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!

Looking for a fun, engaging, and no-prep interactive digital resource to keep your students excited and connected before winter break? This Winter Break Community Building Interactive Slides resource is perfect for grades 5-8! Packed with 35 creative and festive activities, it promotes collaboration, critical thinking, and laughter in the classroom.

Key Features:

• Hear Me Out Challenges: Students debate their favorite holiday snacks, movies, and traditions.
• One Must Go: Fun dilemmas challenge students to make tough decisions about winter activities and treats.
• Mad Libs & Creative Writing: From silly holiday stories to cringe-worthy slang, students unleash their imagination.
• Reflective Writing Prompts: Encourage introspection with activities like bucket lists and favorite winter memories.
• Emoji Guessing Games: Decode holiday-themed phrases for a mix of fun and learning.
• Sleigh or Ohio? Students vote on whether winter traditions are "sleigh-worthy" or "cringe."

Suggested Uses:

• Holiday-themed Bell Ringers: Start your day with quick, interactive slides.
• Community Building Activities: Foster a positive, engaging classroom environment.
• Sub Plans: Easy-to-use, no-prep slides perfect for substitute teachers.
• Independent or Partner Work: Adaptable for individual or collaborative use.

Why Teachers Love It:

• Completely no-prep—just assign and go!
• Builds classroom community while keeping students engaged.
• Flexible and perfect for holiday fun during the busy lead-up to winter break.
• Encourages creativity, reflection, and discussion in a lighthearted way.

Make this winter season unforgettable for your students with this fun and interactive resource. Your classroom will love the mix of creativity and festive vibes!

Transform your classroom into a winter adventure with this Winter Wonderland Vacation PBL! This engaging, print-and-go project-based learning unit is perfect for the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas or any time during the winter months. Students will plan their dream winter vacation while developing critical skills in research, budgeting, creativity, and presentation. With minimal prep for teachers and maximum excitement for students, this resource is a must-have for your seasonal curriculum!

What’s Included:

✅ 8 Comprehensive Lesson Plans – Covering daily tasks with clear pacing and objectives.
✅ Task Rubrics – Detailed rubrics for all 8 tasks, ensuring easy grading and clear student expectations.
✅ Printable PDFs – Research guides, worksheets, and templates to guide every step of the project.
✅ Editable Slideshow Template – Students create a final presentation showcasing their vacation plans.
✅ Total Budget Sheet Template – A fun and practical way for students to manage costs within a $5,000 limit.
✅ Pacing Plan – Simplified day-by-day instructions for a stress-free implementation.

Skills Covered:

This interdisciplinary project incorporates:
Research Skills: Students investigate destinations, transportation, lodging, activities, and meals.
Math and Budgeting: From calculating costs to managing a $5,000 budget.
Creativity and Design: Crafting a visually appealing slideshow and planning unique trips.
Critical Thinking: Balancing priorities to stay within budget and justifying decisions.
Presentation Skills: Sharing their vacation plans with confidence and clarity.

Why Teachers Love It:

Low Prep: Simply print and go! All materials are ready to use or easily editable.
Flexible Use: Perfect for grades 5+, with extensions for higher or lower ability levels.
Seasonal Fun: Keeps students engaged during the weeks leading up to winter break.
Real-World Learning: Combines academic rigor with practical life skills in a fun, meaningful way.
Time-Saving: Includes ready-to-use rubrics and templates for smooth implementation.

Perfect for:

❄️ The weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
❄️ A winter-themed project in January or February.
❄️ Enrichment activities for early finishers or gifted students.
❄️ Cross-curricular lessons with ELA, math, and social studies connections.

Do you have a virtual snow day ❄ and you're not sure what to do? Dive into the exciting world of winter sports with our comprehensive digital resource, perfect for students in grades 4-6! Designed as an ideal activity for virtual snow days or winter flex days, this 33-slide interactive lesson brings the thrill of winter sports directly to your virtual classroom.

