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Stone Soup - Sample lesson from Thanksgiving Dinner Theme Unit
By Sassycat Corner
Have you made Stone Soup with your upper grade students? They LOVE IT! Try this twist on the traditional reading and comprehension passages for Thanksgiving. These lessons focus on Thanksgiving Dinner! Open up a great discussion on the importance of sharing what we have with those who are less fortunate. This free activity includes a lesson plan for making stone soup, along with a four page pdf of the story "Stone Soup", and 2 comprehension pages - 1 multiple choice and 1 constructed response - to accompany the story. Like this free lesson! It's part of a larger theme unit - Thanksgiving Dinner. The large unit includes the following lessons. Click here to view the full unit! Thanksgiving Dinner Theme Unit - ELA, Math, and Science ★ Thanksgiving Then & Now paired reading passages with constructed response questions page, Venn Diagram, and three paragraph writing assignment. ★ The World’s Largest Pumpkin Pie reading passage with constructed response page and 8 math word problems involving all four operations. ★ Calories Count nonfiction science passage on what a calorie is and how many we often consume with our Thanksgiving meal. Includes a constructed response page and word problem page involving all four operations. ★ Homemade Cranberry Sauce recipe page with sequencing activity and math worksheet. ★ Pumpkin Pie in a Bag recipe page with science report form and question page. ★ Gobble! Gobble! Plan your own Thanksgiving dinner activity – complete with instructions, budget sheet, grocery list, menu page, and student / teacher scoring guides. ★ Stone Soup – When Sharing Benefits Everyone – Story, comprehension pages, directions for making stone soup, find a word puzzle, and a reader’s theater. ★ Bonus just for fun Family Dinner coloring page titled “Give Thanks”
Engaging Fiction Comprehension - Character, Problem, Solution (300 words)
By Ann Stewart
Engaging Fiction Comprehension - Character, Problem, Solution (300 words)
This fiction comprehension pack includes a 300 word story featuring two personified heart characters who face a problem preparing for Valentine's Day that threatens to ruin the holiday celebration. They must work together to come up with a clever solution and save the party.
The narrative focuses on analyzing character traits, understanding plot structure and sequence of events, and examining how the characters identify a problem and reach a resolution.
Includes:
300 word story with grade 3 vocabulary
6 multiple choice questions about the characters, problem, and solution
9 key vocabulary words from the story and student-friendly definitions
2 short answer questions about the characters, problem, and solution
Key skills:
Character analysis
Plot elements and structure
Identifying problem and solution
Critical thinking
Comprehension
Reading level: Grade 3
With thought-provoking questions and an engaging story, this resource is perfect for assessing comprehension and reading skills related to analyzing characters, setting, plot, problem and solution. These supplemental materials engage students with purposeful fiction practice.
Keywords: character, problem/solution, plot, 3rd grade reading, comprehension, fiction
Character, Problem, Solution- Reading Passage w/Questions
By Ann Stewart
Engaging Fiction Comprehension - Character, Plot, Solution
This resource includes a 500+ word engaging fiction story centered around a compelling character facing a problem and coming up with a thoughtful solution. The complex narrative is written at a high 5th - 6th grade reading level and tackles mature themes including passion, injury, depression, and overcoming adversity that will resonate with middle school students.
The passage is followed by 5 multiple choice questions and 2 short answer questions focused on analyzing the central character's motivations and development, understanding the plot points and central conflict, and examining how the character grapples with and solves the key problem in the story. Detailed sample responses and an answer key are provided.
This fiction comprehension resource is perfect for:
Analyzing character traits, motivations, and development
Plot analysis and plot structure
Conflict and resolution
Theme and central ideas
Critical thinking and analysis
Key terms: character, plot, conflict, solution, fiction comprehension, upper elementary, middle school reading
With engaging content and thought-provoking questions, this resource provides an excellent opportunity for upper elementary or middle school students to practice standards-aligned ELA skills. This comprehension activity engages learners in analyzing high-level narrative fiction.
Days of Creation Mini Book 7 Days of Creation Print and Go Activity
By Kaylor Creations
Print and Go Mini Book on the Days of Creation!
Teach the TRUTH of Earth's beginnings in this money & time saving resource!
Print and Fold and You are Ready to Go!
Simple & Meaningful!
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Looking For Even More?!
Learn the Days of Creation through Reading, Writing, Playing, Creating and Singing!
