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"The Invisible Scars" - Short Story / Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8
By Mark Holmes
*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:
A comprehensive vocabulary list to enhance students' reading comprehension and vocabulary development.
"The Invisible Scars" will help your students:
This resource is perfect for:
"The Silent Struggle" - Short Story / Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8
By Mark Holmes
The Silent Struggle: A Powerful Resource for Addressing Bullying and Promoting Social-Emotional Learning
This is one story taken from a book eight, which can be found here
Inspire your students to become advocates for change with "The Silent Struggle," a captivating story that tackles the issue of bullying and the transformative power of self-advocacy. This comprehensive learning package is designed to help students in grades 6-8 develop empathy, resilience, and the courage to speak out against injustice.
The package includes:
Through this powerful resource, your students will:
"The Silent Struggle" learning package is a versatile tool that can be seamlessly integrated into your language arts, social studies, or character education curriculum. The projects and assignments are designed to accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring that all students can engage with the material and develop a deeper understanding of the story's themes.
"The Bully's Redemption" - Short Story / Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8
By Mark Holmes
*This is one story taken from a book eight, which can be found here.
Engage your students with "The Bully's Redemption," a powerful short story that explores the complexities of bullying, empathy, and personal growth. This comprehensive learning package is designed to help students in grades 6-9 develop critical thinking skills, emotional intelligence, and a deeper understanding of the importance of kindness and second chances.
The package includes:
An in-depth exploration of the story's themes, tailored for grades 5-8
Through this learning package, your students will:
This versatile resource can be easily integrated into your language arts, literature, or social-emotional learning curriculum. The projects and assignments are designed to cater to various learning styles, promoting engagement and fostering a deeper understanding of the story's themes.
"The Unbreakable Bond" - Short Story / Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8
By Mark Holmes
This story is one of eight featured in the ebook, "Friendship and Loyalty: Eight Short Stories Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8."
"The Unbreakable Bond" is a captivating short story that explores the power of friendship, resilience, and the challenges of competition. This comprehensive literature guide is designed to help teachers engage their students in grades 5-8 as they delve into the story's themes, characters, and life lessons.
The package includes the complete short story, and a variety of assignments and projects that align with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts. These resources will help your students develop critical thinking, writing, and discussion skills while fostering a deeper understanding of the text.
Key features of this literature guide:
The assignments and projects cover a wide range of topics and skills, including:
By using this literature guide, your students will not only strengthen their language arts skills but also gain valuable insights into the importance of friendship, perseverance, and teamwork. "The Unbreakable Bond" is a relatable and inspiring story that will capture your students' imagination and spark meaningful discussions in your classroom.
"The Online Trap" - Short Story / Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8
By Mark Holmes
*This is one story taken from a book eight, which can be found here.
The Online Trap - A Comprehensive Cyberbullying Unit for Grades 5-8
Engage your students in a meaningful exploration of cyberbullying and digital citizenship with "The Online Trap," a comprehensive unit designed for grades 5-8. This powerful resource centers around an original, thought-provoking story that follows the journey of Samantha, a creative and kind-hearted student who faces the challenges of cyberbullying. As students dive into the story, they will develop a deeper understanding of the impact of online harassment, the importance of self-advocacy, and the power of resilience and empathy.
The unit includes:
By integrating "The Online Trap" into your curriculum, you will be providing your students with a safe and structured space to explore the complex issues surrounding cyberbullying. The unit's thought-provoking discussions, writing exercises, and projects will help students develop crucial social-emotional skills, such as empathy, resilience, and responsible decision-making, while fostering a positive and inclusive classroom environment.
This comprehensive unit is designed to be flexible and adaptable to your classroom's unique needs. Whether you choose to use the entire unit or select specific components to complement your existing curriculum, "The Online Trap" offers a valuable opportunity to engage your students in meaningful conversations and activities that promote digital citizenship and social-emotional learning.
"The Friendship Fallout" - Short Story / Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8
By Mark Holmes
This story is one of eight featured in the ebook, "Friendship and Loyalty: Eight Short Stories Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8."