Highlights of the Resource:

• Digital and Easy to Assign: This fully digital resource is a breeze to assign, making it perfect for teachers looking for an engaging, ready-to-go activity for unexpected snow days or planned winter lessons.
• Comprehensive Teacher Lesson Plan: Included is a detailed lesson plan with pacing guides and accommodations, ensuring that every student can participate and benefit from the lesson, regardless of their learning needs.
• Teacher Exemplar Presentation: We provide a high-quality teacher exemplar within the presentation, setting a clear standard of work for students to aspire to, which aids in understanding expectations and boosts the quality of student output.
• Explore Lesser-Known Sports: The resource covers five intriguing and perhaps less-known winter sports, offering a unique learning experience beyond the usual classroom topics. It’s a great way to expand students' knowledge and pique their interest in diverse winter activities.
• Rich Opportunity for Discussion: Each slide is designed to foster curiosity and encourage discourse among students, making it an interactive and collaborative learning experience.
• Engaging and Educational: With vibrant visuals and compelling content, students will be captivated as they learn about the history, rules, equipment, and famous athletes associated with each sport.

Whether you're dealing with a surprise snow day or planning an enriching winter-themed lesson, this resource is an excellent way to keep students engaged and learning. It’s not just a lesson; it's an adventure into the world of winter sports, all from the comfort of your virtual classroom. Get ready to slide, skate, and ski into an educational journey that your students will love!

Dive into the Winter Text Features educational resource, a perfect blend of winter wonder and academic rigor crafted for middle school ELA classrooms. This unique tool is designed to help students explore the fascinating world of snowflakes, snowstorms, and the artistry of snow, all while honing their ability to navigate and comprehend various text features such as timelines, subheadings, maps, captions, photographs, and includes three quizzes.

What's Included:

• Engaging Articles: Two in-depth articles, "The Secret World of Snowflakes" and "Historical Snowstorms: A Timeline of Winter’s Fury," provide context-rich content that is both informative and captivating.
• Interactive Quizzes: Reinforce learning with quizzes tailored to each article, testing comprehension of text features and content.
• Visual Aids: High-quality photographs and diagrams not only capture students' interest but also serve as practical examples of text features in action.
• Educator's Guide: Get tips on how to integrate this resource into your lesson plans effectively, ensuring a seamless fit with your curriculum goals.
• Answer Keys: Save time with ready-to-go answer sheets for quizzes, making assessment straightforward and efficient.
• Google Slides: Introduce or review text features with a presentation, have students skim through their articles finding each text feature

Highlights:

• Targeted for Middle School ELA: Ideal for grades 6-8, this resource aligns with common core reading standards.
• Text Features Focus: Enhances skills in identifying and understanding the purpose of various text features.
• Winter-Themed Content: Engages students with high-interest topics like snowflakes and snowstorms, keeping them motivated during the winter months.
• Ready for Classroom Use: Print-friendly format allows for easy distribution and assignment in the classroom setting.
• Versatile Application: Use as part of a reading unit, a supplemental activity, or as a fun educational break during the winter season.

With Winter Text Features, you're not just buying worksheets; you're providing an experience that will warm up your students' enthusiasm for reading and analysis, even on the coldest days. Add this resource to your teaching toolkit today and watch your students' comprehension skills snowball!

Dive into the festive spirit and broaden your students' horizons with this unique ELA resource, "Holiday Characters from Around the World." Perfect for middle school educators, this comprehensive package offers an engaging journey into the diverse and rich traditions of holiday celebrations across the globe.

Key Features:

• In-Depth Articles: Discover well-researched, student-friendly articles on nine iconic holiday characters, including Santa Claus, La Befana, Krampus, and more. Each article delves into the origins, traditions, and modern-day significance of these beloved figures.
• Culturally Rich Content: Enhance cultural awareness in your classroom. This resource serves as an excellent tool for exploring global customs, fostering an appreciation for cultural diversity during the holiday season.
• Interactive Learning: Engage students with thought-provoking questions and activities. From creative writing prompts to comparative analysis, these materials are designed to stimulate critical thinking and discussion.
• Versatile Usage: Ideal for reading comprehension, cultural studies, or as a basis for projects and presentations, this resource adapts to various teaching styles and curriculum needs.
• Teacher-Friendly Format: Easy-to-use PDF format, perfect for both in-person and remote learning environments. Print-ready for classroom handouts or viewable on digital platforms. Google slides are ready to assign and go!

