Less than $5 ELA Test Prep Activities

Challenge your students with a deep exploration of figurative language with this complete, standards-aligned lesson plan centered on Langston Hughes’ classic poems Dreams and Harlem. Perfect for grades 6-8, this 60-minute lesson introduces and reinforces figurative language skills with a variety of Depth of Knowledge (DOK) levels, from identification to detailed analysis. Through engaging activities, guided notes, fill-in-the-blank practice, and insightful discussions, students will strengthen their understanding of metaphors, similes, personification, hyperbole, repetition, and more!

What's Included:

• Do Now Prompt: Connect students personally to the theme of dreams and aspirations.
• Guided Notes & Slides: Fill-in-the-blank notes and a comprehensive slide deck introduce and review key figurative language concepts.
• Figurative Language Practice Handout: Allows students to identify and categorize figurative language independently or in pairs.
• Detailed Analysis of Dreams and Harlem: Thought-provoking questions and guided analysis help students apply figurative language skills in context, from interpreting similes and metaphors to discussing theme.
• Reflection and Discussion: Encourages students to connect poetic themes to real life and deepen their understanding of how figurative language enhances literature.

Why Teachers Love It: This resource provides a complete and flexible plan that fits seamlessly into any poetry or figurative language unit, with resources to support all stages of learning—from foundational identification to advanced interpretation. It’s ideal for introducing figurative language or deepening students’ analysis skills, making it a versatile addition to any ELA classroom.

Key Features:

• Differentiated Levels of Analysis: Activities move from DOK Level 1 (identifying figurative language) to DOK Levels 3-4 (interpreting meaning and thematic connections).
• Engagement-Boosting Content: Uses two of Hughes’ most powerful poems to explore big ideas about dreams, aspirations, and consequences, making learning relevant and impactful.
• Aligned with Language Standards: Perfect for reinforcing figurative language standards through high-interest texts.

Boost your students' confidence with figurative language and inspire thoughtful conversations with this enriching lesson plan! Download today to elevate your poetry and figurative language instruction with this ready-to-use, engaging resource!

Transform Writing with Engaging Figurative Language Lessons

Boost your students’ writing skills with this comprehensive Figurative Writing Resource Pack, designed for Grades 3-6. Teach similes, metaphors, and personification using vivid presentations, hands-on worksheets, and editable Google Slides/PowerPoint. Perfect for whole-class instruction, small groups, or independent learning, this resource is fully aligned with Common Core, TEKS, and the UK National Curriculum.

Save time with ready-to-use materials and differentiated tasks for all abilities. Featuring step-by-step guidance, interactive activities, and creative writing challenges, this pack helps students craft vivid, descriptive pieces while building confidence and autonomy. Proven effective in classrooms, it delivers an engaging, curriculum-aligned learning experience for teachers and students alike.

What’s Included? 

✏️  Print Materials: Worksheets, Answer keys, PDF of slides

✅✅ Digital Content: Part-Editable Google Slides/PowerPoint Presentation

What’s Inside?

✔️ 20 pg PowerPoint Presentation/Google Slides

✔️ 7 Worksheets

✔️ Student Directions

✔️ Teacher Answer Key

✔️ Teacher Directions, Tips and Differentiation

✔️ Learning Objective

✔️ Success Criteria

✔️ Lesson Route

Perfect for Grades 3-6!

Why You’ll Love This Resource:

✏️ No Prep

✏️ Print and Go

✏️ Cross-Curricular

✏️ Aligned with Common Core, TEKS, and UK National Curriculum.

✏️ Highly Engaging

✏️ Great for whole-class instruction, small groups, or independent work

✏️ Classroom-tested 

When to use this? 

✅ Literacy ELA Lesson (1-2 hour lessons)

✅ Sub Plans

✅ Review

What Do You Need?

