8th Grade Short Stories Activities (by rating)

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"The Bystander's Dilemma" - Short Story / Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8

By Mark Holmes

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

Introducing "The Bystander's Dilemma" - a compelling story and comprehensive teaching resource for grades 5-8 that addresses the critical issue of bullying and the power of being an upstander.

This thought-provoking story follows Lucas, a middle school student who witnesses the bullying of his classmate, Emma. As Lucas grapples with the decision to intervene or remain silent, students will explore themes of courage, compassion, and the importance of standing up for others.

"The Bystander's Dilemma" is more than just a story; it's a complete teaching package designed to engage your students and foster meaningful discussions about bullying prevention and character development.

This resource includes:

  • The full story, divided into chapters for easy classroom reading and discussion
  • Detailed character profiles and a story arc to help students analyze literary elements
  • Thoughtful discussion questions to promote critical thinking and personal reflection
  • Engaging writing prompts to encourage creative expression and empathy-building
  • Vocabulary list with definitions to support language development
  • Comprehensive lesson ideas & activities, including character analysis, anti-bullying campaign poster design, role-playing, and more

As an educator, you understand the importance of addressing bullying and promoting a positive school climate. "The Bystander's Dilemma" provides a relevant and relatable context for students to explore these issues, while also strengthening their literacy skills and social-emotional learning.

Short Stories
Character Education
Social Emotional Learning
$3.95
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A Bundle of Four Christmas Play Scripts

By Creative Primary Literacy

Check out my bundle of four Christmas play scripts - usually $5.50 each.

Firstly, a funny Christmas play that revolves around Holly the Elf. After being accidentally taken to the North Pole one Christmas Eve, she stayed until adulthood and grew up thinking she was an elf herself. One day she found out she was a human, and decided to go and visit her biological father. On arrival she wasn’t welcomed by her father but soon the family grew to like Holly, and she also found a boyfriend. But then everything changed when she fell out with her father and she decided to leave. However, as she was walking alone, she heard a crash; when she went to investigate, she noticed it was her good friend, Santa. Her family catch up with her and together they all manage to lift Christmas spirit and power Santa’s sleigh.

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

Secondly, we have a play script for A Christmas Carol, however it is a modern remake that is based in a school - with the head teacher being Ebenezer Scrooge - you can change the names of the characters to teachers in your school, or to rhyme with teachers in your school as I did (if they have a sense of humour)! There are song recommendations throughout the script, with a mixture of traditional Christmas songs and modern songs. There are 20-22 speaking parts, with additional non-speaking roles too.

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

Then, we have a funny play called Santa's Successor. The script follows the story line of a man who accidentally disrupts Santa's deliveries and has to take over his route before finding his way to Santa's work shop. He then slowly starts turning into Santa, which everybody else finds hard to believe! There are song recommendations throughout the script, with a mixture of traditional Christmas songs and modern songs. There are 20-22 speaking parts, with additional non-speaking roles too. The play is around 40-50 minutes long.

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

And finally a play script for A Christmas Carol; it is a traditional version that follows Ebenezer Scrooge's hauntings through the night of Christmas Eve. There are song recommendations throughout the script and roles for 20-22 speaking parts.

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

Links to the individual play scripts are below:

  • 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!

$19.80
$12.80
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Cultural Aspects and AP Spanish Language Book

By ARIANA PEREZ

The Real 5 de Mayo and Other Important Cultural Aspects

Focusing heavily in Mexican history.

Las mujeres mexicanas

La historia verdadera de 5 de Mayo

mini- Investigación Cubana, dia de los muertos, posadas navideñas

Saturnino el pintor

Benito Juarez

Origen de la Musica norteña

La China Poblana story with questions

etc.

includes module (many activities) for DESAFIOS MUNDIALES-

Short Stories
World Languages
Spanish
$5.00
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Figurative Language Short Passage Set | St. Patrick's Day | Close Reading

By Perfectly Planned Designs

This St. Patrick's Day Figurative Language Short Passage Set is a no-prep, printable close reading activity that's perfect for middle school and high school. Use it for St. Patrick's Day or any day! This is a 207-word passage filled with 14 examples of figurative language, such as hyperbole, metaphor, simile, and personification. I’ve found that although my students can tell me the definition of these terms, simile is the only one they can truly pick out in a text. As a result, their writing is filled with overused similes that need work! This figurative language passage set is rigorous, uses higher-level words and phrases, and in addition to merely identifying the different types, students will be asked to discuss the impact it has on the reader, as they’re asked to do on standardized testing. Check out my other figurative language passage sets here!

