$5 - $10 5th Grade English Language Arts Activities (by date, latest first)

This novel study is for "The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus" by L. Frank Baum. L. Baum offers students the chance to examine the origins of Santa Claus in this classic novel. Students will examine the novel in-depth with Doodle Notes for each day's readings, and they will have extension activities that dig deeper into literary elements within the novel. Students will also develop vocabulary work through several vocabulary activities. An introduction essay and a final test round out this novel study, making it perfect for the Holiday season or any time of year. This zip drive download contains 2 PDFs. One contains all the student pages, and the other contains all the instructor pages, including answer keys and lesson plans.

Includes:

Student PDF (36 pages total): Introduction Essay with Rubric, Student Novel Worksheets (8 pages), Doodle Notes (15 pages), Vocabulary Worksheets (6 pages), and a Final Test (5 Pages)

Instructors Guide PDF (42 pages): Quick View Weekly Lesson Plans (3 pages), Daily Lesson Plans (6 pages), Teachers Notes and Answer Key Pages (10 pages), Doodle Notes Answer Keys (11 pages), Vocabulary Answer Keys (7 pages), Final Test Answer Keys (5 pages).

This novel study is for "The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus" by L. Frank Baum. L. Baum offers students the chance to examine the origins of Santa Claus in this classic novel. Students will examine the novel in-depth with Doodle Notes for each day's readings, and they will have extension activities that dig deeper into literary elements within the novel. Students will also develop vocabulary work through several vocabulary activities. An introduction essay and a final test round out this novel study, making it perfect for the Holiday season or any time of year. This zip drive download contains 2 PDFs. One contains all the student pages, and the other contains all the instructor pages, including answer keys and lesson plans.

Includes:

Student PDF (36 pages total): Introduction Essay with Rubric, Student Novel Worksheets (8 pages), Doodle Notes (15 pages), Vocabulary Worksheets (6 pages), and a Final Test (5 Pages)

Instructors Guide PDF (42 pages): Quick View Weekly Lesson Plans (3 pages), Daily Lesson Plans (6 pages), Teachers Notes and Answer Key Pages (10 pages), Doodle Notes Answer Keys (11 pages), Vocabulary Answer Keys (7 pages), Final Test Answer Keys (5 pages).

Religious Word Search Puzzle Pack - 15 Printable Activities in One ZIP File

This zip file contains a rich collection of 15 Bible-inspired puzzles, ready to print and ideal for children, Sunday school, homeschooling, and faith-based classrooms.

🧩 Contents:

• 10 individual puzzles in PDF format (A4 size, printable)

• Topics include: Moses, Noah, the Prophets, , Passover, the Ten Commandments, Angels, the Parables of Jesus, Lent, and more.

• Answer keys included for each puzzle

• Designed for ages 8 and up

🎯 Suitable for: ✔️ Sunday School ✔️ Homeschooling Activities ✔️ Bible Study Groups ✔️ Christian Education

🖨️ Simply download the ZIP file, extract the PDF files, and print as needed!

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

Engage 3rd, 4th, or 5th graders with tools to master Short Constructed Responses (SCR) and Extended Constructed Responses (ECR) practice using 35 student opportunities for RACE in a creative way. Ideal for ESL, ELA STAAR, RTI, stations, review, bell ringers, or differentiated independent work.

This No Prep roadmap will help students craft clear, structured, and thoughtful writing responses.

➡️ Why You Will Love

⭐35 student practice opportunities planned and prepped so you get your planning time back!

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

⭐Leverages the UPS framework to help students combine visuals, analogies, and hands-on practice, emphasizing Understanding, Processing, and Sharing knowledge.

⭐Flexible Format to integrate into any curriculum.

⭐Embedded support to help reach all learners.

➡️ What’s Included

• Structured Writing Frameworks:
  *RACE Method
  *UPS Framework
• Mini Quizzes
• 35 Practice Opportunities
• Scaffolding and Differentiation Tools Embedded
• 5 Quick Checks

➡️ How to Use

• Workbook
• Daily Warm-Ups
• Test Prep Stations
• Whole-Class Lessons
• Small-Group Lessons
• Differentiated Resource
• Accommodations

Bring STEP UPS to life with this incredible resource today!