✏️ Pencils

✏️ Computer

✏️ Projector for slides (Slides are in PowerPoint format and can be uploaded to Google Drive to open as Google Slides)

Skills Used:

✔️ Identifying figurative language

✔️Creative writing

✔️ Reading comprehension

✔️ Vocabulary development

✔️ Critical thinking

✔️ Independent learning

Curriculum Alignment

This resource meets several educational standards, including:

Common Core State Standards (CCSS):

• RL.4.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases, including figurative language.
• W.4.3: Write narratives with descriptive details and clear event sequences.

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS):

• 110.5 (ELA): Analyze how authors use figurative language to create meaning.
• 110.5(b)(20): Write literary texts using figurative language.

UK National Curriculum (Years 3-6):

• Writing Composition: Create vivid descriptions using figurative language.
• Reading Comprehension: Discuss words/phrases that capture the reader’s imagination.

Bonus Benefits:

✅ Encourages Creativity

✅ Promotes Self-Learning

✅ **✅**Addresses Common Misconceptions

Extra Perks:

• Earn TeachShare Credit: Leave a review to earn credits for future purchases.
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We Strive for 5 Stars! If you have any questions, use the Q&A tab before leaving feedback.

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• Sensory Writing 
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Inspire your students to write with flair and confidence. Grab this versatile, high-quality resource today!

Common and Proper Nouns Activity Worksheet for 2nd Grade

Boost your students' understanding of common and proper nouns with this engaging, standards-aligned worksheet! This resource features 50 sentences where students identify and circle the common and proper nouns, providing ample practice to solidify their grasp of the concept. The sentences are designed to be fun, relatable, and age-appropriate for 2nd-grade learners.

Aligned Standards:
This worksheet aligns with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.2.1.A), which requires students to demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking, including correctly using common and proper nouns.

What’s Included:

• 50 sentences for students to read and identify common and proper nouns.
• Clear answer key for quick grading or self-assessment.
• Editable version via Canva (requires only a free Canva account).

Why Teachers Love It:

• Editable in Canva for customization to suit individual classroom needs.
• Easy-to-use format, perfect for independent practice, homework, or assessments.
• Helps students develop foundational grammar skills essential for writing and communication.
• Saves time while ensuring students meet key learning objectives.

Tags:
Common and proper nouns worksheet, grammar activity for 2nd grade, CCSS-aligned grammar practice, noun identification worksheet, language arts resource, TeachShare common nouns worksheet, ELA grammar activities, elementary grammar worksheets, 2nd-grade grammar skills, editable Canva worksheet, free Canva grammar resource, language conventions practice.

This versatile worksheet is perfect for classroom use, distance learning, or additional at-home practice. Download it today and enjoy the flexibility of an editable Canva file to customize it to your teaching needs—all with just a free Canva subscription!

Analysis worksheets for two of Iago's Soliloquies in Othello by William Shakespeare. Contains textual and video analysis plus a psycho analysis of Iago's character. These are excellent for reading the play or discussing Iago as a character in the play. Comes complete with answer key and rubric.

Author's Purpose Interactive Activity | Reading Comprehension | PIED

About This Resource

★ Author's Purpose Interactive Flip Card Activity

★ Interactive Activity

★ 10 pages

★ Suitable for Middle and High School Students

This resource includes:

★ Teacher Directions Page

★ 2 Author's Purpose Flip Card Sheets (contains 9 Flip Card Text Boxes on each Sheet)

★ 2 Author's Purpose for Writing Sheets

★ Colorful Bulletin Board Task Display Page (for this activity)

★ 2 Rubrics (to score the activity)

★ Answer Keys

In this engaging and interactive activity, students can work in pairs or independently to read 18 short Author's Purpose descriptions (or texts) and determine the author's intended purpose for writing each one. Students will decide whether the examples reflect the purpose to Persuade, Inform, Entertain, or Describe. They will then cut out Author’s Purpose Word Flip Cards and glue them onto the text boxes that best match the author’s purpose for each piece of text.

This resource also includes two rubrics for scoring the Author’s Purpose Flip Card Charts! One rubric is designed for use when assigning the activity as a pair task, and the other is for independent work. Additionally, a visually appealing Bulletin Board Task Display Page is included, making it easy to showcase students’ completed work right away!

