$5 - $10 8th Grade Writing Resources (by date, latest first)

Today in History Daily Warm-Up Instructions:

Image Observation:

Display a historical image related to the day's date or a significant event in history.

Instruct students to carefully observe the details in the image without providing any background information.

Individual Inference:

Ask students to individually jot down their inferences about what they think might be happening in the image.

Encourage them to consider details such as clothing, setting, facial expressions, and any other relevant visual cues.

Partner Discussion:

Pair up students and have them share their individual inferences with their partners.

Prompt partners to discuss and compare their interpretations, encouraging them to consider different perspectives.

Collaborative Inference:

Bring the class back together and facilitate a collaborative discussion.

Select a few pairs to share their inferences with the entire class.

Encourage students to consider diverse interpretations and discuss any common themes or differences in their observations.

Historical Context:

After the collaborative discussion, provide some historical context or information about the image.

Discuss how the actual events align or differ from the students' inferences.

Benefits for Students:

Critical Thinking Skills:

Analyzing historical images promotes critical thinking as students must observe details, make connections, and draw conclusions.

Inference and Interpretation:

Making inferences based on visual cues enhances students' ability to interpret information and think beyond the surface.

Collaborative Learning:

Partner and class discussions foster collaborative learning, allowing students to share and refine their ideas through dialogue.

Engagement with History:

Connecting historical events to visual stimuli makes history more tangible and relatable for students, increasing their interest and engagement.

Communication Skills:

Sharing inferences with partners and the class improves communication skills and helps students articulate their thoughts effectively.

Diverse Perspectives:

Encouraging students to consider different interpretations promotes an appreciation for diverse perspectives and helps them understand that history can be viewed from various angles.

Contextual Learning:

Providing historical context after the activity solidifies students' understanding, reinforcing the connection between visual stimuli and historical events.

By incorporating this activity into the daily warm-up routine, students can develop a deeper appreciation for history, enhance their analytical skills, and actively engage with the learning process.

The book, Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas is great for children ages 7 - 13 years old, as they can relate with Bree as she moves to a new state, starts a new middle school, makes friends along the way and the challenges with friendships she struggles to maintain, the lack of self confidence she has, and she becomes more confident along the way, how she solves disagreements with friends, tries her best, shares her talents with others, adjusts to changes that occur in her life, learning that it is okay not to be friends with everyone, the importance of friendship, doing things that you want to do - being a leader instead of a follower, and how to handle stressful situations, anxiety, conflict, and bullying.

The comprehension questions in this product relate with the text as well as students own experiences. Vocabulary words, their meanings, and example sentences are presented in the packet. Students can also write vocabulary words in sentences. As the book is being read aloud, as students are reading the book or after the book has been read, students can answer the comprehension questions in this packet. Comprehension questions are broken down into chapters that match the book's 9 chapters. An answer key is provided at the end of this product. Students can also answer comprehension questions towards the end of the packet as well that relate with the entire book.

If you download this product, and found it useful, please leave me a positive review! :)

Writing is more fun when it is on themed Christmas Writing Paper!

This Holiday here is a No Prep set for you which includes** 249 Pages** of** Lined and Unlined Christmas/Holiday Writing Pages** geared towards **grades Preschool **thru Upper Elementary.

This is a big collection of printable Lined/ Unlined/Blank paper/pages for Home or Classroom; with 4 Different Line Spacing Styles, 9 writing templates,** Cute Christmas Graphics**, Christmas and Non-Christmas borders as well as Picture and Non-Picture Options included you can't chose wrong.

Suited for all ages and geared towards **Pre-k **thru **Upper Elementary students, **they will enjoy writing their Letters to Santa, receiving a letter from the Classroom Elf or Telling about their Holiday Plans on these Festive decorative stationery writing papers/pages. By using these writing papers students will Boost their Confidence in their Writing Abilities, Enhance their Fine Motor Skills, Improve Letter Alignment/Spacing/Formation all by having FUN!

You can use these writing papers for endless possibilities:

• Create your own Writing Prompts
• Write a Story
• Journal Entries
• Letter to Santa
• Letter from Classroom/Home Elf
• Favorite Christmas Tradition
• ABC Order
• Spelling Tests
• Spelling Lists
• Over Christmas break I will...
• My Christmas Wish....

About this Resource:

----ALL IN COLOR----

4 Different Line Spacing Styles:

• 79 Primary w/Dash Pages
• 78 Primary Straight Lines
• 62 Upper Elem. Straight Lines
• 30 Unlined Pages

Picture and Non-Picture Option:

• 188 Pages with Picture Option
• 61 Pages Non-Picture Option

4 Different Border Options:

• 116 Pages w/ 3 different Christmas Borders
• 103 pages w/Black Lined Borders
• 30 Blanks Unlined with both Christmas/Black lined borders

Are you ready to Purchase now?

Add to your cart and buy this Festive Resource Today!

Please check back for Future Writing Paper Sets.

THANKS FOR VISITING MY STORE!

I'm constantly working and posting new resources. CLICK HERE to follow my store and stay up to date on my latest work and FREEBIES. I hope you LOVE this product just as much as I loved making it.

I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!

After your purchase, please leave feedback/review and let me know how you used this resource with your students and how they liked it. Leaving feedback will also help you earn credits toward **FREE **resources for yourself.

You may also follow me on Social Media at: FACEBOOK, Pinterest and Instagram.

Copyright ©Christyrie'sTeachery. All rights reserved by the author. 

This teaching resource is not for commercial use and is intended for classroom use only.

Permission to copy for single classroom use only.

Please purchase additional licenses if you intend to share this product.

If your students loved reading Kwame Alexander's The Crossover, they need to see the new Disney+ series! As teachers, we want our students to be engaged, even when they are watching a film. With this resource, students will be challenged to think critically about the text and film in a variety of ways including comparing and contrasting, evaluating director decisions, and tracking character development across the series. Check out the preview for one handout from the bundle!

This resource includes:

• A double-sided handout for each episode 1-8
• Each handout contains:
• Do now question, discourse questions, compare and contrast section, and two rigorous writing tasks in DOK 3 or 4 and Bloom's Taxonomy Evaluate/Analyze categories.
• Each handout contains a teacher-facing answer key with answers students may write about.

The Crossover Summary: Kwame Alexander's text The Crossover is a coming-of-age story written in verse about 7th graders Josh and Jordan Bell as they navigate life, family, friendship, health, and most importantly basketball! The book became a graphic novel and later an 8 episode series streaming on Disney plus!

Dive into the world of argumentative writing with a fresh, culturally relevant approach! This comprehensive resource uses the popular song "The Boy is Mine" by Brandy and Monica to introduce middle school students to the key elements of a strong argument.

Learning Objectives:

• Trace an argument using song lyrics.
• Identify the essential components of an argumentative essay.

What's Inside:

• A 60-minute lesson plan aligned with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.1, and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1.
• A 12-slide PowerPoint presentation.
• Chunked and labeled song lyrics for clarity and ease of tracing arguments.
• Vocabulary words: argument, counterargument, and rebuttal.
• Engaging writing activities, including a Do Now, lyric annotation, and a tracing argument graphic organizer.

Usage Scenario: Perfect for middle school ELA teachers and interventionists, this resource is both engaging and educational. Start with a Do Now activity, delve into vocabulary, and introduce students to the iconic artists. After watching the music video, students will actively engage with the lyrics, tracing the arguments of each singer. By the end of the lesson, students will form and share their opinions on which singer presented the strongest argument. The PowerPoint also includes additional discourse questions for extended engagement.

Highlights!

• Print & Go: This resource is ready to be used with minimal preparation.
• High Engagement: Incorporate what students love (music) with what they need to master (argumentative writing).
• Culturally Relevant: Connect with students using a song they recognize and enjoy.

Elevate your teaching game with this innovative resource. Ideal for middle school grades, it aligns with key educational standards, ensuring your students are on the right track while having fun!

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.

Introducing our dynamic ELA resource, expertly designed to enhance middle school students' understanding of narrative perspectives. This 15-page toolkit focuses on the skill of identifying different points of view, including first person, second person, third person limited, and third person omniscient, making it an essential addition to your teaching arsenal this winter.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Point of View Exploration: Delve into the nuances of narrative perspectives. This resource covers first, second, third person limited, and third person omniscient points of view, providing a holistic understanding of this fundamental ELA concept.
• 15 Pages of Tiered Activities: Enjoy a rich collection of tiered exercises. Each page is carefully designed to progressively build your students' skills, ensuring a deep and thorough grasp of the topic.
• Differentiated Instruction: This resource recognizes the diverse learning styles and abilities in your classroom. The activities are differentiated using Bloom's Taxonomy to cater to varying levels of comprehension and engagement, making learning inclusive and effective.
• Engaging Winter Themes: Capture your students' interest with activities that are wrapped in appealing winter themes. This seasonal touch adds relevance and fun to the learning process, keeping students motivated and curious.
• Ideal for Middle Schoolers: Specifically crafted for 6th to 8th graders, these activities align with middle school benchmarks in ELA. They challenge students to think critically and creatively, enhancing their reading and analytical skills.

Upgrade your teaching toolkit with our point of view activities and watch as your middle school students develop a deeper, more nuanced understanding of narrative perspectives. Perfect for winter-themed learning, this resource is a must-have for any dedicated ELA educator!

Elevate your middle school literature classes with our "Advanced Character Perspective Analysis Toolkit." This robust educational resource is expertly designed to deepen students' understanding of narrative perspectives, aligning seamlessly with Bloom's Taxonomy for grades 6-8. It's the perfect blend of rigor and engagement for young literary analysts.

