Middle School Writing Lesson

Elements of Suspense Lesson Plan (Grades 6-8)

Description:
Dive into the spine-tingling world of suspense with this engaging lesson plan! Students will analyze the key elements of suspense—pacing, foreshadowing, red herrings, danger, and more—through guided notes, interactive activities, and media examples like film trailers. This resource is perfect for Halloween or any time you want to keep your students on the edge of their seats. Ideal for introducing or reviewing the genre of suspense.

Elements of Dystopia Lesson Plan (Grades 6-8)

Description:
Welcome to the dark side of fiction with this comprehensive dystopian literature lesson. Students will explore themes like totalitarian regimes, environmental disasters, survival, and rebellion. Using multimedia examples and text excerpts, students will analyze how these elements create powerful dystopian worlds. This resource is perfect for introducing dystopian fiction or as a review of the genre, making it a great fit for discussions on social justice or government control.

Elements of Science Fiction Lesson Plan (Grades 6-8)

Description:
Blast off into the universe of science fiction! This lesson plan introduces students to the exciting elements of sci-fi, including futuristic technology, space exploration, time travel, alien life, and parallel universes. Students will analyze these elements through guided notes, multimedia, and text excerpts. Whether you're teaching the genre for the first time or reviewing it with your class, this resource is out of this world!

Elements of Fantasy Lesson Plan (Grades 6-8)

Description:
Step into magical realms with this enchanting lesson plan on the elements of fantasy. Students will explore key components such as world-building, magical systems, mythical creatures, quests, and good vs. evil. Using guided notes and multimedia, students will be transported into the fantastical worlds of dragons, wizards, and epic quests. This resource is perfect for immersing students in the magic of fantasy fiction, sparking their imaginations and developing their literary analysis skills.

Elements of Mystery Lesson Plan (Grades 6-8)

Introduce your students to the mystery genre with this 60-minute, print-and-go lesson plan that includes everything you need to kick off a mystery unit! This engaging lesson features guided notes, teacher slides, a one-page mystery story, and answer keys. Students will explore key mystery elements, such as clues, suspects, and red herrings, and apply their knowledge by solving the included mystery. Perfect for grades 6-8, this resource makes it easy to teach critical thinking and deduction skills while introducing a fun and interactive genre.

A week of engaging and comprehensive learning with this Figurative Language Bundle Lesson Plan! Perfect for 4 grade and up, this bundle includes five lesson plans for a full week, interactive worksheets, and videos designed to enhance students’ understanding of figurative language concepts.

Key Features of the Figurative Language Bundle:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Explore key elements of figurative language, including similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole, idioms, and more.
• Interactive Learning: Students will stay engaged with dynamic worksheets, thought-provoking activities, and multimedia content that bring figurative language to life.
• Structured Weekly Plan: Each day focuses on a specific aspect of figurative language, building skills progressively throughout the week.
• Multimedia Support: Includes curated videos to visually explain concepts, making lessons accessible and engaging for different learning styles.

What’s Included:

1. Lesson Plans: Five detailed plans, each with clear objectives, standards alignment, and step-by-step instructions.
2. Interactive Worksheets: Fun and challenging exercises that reinforce figurative language concepts with practical examples.
3. Videos: Handpicked videos that break down abstract concepts into easy-to-understand visuals.

How It Works:

• Start the week with an introduction to figurative language and its importance in communication and writing.
• Dive deeper each day, focusing on specific types like similes, metaphors, and idioms with tailored activities and group discussions.
• Use videos and worksheets to supplement instruction, ensuring students grasp the nuances of figurative language.
• End the week with a summative activity or assessment that allows students to apply their knowledge creatively.

Perfect For:

• Language arts teachers looking for ready-to-use, standards-aligned lesson plans.
• Students who benefit from a mix of traditional and multimedia resources.
• Educators aiming to make figurative language fun, interactive, and memorable.

Elevate your teaching and foster a deeper understanding of figurative language with this all-in-one lesson bundle!

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Fall Halloween Bundle

Over 150+ activities included in 9 packets for Fall and Halloween fun!

Descriptions:

Activity Packet 1: Halloween Coloring Sheets

40 pages

Halloween fun with 40 coloring sheets (nothing scary!) of:

pumpkins
scarecrows
friendly ghosts
haunted trees
haunted house
Dracula
Frankenstein
and more...

Non-controversial and with lesson plan ideas to encourage coordination, multi-tasking skills, writing, listening, reading, storytelling, puppet theater, and more. Great for introducing Halloween as a friendly holiday.

Activity Packet 2: Eerie Writing Prompts

21 pages

Eerie story starters to get your students in the mood for writing scary stories! Great visuals with one liner story starters. Colorful and imaginative prompts for creative writing practice and peer workshopping.

