Informational Text Centers

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

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

Additional Resources on this topic:

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

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

• 10 Winter Holiday Narrative Essay Picture Prompts & Planner: Engage students in narrative writing with holiday-themed picture prompts and a structured planner to develop plot, character, and setting in alignment with creative writing standards.
• Christmas Hip Hop Lyrics Analysis: Teach figurative language, rhyme schemes, and tone through an engaging analysis of hip hop lyrics, blending music and ELA standards for Grades 6-8.
• St. Nick: Informational Text Structures: Explore main ideas, text structures, and author’s purpose with this winter-themed set of informational texts designed to strengthen critical reading skills.
• Unraveling Krampus: Text Structures and Critical Analysis: Develop students’ ability to identify text structures and analyze information critically with this high-interest resource focused on the Krampus folklore.
• Informational Text Structure Coloring Sort: Combine creativity and learning as students sort and color-code winter-themed informational texts to practice identifying text structures.
• Winter Wonders: Exploring Text Features Through Snow-Themed Articles: Strengthen comprehension and analysis skills by examining text features in engaging snow-themed articles, perfect for enhancing nonfiction literacy.
• Christmas Winter Holiday Characters from Around the World Research PBL: Dive into global holiday traditions with this project-based learning activity that encourages research, critical thinking, and presentation skills.
• Holiday Figurative Language & Movie Clip Standard-Based Learning Activities: Analyze figurative language through fun, holiday-themed movie clips that align with ELA figurative language standards for middle schoolers.
• Virtual Winter Sports Exploration: Engage students in a digital exploration of winter sports, focusing on informational text comprehension and analysis for Grades 4-6.
• Analyzing Narrative Point of View Winter-Themed: Develop higher-order thinking with winter-themed narrative texts that challenge students to analyze and compare points of view using Bloom’s Taxonomy.
• Winter Vacation PBL: Inspire creativity and practical application with this low-prep, project-based learning activity where stude

1. Winter Holiday Informational Text Coloring Sort Engage middle schoolers with this unique Winter Holiday Informational Text Coloring Sort! This print-and-go resource combines reading comprehension with creative coloring, helping students identify key text structures while learning about diverse winter celebrations. Ideal for visual and kinesthetic learners.
2. Thanksgiving Text Structure Coloring Sort Lesson Bring Thanksgiving themes into your classroom with this Text Structure Coloring Sort Lesson! Students can identify and color-code different text structures in Thanksgiving-themed passages. This hands-on activity not only enhances reading skills but also adds a festive touch to learning.
3. Hands-on Text Structure Sorts & Coloring Activities This resource offers 3 Hands-on Text Structure Sorts and Coloring Activities, perfect for kinesthetic learners. Middle school students can physically manipulate and sort texts, then color-code them, making text structure analysis interactive and engaging.
4. Middle School Text Structure Print-and-Go PowerPoint, Handout, Answer Key This comprehensive resource provides a PowerPoint, handout, and answer key focused on text structures for middle school students. It's a complete print-and-go solution that simplifies teaching text structures, making it easy to deliver and understand.

Bundle together five dynamic New Year's resources for an enriching learning experience in your middle school classroom. Here's a brief overview of each component in this comprehensive package:

New Year's Informational Text Set: Structure, Central Idea, Author's Purpose!
A collection of five diverse articles, each exemplifying a different text structure like Description, Chronological, Problem and Solution, Compare and Contrast, and Cause and Effect. This set focuses on Times Square New Year’s celebrations and includes STAAR-aligned questions on the central idea, author's purpose, vocabulary, and text structure.

Classroom Synergy: Resetting Expectations in the New Year – 4 Engaging Activities!
Kick off the new year with four activities designed to reinforce classroom expectations and promote a positive learning environment. This resource includes expectation role-playing, creating expectations posters, and connecting expectations to SEL with reflective writing prompts.

Global Bites: New Year’s Celebrations and Food Traditions – Inquiry Based Learning
Explore New Year's traditions and food customs from around the world with this inquiry-based learning project. This resource encourages research and presentation skills as students delve into diverse cultural celebrations and their unique culinary traditions.

Cheers to A New Year: How to Write A Toast Workshop
Enhance public speaking skills with this engaging workshop on crafting toasts. Perfect for New Year celebrations, this resource guides students through the process of writing and delivering a meaningful toast, fostering both creativity and confidence in public speaking.