➡️ LET’S CONNECT

Follow ELA Vibes

➡️ Additional Supports

Mini-Lessons

Activity Packs

STAAR Prep

Short and Extended Constructed Responses

➡️Receive TeachShare Store Credits

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Today in History Daily Warm-Up Instructions:

Image Observation:

Display a historical image related to the day's date or a significant event in history.

Instruct students to carefully observe the details in the image without providing any background information.

Individual Inference:

Ask students to individually jot down their inferences about what they think might be happening in the image.

Encourage them to consider details such as clothing, setting, facial expressions, and any other relevant visual cues.

Partner Discussion:

Pair up students and have them share their individual inferences with their partners.

Prompt partners to discuss and compare their interpretations, encouraging them to consider different perspectives.

Collaborative Inference:

Bring the class back together and facilitate a collaborative discussion.

Select a few pairs to share their inferences with the entire class.

Encourage students to consider diverse interpretations and discuss any common themes or differences in their observations.

Historical Context:

After the collaborative discussion, provide some historical context or information about the image.

Discuss how the actual events align or differ from the students' inferences.

Benefits for Students:

Critical Thinking Skills:

Analyzing historical images promotes critical thinking as students must observe details, make connections, and draw conclusions.

Inference and Interpretation:

Making inferences based on visual cues enhances students' ability to interpret information and think beyond the surface.

Collaborative Learning:

Partner and class discussions foster collaborative learning, allowing students to share and refine their ideas through dialogue.

Engagement with History:

Connecting historical events to visual stimuli makes history more tangible and relatable for students, increasing their interest and engagement.

Communication Skills:

Sharing inferences with partners and the class improves communication skills and helps students articulate their thoughts effectively.

Diverse Perspectives:

Encouraging students to consider different interpretations promotes an appreciation for diverse perspectives and helps them understand that history can be viewed from various angles.

Contextual Learning:

Providing historical context after the activity solidifies students' understanding, reinforcing the connection between visual stimuli and historical events.

By incorporating this activity into the daily warm-up routine, students can develop a deeper appreciation for history, enhance their analytical skills, and actively engage with the learning process.

Get ready to transform your classroom into a "Spook-tacular" learning zone with our Halloween Ghost Bulletin Board Kit! This versatile resource is not just a festive decoration—it's a powerful tool for engaging students in creative writing and figurative language practice. Perfect for grades 3-6, this kit offers a seamless blend of education and Halloween fun.

What's Inside:

• Interactive Bulletin Board: Showcase your students' work with a vibrant, ghost-shaped and spooky season-themed display that captures the spirit of Halloween and brings your classroom to life. The lift-the-flap design adds a fun 3D effect, making it even more exciting for students as they eagerly discover what’s hidden underneath.

• Engaging Writing Activities: Inspire your students to craft their own spooky stories while sharpening their figurative language skills. These activities are designed to ignite creativity and make writing fun.

  • Layered Ghost writing paper is included as 2 page option, 1 page option, labeled figure of speech option, or blank options allowing for free write.

• Ghost-Shaped Figurative Language Task Cards: Whether used for centers, group work, or independent practice, these ghost-shaped, spooky season-themed task cards provide a hands-on way for students to master similes, metaphors, alliteration, and more—all while staying on theme with Halloween. Ghost themed recording sheet and answer key included. Task cards include: Alliteration, Hyperbole, Idiom, Metaphor, Onomatopoeia, Personification, and Simile.

Why Teachers Love It:

• Creative and Interactive: Elevate your classroom decor while also providing a meaningful, educational experience.
• Lift-the-Flap Fun: The 3D effect of the flaps engages students, adding a layer of curiosity and excitement as they discover what’s underneath.
• Flexible Implementation: Use the writing activities and task cards in literacy centers, as homework, or for fast finisher activities.
• Student Engagement: With a mix of creativity and skill practice, this resource keeps students motivated and learning, even as the Halloween excitement builds.