Includes:
Perhaps we could become friends...
Two eyes peered back at me...
I've had a very interesting life!
Come closer...
Let me tell you how I ended up here...
C'mon out...there's nothing to be afraid of!
Meet my new friend
The eerie glow of the pumpkin...
I know what you did!
Have a seat and let me tell you my story!
The howl of the wolf scared me.
Something went bump in the night
I started up the winding road...
The blaze lit up the night's sky...
Let me show you my castle!
"Help!" screamed the principal.
We found the shipwrecked boat...

Great Halloween writing prompts for practicing creative writing, storytelling, and peer workshopping skills!

Activity Packet 3: Get Fit Action Story: Frank N. Stein’s Haunted Horse

15 pages

Get students exercising and moving as they follow along with Frank N. Stein's move to a new neighborhood, where he finds new friends to help make his house a home. Action words include:

looked around
moped
juggled
skipped rope
frown
blow
shivered and shook
dropped to the ground
ran
slammed
quiver
danced
stood still
knock
jump
shook hands
waved
stepped to the right
boogied to the Monster Mash
shouted,
“Happy Halloween!”

Practice/assess coordination, comprehension, fitness, following directions, listening, and sight words with Get Fit Action Stories. Use for daily warm-ups, rainy day indoor activities, PE, reading, and learning styles. Fun and enjoyable for all!

Activity Packet 4: Write a Scary Story with Word Banks and Coloring Images

16 pages

16 Halloween coloring images with holiday word banks that include:

Cats
Bats
Dracula
Frankenstein
Ghosts
Pirate
Pumpkins
Trick or Treat
Witches
Zombies
and more...

Includes: Suggestions For Use sheet and template to create your own vocabulary word bank. Upper levels can use for poetry and contest writing. Fun way to assess writing skills in an ELA classroom. Grab a blanket and flashlight, turn on the lighted pumpkin, and have a classroom read-around of Halloween stories.

Activity Packet 5: Wacky Wayne’s Halloween I-Spy

11 pages

10 I-Spy Halloween pictures and items to help students with basic letters, hand-eye coordination, and matching skills. Can be colored and displayed. Includes:

Ghost
Frankenstein (2)
Bat
Haunted House
Mummy
Dracula
Scary Tree
and more...

Fun matching activities for early elementary students.

Activity Packet 6: Wacky Wayne’s Fall I-Spy

11 pages

10 I-Spy handouts with fall themes. Find and match basic letters and shapes. Includes:

Scarecrows
Farm
Farmer
Pumpkins
Squirrels
Leaves
Shapes
Basic Letters
and many more...

Handouts can be colored and displayed.

Activity Packet 7: Halloween Color, Count and Match Activities

22 pages

22 Halloween themed handouts for early learners to practice math skills, such as:

coloring/motor skills
counting
holiday
matching
numbers 1-10
sight words
themes
(No controversial or scary images!)

Find the correct Halloween symbol sheet to match the handout then cut, color, and paste. Practice basic numbers and sight words recognition, as well as matching symbols. Can be used for assessment. Includes extra activities and ideas for use of handouts.

Activity Packet 8: Fabulous Fall Activities

26 pages

25 fall themed creative writing handouts, poetry sheets, coloring activities, and more for elementary grades:

Includes:
Fall Scavenger Hunt
Classmate Scarecrow (Facebook page with Scarecrow)
"F is for"
My Pumpkin Poem (writing & craft activity)
Fall Acrostic Poem
What I love about fall
Create a Fall Feast party invitation
Write a Fall Story (with fall vocabulary word bank)
Write a tongue twister (with fall vocabulary word bank)
Draw a fall scene in the camera's lens
How many words can you make from "corn and oats"
Quack! Quack! If I were a duck...
Design a sign to sell your veggies/photos
My Fall Message for You
My Favorite thing to do in Fall
Fall interview
Fall newspaper
Fabulous Fall Recipe
Fall word search
& more...

Lots of creative and engaging handouts and activities for fall fun!

Activity Packet 9: Falling Leaf Spelling Activities

18 pages

15 Fall themed scenes that provide sight word/consonant and vowel practice. Falling leaves contain letters which can be written on the lines to make as many words as possible using consonants and vowels. Color the scenes, put together letters to make words, compare answers, small team game included.

Includes:

Fall scenes: trees, scarecrows, farm, farmer, pumpkins, squirrels, and more...
Basic alphabet letters: vowels and consonants
Directions with Optional Play and Use

Great for consonants, vowels, spelling, vocabulary, and writing practice, as well as assessments.

Fall Halloween Bundle includes over 150+ fun activities!

This is a novel study of Gary Paulsen's Brian's Return ( a sequel to Hatchet). In this product, there are completed lesson plans (and a blank one if you need to write your own), a slideshow that includes everything for each chapter (introduction, review of content, copy of the doodle notes, copy of the end of chapter activity/discussion outline, and the closure question), the Doodle Notes outline for each chapter, and the End of Chapter/Discussion activities. This novel study is for 4th-grade to 7th-grade students.