Spill the Tea: 2023 Year in Review – Google Slides Photo Project
A fun and engaging Google Slides project that allows students to reflect on the year 2023. Students create a photo-based presentation, capturing key moments, trends, and personal experiences from the year, making it an excellent activity for New Year reflections.

This bundle is perfect for middle school teachers looking to add a mix of educational and engaging activities to their New Year curriculum. Each resource is designed to be cross-curricular, supporting skills in reading, writing, research, public speaking, and social-emotional learning.

This bundle includes a great range of activities perfect for grades 5-8 for all of February!

1. Speed Friending Activity: A dynamic classroom icebreaker designed for middle and high school students. It includes a comprehensive teacher protocol, an interactive Google Slides presentation, engaging conversation rounds with embedded timers, a note-taking sheet, and a reflection writing prompt. Ideal for building classroom community, enhancing behavior management, and fostering open communication.
2. ELA Matchmaker Review Game: An 81-page ELA review resource covering synonyms, antonyms, figurative language, literary elements, and affixes & roots. It includes printable and digital versions for flexible classroom use, promoting interactive learning and critical thinking in literary concepts.
3. Black History Month Digital Resource: A set of 45 Google Slides featuring 15 influential African American artists. This resource includes detailed informational texts, short videos, and interactive response prompts. It's a comprehensive tool for exploring African American history and art, ideal for daily classroom activities.
4. Civil Rights Movement Song Analysis: Titled 'Harmony of Hope,' this resource integrates Valentine's Day and Black History Month themes for middle schoolers. It includes a Google Slides presentation and a comprehensive PDF packet, featuring analysis of seven influential Civil Rights era songs.
5. GenZ Valentine's Day Cards: A collection of 24 unique, humorous, and inclusive Valentine's Day cards suitable for middle school students. These printable cards are gender-neutral, featuring relatable puns and high-quality graphics, adding a fun twist to traditional valentine exchanges.
6. The Science of Crushes and Heartbreak: An educational resource that blends science with Valentine's Day themes, targeting middle schoolers. It includes an article, a mini-lesson in Google Slides, a graphic organizer, and analytical questions. This resource enhances understanding of text features and author's purpose.
7. Valentine's Day Argumentative Writing Resource: A tool for grades 4-8 to enhance argumentative writing skills. It features 28 'Would You Rather' prompts, available in both PDF and Google Slides, to encourage debate and persuasive writing. Ideal for various classroom activities, including warm-ups and group discussions.

Dive into the rich tapestry of Black history with our Ultimate Black History Month Educational Bundle, meticulously crafted for educators passionate about providing a comprehensive, interactive, and engaging learning experience. This bundle combines a variety of resources, ensuring a well-rounded approach to teaching pivotal moments and figures in Black history. Suitable for grades 4-8, these resources are perfect for integrating into ELA, Social Studies, Art, and more.

1. Black History Month Athlete Trading Cards - Interactive Digital & Print Resource: Engage and educate your students with this interactive set of athlete trading cards. Celebrate the achievements of influential Black athletes with this 60-slide resource, perfect for classroom activities, creative projects, and bulletin board displays.
2. Claudette Colvin STAAR Test Prep Text (Grades 6-8) - FREEBIE: Dive into the inspiring story of Claudette Colvin with this STAAR test prep text. Designed for students in grades 6-8, this resource not only enriches students' knowledge about an important figure in the Civil Rights Movement but also sharpens their test-taking skills.
3. MLK 3 Interactive Timelines, Bulletin Boards & Door Decor: Honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with interactive timelines and visually appealing decor. This resource is perfect for creating an educational environment that celebrates MLK's journey and teachings, inspiring students through interactive learning and creative expression.
4. Black History Month Digital Resource - 45 Google Slides, 15 Texts, Video & Writing: This comprehensive digital resource is a treasure trove of information, featuring 45 Google Slides, 15 texts, videos, and writing prompts. It's designed to provide a rich educational experience, sparking discussions and deepening understanding.
5. Civil Rights Movement Song Analysis (Grades 5-8) - Valentine's Day Special: Analyze the profound messages in songs from the Civil Rights Movement with this unique resource. It's an engaging way for students to connect with history through music, enhancing their analytical skills and emotional understanding of the era.
6. Color & Discover Modern Heroes of Black History Month - Freebie: This creative resource allows students to learn about modern heroes of Black History Month through coloring activities. It's a fun, engaging way to introduce younger students to influential figures and their contributions.
7. Claudette Colvin STAAR Test Prep Text (Grades 6-8) - FREEBIE (Duplicate): Reinforce your students' understanding and appreciation of Claudette Colvin's courageous stand during the Civil Rights Movement with this STAAR test prep text. This resource doubles the opportunity to integrate critical reading and historical knowledge into your test preparation activities.