How to Use:

1. Set Up the Display: Start by arranging the bulletin board with the ghost-shaped cutouts and display student work. Don’t forget to include the lift-the-flap elements for that extra touch of fun!
2. Incorporate Writing Activities: Integrate the writing prompts into your literacy lessons, allowing students to explore figurative language in a spooky context.
3. Practice with Task Cards: Use the ghost-shaped task cards for independent work, group activities, or even as a fun Halloween-themed review session. Print, Cut, Stack, and Staple to create lift the flap ghost task cards.

Bring a touch of Halloween magic to your classroom with this all-in-one bulletin board kit that’s sure to be a hit with your students while reinforcing essential language arts skills!

Interested in other Figurative Language Resources? Check out these posters!

Intereseted in other Fall Bulletin Boards? Check out this one!

Interested in other Fall Writing Activities? Check out these writing prompt slides!

I hope you find this resource just as helpful for your students as it has been for mine! If you have any questions or would like to share feedback, please reach out to me on Instagram: MrsBaileyandHerClass.

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• Submit Feedback: Click the “Provide Feedback” button next to each purchase.
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• Receive TeachShare Credits: Your feedback will earn you credits for future TeachShare purchases.
• Report Errors or Suggestions: If you notice any errors or have suggestions, please let me know in the Q&A section before leaving negative feedback. I’m committed to improving my products and appreciate the chance to address any issues. Thank you for your support!

©mrsbaileyandherclass2024

Boost your 4th graders' vocabulary skills with these engaging Vocabulary Puzzles closely aligned to support HMH Into Reading Modules 4-6! Designed to enhance vocabulary practice, this interactive resource brings movement, collaboration, and a hands-on approach to mastering essential terms. Each puzzle is aligned to 4th grade HMH Into Reading modules, reinforcing key vocabulary for every week.

Just print, cut, and let the learning begin as students piece together terms and definitions! Ideal for Grade 4 ELA, this resource integrates effortlessly into your curriculum and centers, making vocabulary learning both fun and impactful.

What's Included:

• Vocabulary puzzle pieces aligned to support 4th grade HMH Into Reading Modules 4-6, covering Big Idea Words and Weekly Vocabulary
• Simple instructions for quick setup and classroom use
• Printable format for easy prep—perfect for bulk cutting!

Perfect For:

• ELA teachers seeking standards-aligned vocabulary activities
• Teachers who love hands-on, engaging resources for vocabulary
• Classrooms focused on collaborative and kinesthetic learning

Use it in centers, as a whole-group activity on the whiteboard with magnetic tape, or in interactive notebooks for a versatile learning experience! Support your teaching goals with this ready-to-use resource and watch your students’ vocabulary confidence grow.

Disclaimer: This product is not endorsed by or affiliated with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) or any specific curriculum brand. It is an independent, teacher-created resource designed to support vocabulary instruction.

Want more Vocabulary Practice?

Modules 1-3 Vocabulary Puzzles!

Module 1 Vocabulary Crosswords!

Module 2 Vocabulary Crosswords!

I hope you find this resource just as helpful for your students as it has been for mine!

How to Earn TeachShare Credits for Future Purchases:

• Visit Your My Purchases Page: Navigate to your TeachShare account and locate your purchase history.
• Submit Feedback: Click the “Provide Feedback” button next to each purchase.
• Rate and Comment: Give a quick rating and leave a brief comment about the product.
• Receive TeachShare Credits: Your feedback will earn you credits for future TeachShare purchases.
• Report Errors or Suggestions: If you notice any errors or have suggestions, please let me know in the Q&A section before leaving negative feedback. I’m committed to improving my products and appreciate the chance to address any issues. Thank you for your support!

©mrsbaileyandherclass2024

Looking for an engaging way to reinforce text structure while capturing your students' attention? This Text Structure Interactive Game is the perfect resource for grades 3-5! With 90 fun and educational slides, your students will practice identifying text structure signal words (cause and effect, compare and contrast, problem and solution, chronological order, and description) in an interactive, engaging game format.

This resource is versatile and can be used in whole group instruction, small group centers, or as an independent practice game. Encourage collaboration, deepen comprehension, and strengthen writing skills with signal words—all while adding an extra touch of fun to your lessons!