Completed Lesson Plans

Each chapter comes with a completed lesson plan! The lesson plans include an I can statement (Chapter Goal), the materials needed, what students will be doing as a preview to the chapter, what they will be doing during the read, the activity after the chapter, some differentiation ideas, the assessment, and a closure. There is a spot for standards, but I did not include one because of different state standards. They are also all editable! It was made using Google Slides, so if you open the file in Google Slides or PowerPoint you can edit each lesson plan to fit your class’s needs!

Doodle Notes and End of Chapter/Discussion Activities

Each chapter comes with doodle notes and an End of Chapter/Discussion Activity. Doodle notes are notes students take that involve more drawing than writing. Students will have a prompt to help them know what to focus on while listening/reading the chapter and what to take notes on. The activities focus on multiple different skills, Central Idea, Supporting Details, Problem/Solution, Cause/Effect, Summaries, Story Elements, Inferences, and more. There are also 8 discussion activities where students will need to work in groups discussing a prompt about the chapter.

Slideshow

To go along with the book, there is a Slideshow that includes an outline for each chapter! It includes what is written in the lesson plans. So there are introduction slides for each chapter, a copy of the doodle notes and chapter activities, and a slide for the closure. The slides are also editable! So if you would like to add/adapt anything to fit your class/lesson better, just open the file in Google Slides or PowerPoint.** ***There is a slide, that you will need to edit. It is the “Discussion Expectations” slide. This is because each class will have different expectations for discussions.****

****You need to read *Hatchet, Brian's Winter, and The River *before Brian's Return. For some of the activities, students will be comparing/contrast or recalling prior knowledge from the previous books. I also have a novel study to go along with Hatchet, Brian's Winter, and The River!**

I hope you enjoy it! Please rate and review it.

Credits:

Paulsen, G., & Nasta, V. (1999). Brian's Return. Delacorte Press.

Canva Pro

This bundle includes lessons for all stories in the book Flying Lessons and Other Stories edited by Ellen Oh. The stories are not included in this resource. Lessons are focused on the following stories:

- How to Transform an Everyday, Ordinary Hoop Court into a Place of Higher Learning and You at the Podium by Matt De La Peña

- The Difficult Path by Grace Lin

- Sol Painting, Inc. by Meg Medina

- Secret Samantha by Tim Federle

- The Beans and Rice Chronicles of Isaiah Dunn by Kelly J. Baptist

- Choctaw Bigfoot, Midnight in the Mountains by Tim Tingle

- Main Street by Jacqueline Woodson

- Flying Lessons by Soman Chainani

- Seventy-Six Dollars and Forty-Nine Cents by Kwame Alexander

- Sometimes a Dream Needs a Push by Walter Dean Myers

Each lesson includes WORKSHEETS and a PRESENTATION. Worksheets come in color and b/w. Presentations include answer keys.

Each lesson contains:

- Pre-reading journal prompt

- Story vocabulary (except Main Street)

- Tiered reading questions

- Questions focused on one particular ELA standard

- Answer keys

BONUS ESSAY WRITING PROMPTS ARE INCLUDED!

If you teach 90 minute block classes, you would likely get through one lesson per day. If you teach 50 minute classes like I do, each lesson could take two days. This bundle could last from 2 weeks to 4 weeks depending on your schedule.

This resource features a bundle of all of our lesson plans, materials, and activities for Paolo Coelo's inspirational best-selling novel, The Alchemist. Each product is thoughtfully crafted and allows students to think outside the box by delving deeply into the novel's themes, characters, and plot development. Lessons have all been classroom-tested and allow for differentiation while encouraging optimal student engagement. You will not find tedious lists of comprehension questions and vocabulary words in this bundle; instead you will find materials that will bring the novel to life!

Included in this Bundle:

⭐ The Alchemist "Silent Conversation" Quote Pass Activity

This product features a thoughtful and engaging activity for use during the study of The Alchemist. Centering around 5 different provocative passages from the book, this lesson provides your students with a chance to think, reflect, and respond to their peers without ever saying a word. This creative approach is a great way to differentiate instruction among your students and allows even your most quiet students to shine. I am confident that this no-prep lesson will become a must-do activity within your unit on The Alchemist!

⭐ The Alchemist Anticipation Guide & Lesson Plan

This product features an anticipation guide for The Alchemist, and a meticulously-explained lesson plan that is in my opinion, the absolute best way to approach a new novel. Using a non-intimidating method called "Numbered Heads", this activity will get your students thinking, writing, conversing, and reporting about themes you will be encountering during your study of The Alchemist.

⭐ The Alchemist Bell Ringer Journal Prompts

This resource features a set of 25 reader response journal prompts for use during your unit on The Alchemist. Each bell ringer is comprised of a quote from the novel and a thoughtfully crafted question that encourages students to personally connect with his inspirational words. Prompts can be used as bell-ringers (most popular and mean the first 5 minutes of every class for 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!

