$5 - $10 ELA Test Prep Lesson

Transform your students’ writing skills with this STAAR ECR Mastery Resource, designed to make essay writing both engaging and effective for grades 6-8. This product breaks down the often overwhelming task of essay writing into clear, manageable steps, ensuring that your students feel confident and prepared for the Extended Constructed Response (ECR) section of the STAAR exam. Whether for classroom instruction, intervention, or test prep, this resource delivers everything you need to support your students in writing strong, structured essays.

✅ Thorough Skill Development Across 3 Days

This 3-day lesson plan guides students through each critical step of informational essay writing. Starting with a solid foundation in developing a thesis, students will then practice writing claims, supporting them with evidence, and providing sound reasoning. By the end of the unit, students will have completed a full-length informational essay on a highly engaging topic—Fortnite—a subject that captures their attention while reinforcing essential writing skills.

✅ Engaging and Interactive Resources

To maintain student engagement, this resource includes interactive slides that break down each element of essay writing. These slides are designed to support all learners by making the concepts of thesis development, claims, evidence, and reasoning more accessible and relatable. The step-by-step instructions and accompanying answer keys ensure that students receive clear feedback and can refine their skills with guided practice.

✅ Real-World Topic for Practice

Students will have the opportunity to write a complete essay on Fortnite, a popular video game that they are likely familiar with and excited to discuss. This essay topic makes practicing the skills they need for STAAR ECR a fun, relevant experience, allowing them to see the real-world application of writing techniques.

✅ Key Features of the Resource:

• Full 3-Day Lesson Plan: Walks you through each stage of essay instruction, from teaching concepts to peer review and revision.
• Comprehensive Essay Practice: A full-length essay assignment on Fortnite to engage students while practicing thesis, claims, evidence, and reasoning.
• Interactive Slides: Detailed slides to introduce and guide each stage of writing, ensuring clarity and engagement.
• Answer Keys: Provided for every activity so that students can receive clear, actionable feedback.
• Test Prep and Intervention: Ideal for helping students strengthen their essay writing skills, both for general classroom use and targeted interventions.

✅ Perfect for Test Prep and Classroom Instruction

This resource is perfect for helping students master the skills needed to succeed on the STAAR Extended Constructed Response. Whether used for whole-class instruction or focused intervention, the STAAR ECR Mastery Resource delivers everything you need to elevate your students' essay writing abilities.

Prepare your students for STAAR writing success with a resource that not only builds essential writing skills but also keeps them engaged and excited to learn. Perfect for middle school teachers looking for practical, engaging ways to improve writing outcomes.

Additional STAAR resources:

ECR Relay Race: Engaging STAAR Writing Prep Grades 5-8 Comprehension 12 Prompts!

Thanksgiving Argument Writing Unit Debate Topics & Lesson Plans 4 STAAR ECRs

To come

Elevate your students' short response writing skills and prepare them for success on the STAAR test with this comprehensive Extended Constructed Response (ECR) lesson designed for middle and high school classrooms. This engaging PowerPoint lesson offers educators a valuable tool to assess and guide student learning effectively.

Key Features:

1. Sample Response Evaluation: Dive into three sample extended constructed responses and guide your students through the process of critically analyzing and scoring each one. This lesson provides detailed criteria and rubrics to help teachers accurately assess student work.
2. STAAR Test Practice: Prepare your students for the rigor of the STAAR test with targeted practice exercises. This lesson includes a variety of short stories and prompts that mirror the format and style of STAAR test questions, allowing students to familiarize themselves with the expectations and requirements of the exam.
3. Interactive Learning: Engage your students with interactive activities and discussions that encourage active participation and deeper understanding.
4. Teacher Resources: Empower educators with comprehensive teacher guides, answer keys, and additional resources to support lesson implementation and facilitate classroom instruction. These lesson materials are user-friendly and adaptable, making it easy for teachers to integrate them into their existing curriculum.
5. Skill Development: Foster critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and writing proficiency in your students as they practice crafting concise and well-supported extended constructed responses. This lesson emphasizes essential skills such as citing evidence, structuring responses, and addressing prompt requirements effectively.

Why Choose This Lesson:

• Rigorous and standards-aligned content designed to meet the needs of middle and high school students.

• Engaging and interactive activities that promote student engagement and academic growth.

• Easy-to-use resources and materials for seamless lesson implementation and classroom management.

• Comprehensive preparation for the STAAR test, ensuring that students feel confident and capable on exam day.

