$5 - $10 Elementary School Short Stories Activities (by date, oldest first)

Ignite creativity and improve writing skills with our Writing Prompts with Pictures! This educational resource features 15 engaging writing prompts designed to inspire young minds. Each prompt is accompanied by a colorful illustration, making the writing experience more enjoyable and visually appealing for children.

Features:

• Variety of Prompts: Each page includes a different prompt, such as “My favorite season is…” or “In the future, I want to be a…”, encouraging kids to express their thoughts and ideas.
• Visual Stimulation: Each prompt is paired with an attractive image, helping to spark inspiration and guide students in their writing.
• User-Friendly Format: Each sheet includes sections for the student's name, teacher, class, and date, promoting organization in classroom settings.
• Versatile Use: Ideal for classroom activities, homework assignments, or creative writing exercises, this resource is perfect for educators and parents alike.

Encourage students to develop their writing skills in a fun and interactive way with this delightful set of writing prompts!

Embark on a journey of friendship, loyalty, and personal growth with this captivating collection of eight short stories, perfect for teaching social-emotional learning and character education in the classroom.

"Friendship and Loyalty: Stories about the Challenges and Rewards of Maintaining Strong Friendships" is a powerful tool for educators seeking to foster meaningful discussions and lessons on the importance of building and maintaining healthy relationships. Each story in this collection highlights different aspects of friendship, such as trust, empathy, communication, and standing up for what's right, making it an invaluable resource for teaching essential life skills.

As students follow the journeys of Emma and Olivia, Jack and Liam, Maya and Zoe, and other memorable characters, they will learn valuable lessons about the power of unexpected connections, the importance of reconciliation, and the strength that comes from supporting one another through difficult times. These stories also tackle important topics such as peer pressure, standing up for oneself and others, and the consequences of one's actions on friendships.

Each story comes with a vocab list (word, part of speech, definition), a selection of potential assignments, a breakdown of the story structure, and applicable Common Core and National Health Education standards. All stories are also available individually from the DEEPbyDESIGN store.

Friendship and Loyalty: Stories about the Challenges and Rewards of Maintaining Strong Friendship

1. "The Unbreakable Bond": Two best friends, Emma and Olivia, find their friendship tested when they are assigned to compete against each other in a school science fair. As the competition intensifies, they must navigate the challenges of remaining loyal to each other while pursuing their individual goals.
2. "The Long-Distance Friendship": When Jack's best friend, Liam, moves to another country, they promise to stay in touch. Despite the time differences and the challenges of maintaining a long-distance friendship, the boys find creative ways to keep their bond strong.
3. "The Unexpected Friendship": Maya, a shy bookworm, and Zoe, a popular athlete, are paired together for a school project. As they work together, they discover that despite their differences, they have more in common than they thought and form an unlikely but powerful friendship.
4. "The Friendship Fallout": Aiden and Ethan have been best friends since kindergarten, but when a misunderstanding leads to a falling out, they must find a way to reconcile and repair their friendship.
5. "The Loyal Sidekick": When Sophia, the school's drama star, loses her voice before the big play, her best friend and understudy, Lily, steps in to help. Lily must balance her loyalty to Sophia with her own dreams of being in the spotlight.
6. "The Secret Keeper": When Nate confides in his best friend, Luke, about a family secret, Luke must decide whether to keep the secret or risk their friendship by telling an adult who can help.
7. "The Friendship Game": Four best friends, Ava, Bella, Chloe, and Daisy, create a game to test their friendship. As the challenges become more intense, they must decide what's more important: winning the game or maintaining their bond.
8. "The Friendship Rescue": When Mia's best friend, Sophie, starts hanging out with a new group of friends who engage in risky behavior, Mia must find the courage to stand up for what's right and help Sophie see the value of their true friendship.

Each of these stores can be found individually here

Empower Your Students to Overcome Bullying with "The Power Within"

A Collection of Short Stories & Engaging Activities Designed to Spark Dialogue, Build Empathy, and Inspire Change

Are you seeking a powerful tool to address bullying in your middle school classroom?

"The Power Within: Stories of Overcoming Bullying" is more than just a book; it's a comprehensive resource designed to help you navigate the complex landscape of bullying with your students.

What's Inside:

• Eight Engaging Narratives: Captivating stories that explore various forms of bullying, including verbal, physical, social, and cyberbullying, from multiple perspectives – the victim, the bully, the bystander, and the supportive adult.
• Thought-Provoking Discussion Questions: Each story is followed by a set of questions designed to spark meaningful conversations, encourage critical thinking, promote self-reflection, and foster empathy.
• Creative Writing Prompts: Inspire your students to explore the themes of the stories through writing, allowing them to develop their own voices, express their understanding of bullying, and consider alternative perspectives.
• Action-Oriented Project Ideas: Empower your students to take action against bullying by engaging in projects that promote kindness, inclusivity, and positive change within their school communities.

