5th Grade English Language Arts Literature Circles

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!

Ignite critical thinking with these 52 reader-response question cards that can be used for any fiction book or text!

This time-saving resource will provide you with a wide variety of questions with all the main elements of a fictional story to teach and assess the reader’s comprehension of the text.

You will also find two different response sheets for written responses!

Elements and Skills Covered:

•Plot-Climax

•Sequencing Events

•Characterization

•Problem & Solution

•Theme/Author’s Purpose

• Figurative Language

•Setting

•Mood

•Point of View

•Cause and Effect

•Summary

•Dialogue

This is the PERFECT RESOURCE for:

•Centers, Literature Circles, Partner Work-

Students ask each other the questions and form discussions.

•Guided reading, Small Groups-

Give to any teacher, teacher assistant, etc as they work with students during and/or after any text.

•Readers Workshop, Whole Class Instruction

Pull out a specific question as an introduction to a mini lesson. Keep them on hand as you assess understanding during/after a read aloud or novel.

•Independent Reading Time, At Home

Choose a card for the student to respond to during and/or after your classroom independent reading time. They could use the response sheet to write their answer. Send home with parents so they can have a variety of questions to ask their child as they read at home.

Thank you for your interest and HAPPY TEACHING!!

Covering The Boy in the Striped Pajamas? Don't know where to start? We have you covered! This bundle includes six different products to help: an introduction power point, a holocaust web quest, a study guide, a characterization flip book, graphic organizers, and a film analysis. Great for differentiated instruction!

*Study Guide and Characterization flipbook are both the Google Drive Version; however, to access them you will need to click on the bonus file and follow the links.

The Curious Garden Read Aloud Book Study Companion Comprehension Packet with activities including quiz, sequencing, vocabulary, writing, and more, based on the book by Peter Brown (book not included).

This 54-page packet provides a variety of levels to reach each individual student. Please see preview pages and descriptions below :

54 Pages Total Include:

1. Table of Contents

2. 10 Comprehension short-answer questions 

3. continued

4. 10 Multiple Choice Questions, with clipart illustrations for most options to help visual learners

5. continued

6. *** answer sheet (corresponds with both sets)