Empower your students to excel in short response writing and conquer the challenges of the STAAR test with this dynamic and comprehensive lesson. Elevate your teaching and ignite a passion for learning with these innovative instructional materials. Download this lesson today and watch your students thrive!

What's Included:

• Student lesson with 42 PowerPoint slides
• Checklists for 3 sample ECRs
• Scaffolded response template
• Templates for in-class scoring (stars)
• 2 Texts to read & write about
• Multiple opportunities for students to speaking, listening, thinking, creating, and evaluating
• Included in Word and PDF

Get your K-2 English Language Learners ready for state testing with this ESL State Test Practice bundle! This resource includes 46+ pages of materials targeting all four language modalities:** Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing**. Each section is differentiated to meet the needs of students at different proficiency levels (Emerging, Transitioning, Expanding, and Commanding).

What's Included:

• Speaking assessment with 4 leveled questions and teacher scripts
• Listening comprehension passages with picture support
• Reading comprehension passages with differentiated questions
• Writing prompts with scaffolded response sheets
• Answer keys for Listening and Reading sections
• Detailed rubrics for Speaking and Writing assessment
• Teacher instruction pages for each section
• Student workbook pages (numbered for easy organization)

Key Features:

1. Differentiated Instruction:

• • Multiple proficiency levels for each skill
  • Scaffolded support for emerging learners
  • Challenge opportunities for advancing students

2. Teacher-Friendly Design:

• • Clear teacher instructions for each section
  • Easy-to-follow scripts for speaking assessment
  • Ready-to-use rubrics for evaluation
  • Organized answer keys

3. Student-Centered Learning:

• • Age-appropriate topics (school, animals, daily activities)
  • Visual supports throughout
  • Clear formatting and instructions
  • Engaging content that builds confidence

4. Standards-Aligned:

• • Aligned with NYSESLAT/WIDA requirements
  • Focuses on all four language domains
  • Mirrors state test format and expectations

Why Teachers Love This Resource:

• Saves hours of prep time
• Provides structured practice opportunities
• Helps identify areas needing additional support
• Perfect for test preparation or ongoing assessment
• Easily adaptable for individual or group work
• Includes both formative and summative assessment tools

Format:

• PDF (46+ pages)
• Print-ready
• Student and teacher versions included

Perfect for:

• Test preparation
• Progress monitoring
• Small group instruction
• Individual assessment
• Centers/stations
• Homework practice

-Make your ESL instruction more effective and efficient with this comprehensive resource. Help your K-2 English Language Learners build confidence and skills across all four language modalities!

If you enjoyed this resource, don’t forget to leave a REVIEW to earn points for FREE PRODUCTS!

If you have any questions or concerns with downloading or accessing any of my resources, please EMAIL ME at mrslinearesources@gmail.com and I will answer ASAP! :)

Terms

Copyright © Mrs. Linea. All rights reserved by author. This product is to be used by the original downloader only.

Engage 3rd-5th graders with a context clues nonfiction lesson: bell ringer, guided notes, ELA STAAR practice, activities, anchor chart, model passage, and exit ticket—ideal for intervention, stations, STAAR prep, and independent reading comprehension work!

A low-prep lesson designed to help learners master context clues in a fun and structured way within the Nonfiction Genre.

➡️ Why You Will Love

⭐A lesson plan that is planned and prepped so you get your planning time back!

⭐Science of reading-aligned strategies for students to apply to their reading.

⭐Real-world connections so that students see how the skill is applied to their everyday lives. 

⭐Flexible Format to integrate into any curriculum. 

⭐Differentiated small group instruction cards to help you reach every learner in your classroom. 

➡️ What’s Included

• Detailed Mini-Lesson Plan

• Warm Up

• Anchor Chart

• Real-World Connections

• Interactive Adventure Google Lesson Slides

• Teacher Model Text

• Guided Notes

• Guided Practice with key terms

• Differentiated Small Group Instruction Cards

• Student Activity: Scavenger Hunt

• Exit Ticket

➡️ How to Use Suggestions

• Begin with a warm-up to spark curiosity and introduce the day’s focus.

• Teach with the anchor chart, lesson slides, model text, guided practice, and guided doodle notes, encouraging students to make connections.

• Engage students with a story-driven adventure lesson. 

• Provide scaffolded practice using small group instruction and independent activities.

• Wrap up with an exit ticket to assess understanding and inform future lessons.

• Use Google Slides and Adobe to assign or download resources.

Your students will love the adventure lesson, variety, and engagement provided in this resource! Bring Context Clues to life with this resource! 