"The Friendship Fallout" is a heartwarming short story that delves into the complexities of friendship, the impact of misunderstandings, and the importance of forgiveness. This comprehensive literature guide is designed to help teachers engage their students in grades 5-8 as they explore the story's themes, characters, and valuable life lessons.
The package includes the complete short story and a variety of assignments and projects that align with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts. These resources will help your students develop critical thinking, writing, and communication skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the text.
Key features of this literature guide:
The full text of "The Friendship Fallout" short story (approximately 1,700 words)
10 thought-provoking assignments and projects covering Language Arts, Health and Career, and Relationships
A comprehensive vocabulary list with definitions to enhance students' word knowledge
Alignment with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for grades 5-8
The assignments and projects cover a wide range of topics and skills, including:
By using this literature guide, your students will not only strengthen their language arts skills but also gain valuable insights into the importance of empathy, open communication, and the resilience of true friendship. "The Friendship Fallout" is a relatable and inspiring story that will captivate your students' hearts and minds, fostering meaningful discussions in your classroom.
"The Long-Distance Friendship" - Short Story / Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8
By Mark Holmes
This story is one of eight featured in the ebook, "Friendship and Loyalty: Eight Short Stories Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8."
"The Long-Distance Friendship" is a touching short story that explores the challenges and triumphs of maintaining a close friendship despite physical distance. This comprehensive literature guide is designed to help teachers engage their students in grades 5-8 as they delve into the story's themes, characters, and valuable life lessons.
The package includes the complete short story, and a variety of assignments and projects that align with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts. These resources will help your students develop critical thinking, writing, and discussion skills while fostering a deeper understanding of the text.
Key features of this literature guide:
The assignments and projects cover a wide range of topics and skills, including:
By using this literature guide, your students will not only strengthen their language arts skills but also gain valuable insights into the importance of friendship, communication, and personal growth. "The Long-Distance Friendship" is a relatable and heartwarming story that will captivate your students and inspire meaningful discussions in your classroom.
"The Loyal Sidekick" - Short Story / Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8
By Mark Holmes
This story is one of eight featured in the ebook, "Friendship and Loyalty: Eight Short Stories Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8."
"The Loyal Sidekick" is an inspiring short story that explores the unbreakable bond of friendship, the challenges of balancing loyalty and personal ambition, and the power of believing in oneself. This comprehensive literature guide is designed to help teachers engage their students in grades 6-9 as they delve into the story's themes, characters, and valuable life lessons.
The package includes the complete short story and a variety of assignments and projects that align with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts. These resources will help your students develop critical thinking, writing, and communication skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the text.
Key features of this literature guide:
The full text of "The Loyal Sidekick" short story (approximately 1,500 words)
10 engaging assignments and projects covering character analysis, creative writing, theme exploration, and drama activities
A comprehensive vocabulary list with definitions to enhance students' word knowledge
Alignment with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for grades 5-9
The assignments and projects cover a wide range of topics and skills, including:
Character analysis and development
Alternate ending and dialogue writing exercises
Theme exploration through essay writing
Set design and monologue performance activities
Friendship collage creation and news article writing
Soundtrack creation and drama games focused on teamwork and communication
By using this literature guide, your students will not only strengthen their language arts skills but also gain valuable insights into the importance of friendship, loyalty, and pursuing one's dreams. "The Loyal Sidekick" is a heartwarming and relatable story that will captivate your students' hearts and minds, fostering meaningful discussions and personal growth in your classroom.
"The United Front" - Short Story / Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8
By Mark Holmes
*This is one story taken from a book eight, which can be found here.
Unite Your Classroom Against Bullying with "The United Front"
Empower your middle schoolers to combat bullying and embrace diversity with this engaging short story and comprehensive activity pack!
"The United Front" tells the heartwarming story of Olivia, a shy artist targeted by bullies, and the diverse group of classmates who overcome their hesitation to stand up for her. This relatable narrative provides a springboard for meaningful discussions about acceptance, empathy, and the power of unity.
