Middle School Close Reading Cultural Activities

Engage and Inspire Your Middle School ELA Students!

Dive into the festive season with our Christmas Hip Hop Lyrics Analysis resource, exclusively designed for grades 6-8 ELA classrooms. This unique, print-and-go package on TeachShare brings the vibrant world of hip hop into your classroom, featuring iconic tracks "Christmas Rappin'" by Kurtis Blow and "Christmas in Hollis" by Run DMC.

What's Inside:

• Comprehensive Lyrics Annotation Guide: Students will delve into the lyrics, identifying key elements like setting, rhyme scheme, imagery, connotation, and repetition.
• Figurative Language Classification: A step-by-step guide to help students classify different types of figurative language used in the songs.
• Critical Thinking through Discourse: Utilize the innovative Agree, Disagree, Modify method for stimulating classroom discussions.
• Thematic and Plot Analysis: Students will explore the themes and plot elements, including exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
• Multiple Choice Quiz: Test their understanding with a 6-question multiple-choice quiz, tailored to middle school comprehension levels.

Why Choose This Resource?

• Culturally Relevant: Connects with students using the universal language of music, particularly hip hop.
• High Engagement: Keeps students interested and involved with contemporary and relatable content.
• Rigorously Designed: Meets educational standards while challenging students' critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Ready to Use: No prep needed, just print and you're ready to teach!

This is a Informational Reading Passage AND Collaborative Art Project about Ellen Ochoa as an Latina Leader and a Female Changemaker. Students can use this as a jumping off point for a research project or as an activity for Women's History Month or Hispanic Heritage Month.

INCLUDED- Reading Comprehension Questions! Differentiated and can be used with any reading passage about an influential female leader. Perfect for close reading!

• Colored and black-line version
• Reading comprehension questions for early elementary (1-3) and separate worksheet for upper elementary (4-6)

Information on...

- Early Life

- Career

- Interesting Facts

- Artistic Contributions/Influences

• Inclusive Learning: Foster an inclusive classroom environment by exploring diverse narratives and celebrating the achievements of underrepresented voices.
• Ready-to-Use Content: Save time on lesson planning with our pre-packaged materials, allowing you to focus on what you do best – inspiring the next generation.

***Plus****

Ellen Ochoa Collaborative Mural Poster! Engage students as artists, inviting them to contribute to a larger masterpiece that pays tribute to the wisdom and resilience of Ellen Ochoa. This unique product transforms any space into a vibrant tapestry of collective expression, capturing the spirit of Ellen Ochoa's impactful words and life.

***Pro-Tip*** To make a smaller puzzle- use your printer or copiers "combine" feature and print 2 pages on one paper!

2 sizes- 25 pieces or 36 pieces! (Bordered, Colored or B&W)

This is a Informational Reading Passage AND Collaborative Art Project about Roberto Clemente as an Latino Leader and a Black Changemaker. Students can use this as a jumping off point for a research project or as an activity for Black History Month or Hispanic Heritage Month.

INCLUDED- Reading Comprehension Questions! Differentiated and can be used with any reading passage about an influential female leader. Perfect for close reading!

• Colored and black-line version
• Reading comprehension questions for early elementary (1-3) and separate worksheet for upper elementary (4-6)

Information on...

- Early Life

- Career

- Interesting Facts

- Artistic Contributions/Influences

• Inclusive Learning: Foster an inclusive classroom environment by exploring diverse narratives and celebrating the achievements of underrepresented voices.
• Ready-to-Use Content: Save time on lesson planning with our pre-packaged materials, allowing you to focus on what you do best – inspiring the next generation.

***Plus****

Roberto Clemente Collaborative Mural Poster! Engage students as artists, inviting them to contribute to a larger masterpiece that pays tribute to the wisdom and resilience of Roberto Clemente. This unique product transforms any space into a vibrant tapestry of collective expression, capturing the spirit of Roberto Clemente's impactful words and life.

