8th Grade Informational Text Activities (by date, latest first)

Bring authentic Indigenous knowledge into your classroom with this thoughtful, respectful, and engaging literacy and cultural assignment on Anishinaabek Medicine Bags. Perfect for middle or high school classrooms, this activity introduces students to the cultural and spiritual significance of medicine bags in Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) tradition, while encouraging personal reflection and creative expression.

What’s Included:

• A clear and concise explanation of the origin and significance of medicine bags in Anishinaabe culture
• Examples of traditional medicines and their spiritual uses
• Guided reflection questions that promote critical thinking and personal connections
• A design component where students sketch and plan their own symbolic medicine bag
• Culturally appropriate prompts emphasizing respect and understanding
• Embedded video links for supplemental learning

Learning Goals:

• Build cultural awareness and sensitivity around Indigenous practices
• Foster self-reflection and identity-building
• Integrate literacy skills through reading comprehension, written responses, and personal expression
• Support Truth and Reconciliation education in a meaningful and respectful way

Ideal for:

• Grade 7–10 English, Social Studies, Indigenous Studies, or Character Education
• Teachers seeking a culturally responsive resource that honours Indigenous voices
• Classrooms working toward meeting FNMI (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) curriculum expectations or Calls to Action

This resource was created with cultural sensitivity and educational integrity in mind. It encourages students to approach Indigenous traditions with the respect they deserve and deepens their understanding of spiritual and natural connections in Anishinaabe life.

Looking for an engaging and informative reading comprehension activity on the topic of school systems in the USA and the UK? These reading passages are are designed to help students practice **skim reading, summarizing **and comparing.

They are perfect for EFL / ESL students at the B1/B2 level and can also be used for native English classes at 7rd to 9th grade level. With low prep, just print and use. It contains 2 reading passages about the school systems in the States and the United Kingdom.

Each reading passage comes with 4 multiple-choice reading comprehension questions. Summarization questions are on a separate sheet of paper. Students use Venn diagrams (included) to compare the 2 countries or to compare and contrast the system in the US or the UK with any other country.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

♥ 2 reading passages (each with 4 multiple-choice questions)

♥ 1 sheet with summaries (2 per page - students choose the best fitting summary)

♥ 2 Venn diagrams (USA vs UK and a universal one)

♥ directions

♥ teacher answer key

Options for use:

☻Independent Work

☻Pair Work

☻Sub plan

☻Stations

If you loved this product, please be sure to come back to my store and leave feedback. 

Looking for an engaging and informative reading comprehension activity on the topic of political systems in the USA and the UK? These reading passages are are designed to help students practice **skim reading, summarizing **and comparing.

They are perfect for EFL / ESL students at the B1/B2 level and can also be used for native English classes at 7rd to 9th grade level. With low prep, just print and use. It contains 2 reading passages about the political systems in the States and the United Kingdom.

Each reading passage comes with 4 multiple-choice reading comprehension questions. Summarization questions are on a separate sheet of paper. Students use Venn diagrams (included) to compare the 2 countries or to compare and contrast the system in the US or the UK with any other country.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

♥ 2 reading passages (each with 4 multiple-choice questions)

♥ 1 sheet with summaries (2 per page - students choose the best fitting summary)

♥ 2 Venn diagrams (USA vs UK and a universal one)

♥ directions

♥ teacher answer key

Options for use:

☻Independent Work

☻Pair Work

☻Sub plan

☻Stations

If you loved this product, please be sure to come back to my store and leave feedback.

• 10 Winter Holiday Narrative Essay Picture Prompts & Planner: Engage students in narrative writing with holiday-themed picture prompts and a structured planner to develop plot, character, and setting in alignment with creative writing standards.
• Christmas Hip Hop Lyrics Analysis: Teach figurative language, rhyme schemes, and tone through an engaging analysis of hip hop lyrics, blending music and ELA standards for Grades 6-8.
• St. Nick: Informational Text Structures: Explore main ideas, text structures, and author’s purpose with this winter-themed set of informational texts designed to strengthen critical reading skills.
• Unraveling Krampus: Text Structures and Critical Analysis: Develop students’ ability to identify text structures and analyze information critically with this high-interest resource focused on the Krampus folklore.
• Informational Text Structure Coloring Sort: Combine creativity and learning as students sort and color-code winter-themed informational texts to practice identifying text structures.
• Winter Wonders: Exploring Text Features Through Snow-Themed Articles: Strengthen comprehension and analysis skills by examining text features in engaging snow-themed articles, perfect for enhancing nonfiction literacy.
• Christmas Winter Holiday Characters from Around the World Research PBL: Dive into global holiday traditions with this project-based learning activity that encourages research, critical thinking, and presentation skills.
• Holiday Figurative Language & Movie Clip Standard-Based Learning Activities: Analyze figurative language through fun, holiday-themed movie clips that align with ELA figurative language standards for middle schoolers.
• Virtual Winter Sports Exploration: Engage students in a digital exploration of winter sports, focusing on informational text comprehension and analysis for Grades 4-6.
• Analyzing Narrative Point of View Winter-Themed: Develop higher-order thinking with winter-themed narrative texts that challenge students to analyze and compare points of view using Bloom’s Taxonomy.
• Winter Vacation PBL: Inspire creativity and practical application with this low-prep, project-based learning activity where stude