This resource is packed with:
"The United Front" will help you:
"The Secret Keeper" - Short Story / Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8
By Mark Holmes
This story is one of eight featured in the ebook, "Friendship and Loyalty: Eight Short Stories Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8."
"The Secret Keeper" is a powerful short story that delves into the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and the challenges of navigating difficult life situations. This comprehensive literature guide is designed to engage students in grades 6-9 as they explore the story's themes, characters, and important life lessons.
The package includes the complete short story and a range of assignments and projects that align with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts and National Health Education Standards. These resources will help your students develop critical thinking, writing, and communication skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the text and its relevance to their lives.
Key features of this literature guide:
The assignments and projects cover a wide range of topics and skills, including:
By using this literature guide, your students will not only strengthen their language arts skills but also gain valuable insights into the significance of mental health, the power of friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit. "The Secret Keeper" is a relatable and emotionally resonant story that will captivate your students and inspire meaningful discussions in your classroom.
"The Friendship Rescue" - Short Story / Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8
By Mark Holmes
This story is one of eight featured in the ebook, "Friendship and Loyalty: Eight Short Stories Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8."
Engage your students with "The Friendship Rescue," a compelling story that explores the themes of friendship, peer pressure, and personal growth. This comprehensive Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) unit is designed for students in grades 5-8 and aligns with both Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and National Health Education Standards (NHES).
The unit includes:
Through engaging with this unit, your students will:
The assignments in this unit are designed to be flexible and adaptable to your classroom's needs. They can be used for whole-class instruction, small-group work, or individual student reflection. The variety of activities, including writing tasks, role-playing, creating posters and brochures, and class discussions, will keep your students engaged and motivated.
"The Teacher's Influence" - Short Story / Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8
By Mark Holmes
*This is one story taken from a book eight, which can be found here.
Empower your middle school students to recognize, address, and prevent bullying with this comprehensive novel study centered around "The Teacher's Influence." This compelling story follows Ms. Nguyen, a dedicated teacher who takes a proactive stance against bullying when she sees a student targeted for her unique personality.
This ready-to-use resource equips you with everything needed to guide your students through a meaningful exploration of the story and its themes:
Chapter-by-chapter summaries and analysis: Facilitate deeper understanding and encourage critical thinking about the narrative.
"The Teacher's Influence" novel study unit is perfect for:
This resource is designed to:
"The Friendship Game" - Short Story / Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8
By Mark Holmes
This story is one of eight featured in the ebook, "Friendship and Loyalty: Eight Short Stories Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8."
"The Friendship Game" is an engaging short story that explores the dynamics of friendship, personal growth, and the challenges that arise when a well-intended game takes an unexpected turn. This comprehensive literature guide is designed to captivate students in grades 5-8 as they delve into the story's themes, characters, and valuable life lessons.
The package includes the complete short story and a diverse set of assignments and projects that align with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts and National Health Education Standards. These resources will help your students develop critical thinking, writing, and communication skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the text and its relevance to their lives.
Key features of this literature guide:
The assignments and projects cover a wide range of topics and skills, including:
By using this literature guide, your students will not only strengthen their language arts skills but also gain valuable insights into the significance of healthy friendships, personal growth, and resilience in the face of adversity. "The Friendship Game" is a relatable and emotionally resonant story that will engage your students and inspire meaningful discussions in your classroom.
"The Bystander's Dilemma" - Short Story / Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8
By Mark Holmes
*This is one story taken from a book eight, which can be found here.
Introducing "The Bystander's Dilemma" - a compelling story and comprehensive teaching resource for grades 5-8 that addresses the critical issue of bullying and the power of being an upstander.
This thought-provoking story follows Lucas, a middle school student who witnesses the bullying of his classmate, Emma. As Lucas grapples with the decision to intervene or remain silent, students will explore themes of courage, compassion, and the importance of standing up for others.
"The Bystander's Dilemma" is more than just a story; it's a complete teaching package designed to engage your students and foster meaningful discussions about bullying prevention and character development.