⭐ The Alchemist ESCAPE ROOM

This meticulously-crafted resource features all of the materials you need to conduct a full-length Escape Room for The Alchemist. Planning an escape room may seem like quite the daunting task, but this product provides everything from the basics and set-up instructions to answer keys so that yours runs smoothly from start to finish. The activity involves movement, energy, creative thinking and most of all, collaboration. All tasks are skills-based so that with this fun lesson, learning is not sacrificed. Your students will be having so much fun that they won’t even realize the higher order thinking skills they are applying in the playing of this game!

⭐ The Alchemist Quote Posters

Make your classroom pop with this set of 20 gorgeous posters featuring quotes from The Alchemist. Each 7.5 x 7.5 (square) poster contains a provocative quote from the novel imposed over a stunning photograph meant to inspire your students and motivate them to follow their dreams. The square format is reminiscent of Instagram and makes for an eye-catching arrangement on your wall or bulletin board. I suggest laminating the posters and using them not just during your Alchemist unit, but all year long!

⭐ The Alchemist Socratic Seminar Materials

This resource features lesson plans and materials to conduct a formal set of Socratic Seminars for The Alchemist. Socratic Seminars (or "Fish Bowl" Conversations as referred to in this resource) are higher order ways of assessing whether your students are able to understand and react to your class texts. These seminars rely on the power of inquiry and allow students to take the lead in their learning and discussion. The only problem? They require a great deal of preparation. Fortunately, this student-tested resource includes everything you need to conduct a structured and formal set of Socratic Seminars in your classroom surrounding The Alchemist... and no preparation is required by you at all.

___________________________________________________________________________

Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence

This back to school bundle will help you start the new school year with ease! This bundles includes presentations, printable resources, and posters.

⭐️ These resources are aligned with the new 2023 Ontario Language Curriculum.⭐️

Bundle Includes:

Reading and Writing Workshop Bundle - 100 pages of lessons to help you successfully set up your reading and writing lesson blocks. PDF and Slidedeck files included.

Digital Media Literacy Lessons - 60 pages of lesson plans, worksheets, templates, rubrics, and printables that you need! 10 total lessons, plus summative task. PDF files.

Word Study for Middle School Students - Vocabulary Builder Lessons/Activities - 55 pages of vocabulary building lessons and activities. PDF and Powerpoint files included. The Word Study resource will continue to grow, as lessons are developed. There will be 5 units in total.

Click on each resource to learn more!

Copyright © Mrs Gray's Place.

All rights reserved by author.

Permission to copy for single classroom use only.

Not for public display.

Please purchase additional licenses if you intend to share this product.

Students will explore Canada's history of residential schools and their impact on Indigenous communities through activities like book responses, letter-writing, and social-emotional exercises. Delve into crucial topics, fostering empathy and understanding while honoring Indigenous resilience. This resource empowers students to reflect, learn, and advocate for reconciliation in Canadian history.

Bundle includes the following resources:
1. Orange Shirt Day Lesson
2. Phyllis's Orange Shirt Reading Response
3. When We Were Alone Reading Response
4. Residential School Empathy Activity
5. Writing Letters to Residential School Survivors

You may also like...
Orange Shirt Day Bundle (primary)

Land Acknowledgements (primary)
Indigenous Education Beginners Bundle
First Nations People in British Columbia

Indigenous People in Canada

Medicine Wheel SEL and Goalsetting
First Nations in British Columbia (lesson and research project)

First Nations Connection to Salmon (life cycle and culture)

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Narrative Writing made simple! This Narrative Writing Unit provides all of the lessons, graphic organizers, and activities needed to guide students through the entire writing process. Ideal for upper elementary and middles school classrooms, this resource provides a structured approach to crafting engaging narratives, ensuring that students develop their writing skills effectively.

Resource Overview:

Identifying Narrative Elements:

• Mentor Texts for analyzing key narrative elements.
• Guided activities to explore characters, setting, and conflict.

Brainstorming:

• Prompts and exercises to inspire creativity and originality.
• Strategies for drawing from observations and unique perspectives

Planning Graphic Organizers:

• Graphic organizers for planning characters, setting, and conflict.
• Plot graphic organizers to outline the sequence of events.
• Anchor charts and diagrams to help visualize plot structure.
• Detailed resources for planning plot with clear beginnings, middles, and ends.

Drafting:

• Mini-lessons on Transitions, Dialogue, and Imagery to enrich writing.
• Activities to practice and incorporate these elements into drafts.

Revising and Editing:

• Self and peer revision checklists to guide the improvement process.
• Editing checklists for polishing grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Publishing:

• Finalization steps for preparing narratives for publication and presentation.
• A rubric for assessing narrative quality and completeness.

Additional Features:

• Flexible pacing guidelines to fit into your writing block.
• Opportunities for differentiation based on student needs.
• Engaging materials and activities to enhance students' narrative writing skills.

This unit plan provides a detailed roadmap for teaching narrative writing, making it easier to help students produce well-structured and compelling stories.

A novel study unit covering The House Without a Christmas Tree By Gail Rock.