7. Story Sequencing : 12 written scenes from the story to place in order, with illustrations

8. *** Sequencing answers

9. ** Sequencing : Blank paste sheet

10. Character Traits : Cut & paste the correct traits for the character

11. * * * Character Traits : Paste sheet

12. Story Elements : Who, What, When, Where, Main Idea, Problem Solving

13. Reflection : Connection, Text-to-Self, Steps You Would Give to ….

14. Story Map: Setting, Characters, Problem, Solution

15. Key Questions : Who, What, When, Where, How, Why (With Graphics)

16. Step By Step : First, Next, Then, Last

17. Step By Step : First, Next, Then, Last : with shaped-illustrated writing areas

18. Title Page: Author, Illustrator, add your own illustration 

19. Cause & Effect  : Fill in the Cause & Effect blanks

20. Writing Prompt : with flower- shaped lined paper ...

21. Compare & Contrast Venn Diagram: Liam Vs the New Gardeners

22. Book Report : Who is the author? Fiction or Non Fiction? Characters? Favorite part? Rate this book! 

23. Opinion Journal: What did you think? What would you change?

24. Read & Respond : Main Idea, Supporting Details, Author’s Purpose, My New Vocabulary

25. Vocabulary : 10 words from the book with match-up definition

26. *** Vocabulary Answer Sheet

27. Vocabulary Words : Fill-in-the-blank using the 10-Word Box

28. *** Vocabulary Words in Use Answer Sheet

29. 20-Word Search page

30. 10 Word Scramble page

31. Spelling Words : 10 words plus 1 Bonus, from the book, on lined paper

32. *** Spelling Test : blank, lined paper

33. ABC Order : 20 words from the book

34. *** ABC Order : Answer Sheet

35. Syllables : Divide the 20 words into syllables

36. * * * Syllables : Answer Sheet

37. Rhyme Time :15 words from the book, to match up to 15 homophone rhyming words

38. * * * Rhyme time Answer Sheet

39. Design & Detail illustrating page

40. Contractions : 9 contractions to combine, or separate

41. Follow the instructions : coloring, multiplication/division using photos

42. Follow the instructions : counting pictures , left/right

43. Follow the instructions : First/Second/Third/Fourth ; Counting photos graph

44. Acrostic Poem : GARDEN

45. Word Maker : How Many Words Can You Make From DISCOVERIES

46. * * * Word Maker Answer Sheet

47. Math : 12 simple addition problems

48. * * * Math : answer sheet

49. Math : 12 simple multiplication problems

50. * * * Math : answer sheet

51. Label a Flower : 4 simple labels with fill-in-the-blank & word box included.

52. Lebel That Photo : Label 15 photos with cut & paste words

53. Seek, Find & Color : 20 images to find on the page & color by instruction

54. Senses : Feels, Smells, Looks, Tastes & Sounds Like

See my Spring packets here : Teaching Inclusion Spring Packets

* Be sure to visit my store for many comprehension packets, and other activity worksheets! My packets strive for inclusion of all students. I provide lined paper, a choice of comprehension, simple activities, and answer sheets. I also take requests!

https://www.TeachShare.com/Store/Teaching-Inclusion

This purchase is for the use of one teacher. It is not intended to be shared. Please use the 'additional license' purchase if more than one teacher will be using it. Thank you!

Copyright © 2024 Teaching Inclusion All rights reserved by author. Permission to copy for single classroom use only. Electronic distribution limited to single classroom use only.

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Social Emotional Learning and English Language Arts Mega Bundle

About this SEL/ELA Mega Bundle:

★ Social Emotional Learning

★ 147 resources!

★ Includes a COMBINATION of ELA and SEL resources

★ Print and Dgital versions

★ Excellent for Grades 7-12, Home School

★ Approximately 7,130+ pages

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ABOUT THIS MEGA BUNDLE COMBO:

✅ This Mega Bundle features a blend of ELA and Social Skills/Social Emotional Learning resources. It is organized alphabetically, ensuring seamless navigation and easy access to the specific materials you require. :-)

✅ Purchasing at the current list price provides access to all future bundles and resources at no additional charge. List price will continue to change as new resources and bundles are added, but it will not affect your original purchase price!!! SELECTED resources will be added to this growing bundle!

✅ This incredible MEGA BUNDLE comprises a diverse range of bundled resources designed to elevate rigor in classrooms, boost student engagement, foster critical thinking and reflection, and enrich the overall classroom environment.

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▶️If you are specifically looking for ELA resources, consider exploring the All ELA Bundle.

▶️ If you are specifically interested in Social Skills, Life Skills, or Social Emotional Learning resources, consider checking out:

✅ All SEL Mega BUNDLE (This Bundle includes ALL SEL ONLY resources in my store!)

✅ Mini Social Skills Bundle

✅ Social Emotional Learning Activity Worksheets Mega Bundle

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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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❤️ Reviews and Ratings: Reviews and Ratings are extremely important to me. Your time to rate this product and write a review will greatly be appreciated! ;-)

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The Chapter Book Response Sheets can be used with any chapter book. This product comes with 14 different response sheets-students can complete a response sheet after each chapter or after several chapters. These response sheets are ideal for Literature Circles, Independent Read, Homework, etc. Each response sheet focuses on different concepts that are aligned with Common Core. Please check out the Preview for a better view of examples.

Below are suggestions for the use of the Chapter Book Response Sheets:

Literature Circles- Students can use the response sheet after each chapter or every couple of chapters. The concepts covered can be used as discussion pieces during Literature Circle.

Independent Read- Students can use these response sheets to keep their reading skills and memory fresh while reading a chapter book. They can keep their response sheets in order and have a study guide to look back on at the end of the book.

Homework- Students can be assigned one or more chapters, and do a response sheet for homework.

All printables are in black and white. Please rate and comment. Thank You!