Each resource in this bundle is thoughtfully designed to cater to different learning styles and classroom needs, making it the perfect package to explore, celebrate, and honor Black History Month in your classroom. Equip your students with knowledge, critical thinking skills, and a deep appreciation for the contributions and stories of Black individuals with our Ultimate Black History Month Educational Bundle.

1. Megalodon Spooky Science & ELA Packet

Dive deep into the ocean with the Megalodon, the largest shark to ever swim Earth’s waters. This CCSS-aligned resource for grades 4-6 blends STEM and ELA, engaging students with informational text, vocabulary activities, and comprehension questions. Students will explore the size, diet, and extinction of this fearsome apex predator while building skills in cause and effect, main idea, and text-dependent questions. Perfect for spooky season or year-round learning!

2. Titanoboa Spooky Science & ELA Packet

Get wrapped up in the terrifying world of the Titanoboa, the massive prehistoric snake that crushed its prey. This interdisciplinary resource for grades 4-6 uses CCSS-aligned reading comprehension and science activities to explore Titanoboa's habitat, diet, and extinction. Students will engage in vocabulary practice, draw and label the giant snake, and learn about the environmental changes that led to its downfall. A great addition to any science or spooky-themed lesson!

3. Arthropleura Spooky Science & ELA Packet

Discover the creepy-crawly world of Arthropleura, the enormous millipede-like creature that once roamed ancient forests. This engaging resource, ideal for grades 4-6, combines ELA and science standards with reading comprehension, cause-and-effect charts, and drawing activities. Students will learn about this giant invertebrate's habitat and extinction while sharpening their critical thinking skills. Whether used for Halloween or a year-long prehistoric unit, this packet is sure to captivate your class!

4. Gigantopithecus Spooky Science & ELA Packet

Enter the world of Gigantopithecus, the towering prehistoric ape that may have inspired legends of Bigfoot! This CCSS-aligned resource for grades 4-6 includes vocabulary building, text-dependent questions, and creative activities like drawing and labeling this mysterious creature. Students will learn about its diet, habitat, and eventual extinction while exploring spooky connections to modern myths. Whether for spooky season or science class, this resource blends STEM and ELA seamlessly.

Each of these products delivers a mix of science and literacy, with exciting prehistoric creatures to keep students engaged and learning!

• Thanksgiving Gratitude Toast Writing Unit with Slides and Awards
• Looking for a meaningful and engaging way to bring gratitude into your classroom this Thanksgiving season? This 4-Day Thanksgiving Toast Writing Unit has everything you need to help your students craft heartfelt toasts while building their public speaking and writing skills.
• Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Informational Texts: Central Idea & Author’s Purpose
• This resource features informational texts centered around the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Students will practice identifying the central idea and author’s purpose using guided activities, perfect for grades 4-6. Includes quizzes and engaging slides to bring the festive event into your classroom!
• Multiple Genre Thanksgiving Writing Fun: Story Starters, Centers, and Activities
  Spark creativity with these 10 engaging Thanksgiving-themed story starters! This freebie offers writing prompts perfect for centers or bell-ringers, allowing students to explore genres while creating their own holiday-inspired tales. Ideal for grades 4 and up!
• Text Features with Thanksgiving Football Text Set, Quizzes, and Slides
  Bring excitement to your lessons with this text feature set using Thanksgiving football articles. Students will analyze and identify different text features while engaging with a fun, seasonal topic. Quizzes and slide presentations are included for easy, interactive learning.
• Thanksgiving Argument Writing Unit: Debate Topics & Lesson Plans for STAAR ECRs
  Help your students master argumentative writing with this resource, complete with four Thanksgiving-themed debate prompts. Perfect for middle school, the unit includes a 75-minute lesson plan, guided notes, and templates for teaching claims, evidence, and rebuttals.
• Thanksgiving Author’s Purpose Reading Unit: Passages, Slides, Guided Notes (Grades 5-7)
  This reading unit features five double-sided Thanksgiving-themed passages that explore different author’s purposes. With interactive slides and guided notes, this resource is great for whole-group instruction, centers, or intervention activities in grades 5-7.
• Thanksgiving Digital Resource: Interactive Slides for Middle School Fall Break Vibes
  This non-academic, interactive slide deck is perfect for building community and having fun the day before Fall Break. Featuring 22 slides with thought-provoking and engaging Thanksgiving prompts, it's a fun, low-prep activity to wrap up the season.
• Thanksgiving Persuasive Writing Activity: Rhetoric for Grades 5-7 (Ethos, Pathos, Logos)
  This resource guides students through persuasive writing with a focus on rhetoric. Using Thanksgiving-themed prompts, students will practice developing strong arguments using ethos, pathos, and logos. Perfect for building writing and critical thinking skills in grades 5-7.
• Thanksgiving Text Structure Coloring Sort & Lesson
  Teach text structures in a creative and interactive way with this Thanksgiving coloring activity. Students will learn about different text structures and apply them through sorting and coloring activities, making the lesson both educational and fun.
• 10 Fall Narrative Essay Picture Prompts and Planner: Print and Go & Slides
  This resource includes 10 narrative essay prompts, each with a fall theme, designed to help students craft compelling stories. Perfect for middle school students, the resource includes both print-and-go materials and a slide deck for easy classroom use.

