Less than $5 8th Grade Short Stories Activities (by price, low to high)

Product
Product
Product
Product

A Christmas Carol - A School Remix Play Script FREE PREVIEW

By Creative Primary Literacy

This is a free preview of the Christmas play script - A Christmas Carol - A School Remix Play Script. The full play script is available for just $5.50 by following the link below:

https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/A-Christmas-Carol-A-School-Remix-Play-Script-4129710

⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻

This is a play script for A Christmas Carol, however it is a modern remake that is based in a school. The play script tells the story of a mean, old headmaster, Ebenezer Loops, who runs a dark and miserable school. The teachers are under-paid and over-worked, and the students are not allowed to smile or have fun.

It is Christmas eve and his best worker, Bob Bamboo asks for the day off to spend time with his family, and sick child – Petite Pat. Loops almost refuses but decides to just dock his pay for the day. Then, that evening he gets a visit from the previous headmaster – another miserable person called Mr Frown.

Mr Frown tells him he needs to change his ways or end up with the same fate as him; he tells him how he will be visited by three ghosts that night. The ghosts visit and show Loops various things that upset him enough to change his ways.

After the visits of the ghosts Loops wakes up on Christmas day a changed man and tries to put right all the wrongs he has caused over the previous decades!

⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻

There are song recommendations throughout the script, with a mixture of traditional Christmas songs and modern songs. There are 19 speaking parts, with additional non-speaking roles too for up to 30 students.

I hope you have fun with it, my class had a ball!

⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻⎻

There are also a few more Christmas play scripts in my store including:

  • Holly the Christmas Elf
  • Santa's Successor
  • A Christmas Carol (A School Remix)
  • A Christmas Carol (Traditional Version)
  • The Grouch

⏚⏚⏚⏚⏚⏚⏚⏚⏚⏚⏚⏚⏚⏚⏚⏚⏚⏚⏚⏚⏚⏚⏚⏚⏚⏚⏚⏚⏚⏚⏚⏚⏚⏚⏚

For more great resources follow my store ⇉⇉ CLICK HERE

Also, don't forget to leave feedback to earn TeachShare credits to spend!

Drama
Short Stories
Christmas/ Chanukah/ Kwanzaa
Free
Product
Product
Product

A Sound of Thunder Escape Room Preview/ Sample/ Freebie! Diction + Syntax

By The Red-Haired Reader

This is a sample station from my A Sound of Thunder Escape Room! The Escape Room includes 7 stations; this is the one that analyzes Bradbury's use of diction and syntax. Hopefully it will give you a taste of what the whole product is like! Please check it out in a separate listing.

English Language Arts
Literature
Short Stories
Free
Product

Building Trust SEL Lesson Using "Thank You, M'am" by Langston Hughes

By Ms. J's ELA

This social emotional learning lesson uses Langston Hughes' short story Thank You, M'am. During this SEL lesson, students complete a pre-reading journal activity, read the short story (not included), answer questions related to the text, and contemplate the ways that they can build trust with the people in their lives. There is also an opportunity for whole class discussion regarding the idea of building trust.

This resource includes:

- a slides presentation to follow

- 3 worksheets: pre-reading, questions about trust in the text, and building trust reflection

- an answer sheet

Students care deeply about trust. They want to be trusted, but they don't always understand how their actions contribute to their trustworthiness. This lesson encourages students to think about how they can build trust with the people in their lives, and makes them think about what they might receive in return for demonstrating their trustworthiness. Students will think about the ways Roger showed that he was untrustworthy, the things he did to gain Mrs. Jones' trust back, and what he ended up receiving for demonstrating that he was trustworthy.

English Language Arts
Short Stories
Social Emotional Learning
$2.00
Product
Product
Product
Product

Christmas Short Story and Reading Comprehension Questions for Middle School ELA

By Teach Savvy Store

Immerse your students in the magic of the holidays with this engaging ELA resource, centered on the heartwarming short story The Key to Christmas Hollow. This resource combines reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and creative thinking activities, making it perfect for the festive season.

What’s Included:

The Short Story:

A captivating tale about Liam, a "quiet dreamer" who discovers the true spirit of Christmas in a magical town called Christmas Hollow.

Vocabulary Awareness Activity:

A pre-reading vocabulary chart featuring key terms such as "intricately," "palpable," and "astonishment." Students record their familiarity with each word, look up definitions, and rephrase them in their own words.