This book study for chapter books is designed to be used with any chapter book and is perfect for your students. The resource includes comprehension questions for each chapter, character trait analysis, and graphic organizers for the book.

• Effective for whole group book clubs, small group book clubs, and independent reading

• Helps students stay engaged and accountable during reading

• Encourages critical thinking and comprehension skills

Instructions/Tips for Implementation:

To implement this resource, simply print out multiple copies of the chapter retell sheets for each student participating in book clubs or independent reading activities. Assign specific chapters for students to read and complete the corresponding worksheets. Discuss the chapter retells during book club meetings or individual conferences to promote comprehension and critical thinking.

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Thanks for checking out my products!
- Laila

Character traits and analysis fun!

Have some outdoor fun (or use butcher paper for indoors) with sidewalk novel characters! Students choose a character from their novels then do body outlines with sidewalk chalk. Fill these with physical and character traits from quotes within the novel...full directions for implementing and making a competitive game. Can be used with all ages and novels. Excellent for comprehension and assessment.

This is a discussion activity to go along with the Lorax movie. There are 6 prompts for students to discuss. Either in a whole group or split into groups, the students will discuss the prompts. This is a great activity to go along with after watching, good practice with supporting their claims and opinions with facts, and good practice for their discussion skills!

Disccusion Prompts

There are 6 different different prompts for the students to discuss. Cut out each prompt so the groups can have the prompt they need to focus on. I would recommend either splitting them into groups and passing the prompts out, or taping the prompts to the wall and have the groups move to each spot in the room for the prompt.

The prompts will have the students discussing characters, real world applications, greed, and theme!

I hope you enjoy it! Please rate and review.

Please check out the video preview for my line of Socratic Seminars!

This bundle includes every product in my Socratic Seminar Bundle line. Multiple novels and short stories are included for grades 6-12! My students LOVE Socratic Seminars, and I often use them as their final assessment grade. The can be used in small literature circle groups, or with a full class. Please ask if you have any questions!

This story is also available as part of an eight story ebook, "Young Voices: Eight Short Stories of Courage & Resilience."

In "Beyond the Horizon," a poignant tale unfolds, following the footsteps of Jose and his three close friends as they embark on a journey that will test the bounds of their friendship and the depth of their dreams. Set against the backdrop of their small Mexican town, this 1200-word story invites readers to walk alongside these spirited youths as they navigate the rugged path to a future filled with hope and uncertainty.

The narrative weaves the laughter, fears, and silent strength of this band of brothers, who are determined to chase the opportunities that eluded their ancestors. With the golden dawn of possibilities before them, they face the daunting challenge of crossing the Mexico-U.S. border, carrying not just their aspirations but also the rich cultural heritage of their homeland.

As the four friends confront the harsh realities of their quest, their bond is tested in ways they never imagined. The story captures the essence of human resilience and the unbreakable spirit of those who dare to dream beyond their horizon. Join us in this heartfelt journey that transcends borders and resonates with anyone who has ever reached for the stars.

There are thought provoking questions (and possible answers) at the end of the story.

Learning Objectives:

Understanding Conflict: The material offers insights into the dynamics of territorial conflicts and their ramifications for those caught in the crossfire.

Effects of War or Conflict on Youth: The content underlines the deep-seated impact of hostilities on the mental and physical health of children and adolescents.

Resilience and Hope: Through character experiences, the narrative highlights the human capacity for endurance and the quest for collective healing amidst adversity.

Cultural Insight: The text provides a window into the complexities of a region's culture and the intense obstacles its inhabitants endure.

Human Rights: The narrative serves as a primer for dialogues concerning the safeguarding of civilians and the enforcement of human rights in times of strife.

Peacebuilding: The book promotes an investigation into the adoption of nonviolent strategies for mitigating disputes and fostering reconciliation at the community level.

Elementary Spanish Bundle

More than a $23 savings!!!

-One More Product coming in this Bundle 9/18/204

Everything in this BUNDLE is BILINGUAL OR in Spanish.

Please see the list of all the items that are included!