Why Choose "The Power Within":

• Relatable and Engaging: The stories are carefully crafted to resonate with the middle school experience, capturing the attention of your students and making the lessons more impactful.
• Multifaceted Approach: The book addresses bullying from various angles, providing a holistic understanding of the issue and its complexities.
• Promotes Social-Emotional Learning: The activities and discussion prompts encourage students to develop essential social-emotional skills, such as empathy, self-awareness, responsible decision-making, and relationship building.
• Versatile Teaching Tool: Use the stories as individual reading assignments, springboards for class discussions, or the foundation for a unit on bullying prevention.

"The Power Within" is more than just a book; it's a catalyst for positive change.

Help your students find their voices, embrace their strength, and create a more compassionate and inclusive school environment. Order your copy of "The Power Within: Stories of Overcoming Bullying" today!

Bonus: Follow us on

https://www.TeachShare.com/Store/Deep-By-Design

https://www.youtube.com/@DEEP.by.DESIGN

https://www.facebook.com/deepbydesign.2024

Each of the four Who What Where When Why Differentiated Worksheets come with a digital WH question version of the story. Students will read the Christmas, Winter, Chinese New Year, and Valentine’s Day-themed short story and then answer the Who What Where When Why guided questions.

In the differentiated worksheets, students have the option to fill in the answers or choose from multiple-choice options. The Google Slides digital version has audio support for questions and answers, multiple-choice answers, and self-checking.

This resource includes:

• 1 winter-themed digital short story with guided, self-checking WH questions with 2 printable version worksheets with two differentiated reading comprehension levels (with answer key)
• 1 Chinese New Year-themed digital short story with guided, self-checking WH questions with 2 printable version worksheets with two differentiated reading comprehension levels (with answer key)
• 1 Valentine’s Day-themed digital short story with guided, self-checking WH questions with 2 printable version worksheets with two differentiated reading comprehension levels (with answer key)
• 1 Christmas-themed digital short story with guided, self-checking WH questions with 2 printable version worksheets with two differentiated reading comprehension levels (with answer key)

Common Core State Standards: RL.2.1

You might also like:

• Reading Comprehension Passages & Questions 3rd-5th Grade | Animals BUNDLE
• Reading Comprehension Passages & Questions 3rd & 4th Grade | Four Seasons BUNDLE

I’m so glad you stopped by my store and checked out this resource! Follow my store to be updated about new products and sales. Don’t forget to leave feedback to earn credits toward future purchases by heading to MY PURCHASES in your TeachShare account. 

Connect with me!

• Follow my store for resource updates and sales!
• Send me an email at bethanierosesmith@gmail.com

Teacher Bethanie @TaughtOught Homeschooling

Each Who What Where When Why Differentiated Worksheet comes with a digital WH question version of the story. Students will read the summer, Children's Day, Father's Day, and 4th of July-themed short stories and then answer the Who What Where When Why guided questions.

In the differentiated worksheets, students have the option to fill in the answers or choose from multiple-choice options. The Google Slides digital version has audio support for questions and answers, multiple-choice answers, and self-checking.

This resource includes:

• 1 summer-themed digital short story with guided, self-checking WH questions with 2 printable version worksheets with two differentiated reading comprehension levels (with answer key)
• 1 Father's Day-themed digital short story with guided, self-checking WH questions with 2 printable version worksheets with two differentiated reading comprehension levels (with answer key)
• 1 Children's Day-themed digital short story with guided, self-checking WH questions with 2 printable version worksheets with two differentiated reading comprehension levels (with answer key)
• 1 4th of July-themed digital short story with guided, self-checking WH questions with 2 printable version worksheets with two differentiated reading comprehension levels (with answer key)

Common Core State Standards: RL.2.1

You might also like:

• Reading Comprehension Passages & Questions 3rd-5th Grade | Animals BUNDLE
• Reading Comprehension Passages & Questions 3rd & 4th Grade | Four Seasons BUNDLE

I’m so glad you stopped by my store and checked out this resource! Follow my store to be updated about new products and sales. Don’t forget to leave feedback to earn credits toward future purchases by heading to MY PURCHASES in your TeachShare account. 

Connect with me!

• Follow my store for resource updates and sales!
• Send me an email at bethanierosesmith@gmail.com

Teacher Bethanie @TaughtOught Homeschooling

Each of the four Who What Where When Why Differentiated Worksheets comes with a digital WH question version of the story. Students will read the Spring, Mother's Day, Easter, and St. Patrick's Day-themed short stories and then answer the Who What Where When Why guided questions.