Simply print and go! There is truly no preparation needed, which is why this set is perfect to leave for sub plans, bell ringers, homework, test prep, review or assessment!

*As an optional review activity, use my No-prep Four Corners Figurative Language Activity resource for a fun whole-group game, then use this passage set for assessment!
Activity:
Students can complete all three worksheets as part of a packet, but I suggest using one each day. If you teach allusion, alliteration, idiom, or onomatopoeia, you can ask students to include those in Task 2 where they will be asked to continue the passage using a similar writing style. I have left some blanks on the checklist for this very purpose.

Reflection:
The class can review the answers and comments as a whole group when the activity is complete. You’ll be surprised how much better they’ll get at figurative language after being exposed to some high-quality examples!

INCLUDED WITH YOUR PURCHASE:

  • 3 Printable Worksheets

★★I would love to have you as my newest follower!★★ Click here to follow.

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Four Corners Figurative Language Fun Game No Prep -New!

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Close Reading
Reading
Short Stories
$3.95
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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
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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
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The Murders in the Rue Morgue Escape Room

By Language Arts Excellence

This activity features an engaging escape room in which students tackle 5 puzzles covering plot, characters, quotes, and vocabulary from Edgar Allan Poe's The Murders in the Rue Morgue!

There is no wonder why escape rooms are so popular; they are highly engaging and encourage people to work together and think creatively in order to solve different puzzles... all while trying to beat the clock! This meticulously-crafted resource features all of the materials you need to conduct a full-length Escape Room for The Murders in the Rue Morgue by Edgar Allan Poe. Planning an escape room may seem like quite the daunting task (and it is!), but this product provides everything from the basics and set-up instructions to signs and answer keys so that yours runs smoothly from start to finish. The activity involves movement, energy, creative thinking and most of all, collaboration. Because this is a skills-based escape room, it is the perfect way to review the story for the final quiz or test. Your students will be having so much fun that they won’t even realize the higher order thinking skills they are applying in the playing of this game!

How does it work?

In this escape room, students must escape the Classroom of the Rue Morgue by solving 5 different skills-based puzzles, completing a secret message, and finding clues along the way.

  • Vocab Match Up: In the first task, students must match vocabulary words from the story with their definition.
  • Complete the Sentence: In the second task, students must complete sentences about the key pieces of evidence from the story.
  • Criss-Cross: In the third task, students must complete a crossword puzzle about plot events, characters, quotes, and story details from The Murders in the Rue Morgue.
  • Close Read: In the fourth task, students must answer multiple choice questions about the story.
  • Jig Saw Quote: In the fifth and final task, students must complete a jig saw puzzle that reveals a quote from The Murders in the Rue Morgue. Students must write down the quote and show it to you to escape!

Product Includes:

- Escape Room Basics

- Detailed Day-Of Instructions

- Escape Room Print Checklist

- Student Teams Chart

- Welcome Sign for Your Door

- Materials for 5 Tasks: task signs to be folded upright, task instructions, and supplementary materials to be kept at stations

- Student Answer Sheet

- Teacher Answer Keys

- Escape Room Reflection for homework or in-class writing activity

- Theme Reflection for homework assignment or in-class writing activity

__________________________________________________________________________________

Check out 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 Brochure

⭐ Edgar Allan Poe's Obituary

⭐ Edgar Allan Poe Quote Posters

⭐ Edgar Allan Poe Resource Bundle

And because your students will be begging for more escape rooms...

⭐ Edgar Allan Poe ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ The Raven ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ The Tell-Tale Heart ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ The Black Cat ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ The Pit & the Pendulum ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ The Fall of the House of Usher ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ The Cask of Amontillado ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ The Masque of the Red Death ESCAPE ROOM

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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English Language Arts
Short Stories
Halloween
$8.75
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AESOP'S FABLES UNIT [WORKSHEETS & TASK CARDS]

By Richard B Williams

Teach themes and morals through this Aesop's Fable Unit [Worksheets & Task Cards] Product. 6th through 10th graders will students learn how to live with each other and learn about their world through these age-old stories. Students learn symbolism, self-reflection, and other vital lessons through their use of this unit. This Unit has 10 popular Aesop Fables pages, 30+ Comprehension questions, 10 Worksheets, Suggested Uses, 10 sets of TASK CARDS, and 50+ TASK CARDS to help make your classroom be GREAT! Check 'em out!