➡️ LET’S CONNECT

Follow ELA Vibes to get updates on new resources!

➡️ Additional Supports

Mini-Lessons

Activity Packs

STAAR Prep

Short and Extended Constructed Responses

Transform STAAR writing preparation into an exhilarating adventure with our "ECR Relay Race" resource! Designed specifically for grades 6-8, this product turns the daunting task of essay writing into a collaborative, fun, and competitive experience. Dive into high-engaging topics while practicing informational, argumentative, and correspondence writing skills critical for STAAR success.

✅ Engaging Topics for Every Genre:

• Informational ECRs: Explore Texas Rodeo, Texas State Fair, and NASA's monumental contributions.
• Argumentative ECRs: Delve into captivating debates like Selena vs. Beyonce, Roblox vs. Minecraft, and Messi vs. Ronaldo.
• Correspondence ECR: Address real-world issues in letters concerning Ocean pollution, VR headsets in education, and Sports accessibility for students with disabilities.

✅ Collaborative Learning: Encourage teamwork with relay races that make writing a shared journey. Students can work together or individually, pushing them to think critically and write effectively.

✅ Interactive Progress Tracking: Watch as students advance their stick figure characters across the board with each completed paragraph, igniting a sense of accomplishment and urgency.

✅ Comprehensive ECR Refresher: Kickstart your classes with 15 slides designed to refresh students on ECR essentials, providing a solid foundation for success.

✅ Inclusive Support Materials: Includes sentence stems for each writing genre, aiding students in structuring their thoughts and arguments clearly and cohesively.

✅ Fun, Engaging, and Educational: Our resource is not just about STAAR prep; it's about creating memorable learning experiences that foster creativity, critical thinking, and a love for writing.

Prepare your students for STAAR writing with a resource that’s as educational as it is exhilarating. Make test preparation something students look forward to with our ECR Relay Race. Perfect for teachers seeking innovative, engaging ways to enhance writing skills and STAAR readiness.

THIS IS A PDF FILE

Why teach word meaning through nonsense words?

• Students must use critical thinking to solve
• Students must read the whole passage for context clues
• Students must problem solve to find the best word that makes the most sense.
• They can't find the answer except through problem solving.

All of these are things we want every student to do! This is something that is already adapted for high and low learners.

Starting with three nonsense words gets students going so they can work in groups or independently to decode the meaning of 7 REAL words (selected from the SAT vocabulary list).

This is a perfect activity for group problem solving and critical thinking!

Looking for a high-engagement, standards-aligned resource to teach argumentative writing? This Thanksgiving Argument Writing Unit is perfect for middle school (grades 6-8) and provides four unique Thanksgiving-themed writing prompts that help students practice developing claims, providing evidence, and addressing counterarguments and rebuttals.
This resource includes:

• A full lesson plan designed for a 75-minute class, guiding students through argument writing with structured slides and engaging activities.

• Four thought-provoking Thanksgiving debate topics, including:

• "Should Black Friday be banned due to its impact on society?"

• "Is it ethical to celebrate Thanksgiving given the historical conflicts with Native Americans?"

• "Should Thanksgiving Day parades be canceled due to their environmental impact?"

• "Should Thanksgiving football games be banned on the holiday?"

• Slides and Guided Notes: Step-by-step instruction on writing an argumentative essay using claims, evidence, counterarguments, and rebuttals.

• Practice Activities: Hands-on exercises to help students identify and write each part of an argument.

• Templates for Writing: Easy-to-use templates for students to organize their essays and develop their writing.

This unit is ideal for teaching the basics of argumentative writing in a fun, seasonal way, with relevant and engaging Thanksgiving topics that students care about. It's also perfect for debate prewriting, essay interventions, or building towards state assessments like STAAR.
What’s Included:

• Complete 60-minute lesson plan
• 4 Thanksgiving-themed argument writing prompts
• Guided notes and practice passages
• Slide deck covering key writing components (claim, evidence, counterargument, rebuttal)

Help your students develop strong, clear arguments while engaging with Thanksgiving traditions in a meaningful way. Perfect for teaching argumentative writing and improving students' ability to express their ideas logically and persuasively!

Elevate your students' short response writing skills and prepare them for success on the STAAR test with this comprehensive Short Constructed Response (SCR) lesson designed for middle and high school classrooms. This engaging PowerPoint lesson offers educators a valuable tool to assess and guide student learning effectively.

