Less than $5 5th Grade Reading Literature Circles (by date, oldest first)

Reading Restart? Looking for a way to engage your students? Our graphic organizers go perfectly with this timeless classic. Helping your students learn vocabulary, theme, plot, and symbols. This includes 5 graphic organizers and a rubric for easy grading.

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Need more resources for Restart?

Restart Introduction Power point

Restart Flip book Study Guide

Restart Characterization Flip book

Restart Vocabulary Lists and Quizzes

This study guide goes through the classic historical fiction novel by Lois Lowry, "Number the Stars". Includes questions and answer key, character map, and a biography on the author. Easy to assign and easy to grade. Helps ensure students are reading and comprehending from start to finish of this novel. Answer Key included.

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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.

*This is one story taken from a book eight, which can be found here.

Help Your Students Explore Bullying & Resilience with "The Invisible Scars"

A Powerful Story & Engaging Activities for Grades 5-8

"The Invisible Scars" is a compelling short story about Avery, a middle school student struggling with the long-term effects of bullying. This relatable narrative provides a springboard for meaningful discussions about mental health, self-esteem, and the importance of seeking help.

This comprehensive resource includes:

• A moving short story (approx. 2,000 words) that tackles the sensitive topic of bullying and its lasting impact on a young person's life.

• Engaging activities designed to deepen students' understanding of the story's themes, including:

  • Thought-provoking discussion questions to spark classroom conversations about bullying, resilience, and support systems.
  • Creative writing prompts that encourage students to explore the story's themes through different perspectives and genres.
  • Project-based assignments that allow students to research, analyze, and create presentations, campaigns, and more.

• A comprehensive vocabulary list to enhance students' reading comprehension and vocabulary development.

"The Invisible Scars" will help your students:

• Develop empathy and understanding for individuals who have experienced bullying.
• Recognize the signs of bullying and its impact on mental health.
• Identify healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with difficult emotions and situations.
• Understand the importance of seeking help from trusted adults and mental health professionals.
• Develop their critical thinking, writing, and communication skills through engaging activities.

This resource is perfect for:

• Language Arts classes
• Social Studies classes
• Guidance lessons
• Advisory periods
• Anti-bullying initiatives

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

Embark on a poignant journey with "Rising Tides, Resilient Hearts," a heart-rending tale of resilience in the face of nature's relentless force. This narrative follows Ana and Lani, two young girls from the imperiled island of Kiribati, as they grapple with the reality of their sinking homeland. With the rising tides threatening to erase their ancestral roots, the community faces a heart-wrenching decision. Through the bonds of friendship and the echoes of ancestral wisdom, our young heroines navigate the emotional tides of leaving their beloved island. This story not only reflects the global issue of climate change but also illuminates the enduring spirit of a culture on the brink of displacement. Witness how love, memory, and the power of storytelling become the vessel for preserving a disappearing world, inspiring young readers to understand and embrace the challenges of change.

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

General Learning Objectives for Deep by Design stories:

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.

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

Aisha, a 13-year-old girl living in Gaza city, chronicles her experiences through a diary during a period of intense conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas militants in Gaza. As bombings, power outages, water shortages, and infrastructure damage disrupt daily life, Aisha describes her fears for her family's safety and her disrupted education. She finds resilience through community support and small acts of normalcy like playing games with friends. Temporary ceasefires provide glimpses of peace amid the violence. But tensions frequently boil over into clashes and protests at the border, unleashing new rounds of bombardment. Aisha conveys the mental and physical toll of living through endless cycles of war and deprivation in Gaza. Yet she retains hope for justice and freedom in the future, fueled by the strength of her community. Throughout her diary, Aisha gives an intimate account of what it's like to come of age in Gaza against a backdrop of conflict and hardship.

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

General Learning Objectives for Deep by Design stories:

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.