This bundle could cover 20-25 days of classroom instruction, depending on how the resources are paced and implemented. It offers a great variety of activities for both Thanksgiving season and beyond.

Comprehensive Text Structure Resource for Middle School ELA (Grades 5-8)

Aligned with TEKS 5.10B, TEKS ELA 6.9b, ELA 7.9B, ELA 8.9B, and Common Core State Standards: Literacy.RI.5.5, RI.6.5, RI.7.5, RI.8.6

Introducing a meticulously crafted resource designed to empower middle school ELA and intervention teachers. Dive into the world of text structures with this comprehensive package that seamlessly blends theory with hands-on practice.

Objective: Equip students with the skills to identify six distinct text structure types of informational text and discern the author's purpose.

What's Inside:

• Engaging PowerPoint presentation with clear directions and captivating visuals.
• Comprehensive guided notes and a graphic organizer.
• Eight pages of practice materials, including text structure exercises and author's purpose identification tasks.
• A fun and educational coloring sort activity.

How to Use:

1. We Do (15 min): Kickstart the lesson with the provided note-taking graphic organizer. As you navigate through the PowerPoint, students will jot down definitions, signal words, and the author's purpose for each structure. Enhance engagement by having students read aloud or using popsicle sticks for random selections.
2. Teams Do (20 min): Transition to partnered practice with six high-interest paragraphs centered around social media. Students will highlight signal words, pinpoint the text structure, and elucidate the author's rationale behind choosing a particular structure.
3. You Do (20 min): Culminate the lesson with an independent color sort activity, allowing students to showcase their understanding.

Formats Available: PDF and PowerPoint.

Unique Selling Points:

• Print & Go: Save precious prep time with materials that are ready to be printed and presented.
• Low Prep: Minimize your preparation efforts without compromising on the quality of instruction.

Perfect for introducing text structures or as a refresher, this resource is structured into three distinct sections: We Do, Teams Do, and You Do. Designed to fit snugly into a 55-minute class period, it offers a balanced mix of guided instruction and independent practice.

Elevate your teaching game with this comprehensive resource. Ideal for middle school grades 5-8, it aligns with key educational standards, ensuring that your students are on the right track.

Engage your middle schoolers with a festive dive into informational text skills using the iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade as the backdrop. This comprehensive resource is designed to captivate students while reinforcing critical reading skills over two to three class periods.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify and analyze the central idea in informational texts.
• Understand and evaluate the author's purpose.
• Recognize and interpret various text structures.
• Determine the meaning of academic words in context.

What's Included:

• Five high-interest informational texts centered on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
• A four-question multiple-choice quiz for each text, complete with an answer key.
• A Google Slides presentation to introduce and review key informational text skills.

How It Works:

• Day 1: Kickstart the lesson with a Google Slides presentation to refresh students on each skill's definition. Then, dive into the first two texts with guided annotation and strategic multiple-choice question approaches.
• Day 2: Continue with the remaining texts and quizzes, followed by a comprehensive review of the answers, solidifying students' understanding.