How to Use This Resource:

Day 1 Read articles 1 and 2 and use the thought catcher to take notes about the character
Day 2 Read articles 3 and 4 and use the thought catcher to take notes about the character
Day 3 Read articles 5 and 6 and use the thought catcher to take notes about the character
Day 4 Read articles 7, 8, and 9 and use the thought catcher to take notes about the character
Day 5 Complete the reading quiz. Students should choose a character to create their project on 
Day 6 Students begin researching the country of origin for their Slides presentation
Day 7 Students begin section 2 (Character analysis) of the slides presentation
Day 8 Students begin planning their own Holiday character in Section 3
Day 9 Students continue planning their own Holiday character in Section 3
Day 10Presentation day! Have students present their own holiday character to the class. Alternatively, have them bring in a food from the country of their cultural holiday character!

Benefits:

• Enhance Global Awareness: Help students understand and appreciate winter traditions from different cultures.
• Develop Critical Thinking: Encourage analysis and reflection on how holidays are celebrated worldwide.
• Boost Engagement: With colorful and captivating content, keep your students intrigued and eager to learn more.
• Cross-Curricular Integration: Seamlessly integrate these materials into ELA, social studies, and art lessons.

Who Is It For?

• Middle School Teachers
• ELA Educators
• Homeschooling Parents
• Cultural Studies Instructors

Embark on a festive educational journey with "Holiday Characters from Around the World." Bring the magic of global holiday traditions into your classroom today and watch as your students' understanding and curiosity grow!

Elevate your middle school students' narrative writing skills with this winter-themed essay planning guide. This resource features 10 captivating, holiday-themed photos, ranging from a snowman on the beach to a gingerbread family on the run, Krampus enjoying hot chocolate, and a pirate ship bathed in green holiday lights. These images are perfect for sparking creativity and guiding students through the narrative writing process.

Learning Objectives:

• Enhance the ability to plan and draft a narrative story that is both engaging and imaginative.
• Encourage creativity while ensuring narratives encompass all essential elements of a structured narrative text.

What's Inside:

• 10 double sided planning guides, one for each photo!
• Detailed graphic organizers to assist students in exploring the setting, characters, conflict, and resolution.
• A Google Slides presentation featuring each high-interest photo for classroom projection, facilitating the introduction of each new writing prompt.

How to Use:

• Day 1: Display the photo prompt using the slides and encourage students to brainstorm ideas with the graphic organizer.
• Day 2: Start drafting the narrative, drawing inspiration from the vivid image.
• Day 3: Continue the narrative, adding details and developing the storyline.
• Day 4: Conduct peer reviews or teacher feedback sessions, followed by revisions and editing.
• Day 5: Publish the final narrative piece, celebrating the students' creative achievements.

Standards Alignment:

• Aligned with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.3 through W.8.3, ensuring the resource meets educational standards for narrative writing.

Formats Available:

• A ready-to-use PDF for printouts and a Google Slides version for seamless classroom integration.

Usage Scenario:

• Ideal for middle school teachers to use as a standalone writing unit, an extension activity, or as a part of a choice board for students.

Highlights:

• Engaging and diverse photo prompts: Each image is carefully chosen to resonate with middle school students, featuring themes like winter holidays, mythical creatures, adventure, and family.
• Classroom-ready: The Google Slides format allows for easy introduction of each writing prompt, while print-ready PDFs ensure quick and effortless preparation.

Transform your classroom's narrative writing approach with this captivating, standards-aligned essay planning guide. Watch as your students' imaginations soar with each unique and inspiring photo prompt!

Delve into the intriguing world of Krampus with this comprehensive ELA resource, designed specifically for upper middle school students. "Unraveling Krampus" presents a unique opportunity to explore this mythical figure through a literary lens, enhancing key reading and analysis skills.