This Unit includes:

1. 10 Aesop Fables

2. Suggested Uses

3. 10 WORKSHEETS

4. Black & White Versions

5. 50+ TASK CARDS

6. 30 Writing prompts/Comprehension Worksheets

FABLES included:

1. The Fox & The Grapes

2. The Crow & The Pitcher

3. The Farmer & The Fox

4. The Ass & His Purchaser

5. The Ant & The Grasshopper

6. The Ass Carrying an Image

7. A Raven & A Swan

8. The Ass & The Load of Salt

9. The Hares & The Frogs

10. The Travelers & The Sea

You may also appreciate:

Aesop's Fables Unit

Nella Larsen's "Sanctuary" Short Story Unit

Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour" Bundle

Sandra Cisnero's "Eleven" Lesson Activities

Willa Cather's "A Wagner Matinee" Short Story Bundle

The Metamorphosis Unit [Lesson Activities]

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I'm Richard Williams, The Angry Teacher. I've been teaching for 18+ Years , and have amassed quite a bit of knowledge to share. Please consider joining the Angry Teacher family; we'll enjoy having you in the fam!

Please consider checking out the other short story materials and resources in my store.

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English Language Arts
Creative Writing
Short Stories
$10.00
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"The Bully's Redemption" - Short Story / Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8

By Mark Holmes

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

Engage your students with "The Bully's Redemption," a powerful short story that explores the complexities of bullying, empathy, and personal growth. This comprehensive learning package is designed to help students in grades 6-9 develop critical thinking skills, emotional intelligence, and a deeper understanding of the importance of kindness and second chances.

The package includes:

  1. "The Bully's Redemption" short story
  2. 10 thought-provoking discussion questions
  3. 5 engaging writing prompts
  4. 10 project ideas based on the five main components of Social Emotional Learning
  5. A vocabulary list with 20 words, including definitions and parts of speech

An in-depth exploration of the story's themes, tailored for grades 5-8

Through this learning package, your students will:

  • Analyze the characters, their motivations, and their growth throughout the story
  • Discuss the impact of bullying and the importance of breaking the cycle
  • Explore the power of empathy, understanding, and second chances in fostering personal growth
  • Examine the influence of family and home life on a child's behavior and well-being
  • Engage in projects that promote self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making
  • Expand their vocabulary and understanding of literary devices
  • Reflect on their own experiences and apply the lessons learned to their lives

This versatile resource can be easily integrated into your language arts, literature, or social-emotional learning curriculum. The projects and assignments are designed to cater to various learning styles, promoting engagement and fostering a deeper understanding of the story's themes.

Short Stories
Character Education
Social Emotional Learning
$3.95
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A Christmas Carol - A School Remix Play Script

By Creative Primary Literacy

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
$4.95
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AP SPANISH LANGUAGE BUNDLE

By ARIANA PEREZ

AP SPANISH LANGUAGE BUNDLE

This bundle includes many activities, project, reading opportunities, workbooks

to help students practice and feel comfortable with reading and writing in Spanish.

Save more than 35% off by purchasing this BUNDLE!

$146.50
$103.60
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Figurative Language Short Passage | Set 2 | Close Reading | ELA Writing Activity

By Perfectly Planned Designs

This Figurative Language Short Passage Set is a no-prep, printable close reading activity that's perfect for middle school and high school. This is a 206-word passage filled with 14 examples of figurative language, such as hyperbole, metaphor, simile, and personification. I’ve found that although my students can tell me the definition of these terms, simile is the only one they can truly pick out in a text. As a result, their writing is filled with overused similes that need work! This figurative language passage set is rigorous, uses higher-level words and phrases, and in addition to merely identifying the different types, students will be asked to discuss the impact it has on the reader, as they’re asked to do on standardized testing. Check out my other figurative language passage sets HERE!

Simply print and go! There is truly no preparation needed, which is why this set is perfect to leave for sub plans, bell ringers, homework, test prep, review or assessment!

*As an optional review activity, use my No-prep Four Corners Figurative Language Activity resource for a fun whole-group game, then use this passage set for assessment!