Perfect for Busy Teachers:

• Print & Go: No prep needed! Simply print the materials or share them digitally for an interactive class experience.
• Highly Engaging Material: The vibrant history of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade keeps students interested and learning.
• Holiday Themed: Bring the Thanksgiving spirit into your classroom with content that's both educational and festive.
• Rigorous & Multi-Skill Focused: Challenge students with texts that are rigorous and cover multiple ELA standards.

Usage Scenario: Ideal for ELA, special education, and interventionist teachers, this resource serves as an excellent review of priority standards. It's adaptable to various student abilities and can be used after teaching the skills explicitly, ensuring that all students can participate and learn effectively.

Highlights:

Holiday Material: Students will enjoy learning with content themed around a beloved national holiday event.

• Engagement & Rigor: Not only does this set engage students, but it also challenges them to apply multiple literacy skills in a cohesive manner.

Elevate your ELA curriculum with this ready-to-use Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade informational text set. It's the perfect blend of holiday cheer and academic rigor, designed to keep your students engaged and on track with their literacy skills!

Immerse your middle school students in the festive spirit of learning with this "Winter Holiday Text Sort" ELA resource. This unique, holiday-themed package offers a hands-on approach to mastering informational text structures, perfectly blending educational rigor with seasonal fun.

Product Highlights:

• Dynamic Learning Experience: Embrace kinesthetic learning as students color sort and match texts, reinforcing their understanding of six different text structures.
• Broad Range of Holiday Topics: From the magical lore of Santa Claus to the fascinating facts about snowflakes, this resource covers a variety of winter holiday topics, ensuring high engagement and cultural enrichment.
• Designed for Middle School Students: Tailored to captivate and challenge young adolescents, the activities encourage critical thinking, analysis, and application.
• Comprehensive Instructional Tool: Includes a Google Slides presentation for direct instruction or as a refresher, along with a graphic organizer for note-taking and guided learning.
• Versatile Usage: Perfect for group activities, individual practice, or as a part of your ELA stations. This resource adapts seamlessly to different classroom settings and teaching styles.

Benefits:

• Enhances Text Structure Comprehension: Students gain a clear understanding of various informational text structures, a crucial skill for ELA proficiency.
• Interactive and Engaging: Moves beyond traditional worksheets, offering a tactile and interactive learning experience.
• Facilitates Independent Learning: Students can self-check their work, fostering autonomy and confidence in their ELA skills.
• Holiday Themed: Adds a festive touch to your classroom, keeping students engaged and excited about learning during the holiday season.

Ideal For:

• Middle School ELA Teachers
• Literacy Coaches
• Homeschool Educators
• Tutors specializing in Reading and Writing

With the "Winter Holiday Text Sort," transform your classroom into a winter wonderland of learning. Engage your students’ minds and hands in an educational journey through the holidays. Watch as they unwrap the gift of knowledge, one text structure at a time!

Are you ready to add a 'sweet touch' to learning text structures this Valentine's Day? Dive into our Valentine's Day Text Structure Coloring Sorts, a delightful and engaging free resource designed to help your students master the art of identifying different text structures. Perfect for grades 3-8, this activity blends the fun of Valentine's Day with essential learning objectives.

With our resource, students will explore five key text structures: Cause and Effect, Problem and Solution, Question and Answer, Chronological Order, and Description. Each text structure is cleverly themed around Valentine's Day, making learning both enjoyable and relevant.

All you need is the PDF copy and six colored pencils or crayons to get started. This activity serves as an excellent warm-up, a creative homework assignment, or a lively addition to any learning center. It's not just about coloring; it's about understanding and applying knowledge in a way that sticks.

Looking for more ways to engage your students in text structure mastery? Check out our comprehensive Informational Text Structure Mastery Bundle. This bundle complements the coloring activity and offers an in-depth exploration of text structures, perfect for middle school learners.

Don't miss out on this 'heartfelt' opportunity to blend creativity with critical thinking in your classroom. Download our Valentine's Day Text Structure Coloring Sorts today and watch as your students color their way to text structure mastery!

Ready to 'color your students' world' with understanding this Valentine's Day?

