Middle School Holidays/Seasonal Literature Circles

Help your AVID or ELA students build reading comprehension and practice using text evidence with these editable discussion cards and talking chips for an article on solar eclipses! Students will read the provided article with space for note taking and a summary, then they will sit in small groups and take turns pulling a discussion card and using their talking chips.

Great for: using text evidence, collaboration and team building, public speaking practice,

⭐AVID BUNDLE!⭐

✨Solar Eclipse Bundle✨

DIRECTIONS:

• Access your forced copy of the Google Doc with the article on solar eclipses. Allow students to read, take notes in the margin, and summarize the article by answering the essential question at the top.

• Go to the last slide to add your own discussion prompts.

• Click "File" then "Download" and then "PDF" to download the prompts as a PDF document.

• Print, cut, and laminate a set of cards for each of your groups of 4-5 students.

• Print, cut, and laminate talking chips.

• Put students into groups of 4-5.

• Decide how many talking chips each student gets (this encourages participation during the dialogue and teaches students how to use social cues when deciding when to share, instead of raising a hand).

• One student draws a card from the top. That student asks the question and dialogue begins in the group. Students should have the short story handy so they can use evidence in their responses.

• When dialogue dies down, students continue taking turns drawing a card, asking questions. and having discussions.

• Students should discard the questions already asked so they don't repeat any.

WHAT's INCLUDED:

• Google Doc with a solar eclipse article
• Google slide with printable talking chips
• 20 Discussion Prompts in color and black & white
• Editable Discussion Prompt Cards in color and black & white

Solar Eclipse Roll a Story

Check out other AVID Resources HERE!

Check out other Reading Resources HERE!

Help your AVID or ELA students build reading comprehension and practice using text evidence with these editable discussion cards and talking chips for The Landlady by Roald Dahl! This activity is sure to get your middle school students in the Halloween spirit. This resource can be used during the Halloween season, but can also be used at any other time during the year! Students will read the provided story, The Landlady through the Google doc, then they will sit in small groups and take turns pulling a discussion card.

Great for: using text evidence, collaboration and team building, public speaking practice,

⭐Save 30% with this mega AVID BUNDLE!⭐

Save 30% with this AVID Halloween Bundle!

DIRECTIONS:

• Access your forced copy of the Google Doc with the story, The Landlady on the second slide.

• Go to the last slide to add your own discussion prompts.

• Click "File" then "Download" and then "PDF" to download the prompts as a PDF document.

• Print, cut, and laminate a set of cards for each of your groups of 4-5 students.

• Print, cut, and laminate talking chips.

• Put students into groups of 4-5.

• Decide how many talking chips each student gets (this encourages participation during the dialogue and teaches students how to use social cues when deciding when to share, instead of raising a hand).

• One student draws a card from the top. That student asks the question and dialogue begins in the group. Students should have the short story handy so they can use evidence in their responses.

• When dialogue dies down, students continue taking turns drawing a card, asking questions. and having discussions.

• Students should discard the questions already asked so they don't repeat any.

WHAT's INCLUDED:

• Google Doc with the story, "The Landlady"
• Google slide with printable talking chips
• 24 Discussion Prompts in color and black & white
• Editable Discussion Prompt Cards in color and black & white

Check out other AVID Resources HERE!

Check out other Reading Resources HERE!

This 2025 February ELA Bell Ringers resource offers 20 engaging and thoughtfully crafted daily prompts designed to inspire middle and high school students. Each week reflects different skill areas such as: reflective writing, descriptive writing, persuasive writing, creative writing, and literary analysis. Perfectly aligned with key ELA objectives, these prompts encourage critical thinking, creativity, and meaningful reflection. Whether used as warm-ups, journaling exercises, or discussion starters, this resource supports skill development in a structured and time-efficient way.

INCLUDED IN THIS RESOURCE:

• 20 bell ringers divided across four weeks.
• Prompts targeting reflective, descriptive, persuasive, creative, and analytical writing.
• Flexible format for use as daily warm-ups, homework assignments, or classroom discussions.

PERFECT FOR:

• Middle and high school ELA teachers seeking meaningful daily prompts.
• Homeschool parents looking to supplement their English curriculum.
• Students practicing critical thinking, creativity, and writing skills.
• Classrooms focused on incorporating literary analysis and comparisons.

WHY CHOOSE THIS RESOURCE?

