8th Grade Short Stories Lesson (by rating)

Engage your middle school students with a thrilling 5-day detective unit centered around Roald Dahl's gripping short story, "Lamb to the Slaughter." This comprehensive unit combines critical thinking, inferencing, and multimedia analysis, making it perfect for ELA classrooms. Students will step into the shoes of detectives, analyze texts, watch film adaptations, and compare their experiences, all while meeting key CCSS standards.

What’s Included:

• Detailed Lesson Plans: Each day is thoughtfully planned to guide students through reading, analyzing, writing, and discussing "Lamb to the Slaughter."
• Graphic Organizers: Scaffolded organizers for each day to help students track evidence, make inferences, and compare the text with the film.
• Texts and Multimedia: The original short story and a link to the film adaptation, complete with an introduction by Roald Dahl.
• Writing Prompts: Engaging prompts to encourage students to write opinion essays and reflections.
• Class Discussion Guides: Questions and prompts to facilitate meaningful classroom discussions.

Day-by-Day Breakdown:

Day 1: Introduction to the Detective Activity

• Students are introduced to the murder mystery and work in groups to analyze witness statements and evidence photos.
• Focus on inference and deduction skills.

Day 2: Writing an Opinion Essay

• Students write an opinion essay based on their detective work from Day 1.
• Emphasis on textual evidence and structured writing.

Day 3: Reading "Lamb to the Slaughter"

• Students read the short story in chunked sections, making inferences and annotating the text.
• Use of scaffolding techniques to support all learners.

Day 4: Comparing Text and Film

• Students watch the film adaptation of "Lamb to the Slaughter."
• They use a graphic organizer to compare and contrast the text and film, analyzing differences in storytelling techniques.

Day 5: Final Analysis and Discussion

• Students discuss their findings and the differences between the text and film.
• Wrap-up activities include reflective writing and sharing insights.

CCSS Alignment:

This unit aligns with CCSS standards for grades 5-8, focusing on quoting accurately from texts, citing textual evidence, and analyzing multimedia elements. Standards covered include:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.1
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.1
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.7.1
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.1
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.7
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.7
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.7.7
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.7

Benefits:

• Engaging and Interactive: Students love the hands-on detective work and multimedia elements.
• Skill-Building: Focus on inferencing, textual evidence, and critical thinking skills.
• Comprehensive and Ready-to-Use: All materials and instructions are included for a seamless implementation.

Bring excitement and depth to your ELA classroom with this 5-day detective unit on "Lamb to the Slaughter." Your students will love stepping into the role of detectives while honing their reading and analytical skills.

The Silent Struggle: A Powerful Resource for Addressing Bullying and Promoting Social-Emotional Learning

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

Inspire your students to become advocates for change with "The Silent Struggle," a captivating story that tackles the issue of bullying and the transformative power of self-advocacy. This comprehensive learning package is designed to help students in grades 6-8 develop empathy, resilience, and the courage to speak out against injustice.

The package includes:

1. "The Silent Struggle" short story
2. 10 thought-provoking discussion questions
3. 5 creative writing prompts
4. 10 engaging project ideas that align with the core competencies of social-emotional learning
5. A vocabulary list featuring 20 words related to bullying prevention and personal growth, complete with definitions and parts of speech
6. An in-depth analysis of the story's themes, tailored for middle school students

Through this powerful resource, your students will:

• Explore the far-reaching consequences of bullying on mental health and academic performance
• Discuss the importance of supportive friendships and the role of allies in overcoming adversity
• Examine the responsibilities of school staff in creating a safe and inclusive learning environment
• Engage in projects that foster self-awareness, social awareness, responsible decision-making, self-management, and relationship skills
• Reflect on their own experiences and apply the lessons learned to their daily lives
• Expand their vocabulary and understanding of literary elements

"The Silent Struggle" learning package is a versatile tool that can be seamlessly integrated into your language arts, social studies, or character education curriculum. The projects and assignments are designed to accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring that all students can engage with the material and develop a deeper understanding of the story's themes.

Say goodbye to last-minute lesson planning stress with No Prep Sub Plans Bundle. Packed with engaging activities and ready-to-use lesson plans, this all-in-one bundle is meticulously designed to ease the burden of substitute teacher planning while keeping students engaged and motivated. You get 4 days of lessons that include both reading and writing. The Behavior Reward Tickets ensure a seamless teaching experience for substitute teachers.