Step-by-Step Teacher Instructions with Images Included!

You’ll have everything you need to score your students’ responses and showcase their work right away using the included Bulletin Board Task Display Page and Rubrics! Best of all, there’s no preparation required—YAY!

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Created by © Queen's Educational Resources | All Rights Reserved

Your purchase includes one copy to be used in a single classroom. If you are looking for multiple copies, please be sure to purchase additional licenses.

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Please feel free to email me if you have any questions!

queenseducationalresources@gmail.com

Are you looking for a fun way to do testing treats or other after state testing activities? Try making a State Testing Surprise Box! This free label will help make your box stand out and make your students wonder what's inside!

Have your box dropped off a couple of days before testing. Once testing is over, students get to see what's inside the surprise box!

This set comes with:

• 2 Labels that say "Do Not Open until testing is over" (elephant & detective)
• both in color and black & white
• Editable

Each poster is also editable! You will need Powerpoint to edit the text. Please note, ONLY the text is editable. The background image can not be moved.

The surprise box prep is quick and easy!  Just stuff your box. Print the label, and tape it on!

Each label is a standard 11" by 8.5".

⭐️ Bundle & SAVE ⭐️

-> Ready to make state testing a little less of a pain? You'll love the State Testing Bundle that includes this secret box label, motivational posters, encouraging cards, and do not disturb signs all for 40% OFF!

⭐⭐ Want to see what new products I have? ⭐⭐

Click the green star by my picture to follow me and be notified of all new products and sales! Each new product is 50% off for the first 24 hours!

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Copyright © Teaching With Coffee and Mascara.

Permission to copy for single classroom use only.

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

This is a powerpoint drag and drop activity on prefixes and suffixes.

This prefix and suffix activity includes:

• Prefix, suffix, and root word definition match
• Finding the prefix, suffix, and root word
• Matching a prefix to the root word to create a word
• Finding the prefix and the root word to match the given definition
• Matching a root word and a suffix to create a word
• Finding the root word and the suffix to match the given definition

All slides include movable pieces. Includes 7 activity slides.

This product can be used:

• To supplement a lesson
• To assess student understanding
• To review the standard with students
• As a center activity for students to complete individually or in pairs/groups

TOU:

This product may not be used by more than one teacher unless multiple licenses are purchased.

Introducing Super Star Synonyms – the ultimate Synonym and Antonym game that brings fun to literacy centres! Perfect for Years 3-6, this exciting game transports students onto the red carpet as they learn synonyms and antonyms in an engaging and interactive way. Up level those literacy centres!

As students move along the game board, they’ll land on Hollywood stars, pick up star cards with words, and record their synonyms on the included recording sheet. For an added challenge, they can also write down antonyms to further expand their vocabulary skills. That's right, working in synonyms AND antonyms! The goal is to reach the end of the board while mastering key vocabulary concepts!

Whether you're using it in the classroom or for small group activities, Super Star Synonyms is a fantastic resource for reinforcing vocabulary in your literacy centres. This game not only builds synonym and antonym knowledge but also encourages collaborative learning in a fun, Hollywood-inspired setting.

Key Features:

• Hollywood theme with stars, red carpet, and movie-related words
• Includes recording sheets for synonyms and antonyms
• Perfect for Years 3-6 literacy centres
• Fun and engaging way to practice vocabulary skills

Add some Hollywood glamour to your literacy centres with Super Star Synonyms and watch your students shine as vocabulary superstars!

Follow along on the blog Captivating Kids blog

Hoping to deepen your students' knowledge of figurative language? Eager to equip your students with the tools and techniques for analyzing figurative language in Shakespeare's plays?

This FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE STATIONS activity is a fun and effective method for giving students practice at analyzing the most important types of figurative language. Students will develop the skills not only to identify types of figurative language but also to explain how figurative language contributes to the meaning of a literary text!