Activity:
Students can complete all three worksheets as part of a packet, but I suggest using one each day. If you teach allusion, alliteration, idiom, or onomatopoeia, you can ask students to include those in Task 2 where they will be asked to continue the passage using a similar writing style. I have left some blanks on the checklist for this very purpose.

Reflection:
The class can review the answers and comments as a whole group when the activity is complete. You’ll be surprised how much better they’ll get at figurative language after being exposed to some high-quality examples!

INCLUDED WITH YOUR PURCHASE:

  • 3 Printable Worksheets

⭐️ LOOKING FOR MORE RELATABLE ACTIVITIES FOR TEENS?

Check out the Pop Culture ACTIVITY BUNDLE - your solution to no-stress lesson planning and easy print and go sub plans.

INCLUDES THESE HIGH-INTEREST TOPICS FOR TEENS...

⭐️ Crocs

⭐️ Netflix

⭐️ Takis

⭐️ Fortnite

⭐️ MrBeast

⭐️ Air Jordans

⭐️ TikTok

⭐️ OpenAI

6-Page Article & Activity Sets - Includes 8 Sets!

Each set includes...

► 1-page pop culture article

► Reading Comprehension - 7 multiple choice questions

► Critical Thinking - 5 short answer questions

► Crossword Puzzle

► Design Page

► Impossible MAZE

This Pop Culture Bundle for Middle School will make your students WANT to work and stay on task as they read about high-interest trending topics among teens. Also available for High School and Upper Elementary School.


Have a question?

Please check out the Q&A section or message me and I'll get back to you within 24 hours.

Don't forget to leave me feedback! I love to hear what my buyers say, how the product worked for them, and any feedback I can use to improve my product! (It also earns you points towards future TeachShare Purchases)

**For personal and single classroom use only. If using with multiple classrooms, please purchase additional licenses at the discounted rate.**

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Close Reading
Reading
Short Stories
$3.95
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Flying Lessons and Other Stories Lessons LAST 5 STORIES BUNDLE

By Ms. J's ELA

This bundle of lessons should accompany the last five short stories of the book Flying Lessons and Other Stories edited by Ellen Oh.

Those five stories are:

- Choctaw Bigfoot, Midnight in the Mountains by Tim Tingle

- Main Street by Ellen Oh

- Flying Lessons by Soman Chainani

- Seventy-Six Dollars and Forty-Nine Cents by Kwame Alexander

- Sometimes a Dream Needs a Push by Walter Dean Myers

Each lesson includes a presentation and student worksheets which address:

- pre-reading journal prompts

- story vocabulary (except Main Street)

- tiered reading questions

- questions focused on one specific ELA standard

- answer keys

Depending on the length of your classes, this resource could take 4 days or 2 weeks. I have 50 minute classes, and it would take me 2 weeks.

$10.00
$9.00
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A Sound of Thunder Escape Room

By Language Arts Excellence

Get ready to have the most fun you'll have teaching with a lesson that your students will be talking about for years to come with Ray Bradbury's A Sound of Thunder ESCAPE ROOM!

There is no wonder why escape rooms are so popular; they are highly engaging and encourage people to work together and think creatively in order to solve different puzzles... all while trying to beat the clock! This meticulously-crafted resource features all of the materials you need to conduct a full-length Escape Room for A Sound of Thunder by Ray Bradbury. Planning an escape room may seem like quite the daunting task (and it is!), but this product provides everything from the basics and set-up instructions to signs and answer keys so that yours runs smoothly from start to finish. The activity involves movement, energy, creative thinking and most of all, collaboration. Your students will be having so much fun that they won’t even realize the higher order thinking skills they are applying in the playing of this game.

How does it work?

In this escape room, students will try to escape from the past (60 million years ago to be exact) by solving 5 different skills-based puzzles, discovering codes, and finding clues along the way.

  • Daggers, Toys, & Locomotives: In the first task, students complete the similes within A Sound of Thunder.
  • 5 Senses: In the second task, students draw lines to match sensory details within the story to the type of sensory detail they represent.
  • The Plot Thickens: In the third task, students must order the plot events of A Sound of Thunder on Freytag's Pyramid.
  • Criss-Cross: In the fourth task, students solve a crossword puzzle with questions about literary elements, quotes, and plot details within the story.
  • Jig Saw Quote: In the fifth and final task, students must complete a jig saw puzzle that reveals a quote from Chief Seattle that connects to a major theme within the tale. Once they figure it out and bring it to you, students escape from the past!