Click Here to Check it out!
Social Awareness SEL Lesson Using "They're Made Out of Meat" by Terry Bisson
By Ms. J's ELA
This social emotional learning lesson uses Terry Bisson's short story They're Made Out of Meat. During this SEL lesson, students complete a pre-reading activity, read the short story (not included), answer questions related to the text, and contemplate the ways that they can demonstrate social awareness. In particular, this lesson focuses on the idea of excluding others. Students are asked to think about the reasons they exclude others and what they might be missing by excluding people. There is also an opportunity for whole class discussion regarding the idea of social awareness.
This lesson also focuses on short paragraph writing. The presentation contains an outline and example of a 6 sentence response. Students will first collect evidence to support a response about the identity of the short story's speakers. Then, they will practice writing the 6 sentence paragraph supporting their claim about the identity of the speakers.
This resource includes:
- a slides presentation to follow: 6 sentence paragraph outline and example, discussion questions
- 5 worksheets: pre-reading, an activity to help students determine the identity of the story's speakers, questions about social awareness in the text, and a reflection about themselves to increase self-awareness
- a teaching guide
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book #11 Double Down Fun Digital Reading Comprehension Game
By TaughtOught Homeschooling
Test your reading comprehension of the eleventh book in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series: Double Down with this hilarious 44-question multiple-choice self-checking digital game - complete with a mystery puzzle!
Students must acquire and read the eleventh book in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. After students read the book, they are ready to play the game! It's simple: click the link to access the game. The game gives you audio instructions and guides you. Read the question and choose the answer! You will know right away if you got the answer correct. Throughout the game, you will slowly reveal a secret mystery puzzle - see if you can guess the picture before the game ends! The game should take 15-30 minutes depending on the player's reading level.
What's Included?
Love,
Teacher Bethanie
Author's Craft Reading & Video Gr5/6 - The Silent Symphony of the Coral Reef
By Mark Holmes
Engage Your Students with the Wonders of the Coral Reef!
Bring the vibrant underwater world of coral reefs to life with this captivating resource designed for Grades 5 and 6! "The Silent Symphony of the Coral Reef" offers a multi-faceted learning experience that combines a visually stunning video with a thoughtfully crafted text, perfect for engaging your students in reading comprehension, science, and descriptive writing.
What's Included:
High-Quality Video: Immerse your students in the beauty and diversity of coral reefs with a captivating video showcasing the incredible creatures and vibrant colors of this underwater ecosystem.
EAL-Friendly Text: The accompanying text is written in clear, accessible language, making it ideal for English Language Learners and students of all reading levels.
Engaging Activities: Spark curiosity and critical thinking with a variety of activities focused on descriptive language, figurative language, sentence variety, and creating mental images. These activities encourage students to analyze the text, deepen their understanding of the topic, and enhance their writing skills.
Teacher's Answer Key: Save valuable time with question possibilities & additional ideas.
Why Choose This Resource?
Learning Objectives:
Perfect for:
Bring the magic of the coral reef into your classroom! Click here to purchase now and inspire your students with the wonders of the underwater world!
Murder Mystery Inference Activity: Lamb to the Slaughter Mini Unit
By TooBookedUp
Engage your middle school students with a thrilling 5-day detective unit centered around Roald Dahl's gripping short story, "Lamb to the Slaughter." This comprehensive unit combines critical thinking, inferencing, and multimedia analysis, making it perfect for ELA classrooms. Students will step into the shoes of detectives, analyze texts, watch film adaptations, and compare their experiences, all while meeting key CCSS standards.
What’s Included:
Day-by-Day Breakdown:
Day 1: Introduction to the Detective Activity
Day 2: Writing an Opinion Essay
Day 3: Reading "Lamb to the Slaughter"
Day 4: Comparing Text and Film
Day 5: Final Analysis and Discussion
CCSS Alignment:
This unit aligns with CCSS standards for grades 5-8, focusing on quoting accurately from texts, citing textual evidence, and analyzing multimedia elements. Standards covered include:
Benefits:
Bring excitement and depth to your ELA classroom with this 5-day detective unit on "Lamb to the Slaughter." Your students will love stepping into the role of detectives while honing their reading and analytical skills.
Nutcracker and the Mouse King Picture Book Study
By Meggen Loew
This study works excellent as an introduction to studying the Nutcracker Ballet.