1. Winter Holiday Informational Text Coloring Sort Engage middle schoolers with this unique Winter Holiday Informational Text Coloring Sort! This print-and-go resource combines reading comprehension with creative coloring, helping students identify key text structures while learning about diverse winter celebrations. Ideal for visual and kinesthetic learners.
2. Thanksgiving Text Structure Coloring Sort Lesson Bring Thanksgiving themes into your classroom with this Text Structure Coloring Sort Lesson! Students can identify and color-code different text structures in Thanksgiving-themed passages. This hands-on activity not only enhances reading skills but also adds a festive touch to learning.
3. Hands-on Text Structure Sorts & Coloring Activities This resource offers 3 Hands-on Text Structure Sorts and Coloring Activities, perfect for kinesthetic learners. Middle school students can physically manipulate and sort texts, then color-code them, making text structure analysis interactive and engaging.
4. Middle School Text Structure Print-and-Go PowerPoint, Handout, Answer Key This comprehensive resource provides a PowerPoint, handout, and answer key focused on text structures for middle school students. It's a complete print-and-go solution that simplifies teaching text structures, making it easy to deliver and understand.

Bundle together five dynamic New Year's resources for an enriching learning experience in your middle school classroom. Here's a brief overview of each component in this comprehensive package:

New Year's Informational Text Set: Structure, Central Idea, Author's Purpose!
A collection of five diverse articles, each exemplifying a different text structure like Description, Chronological, Problem and Solution, Compare and Contrast, and Cause and Effect. This set focuses on Times Square New Year’s celebrations and includes STAAR-aligned questions on the central idea, author's purpose, vocabulary, and text structure.

Classroom Synergy: Resetting Expectations in the New Year – 4 Engaging Activities!
Kick off the new year with four activities designed to reinforce classroom expectations and promote a positive learning environment. This resource includes expectation role-playing, creating expectations posters, and connecting expectations to SEL with reflective writing prompts.

Global Bites: New Year’s Celebrations and Food Traditions – Inquiry Based Learning
Explore New Year's traditions and food customs from around the world with this inquiry-based learning project. This resource encourages research and presentation skills as students delve into diverse cultural celebrations and their unique culinary traditions.

Cheers to A New Year: How to Write A Toast Workshop
Enhance public speaking skills with this engaging workshop on crafting toasts. Perfect for New Year celebrations, this resource guides students through the process of writing and delivering a meaningful toast, fostering both creativity and confidence in public speaking.

Spill the Tea: 2023 Year in Review – Google Slides Photo Project
A fun and engaging Google Slides project that allows students to reflect on the year 2023. Students create a photo-based presentation, capturing key moments, trends, and personal experiences from the year, making it an excellent activity for New Year reflections.

This bundle is perfect for middle school teachers looking to add a mix of educational and engaging activities to their New Year curriculum. Each resource is designed to be cross-curricular, supporting skills in reading, writing, research, public speaking, and social-emotional learning.

This bundle includes a great range of activities perfect for grades 5-8 for all of February!

1. Speed Friending Activity: A dynamic classroom icebreaker designed for middle and high school students. It includes a comprehensive teacher protocol, an interactive Google Slides presentation, engaging conversation rounds with embedded timers, a note-taking sheet, and a reflection writing prompt. Ideal for building classroom community, enhancing behavior management, and fostering open communication.
2. ELA Matchmaker Review Game: An 81-page ELA review resource covering synonyms, antonyms, figurative language, literary elements, and affixes & roots. It includes printable and digital versions for flexible classroom use, promoting interactive learning and critical thinking in literary concepts.
3. Black History Month Digital Resource: A set of 45 Google Slides featuring 15 influential African American artists. This resource includes detailed informational texts, short videos, and interactive response prompts. It's a comprehensive tool for exploring African American history and art, ideal for daily classroom activities.
4. Civil Rights Movement Song Analysis: Titled 'Harmony of Hope,' this resource integrates Valentine's Day and Black History Month themes for middle schoolers. It includes a Google Slides presentation and a comprehensive PDF packet, featuring analysis of seven influential Civil Rights era songs.
5. GenZ Valentine's Day Cards: A collection of 24 unique, humorous, and inclusive Valentine's Day cards suitable for middle school students. These printable cards are gender-neutral, featuring relatable puns and high-quality graphics, adding a fun twist to traditional valentine exchanges.
6. The Science of Crushes and Heartbreak: An educational resource that blends science with Valentine's Day themes, targeting middle schoolers. It includes an article, a mini-lesson in Google Slides, a graphic organizer, and analytical questions. This resource enhances understanding of text features and author's purpose.
7. Valentine's Day Argumentative Writing Resource: A tool for grades 4-8 to enhance argumentative writing skills. It features 28 'Would You Rather' prompts, available in both PDF and Google Slides, to encourage debate and persuasive writing. Ideal for various classroom activities, including warm-ups and group discussions.

Dive into the rich tapestry of Black history with our Ultimate Black History Month Educational Bundle, meticulously crafted for educators passionate about providing a comprehensive, interactive, and engaging learning experience. This bundle combines a variety of resources, ensuring a well-rounded approach to teaching pivotal moments and figures in Black history. Suitable for grades 4-8, these resources are perfect for integrating into ELA, Social Studies, Art, and more.

1. Black History Month Athlete Trading Cards - Interactive Digital & Print Resource: Engage and educate your students with this interactive set of athlete trading cards. Celebrate the achievements of influential Black athletes with this 60-slide resource, perfect for classroom activities, creative projects, and bulletin board displays.
2. Claudette Colvin STAAR Test Prep Text (Grades 6-8) - FREEBIE: Dive into the inspiring story of Claudette Colvin with this STAAR test prep text. Designed for students in grades 6-8, this resource not only enriches students' knowledge about an important figure in the Civil Rights Movement but also sharpens their test-taking skills.
3. MLK 3 Interactive Timelines, Bulletin Boards & Door Decor: Honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with interactive timelines and visually appealing decor. This resource is perfect for creating an educational environment that celebrates MLK's journey and teachings, inspiring students through interactive learning and creative expression.
4. Black History Month Digital Resource - 45 Google Slides, 15 Texts, Video & Writing: This comprehensive digital resource is a treasure trove of information, featuring 45 Google Slides, 15 texts, videos, and writing prompts. It's designed to provide a rich educational experience, sparking discussions and deepening understanding.
5. Civil Rights Movement Song Analysis (Grades 5-8) - Valentine's Day Special: Analyze the profound messages in songs from the Civil Rights Movement with this unique resource. It's an engaging way for students to connect with history through music, enhancing their analytical skills and emotional understanding of the era.
6. Color & Discover Modern Heroes of Black History Month - Freebie: This creative resource allows students to learn about modern heroes of Black History Month through coloring activities. It's a fun, engaging way to introduce younger students to influential figures and their contributions.
7. Claudette Colvin STAAR Test Prep Text (Grades 6-8) - FREEBIE (Duplicate): Reinforce your students' understanding and appreciation of Claudette Colvin's courageous stand during the Civil Rights Movement with this STAAR test prep text. This resource doubles the opportunity to integrate critical reading and historical knowledge into your test preparation activities.

Each resource in this bundle is thoughtfully designed to cater to different learning styles and classroom needs, making it the perfect package to explore, celebrate, and honor Black History Month in your classroom. Equip your students with knowledge, critical thinking skills, and a deep appreciation for the contributions and stories of Black individuals with our Ultimate Black History Month Educational Bundle.

• Thanksgiving Gratitude Toast Writing Unit with Slides and Awards
• Looking for a meaningful and engaging way to bring gratitude into your classroom this Thanksgiving season? This 4-Day Thanksgiving Toast Writing Unit has everything you need to help your students craft heartfelt toasts while building their public speaking and writing skills.
• Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Informational Texts: Central Idea & Author’s Purpose
• This resource features informational texts centered around the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Students will practice identifying the central idea and author’s purpose using guided activities, perfect for grades 4-6. Includes quizzes and engaging slides to bring the festive event into your classroom!
• Multiple Genre Thanksgiving Writing Fun: Story Starters, Centers, and Activities
  Spark creativity with these 10 engaging Thanksgiving-themed story starters! This freebie offers writing prompts perfect for centers or bell-ringers, allowing students to explore genres while creating their own holiday-inspired tales. Ideal for grades 4 and up!
• Text Features with Thanksgiving Football Text Set, Quizzes, and Slides
  Bring excitement to your lessons with this text feature set using Thanksgiving football articles. Students will analyze and identify different text features while engaging with a fun, seasonal topic. Quizzes and slide presentations are included for easy, interactive learning.
• Thanksgiving Argument Writing Unit: Debate Topics & Lesson Plans for STAAR ECRs
  Help your students master argumentative writing with this resource, complete with four Thanksgiving-themed debate prompts. Perfect for middle school, the unit includes a 75-minute lesson plan, guided notes, and templates for teaching claims, evidence, and rebuttals.
• Thanksgiving Author’s Purpose Reading Unit: Passages, Slides, Guided Notes (Grades 5-7)
  This reading unit features five double-sided Thanksgiving-themed passages that explore different author’s purposes. With interactive slides and guided notes, this resource is great for whole-group instruction, centers, or intervention activities in grades 5-7.
• Thanksgiving Digital Resource: Interactive Slides for Middle School Fall Break Vibes
  This non-academic, interactive slide deck is perfect for building community and having fun the day before Fall Break. Featuring 22 slides with thought-provoking and engaging Thanksgiving prompts, it's a fun, low-prep activity to wrap up the season.
• Thanksgiving Persuasive Writing Activity: Rhetoric for Grades 5-7 (Ethos, Pathos, Logos)
  This resource guides students through persuasive writing with a focus on rhetoric. Using Thanksgiving-themed prompts, students will practice developing strong arguments using ethos, pathos, and logos. Perfect for building writing and critical thinking skills in grades 5-7.
• Thanksgiving Text Structure Coloring Sort & Lesson
  Teach text structures in a creative and interactive way with this Thanksgiving coloring activity. Students will learn about different text structures and apply them through sorting and coloring activities, making the lesson both educational and fun.
• 10 Fall Narrative Essay Picture Prompts and Planner: Print and Go & Slides
  This resource includes 10 narrative essay prompts, each with a fall theme, designed to help students craft compelling stories. Perfect for middle school students, the resource includes both print-and-go materials and a slide deck for easy classroom use.

This bundle could cover 20-25 days of classroom instruction, depending on how the resources are paced and implemented. It offers a great variety of activities for both Thanksgiving season and beyond.

Identifying text structure can be tricky, but this interactive and hands-on sort makes practice engaging, particularly because the topics are relevant for middle school students. This set includes sports, video games, and social media topics, students will enjoy reading through each prompt and moving the pieces to the correct spot on the gameboard. For low prep, teachers can choose to avoid cutting out the pieces for the gameboard and opt for students to follow the coloring guide to sort through the prompts.

What is included:

• Three engaging and interactive sorts to identify problem and solution, description, compare and contrast, cause and effect, and sequence prompts.
• Three game boards to paste prompts onto the correct column.
• Three 20-piece themed sorts about sports, social media, and video games.
• Three color by structure pages for low prep.
• Three answer keys.

Ideas for implementation:

• This product would be great for extra practice once text structures are introduced!
• These sorts can be done for Do now, stations, morning work, homework, or intervention.

Delve into the intriguing world of Krampus with this comprehensive ELA resource, designed specifically for upper middle school students. "Unraveling Krampus" presents a unique opportunity to explore this mythical figure through a literary lens, enhancing key reading and analysis skills.

What’s Inside:

• Five Engaging Articles on Krampus: Each article focuses on a different text structure – compare and contrast, description, problem and solution, cause and effect, and chronological order
• – providing a multifaceted view of Krampus' lore and cultural significance.
• Skill-Focused Comprehension Quizzes: After reading, students can apply their knowledge with quizzes targeting central ideas, author's purpose, inferences, summaries, and text-dependent questions.
• 15-Slide Google Slides Presentation: A visually engaging presentation to introduce or reinforce each literacy skill. These slides are interactive and tailored for upper middle school learners, perfect for both classroom and remote instruction.
• Targeted Skill Development: This resource is crafted to bolster students' abilities in identifying text structures, understanding authorial intent, drawing inferences, summarizing, and engaging with text-dependent analysis.
• Interactive Annotation and Reading Experience: Encourage active reading with annotation prompts, fostering deeper comprehension and critical thinking.

Benefits:

• Enhances Critical Thinking: Cultivates analytical skills essential for upper middle school ELA.
• Captivating Content: The mysterious and intriguing subject of Krampus keeps students engaged and curious.
• Facilitates Deeper Understanding: Helps students grasp complex concepts like text structure and author's purpose in an engaging context.
• Ready for Classroom Use: A complete, ready-to-use package that saves preparation time for busy educators.

Ideal For:

• Upper Middle School ELA Teachers
• Reading and Literacy Coaches
• Homeschool Educators
• Tutors Specializing in Advanced Literacy

Step into the captivating folklore of Krampus and transform your ELA lessons into an exciting and educational exploration. "Unraveling Krampus" not only offers a deep dive into a unique cultural phenomenon but also arms students with critical literacy skills. Add this rich, engaging resource to your educational toolkit and elevate your teaching approach today!

For lower level readers, try this resource: St. Nick: Informational Text Structures, Main Idea, Author's Purpose 5 text sets (TeachShare.com)

Engage your middle schoolers with a festive dive into informational text skills using the iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade as the backdrop. This comprehensive resource is designed to captivate students while reinforcing critical reading skills over two to three class periods.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify and analyze the central idea in informational texts.
• Understand and evaluate the author's purpose.
• Recognize and interpret various text structures.
• Determine the meaning of academic words in context.

What's Included:

• Five high-interest informational texts centered on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
• A four-question multiple-choice quiz for each text, complete with an answer key.
• A Google Slides presentation to introduce and review key informational text skills.

How It Works:

• Day 1: Kickstart the lesson with a Google Slides presentation to refresh students on each skill's definition. Then, dive into the first two texts with guided annotation and strategic multiple-choice question approaches.
• Day 2: Continue with the remaining texts and quizzes, followed by a comprehensive review of the answers, solidifying students' understanding.

Perfect for Busy Teachers:

• Print & Go: No prep needed! Simply print the materials or share them digitally for an interactive class experience.
• Highly Engaging Material: The vibrant history of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade keeps students interested and learning.
• Holiday Themed: Bring the Thanksgiving spirit into your classroom with content that's both educational and festive.
• Rigorous & Multi-Skill Focused: Challenge students with texts that are rigorous and cover multiple ELA standards.

Usage Scenario: Ideal for ELA, special education, and interventionist teachers, this resource serves as an excellent review of priority standards. It's adaptable to various student abilities and can be used after teaching the skills explicitly, ensuring that all students can participate and learn effectively.

Highlights:

Holiday Material: Students will enjoy learning with content themed around a beloved national holiday event.

• Engagement & Rigor: Not only does this set engage students, but it also challenges them to apply multiple literacy skills in a cohesive manner.

Elevate your ELA curriculum with this ready-to-use Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade informational text set. It's the perfect blend of holiday cheer and academic rigor, designed to keep your students engaged and on track with their literacy skills!

Dive into the festive spirit and broaden your students' horizons with this unique ELA resource, "Holiday Characters from Around the World." Perfect for middle school educators, this comprehensive package offers an engaging journey into the diverse and rich traditions of holiday celebrations across the globe.

Key Features:

• In-Depth Articles: Discover well-researched, student-friendly articles on nine iconic holiday characters, including Santa Claus, La Befana, Krampus, and more. Each article delves into the origins, traditions, and modern-day significance of these beloved figures.
• Culturally Rich Content: Enhance cultural awareness in your classroom. This resource serves as an excellent tool for exploring global customs, fostering an appreciation for cultural diversity during the holiday season.
• Interactive Learning: Engage students with thought-provoking questions and activities. From creative writing prompts to comparative analysis, these materials are designed to stimulate critical thinking and discussion.
• Versatile Usage: Ideal for reading comprehension, cultural studies, or as a basis for projects and presentations, this resource adapts to various teaching styles and curriculum needs.
• Teacher-Friendly Format: Easy-to-use PDF format, perfect for both in-person and remote learning environments. Print-ready for classroom handouts or viewable on digital platforms. Google slides are ready to assign and go!

How to Use This Resource:

Day 1 Read articles 1 and 2 and use the thought catcher to take notes about the character
Day 2 Read articles 3 and 4 and use the thought catcher to take notes about the character
Day 3 Read articles 5 and 6 and use the thought catcher to take notes about the character
Day 4 Read articles 7, 8, and 9 and use the thought catcher to take notes about the character
Day 5 Complete the reading quiz. Students should choose a character to create their project on 
Day 6 Students begin researching the country of origin for their Slides presentation
Day 7 Students begin section 2 (Character analysis) of the slides presentation
Day 8 Students begin planning their own Holiday character in Section 3
Day 9 Students continue planning their own Holiday character in Section 3
Day 10Presentation day! Have students present their own holiday character to the class. Alternatively, have them bring in a food from the country of their cultural holiday character!

Benefits:

• Enhance Global Awareness: Help students understand and appreciate winter traditions from different cultures.
• Develop Critical Thinking: Encourage analysis and reflection on how holidays are celebrated worldwide.
• Boost Engagement: With colorful and captivating content, keep your students intrigued and eager to learn more.
• Cross-Curricular Integration: Seamlessly integrate these materials into ELA, social studies, and art lessons.

Who Is It For?

• Middle School Teachers
• ELA Educators
• Homeschooling Parents
• Cultural Studies Instructors

Embark on a festive educational journey with "Holiday Characters from Around the World." Bring the magic of global holiday traditions into your classroom today and watch as your students' understanding and curiosity grow!

Are you ready to add a 'sweet touch' to learning text structures this Valentine's Day? Dive into our Valentine's Day Text Structure Coloring Sorts, a delightful and engaging free resource designed to help your students master the art of identifying different text structures. Perfect for grades 3-8, this activity blends the fun of Valentine's Day with essential learning objectives.

With our resource, students will explore five key text structures: Cause and Effect, Problem and Solution, Question and Answer, Chronological Order, and Description. Each text structure is cleverly themed around Valentine's Day, making learning both enjoyable and relevant.

All you need is the PDF copy and six colored pencils or crayons to get started. This activity serves as an excellent warm-up, a creative homework assignment, or a lively addition to any learning center. It's not just about coloring; it's about understanding and applying knowledge in a way that sticks.

Looking for more ways to engage your students in text structure mastery? Check out our comprehensive Informational Text Structure Mastery Bundle. This bundle complements the coloring activity and offers an in-depth exploration of text structures, perfect for middle school learners.

Don't miss out on this 'heartfelt' opportunity to blend creativity with critical thinking in your classroom. Download our Valentine's Day Text Structure Coloring Sorts today and watch as your students color their way to text structure mastery!

Ready to 'color your students' world' with understanding this Valentine's Day?

Introducing our vibrant new resource, perfect for grades 4-6: the Valentine's Day Authors' Purpose Coloring Activity! This unique coloring resource brings together 20 engaging Valentine's-themed prompts, each carefully crafted to illustrate the six different author's purposes: Inform, Persuade, Entertain, Critique, Report, and Instruct.

In this colorful learning adventure, students will need our PDF and six specific colors to identify and color-code each author's purpose. It's not just a coloring activity; it’s a journey into the heart of reading comprehension and critical thinking, tailored specifically for young learners.

But wait, there's more love to spread! If you're looking for another delightful Valentine's Day coloring resource, don't miss our Valentine's Day Text Structure Color Sorts: A Rainbow of Learning. This free activity complements our Authors' Purpose Coloring Activity and is perfect for reinforcing text structure skills.

These resources are ideal for classroom activities, homework assignments, or as a part of your literacy centers. They're not just educational tools; they're a way to bring joy, color, and deeper understanding into your classroom this Valentine's Day.

So, why wait? Download our Valentine's Day Authors' Purpose Coloring Activity today, and watch as your students 'color their way' to mastering author's purposes, one hue at a time!

Did you know that one young girl's courage was a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement? Introduce your students to the inspiring story of Claudette Colvin with our engaging and educational resource, perfect for Black History Month and STAAR test preparation. Suitable for grades 6-8, this free, print-and-go resource combines historical significance with critical thinking.

Our resource includes a short, informative text about Claudette Colvin, followed by four carefully crafted multiple-choice questions. These questions are aligned with STAAR standards, focusing on skills such as inference, summary, and author's purpose. It's an ideal tool for deepening students' understanding of important historical figures while honing their test-taking abilities.

This versatile resource is perfect for various classroom needs:

☑️ Center in stations

☑️ Homework assignment

☑️ Warm-up activity

☑️ Part of a larger unit on informational text

As a free resource, it’s designed to be easy for teachers – just print and you're ready to go. It's a valuable addition to any lesson plan during Black History Month and beyond.