Product Includes:

  • Escape Room Basics
  • Detailed Day-Of Instructions
  • Escape Room Print Checklist
  • Student Teams Chart
  • Materials for 5 Tasks: task signs to be folded upright, task instructions, and necessary information to be kept at stations
  • Student Answer Sheet
  • Teacher Answer Keys
  • Escape Room Reflection for homework or in-class writing activity
  • Theme Reflection for homework assignment or in-class writing activity

Because this is a skills-based escape room, it is perfect for a review of the story before the test.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Also, check out these great products to supplement your Ray Bradbury unit by Language Arts Excellence:

⭐ Ray Bradbury Escape Room

⭐ All Summer in a Day Escape Room

⭐ The Veldt Escape Room

⭐ Introduction to Dystopia Powerpoint

__________________________________________________________________________________________

⭐⭐⭐For the escape room enthusiasts out there, you can now build your own bundle at 20% off the cover price of 3 or more escape rooms! Click the link to check out all of the escape rooms Language Arts Excellence has to offer: Build Your Own Escape Room BUNDLE⭐⭐⭐

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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English Language Arts
Literature
Short Stories
$8.75
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ANANSI FOLKTALE STORIES [WORKSHEETS & TASK CARDS]

By Richard B Williams

Teach themes and morals through this ANANSI [the spider] STORIES resource. Middle through 9th graders will students learn how to live with each other and learn about their world through these age-old stories. Students learn symbolism, self-reflection, and other vital lessons through their use of this unit. This Unit has 5 popular ANANSI Folk Tales, 15 Comprehension questions, Suggested Uses, 50 TASK CARDS, and 11 PROJECTS to help make your classroom be GREAT! Check 'em out!


This Resource includes:

1. 5 ANANSI TALES

2. LESSONS FROM ANANSI STORIES [TEACHER NOTES]

3. 11 Lesson plan activities/Projects

4. 50 TASK CARDS

5. 15 MULTIPLE CHOICE/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

6. YOUTUBE videos for each folktale to add multimodal parts to your lesson


FOLKTALES included:

1. ANANSI and the WISDOM POT

2. ANANSI and the TURTLE'S DINNER

3. ANANSI and the MAGIC ROCK

4. ANANSI and the EAR OF CORN

5. ANANSI and the TALKING MELON


You may also appreciate:

  • SEVENTH GRADE [LESSON PLANS and TEACHER NOTES]
  • HIGH HORSE GOES COURTING [LESSON ACTIVITIES]
  • THE OPEN WINDOW [LESSON ACTIVITIES]
  • AN OCCURRENCE AT OWL CREEK BRIDGE [TASK CARDS]
  • THE SNIPER [TASK CARDS]
  • A WORN PATH [TASK CARDS]

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English Language Arts
Creative Writing
Short Stories
$4.00
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"The Unbreakable Bond" - Short Story / Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8

By Mark Holmes

This story is one of eight featured in the ebook, "Friendship and Loyalty: Eight Short Stories Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8."

"The Unbreakable Bond" is a captivating short story that explores the power of friendship, resilience, and the challenges of competition. This comprehensive literature guide is designed to help teachers engage their students in grades 5-8 as they delve into the story's themes, characters, and life lessons.

The package includes the complete short story, and a variety of assignments and projects that align with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts. These resources will help your students develop critical thinking, writing, and discussion skills while fostering a deeper understanding of the text.

Key features of this literature guide:

  • A The full text of "The Unbreakable Bond" short story (1500 words)
  • 10 engaging assignments and projects covering Language Arts, Health and Career, and Relationships
  • A comprehensive vocabulary list with definitions to expand students' word knowledge
  • Alignment with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for grades 5-8

The assignments and projects cover a wide range of topics and skills, including:

  • Character analysis and development
  • Theme exploration and essay writing
  • Alternate endings and point-of-view exercises
  • Stress management and collaboration skills
  • Conflict resolution and friendship reflections

By using this literature guide, your students will not only strengthen their language arts skills but also gain valuable insights into the importance of friendship, perseverance, and teamwork. "The Unbreakable Bond" is a relatable and inspiring story that will capture your students' imagination and spark meaningful discussions in your classroom.