Introducing our vibrant new resource, perfect for grades 4-6: the Valentine's Day Authors' Purpose Coloring Activity! This unique coloring resource brings together 20 engaging Valentine's-themed prompts, each carefully crafted to illustrate the six different author's purposes: Inform, Persuade, Entertain, Critique, Report, and Instruct.

In this colorful learning adventure, students will need our PDF and six specific colors to identify and color-code each author's purpose. It's not just a coloring activity; it’s a journey into the heart of reading comprehension and critical thinking, tailored specifically for young learners.

But wait, there's more love to spread! If you're looking for another delightful Valentine's Day coloring resource, don't miss our Valentine's Day Text Structure Color Sorts: A Rainbow of Learning. This free activity complements our Authors' Purpose Coloring Activity and is perfect for reinforcing text structure skills.

These resources are ideal for classroom activities, homework assignments, or as a part of your literacy centers. They're not just educational tools; they're a way to bring joy, color, and deeper understanding into your classroom this Valentine's Day.

So, why wait? Download our Valentine's Day Authors' Purpose Coloring Activity today, and watch as your students 'color their way' to mastering author's purposes, one hue at a time!

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!

Transform your STAAR prep with our Texas-themed informational Text Sets for Grades 3-5!

What's Included:

This comprehensive bundle, perfect for Texas elementary teachers, features seven engaging texts, each accompanied by two STAAR-aligned multiple-choice questions, covering crucial skills.

Skills include:

1. inference
2. evidence
3. fact vs. opinion
4. text structure
5. author's purpose
6. vocabulary
7. text features.

Ideal for varied classroom settings - from whole class instruction to small group work, or even as enriching homework tasks - these print-and-go PDFs are an educator's dream for seamless integration into daily routines or as part of a focused test prep unit.

Try using these products for:

✅ Whole Class Test Prep

✅ Intervention Groups

✅ Small Group Work

✅ Independent Work

✅ Assessment

✅ Homework

Get ready to enhance your students' reading comprehension and critical thinking skills with this meticulously crafted, teacher-approved resource, which aligns perfectly with Texas educational standards.

Did you know the theme for Black History Month 2024 focuses on African Americans and the Arts? Do you only have 20 minutes per day to incorporate Black History Month?

Switch up your classroom's exploration of African American history through art with our comprehensive digital resource, which includes 45 interactive Google Slides. This engaging and educational tool is designed to offer an in-depth look into the lives and works of 15 influential African American artists, perfect for daily learning activities in February or any time of the year perfect for daily warm-ups or part of a larger Black History Month unit.

Key Features:

• 15 Detailed Informational Texts: Each of the 15 African American artists across generations featured in this resource comes to life through meticulously crafted informational texts. These texts provide a rich narrative of each artist's journey, achievements, and impact on society.
• Engaging Short Videos: Accompanying each informational text is a carefully selected video, under five minutes in length, providing a visual and auditory learning experience. These videos are designed to complement the texts, offering a well-rounded understanding of each artist's contributions.
• Interactive Open-Ended Response Prompts: Following each informational text and video, students are encouraged to reflect and respond with open-ended questions. These prompts are designed to stimulate critical thinking, personal connection, and deeper comprehension of the material.
• 45 Easy-to-Navigate Slides: With a total of 45 slides, this digital resource provides a comprehensive yet accessible educational experience. Each artist is given a dedicated set of slides, ensuring an organized and focused learning journey.
• Digital Convenience and Accessibility: Hosted on Google Slides, this resource is easily accessible for both in-person and remote learning environments. It offers the convenience of digital use, allowing for interactive and engaging classroom or homework assignments.

Benefits:

• Cultivates an Appreciation for Diversity in Art: Students will gain a deeper understanding and respect for the diverse contributions of African American artists throughout history.
• Enhances Multimedia Learning: The combination of texts, videos, and writing prompts caters to different learning styles, ensuring a more engaging and effective educational experience.
• Promotes Critical Thinking and Expression: The open-ended response prompts encourage students to think critically and express their thoughts and interpretations, enhancing their analytical and communication skills.
• Ready-to-Use and Time-Saving for Educators: This all-in-one resource requires no additional prep, making it a valuable tool for educators looking for comprehensive, ready-to-use teaching materials.

Ideal for Teachers Who:

• Seek to provide a multimedia learning experience in their exploration of African American history and art.
• Require ready-to-go, comprehensive resources for Black History Month or cultural studies.
• Value the integration of videos and interactive elements in classroom instruction.
• Want to incorporate BHM briefly throughout February.