In the differentiated worksheets, students have the option to fill in the answers or choose from multiple-choice options. The Google Slides digital version has audio support for questions and answers, multiple-choice answers, and self-checking.

This resource includes:

• 1 spring-themed digital short story with guided, self-checking WH questions with 2 printable version worksheets with two differentiated reading comprehension levels (with answer key)
• 1 Mother's Day-themed digital short story with guided, self-checking WH questions with 2 printable version worksheets with two differentiated reading comprehension levels (with answer key)
• 1 St. Patrick’s Day-themed digital short story with guided, self-checking WH questions with 2 printable version worksheets with two differentiated reading comprehension levels (with answer key)
• 1 Easter-themed digital short story with guided, self-checking WH questions with 2 printable version worksheets with two differentiated reading comprehension levels (with answer key)

Common Core State Standards: RL.2.1

You might also like:

• Reading Comprehension Passages & Questions 3rd-5th Grade | Animals BUNDLE
• Reading Comprehension Passages & Questions 3rd & 4th Grade | Four Seasons BUNDLE

I’m so glad you stopped by my store and checked out this resource! Follow my store to be updated about new products and sales. Don’t forget to leave feedback to earn credits toward future purchases by heading to MY PURCHASES in your TeachShare account. 

Connect with me!

• Follow my store for resource updates and sales!
• Send me an email at bethanierosesmith@gmail.com

Teacher Bethanie @TaughtOught Homeschooling

If you are looking for a comprehensive and engaging resource to keep your young learners excited and learning during the summer break, get this bundle. The bundle contains 3 resources; Kindergarten Summer Workbook Review Packet, Kindergarten and Preschool Summer Coloring Pages, and Kindergarten CVC Words Reading Comprehension Passages with multiple choice questions and answer keys.

1. Kindergarten Summer Workbook Review Packet

Packed with interactive exercises, this workbook is a fantastic tool for reinforcing key concepts learned throughout the kindergarten year. From numbers and letters to shapes, colors, and basic math skills, this comprehensive review packet ensures a strong foundation for continued academic success.

2. Kindergarten and Preschool Summer Coloring Pages

Engage your student's creativity with our captivating summer-themed coloring pages. Not only will they enjoy coloring in the delightful illustrations, but they'll also enhance their fine motor skills, creativity, and vocabulary. These pages are perfect for quiet moments at home or for keeping little ones entertained on family trips.

3. Kindergarten CVC Words Reading Comprehension Passages

Foster early literacy skills with our engaging reading comprehension passages. Designed for emerging readers, these age-appropriate stories focus on CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words and help young learners improve their decoding, fluency, and comprehension abilities. Each passage is accompanied by comprehension questions to reinforce understanding.

By incorporating this bundle into your student's summer routine, you'll provide them with:

• Comprehensive resources that cover key learning areas
• Engaging activities that make learning enjoyable
• Materials suitable for preschoolers, kindergarteners, 1st and 2nd graders
• Opportunities for review, reinforcement, and enrichment
• Versatile resources that can be used at home or in the classroom
• Quality content that promotes skill development and prevents summer learning loss

These no prep nonfiction and fiction reading passages with comprehension questions and main idea and key detail graphic organizers are perfect for your second grade, third grade, fourth grade, and fifth grade students! These reading comprehension worksheets will bring a love of learning back to your reading block. Your students will be engaged while learning!

Do your students DREAD having to read nonfiction texts? Do they moan and groan when it's time to read informational text because they find the topics boring or tiresome? These engaging, nonfiction passages about the animals of the Amazon rainforest, Chinese New Year, Presidents' Day and Arctic Animals will have your readers begging for more!

☀️_Check out my preview for details and click on each product included in this bundle to get a better look at what is inside each one._

With This Resource You'll Get:
★ Engaging nonfiction passages
★ Different formats for students response
★ Main idea and key details graphic organizer
★ Text dependent questions
★ Some multiple choice answers
★ Short answer written response
★ Standards-based tasks

How You Can Use This Resource:
✎ whole group
✎ small group
✎ partner work
✎ independent work
✎ homework
✎ literacy centers
✎ animal research
✎ animal research reports

Check Out What Teachers Are Saying:

❤️Brittney S. says, "Great articles and easy prep!"

❤️Ariane O says, "Interesting passages and solid level given the COVID learning loss.

❤️Wendy W says, "I used this with my class when discussing rainforest habitats. They loved learning about the different animals."