Using the picture book The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, the original Story by ETA Hoffman, illustrated by Gail de Marcken, and the Story adapted by Wren Mayse. The materials aim to enhance the readers understanding and interpretation of the Story.
What is Included: 23 Pages Total
· Goal and Instructional Pages for Teacher
· Lesson Plans for 10-days of lessons
· Pre-Reading Notes Page (1 page)
· Discussion Questions (9 pages)
· Story Outline (Plot Outline) (2 pages)
· Battle Plan Outline (2 pages)
· Answer Keys (4 pages)
Look to pair this picture book study with our Nutcracked Novel Study or other Nutcracker Christmas School Activities. A complete 20-Day Christmas School Unit is available as a bundle through my website or TeachShare storefront.
Thanksgiving Dinner Theme Unit - ELA, Math, and Science
By Sassycat Corner
Try a twist on the traditional reading and comprehension passages for Thanksgiving. These lessons focus on Thanksgiving Dinner! This packet contains a variety of lessons and activities, including history, science, and literature, all centered on the Thanksgiving day feast. You get the following: ★ Thanksgiving Then & Now paired reading passages with constructed response questions page, Venn Diagram, and three paragraph writing assignment. ★ The World’s Largest Pumpkin Pie reading passage with constructed response page and 8 math word problems involving all four operations. ★ Calories Count nonfiction science passage on what a calorie is and how many we often consume with our Thanksgiving meal. Includes a constructed response page and word problem page involving all four operations. ★ Homemade Cranberry Sauce recipe page with sequencing activity and math worksheet. ★ Pumpkin Pie in a Bag recipe page with science report form and question page. ★ Gobble! Gobble! Plan your own Thanksgiving dinner activity – complete with instructions, budget sheet, grocery list, menu page, and student / teacher scoring guides. ★ Stone Soup – When Sharing Benefits Everyone – Story, comprehension pages, directions for making stone soup, find a word puzzle, and a reader’s theater. ★ Bonus just for fun Family Dinner coloring page titled “Give Thanks” Click here for a sample pages out of this unit - from Stone Soup. Stone Soup - Sample lesson from Thanksgiving Dinner Theme Unit Find more Thanksgiving fun at Sassycat Corner! Thanksgiving Single and Multi-step Word Problems Task Cards
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Books #9-12 Digital Reading Comprehension Activity Games
By TaughtOught Homeschooling
This product includes the digital reading comprehension games for the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books 9-12. Save 20% and get all four!
Holes Novel Study 2-Part Lesson | Comprehension Questions | Newbery Medal Winner
By TaughtOught Homeschooling
Louis Sachar won the 1999 Newbery Medal for his incredible novel Holes and is studied in classrooms nationwide. This two-part digital Google lesson is packed full of engaging, fun, and comprehensive activities to review this incredible piece of literature.
What's included in this product?
Two Google Slide presentations with speaker notes. Part one covers chapters 1-24, and part 2 covers chapters 25 through the book's ending.
What activities are included in the lessons? See the thumbnails and preview for images of some slides.
I use these exact lessons in my classes, and students not only have fun and reinforce what they've read in the book but they are always astonished at how time flies! We have so much fun. It is fast-paced and engaging. It's also great for various types of learners, as many of the questions can be answered using a finger system which prompts shy or quiet students to engage.
Please send a question if there is anything I can clarify about this lesson!
The Graveyard Book by Gaiman Literature Novel Study | Newbery Award Book Series
By TaughtOught Homeschooling
Neil Gaiman won the 2009 Newbery Medal for the incredible novel The Graveyard Book for its “delicious mix of murder, fantasy, humor and human longing,” noting its “magical, haunting prose.” This two-part digital Google lesson is packed full of engaging, fun, and comprehensive activities to review this incredible piece of literature.
What's included in this product?
Two Google Slide presentations with activity guide. Part one covers chapters 1-4, and part 2 covers chapters 5 through the book's ending. These lessons are designed for teachers to click through - a true non-prep lesson!
What activities are included in the lessons? See the thumbnails and preview for images of some slides.
I use these exact lessons in my classes, and students not only have fun and reinforce what they've read in the book but they are always astonished at how time flies! We have so much fun. It is fast-paced and engaging. It's also great for various types of learners, as many of the questions can be answered using a finger system which prompts shy or quiet students to engage.
Please send a question if there is anything I can clarify about this lesson!