This stations activity focuses on the 8 types of figurative language that are used most frequently in William Shakespeare's plays: metaphor, simile, metonymy, personification, apostrophe, paradox, oxymoron, and hyperbole. It features over 120 quotations from Shakespeare's best plays. Students will learn about figurative language while gaining exposure to the most profound and thought-provoking lines from the world's greatest playwright!

Here's what you'll find inside this 40-page resource:

• Stations Worksheets (x8): This resource includes a total of 8 worksheets focused on 8 types of figurative language. Each worksheet challenges students to explain the meaning or effect created by the same figure of speech found across 6 quotations from Shakespeare's plays. The quotations include some of the most profound and thought-provoking lines from Shakespeare's best plays: Romeo and Juliet, Julius Caesar, Hamlet, Twelfth Night, As You Like It, Othello, Macbeth, King Lear, The Tempest, and more. There are a total of 48 quotations from over 15 plays! (8 pages)

• Answer Keys to Stations Worksheets (x8): The answer keys explain how the figures of speech found across 48 quotations contribute to the meaning of Shakespeare's plays. (8 pages)

• Station Placards (x8): The 8 placards can be folded and placed on the desks that correspond to the 8 stations. The placards add a splash of colorful decoration to this activity. (8 pages)

• Literary Devices Glossary: This 1-page glossary features the 8 types of figurative language that are used most frequently throughout Shakespeare's plays. The glossary includes definitions of the 8 types of figurative language as well as one or two examples of how each figure of speech gets used in one of Shakespeare's plays. Students can use the glossary to study for the quizzes on figurative language. (1 page)

• Quiz on Metaphors & Similes: This quiz focuses only on metaphors and similes; it challenges students to identify the figures of speech used across 15 quotations from Shakespeare's plays. Includes answer key. (2 pages)

• Quiz on 8 Types of Figurative Language (x2): These two quizzes focus on all 8 types of figurative language. The first quiz challenges students to identity the figures of speech used across 25 quotations. The second quiz is similar but features 20 longer quotations; it could be used as a make-up quiz or extra-credit quiz. Includes answer keys. (8 pages)

Here are the types of figurative language featured across the 8 stations:

1. Metaphor

2. Simile

3. Metonymy

4. Personification

5. Apostrophe

6. Paradox

7. Oxymoron

8. Hyperbole

This entire 40-page unit will come to you in two separate formats: a Word doc *and* a PDF. Because the Word doc is editable, you'll be able to customize the materials to suit the skill levels of your students. If you don't have Microsoft Word, you'll still be able to access the entire unit as a PDF — which is easy to navigate and quick to print!

If you have any questions, please don't don't hesitate to get in touch. As a full-time teacher who is currently teaching a year-long Shakespeare elective, I'm eager to do everything I can to ensure that you have an amazing experience with the swan of Avon!

Thank you for stopping by Rigorous Resources!

Happy teaching!

Adam Jernigan, Ph.D.

adamjernigan@gmail.com

P.S. Don't forget to click “follow” for email updates on new products by Rigorous Resources. New products will be 50% OFF for the first 24 hours!

A capitalization guide with 5 full practice activities that will give students an opportunity to practice before state or district assessments. Includes a "teach" page for self-guided learning.

INCLUDES: Word doc, PDF and 4 Google Form Quizzes! (digital)

BUNDLE AND SAVE: ELA Test Prep, Study Guide & Activities Bundle

Check out these other resources!

• All Things English For Middle & High School Students (best seller)
• Once Upon A Crime
• Revising & Editing Workbook
• Revising & Editing for Group Lessons
• Bell Ringers for the Semester
• Everything Writing

10 hyperbole images for students to engage with! Includes: 10 black and white coloring images 10 hyperboles Definition Directions Example Write Your Own Illustrate Your Own Extra Activity: Decipher classmates' hyperboles Hyperboles included: I had a ton of homework. Her smile brought out the sunshine. I am so hungry I could eat a horse. It is raining cats and dogs. She cried for days. He runs faster than a race car. I was so thirsty I drank an ocean. Grandma seems older than time. He was stronger than an elephant. He would move mountains for her. Meets ELA state guidelines. Fun and engaging! Follow Educator Helper for FREE weekly products at www.bethhammett.blogspot.com

Help your students master CVC words with this interactive CVC Unscramble Sentences,short e Fix-It, Write-It, Cut-and-Paste, and Draw-It Worksheets! This resource is packed with engaging activities designed to improve early reading, writing, and sentence-building skills, perfect for kindergarten and 1st-grade learners.