How to use the Reward Tickets:

Don't have the time or patience to put together a sub binder? Don't worry! When I have to step out, all I leave on my desk is any work for my students and place this Sub Note sheet on top....it's everything my sub needs to see on one easy note sheet. Fun, tear-off reward tickets that students can redeem for a small prize when the teacher returns will have students fighting to behave in order to earn one of the five coveted tickets! This will be a game-changer in your classroom!

WHAT'S INCLUDED...

12 Printable Worksheets

Each set includes...

► Task 1: Read and Highlight a Figurative Language Passage

► Task 2: Write a Similar Figurative Language Passage Using a Checklist

► Task 3: Figurative Language Analysis Graphic Organizer

► Answer Keys

The Four Figurative Language Short Passage sets have 3 close reading and writing worksheets each - for a total of 12 high-quality worksheets! *Answer Keys Included! Figurative Language Short Passage Sets are a no-prep, printable close reading activity that's perfect for middle school and high school. Each passage has between 206-226 words and is filled with between 14-19 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! These figurative language passage sets are rigorous, use 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.

• Sub Note Sheet with tear-off reward tickets for good behavior!

***CHECK OUT THE PREVIEWS FOR MORE DETAILS!***

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 review game, then simply leave these sub plans whenever you are going to be out!

Activity:
Students can complete all three worksheets in each set as part of a sub packet, but if you don't see them for a full block then assign only one page each day you're out (you'll get even more bang for your buck!) 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.

⭐️ LOOKING FOR RELATABLE READING 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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This bundle includes lessons for all stories in the book Flying Lessons and Other Stories edited by Ellen Oh. The stories are not included in this resource. Lessons are focused on the following stories:

- How to Transform an Everyday, Ordinary Hoop Court into a Place of Higher Learning and You at the Podium by Matt De La Peña

- The Difficult Path by Grace Lin

- Sol Painting, Inc. by Meg Medina

- Secret Samantha by Tim Federle

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

- Choctaw Bigfoot, Midnight in the Mountains by Tim Tingle

- Main Street by Jacqueline Woodson

- 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 WORKSHEETS and a PRESENTATION. Worksheets come in color and b/w. Presentations include answer keys.

Each lesson contains:

- Pre-reading journal prompt

- Story vocabulary (except Main Street)

- Tiered reading questions

- Questions focused on one particular ELA standard

- Answer keys

BONUS ESSAY WRITING PROMPTS ARE INCLUDED!

If you teach 90 minute block classes, you would likely get through one lesson per day. If you teach 50 minute classes like I do, each lesson could take two days. This bundle could last from 2 weeks to 4 weeks depending on your schedule.

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

___________________________________________________________________________

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Each of these stores can be found individually here

Empower Your Students to Overcome Bullying with "The Power Within"

A Collection of Short Stories & Engaging Activities Designed to Spark Dialogue, Build Empathy, and Inspire Change

Are you seeking a powerful tool to address bullying in your middle school classroom?

"The Power Within: Stories of Overcoming Bullying" is more than just a book; it's a comprehensive resource designed to help you navigate the complex landscape of bullying with your students.

What's Inside:

• Eight Engaging Narratives: Captivating stories that explore various forms of bullying, including verbal, physical, social, and cyberbullying, from multiple perspectives – the victim, the bully, the bystander, and the supportive adult.
• Thought-Provoking Discussion Questions: Each story is followed by a set of questions designed to spark meaningful conversations, encourage critical thinking, promote self-reflection, and foster empathy.
• Creative Writing Prompts: Inspire your students to explore the themes of the stories through writing, allowing them to develop their own voices, express their understanding of bullying, and consider alternative perspectives.
• Action-Oriented Project Ideas: Empower your students to take action against bullying by engaging in projects that promote kindness, inclusivity, and positive change within their school communities.

Why Choose "The Power Within":

• Relatable and Engaging: The stories are carefully crafted to resonate with the middle school experience, capturing the attention of your students and making the lessons more impactful.
• Multifaceted Approach: The book addresses bullying from various angles, providing a holistic understanding of the issue and its complexities.
• Promotes Social-Emotional Learning: The activities and discussion prompts encourage students to develop essential social-emotional skills, such as empathy, self-awareness, responsible decision-making, and relationship building.
• Versatile Teaching Tool: Use the stories as individual reading assignments, springboards for class discussions, or the foundation for a unit on bullying prevention.