This resource includes:
As an educator, you understand the importance of addressing bullying and promoting a positive school climate. "The Bystander's Dilemma" provides a relevant and relatable context for students to explore these issues, while also strengthening their literacy skills and social-emotional learning.
"The Bully in the Mirror" - Short Story / Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8
By Mark Holmes
*This is one story taken from a book eight, which can be found here.
Empower your middle schoolers to understand and combat bullying with this comprehensive novel study centered around "The Bully in the Mirror." This engaging story follows Jayden, a student who uses bullying to mask his own insecurities, as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and learns the power of empathy and change.
This ready-to-use resource provides everything you need to guide your students through a meaningful exploration of the story's themes, including:
"The Bully in the Mirror" novel study unit is perfect for:
This resource is designed to:
Give your students the tools they need to recognize, understand, and combat bullying with this impactful and engaging novel study unit. Download "The Bully in the Mirror" today!
"The Unexpected Friendship" - Short Story / Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8
By Mark Holmes
This story is one of eight featured in the ebook, "Friendship and Loyalty: Eight Short Stories Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8."
"The Unexpected Friendship" is a beautifully crafted short story that explores the power of friendship and the importance of looking beyond surface-level differences. This comprehensive literature guide is designed to help teachers engage their students in grades 5-8 as they delve into the story's themes, characters, and valuable life lessons.
The package includes the complete short story, which follows the journey of Maya, a shy bookworm, and Zoe, a popular athlete, as they are paired together for a school project. Despite their initial reluctance, the two girls discover a shared passion and form an unlikely but powerful bond. Through their friendship, they confront personal challenges, overcome social barriers, and learn to support one another in the face of adversity.
In addition to the full text, this guide provides a variety of assignments and projects that align with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts. These resources will help your students develop critical thinking, writing, and discussion skills while fostering a deeper understanding of the text.
Key features of this literature guide:
The assignments and projects cover a wide range of topics and skills, including:
By using this literature guide, your students will not only strengthen their language arts skills but also gain valuable insights into the importance of empathy, open-mindedness, and the power of unexpected connections. "The Unexpected Friendship" is a relatable and heartwarming story that will captivate your students and inspire meaningful discussions in your classroom.
Ontario Grade 6 - Immigrant Journeys: Choosing Canada as a Home
By Mark Holmes
This is a sample of a twenty story set that can be found at:
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Ontario-Grade-6-20-Young-Immigrant-Journeys-1600-1900-12400978
The entire set includes:
20 Engaging Stories with images: Immerse your students in the lives of young immigrants from diverse backgrounds, including French, Scottish, German, Irish, Chinese, Icelandic, Ukrainian, Acadian, Black Loyalist, and British.
Historical Accuracy: Each story is meticulously researched to ensure historical accuracy, providing a rich and authentic learning experience.
Differentiated Instruction: The stories are written in clear, accessible language suitable for Grade 6 reading levels, with opportunities for differentiated instruction.
Cross-Curricular Connections: These stories connect to various subjects, including social studies, language arts, and even art, providing a holistic learning experience.
Discussion Questions: Thought-provoking discussion questions are included for each story to encourage critical thinking and classroom engagement.
Project Ideas: Inspire your students with 10 creative project ideas, ranging from digital storytelling to family history research, to deepen their understanding of immigration.
Vocabulary List: A vocabulary list with definitions is provided to enhance students' understanding of key terms related to immigration and Canadian history.
Lamb to the Slaughter Anticipation Guide & Lesson Plan
By Language Arts Excellence
This resource features an anticipation guide for Roald Dahl's ironic tale of a scorned housewife, Lamb to the Slaughter, and a meticulously-explained lesson plan that I believe is the absolute best way to approach a new story. Using a non-intimidating method called "Numbered Heads", this activity will get your students thinking, writing, conversing, and reporting about themes you will be encountering during your study of Lamb to the Slaughter and your overall short story unit. I am confident that your students will enjoy this thoughtful, engaging activity and beg you to begin reading this creepy yet cheeky tale.