Each worksheet includes:

• Unscramble Sentences featuring CVC words to practice correct word order.
• A Fix-It section where students correct capitalization and punctuation.
• A Write-It section for students to rewrite the sentence independently.
• A Cut-and-Paste activity where students cut out words and rearrange them into a complete sentence.
• A Draw-It activity that encourages students to draw a picture related to the unscrambled sentence.

These hands-on activities are great for literacy centers, independent work, or morning tasks. Your students will have fun while strengthening their understanding of CVC words and sentence structure!

State testing is difficult for both teachers and students. Help motivate them with these superhero themed motivational cards. Pair them with a little snack or candy to help brighten a child's day or week during testing days. Sure to bring a smile to their face.

Resource comes with 10 different motivational cards. Just print and place on students desks before they begin to test.

A HUGE thank you to the following content creators for making my resource possible:

https://www.TeachShare.com/Store/Mosaic-Designs

https://www.TeachShare.com/Store/Clipartisan

Empower your students to delve deeper into informational texts with this versatile worksheet! This resource guides students through a thorough examination of nonfiction, focusing on key areas such as:

Summary: Students identify main ideas and supporting details, honing their ability to synthesize information.

Text Structure: Students analyze how the author organizes the text, recognizing patterns like cause and effect, chronological order, or problem and solution. This fosters understanding of how structure contributes to meaning.

Author's Craft: Students explore the writer's techniques, such as vivid language, use of evidence, and emotional appeals. This develops critical thinking about how authors achieve their purpose and influence readers.

Word Choice: Students examine impactful words and phrases, considering their effect on the tone and message of the text.

Connections: Students make meaningful links between the text and their own knowledge, other texts, and the wider world, promoting deeper engagement and understanding.

Benefits:

• Promotes active reading and critical thinking skills
• Suitable for a variety of nonfiction texts and subject areas
• Scaffolded approach supports students of different learning levels
• Encourages thoughtful discussion and analysis
• Develops key literacy skills essential for academic success

This resource is perfect for teachers who want to:

• Enhance nonfiction reading comprehension
• Foster analytical thinking and discussion
• Support students in writing about informational texts
• Prepare students for standardized tests

Use for your door / bulletin board during standardized / state testing for tests such SBA, CAASPP, FAST, PARCC, NYS etc.

Have students work together to complete a collaborative poster project that is perfect for testing season.

Poster reads, "Shhhh! We are hard at work on our testing. Please do not disturb!"

There are 20 8.5 x 11 pages that when put together create approximately a 55" (length) by 34" (width) poster.

Directions for assembly are included, but happy to help with any help needed to assemble to display your students' collaborative work!

There are two options included in the zip folder- an option with bleed (may need slight overlap depending on your printer settings), or an option with dotted lines to cut on for each part of the poster that require no overlap.

Please leave feedback for this product to receive TeachShare credit that can be used for future purchases!

Permission is granted to copy pages for use by teachers/students use by the original purchaser. This product was sold for single classroom use only. Please purchase additional licenses for use in multiple classrooms.

AVID - Vocabulary Word Log & Game for SAT / ACT Test Prep: Use this vocabulary list and log with the engaging 100-second challenge digital activity to help your AVID students build their vocabulary skills in order to prepare for their future ACT or SAT tests! These words work great for both middle and high school students.