***Pro-Tip*** To make a smaller puzzle- use your printer or copiers "combine" feature and print 2 pages on one paper!

2 sizes- 25 pieces or 36 pieces! (Bordered, Colored or B&W)

Dive into the rich heritage and traditions of California Native American peoples with our comprehensive Growing Bundle of reading research resources. This expanding collection offers in-depth insights into various aspects of California Native American life, perfect for research or close reading activities. Ideal for Indigenous People's Day and beyond!

California Native American Peoples Covered:

• Miwok
• Chumash
• Cahuilla
• Mojave
• Hupa
• ...and more to come...

Key Features for Each Group:

• Land: Explore the locations and landscapes where each California Native American people lived.
• Homes: Learn about the unique shelters built by each tribe, showcasing their ingenuity and community living.
• Clothing: Discover the distinct clothing styles and materials used by each California Native American people.
• Children: Gain insights into the lives of children within each tribe, including their roles and daily activities.
• Influential Figures: Delve into the lives and achievements of notable leaders and figures from each tribe.

Two Differentiated Levels for Each Resource:

• Elementary Level: Simplified language and engaging visuals to captivate young learners and foster a deeper understanding of each culture.
• Middle/High School Level: More detailed and complex information tailored for older students, encouraging critical thinking and deeper analysis.

BONUS FILE: Booklet Template aligned to the reading passages.

Why Choose This Growing Bundle?

• Versatile Use: Ideal for classroom instruction, homework assignments, or independent study.
• Educational Value: Provides a thorough and respectful portrayal of California Native American heritage, promoting cultural awareness and appreciation.

Enhance your students' knowledge and appreciation of California Native American history and culture with our expertly crafted and continuously expanding bundle of research resources.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with this versatile informational reading passage, research report, and collaborative art project on Lionel Messi, an Argentine soccer superstar and influential Latino. Perfect for a research project or as an engaging classroom activity.

***Reading Passages***

DIFFERENTIATED LEVELS FOR ALL LEARNERS

• Early elementary (1-3)
• Upper elementary (4-6)
• Complex Readers (7-12)

Each newsletter is 2 pages.
Information on...
➡️ Early Life
➡️ Career
➡️ Interesting Facts
➡️ Influence

***Reading Comprehension Questions***

These questions are differentiated and can be used with any reading passage about an influential Latino leader, making it ideal for close reading activities.
Features:

• Colored and Black-Line Versions: Available in both vibrant color and easy-to-print black-line formats.
• Reading Comprehension Questions: Tailored for early elementary (grades 1-3) and a separate worksheet for upper elementary (grades 4-6).

***Trifold***

How It Works:

1. Choose a Subject: Students select an individual to research. This could be anyone from historical figures, scientists, artists, to contemporary leaders or influencers. Lionel Messi is pre-filled in one version of this template.
2. Fill in the Blanks: The template guides students through the research process. They'll fill in key sections, providing biographical information, accomplishments, and the impact of the chosen individual.
3. Present to the Class: The completed reports become the basis for engaging class presentations, encouraging students to express themselves confidently and articulately.

***Collaborative Mural Poster***

Have students contribute to a larger masterpiece that honors the talent and resilience of Lionel Messi. This unique product transforms any space into a vibrant tapestry of collective expression, capturing the spirit of Messi's impactful life and words.
⭐️ Pro-Tip: To make a smaller puzzle, use your printer or copier's "combine" feature and print 2 pages on one sheet!

Two Sizes Available:

• 25 pieces or 36 pieces! (Includes both Color-Guide & BW versions)

Perfect for classrooms celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, this Lionel Messi Reading Passage + Research Report Template + Collaborative Mural will inspire students to learn about and appreciate the incredible contributions of this Latino changemaker.

Are you a teacher looking for an engaging way to develop your students' research and presentation skills?

Look no further! This is the perfect tool to inspire creativity, critical thinking, and research skills in your classroom.