Key Features:

• Focuses on all 5 text structures (cause and effect, compare and contrast, problem and solution, chronological order, and description)
• Reinforces and reviews text structure signal words
• Encourages class discussions with highlighted signal words in answer slides
• Perfect for 3rd-5th grade students
• Available in PowerPoint and Google Slides formats

What's Included:

• 1 Review Slide: Reinforces the importance of recognizing text structures.
• 45 Passage Slides: Each slide contains a short passage for students to determine the text structure.
• 45 Answer Key Slides: Includes highlighted signal words to promote discussion and support understanding.
• Printable Signs (#1-4): Great for classroom games or station rotations!

Transform your text structure lessons with this interactive and engaging text structure game, and watch your students excel in identifying key signal words and structures!

I hope you find this resource just as helpful for your students as it has been for mine!

How to Earn TeachShare Credits for Future Purchases:

• Visit Your My Purchases Page: Navigate to your TeachShare account and locate your purchase history.
• Submit Feedback: Click the “Provide Feedback” button next to each purchase.
• Rate and Comment: Give a quick rating and leave a brief comment about the product.
• Receive TeachShare Credits: Your feedback will earn you credits for future TeachShare purchases.
• Report Errors or Suggestions: If you notice any errors or have suggestions, please let me know in the Q&A section before leaving negative feedback. I’m committed to improving my products and appreciate the chance to address any issues. Thank you for your support!

©MrsBaileyandHerClass2024

Bring literary genres to life for your students with our Genre Craft Activity featuring a delightful camera theme! This engaging genre resource is perfect for hands on learning. You will get maximum impact with low to minimal prep! Genre craft activities and is tailored specifically for grades 3-6, making genre exploration both enjoyable and educational.

Product Highlights:

• 37 Literary Genres Included: Covers a comprehensive range of genres, with a blank option for any additional genres you may want to include.
• Two Versions Available: Option one has the photo spot blank for students to jot down notes, record examples, and draw symbols representing each genre. Option two includes genre-specific icons to visually aid students in understanding and recognizing each genre.
• Classroom Ready: Photo note pages are designed to be printed and cut in half, providing one polaroid page per two students per printer sheet of paper—easy to use and perfect for a paper conservative classroom settings!
• Complete Set: Comes with both front and back covers, creating a polished and professional genre snapshot booklet for your students.

Ideal for literary genre activities, this genre craft activity offers a hands-on way to reinforce genre knowledge in a fun and interactive manner. Teachers can choose to print all 37 genres or select the ones that fit their curriculum needs.

Optimize genre instruction and make learning about literary genres an exciting adventure for your students in grades 3-6 with this versatile and engaging resource!

Add this creative tool to your teaching toolkit and help your students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for literary genres!

I hope you find this resource just as helpful for your students as it has been for mine!

How to Earn TeachShare Credits for Future Purchases:

• Visit Your My Purchases Page: Navigate to your TeachShare account and locate your purchase history.
• Submit Feedback: Click the “Provide Feedback” button next to each purchase.
• Rate and Comment: Give a quick rating and leave a brief comment about the product.
• Receive TeachShare Credits: Your feedback will earn you credits for future TeachShare purchases.
• Report Errors or Suggestions: If you notice any errors or have suggestions, please let me know in the Q&A section before leaving negative feedback. I’m committed to improving my products and appreciate the chance to address any issues. Thank you for your support!

©mrsbaileyandherclass2024

Looking for a spooktacular way to reinforce text structure while engaging your students this Halloween season? This Halloween Text Structure Interactive Game is the perfect resource for grades 3-5! With 62 fun and educational slides, your students will practice identifying text structure signal words (cause and effect, compare and contrast, problem and solution, chronological order, and description) while immersed in a festive Halloween theme.

This resource is versatile and can be used in whole group instruction, small group centers, or even as a fun, interactive game. Encourage collaboration, deepen comprehension, and strengthen writing skills with signal words, all while embracing the Halloween spirit!

Key Features:

• Engaging Halloween theme to capture students' attention
• Focus on all 5 text structures (cause and effect, compare and contrast, problem and solution, chronological order, and description)
• Reinforces and reviews text structure signal words
• Encourages class discussions with highlighted signal words in answer slides
• Perfect for 3rd-5th grade students
• Available in PowerPoint and Google Slides formats

What's Included:

• 1 Review Slide: Reinforces the importance of recognizing text structures.
• 30 Passage Slides: Each slide contains a short passage for students to determine the text structure.
• 30 Answer Key Slides: Includes highlighted signal words to promote discussion and support understanding.
• Halloween-themed printable signs (#1-4): Perfect for classroom games or station rotations!