Don't forget to check out our other free February resources, including the Valentine's Day Text Structure Color Sorts and the Valentine's Day Author's Purpose Coloring Quest! Grade 5-8 FREEBIE! (TeachShare.com)!

Be sure to follow our store for more free resources that bring ease and effectiveness to your teaching. Download now and bring Claudette Colvin's remarkable story into your classroom!

Did you know the theme for Black History Month 2024 focuses on African Americans and the Arts? Do you only have 20 minutes per day to incorporate Black History Month?

Switch up your classroom's exploration of African American history through art with our comprehensive digital resource, which includes 45 interactive Google Slides. This engaging and educational tool is designed to offer an in-depth look into the lives and works of 15 influential African American artists, perfect for daily learning activities in February or any time of the year perfect for daily warm-ups or part of a larger Black History Month unit.

Key Features:

• 15 Detailed Informational Texts: Each of the 15 African American artists across generations featured in this resource comes to life through meticulously crafted informational texts. These texts provide a rich narrative of each artist's journey, achievements, and impact on society.
• Engaging Short Videos: Accompanying each informational text is a carefully selected video, under five minutes in length, providing a visual and auditory learning experience. These videos are designed to complement the texts, offering a well-rounded understanding of each artist's contributions.
• Interactive Open-Ended Response Prompts: Following each informational text and video, students are encouraged to reflect and respond with open-ended questions. These prompts are designed to stimulate critical thinking, personal connection, and deeper comprehension of the material.
• 45 Easy-to-Navigate Slides: With a total of 45 slides, this digital resource provides a comprehensive yet accessible educational experience. Each artist is given a dedicated set of slides, ensuring an organized and focused learning journey.
• Digital Convenience and Accessibility: Hosted on Google Slides, this resource is easily accessible for both in-person and remote learning environments. It offers the convenience of digital use, allowing for interactive and engaging classroom or homework assignments.

Benefits:

• Cultivates an Appreciation for Diversity in Art: Students will gain a deeper understanding and respect for the diverse contributions of African American artists throughout history.
• Enhances Multimedia Learning: The combination of texts, videos, and writing prompts caters to different learning styles, ensuring a more engaging and effective educational experience.
• Promotes Critical Thinking and Expression: The open-ended response prompts encourage students to think critically and express their thoughts and interpretations, enhancing their analytical and communication skills.
• Ready-to-Use and Time-Saving for Educators: This all-in-one resource requires no additional prep, making it a valuable tool for educators looking for comprehensive, ready-to-use teaching materials.

Ideal for Teachers Who:

• Seek to provide a multimedia learning experience in their exploration of African American history and art.
• Require ready-to-go, comprehensive resources for Black History Month or cultural studies.
• Value the integration of videos and interactive elements in classroom instruction.
• Want to incorporate BHM briefly throughout February.

Transform your teaching approach with this enriching digital resource on African American artists. Inspire your students with the powerful stories, artistic expressions, and cultural impacts of these remarkable individuals. Add this multifaceted educational tool to your collection today and bring history to life in your classroom!

"New Year's Insights: Informational Text Structure Set" is a comprehensive educational resource expertly crafted for middle school ELA teachers. This engaging and cross-curricular package is designed to enhance students' understanding of various text structures, aligning perfectly with STAAR and other standardized testing requirements.

Product Description:

• Rich Content Spanning Five Articles: Dive into five captivating articles, each centered around the iconic Times Square New Year's celebrations. These articles are not only informative but also diverse in their presentation, covering a range of topics from the history and evolution of the celebrations to their environmental impact.
• Diverse Text Structures: Each article in this set is a model of a different text structure – Description, Chronological, Problem and Solution, Compare and Contrast, and Cause and Effect. This variety provides a dynamic learning experience, helping students recognize and understand these essential components of informational texts.
• Aligned with Standardized Testing: Accompanying each article is a set of carefully crafted multiple-choice questions focusing on the central idea, vocabulary, author's purpose, and text structure. These questions are specifically aligned with STAAR and other standardized tests, making this resource an invaluable tool for test preparation.
• Cross-Curricular Learning Experience: While rooted in ELA, this resource offers a cross-curricular approach, touching on aspects of history, culture, science, and environmental studies, thus enriching the overall educational experience.
• Introduction to Text Structures: Included is an introductory Google Slides presentation that either refreshes or introduces students to the concept of text structures. This presentation is designed to be interactive and student-friendly, making it an excellent starting point for the lesson.
• Graphic Organizer for Effective Learning: To aid in comprehension and retention, a graphic organizer is provided for students to take notes during the presentation. This organizer serves as a valuable reference tool during work time, helping students organize their thoughts and analysis.
• Comprehensive Answer Keys: For each article's question set, a detailed answer key is provided, simplifying grading and allowing for in-depth class discussions on each topic.