Included in Unit:

Novel Study Materials:

· Suggested Lesson Plans

· Daily Discussion Questions (with answers)

· Goals and Instruction Pages for Parent/Teacher

· Setting Worksheet

· Character Worksheet

· Conflict Worksheet

· Theme Worksheet

· Plot

· 3 Quizzes (Used weekly)- With Answer Key

· 2 Final Unit Test Options (Multiple choice or short answer)-With Answer Key

Vocabulary Materials:

· Goals and Teacher Instructions

· 3 Sets of Vocabulary Words

· Master definitions

· Student Dictionary

· 3 Crosswords

· 1 Vocabulary in Context Worksheet

· All Vocabulary Word Search

· Final Vocabulary Test

· Answer Keys

Recalling a Christmas Memory Project

Students will be able to use brain mapping worksheets to recall and answer the questions who, what, when, where, and why in reference to a Christmas memory. The project is a four-paragraph writing project.

Materials Included:

· Goals and Teacher Instructions

· Student Introduction Page

· Student Planning Page

· Grading Rubric

· Optional Writing Page

Christmas Tree Lot Project

Students will be asked to make a tree lot according to the student instruction page. Students will use special skills along with area and perimeter skills. A minor research component is included to research the types of trees to sell on their Christmas Tree Lot.

Materials Included:

· Goals and Teacher Instructions

· Student Introduction Page

· Student Planning Page

· Grading Rubric

· Optional Writing Page

· Christmas Tree Research Page

· Legends Page

· Elements and Pieces page

· 11x14 grid page

Take the guesswork out of teaching with this NO-PREP Comprehensive Teaching Resource for The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry.  Designed for middle and high school students, this The Gift of the Magi NO-PREP Comprehensive Teaching Resource offers a complete package that explores the story’s themes of love, sacrifice, and irony, along with its rich use of symbolism.  Whether you’re in a classroom or homeschool setting, this resource provides all the tools you need to create a seamless and engaging learning experience.

This The Gift ofthe Magi NO-PREP Comprehensive Teaching Resource resource includes a meticulously crafted 2-week lesson plan, a scope and sequence, and a pacing guide to ensure each day is productive and focused.  Students will engage with the key elements of the story through a PowerPoint presentation that offers a visually rich and interactive way to dive into O. Henry’s masterful writing.  The symbolism in The Gift of the Magi is explored in depth, giving students the opportunity to uncover deeper meanings and appreciate the literary artistry of the text.

The included tools—such as the PowerPoint, pacing guide, and a detailed exploration of symbolism—are designed to provide structure and enhance student understanding.  Use the interactive elements to analyze the characters, plot, and themes, fostering critical thinking and discussion.  The resource encourages both independent and group activities, making it adaptable to a variety of teaching styles.

INCLUDED IN THIS RESOURCE:

• 2-Week Lesson Plan
• 2-Week Scope & Sequence
• 2-Week Pacing Guide
• Symbolism in The Gift of the Magi
• Powerpoint
• Plot Diagram
• Digital or Printable Character Analysis Map
• Self-Evaluation Form

BENEFITS FOR TEACHERS/HOMESCHOOL PARENTS:

• Ready-to-use tools:  Save time with a no-prep resource that includes everything you need for two weeks of instruction.
• Structured lesson plans:  Provides a detailed 2-week lesson plan, pacing guide, and scope and sequence.
• Engaging multimedia:  PowerPoint presentation enhances instruction and student engagement.
• Flexibility:  Suitable for individual, group, or whole-class learning.
• In-depth analysis:  Covers literary elements like symbolism, themes, and character development.

BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS:

• Enhanced comprehension:  Deep dive into the story’s symbolism, themes, and plot.
• Critical thinking skills:  Analyze characters and themes through guided activities and discussions.
• Interactive learning:  Utilize the PowerPoint and structured lessons to stay engaged.
• Time management:  Follow a clear pacing guide for organized and manageable learning.
• Connection to literature:  Explore timeless themes of love and sacrifice in an accessible way.

From exploring the timeless themes of love and sacrifice to analyzing the rich symbolism embedded in the story, this resource equips educators with all they need for an impactful and meaningful study of The Gift of the Magi. Make teaching more enjoyable and effective while helping students connect with this enduring classic in a thoughtful and memorable way.Thank you for your support!

Tina – Big Easy Homeschooling Mom

Social Media Links: http://linktr.ee/bigeasyhomeschoolingmom

Please subscribe to my website to you do not miss any new resources or blogs:

http://tidewindacademyhomeschool.com

1. Examination Day Full-Week ELA Unit Plan: Socratic Seminar, Choice Board, Slides

• Dive into Henry Slesar's thought-provoking short story, "Examination Day," with a full-week ELA unit plan designed for middle school. This comprehensive package includes detailed Socratic seminar procedures, engaging choice board activities, and dynamic presentation slides to encourage critical thinking and student-led discourse on themes of intelligence testing and government control.