Transform your text structure lessons with a fun and festive Halloween twist, and watch your students excel in identifying key signal words and structures!

Click here to grab the non-holiday version!

I hope you find this resource just as helpful for your students as it has been for mine!

How to Earn TeachShare Credits for Future Purchases:

• Visit Your My Purchases Page: Navigate to your TeachShare account and locate your purchase history.
• Submit Feedback: Click the “Provide Feedback” button next to each purchase.
• Rate and Comment: Give a quick rating and leave a brief comment about the product.
• Receive TeachShare Credits: Your feedback will earn you credits for future TeachShare purchases.
• Report Errors or Suggestions: If you notice any errors or have suggestions, please let me know in the Q&A section before leaving negative feedback. I’m committed to improving my products and appreciate the chance to address any issues. Thank you for your support!

©mrsbaileyandherclass2024

Boost your 4th graders' vocabulary skills with these engaging and 4th grade HMH Into Reading aligned Vocabulary Puzzles for Modules 1-3! Designed to enhance vocabulary practice, this interactive resource brings movement, collaboration, and a hands-on approach to mastering essential terms. Each puzzle is aligned to support your 4th Grade HMH Into Reading modules, reinforcing key vocabulary for every week.

Just print, cut, and let the learning begin as students piece together terms and definitions! Ideal for Grade 4 ELA, this resource integrates effortlessly into your curriculum and centers, making vocabulary learning both fun and impactful.

What's Included:

• Vocabulary puzzle pieces aligned to HMH Into Reading Modules 7-10, covering Big Idea Words and Weekly Vocabulary
• Simple instructions for quick setup and classroom use
• Printable format for easy prep—perfect for bulk cutting!

Perfect For:

• ELA teachers seeking standards-aligned vocabulary activities
• Teachers who love hands-on, engaging resources for vocabulary
• Classrooms focused on collaborative and kinesthetic learning

Use it in centers, as a whole-group activity on the whiteboard with magnetic tape, or in interactive notebooks for a versatile learning experience! Support your teaching goals with this ready-to-use resource and watch your students’ vocabulary confidence grow.

Disclaimer: This product is not endorsed by or affiliated with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) or any specific curriculum brand. It is an independent, teacher-created resource designed to support vocabulary instruction.

Want more Vocabulary Practice?

Module 1 Vocabulary Crosswords!

Module 2 Vocabulary Crosswords!

I hope you find this resource just as helpful for your students as it has been for mine!

How to Earn TeachShare Credits for Future Purchases:

• Visit Your My Purchases Page: Navigate to your TeachShare account and locate your purchase history.
• Submit Feedback: Click the “Provide Feedback” button next to each purchase.
• Rate and Comment: Give a quick rating and leave a brief comment about the product.
• Receive TeachShare Credits: Your feedback will earn you credits for future TeachShare purchases.
• Report Errors or Suggestions: If you notice any errors or have suggestions, please let me know in the Q&A section before leaving negative feedback. I’m committed to improving my products and appreciate the chance to address any issues. Thank you for your support!

©mrsbaileyandherclass2024

The best way to teach vocabulary to kids is by playing educational games.

In this bundle you will get:

• Moon Phases Word Search Puzzle Activity Worksheet Fun Back To School Ressource
• Moon Landing Day Word Search Puzzle Worksheet - Activity Games For Kids
• Days of The Week Word Search Puzzle Worksheet
• Months of The Year Word Search Puzzle Worksheet
• BIG Summer Vacation Fun Word Search Worksheet - End of School Year Activity
• Classroom Objects Word Search - Back To School Students Activities Worksheets
• 118 Beach Related Words Word Search Puzzles - End of School Activity Worksheets
• 10 Summer Vocabulary Word Search Puzzles Worksheets Activity - 100 Word to Find
• Halloween October Word Search Vocabulary Activity Worksheets
• Fourth (4th) of July Word Search Puzzle Activity Worksheet | 63 Word to Find
• Spanish Days of The Week Word Search Puzzle Worksheet
• Italian Days of The Week Word Search Puzzle Worksheet
• French Days of The Week Word Search Puzzle Worksheet

Also, I'm open to suggestions about other word searches to add to this set.