Perfect for literature circles or book clubs! This product contains 36 unique task cards with thought-provoking questions for novel study arranged by 6 active reading strategies (Predict, Connect, Visualize, Question, Evaluate, Clarify). The uses for these cards are endless but I suggest laminating the cards and using them during literature circles or book clubs! _________________________________________________________________________ Also, check out more great active reading strategy resources by Language Arts Excellence: Active Reading Strategy Signs for the Classroom Active Reading Strategy Book Marks Save 25% by purchasing the Active Reading Strategy Bundle by Language Arts Excellence! Active Reading Strategy Bundle

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

Fostering avid readers means consistently presenting books to your class. I have witnessed, first-hand, the power of consistent Book Talks with my students. Book Talks have the power to foster continued love in avid readers and reach even the most struggling readers.
Check out my no-prep Book Talk Guides for teachers. And because I am so passionate about the power of Book Talks, my Book Talk Guides will ALWAYS BE FREE!

What's Included?

• Teacher Tips for successful book talks

• Book Talk Guide, including genre, what kind of students might enjoy each book, and a plot summary

• Two student book talk response activities

Follow my store and check back as new titles and themed Book Talk bundles will be added!

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!

I used this resource with one of my guided reading groups. They completed the packet as they read the story "One Day in the Prairie" By Jean Craighead George. If they finished they could choose from the extra activities.

Lexile: 860L

Guided Reading Level: P

AR Level: 5.0

AR Quiz: 4052

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I used this resource with one of my guided reading groups. They completed the packet as they read the story "The Big Wave" by Pearl S. Buck. If they finished they could choose from the extra activities. Answer key is included!

Lexile: 790L

Guided Reading Level: Q

AR Level: 5.2

AR Quiz Number: 5209

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I used this resource with one of my guided reading groups. They completed the packet as they read the story "A Jigsaw Jones Mystery Super Special #1: The Case of the Buried Treasure" by James Preller. If they finished they could choose from the extra activities. Answer key is included!

Lexile: 490L

Guided Reading Level: N

AR Level: 3.2

AR Quiz Number: 62261

Thanks for looking! Please rate and leave a comment.

I used this resource with one of my guided reading groups. They completed the packet as they read the story "The Puppy Place: Cocoa" by Ellen Miles. If they finished they could choose from the extra activities. Answer key is included!

Lexile: 730L

Guided Reading Level: O

AR Level: 4.3

AR Quiz Number: 151440

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I used this resource with one of my guided reading groups. They completed the packet as they read the story "Amazon Fever" by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld. If they finished they could choose from the extra activities. Answer key is included!

Lexile: 650L

Guided Reading Level: N/A

AR Level: 3.2

AR Quiz Number: 50511

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I used this resource with one of my guided reading groups. They completed the packet as they read the story "Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid #1" by Megan McDonald. If they finished they could choose from the extra activities. Answer key is included!

Lexile: 540L

Guided Reading Level: M

AR Level: 3.0

AR Quiz Number: 86218

Thanks for stopping by! Please rate or leave a comment. Thanks!

I used this resource with one of my guided reading groups. They completed the packet as they read the story "Building A Dream: Mary Bethune's School" by Richard Kelso. If they finished they could choose from the extra activities. Answer key is included!

Lexile: N/A

Guided Reading Level: N/A

AR Level: 4.6

AR Quiz Number: 12508

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I used this resource with one of my guided reading groups. They completed the packet as they read the story "Donavan's Word Jar" by Monalisa DeGross. If they finished they could choose from the extra activities. Answer key is included!

Lexile: 670L

Guided Reading Level: N

AR Level: 4.1

AR Quiz Number: 69710

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I used this resource with one of my guided reading groups. They completed the packet as they read the story "The Puppy Place: Teddy" by Ellen Miles. If they finished they could choose from the extra activities. Answer key is included!

Lexile: 660L

Guided Reading Level: O

AR Level: 3.9

AR Quiz Number: 156586

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I used this resource with one of my guided reading groups. They completed the packet as they read the story "The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids: Elves Don't Wear Hard Hats #17" by Debbie Dadey and Marcia Thornton Jones. If they finished they could choose from the extra activities. Answer key is included!

Lexile: 580L

Guided Reading Level: M

AR Level: 3.6

AR Quiz Number: 14665

Thanks for looking! Please rate and leave a comment.