"New Year's Insights: Informational Text Structure Set" is a must-have for any middle school ELA classroom. It not only bolsters students' reading and comprehension skills but also encourages critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the world around them. This resource is perfect for teachers looking to add depth and variety to their instruction while aligning with educational standards.

This resource is included in the New Year 2024 Bundle Here: Ring in Learning: New Year's Thematic Middle School Classroom Bundle (TeachShare.com)

A reading comprehension tasks which focuses on the current issue of vaping. An informative text on a topic interesting to teens and tweens has been used to engage them in their learning whilst developing comprehension skills. Questions range from easy to hard and uses cognitive verbs from the Australian Curriculum. This encourages students to go beyond the retrieval and comprehension stages and into analysis and knowledge utilisation.

This unit bundle is composed of four highly engaging, primary based, interactive Slide Presentations, and activities-- designed to have students critically explore the period of Reconstruction/Jim Crow.

LESSON ONE: Reconstruction Era [Intro]

Includes:

• 45 Slide Presentation & Guided Notes Handout
• POV Freedmen Scenario Activity

LESSON ONE will have students examine;

• the different ways in which newly freed slaves expressed their emancipation
• the POV of a Freedmen (POV Activity). Students will respond and debate four questions central to this time period from a Freedman's perspective;

1. Now that the Civil War is over, who should own and control the plantations?
2. What do you propose should happen to the ex-Confederate leaders?
3. Who should be allowed to vote in the new South? Everyone? Only formerly enslaved people? Only those who were loyal to the United States during the war? Women?
4. How will African Americans be protected from the revenge of the defeated soldiers and from the plantation owners?
5. What conditions should be put on the Southern states before they are allowed to return to the Union?

LESSON TWO: The Pursuit to Vote

Includes:

• 48 Slide Presentation & Guided Notes Handout
• Black Codes Scenarios Matching Game
• Louisiana State Literacy Test

LESSON TWO will have students examine;

• the Black Codes (Matching Game included)
• Three Reconstruction Plans
• the POV of a Freedmen in regards to the different obstacles they faced in their pursuit to vote (Inequality of land, the Grandfather Clause, Literacy Test, Poll Tax, Intimidation & Violence)

LESSON THREE: The Ku Klux Klan (Comparing the Past to Today)

Includes:

• 34 Slide Presentation & Guided Notes Handout
• Venn Diagram- 'Comparing White Supremacy of the Past with Today'
• Primary Source Reading- 'C.P. Ellis Why I Quit the Klan'

LESSON THREE will have students examine;

• the underlying roots from which the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) came to exist in America
• the organization's primary tactics of using intimidation & fear in fighting against social equality, and why many poor whites were recruited to join the KKK organization.
• & compare/contrast the circumstances & social conditions of two former white supremacist leaders (one who lived during the era of Jim Crow, and the other of present day).

LESSON FOUR: Jim Crow Laws

Includes:

• 38 Slide Slide Presentation & Guided Notes Handout
• A Tale of Two Schools' Supplementary Reading Comprehension Activity
• 'Freedom Song' Movie Handout

LESSON FOUR will have students examine;

• the period of the Jim Crow era, with a focus on the segregation of schools.
• the implications of monumental Supreme Court decisions of 'Plessy v. Ferguson', and 'Brown V. Board of Education'.

Choice of three supplementary activities; 

• The 1st Optional Activity will have students analyze four political cartoons. Students will identify whether the author was FOR or AGAINST the Jim Crow Laws, & describe supportive details from the cartoon on their POLITICAL CARTOON HANDOUT.

• The 2nd Optional Activity will have students critically read a primary source article titled ‘A TALE OF TWO SCHOOLS’, and respond to text dependent questions in their ‘TALE OF TWO SCHOOLS QUESTIONS HANDOUT. The teacher can do a read-aloud, OR students can read independently. Class discussion is encouraged.

• The 3rd Optional Activity will have students analyze a film titled ‘FREEDOM SONG’. Students will apply their knowledge from their guided notes, and respond to open-ended questions in their FREEDOM SONG HANDOUT.