Included:

• Lionel Messi
• Sonia Sotomayor
• César Chávez
• Frida Kahlo
• Roberto Clemente
• Dolores Huerta
• Selena Quintanilla
• Ellen Ochoa... and more added all the time!

Two blank templates:

• One that is pre-filled with some of an influential Latino's picture and name
• One that is blank and requires the student to write their name and draw their portrait (can be used for any person)

Key Features:

✨ Structured Framework: This template provides a well-organized and structured framework for students to conduct research on a chosen individual's biography. It guides them through essential components such as background, early life, accomplishments, and more.

✨ Versatility: Tailor the template to fit the unique needs of your curriculum. Whether your focus is historical figures, contemporary leaders, or cultural icons, this template is adaptable to a variety of subjects.

✨ Encourages Independent Learning: Empower students to take ownership of their learning journey. The blank spaces prompt students to conduct independent research, fostering a sense of curiosity and self-directed learning.

✨ Develops Research Skills: Our template encourages students to utilize various research methods, including online resources, books, and interviews. It's a fantastic opportunity for them to hone their research skills and discern reliable information.

✨ Promotes Presentation Skills: Beyond researching, students will practice organizing information coherently and presenting it in a well-structured report. This template lays the foundation for effective communication, a crucial skill in any academic or professional setting.

How It Works:

1. Choose a Subject: Students select an individual to research. This could be anyone from historical figures, scientists, artists, to contemporary leaders or influencers. Lionel Messi is pre-filled in one version of this template.
2. Fill in the Blanks: The template guides students through the research process. They'll fill in key sections, providing biographical information, accomplishments, and the impact of the chosen individual.
3. Present to the Class: The completed reports become the basis for engaging class presentations. This step encourages students to express themselves confidently and articulately.

Why Choose Our Template:

⭐️ Time-Saving: No need to create a research template from scratch. Our product saves you time and ensures a standardized approach to student research projects.

⭐️ Engagement: Transform mundane research projects into exciting opportunities for self-discovery and exploration.

⭐️ Skill Development: Equip your students with essential research, organization, and presentation skills that will serve them well in their academic and professional journeys.

Celebrate Women's History Month and Hispanic Heritage Month with this versatile informational reading passage, research report, and collaborative art project on Dolores Huerta, a U.S. leader, hero, and Latina changemaker. Perfect for a research project or as an engaging classroom activity.

***Reading Passages***

DIFFERENTIATED LEVELS FOR ALL LEARNERS

- Early elementary (1-3)

- Upper elementary (4-6)

- Complex Readers (7-12)

*Each newsletter is 2 pages.

Information on...

➡️ Early Life

➡️ Career

➡️ Interesting Facts

➡️ Influence

***Reading Comprehension Questions***
These questions are differentiated and can be used with any reading passage about an influential female leader, making it ideal for close reading exercises.

Features:

• Colored and Black-Line Versions: Available in both vibrant color and easy-to-print black-line formats.
• Reading Comprehension Questions: Tailored for early elementary (grades 1-3) and a separate worksheet for upper elementary (grades 4-6).

***Trifold Reseach Template***

How It Works:

1. Choose a Subject (Dolores Huerta): Students select an individual to research. This could be anyone from historical figures, scientists, artists, to contemporary leaders or influencers. Dolores Huerta is pre-filled in one version of this template.
2. Fill in the Blanks: The template guides students through the research process. They'll fill in key sections, providing biographical information, accomplishments, and the impact of the chosen individual.
3. Present to the Class: The completed reports become the basis for engaging class presentations, encouraging students to express themselves confidently and articulately.

***Collaborative Mural Poster***

Have students contribute to a larger masterpiece that honors the wisdom and resilience of Dolores Huerta. This unique product transforms any space into a vibrant tapestry of collective expression, capturing the spirit of Dolores Huerta's impactful life and words.

Pro-Tip To make a smaller puzzle, use your printer or copier's "combine" feature and print 2 pages on one sheet!

Two Sizes Available: 25 pieces or 36 pieces! (Includes both Color-Guide & BW versions)