The One & Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate Reading Comprehension Digital Lessons
By TaughtOught Homeschooling
Katherine Applegate won the 2013 Newbery Medal for the incredible novel The One and Only Ivan, which is based on a true story out of Tacoma, WA. This two-part digital Google lesson is packed full of engaging, fun, and comprehensive activities to review this incredible piece of literature.
What's included in this product?
Two Google Slide presentations with an activity guide. Part one covers pages 1-156, and part 2 covers pages 157 through the book's ending. These lessons are designed for teachers to click through - a true non-prep lesson
What activities are included in the lessons? See the thumbnails and preview for images of some slides.
I use these exact lessons in my classes, and students not only have fun and reinforce what they've read in the book but they are always astonished at how time flies! We have so much fun. It is fast-paced and engaging. It's also great for various types of learners, as many of the questions can be answered using a finger system which prompts shy or quiet students to engage.
Please send a question if there is anything I can clarify about this lesson!
Flora & Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo Newbery Award Book Winner Club Digital Lesson
By TaughtOught Homeschooling
Kate DiCamillo won the 2014 Newbery Medal for the incredible novel Flora & Ulysses for its authentic character development and themes of friendship and resilience. This two-part digital Google lesson is packed full of engaging, fun, and comprehensive activities to review this incredible piece of literature.
What's included in this product?
Two Google Slide presentations with an activity guide. Part one covers chapters 1-35, and part 2 covers chapters 36 through the book's ending. These lessons are designed for teachers to click through - a true non-prep lesson
What activities are included in the lessons? See the thumbnails and preview for images of some slides.
I use these exact lessons in my classes, and students not only have fun and reinforce what they've read in the book but they are always astonished at how time flies! We have so much fun. It is fast-paced and engaging. It's also great for various types of learners, as many of the questions can be answered using a finger system which prompts shy or quiet students to engage.
Please send a question if there is anything I can clarify about this lesson!
Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary Newbery Award Book Winner Club Digital Lesson
By TaughtOught Homeschooling
Beverly Cleary won the 1984 Newbery Medal for the incredible epistolary novel Dear Mr. Henshaw for its authentic character development, timeless relevance, and themes of identity, family, and loneliness. This two-part digital Google lesson is packed full of engaging, fun, and comprehensive activities to review this incredible piece of literature.
What's included in this product?
Two Google Slide presentations with an activity guide. Part one covers through page 67, and part 2 covers pages 67 through the book's ending. These lessons are designed for teachers to click through - a true non-prep lesson!
What activities are included in the lessons? See the thumbnails and preview for images of some slides.
I use these exact lessons in my classes, and students not only have fun and reinforce what they've read in the book but they are always astonished at how time flies! We have so much fun. It is fast-paced and engaging. It's also great for various types of learners, as many of the questions can be answered using a finger system which prompts shy or quiet students to engage.
Please send a question if there is anything I can clarify about this lesson!
The Eyes and The Impossible No-Prep Book Club Study | Newbery Winner Series
By TaughtOught Homeschooling
Dave Eggers won the 2023 Newbery Medal for the incredible novel The Eyes & The Impossible and is still being discovered worldwide for its incredible prose and inspiring themes. This two-part digital Google lesson is packed full of engaging, fun, and comprehensive activities to review this incredible piece of literature.
What's included in this product?
Two Google Slide presentations with activity guide. Part one covers chapters 1-19, and part 2 covers chapters 20 through the book's ending. These lessons are designed for teachers to click through - a true non-prep lesson!
What activities are included in the lessons? See the thumbnails and preview for images of some slides.
I use these exact lessons in my classes, and students not only have fun and reinforce what they've read in the book but they are always astonished at how time flies! We have so much fun. It is fast-paced and engaging. It's also great for various types of learners, as many of the questions can be answered using a finger system which prompts shy or quiet students to engage.
Please send a question if there is anything I can clarify about this lesson!
Last Holiday Concert Novel Study
By Meggen Loew
What is Included:
Lesson Plan Pages
Discussion Questions (use oral discussion questions or weekly short answer discussion questions and a final discussion question test (short answer and multiple-choice questions).