"The Power Within" is more than just a book; it's a catalyst for positive change.

Help your students find their voices, embrace their strength, and create a more compassionate and inclusive school environment. Order your copy of "The Power Within: Stories of Overcoming Bullying" today!

Bonus: Follow us on

https://www.TeachShare.com/Store/Deep-By-Design

https://www.youtube.com/@DEEP.by.DESIGN

https://www.facebook.com/deepbydesign.2024

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.**

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

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.

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 Shirley Jackson's The Lottery 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 The Lottery by Shirley Jackson. 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 the picturesque American town with a dark secret by solving 5 different skills-based puzzles, deciphering an encrypted message, and finding clues along the way.

• Close Read: In the first task, students must answer challenging multiple choice questions about The Lottery. The corresponding letters of the correct answers reveal their first code.
• Vocab Challenge: In the second task, students must fill in the blanks with vocabulary words from the text. Shaded boxes within the correct answers form their second code.
• Character IDs: In the third task, students must fill in a blank character chart about important characters in the story. When assembled correctly, letters of the correct answers reveal the third code.
• Criss-Cross: In the fourth task, students must solve a crossword puzzle with questions about literary elements and plot events of the story. Circled boxes on the crossword once unscrambled will reveal the code.
• Encrypted Message: In the fifth and final task, students must decipher an encrypted message (a quote from The Lottery) using clues they collected during the first four tasks. When the message is written on the scroll, final question is answered, and booklet brought to you, they can finally escape before it is their turn to pick from the dreaded black box.

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 (2 per page for easy printing), 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 is perfect for a review of the story before the test.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Check out these great products to supplement your study of The Lottery:

⭐ The Lottery Digital Escape Room - paperless version

⭐ The Lottery "Tossing Lines" Pre-Reading Activity

⭐ The Lottery Social Media Activities

⭐ The Lottery Socratic Seminar Lesson Plan and Materials

⭐ The Lottery Comprehension Questions, Literary Elements & Vocabulary

Check out these great DYSTOPIA resources to frame the study of this tale:

⭐ Introduction to Dystopia Powerpoint Presentation

⭐ Escape from Dystopia ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ Dystopian Literature Socratic Seminar

___________________________________________________________________

⭐⭐⭐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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*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.

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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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

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 Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol 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 Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Planning an escape room may seem like quite the daunting task, but this product provides everything from the basics and set-up instructions to answer keys so that yours runs smoothly from start to finish. The activity involves movement, energy, creative thinking and most of all, collaboration. All tasks are Language Arts skills-based so that with this fun lesson near a sugar-filled holiday, learning is not sacrificed. 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?

It is Christmas morning and you have traveled all the way to London to visit your Uncle Scrooge. He is visibly shaken and tells you that he’s had a terrible dream about 3 ominous ghosts. He says that apparently he’s supposed to have learned some valuable lesson last night but he can’t remember what it is…. and if he can’t remember it by midnight, Christmas will be destroyed forever! The only way to escape the room and save Christmas is by solving 5 different skills-based puzzles about A Christmas Carol to help Scrooge remember the lessons he learned last night.

• Plot it Out: In the first task, students must order the major plot points of A Christmas Carol on Freytag's Pyramid. When ordered correctly, letters in the shaded boxes on the chart form their first code.
• VocaBah Humbug: In the second task, students must match the vocabulary words from A Christmas Carol with their definitions by drawing a line connecting them. Letters not intersected by these lines will form their second code word. Clue cards using the words in context are included.
• Criss-Cross: In the third task, students must complete a crossword puzzle about major plot points, characters, setting, figurative language, and quotes from the story. Circled letters within the crossword, once unscrambled, reveal the code.
• Say What: In the fourth task, students must match notable quotes with the characters who said them. When cards are matched correctly, the fourth code is revealed.
• Missing Word: In the final task, students must assemble a jig saw puzzle that forms a notable quote from the story with one missing word. Once the puzzle is assembled and students figure out the missing word, they may escape the room and save Christmas.