• Promotes critical thinking and creativity through targeted writing exercises.
• Saves planning time with ready-to-use, skill-focused prompts.
• Adaptable for various teaching styles, classroom settings, and student levels.
• Encourages thoughtful discussions and deeper engagement with literature.

BENEFITS FOR TEACHERS/HOMESCHOOL PARENTS:

• Provides structured and theme-based writing exercises to support curriculum goals.
• Easily customizable for specific lessons or themes.
• Encourages student participation while developing essential writing and analytical skills.
• Simplifies daily planning with pre-made, high-quality prompts.

BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS:

• Improves writing proficiency across multiple genres and skill areas.
• Enhances critical thinking and analytical abilities through literary comparisons.
• Sparks creativity with engaging and varied prompts.
• Encourages thoughtful reflection and personal growth through journaling.

Make February a month of meaningful engagement in your ELA classroom with this comprehensive set of 20 bell ringers. Each prompt is designed to inspire thoughtful writing and critical thinking across multiple skill areas, including reflective writing, descriptive writing, persuasive writing, creative writing, and literary analysis. Perfect for middle and high school students, these bell ringers encourage creativity and deeper connections with literature while building essential writing skills.

Organized into four weeks, this 2025 February ELA Bell Ringers resource provides a clear structure to streamline your lesson planning. Students will explore reflective moments, craft vivid descriptions, develop persuasive arguments, unleash creativity through storytelling, and analyze literary elements with these carefully crafted prompts. Whether you use them as warm-ups, journaling activities, or discussion starters, they are flexible enough to fit any teaching style.

With this downloadable PowerPoint presentation, you can easily adapt the prompts to align with your specific curriculum needs. Each activity fosters a supportive and enriching learning environment, helping students to think critically, express themselves confidently, and improve their writing abilities.

This resource is perfect for busy teachers and homeschool parents looking to incorporate engaging and skill-focused writing exercises into their ELA instruction. Empower your students to find their voice and connect meaningfully with their writing, all while saving valuable preparation time.

If you and your students/children enjoyed this resources, please leave a review so other potential buyers can see your opinion.

Thank you for your support!

Tina - Big Easy Homeschooling Mom

Social Media Links: linktr.ee/bigeasyhomeschoolingmom

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Freshen up your lessons with the 2025 March ELA Bell Ringers! This engaging resource includes 21 daily prompts designed to strengthen students’ language arts skills while keeping them motivated and on task. From vocabulary exercises to creative writing and reflective prompts, these bell ringers provide a dynamic way to start each lesson. Perfect for middle and high school students, the activities are quick yet impactful, taking only 5–10 minutes of class time.

The prompts celebrate the themes of March, incorporating elements of spring, St. Patrick’s Day, and seasonal transitions. Students will explore creative writing topics, sharpen their grammar and vocabulary, and engage in thoughtful reflection. The diverse activities ensure that students remain focused and inspired, whether they’re analyzing idioms, writing poetry, or setting goals for the new season. These 2025 March ELA Bell Ringers align with ELA standards, making them an effective tool for skill-building.

INCLUDED IN THIS RESOURCE:

• 21 daily ELA bell ringer activities for March.
• A mix of vocabulary challenges, creative writing, and reflection prompts.
• Seasonal themes such as spring, St. Patrick’s Day, and seasonal transitions.

PERFECT FOR:

• Middle and high school classrooms.
• Homeschool parents seeking engaging, structured daily ELA activities.
• Teachers looking for a quick, effective way to start lessons.
• Students of varying skill levels, as activities are accessible yet challenging.

WHY CHOOSE THIS RESOURCE?

• Save planning time with pre-made, high-quality prompts.
• Includes a variety of task types to engage all learners.
• Adaptable for journaling, discussions, or classroom warm-ups.
• Features seasonal themes to keep students motivated and interested.

BENEFITS FOR TEACHERS/HOMESCHOOL PARENTS:

• Simplifies lesson preparation with ready-to-use activities.
• Provides a structured, consistent start to each lesson.
• Encourages effective classroom management and focus.
• Versatile prompts that fit into any ELA curriculum.

BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS:

• Builds vocabulary, reflection, and creative writing skills.
• Encourages critical thinking and self-expression.
• Offers engaging activities that celebrate seasonal themes.
• Helps establish a productive routine to begin the day.

For teachers and homeschooling parents, this resource is a game-changer. It eliminates the need for daily prep work, offering pre-made activities that are flexible and easy to implement. Whether you’re managing a traditional classroom or creating a homeschool curriculum, the bell ringers help establish a positive routine, settle students into a learning mindset, and set the tone for productive lessons. With prompts suitable for varying skill levels, this resource ensures all students can participate and grow.