Literature Worksheets (Character study, Two Sets of Prediction Worksheets, and Plot Diagram Worksheet)
Vocabulary Work (General Vocabulary, Focused Vocabulary, Vocabulary Dictionary, Crossword, Word Search, Vocabulary in Context, and Vocabulary Quiz)
Final Project (Have students design a concert. They must have a theme, create a stage, costumes, and decorations, and select relevant acts with rubric)March Madness
BONUS: Christmas Song Battle (much like the march madness basketball tournament, you will start with your sweet 16 of either classic or modern Christmas songs, and then students will vote and battle it out until there is a winner).
Nutcracked Novel Study and Vocabulary
By Meggen Loew
Novel Study: These materials for Susan Adrian's novel Nutcracked aim to enhance readers' understanding and interpretation of the Story.
What is Included: 40 Pages
· Goal and Instructional Pages for Teacher
· Lesson Plans for 15-days of lessons- Incorporate vocabulary work in
· Discussion Questions (11 pages)
· Reality vs. Fantasy-Journal (1 page)
· Reality vs. Fantasy-Teaching Worksheet Activity (1 page)
· Reality vs. Fantasy-2 Worksheets (1 page each)
· Georgie's Problems (Conflict Worksheet) (1 page)
· Plot Diagram (1 page)
· Final Test (2 Options) (2 pages each)
· Answer Keys (8 pages)
Vocabulary: -In general, the goal for finding vocabulary words within a novel is to have students encounter words they may not have seen or heard before and then understand their meaning in the text and their everyday lives.
What is Included: 31 Pages
· Goals and Instructional Pages for Teacher
· Master Word Lists (3 pages)
· Student Dictionary (11 pages)
· Crossword Puzzles (3 pages)
· Word Search (1 page)
· Vocabulary in Context Worksheet (2 pages)
· Final Test (1 page)
· Answer Keys (6 pages)
Look to pair this novel study with our Nutcracker and The Mouse King picture book study or other Nutcracker Christmas School Activities. A complete 20-Day Christmas School Unit is available as a bundle through my website or TeachShare storefront.
BUNDLE-Nutcracker Themed Literature Bundle
By Meggen Loew
Nutcracker Literature Bundle: ($18 value)
Combines The Nutcracker and the Mouse King Picture Book Study and the Nutcracked Novel Study and Vocabulary Unit.
Nutcracker and the Mouse King Picture Book Study ($5 Value)
This study works excellent as an introduction to studying the Nutcracker Ballet.
Using the picture book The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, the original Story by ETA Hoffman, illustrated by Gail de Marcken, and the Story adapted by Wren Mayse. The materials aim to enhance the readers understanding and interpretation of the Story.
What is Included: 23 Pages Total
· Goal and Instructional Pages for Teacher
· Lesson Plans for 10-days of lessons
· Pre-Reading Notes Page (1 page)
· Discussion Questions (9 pages)
· Story Outline (Plot Outline) (2 pages)
· Battle Plan Outline (2 pages)
· Answer Keys (4 pages)
Nutcracked Novel Study and Vocabulary ($8 Value)
Novel Study: These materials for Susan Adrian's novel Nutcracked aim to enhance readers' understanding and interpretation of the Story.
What is Included: 40 Pages
· Goal and Instructional Pages for Teacher
· Lesson Plans for 15-days of lessons- Incorporate vocabulary work in
· Discussion Questions (11 pages)
· Reality vs. Fantasy-Journal (1 page)
· Reality vs. Fantasy-Teaching Worksheet Activity (1 page)
· Reality vs. Fantasy-2 Worksheets (1 page each)
· Georgie's Problems (Conflict Worksheet) (1 page)
· Plot Diagram (1 page)
· Final Test (2 Options) (2 pages each)
· Answer Keys (8 pages)
Vocabulary: -In general, the goal for finding vocabulary words within a novel is to have students encounter words they may not have seen or heard before and then understand their meaning in the text and their everyday lives.
What is Included: 31 Pages
· Goals and Instructional Pages for Teacher
· Master Word Lists (3 pages)
· Student Dictionary (11 pages)
· Crossword Puzzles (3 pages)
· Word Search (1 page)
· Vocabulary in Context Worksheet (2 pages)
· Final Test (1 page)
· Answer Keys (6 pages)
This Bundle also includes a Bundle Guide: 8 Pages ($3 value)
· Goals and Instructions for the Bundle
· Brief Bundle Overview
· Full Bundle Lesson Plans (helps combine the two units into one)
Look to pair this Bundle with other Nutcracker Christmas School Activities. A complete 20-Day Christmas School Unit is available as a bundle through my website or TeachShare storefront.