Short Stories
Vocabulary
Character Education
$3.95
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A Bundle of Five Christmas Play Scripts

By Creative Primary Literacy

Five Christmas play scripts for just $18, each is usually priced at $5.50.

Firstly, a funny Christmas play that revolves around Holly the Elf. After being accidentally taken to the North Pole one Christmas Eve, she stayed until adulthood and grew up thinking she was an elf herself. One day she found out she was a human, and decided to go and visit her biological father. On arrival she wasn’t welcomed by her father but soon the family grew to like Holly, and she also found a boyfriend. But then everything changed when she fell out with her father and she decided to leave. However, as she was walking alone, she heard a crash; when she went to investigate, she noticed it was her good friend, Santa. Her family catch up with her and together they all manage to lift Christmas spirit and power Santa’s sleigh.

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

Secondly, we have a funny Christmas play that revolves around the town of Bootown, where all the Boos love Christmas. In fact they love Christmas so much it is all they talk about! However, a mysterious outcast lives to the North of the town; this outcast hates Christmas and anything to do with the festive time of year. This outcast is called the Grouch! The play follows the story of Mary-Boo and her family as they open up to the Grouch, and try to show him what Christmas is all about. However, the Grouch has his own plans to ruin Christmas for the town, and steals all the presents on Christmas eve. He has a change of heart however when he hears the town enjoying Christmas even though he had stolen all of the presents. His heart grows and he quickly returns the gifts and takes part in all the festivities.

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

Thirdly, we have a play script for A Christmas Carol, however it is a modern remake that is based in a school - with the head teacher being Ebenezer Scrooge - you can change the names of the characters to teachers in your school, or to rhyme with teachers in your school as I did (if they have a sense of humour)! There are song recommendations throughout the script, with a mixture of traditional Christmas songs and modern songs. There are 20-22 speaking parts, with additional non-speaking roles too.

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

Then, we have a funny play called Santa's Successor. The script follows the story line of a man who accidentally disrupts Santa's deliveries and has to take over his route before finding his way to Santa's work shop. He then slowly starts turning into Santa, which everybody else finds hard to believe! There are song recommendations throughout the script, with a mixture of traditional Christmas songs and modern songs. There are 20-22 speaking parts, with additional non-speaking roles too. The play is around 40-50 minutes long.

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

And finally a play script for A Christmas Carol; it is a traditional version that follows Ebenezer Scrooge's hauntings through the night of Christmas Eve. There are song recommendations throughout the script and roles for 20-22 speaking parts.

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

Links to the individual play scripts are below:

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

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For more great resources follow my store ⇉⇉ CLICK HERE

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

$24.75
$18.00
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Figurative Language Short Passage | Set 1 | Close Reading | ELA Writing Activity

By Perfectly Planned Designs

This Figurative Language Short Passage Set is a no-prep, printable close reading activity that's perfect for middle school and high school. This is a 205-word passage filled with 14 examples of figurative language, such as hyperbole, metaphor, simile, and personification. I’ve found that although my students can tell me the definition of these terms, simile is the only one they can truly pick out in a text. As a result, their writing is filled with overused similes that need work! This figurative language passage set is rigorous, uses higher-level words and phrases, and in addition to merely identifying the different types, students will be asked to discuss the impact it has on the reader, as they’re asked to do on standardized testing. Check out my other figurative language passage sets HERE!

Simply print and go! There is truly no preparation needed, which is why this set is perfect to leave for sub plans, bell ringers, homework, test prep, review or assessment!

*As an optional review activity, use my No-prep Four Corners Figurative Language Activity resource for a fun whole-group game, then use this passage set for assessment!

Activity:
Students can complete all three worksheets as part of a packet, but I suggest using one each day. If you teach allusion, alliteration, idiom, or onomatopoeia, you can ask students to include those in Task 2 where they will be asked to continue the passage using a similar writing style. I have left some blanks on the checklist for this very purpose.

Reflection:
The class can review the answers and comments as a whole group when the activity is complete. You’ll be surprised how much better they’ll get at figurative language after being exposed to some high-quality examples!

INCLUDED WITH YOUR PURCHASE:

  • 3 Printable Worksheets

⭐️ LOOKING FOR MORE RELATABLE ACTIVITIES FOR TEENS?

Check out the Pop Culture ACTIVITY BUNDLE - your solution to no-stress lesson planning and easy print and go sub plans.