By the end of March, students will have honed essential ELA skills while gaining confidence in their abilities. These bell ringers are more than just warm-ups; they’re a meaningful way to encourage creativity, critical thinking, and personal growth. Give your students a fresh start each day with the 2025 March ELA Bell Ringers!

If you and your students enjoy this resource, please leave a review so others can see your opinion.

Thank you for your support!

Tina - Big Easy Homeschooling Mom

Social Media Links: linktr.ee/bigeasyhomeschoolingmom

Please subscribe to my website so you do not miss out on resources and blogs:

tidewindacademyhomeschool.com

Unlock the imaginations of your students or homeschoolers with this dynamic Winter/Christmas Writing Prompts resource. Featuring 50 thoughtfully crafted prompts across a range of genres, this resource offers endless opportunities for creativity and critical thinking. Students can explore personal reflections, craft compelling narratives, and engage with analytical and persuasive topics inspired by the magic of the winter season.

INCLUDED IN THIS RESOURCE:

• 50 Winter/Christmas-themed writing prompts across five genres:
• Narrative
• Persuasive/Argumentative
• Reflective/Personal
• Creative
• Analytical

PERFECT FOR:

• Middle and high school classrooms (grades 8–12)
• Homeschool students and co-op groups
• Independent study programs
• Seasonal writing workshops
• English and Language Arts curriculum enhancements

WHY CHOOSE THIS RESOURCE?

• These Winter/Christmas Writing Prompts resource offers a diverse and engaging approach to seasonal writing.
• The prompts are carefully designed to meet the needs of students with varying interests and skill levels, ensuring that everyone finds a topic that resonates with them.
• Teachers and homeschool parents will appreciate the flexibility this resource brings to lesson planning.

BENEFITS FOR TEACHERS/HOMESCHOOL PARENTS:

• Saves time with these NO-PREP writing prompts.
• Encourages meaningful engagement with seasonal themes.
• Provides flexibility for differentiated instruction.
• Sparks creativity and critical thinking in students.

BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS:

• Inspires creativity with engaging, relatable topics.
• Encourages exploration of personal experiences and perspectives.
• Develops writing skills across multiple genres.
• Enhances critical thinking and self-expression.
• Makes writing fun and meaningful during the holiday season.

By providing a mix of creative and analytical challenges, these prompts encourage students to grow as thinkers and writers. They’re also perfect for sparking discussions about cultural traditions, personal experiences, and imaginative possibilities. This resource makes it easy to integrate meaningful and enjoyable writing activities into your holiday curriculum.

These prompts are designed to inspire learners to think deeply, develop their writing skills, and express their unique perspectives. From reflective essays on holiday traditions to imaginative tales of winter wonderlands, there’s a prompt for every student to connect with and enjoy. By integrating these prompts into your lessons, you can spark meaningful discussions and foster a love for writing.

Perfect for English and Language Arts classes, homeschool environments, and independent study, this collection offers versatility and ease of use. Whether students are working on descriptive writing, storytelling, or persuasive essays, these prompts provide clear direction while leaving plenty of room for creativity. This resource is an excellent way to keep learners engaged and productive during the holiday season.

Bring the joy and inspiration of winter into your classroom or homeschool with these creative writing prompts. By encouraging students to explore seasonal themes, this resource helps them build essential skills and find their voice as writers. It’s a perfect addition to any curriculum looking to make writing both fun and meaningful.

If you and your students/homeschoolers enjoyed this resources, please leave a review so other potential buyers can see your opinion.

Thank you for your support!

Tina - Big Easy Homeschooling Mom

Social Media Links: linktr.ee/bigeasyhomeschoolingmom

Please subscribe to my website so you do not miss out on future resources and blogs:

tidewindacademyhomeschool.com

Looking for a readers theatre script to accompany your celebrations unit? Or looking to enrich your literacy sessions with culture? Illuminate your classroom or stage with the radiant glow of Diwali through "Festival of Lights - A Diwali Story." This readers theatre script takes your audience through the ancient tale of Rama and Sita, celebrating the triumph of light over darkness. Your students will learn about the history behind Diwali and why there is this beautiful festival of lights every year.

Perfectly suited for units of inquiry focusing on celebrations, this script seamlessly integrates cultural richness and excitement into your curriculum. As students explore the significance of festivals around the world, "Festival of Lights - A Diwali Story" offers a compelling exploration of Diwali, inviting learners to immerse themselves in its vibrant traditions and timeless themes.