Product Includes:
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Check out more great resources for your study of Lamb to the Slaughter by Language Arts Excellence:
⭐ Lamb to the Slaughter Literature Guide
⭐ Lamb to the Slaughter Escape Room
⭐ Lamb to the Slaughter & The Black Cat Compare Contrast Essay
⭐ Lamb to the Slaughter Activity Bundle
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Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence
The Gift of the Magi & The Necklace Compare Contrast Essay
By Language Arts Excellence
This product features all the materials you need to assign a compare/contrast essay for two classic tales of irony: O. Henry's The Gift of the Magi and Guy de Maupassant's The Necklace.
For this assignment, students will need to think critically and specifically about the similarities and differences between the two famous stories. Two comprehensive literary device charts are provided to prompt students to take a close look at both tales and to think beyond the obvious (like the fact that they are written by different authors) and consider the deeper similarities and differences differences (like plot structure, values of the characters, and lessons the stories try to teach) between them. These thoughtfully-constructed materials will help students develop exemplary compare/contrast essays that they can be proud of!
Product Includes:
This assignment is perfect during the holiday season or can be used as a part of any short story unit!
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Also, check out these resources to round our your unit on The Gift of the Magi:
⭐ The Gift of the Magi Anticipation Guide & Lesson Plan
⭐ The Gift of the Magi ESCAPE ROOM
⭐ The Gift of the Magi Socratic Seminar Materials
More great holiday products by Language Arts Excellence:
⭐ Christmas ESCAPE ROOM
⭐ Christmas Poetry ESCAPE ROOM
⭐ A Christmas Carol ESCAPE ROOM
⭐‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Figurative Language Lesson Plan
⭐ The Little Match Girl Sensory Details Lesson Plan
⭐"Christmas Talk" Lesson Plan
⭐Figurative Language in Christmas Songs Task Cards
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Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence
The Tell-Tale Heart Figurative Language Challenge Activity
By Language Arts Excellence
This resource features the most fun your students will have with figurative language all year!
I created this "Figurative Language Challenge" activity and lesson plan several years ago for my middle school students as they were studying Poe's chilling story of murder and mutilation, "The Tell-Tale Heart." Little did I know that it would become the most requested game among my students of all time. This resource includes a meticulously-detailed lesson plan using warm-up, explanation, application, and synthesis, and a one-of-a-kind game that will get your students excited about identifying the copious amount of figurative language that pervades the text. This is the perfect lesson plan for a Friday, on Halloween, or any time you need to amp up the energy in your classroom without sacrificing learning... and of course, it is Common Core aligned!
Product Includes:
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Check out these great products to supplement your study of The Tell-Tale Heart:
⭐ The Tell-Tale Heart Literature Guide
⭐ The Tell-Tale Heart Anticipation Guide and Lesson Plan
⭐ The Tell-Tale Heart ESCAPE ROOM
⭐ Unreliable Narrator of The Tell-Tale Heart Lesson Plan
⭐ The Tell-Tale Heart/The Black Cat Compare Contrast Essay
More resources to round out your Edgar Allan Poe unit:
⭐ Introduction to Edgar Allan Poe PowerPoint
⭐ Introduction to Edgar Allan Poe Scavenger Hunt
⭐ Edgar Allan Poe Bell Ringer Journal Prompts
⭐ Edgar Allan Poe Crossword Puzzle
⭐ Edgar Allan Poe ESCAPE ROOM
⭐ Edgar Allan Poe Brochure
⭐ Edgar Allan Poe's Obituary
⭐ Edgar Allan Poe Quote Posters
⭐ Edgar Allan Poe Resource Bundle
But why stop with one story? We have enough Edgar Allan Poe resources to frighten your students for months!
⭐ The Raven Literature Guide
⭐ The Black Cat Literature Guide
⭐ The Pit and the Pendulum Literature Guide
⭐ The Masque of the Red Death Literature Guide
⭐ The Cask of Amontillado Literature Guide
⭐ The Fall of the House of Usher Literature Guide
⭐ Edgar Allan Poe Short Story BUNDLE
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Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence