Home
Mission
Blog
Professional Development
Launchpad
Plans
Community
Help
Echoes of Hope: The Children of Sarajevo - Realistic Fiction
By Mark Holmes
This story is also available as part of an eight story ebook, "Young Voices: Eight Short Stories of Courage & Resilience."
"Echoes of Hope: The Children of Sarajevo" is an inspiring story of resilience and creativity amidst the devastating siege of Sarajevo. A group of children, led by Luka, Maja, Amir, and Zlata, transform a war-ravaged hideout into "The Nook," a sanctuary of learning, art, and music. They preserve the city’s spirit through storytelling, makeshift classes, and concerts, becoming a symbol of hope. Post-siege, "The Nook" evolves into a community center, its mural a poignant reminder of courage. The children, now adults, impart lessons of unity and creativity to future generations, showcasing the enduring power of the human spirit.
There are thought provoking questions (and suggested 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.
Mykhala & Daniela: A Ukrainian Story - Realistic Fiction
By Mark Holmes
This story is also available as part of an eight story ebook, "Young Voices: Eight Short Stories of Courage & Resilience."
Amid the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, young girls Mykhala and Daniela, refugees, bond over a shared vision of a peaceful Donbas. Inspired by Mykhala's love for birds and Daniela's artistry, they create a bird sanctuary, drawing in various species, notably the Hoopoe, a symbol of peace. Their sanctuary becomes a beacon of hope amidst war, earning local admiration and global recognition. Despite success, they remain committed to their homeland, furthering their education to serve their community. Their enduring friendship and their shared dream leaves a lasting legacy - the thriving Hoopoe Haven of Donbas, a testament to resilience and hope.
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.
Beyond the Horizon: A Mexican Border Story - Realistic Fiction
By Mark Holmes
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.
By Language Arts Excellence
"Collaborative Story Time" is a communal writing activity in which students practice using Freytag's Pyramid plot structure in their own narrative writing. In this activity, each student begins a story inspired by a unique evocative photograph. They are prompted to write the exposition of the tale by introducing the setting and main characters. After the allotted amount of time, the story is then passed to another student who is prompted to write the inciting incident or conflict and begin to detail the rising action. The paper is passed from student to student twice more until the story is resolved. When the stories are finished, the worksheet is returned to the original student who can then make edits and is responsible for producing a final draft.
With this intrinsically engaging activity, each student has the chance to tap into their creativity while applying knowledge of the 7 steps of Freytag's Pyramid. It is a great activity to introduce or reinforce the plot diagram and is perfect for a Friday, a substitute plan, or simply for when students need a creative break without sacrificing learning and hard work. I trust you will find that your students will ask for this activity again and again!
Product Includes:
_______________________________________________________________________________
Because your students will be begging to do this activity again...
⭐ Collaborative Story Time - Second Edition
⭐ Christmas Collaborative Writing Activity
⭐ Winter Themed Collaborative Writing Activity
⭐ Valentine's Day Collaborative Writing Activity
⭐ Halloween Collaborative Writing Activity
⭐ Fall Themed Collaborative Writing Activity
⭐ Summer Collaborative Writing Activity
________________________________________________________________________________
Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence
The Lottery Literature Guide (Shirley Jackson)
By Language Arts Excellence
This resource features a meticulous lesson plan for reading the story, comprehension questions, a literary elements chart, a vocabulary worksheet, and comprehensive answer keys for Shirley Jackson's chilling tale of a small town, The Lottery. Materials encourage students to examine the text closely and make inferences based on their observations. Each resource is meant to enhance your students' understanding of the story so that you can really dive into the deep stuff! This product is suitable for inside or outside of class and can also function as an emergency substitute plan.
Product Includes:
___________________________________________________________________
Also, check out these great resources to complement your unit on The Lottery by Language Arts Excellence:
⭐Introduction to Dystopia Powerpoint Presentation
⭐ The Lottery "Tossing Lines" Pre-Reading Activity
⭐ The Lottery Social Media Activities
⭐ The Lottery ESCAPE ROOM
⭐The Lottery Socratic Seminar Lesson Plan & Materials
___________________________________________________________________
Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence
Harrison Bergeron Symbol Gallery Walk
By Language Arts Excellence
This resource features an engaging lesson plan for students to discuss symbols found within Kurt Vonnegut's dystopian short story, Harrison Bergeron. The gallery walk is an ideal technique to achieve 100% student engagement within your classroom in a non-intimidating way. It is a great lesson for administrator observations due to the high level of student engagement, physical movement around the classroom, and deep level of interaction with the text.
Resource Includes:
___________________________________________________________________
Also, check out these great resources to complement your unit on Harrison Bergeron by Language Arts Excellence:
⭐ Harrison Bergeron Pre-Reading Activity
⭐ Harrison Bergeron ESCAPE ROOM
⭐ Introduction to Dystopia Powerpoint
⭐ Escape from Dystopia ESCAPE ROOM
___________________________________________________________________
Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence
Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence
❤️ Blank Plot Diagram Template Graphic Organizer Printable Worksheet Story Map
By Epsilon Math Craft & Special Education
Your elementary / middle / high school students will be able to complete ELA activities with engagement and no confusion, and they will use this template to help answer text-dependent writing questions or when writing notes. This Plot Diagram Graphic Organizer includes the following: exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
Please see the preview as it is exactly what you will receive in your download.
Don't forget that leaving feedback earns you points toward FREE TeachShare purchases.
All the resources I make are free for the first 24 hours! so follow my store <3 to stay updated every time I post.
keywords:(not necessarily related to the topic)
Roald Dahl "The Landlady" worksheets
By Peter D
This is a 9-page set of worksheets for the short story "The Landlady" by Roald Dahl. The comprehension questions can be used as a story test or as a learning activity for students as they read the story.
The worksheets include:
* comprehension questions (multiple choice)
* comprehension questions (short answer)
* vocabulary
* foreshadowing
* irony
* theme (appearance versus reality)
* characterization
* story elements
* writing activity
There is an answer key included at the end of the file.
Worksheets for Short Stories:
* Toni Cade Bambara: Raymond’s Run
* Ray Bradbury: There Will Come Soft Rains
* Arthur Cavanaugh: Miss Awful
* Richard Connell: The Most Dangerous Game
* Roald Dahl: The Landlady
* Shirley Jackson: The Lottery
* ...and more worksheets for short stories
Shirley Jackson "The Lottery" worksheets
By Peter D
This is a 9-page set of worksheets for the short story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson. The comprehension questions can be used as a story test or as a learning activity for students as they read the story.
The worksheets include:
* comprehension questions (multiple choice)
* comprehension questions (short answer)
* vocabulary
* foreshadowing
* irony
* theme (tradition)
* theme (persecution)
* parts of a story
* writing activity
There is an answer key included for the comprehension questions and vocabulary.
Worksheets for Short Stories:
* Toni Cade Bambara: Raymond’s Run
* Ray Bradbury: There Will Come Soft Rains
* Arthur Cavanaugh: Miss Awful
* Richard Connell: The Most Dangerous Game
* Roald Dahl: The Landlady
* Shirley Jackson: The Lottery
* ...and more worksheets for short stories
Marta Salinas "The Scholarship Jacket" worksheets
By Peter D
This is an 11-page set of worksheets for the short story "The Scholarship Jacket" by Marta Salinas. The comprehension questions can be used as a story test or as a learning activity for students as they read the story.
The worksheets include:
* comprehension questions (multiple choice)
* comprehension questions (short answer)
* vocabulary
* similes and metaphors
* setting
* theme
* symbols
* story reflection
* quotations
* story elements
* writing
There is also an answer key included at the end of the file for the comprehension questions, vocabulary, figurative language, and symbols.
Worksheets for Short Stories:
* Toni Cade Bambara: Raymond’s Run
* Ray Bradbury: There Will Come Soft Rains
* Arthur Cavanaugh: Miss Awful
* Richard Connell: The Most Dangerous Game
* Roald Dahl: The Landlady
* Shirley Jackson: The Lottery
* Piri Thomas: Amigo Brothers
* ...and more worksheets for short stories
Neil Gaiman "Click-Clack the Rattlebag" worksheets
By Peter D
This is a 28-page set of worksheets for the short story "Click-Clack the Rattlebag" by Neil Gaiman. The comprehension questions can be used as a story test or as a learning activity for students as they read the story.
The worksheets include:
* comprehension questions (multiple choice)
* comprehension questions (short answer)
* vocabulary
* story analysis
* story reflection
* theme
* motif
* point of view
* setting
* conflict
* irony
* foreshadowing
* suspense
* symbols
* quotations
* characterization
* connections
* w questions
* story map
* story elements
* critical thinking
* inferences
* summaries
* transformation
* writing
There is also an answer key included at the end of the file.
Worksheets for Short Stories:
* Toni Cade Bambara: Raymond’s Run
* Ray Bradbury: There Will Come Soft Rains
* Arthur Cavanaugh: Miss Awful
* Richard Connell: The Most Dangerous Game
* Roald Dahl: The Landlady
* Shirley Jackson: The Lottery
* Piri Thomas: Amigo Brothers
* ...and more worksheets for short stories
Richard Connell "The Most Dangerous Game" worksheets
By Peter D
This is a 12-page set of worksheets for the short story "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell. The comprehension questions can be used as a story test or as a learning activity for students as they read the story.
The worksheets include:
* comprehension questions (multiple choice)
* comprehension questions (short answer)
* vocabulary
* similes and metaphors
* personification
* motif
* theme (reason versus instinct)
* theme (reason versus instinct)
* critical thinking
* inferences
* parts of a story
* writing activity
There is also an answer key included at the end of the file.
Worksheets for Short Stories:
* Toni Cade Bambara: Raymond’s Run
* Ray Bradbury: There Will Come Soft Rains
* Arthur Cavanaugh: Miss Awful
* Richard Connell: The Most Dangerous Game
* Roald Dahl: The Landlady
* Shirley Jackson: The Lottery
* ...and more worksheets for short stories
Ray Bradbury "There Will Come Soft Rains" worksheets
By Peter D
This is a 10-page set of worksheets for the short story "There Will Come Soft Rains" by Ray Bradbury. The comprehension questions can be used as a story test or as a learning activity for students as they read the story.
The worksheets include:
* comprehension questions (multiple choice)
* comprehension questions (short answer)
* vocabulary
* personification
* figurative language
* theme
* tragic flaw
* parts of a story
* writing activity
There is an answer key included for the comprehension questions and vocabulary.
Worksheets for Short Stories:
* Toni Cade Bambara: Raymond’s Run
* Ray Bradbury: There Will Come Soft Rains
* Arthur Cavanaugh: Miss Awful
* Richard Connell: The Most Dangerous Game
* Roald Dahl: The Landlady
* Shirley Jackson: The Lottery
* ...and more worksheets for short stories
Ray Bradbury "The Veldt" worksheets
By Peter D
This is a 28-page set of worksheets for the short story "The Veldt" by Ray Bradbury. The comprehension questions can be used as a story test or as a learning activity for students as they read the story.
The worksheets include:
* comprehension questions (multiple choice)
* comprehension questions (short answer)
* vocabulary
* similes
* personification
* metaphors
* story reflection
* theme
* motif
* irony
* foreshadowing
* symbolism
* quotations
* story elements
* characterization
* critical thinking
* inferences
* summaries
* transformation
* interviews
* writing
There is also an answer key included at the end of the file.
Worksheets for Short Stories:
* Toni Cade Bambara: Raymond’s Run
* Ray Bradbury: There Will Come Soft Rains
* Arthur Cavanaugh: Miss Awful
* Richard Connell: The Most Dangerous Game
* Roald Dahl: The Landlady
* Shirley Jackson: The Lottery
* Piri Thomas: Amigo Brothers
* ...and more worksheets for short stories
Ambrose Bierce "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" worksheets
By Peter D
This is a 29-page set of worksheets for the short story "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" by Ambrose Bierce. The comprehension questions can be used as a story test or as a learning activity for students as they read the story.
The worksheets include:
* comprehension questions (multiple choice)
* comprehension questions (short answer)
* vocabulary
* story analysis
* similes
* personification
* metaphors
* story reflection
* theme
* motif
* point of view
* setting
* conflict
* foreshadowing
* suspense
* symbols
* quotations
* characterization
* connections
* w questions
* story map
* story elements
* critical thinking
* inferences
* summaries
* transformation
* writing
There is also an answer key included at the end of the file.
Worksheets for Short Stories:
* Toni Cade Bambara: Raymond’s Run
* Ray Bradbury: There Will Come Soft Rains
* Arthur Cavanaugh: Miss Awful
* Richard Connell: The Most Dangerous Game
* Roald Dahl: The Landlady
* Shirley Jackson: The Lottery
* Piri Thomas: Amigo Brothers
* ...and more worksheets for short stories
Isaac Asimov "The Fun They Had" worksheets
By Peter D
This is a 25-page set of worksheets for the short story "The Fun They Had" by Isaac Asimov. The comprehension questions can be used as a story test or as a learning activity for students as they read the story.
The worksheets include:
* comprehension questions (multiple choice)
* comprehension questions (short answer)
* vocabulary
* story reflection
* theme
* motif
* setting
* conflict
* symbolism
* technology
* quotations
* story elements
* characterization
* connections
* compare & contrast
* story elements
* critical thinking
* inferences
* summaries
* transformation
* interviews
* writing
There is also an answer key included at the end of the file.
Worksheets for Short Stories:
* Toni Cade Bambara: Raymond’s Run
* Ray Bradbury: There Will Come Soft Rains
* Arthur Cavanaugh: Miss Awful
* Richard Connell: The Most Dangerous Game
* Roald Dahl: The Landlady
* Shirley Jackson: The Lottery
* Piri Thomas: Amigo Brothers
* ...and more worksheets for short stories
O. Henry "The Ransom of Red Chief" worksheets
By Peter D
This is a 30-page set of worksheets for the short story "The Ransom of Red Chief" by O. Henry. The comprehension questions can be used as a story test or as a learning activity for students as they read the story.
The worksheets include:
* comprehension questions (multiple choice)
* comprehension questions (short answer)
* vocabulary
* story analysis
* similes
* hyperbole
* metaphors
* story reflection
* theme
* motif
* point of view
* setting
* conflict
* irony
* foreshadowing
* suspense
* symbols
* quotations
* characterization
* connections
* w questions
* story map
* story elements
* critical thinking
* inferences
* summaries
* transformation
* writing
There is also an answer key included at the end of the file.
Worksheets for Short Stories:
* Toni Cade Bambara: Raymond’s Run
* Ray Bradbury: There Will Come Soft Rains
* Arthur Cavanaugh: Miss Awful
* Richard Connell: The Most Dangerous Game
* Roald Dahl: The Landlady
* Shirley Jackson: The Lottery
* Piri Thomas: Amigo Brothers
* ...and more worksheets for short stories
Roald Dahl "Lamb to the Slaughter" worksheets
By Peter D
This is a 29-page set of worksheets for the short story "Lamb to the Slaughter" by Roald Dahl. The comprehension questions can be used as a story test or as a learning activity for students as they read the story.
The worksheets include:
* comprehension questions (multiple choice)
* comprehension questions (short answer)
* vocabulary
* story analysis
* similes
* sensory imagery
* story reflection
* theme
* motif
* point of view
* setting
* conflict
* irony
* foreshadowing
* suspense
* symbols
* quotations
* characterization
* connections
* w questions
* story map
* story elements
* critical thinking
* inferences
* summaries
* transformation
* writing
There is also an answer key included at the end of the file.
Worksheets for Short Stories:
* Toni Cade Bambara: Raymond’s Run
* Ray Bradbury: There Will Come Soft Rains
* Arthur Cavanaugh: Miss Awful
* Richard Connell: The Most Dangerous Game
* Roald Dahl: The Landlady
* Shirley Jackson: The Lottery
* Piri Thomas: Amigo Brothers
* ...and more worksheets for short stories
Ray Bradbury "Dark They Were and Golden Eyed" worksheets
By Peter D
This is a 30-page set of worksheets for the short story "Dark They Were and Golden Eyed" by Ray Bradbury. The comprehension questions can be used as a story test or as a learning activity for students as they read the story.
The worksheets include:
* comprehension questions (multiple choice)
* comprehension questions (short answer)
* vocabulary
* story analysis
* similes
* personification
* metaphors
* story reflection
* theme
* motif
* point of view
* setting
* conflict
* foreshadowing
* irony
* suspense
* symbolism
* quotations
* characterization
* connections
* compare and contrast
* w questions
* story map
* story elements
* critical thinking
* inferences
* summaries
* transformation
* writing
There is also an answer key included at the end of the file.
Worksheets for Short Stories:
* Toni Cade Bambara: Raymond’s Run
* Ray Bradbury: There Will Come Soft Rains
* Arthur Cavanaugh: Miss Awful
* Richard Connell: The Most Dangerous Game
* Roald Dahl: The Landlady
* Shirley Jackson: The Lottery
* Piri Thomas: Amigo Brothers
* ...and more worksheets for short stories
Toni Cade Bambara "Raymond's Run" worksheets
By Peter D
This is an 11-page set of worksheets for the short story "Raymond's Run" by Toni Cade Bambara. The comprehension questions can be used as a story test or as a learning activity for students as they read the story.
The worksheets include:
* comprehension questions (multiple choice)
* comprehension questions (short answer)
* vocabulary
* point of view
* theme (family)
* theme (Hazel's identity)
* character development
* figurative language
* parts of a story
* writing activity
There is an answer key included for the comprehension questions, vocabulary, point of view, theme (Hazel's identity), similes, and inferences.
Worksheets for Short Stories:
* Toni Cade Bambara: Raymond’s Run
* Ray Bradbury: There Will Come Soft Rains
* Arthur Cavanaugh: Miss Awful
* Richard Connell: The Most Dangerous Game
* Roald Dahl: The Landlady
* Shirley Jackson: The Lottery
* ...and more worksheets for short stories