INCLUDES THESE HIGH-INTEREST TOPICS FOR TEENS...

⭐️ Crocs

⭐️ Netflix

⭐️ Takis

⭐️ Fortnite

⭐️ MrBeast

⭐️ Air Jordans

⭐️ TikTok

⭐️ OpenAI

6-Page Article & Activity Sets - Includes 8 Sets!

Each set includes...

► 1-page pop culture article

► Reading Comprehension - 7 multiple choice questions

► Critical Thinking - 5 short answer questions

► Crossword Puzzle

► Design Page

► Impossible MAZE

This Pop Culture Bundle for Middle School will make your students WANT to work and stay on task as they read about high-interest trending topics among teens. Also available for High School and Upper Elementary School.


Have a question?

Please check out the Q&A section or message me and I'll get back to you within 24 hours.

Don't forget to leave me feedback! I love to hear what my buyers say, how the product worked for them, and any feedback I can use to improve my product! (It also earns you points towards future TeachShare Purchases)

**For personal and single classroom use only. If using with multiple classrooms, please purchase additional licenses at the discounted rate.**

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Close Reading
Reading
Short Stories
$3.95
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Flying Lessons and Other Stories BUNDLE- First 5 Stories

By Ms. J's ELA

This bundle includes resources for the first five short stories in the book Flying Lessons and Other Stories. Those stories are: How to Transform an Everyday, Ordinary Hoop Court into a Place of Higher Learning and You at the Podium, The Difficult Path, Sol Painting, Inc., Secret Samantha, and The Beans and Rice Chronicles of Isaiah Dunn.

Each resource includes a presentation and student worksheets which come in color and b/w for easy printing.

This bundle includes:

38 student worksheet pages

52 slides

Answer Keys

Each resource includes:

story vocabulary

pre-reading activities

tiered reading questions

an emphasis on one particular ELA standard

Depending on the length of your class periods, this resource could last 4 days or 2 weeks.

$10.00
$9.00
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To Build a Fire Escape Room

By Language Arts Excellence

Get ready to have the most fun you'll have teaching with a lesson that your students will be talking about for years to come with Jack London's To Build a Fire ESCAPE ROOM!

There is no wonder why escape rooms are so popular; they are highly engaging and encourage people to work together and think creatively in order to solve different puzzles... all while trying to beat the clock! This meticulously-crafted resource features all of the materials you need to conduct a full-length Escape Room for To Build a Fire by Jack London. Planning an escape room may seem like quite the daunting task (and it is!), but this product provides everything from the basics and set-up instructions to signs and answer keys so that yours runs smoothly from start to finish. The activity involves movement, energy, creative thinking and most of all, collaboration. Your students will be having so much fun that they won’t even realize the higher order thinking skills they are applying in the playing of this game.

How does it work?

In this escape room, students will try to escape from the brutal cold of the Yukon by solving 5 different skills-based puzzles, discovering codes, and finding clues along the way.

  • Personification Destination: In the first task, students fill in the blanks with personification quotes within To Build a Fire.
  • Figuratively Speaking: In the second task, students draw lines to match literary and poetic devices within the story to their definitions. (Devices covered: metaphor, simile, onomatopoeia, hyperbole, allusion, repetition, alliteration, idiom, symbol)
  • Multiple Choice: In the third task, students answer challenging multiple choice questions about To Build a Fire.
  • Criss-Cross: In the fourth task, students solve a crossword puzzle with questions about literary elements, quotes, and plot details within the story.
  • Word Search: In the fifth and final task, students must complete a word search of the first 4 codes. The letters that remain spell the final code to escape from the Yukon!

Product Includes:

  • Escape Room Basics
  • Detailed Day-Of Instructions
  • Escape Room Print Checklist
  • Student Teams Chart
  • Materials for 5 Tasks: task signs to be folded upright, task instructions, and necessary information to be kept at stations
  • Student Answer Booklet
  • Teacher Answer Keys
  • Escape Room Reflection for homework or in-class writing activity
  • Theme Reflection for homework assignment or in-class writing activity

Because this is a skills-based escape room, it functions as a perfect review before the final test of To Build a Fire.

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Also, check out this great resource to supplement your unit on To Build a Fire by Language Arts Excellence:

⭐ To Build a Fire Socratic Seminar

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English Language Arts
Literature
Short Stories
$8.75