What’s Inside:

• Five Engaging Articles on Krampus: Each article focuses on a different text structure – compare and contrast, description, problem and solution, cause and effect, and chronological order
• – providing a multifaceted view of Krampus' lore and cultural significance.
• Skill-Focused Comprehension Quizzes: After reading, students can apply their knowledge with quizzes targeting central ideas, author's purpose, inferences, summaries, and text-dependent questions.
• 15-Slide Google Slides Presentation: A visually engaging presentation to introduce or reinforce each literacy skill. These slides are interactive and tailored for upper middle school learners, perfect for both classroom and remote instruction.
• Targeted Skill Development: This resource is crafted to bolster students' abilities in identifying text structures, understanding authorial intent, drawing inferences, summarizing, and engaging with text-dependent analysis.
• Interactive Annotation and Reading Experience: Encourage active reading with annotation prompts, fostering deeper comprehension and critical thinking.

Benefits:

• Enhances Critical Thinking: Cultivates analytical skills essential for upper middle school ELA.
• Captivating Content: The mysterious and intriguing subject of Krampus keeps students engaged and curious.
• Facilitates Deeper Understanding: Helps students grasp complex concepts like text structure and author's purpose in an engaging context.
• Ready for Classroom Use: A complete, ready-to-use package that saves preparation time for busy educators.

Ideal For:

• Upper Middle School ELA Teachers
• Reading and Literacy Coaches
• Homeschool Educators
• Tutors Specializing in Advanced Literacy

Step into the captivating folklore of Krampus and transform your ELA lessons into an exciting and educational exploration. "Unraveling Krampus" not only offers a deep dive into a unique cultural phenomenon but also arms students with critical literacy skills. Add this rich, engaging resource to your educational toolkit and elevate your teaching approach today!

For lower level readers, try this resource: St. Nick: Informational Text Structures, Main Idea, Author's Purpose 5 text sets (TeachShare.com)

Unveil the world of St. Nicholas through this captivating ELA resource, specifically crafted for middle school students. "Discovering St. Nicholas" offers a rich, multifaceted learning experience, designed to enhance key literacy skills while diving into the historical and cultural aspects of this beloved figure.

What’s Inside:

• Five Comprehensive Articles: Explore the intriguing story of St. Nicholas through five meticulously written articles, each employing a different text structure – descriptive, chronological, cause and effect, compare and contrast, and problem and solution.
• Interactive Comprehension Quizzes: After reading, students can test their understanding with comprehension quizzes. Questions are crafted to reinforce central/main ideas, author's purpose, inferences, summaries, and text-dependent analysis.
• 15-Slide Google Slides Presentation: Kickstart each lesson with our engaging presentation slides, designed to introduce or reinforce each focused skill. Perfect for classroom or remote learning, these slides are interactive and visually appealing.
• Skill Building Focus: This resource hones vital ELA skills such as understanding text structures, pinpointing author’s purpose, making inferences, summarizing text, and answering text-dependent questions.
• Annotation and Interactive Reading: Encourage students to engage actively with the text through annotation, fostering a deeper understanding and critical thinking.

Benefits:

• Boost Literacy Skills: Strengthen reading comprehension, analysis, and critical thinking abilities.
• Cultural Insight: Dive into the historical and cultural significance of St. Nicholas, enriching students' global understanding.
• Engage and Inspire: The intriguing content about St. Nicholas keeps students interested and motivated to learn.
• Versatile Teaching Tool: Ideal for in-depth study units, literacy centers, independent work, or as supplementary material for your ELA curriculum.
• Ready-to-Use: Save valuable prep time with this ready-to-go, comprehensive package.

Ideal For:

• Middle School ELA Teachers
• Reading Specialists
• Homeschooling Parents
• Tutors focusing on Literacy and Comprehension

Transform your ELA sessions into an exciting exploration of St. Nicholas and his world. "Discovering St. Nicholas" is not just an educational journey; it's a gateway to mastering essential literacy skills while uncovering the layers of a fascinating historical figure. Add this invaluable resource to your teaching toolkit today and watch as your students' comprehension and analytical skills soar!