IRelated Products

☀️Monthly Holiday Nonfiction Reading Passages

☀️Arctic Animals Reading Passages
☀️Amazon Rainforest Animals Nonfiction Passages

☀️Chinese New Year Passages

☀️Nonfiction Passages about Presidents and Inauguration Day

⚠️ See Errors or Mistakes:
If you see anything that needs modifying, or if you have any questions, please contact me in the Q&A section.
You may also email me directly at basicbizteaching@gmail.com.

✨ Earn Free Resources:
Leaving feedback provides both of us with something valuable!
I get to learn how to continue creating the resources you and your students will love, and you will receive FREE credits toward your future purchases!

Do your students need practice to identify the main events and elements of a story? Do they have trouble distinguishing between main ideas or events and details? Then this close reading set is for you! These 15 worksheets with reading passages are designed to give your students an opportunity to practice identifying sequencing main events and details, as well as story elements!

What's included in the money-saving bundle:

Main Events and Sequencing Close Reading Worksheets

After reading each passage, students will identify the three main events in sequential order, a small detail from the story, as well as something made up that never actually happened in the story - my students love this!!

This packet contains 15 passages including one that's perfect for St. Patrick's Day titled "Catching a Leprechaun."

These no-prep worksheets are ready to go for you. Just print and proceed! The 15 passages offer variety, and this packet is ideal for teachers who want their students to get additional practice with this important skill.

INCLUDED WITH YOUR PURCHASE:

• 15 Printable Worksheets

Story Elements Close Reading Worksheets

Do your students need practice to identify the elements of story? These 15 worksheets with reading passages are designed to give your students an opportunity to practice identifying story elements.

After reading each passage, students will identify the characters, setting, problem (conflict), and lesson (theme).

This packet contains 15 passages including one that's perfect for St. Patrick's Day titled "Catching a Leprechaun."

These no-prep worksheets are ready to go for you. Just print and proceed! With 15 passages, this packet is ideal for teachers who want their students to get additional practice with this important skill.

INCLUDED WITH YOUR PURCHASE:

• 15 Printable Worksheets

***Note: both resources in the bundle utilize the same stories but each set focuses on a different skill! Perfect for practicing multiple skills!

Perfect for extra skill work during:

• morning meetings
• brain breaks
• sub-activities
• indoor recess
• snack time
• morning work
• early finishers
• end of year

★I would love to have you as my newest follower!★ Click here to follow.

Inspire your students to unleash their creativity with our Spring Picture Prompts narrative writing resource! Designed specifically for 4th to 6th graders, this dynamic tool walks students through every step of the writing process using the beauty and renewal of spring as a backdrop. From St. Patrick's Day to the wonders of a spring park, each photo prompt is a doorway to imagination and storytelling.

What’s Inside:

• 23 Engaging Slides: A visual journey that introduces students to the elements of a plot diagram, the critical difference between showing vs. telling, and 10 unique, spring-inspired photo prompts.
• 10 Spring-Inspired Photo Prompts: Carefully selected images that capture the essence of spring, ready to spark creativity in young writers.
• Comprehensive Writing Guides: Each photo prompt is accompanied by a 2-page planning guide to help students brainstorm settings, characters, and conflicts, laying the foundation for well-structured stories.
• Show vs. Tell Examples: Clear, accessible examples to teach students how to bring their stories to life, making their writing more engaging and vivid.

Perfect For:

• ☑️ Creative Writing Classes
• ☑️ Choice Boards
• ☑️ Extension Activities
• ☑️ Writing Units
• ☑️ Homework Assignments

Why You'll Love It:

• ☑️ Fosters Creativity: Encourages students to think creatively, developing unique narratives based on intriguing picture prompts.
• ☑️ Enhances Writing Skills: Guides students through the narrative writing process, from brainstorming to publishing, enhancing their writing skills.
• ☑️ Teaches Critical Writing Concepts: Offers a hands-on approach to understanding and applying key writing concepts like plot development and descriptive writing.
• ☑️ Flexible & Adaptable: Use it for a week-long writing project, a single class period, or as part of a larger unit. It’s designed to fit your needs!
• ☑️ Print & Go Convenience: Everything you need is at your fingertips, ready to be printed or shared digitally, saving you valuable preparation time.

Transform your classroom this spring with narratives that bloom as brightly as the season itself. Our Spring Picture Prompts resource is not just a set of activities; it's a gateway to imagination, critical thinking, and joyous writing. Whether you're diving into a creative writing unit, looking for a meaningful homework assignment, or seeking engaging extension activities, these picture prompts are your key to a vibrant writing experience.

Capture the essence of spring in your classroom. Add our Spring Picture Prompts to your teaching toolkit today and watch your students' writing flourish!