Being able to analyze and understand characters is very important skill students need in order to understand a story at a deep level. With these Characterization and STEAL character analysis reading response templates for Google Jamboard™, your students will interactively analyze characters by collecting evidence of speech, thoughts, effects, actions and looks.

What's Included:

• 5 templates ( 1 template for each element: speech, thoughts, effects, actions and looks

Directions:

• It is time to take a closer look at a character.
• Click on the Google Slide to access a forced copy of the templates in Jamboard.
• Students go back into the text to identify & explain aspects of the character.
• Students find at least 3 textual example for each element of characterization (S.T.E.A.L.).

Uses:

• individual activity
• small collaborative groups
• whole class where students can each contribute to a part of the activity, or as a guided lesson on character analysis
• distance learning
• assigned as a paper-pencil assignment
• short stories
• novel studies
• book clubs
• litereacy centers
• AVID

What is Google Jamboard:

Google Jamboard is a digital interactive and collaborative whiteboard. It is a FREE online and app version.

Click HERE to see our other reading resources!

Click HERE to see our other AVID resources!

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Help your AVID or ELA students build reading comprehension and practice using text evidence with these editable discussion cards and talking chips for The Landlady by Roald Dahl! This activity is sure to get your middle school students in the Halloween spirit. This resource can be used during the Halloween season, but can also be used at any other time during the year! Students will read the provided story, The Landlady through the Google doc, then they will sit in small groups and take turns pulling a discussion card.

Great for: using text evidence, collaboration and team building, public speaking practice,

⭐Save 30% with this mega AVID BUNDLE!⭐

Save 30% with this AVID Halloween Bundle!

DIRECTIONS:

• Access your forced copy of the Google Doc with the story, The Landlady on the second slide.

• Go to the last slide to add your own discussion prompts.

• Click "File" then "Download" and then "PDF" to download the prompts as a PDF document.

• Print, cut, and laminate a set of cards for each of your groups of 4-5 students.

• Print, cut, and laminate talking chips.

• Put students into groups of 4-5.

• Decide how many talking chips each student gets (this encourages participation during the dialogue and teaches students how to use social cues when deciding when to share, instead of raising a hand).

• One student draws a card from the top. That student asks the question and dialogue begins in the group. Students should have the short story handy so they can use evidence in their responses.

• When dialogue dies down, students continue taking turns drawing a card, asking questions. and having discussions.

• Students should discard the questions already asked so they don't repeat any.

WHAT's INCLUDED:

• Google Doc with the story, "The Landlady"
• Google slide with printable talking chips
• 24 Discussion Prompts in color and black & white
• Editable Discussion Prompt Cards in color and black & white

Check out other AVID Resources HERE!

Check out other Reading Resources HERE!

This set of 32 unique task cards contain engaging thought-provoking questions meant to prompt lively discussion for literature circles or books clubs in your middle or high school ELA classroom. Questions are mainly reader-response and are fully aligned to the Common Core. They can be used at any point during the reading of a novel or short story and are great as both full-class lesson plans or for time-fillers at the end of class. I also like to use these cards as bell-ringer activities to check in on my students' thoughts and understanding of the novel as we go. These are the perfect task cards to add to your teacher's toolbox and use all year long! __________________________________________________________________________ Also, check out these great resources that can be adapted for any novel by Language Arts Excellence: Differentiated Essay Prompt Task Cards Novel Soundtrack Assignment Socratic Seminar Lesson Plan and Materials Adaptable for ANY Topic Differentiated End of Term Reflection Activities Book Recommendation Form Differentiated Essay Prompts for use with ANY Novel Active Reading Strategy Task Cards