Key Features:

1. Sample Response Evaluation: Dive into three sample short constructed responses and guide your students through the process of critically analyzing and scoring each one. This lesson provides detailed criteria and rubrics to help teachers accurately assess student work.
2. STAAR Test Practice: Prepare your students for the rigor of the STAAR test with targeted practice exercises. This lesson includes a variety of short stories and prompts that mirror the format and style of STAAR test questions, allowing students to familiarize themselves with the expectations and requirements of the exam.
3. Interactive Learning: Engage your students with interactive activities and discussions that encourage active participation and deeper understanding.
4. Teacher Resources: Empower educators with comprehensive teacher guides, answer keys, and additional resources to support lesson implementation and facilitate classroom instruction. These lesson materials are user-friendly and adaptable, making it easy for teachers to integrate them into their existing curriculum.
5. Skill Development: Foster critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and writing proficiency in your students as they practice crafting concise and well-supported short constructed responses. This lesson emphasizes essential skills such as citing evidence, structuring responses, and addressing prompt requirements effectively.

Why Choose This Lesson:

• Rigorous and standards-aligned content designed to meet the needs of middle and high school students.

• Engaging and interactive activities that promote student engagement and academic growth.

• Easy-to-use resources and materials for seamless lesson implementation and classroom management.

• Comprehensive preparation for the STAAR test, ensuring that students feel confident and capable on exam day.

Empower your students to excel in short response writing and conquer the challenges of the STAAR test with this dynamic and comprehensive lesson. Elevate your teaching and ignite a passion for learning with these innovative instructional materials. Download this lesson today and watch your students thrive!

• Student lesson with 41 PowerPoint slides
• Checklists for 3 sample SCRs
• Scaffolded response template
• Templates for in-class scoring (stars)
• 2 Texts to read & write about
• Multiple opportunities for students to speaking, listening, thinking, creating, and evaluating
• Included in Word and PDF

Elevate your students' short response writing skills and prepare them for success on the STAAR test with these comprehensive Extended Constructed Response (ECR) and Short Constructed Response (SCR) lessons designed for middle and high school classrooms. The engaging PowerPoint lessons offer educators a valuable tool to assess and guide student learning effectively.

Key Features:

1. Sample Response Evaluation: Dive into three samples per constructed responses (6 total) and guide your students through the process of critically analyzing and scoring each one. This lesson provides detailed criteria and rubrics to help teachers accurately assess student work.
2. STAAR Test Practice: Prepare your students for the rigor of the STAAR test with targeted practice exercises. This lesson includes a variety of short stories and prompts that mirror the format and style of STAAR test questions, allowing students to familiarize themselves with the expectations and requirements of the exam.
3. Interactive Learning: Engage your students with interactive activities and discussions that encourage active participation and deeper understanding.
4. Teacher Resources: Empower educators with comprehensive teacher guides, answer keys, and additional resources to support lesson implementation and facilitate classroom instruction. These lesson materials are user-friendly and adaptable, making it easy for teachers to integrate them into their existing curriculum.
5. Skill Development: Foster critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and writing proficiency in your students as they practice crafting concise and well-supported extended constructed responses. This lesson emphasizes essential skills such as citing evidence, structuring responses, and addressing prompt requirements effectively.

Why Choose This Lesson:

• Rigorous and standards-aligned content designed to meet the needs of middle and high school students.

• Engaging and interactive activities that promote student engagement and academic growth.

• Easy-to-use resources and materials for seamless lesson implementation and classroom management.

• Comprehensive preparation for the STAAR test, ensuring that students feel confident and capable on exam day.

Empower your students to excel in short response writing and conquer the challenges of the STAAR test with this dynamic and comprehensive lesson. Elevate your teaching and ignite a passion for learning with these innovative instructional materials. Download this lesson today and watch your students thrive!

What's Included:

• Student lesson with 83 PowerPoint slides
• Checklists for 6 sample ECRs
• Scaffolded response templates
• Templates for in-class scoring (stars)
• 4 Texts to read & write about
• Multiple opportunities for students to speaking, listening, thinking, creating, and evaluating
• Included in Word and PDF

Two products in one bundle for even more practice and test prep!

The first product gives you a class lesson with group practice, individual practice and a summative assessment over revising and combing sentences. Because these are closely connected skills that require similar skill sets, your students will have one lesson that can prep them for these areas in testing and writing.

Use the second product for reinforcement, practice or quizzes on combining sentences. This includes a refresher page that students can use for self-guided learning or reference.

*Isolated practice for Revising Sentences coming soon!