topics and skills, including:

• Analyzing character development and motivation
• Exploring themes of friendship, loyalty, and personal growth
• Discussing the importance of seeking help and support during difficult times
• Creating mental health awareness posters and community resource guides
• Developing effective communication and problem-solving skills

By using this literature guide, your students will not only strengthen their language arts skills but also gain valuable insights into the significance of mental health, the power of friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit. "The Secret Keeper" is a relatable and emotionally resonant story that will captivate your students and inspire meaningful discussions in your classroom.

*This is one story taken from a book eight, which can be found here.

Unite Your Classroom Against Bullying with "The United Front"

Empower your middle schoolers to combat bullying and embrace diversity with this engaging short story and comprehensive activity pack!

"The United Front" tells the heartwarming story of Olivia, a shy artist targeted by bullies, and the diverse group of classmates who overcome their hesitation to stand up for her. This relatable narrative provides a springboard for meaningful discussions about acceptance, empathy, and the power of unity.

This resource is packed with:

• A captivating short story: With relatable characters and realistic situations, "The United Front" will resonate with your students and spark important conversations.
• Dynamic discussion questions: Deepen comprehension and encourage critical thinking about bullying, diversity, empathy, and the role of bystanders.
• Creative writing prompts: Inspire your students to explore themes of unity, acceptance, and courage through various writing activities.
• Engaging projects and assignments: From anti-bullying campaigns to diversity quilts and upstander interviews, these hands-on activities will bring the story's themes to life.
• A comprehensive vocabulary list: Enhance students' understanding of key terms related to bullying, diversity, and social responsibility.

"The United Front" will help you:

• Create a safe and inclusive classroom environment where students feel valued and respected.
• Facilitate meaningful discussions about bullying, diversity, empathy, and social responsibility.
• Develop students' critical thinking skills as they analyze characters' motivations and actions.
• Enhance students' writing skills through engaging prompts and creative writing activities.
• Empower students to become upstanders who stand up for themselves and others.

This story is one of eight featured in the ebook, "Friendship and Loyalty: Eight Short Stories Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8."

"The Unexpected Friendship" is a beautifully crafted short story that explores the power of friendship and the importance of looking beyond surface-level differences. This comprehensive literature guide is designed to help teachers engage their students in grades 5-8 as they delve into the story's themes, characters, and valuable life lessons.

The package includes the complete short story, which follows the journey of Maya, a shy bookworm, and Zoe, a popular athlete, as they are paired together for a school project. Despite their initial reluctance, the two girls discover a shared passion and form an unlikely but powerful bond. Through their friendship, they confront personal challenges, overcome social barriers, and learn to support one another in the face of adversity.

In addition to the full text, this guide provides a variety of assignments and projects that align with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts. These resources will help your students develop critical thinking, writing, and discussion skills while fostering a deeper understanding of the text.

Key features of this literature guide:

• The full text of "The Unexpected Friendship" short story (approximately 1,400 words)
• 10 engaging assignments and projects covering Language Arts, Health and Career, and Relationships
• A comprehensive vocabulary list with definitions to expand students' word knowledge
• Alignment with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for grades 6-9

The assignments and projects cover a wide range of topics and skills, including:

• Analyzing character development and motivation
• Exploring themes of acceptance, personal growth, and the value of diverse friendships
• Developing communication and conflict resolution skills
• Discussing the impact of stereotypes and social expectations on relationships
• Creating friendship guides and career exploration activities related to the story's themes

By using this literature guide, your students will not only strengthen their language arts skills but also gain valuable insights into the importance of empathy, open-mindedness, and the power of unexpected connections. "The Unexpected Friendship" is a relatable and heartwarming story that will captivate your students and inspire meaningful discussions in your classroom.

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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Copyright © Early Childhood Essentials

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

Halloween FUN Packet! Turkey Trick or Treat Halloween Activities for Retelling , Sequencing , & MUCH MORE!

Turkey Trick or Treat by Wendi Silvano literature unit activities are perfect for Halloween. The retelling sticks are particularly useful for students acquiring English and for speech therapists.

This hilarious read aloud picture book is perfect for Kindergarten to 2nd grade. This Turkey Trick or Treat product includes the following:

• Characters and Setting
• First, Next, Then, Last
• Sequencing
• I Want to Be a(n) graphic organizer
• tr blends (with an answer key)
• Rhyming words
• Writing prompt
• 2 pages of Retelling Sticks (the second page is optional) NOTE: Color sheets for retelling sticks were added to the file on 10/24/15.
• Friendly letter
• Common nouns and proper nouns
• Sight, smell, sound, touch
• Create a word find
• What's so funny?
• Halloween questions
• Who Wants Candy Mini-book (students assemble pages and illustrate the book as well as write the text for two pages of the book). Please note: There is NO Google Slides™ version of the mini-book.

This product is appropriate for K-2. Please check the preview prior to purchasing this product. Answer keys are included where necessary. If you have any questions, please send me a message.

NOTE: THIS FILE INCLUDES A DIGITAL DISTANCE LEARNING OPTION!

This product includes a digital option (as well as the no-prep printable option). The instructions for utilizing the digital portion appear at the end of the packet. The mini-book is the only activity from this file that is not included in the digital version.