Comprehension Questions (with Answer Key):

Questions designed to develop critical thinking, including:

  • Setting and Atmosphere
  • Character Motivation and Analysis
  • Inference and Theme Exploration
  • Symbolism and Cause & Effect
  • Creative Thinking Prompts

Answer Key for Teachers:
Detailed responses to all comprehension questions, aiding in efficient grading and discussion facilitation.

Learning Objectives:

  • Develop vocabulary and reading fluency.
  • Analyze characters, themes, and literary elements.
  • Encourage creative writing and personal reflection.

Usage:

  • Perfect for whole-class reading, independent assignments, or as a holiday-themed ELA activity.
  • Designed for upper elementary to middle school students.
  • Printable and ready to use!
Reading
Short Stories
Christmas/ Chanukah/ Kwanzaa
$2.00
Product
Product
Product
Product

Eraser Tattoo by Jason Reynolds Lesson

By Ms. J's ELA

This lesson should accompany the short story Eraser Tattoo by Jason Reynolds. The story can be found in the anthology Fresh Ink.

This lesson focuses on making inferences and identifying themes. Students will provide and explain textual evidence that supports inferences and themes that they identify from the story.

This resource includes 6 slides for display at the front of the class and 2 student worksheet pages which come in color and b/w.

English Language Arts
Literature
Short Stories
$2.00
Product
Product
Product
Product

Sometimes a Dream Needs a Push by Walter Dean Myers Short Story Lesson

By Ms. J's ELA

This resource should accompany Walter Dean Myers's short story Sometimes a Dream Needs a Push. The story is not included but can be found in the book Flying Lessons and Other Stories.

This resource includes 5 worksheet pages in color for posting online and in b/w for easy printing. A presentation aligns with the worksheets and includes an answer key for vocabulary and short answer questions.

This resource has:

- a pre-reading journal prompt

- story vocabulary

- tiered reading questions

- a focus on the standard: Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text.

- answer keys

English Language Arts
Short Stories
Vocabulary
$2.00
Product

Fish Cheeks by Amy Tan SEL Lesson: Embracing Differences

By Ms. J's ELA

This social emotional learning lesson uses Amy Tan's short story Fish Cheeks. The short story is not included in this resource, but it can be found online. The focus of this lesson is embracing our own differences.

This resource is a Google File that includes a PDF and Google Slides version of the teaching slides, which can be projected in front of the class, 4 student worksheets in color and 4 in b/w, and a teaching guide.

The lesson includes:

- Pre-reading Journal and Discussion Question

- Reading Questions for Fish Cheeks

- Discussion Questions for Personal Reflection Focused on Embracing our Differences

- An Interview Assignment Related to Embracing our Differences

English Language Arts
Short Stories
Social Emotional Learning
$2.00
Product

All Summer in a Day by Ray Bradbury SEL Lesson: Social Awareness

By Ms. J's ELA

This social emotional learning lesson uses Ray Bradbury's short story "All Summer in a Day." The short story is not included in this resources, but it can be found online. The focus of the lesson is social awareness.

This resource is a Google File that includes a PDF and Google Slides version of the teaching slides, which can be projected in front of the class, 4 student worksheets in color and 4 in b/w, and a teaching guide.

The lesson includes:

- Pre-reading Journal and Discussion Question

- Reading Questions for All Summer in a Day

- Cause and Effect Questions for All Summer in a Day

- Definition of Social Awareness

- Discussion Questions Regarding Social Awareness Situations

- Social Awareness Questions Related to All Summer in a Day and a Personal Reflection Question

English Language Arts
Short Stories
Social Emotional Learning
$2.00
Product
Product
Product
Product

The Beans and Rice Chronicles of Isaiah Dunn by Kelly J. Baptist LESSON

By Ms. J's ELA

This resource should accompany the short story The Beans and Rice Chronicles of Isaiah Dunn by Kelly J. Baptist. The page numbers listed in this resource align with the book Flying Lessons and Other Stories. This resource includes 4 pages of both color and b/w worksheets which include a pre-reading journal question, tiered reading questions, vocabulary, and a focus on supporting analysis with textual evidence. A 10 page presentation accompanies the worksheets and includes an answer key.

This is a sensitive story. One of the tiered reading questions addresses coping strategies in times of grief. This question needs to be approached in an open, honest, non-judgmental way. If this is not the way you operate, skip this resource.

English Language Arts
Reading
Short Stories
$2.00
Product
Product
Product
Product

Secret Samantha by Tim Federle Short Story Lesson

By Ms. J's ELA

This resource should accompany the short story Secret Samantha by Tim Federle. This story can be found in the book Flying Lessons and Other Stories.