1. Harrison Bergeron Full-Week ELA Plan: Socratic Seminar, Choice Board, Slides

• Explore Kurt Vonnegut's classic dystopian tale, "Harrison Bergeron," in this complete week-long ELA unit. Middle school students will engage deeply with themes of enforced equality and individuality through structured Socratic seminars, creative choice board activities, and informative slides, all designed to foster critical analysis and vibrant classroom discussions.

1. All Summer in a Day Comprehensive Week-Long Lesson Plan: Seminar, Choice Board

• Immerse your students in Ray Bradbury's poignant story, "All Summer in a Day," with this extensive unit plan. The curriculum includes everything you need to facilitate meaningful discussions around themes of isolation, bullying, and the longing for sunshine. Engaging seminars and diverse choice board activities provide varied learning opportunities that cater to different student interests and learning styles.

1. The Pedestrian Full-Week ELA Unit Plan: Socratic Seminar, Choice Board, Slides

• Step into the futuristic world of Ray Bradbury's "The Pedestrian" with this detailed unit plan for grades 6-8. Through thoughtful Socratic seminars, a creative choice board, and educational slides, students will analyze the story's critique of technological dependency and societal conformity, developing critical thinking skills that transcend the classroom.

This is a novel study of Gary Paulsen's Brian's Hunt ( a sequel to Hatchet). In this product, there are completed lesson plans (and a blank one if you need to write your own), a slideshow that includes everything for each chapter (introduction, review of content, copy of the doodle notes, copy of the end of chapter activity/discussion outline, and the closure question), the Doodle Notes outline for each chapter, and the End of Chapter/Discussion activities. This novel study is for 4th-grade to 7th-grade students.

Completed Lesson Plans

Each chapter comes with a completed lesson plan! The lesson plans include an I can statement (Chapter Goal), the materials needed, what students will be doing as a preview to the chapter, what they will be doing during the read, the activity after the chapter, some differentiation ideas, the assessment, and a closure. There is a spot for standards, but I did not include one because of different state standards. They are also all editable! It was made using Google Slides, so if you open the file in Google Slides or PowerPoint you can edit each lesson plan to fit your class’s needs!

Doodle Notes and End of Chapter/Discussion Activities

Each chapter comes with doodle notes and an End of Chapter/Discussion Activity. Doodle notes are notes students take that involve more drawing than writing. Students will have a prompt to help them know what to focus on while listening/reading the chapter and what to take notes on. The activities focus on multiple different skills, Central Idea, Supporting Details, Problem/Solution, Cause/Effect, Summaries, Story Elements, Inferences, and more. There are also some discussion activities where students will need to work in groups discussing a prompt about the chapter.

Slideshow

To go along with the book, there is a Slideshow that includes an outline for each chapter! It includes what is written in the lesson plans. So there are introduction slides for each chapter, a copy of the doodle notes and chapter activities, and a slide for the closure. The slides are also editable! So if you would like to add/adapt anything to fit your class/lesson better, just open the file in Google Slides or PowerPoint.** ***There is a slide, that you will need to edit. It is the “Discussion Expectations” slide. This is because each class will have different expectations for discussions.****

****You need to read Hatchet, Brian's Winter, and The River before Brian's Return. For some of the activities, students will be comparing/contrast or recalling prior knowledge from the previous books. I also have a novel study to go along with Hatchet, Brian's Winter, The River, and Brian's Return!**

I hope you enjoy it! Please rate and review it.

Credits:

Paulsen, G. (2005). Brian's hunt. 1st Laurel-Leaf ed. New York, Laurel-Leaf.

Canva Pro

This resource features a bundle of all of our best-selling lesson plans, materials, and activities for Veronica Roth's best-selling dystopian novel, Divergent. Each product is thoughtfully crafted and allows students to think outside the box by delving deeply into the novel's themes, characters, and plot development. Lessons have all been classroom-tested and allow for differentiation while encouraging optimal student engagement. You will not find tedious lists of comprehension questions and vocabulary words in this bundle; instead you will find materials that will bring the novel to life!

Included in this Bundle:

⭐ Introduction to Dystopia Powerpoint & Crossword

This resource features an engaging, interactive, editable PowerPoint Presentation for introducing or reviewing Dystopian Fiction to your students! The PowerPoint Presentation runs through an entire lesson from warm-up to explanation, application, and summarizer. Also included are 2 pages of "guided notes" so that you may differentiate your lecture for all levels of students. Recently, a fun dystopia crossword puzzle has been added to help reinforce knowledge of the lesson. Since utopias and dystopias are intrinsically motivating for students, this lesson is always a fun one and gets students excited about the upcoming unit on Divergent.

⭐ Divergent "Silent Conversation" Quote Pass Activity

This product features a thoughtful and engaging activity for use during your study of Divergent. Centering around 5 different provocative passages from the book, this lesson provides your students with a chance to think, reflect, and respond to their peers without ever saying a word. This creative approach is a great way to differentiate instruction among your students and allows even your most quiet students to shine. I am confident that this no-prep lesson will become a must-do activity within your unit on Divergent!