Note: This product is not for resale and absolutely not for Commercial Use.

If you have any requests we can help.

To come

Get your students excited about reading instruction with my High-Interest Reading Passage Bundle!

Included in this Bundle are passages about:

YouTube

The World Cup

The Super Bowl

Fortnite

Mr. Beast

NBA

Playstation

Nintendo

LeBron James

And More!!

Comprehension and Vocabulary Questions:

• Enhance critical thinking skills with thought-provoking comprehension questions. Strengthen vocabulary through targeted questions that encourage deeper understanding of the content.

Ample Writing Space:

• Addressing the needs of special education students, our resources offer larger writing spaces. This allows for comfortable expression and better engagement with the material.

Why You'll Love This Product:

1. Interest-Driven Learning: Capture the attention of even the most uninterested learners with topics that resonate with their interests.
2. Comprehensive Assessment: Assess comprehension and vocabulary skills effectively with well-crafted questions that encourage critical thinking.
3. Inclusivity for Special Education: Larger writing spaces cater to the needs of special education students, providing a comfortable environment for expression and learning.

All the Christmas activities you can think of are included in this comprehensive pack! This 8-book bundle contains the following ebooks and worksheets:

1. Activities based on the movie ‘Home Alone’
2. Lesson Plan on "Last Christmas" by Wham!
3. Activities on the video “Biography: Santa Claus” for Elementary Students
4. Activities on the video “13 Differences You Experience At Christmas In Australia”
5. Lesson Plan based on the video “Christmas traditions in Great Britain”
6. Activities on the video “The Most Popular Christmas Gifts in Every Decade”
7. Activities on the video “Origins of Christmas”
8. Activities for the video “Evolution of Santa Claus”

Discover with your students everything about Christmas and Santa with these fun activities. There are activities for younger students and adults as well. Answer keys are provided at the end of each book, as well as detailed Teacher's Notes.

(The actual videos, movies, and songs are not included; they can be found on YouTube or other streaming services)

If your students loved reading Kwame Alexander's The Crossover, they need to see the new Disney+ series! As teachers, we want our students to be engaged, even when they are watching a film. With this resource, students will be challenged to think critically about the text and film in a variety of ways including comparing and contrasting, evaluating director decisions, and tracking character development across the series. Check out the preview for one handout from the bundle!

This resource includes:

• A double-sided handout for each episode 1-8
• Each handout contains:
• Do now question, discourse questions, compare and contrast section, and two rigorous writing tasks in DOK 3 or 4 and Bloom's Taxonomy Evaluate/Analyze categories.
• Each handout contains a teacher-facing answer key with answers students may write about.

The Crossover Summary: Kwame Alexander's text The Crossover is a coming-of-age story written in verse about 7th graders Josh and Jordan Bell as they navigate life, family, friendship, health, and most importantly basketball! The book became a graphic novel and later an 8 episode series streaming on Disney plus!

Looking for a versatile resource that works with any fiction novel? This Lit Circle Packet is perfect for Upper Elementary and middle school students, offering a wide range of engaging activities designed to encourage deep analysis, creativity, and critical thinking, regardless of the novel being studied. Whether you're working on a class novel, independent reading, or small group book clubs, this resource provides a comprehensive approach to exploring literature.

What’s Included: This packet includes 20 flexible and meaningful activities that can be applied to any fiction text. From character analysis to creative writing, each activity is designed to help students engage with and understand the story on a deeper level.