Product Includes:

- Escape Room Basics

- Detailed Day-Of Instructions

- Escape Room Print & Classroom Preparation Checklist

- Student Teams Chart

- Materials for 5 Tasks: task signs to be folded upright, task instructions (2 per page for easy printing), 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

This escape room is an ideal way to end your unit on A Christmas Carol and a great way to review for the final test.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Also, check out more great holiday products by Language Arts Excellence:

⭐ A Christmas Carol "Silent Conversation" Quote Pass Activity

⭐ Christmas ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ Christmas Poetry ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ Hanukkah Kwanzaa Christmas Diwali ESCAPE ROOM

⭐‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Figurative Language Lesson Plan

⭐ The Little Match Girl Sensory Details Lesson Plan

⭐"Christmas Talk" Lesson Plan

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

⭐Christmas Song Figurative Language Powerpoint Presentation

⭐Figurative Language in Christmas Songs - 32 Task Cards

⭐Letter to a Member of the Military

_____________________________________________________________________________________

⭐⭐⭐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⭐⭐⭐

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence

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

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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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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

This resource features a comprehensive literature guide for the study of Roald Dahl's ironic tale of the most devoted of housewives, Lamb to the Slaughter. The numerous activities provide an excellent basis for comprehension and vocabulary acquisition for the short story and encourages students to think critically about literary elements, theme, and a great emphasis on irony. A social media activity will encourage your students to bring the story to modern day and a formal open response question is included to ensure deep thinking and close reading of the text. Of course, a full answer key is provided for all lessons and worksheets. The wide range of activities in this literature guide will keep your students engaged and help them to gain a deep understanding of this cheeky tale.

Product Includes:

• Attractive student cover page
• Lamb to the Slaughter Anticipation Guide & Lesson Plan
• Vocabulary worksheet
• Comprehension questions
• Literary elements chart
• Plot Diagram Scramble Activity
• Snap Chat worksheet
• Irony handout
• Open Response Question: Irony
• Complete teacher's key

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Also, check out these great products for your short story unit by Language Arts Excellence:

Lamb to the Slaughter

⭐ Lamb to the Slaughter Escape Room

⭐ Lamb to the Slaughter & The Black Cat Compare/Contrast Essay

The Lottery

⭐The Lottery Activity Bundle

⭐ The Lottery "Tossing Lines" Anticipation Guide

⭐ The Lottery Socratic Seminar Lesson Plan and Materials

⭐ The Lottery Twitter & Snap Chat

⭐ The Lottery Comprehension Questions, Literary Elements & Vocabulary

Edgar Allan Poe

⭐ Edgar Allan Poe Short Story BUNDLE

⭐ The Cask of Amontillado Literature Guide

⭐ The Fall of the House of Usher Literature Guide

⭐ The Pit and the Pendulum Literature Guide

⭐ The Masque of the Red Death Literature Guide

⭐ The Tell-Tale Heart Literature Guide

⭐ The Black Cat Literature Guide

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This Figurative Language Short Passage Set is a no-prep, printable close reading activity that's perfect for middle school and high school. Use it during Black History Month or any day of the year! Featuring Rosa Parks, this is a 216-word passage filled with 15 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

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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.

Get ready to have the most fun you'll have teaching with a creepy lesson that your students will be talking about for years to come with Ray Bradbury's All Marionettes, Inc. 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 Marionettes, Inc. 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 Braling's dark basement by solving 5 different skills-based puzzles about Marionettes, Inc., discovering codes, and finding clues along the way.

• Figuratively Speaking: In the first task, students must identify figurative language devices within the story.
• Plot it Out: In the second task, students must order the plot events of Marionettes, Inc. on Freytag's Pyramid.
• Crossword Puzzle: In the third task, students must solve a crossword puzzle with questions about characters, literary elements, quotes, and plot events.
• Vocab Match Up: In the fourth task, students fill in the blanks with vocabulary words from the story.
• Word Search: In the final task, students must complete a word search using the codes they discovered in the first four tasks. The letters that remain form a quote that aligns with themes of the story. Once they figure it out and bring it to you, students may escape Braling's basement!

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 (2 per page for easy printing), 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.

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

⭐ Ray Bradbury Escape Room

⭐ A Sound of Thunder Escape Room

⭐ All Summer in a Day Escape Room

⭐ The Veldt Escape Room

⭐ Introduction to Dystopia Powerpoint

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⭐⭐⭐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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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 210-word passage filled with 19 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.**

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