For higher level students, try this resource: Unraveling Krampus: Text Structures and Critical Analysis Print and Go! (TeachShare.com)

Dive into the whimsical world of "The Grinch" with this engaging and comprehensive literary analysis toolkit! Perfect for Christmas or winter classroom activities, this resource is designed to captivate and challenge students in grades 4-8. Your students will embark on a festive journey of language, literature, and film analysis, all while celebrating the holiday season, Grinch Day, Centers, or before Winter Break!

What’s Included:

• "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" Lyrics Analysis: A full copy of the song lyrics for students to read and annotate. They will identify, classify, and draw instances of figurative language, diving deep into the clever and creative wordplay of this iconic song.
• Positive & Negative Connotations Activity: Students will sort words from the lyrics into lists of positive or negative connotations, enhancing their understanding of language nuances.
• Stanza Rewrite Exercise: A creative writing task where students rewrite a stanza from the Grinch's point of view, fostering empathy and perspective-taking.
• Vocabulary Enrichment: An activity focused on finding synonyms and antonyms for the word "mean," aimed at expanding students' vocabulary and encouraging stronger word choice.
• 10 Engaging Movie Clips: Carefully selected 3-minute clips from the 2018 Grinch movie, each serving as a basis for analyzing various literary elements such as setting, character development, and inferencing.
• Comprehensive PDF Worksheets: Easy-to-use worksheets for each activity, designed to facilitate student learning and engagement.
• Interactive Google Slides Presentation: A dynamic and visually appealing presentation that complements the PDF activities, perfect for both in-person and virtual classrooms.

Educational Benefits:

• High Engagement: Students will love exploring the colorful world of the Grinch, keeping them motivated and interested.
• High Rigor: Each activity is crafted to challenge students and deepen their understanding of literary concepts.
• Versatile Use: Ideal for whole-class instruction, small groups, literacy centers, or as part of a holiday-themed unit.
• Skill Development: Enhances skills in reading comprehension, literary analysis, creative writing, vocabulary development, and critical thinking.
• Aligned with Standards: Designed to align with Common Core standards for grades 4-8.

Make learning fun this holiday season with our "The Grinch 2018: A Comprehensive Literary Analysis Toolkit." Your students will not only review key literary skills but also engage in a joyful, meaningful exploration of language and film. Perfect for adding a festive twist to your curriculum! ✨

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!

Introducing our dynamic ELA resource, expertly designed to enhance middle school students' understanding of narrative perspectives. This 15-page toolkit focuses on the skill of identifying different points of view, including first person, second person, third person limited, and third person omniscient, making it an essential addition to your teaching arsenal this winter.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Point of View Exploration: Delve into the nuances of narrative perspectives. This resource covers first, second, third person limited, and third person omniscient points of view, providing a holistic understanding of this fundamental ELA concept.
• 15 Pages of Tiered Activities: Enjoy a rich collection of tiered exercises. Each page is carefully designed to progressively build your students' skills, ensuring a deep and thorough grasp of the topic.
• Differentiated Instruction: This resource recognizes the diverse learning styles and abilities in your classroom. The activities are differentiated using Bloom's Taxonomy to cater to varying levels of comprehension and engagement, making learning inclusive and effective.
• Engaging Winter Themes: Capture your students' interest with activities that are wrapped in appealing winter themes. This seasonal touch adds relevance and fun to the learning process, keeping students motivated and curious.
• Ideal for Middle Schoolers: Specifically crafted for 6th to 8th graders, these activities align with middle school benchmarks in ELA. They challenge students to think critically and creatively, enhancing their reading and analytical skills.

Upgrade your teaching toolkit with our point of view activities and watch as your middle school students develop a deeper, more nuanced understanding of narrative perspectives. Perfect for winter-themed learning, this resource is a must-have for any dedicated ELA educator!