⭐ Tattoos of Divergent Character Symbolism Lesson Plan

This powerpoint explores the symbolism behind the character's tattoos. It is a fantastic opening mini-lesson to an activity in which students choose their own "symbolic" tattoos. My students LOVE this activity - just be prepared to share what symbolic tattoo you would get - they WILL ask!

⭐ Divergent Faction Acrostic Poem Assignment

This product contains an assignment for students to create their own acrostic poem for their favorite faction from Divergent. This is the perfect assignment to give after conducting a mock ceremony in your classroom.

⭐ Divergent Fear Landscape Assignment

This resource contains two separate assignments for creating a fear landscape so that you may differentiate among your figurative and literal thinkers. The first is more appropriate for students who can think symbolically (typically end of eighth grade and above) while the second is better suited for your literal thinkers (sixth-seventh grade). No matter which assignment you give, this is an engaging project that will urge students to consider their deepest fears and connect with Tris and her Dauntless friends in Divergent.

⭐ Divergent Mock Choosing Ceremony

This product contains everything you need to conduct your very own true-to-the-book Choosing Ceremony for Divergent in your classroom! This is one of my favorite activities I do with my students all year as I truly get insight into who they are and what they believe. The Choosing Ceremony will be an emotional challenge for some but very well-worth it!

⭐ Divergent Worksheet Bundle

This product includes a crossword puzzle, faction knowledge worksheets, a Freytag's Pyramid worksheet for entire novel, character review worksheet, and full answer keys.

⭐ Divergent Socratic Seminar Lesson Plan and Materials

Socratic Seminars are higher order ways of assessing whether your students are able to understand and react to your class text. These seminars rely on the power of inquiry and allow students to take the lead in their learning and discussion. The only problem? They require a great deal of preparation. Fortunately, with this resource, the work has been done for you. This packet includes everything you need to conduct a structured and formal set of Socratic Seminars in your classroom surrounding the novel.

⭐ Divergent Final Project - Long Lost Sixth Faction

This project instructs students to create their own faction. They must create everything from faction name, symbol, jobs, and manifesto to a propaganda poster, initiation process and more! This comprehensive project takes students about 1 week to complete. Because it is such an incredibly engaging activity, it truly runs itself and is the perfect way to conclude your study of Divergent.

⭐ Divergent Unit Test

This comprehensive test includes 46 well-written questions: character matching, plot-level multiple choice, faction knowledge chart, vocabulary, and short answer along with full answer key.

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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 is a novel study of Gary Paulsen's Brian’s Winter (The sequel to Hatchet). In this product, there are completed lesson plans (and a blank one if you need to write your own), a slideshow that includes everything for each chapter (introduction, review of content, copy of the doodle notes, copy of the end of chapter activity/discussion outline, and the closure question), the Doodle Notes outline for each chapter, and the End of Chapter/Discussion activities. This novel study is for 4th-grade to 7th-grade students.

****I would recommend reading Hatchet before Brian's Winter. Since it is a sequel, having the prior knowledge would help a lot. I also have a novel study to go along with Hatchet!**

Completed Lesson Plans

Each chapter comes with a completed lesson plan! The lesson plans include an I can statement (Chapter Goal), the materials needed, what students will be doing as a preview to the chapter, what they will be doing during the read, the activity after the chapter, some differentiation ideas, the assessment, and a closure. There is a spot for standards, but I did not include one because of different state standards. They are also all editable! It was made using Google Slides, so if you open the file in Google Slides or PowerPoint you can edit each lesson plan to fit your class's needs!

Doodle Notes and End of Chapter/Discussion Activities

Each chapter comes with doodle notes and an End of Chapter/Discussion Activity. Doodle notes are notes students take that involve more drawing than writing. Students will have a prompt to help them know what to focus on while listening/reading the chapter and what to take notes on. The activities focus on multiple different skills, Central Idea, Supporting Details, Problem/Solution, Cause/Effect, Summaries, Story Elements, Inferences, and more. There are also 5 discussion activities where students will need to work in groups discussing a prompt about the chapter.

Slideshow

To go along with the book, there is a Slideshow that includes an outline for each chapter! It includes what is written in the lesson plans. So there are introduction slides for each chapter, a copy of the doodle notes and chapter activities, and a slide for the closure. The slides are also editable! So if you would like to add/adapt anything to fit your class/lesson better, just open the file in Google Slides or PowerPoint. ***There is a slide, that you will need to edit. It is the “Discussion Expectations” slide. This is because each class will have different expectations for discussions.***

I hope you enjoy it! Please rate and review. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at ateacherssidekick@gmail.com

Engage your middle school students with this spooky Halloween Urban Legend Bundle, perfect for Grades 6-8! This comprehensive resource includes informational text on popular urban legends, interactive slides, and a fun, challenging quiz to boost reading comprehension. Whether you're looking for Halloween literacy activities or thrilling lessons to excite your students, this bundle delivers. Perfect for building critical thinking skills, analyzing scary stories, and creating a memorable classroom experience with a Halloween twist.