Inferencing activity that could be done as a whole group activity or as part of literacy stations. This is a quick and ready to go activity. This set has 12 events that students makes inferences as to what happened. I have included a set of "answers" based on the ones I have used with my class. There is also an answer sheet included with this resources. Please don't forget to take a look at the other items I have available in my store! Follow me to get the most up to date information and heads up on upcoming sales. Every new product is 50% off for the first 24 hours. Another great reason to follow my store. Common Core Reading Standards that can be addressed in this activity: Grade 3 RL.3.1. Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as a basis for the answers. RL.3.3. Describe characters in a story (e.g., their traits, motivations, or feelings) and explain how their actions contribute to the sequence of events. RL.3.4. Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, distinguishing literal from nonliteral language. RL.3.6. Distinguish their own point of view from that of the narrator or those of the characters. RL.3.7. Explain how specific aspects of a text’s illustrations contribute to what is conveyed by the words in a story (e.g., create mood, emphasize aspects of a character or setting). Grade 4 RL.4.1. Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text. RL.4.3. Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character’s thoughts, words, or actions). RL.4.4. Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including those that allude to significant characters found in mythology.

The Hero Two Doors Down by Sharon Robinson Novel Study

This set includes comprehension quizzes for every 2 chapters, vocabulary study of challenging words, and a reading metacognition log for during reading activities.

This is a simple to use, print and go, novel study. Students can work independently or with guidance to complete this novel.

This is a perfect novel for the sports fans in your room, to introduce Black History Month, or to tie into a baseball unit.

Check out the huge preview!

More Great Resources From Kile's Classroom

Figurative Language Bundle.

Personification.

The One and Only Ivan Novel Study.

Tuck Everlasting Novel Quizzes.

I used this resource with one of my guided reading groups. They completed the packet as they read the story "What Was Pearl Harbor" by Brennan Demuth and illustrated by John Mantha. If they finished they could choose from the extra activities. An answer key is included!

Lexile: 800L

Guided Reading Level: T

AR Level: 5.4

AR Quiz Number: 160144

ISBN: 978-0-545-64034-3

Thanks for looking! Please rate and leave a comment.

A FREEBIE comprehension unit for the The Grizzly Bear chapter of "The World's Worst Pets" by David Walliams.

The pages in this unit are part of a Novel Study-

THE WORLD'S WORST PETS by David Walliams

The Unit can be followed chapter by chapter, with no extra preparation or planning required by the teacher. The responses in the unit have been planned and arranged so that your students will practise a wide range of comprehension strategies in context. It has been designed to promote thinking and comprehension. Tasks can be completed independently, collaboratively or alongside a teacher.

All Book Bandit Novel Studies have been designed with student engagement at the forefront. In responding to the book, students will be required to think both within and beyond the text. Children learn best when they are having fun! Even better that they are learning the love of books at the same time!

Please follow me for more literacy units - particularly new releases!

Dog Man Series

Cat Kid

Diary of a Wimpy Kid No.16 - Big Shot

The Last Bear

This mix-and-match reading log is designed to empower students to become mindful and engaged readers. It offers a variety of engaging components that can be used as stand-alone pages or combined in a mix and match fashion to create personalized reading journals.

Google Drive Folder includes a PDF and a digital Google Slides version.

Here's what you get in:

• "Books to Read" List: Spark excitement with a dedicated space for students to track books they're eager to dive into.

• "Book Hall of Fame": Celebrate literary discoveries with a page to record and cherish favorite books.

• "Favorite Authors": Encourage a love for specific authors by providing a space for students to keep a log of their favorite authors.

• "Reading Reflections": Deepen comprehension with a dedicated space for students to rate and review each book they finish.

• "Recommendations": Foster a sense of community by allowing students to share their thoughts and recommend books to peers. These can be kept private or can be shared with the class to grow a class of readers!

• Reading Trackers: Choose between two engaging options:

• Monthly Tracking Sheets: Students color in pictures of books as they complete them, creating a visual record of their reading journey.

• Grid-Style Tracker: This flexible tracker allows for color-coding genres and marking each finished book, offering a long-term overview of reading progress.

Benefits:

• Supports mindful reading: Encourages students to reflect on their reading experiences and develop a deeper appreciation for literature.
• Promotes accountability: Helps students stay on track with their personal reading goals.
• Print or Digital format: Adaptable to individual preferences and classroom needs.
• Interactive and engaging: Makes reading a fun and rewarding experience for students.

This reading log is the perfect tool for teachers and parents to cultivate a lifelong love of reading in young minds!