Activities:

1. Summary – Students summarize key events of each chapter to track the story’s development.
2. List the Characters – Identify characters and describe their roles or actions in the chapter.
3. I Predict... – Students make predictions based on text evidence, promoting critical thinking.
4. Significant Quote – Choose a key quote and explain its importance to the story’s themes or characters.
5. Illustrate an Important Scene – Draw and explain a pivotal moment from the chapter.
6. Vocabulary – Define new words, use them in context, and draw pictures to reinforce meaning.
7. Character Adjectives – Describe the protagonist with three adjectives and support one with text evidence.
8. Musical Playlist for the Main Character – Create a playlist that represents the character's journey or emotions.
9. Character Identity – Explore six key elements of the character’s identity and support with text from the novel.
10. Window and Mirror – Compare and contrast yourself with the main character, identifying similarities and differences.
11. Conflict Analysis – Identify and explain three types of conflict (e.g., character vs. character, self, society, etc.).
12. Text Conversation – Write a text message conversation between yourself and a character to help them solve their conflict.
13. Setting Analysis – Explore how different settings impact the characters and the story’s events.
14. Imagery of Setting – Use sensory details to describe a setting and analyze the mood it creates.
15. Theme Statements – Write three universal theme statements that apply to the novel’s message or lesson.
16. Rewrite the Ending – Get creative by rewriting the final chapter or scene using the author’s tone and style.
17. Comic Strip – Draw a comic strip of four key moments from the story, showing the progression of the plot.
18. Breaking News – Write a newspaper article about a major event in the story, reporting it as breaking news.
19. Expository Essay – Write an essay explaining how the protagonist changes throughout the novel, supported by evidence.
20. Argumentative Essay – Argue whether the protagonist’s critical decision was justified, using textual evidence to support your claim.

Why You’ll Love This Resource:

• Flexible for Any Novel: These activities can be applied to any fiction text, making this packet a versatile tool for any reading assignment, novel study, or literature circle.
• Engaging and Interactive: Activities encourage students to think critically, make connections, and engage creatively with the story.
• Multiple Skills: Students will practice a variety of skills, including summarization, analysis, prediction, creative expression, and essay writing.
• Ready-to-Use: Simply print and go! Perfect for class novels, independent reading, or book clubs.

Use this Lit Circle Packet to foster a deeper understanding of any novel while encouraging meaningful discussion and creative expression in your classroom!

Identifying text structure can be tricky, but this interactive and hands-on sort makes practice engaging, particularly because the topics are relevant for middle school students. This set includes sports, video games, and social media topics, students will enjoy reading through each prompt and moving the pieces to the correct spot on the gameboard. For low prep, teachers can choose to avoid cutting out the pieces for the gameboard and opt for students to follow the coloring guide to sort through the prompts.

What is included:

• Three engaging and interactive sorts to identify problem and solution, description, compare and contrast, cause and effect, and sequence prompts.
• Three game boards to paste prompts onto the correct column.
• Three 20-piece themed sorts about sports, social media, and video games.
• Three color by structure pages for low prep.
• Three answer keys.

Ideas for implementation:

• This product would be great for extra practice once text structures are introduced!
• These sorts can be done for Do now, stations, morning work, homework, or intervention.

Dive into the world of argumentative writing with a fresh, culturally relevant approach! This comprehensive resource uses the popular song "The Boy is Mine" by Brandy and Monica to introduce middle school students to the key elements of a strong argument.

Learning Objectives:

• Trace an argument using song lyrics.
• Identify the essential components of an argumentative essay.

What's Inside:

• A 60-minute lesson plan aligned with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.1, and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1.
• A 12-slide PowerPoint presentation.
• Chunked and labeled song lyrics for clarity and ease of tracing arguments.
• Vocabulary words: argument, counterargument, and rebuttal.
• Engaging writing activities, including a Do Now, lyric annotation, and a tracing argument graphic organizer.

Usage Scenario: Perfect for middle school ELA teachers and interventionists, this resource is both engaging and educational. Start with a Do Now activity, delve into vocabulary, and introduce students to the iconic artists. After watching the music video, students will actively engage with the lyrics, tracing the arguments of each singer. By the end of the lesson, students will form and share their opinions on which singer presented the strongest argument. The PowerPoint also includes additional discourse questions for extended engagement.

Highlights!

• Print & Go: This resource is ready to be used with minimal preparation.
• High Engagement: Incorporate what students love (music) with what they need to master (argumentative writing).
• Culturally Relevant: Connect with students using a song they recognize and enjoy.

Elevate your teaching game with this innovative resource. Ideal for middle school grades, it aligns with key educational standards, ensuring your students are on the right track while having fun!