Check out the ENTIRE Wendi Silvano COLLECTION IN A MONEY-SAVING BUNDLE HERE. The individual files can be found below:

• TURKEY TRICK OR TREAT LITERATURE UNIT
• TURKEY TROUBLE LITERATURE UNIT
• TURKEY CLAUS LITERATURE UNIT
• TURKEY'S VALENTINE SURPRISE
• TURKEY'S EGGCELLENT EASTER
• TURKEY GOES TO SCHOOL

Turkey's Valentine Surprise by Wendi Silvano literature unit activities are perfect for Valentine's Day ideas!

The retelling sticks are particularly useful for students learning English or students receiving services for speech and language.

This hilarious new picture book is perfect for Kindergarten to 2nd grade. This Turkey's Valentine Surprise product includes the following:

• Characters and Setting
• First, Next, Then, Last
• Sequencing Strips
• Descriptions Graphic Organizer
• What's so PUNNY?
• Writing Puns
• Main Idea and Details
• Make a Valentine
• Parts of Speech (nouns and verbs) Conversation Hearts
• Retelling Sticks
• Friendly letter
• Valentine Mini-book (Please note: There is NO Google Slides™ version of the mini-book.)

This product is appropriate for K-2. Please check the preview prior to purchasing this product. Answer keys are included where necessary. If you have any questions, please send me a message.

Check out the ENTIRE Wendi Silvano COLLECTION IN A MONEY-SAVING BUNDLE HERE. The individual files can be found below:

• TURKEY TRICK OR TREAT LITERATURE UNIT
• TURKEY TROUBLE LITERATURE UNIT
• TURKEY CLAUS LITERATURE UNIT
• TURKEY'S VALENTINE SURPRISE
• TURKEY'S EGGCELLENT EASTER
• TURKEY GOES TO SCHOOL

NOTE: THIS FILE INCLUDES A DIGITAL DISTANCE LEARNING OPTION!

This product includes a digital option (as well as the no-prep printable option). The digital portion instructions appear at the end of the packet. The mini-book is the only activity from this file not included in the digital version.

Technology Requirements:

• A Google Drive account
• If sharing with students, a Drive account that is linked to student Google accounts
• Can be shared/delivered on Google Classroom
• Only need access to Google Drive--no outside links to worry about!

These files can be used with iPads, chrome books, laptops, and desktops as long as your students have access to Google Drive or Classroom on a device. The digital portion of this product is on Google Slides.

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.

This resource features a set of 25 reader response journal prompts for use during your unit on Shakespeare. Each bell ringer is comprised of a Shakespearean quote from one of his plays or sonnets and a thoughtfully crafted question that encourages students to personally connect and appreciate the timelessness of his work. Prompts can be used as bell-ringers (most popular and mean the first 5 minutes of every class for more than a month are planned for you!), summarizers, stations, full class or small group discussion questions, for homework, task cards, sub plans, as a filler activity… the possibilities are endless!

Example of a prompt:

All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players… and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages” ~ As You Like It

What types of roles do you play in your own life? How do these roles differ and to what audience(s) are they played? Why do we find ourselves playing different roles for different people within our lives?

Enjoy using these bell ringers during your study of any Shakespearean play or any time throughout the year when you just need to hear a few wise words from the Bard!

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We've gone digital! Check out the paperless version to support distance learning:

⭐ Shakespeare Digital Bell Ringer Journal Prompts

Save 20% off this resource when you purchase as part of a bundle of Shakespeare products:

⭐ Shakespeare Resource Bundle

Also, check out these great products to add to your Shakespeare unit by Language Arts Excellence:

⭐ Shakespeare ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ Shakespeare Scavenger Hunt

⭐ Introduction to Shakespeare Powerpoint

⭐ Shakespeare Crossword Puzzle

⭐ Shakespeare's "Death Lines" Activity

⭐ Shakespeare Valentine's Day Lesson Plan

⭐ William Shakespeare Quote Posters

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Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence

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

Ditch the reading logs; ignite your students' analytical fire!

The dialectical journal format becomes a springboard for engaging class discussions, fostering active participation and a deeper understanding of the text. I love to use these when we read short stories or novels when I want the students to notice something, but I want them to have the joy of discovery. Someone always, inevitably, picks up on what I wanted to highlight, and the added bonus is that other students get to share their insights, too. Dialectical Journals have been a great confidence builder!

Empower Students to Analyze, Question, and Create Meaning:

• Go beyond summaries: Unlike traditional reading logs, dialectical journals encourage students to think critically about the text, prompting them to identify key quotes, analyze their significance, and connect them to their own thoughts and experiences.
• Cultivate analytical skills: Students learn to question the author's intent, evaluate evidence, formulate their own interpretations, and ask their own questions.

Everything You Need to Get Started:

• Teacher-Friendly Guide: Get a clear roadmap with a Teacher's Guide featuring an introduction lesson for dialectical journals/lesson suggestions.
• Modeling & Practice: A sample journal page is included to model and practice the dialectical journal process with your students.
• Ready-to-Use Dialectical Journals: Choose from Fiction or Nonfiction templates, easily printed as a weekly journal or stand-alone pages. Both formats include:
  • Journal Cover Page
  • Ideas/Concepts to Consider Page to prime students' thinking
  • 5 Journal Pages for efficient printing
  • Weekly Summary Page to encourage reflection and synthesis
• Flexible & Adaptable: A PDF print version and Google Slides access (for all student pages) is included for a seamless transition into your existing classroom workflow.
• Easy Assessment: Scoring Rubric (suitable for both fiction and nonfiction) simplifies grading and provides clear expectations for students.

I hope you'll find this resource as valuable in your classroom as I have in mine, and I hope it makes your teacher life a little bit easier in the process!