Transform your teaching approach with this enriching digital resource on African American artists. Inspire your students with the powerful stories, artistic expressions, and cultural impacts of these remarkable individuals. Add this multifaceted educational tool to your collection today and bring history to life in your classroom!

"New Year's Insights: Informational Text Structure Set" is a comprehensive educational resource expertly crafted for middle school ELA teachers. This engaging and cross-curricular package is designed to enhance students' understanding of various text structures, aligning perfectly with STAAR and other standardized testing requirements.

Product Description:

• Rich Content Spanning Five Articles: Dive into five captivating articles, each centered around the iconic Times Square New Year's celebrations. These articles are not only informative but also diverse in their presentation, covering a range of topics from the history and evolution of the celebrations to their environmental impact.
• Diverse Text Structures: Each article in this set is a model of a different text structure – Description, Chronological, Problem and Solution, Compare and Contrast, and Cause and Effect. This variety provides a dynamic learning experience, helping students recognize and understand these essential components of informational texts.
• Aligned with Standardized Testing: Accompanying each article is a set of carefully crafted multiple-choice questions focusing on the central idea, vocabulary, author's purpose, and text structure. These questions are specifically aligned with STAAR and other standardized tests, making this resource an invaluable tool for test preparation.
• Cross-Curricular Learning Experience: While rooted in ELA, this resource offers a cross-curricular approach, touching on aspects of history, culture, science, and environmental studies, thus enriching the overall educational experience.
• Introduction to Text Structures: Included is an introductory Google Slides presentation that either refreshes or introduces students to the concept of text structures. This presentation is designed to be interactive and student-friendly, making it an excellent starting point for the lesson.
• Graphic Organizer for Effective Learning: To aid in comprehension and retention, a graphic organizer is provided for students to take notes during the presentation. This organizer serves as a valuable reference tool during work time, helping students organize their thoughts and analysis.
• Comprehensive Answer Keys: For each article's question set, a detailed answer key is provided, simplifying grading and allowing for in-depth class discussions on each topic.

"New Year's Insights: Informational Text Structure Set" is a must-have for any middle school ELA classroom. It not only bolsters students' reading and comprehension skills but also encourages critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the world around them. This resource is perfect for teachers looking to add depth and variety to their instruction while aligning with educational standards.

This resource is included in the New Year 2024 Bundle Here: Ring in Learning: New Year's Thematic Middle School Classroom Bundle (TeachShare.com)

Bring the vibrant essence of spring into your middle school classroom with our "Spring Text Structure Color Sort" ELA resource. This fun, season-themed toolkit offers a dynamic way for students to engage with informational text structures, marrying educational depth with the rejuvenating spirit of spring.

Product Highlights:

• Dynamic Learning Adventure: Propel kinesthetic and visual learning as students engage in color sorting and matching activities, solidifying their grasp on six distinct text structures.
• Diverse Spring Topics: Covering everything from the rejuvenation of plant life to Easter traditions and St. Patrick's Day lore, this package guarantees engagement and broadens cultural and seasonal awareness.
• Custom-Designed for Middle School: Crafted to captivate and intellectually stimulate young learners, these activities promote critical thinking, analytical skills, and practical application.
• All-Inclusive Educational Resource: Comes equipped with a Google Slides presentation for straightforward instruction or a quick review, alongside a graphic organizer for note-taking and facilitated learning.
• Flexible Application: Ideal for cooperative group tasks, solo practice, or inclusion in your ELA centers, adapting effortlessly to varied educational environments and teaching methodologies.

Benefits:

• Boosts Text Structure Mastery: Elevates students' understanding of different informational text structures, essential for achieving ELA competence.
• Interactive & Captivating: Transcends conventional teaching aids by providing a tactile, engaging learning experience.
• Promotes Autonomous Learning: With self-assessment opportunities, it encourages student independence and self-assurance in ELA abilities.
• Spring-Themed Learning: Infuses your teaching space with the lively, hopeful essence of spring, maintaining student interest and enthusiasm for learning.

Ideal For:

• Middle School ELA Educators
• Literacy Specialists
• Homeschooling Parents
• Reading and Writing Tutors

With the "Spring Text Structure Color Sort," transform your educational environment into a blossoming garden of knowledge. Embark on a refreshing educational journey with your students, exploring the wonders of spring while unraveling the intricacies of text structures, one colorful sort at a time!