Crafted to engage audiences of all ages, each scene is meticulously designed to transport viewers into the heart of Diwali traditions. From the joyous homecoming of Rama and Sita to the illuminating victory over evil, every moment is brought to life with energy and authenticity.

Ignite your students' imaginations with this captivating readers theatre script, carefully crafted to immerse them in the cultural richness and timeless themes of Diwali.

• Character Development: The characters in the script are relatable and well developed, allowing your students to connect with them on a personal level.

• Engaging Dialogue: The witty and heartwarming dialogue keeps students engaged and eager to see what happens next, making it an excellent choice for classroom readings and performances.

• Literacy centres or social emotional learning lessons: Perfect to integrated into your literacy centres or your social emotional learning lessons!

• Perfect for Years 3 - 7: Suitable for middle - upper elementary and middle school students, this script can be adapted for various grade levels, ensuring that every student can benefit from its message of kindness.

• Easy to Use: All you need to do is print, staple and go!

Happy Diwali to one and all! A grand celebration!

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Unleash the creativity and critical thinking skills of your students or homeschoolers with this comprehensive Winter/Christmas Writing Prompts and Rubric resource. Featuring 50 unique and thought-provoking prompts, this resource spans a variety of genres including narrative, persuasive, reflective, creative, and analytical writing. Each prompt is designed to encourage students to engage deeply with the topic, explore their creativity, and develop essential writing skills that will last a lifetime.

INCLUDED IN THIS RESOURCE:

1. 50 Winter/Christmas-themed writing prompts across five genres:

• Narrative
• Persuasive/Argumentative
• Reflective/Personal
• Creative
• Analytical

2. A detailed grading rubric covering:

• Content Development
• Organization & Structure
• Language Use & Grammar
• Creativity & Originality
• Critical Thinking

3. Grading scale and structure tabs for easy assessment.

PERFECT FOR:

• Middle and high school classrooms
• Homeschool students and co-op groups
• Independent study programs
• Seasonal writing workshops
• English and Language Arts curriculum enhancements

WHY CHOOSE THIS RESOURCE?

• This Winter/Christmas Writing Prompts and Rubric resource stands out for its versatility and depth.
• With its mix of creative and academic prompts, it’s a perfect fit for various learning environments.
• The detailed rubric ensures fair and consistent grading, while the structured prompts allow for differentiated instruction tailored to individual needs.

BENEFITS FOR TEACHERS/HOMESCHOOL PARENTS:

• Saves time with ready-to-use prompts and a clear grading rubric.
• Provides a versatile tool that integrates seamlessly into existing lesson plans.
• Offers structured guidance for assessing creativity and critical thinking.
• Encourages meaningful discussions around winter and holiday themes.
• Fosters a supportive learning environment for students of varying skill levels.

BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS:

• Sparks creativity with engaging and diverse writing prompts.
• Develops critical thinking skills through reflective and analytical writing.
• Encourages self-expression and exploration of personal experiences.
• Provides clear expectations for success with the included rubric.
• Builds confidence in writing across multiple genres.

This resource also includes a professionally crafted rubric to simplify assessment and ensure consistency in grading. The rubric provides clear criteria for evaluating content development, organization, language use, creativity, and critical thinking. Teachers and homeschool parents will appreciate the added grading scale and structure tabs, which help streamline evaluation and save valuable time.

Whether your students are reflecting on personal holiday experiences, crafting imaginative stories about winter wonders, or analyzing cultural traditions, this resource will ignite their passion for writing. By addressing diverse interests and skill levels, these prompts ensure every learner finds inspiration and challenge in the writing process.

Perfectly suited for classrooms, homeschool settings, and independent learners, this resource is designed to foster a love for writing and provide a meaningful way to celebrate the winter season. With detailed guidance for grading and evaluation, you can focus on supporting your students' creativity and growth while reducing the stress of assessment.

This resource is both educational and engaging. It encourages students to think critically, write creatively, and reflect meaningfully on seasonal themes. Teachers and homeschool parents will love the simplicity of implementation and the value it brings to their lessons.

If you and your students/homeschoolers enjoyed this resources, please leave a review so other potential buyers can see your opinion.

Thank you for your support!

Tina - Big Easy Homeschooling Mom

Social Media Links: linktr.ee/bigeasyhomeschoolingmom

Please subscribe to my website so you do not miss out on future resources and blogs:

tidewindacademyhomeschool.com