✨AVID Mega Growing Bundle✨

What's Included:

• Google Sheet vocabulary log with 52 words
• Google Slides 100-second challenge game with 52 questions and 52 answers

Directions:

• Click on the circle to access a forced copy of the vocab log/list.
• Have students complete the vocabulary log using the words provided.
• They should also have time to study the words before this game.
• Divide the class into 4-6 teams.
• Each team should have a "speaker" to share answers.
• Have each team take turns answering a vocabulary question.
• Teams will only get 100 seconds to answer the question.
• If they can answer correctly, the team gets 1 point.
• Then, give that team a ball (a crumpled up piece of paper will do).
• If the team can make a basket into the trashcan, reward the team an extra point.

Uses:

• SAT/ACT test prep
• Teambuilding
• Framework Friday

Click HERE to see our other AVID resources. We also have several great AVID bundle options available down below!

AVID Teambuilding Bundle

AVID Writing Bundle

Common and Proper Nouns Grammar Activity | Digital Google Classroom Self-Checking

Enhance grammar skills with this engaging Common and Proper Nouns activity, designed specifically for Google Classroom! Perfect for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders, this interactive Google Sheets activity helps students master identifying common and proper nouns with a fun, self-checking system. Students receive instant feedback as they work through 20 questions: answers light up in green for correct and red for incorrect responses. As students progress, correct answers reveal a hidden picture art for added motivation!

Aligned with CCSS standards (L.2.2, L.2.2a, L.3.1a), this activity is ideal for ELA Test Prep and Grammar practice. Boost engagement and mastery in English Language Arts with this effective digital resource, perfect for remote learning or classroom use!

Tags: Common and Proper Nouns, Grammar Activity, Google Classroom, Self-Checking, Digital Worksheet, English Language Arts, ELA

Time to work on grammar! Are your students learning to identify prepositions and prepositional phrases in sentences? This of ELA grammar task cards for identifying prepositional phrases will do the trick! You get 36 task cards - with a variety of styles of MC questions for working with prepositional phrases - ranging from choosing the correct phrase to finding sentences that use prepositional phrases within a paragraph. You also get 3 bonus worksheets - great for homework, extra practice, independent seatwork, and a tangible paper for a grade! Find more grammar related items here at Sassycat Corner! Buy the Task Card Bundle! More Sentences Task Cards! Identify Complete Subjects and Complete Predicates Writing descriptive sentences Sentence Fragments, Run-ons, and Complete sentences Identify Types of Sentencese If your students enjoyed this activity, feel free to leave feedback! It feeds the educational muses!

Enhance vocabulary in any class or content area with this AVID-inspired vocabulary awareness chart in Google Sheets. This vocabulary awareness chart allows students to check their awareness and knowledge of words found in the content they are learning about.

Directions

• The vocabulary self-awareness chart allows students to assess themselves on class vocabulary words.
• In my classroom, we chose our words from the words students have come across in their reading.
• Students write the vocabulary words, determine how well they know the word (checking a checkbox in the correct column), and type any notes or definitions they have for the word.
• Simply duplicate the chart in Google Sheets when you are ready for students to make a new self-awareness chart over new content you are learning so that students can keep a log.

What's Included

• One Google Sheets document where students will duplicate and log their vocabulary awareness across all the readings completed in your class.
• In the document, students will include:

- Name

- Date

- What the vocabulary is for

- Word

- Students will check a box for the following: know it well & can explain it, heard it or seen it before, no Clue

- Notes/Definitions

*This resource is available for Outschool teachers to purchase without the need for extra licenses.

Check out other AVID resources HERE!

Check out other Reading resources HERE!

Check out Writing Resources HERE!

Check out Collaboration resources HERE!

Check out Public Speaking resources HERE!

Women's History Month Activity - Nonfiction/Informational Text Reading Comprehension Passages

These reading practice passages are perfect as a warm-up, bell work, homework, or weekly assessment. Students can use independently or in guided reading groups.

What's Included

5 One Page Nonfiction Reading Comprehension Pages

• Susan B. Anthony
• Marie Curie
• Sally Ride
• Amelia Earhart
• Madeleine Albright

Corresponding Multiple Choice Questions (10) for each passage

Answer Keys

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