Dive deep into the prehistoric oceans with this "Megalodon Spooky Science & ELA Packet" for grades 4-6! Perfect for shark-loving students and those who want to sink their teeth into both STEM and ELA skills, this resource will make a "jawsome" addition to your classroom! Whether you’re circling around spooky season or just want a fun, engaging study on the world’s most famous ancient predator, this packet will leave your students hooked all year long!

This interdisciplinary resource is packed with shark-tastic activities that are CCSS-aligned and can be used to boost reading comprehension, critical thinking, and science knowledge. Your students will explore the monstrous Megalodon, an apex predator of the ancient seas, while sharpening their skills in key areas like cause and effect, main idea, and evidence-based answers.

What’s Inside This Fin-tastic Packet:

• Megalodon Informational Text – Students will dive into the facts behind the famous shark and learn why it went extinct.
• Frayer Models Vocabulary – Key words like "carnivore," "fossil," "apex predator," and "extinct" will help students swim through new terms with ease.
• 5 CCSS-Aligned Comprehension Questions – Get your students to bite into text evidence and explain concepts like cause and effect, Megalodon’s hunting style, and more.
• Cause and Effect Chart – Students will analyze how the Ice Age impacted Megalodon, showing off their science and ELA smarts.
• Draw and Label Megalodon – Time to let those creative fins flap! Students will draw the giant shark and label its teeth, jaws, and powerful fins.
• Main Idea & Supporting Details Worksheet – Keep students afloat with this activity that helps them find the main idea and supporting facts from the passage.

Why You’ll Love This Resource:

• Perfect for Spooky Season – The story of a gigantic, terrifying shark is sure to give your classroom that Halloween creep factor!
• Great for Year-Round Study – Sharks never go out of style! This packet fits right into your study of prehistoric animals, ecosystems, or ocean life.
• Interdisciplinary Fun – From reading comprehension to science-based learning, your students will be swimming in knowledge by the time they finish.
• Easy to Implement – Simply print, distribute, and let your students dive in! Perfect for whole class study, small groups, or independent work.

Don’t miss out on this "jaws-dropping" resource! It’s sure to make a splash in your classroom and keep your students hungry for more learning!

Grab your copy of the Megalodon Spooky Science & ELA Packet today and get ready to watch your students swim through CCSS-aligned activities with enthusiasm!

Ssss-slide into the prehistoric world with this "Titanoboa Spooky Science & ELA Packet" for grades 4-6! Get ready for your students to be totally wrapped up in this "fang-tastic" resource that combines STEM and ELA skills. Perfect for spooky season or a year-round unit on ancient creatures, this packet will have your students slithering through CCSS-aligned reading comprehension, vocabulary, and science activities. Let them explore the largest snake to ever exist, Titanoboa, as they learn about cause and effect, fossils, and more!

What’s Included:

• Titanoboa Informational Text – A thrilling dive into the world of Titanoboa, covering its size, habitat, and extinction.
• Frayer Models Vocabulary – Key terms like "carnivore," "extinct," "fossil," and "top predator" will help students sink their teeth into new words.
• 5 CCSS-Aligned Comprehension Questions – Keep your students wrapped around text evidence as they explore cause and effect, fossil discoveries, and Titanoboa's hunting style.
• Cause and Effect Chart – Analyze why Titanoboa went extinct and how its environment changed, all while honing those critical thinking skills.
• Draw and Label Titanoboa – Students will unleash their creativity by drawing the massive snake and labeling its powerful jaws and long body.
• Main Idea & Supporting Details Worksheet – Ensure students grasp the main idea and can point out key supporting facts from the passage.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Perfect for Spooky Season – Titanoboa’s massive size and hunting abilities make it a spine-tingling addition to your October lessons!
• Great for Year-Round Fun – Snakes never go out of style! Use this resource in science units on prehistoric animals, ecosystems, or fossils.
• Interdisciplinary Learning – STEM meets ELA in this exciting mix of reading comprehension and science-based activities.
• Easy to Implement – Just print and let your students coil into the world of Titanoboa! Perfect for whole class, small groups, or independent work.

Get ready for your students to be totally wrapped up in this fun, engaging, and educational resource. Add it to your cart today!