1. Jersey Devil Urban Legend Resource

Uncover the chilling mystery of the Jersey Devil in this engaging resource! Students will explore the legend of this winged creature, diving into its history and sightings in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. The resource includes an informational text, comprehension questions, and creative writing prompts to help students analyze and craft their own spine-tingling stories.

2. Rougarou Urban Legend Resource

Journey into the swamps of Louisiana with the legend of the Rougarou, a fearsome werewolf-like creature! This resource provides an informative article about Cajun folklore, a 10-question quiz to assess comprehension, and creative activities to get students writing their own eerie tales of the Rougarou. Perfect for building writing skills through myth and legend.

3. Bell Witch Urban Legend Resource

Enter the haunted world of the Bell Witch, one of America's most famous ghost stories! Students will learn about the haunting of the Bell family in early 19th-century Tennessee. The resource includes a detailed article, STAAR-aligned quiz, and a writing prompt where students can craft their own ghostly urban legend based on this timeless tale.

4. Goatman Urban Legend Resource

Introduce your students to the spine-chilling legend of the Goatman, the axe-wielding creature from Maryland! This resource includes an informational text that dives into the origins of this urban legend, followed by critical thinking and comprehension activities. Students will develop their own spooky stories based on this fearsome figure, complete with an engaging quiz.

5. Create Your Own Urban Legend Resource

Empower your students to become urban legend creators with this exciting, interdisciplinary writing activity! Students will choose a local landmark, develop a mysterious creature or event, and write their legend as a two-page newspaper article. The resource includes brainstorming worksheets, character development guides, and newspaper templates, plus a 3-day lesson plan to guide them through the creative process.

• STAAR ECR Mastery Resource Informational Essay Test Prep Grades 6-8 Thesis Claim
  This comprehensive resource breaks down the Extended Constructed Response (ECR) process for middle school students. It guides them through crafting a solid thesis, developing claims, and supporting their ideas with evidence and reasoning. The engaging, step-by-step format ensures students master the writing skills they need for STAAR success.

• Thanksgiving Argument Writing Unit Debate Topics & Lesson Plans 4 STAAR ECRs
  Make argumentative writing fun and seasonal with this resource. Students tackle Thanksgiving-themed debate topics while practicing essential STAAR ECR skills. The unit includes structured lessons, 4 debate topics, guided notes, and activities that focus on developing strong arguments with evidence and counterarguments.

• ECR Relay Race: Engaging STAAR Writing Prep Grades 5-8 Comprehension 12 Prompts!
  Turn essay writing into a collaborative, competitive game! This relay race-style resource includes 12 engaging prompts and helps students build comprehension and writing skills through interactive learning. Ideal for both individual and group work, this resource is perfect for STAAR test prep and building writing confidence.

Comprehensive Dahl Exploration: This bundle combines three of Roald Dahl’s most compelling stories, each presented in a detailed ELA unit designed to engage middle school students. Perfect for an author’s study, this bundle allows students to analyze Dahl’s unique narrative style and recurring themes across different works. From the mysterious escalations in "Way Up to Heaven" to the unsettling undertones of "The Landlady" and the darkly comic "Lamb to the Slaughter," students will appreciate Dahl’s mastery in crafting suspense and surprise. This bundle is an excellent resource for end-of-year activities, sub plans, or a focused thematic unit on one of literature’s most intriguing authors.

1. Way Up to Heaven ELA Unit

Description: Explore the suspenseful realms of Roald Dahl’s "Way Up to Heaven" with this detailed ELA unit. This package includes engaging slides for easy teaching, a structured Socratic seminar to foster deep discussion, comprehensive lesson plans for effective learning, and versatile choice board activities to cater to diverse learning preferences. Students will delve into thematic analysis, character study, and the craft of writing through guided essays and creative projects.

2. The Landlady ELA Unit

Description: Dive deep into the chilling story of "The Landlady" with this complete ELA unit. It features dynamic slides that enrich the narrative experience, a Socratic seminar to enhance critical thinking, and a choice board that offers creative and analytical options like comic strips and alternate endings. Additional essays and activities, including a film comparison using a Venn diagram, make this unit perfect for a comprehensive study of narrative techniques and thematic development.

3. Lamb to the Slaughter ELA Unit

Description: Unpack the intrigue of Roald Dahl’s "Lamb to the Slaughter" in this all-inclusive ELA unit. This resource provides detailed slides for seamless instruction, engaging seminar guidelines to discuss the complexities of the plot, and a range of activities including a choice board for student-driven projects. The unit also includes tailored essay prompts and additional activities that encourage a deeper understanding of the story’s themes and Dahl’s distinctive writing style.

Bonus:

Includes in-depth character analysis across three stories and synthesizing essay prompt with graphic organizers!