This resource includes five student worksheets in color and in b/w for printing. There is also a presentation to accompany the worksheets. The presentation and worksheets include a pre-reading journal entry, vocabulary from the story, tiered reading questions, and post-reading questions focused on a standard about determining the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text.

English Language Arts
Reading
Short Stories
$2.00
Product
Product
Product
Product

Choctaw Bigfoot, Midnight in the Mountains by Tim Tingle Lesson & TEST

By Ms. J's ELA

This resource should accompany Tim Tingle's short story Choctaw Bigfoot, Midnight in the Mountains. This resource includes 4 student worksheet pages in both color and b/w. There is also a 12 page presentation to accompany the worksheets. The presentation contains answer keys for vocabulary and short answer questions. You will also get an Easel reading quiz with this resource.

This resource includes:

- a pre-reading journal question

- story vocabulary

- tiered reading questions

- questions focused on ELA standard about point of view and its impact on suspense and humor

- an Easel reading quiz

English Language Arts
Literature
Short Stories
$2.00
Product
Product
Product
Product

Sol Painting, Inc. Short Story by Meg Medina

By Ms. J's ELA

This resource should accompany Meg Medina's short story Sol Painting, Inc. This short story can be found in the book Flying Lessons and Other Stories, which is an amazing compilation of short stories by diverse authors about diverse characters. This resource includes a 12 page presentation and 6 student worksheets. The worksheets and presentation include a pre-reading journal entry, a focus on theme and central idea (which I teach as two separate things), vocabulary using context clues, tiered reading questions, and post-reading questions regarding the story's themes and central idea. The worksheets come in a colored version for posting online and a b/w version for printing.

This resource defines theme as the message, lesson, or moral of the story. Central idea is defined as what the story is all about- a single sentence which unifies all elements of the story.

English Language Arts
Reading
Short Stories
$2.00
Product
Product

A Sound of Thunder by Ray Bradbury 10 question multiple choice quiz with answers

By The Red-Haired Reader

This is a 10-question quiz for Ray Bradbury's "A Sound of Thunder". This text-based quiz asks about symbolism, characterization, elements of suspense, figurative language, syntax, and foreshadowing. An answer key is included for your convenience!

English Language Arts
Literature
Short Stories
$2.00
Product
Product

There Will Come Soft Rains by Sara Teasdale Foldable Poetry Analysis + answers

By The Red-Haired Reader

This product will allow your students to easily understand and analyze Sara Teasdale's "There Will Come Soft Rains" by breaking it down line-by-line!

Instruct your students to fold the paper in half the long way, and to cut along the black lines into the midline of the paper. They will end up with a long, skinny version of the poem on the front of the flaps, and analysis question inside.

As they read the poem, they will peel back the flap to reveal questions that ask them to analyze the poem for word choice, author’s purpose, syntax, mood, repetition, alliteration, personification, and theme. I've included a suggested answer key for your convenience. Please ask if you have any questions!

English Language Arts
Literature
Short Stories
$2.00
Product
Product
Product

The Tell-Tale Heart Creative Writing Assignment on Perspective

By Language Arts Excellence

This engaging assignment asks students to think critically about the events detailed by an unreliable narrator in Edgar Allan Poe's The Tell-Tale Heart. Did the old man truly have no inkling of the narrator's hatred of him? Did the police officers really "chat pleasantly" as they interrogated the increasingly agitated man?

In the assignment, students must consider these questions and more, then write a short narrative through the perspective of either the old man or a police officer at the scene. The assignment is fun but more importantly, it leads to sophisticated discussion about the concept of an unreliable narrator. This is a perfect supplement for any unit on Edgar Allan Poe!

Product Includes:

  • Comprehensive Directions
  • Scoring Guide

This activity is included in a full-length lesson plan: Unreliable Narrator of "The Tell-Tale Heart" Lesson Plan

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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

⭐ The Tell-Tale Heart Figurative Language Challenge Activity

⭐ 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

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence

English Language Arts
Short Stories
Halloween
$2.25
Product
Product
Product

The Tell-Tale Heart & The Black Cat "Breaking News" Article

By Language Arts Excellence

This is a fun, engaging mini-project in which students act as newspaper staff writer and illustrator for Poe's most gruesome tales, The Tell-Tale Heart and The Black Cat. The project is differentiated for multiple learning styles and is a fun way to bring the stories of Edgar Allan Poe to life! I recommend giving this assignment after reading both stories as close to Halloween as possible. This assignment works just as well in class as it does for homework.

Product Includes:

  • Comprehensive project directions
  • Scoring Guide

________________________________________________________________________

Check out these great products to supplement your study of The Tell-Tale Heart and The Black Cat:

⭐ The Tell-Tale Heart Literature Guide

⭐ The Tell-Tale Heart Anticipation Guide and Lesson Plan

⭐ The Tell-Tale Heart ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ The Tell-Tale Heart Figurative Language Challenge Activity

⭐ Unreliable Narrator of The Tell-Tale Heart Lesson Plan

⭐ The Tell-Tale Heart/The Black Cat Compare Contrast Essay

⭐ The Black Cat Literature Guide

⭐ The Black Cat ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ Unreliable Narrator of The Black Cat Lesson Plan

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 ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ Edgar Allan Poe Bell Ringer Journal Prompts

⭐ Edgar Allan Poe Crossword Puzzle

⭐ Edgar Allan Poe Brochure

⭐ Edgar Allan Poe's Obituary

⭐ Edgar Allan Poe Quote Posters

⭐ Edgar Allan Poe Resource Bundle

But why stop with these stories? We have enough Edgar Allan Poe resources to frighten your students for months!

⭐ The Raven Literature Guide

⭐ The Pit and the Pendulum Literature Guide

⭐ The Cask of Amontillado Literature Guide

⭐ The Fall of the House of Usher Literature Guide

⭐ The Masque of the Red Death Literature Guide

⭐ Edgar Allan Poe Short Story BUNDLE

________________________________________________________________________

Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence

English Language Arts
Short Stories
Halloween
$2.25
Product
Product
Product
Product

The Tell-Tale Heart Anticipation Guide and Lesson Plan

By Language Arts Excellence

This resource features an anticipation guide for Edgar Allan Poe's chilling tale of murder and mutilation, The Tell-Tale Heart, 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 The Tell-Tale Heart and your overall Poe unit. This lesson is particularly useful for Poe's tale which can be difficult for students to understand at first, thus going in with knowledge of themes will help them connect. I am confident that your students will enjoy this thoughtful, engaging activity and beg you to begin reading one of the most notoriously gruesome stories in American literature!

Product Includes:

  • 2 Page Anticipation Guide with 7 Debate Statements
  • "Numbered Heads" Lesson Plan

___________________________________________________________________________

Check out these great products to supplement your study of The Tell-Tale Heart:

⭐ The Tell-Tale Heart Literature Guide

⭐ The Tell-Tale Heart ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ The Tell-Tale Heart Figurative Language Challenge Activity

⭐ The Tell-Tale Heart Human Tic Tac Toe Review Game

⭐ The Tell-Tale Heart & The Black Cat Socratic Seminar Materials

⭐ 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 ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ Edgar Allan Poe Brochure

⭐ Edgar Allan Poe Quote Posters

⭐ Edgar Allan Poe Resource Bundle

___________________________________________________________________________

Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence

English Language Arts
Short Stories
Halloween
$2.75
Product
Product
Product
Product

The Gift of the Magi Anticipation Guide & Lesson Plan

By Language Arts Excellence

This resource features an anticipation guide for O. Henry's ironic tale of love and sacrifice, "The Gift of the Magi", 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 "The Gift of the Magi" and your overall short story unit. I am confident that your students will enjoy this thoughtful, engaging activity and beg you to begin reading the classic story this holidayseason.

Product Includes:

- 2 Page Anticipation Guide with 7 Debate Statements

- "Numbered Heads" Lesson Plan

______________________________________________________________________________________

Also, check out these resources to round our your unit on The Gift of the Magi:

⭐ The Gift of the Magi ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ The Gift of the Magi Socratic Seminar Materials

⭐ The Gift of the Magi & The Necklace Compare Contrast Essay

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

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence

English Language Arts
Short Stories
Christmas/ Chanukah/ Kwanzaa
$2.75
Product
Product
Product
Product

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:

  • 2 Page Anticipation Guide with 7 Debate Statements
  • "Numbered Heads" Lesson Plan

___________________________________________________________________________

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

___________________________________________________________________________

Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence

English Language Arts
Short Stories
Halloween
$3.00
Product
Product

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:

  • Full-length CCSS-aligned lesson plan
  • Student worksheet

___________________________________________________________________

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

English Language Arts
Literature
Short Stories
$3.00