Key Features:

• Rigorous Alignment with Bloom's Taxonomy: Our toolkit is thoughtfully structured to challenge students at various cognitive levels, from basic comprehension to advanced creation and evaluation, fostering a deeper understanding of literary perspectives.
• Targeted for Grades 6-8: Tailored to meet the developmental needs of middle school students, this toolkit offers a sophisticated yet accessible approach to character perspective analysis, making it an ideal resource for grades 6-8.
• Comprehensive 15-Slide Presentation: Included is a detailed 15-slide presentation that reviews key vocabulary and concepts related to character perspectives. This visual and informative tool is perfect for introducing and reinforcing critical literary terms and ideas.
• Print and Go Format: Designed for ease of use, our toolkit is ready to be implemented in your classroom with minimal preparation. It's a time-saving, print-and-go solution for busy educators.
• Differentiated Learning Activities: With a variety of engaging activities, our toolkit caters to diverse learning styles and abilities. From group discussions to creative writing exercises, each activity is designed to accommodate different student needs.
• Inclusive Answer Key: To support educators, our toolkit includes a comprehensive answer key, providing guidance and insights for each activity and discussion point, ensuring clarity and depth in teaching and assessment.
• Enhances Critical Thinking: By engaging with character perspectives, students develop essential skills in critical thinking, analysis, and empathy, preparing them for more advanced literary studies.

Benefits:

• Promotes a rigorous understanding of character perspectives in literature
• Encourages critical thinking and analytical skills
• Facilitates engaging and interactive learning experiences
• Supports differentiated instruction with a variety of activities
• Easy integration into existing middle school literature curriculums

The "Advanced Character Perspective Analysis Toolkit for Middle School" is an indispensable resource for educators seeking to provide a rigorous and comprehensive literary experience. It's an ideal tool for enhancing students' analytical skills and deepening their understanding of narrative perspectives. Transform your literature classes with this essential toolkit!

Embark on a transformative educational journey with "My First Summer Job" – a comprehensive Project-Based Learning (PBL) life skills resource designed specifically for middle and high school students. This unique, interactive curriculum offers an in-depth exploration of the workforce, equipping young minds with essential life skills and practical knowledge for their future careers.

Key Features:

1. Explore Eight Popular Summer Jobs: Dive into the world of lifeguards, golf caddies, babysitters, camp counselors, amusement park workers, dog walkers, food service employees, and yard workers. Students engage in detailed research on each profession, uncovering insights into salary ranges, necessary qualifications, expected working hours, and job responsibilities.
2. Real-World Job Application Skills: Guide students through the critical steps of job readiness – from crafting a professional resume to mastering the art of job interviews. This section focuses on building confidence and essential communication skills.
3. Hands-On Budgeting Simulation: An immersive financial management experience awaits! Students will calculate their net pay after tax deductions, develop a keen understanding of budgeting, and reflect on how to effectively manage their summer earnings. This practical exercise not only enhances their financial literacy but also fosters responsible spending and saving habits.
4. Skill Development for the Future: "My First Summer Job" is more than just a research project; it's a life skills toolkit. Students will hone their research abilities, critical thinking, financial management, and planning skills – all crucial competencies for future success.
5. Engaging and Interactive Format: Designed to captivate and educate, this resource combines research, practical exercises, and reflective learning, ensuring a dynamic and comprehensive educational experience.

Who It's For:

• Ideal for middle and high school educators.
• Perfect for classes focusing on career education, life skills, and financial literacy.

Why You Need This: Equip your students with the knowledge and skills they need to confidently step into the world of work. "My First Summer Job" is more than just a curriculum; it's an investment in your students' future, preparing them for success in their first jobs and beyond.

Download Now and empower your students with the tools to navigate the job market, manage finances, and make informed career choices!

Introducing "Cheers to the New Year: Writing Memorable Toasts" – an engaging and ready-to-use resource perfect for middle and high school English Language Arts and public speaking classes. This print-and-go product is ideal for your January back-to-school curriculum, offering a unique blend of writing workshop elements, cultural education, and public speaking skills.

Product Description:

Duration: Structured to span across four class periods, this resource includes:

• Day 1: Introduction to the art of toasting and analysis of exemplar and non-exemplar toasts.
• Day 2: Brainstorming session, guiding students through the creative process of crafting their toasts.
• Day 3: Final draft writing, where students refine and perfect their toasts.
• Day 4: Toast presentations, allowing students to showcase their work and public speaking skills.

Key Components:

• Comprehensive Slide Presentations: Includes 25 informative Google Slides on the history and culture of toasting, and what toasting symbolizes today. Slides include clear directions guiding theteacher and class through the writing process. Designed for easy understanding and engagement, students can participate in popcorn reading and interactive discussions.
• Toastmasters Video and Analysis: Engage students with a professional insight on crafting toasts, followed by interactive discussions and check-for-understanding questions.
• Real-World Examples: Includes both a non-example and a successful example of toasts from popular media, fostering critical thinking and discussion among students.
• Detailed Handouts: Four handouts guide the students from brainstorming ideas to drafting their final toasts. Includes sentence stems for easy differentiation.
• Interactive Tea Cup Activity: A creative cutout activity where students write their wishes for 2024, doubling as a charming bulletin board decoration.
• Presentation Rubric: A detailed rubric is included to assess student presentations, focusing on content, delivery, creativity, and audience engagement.
• How to use resource guide included!

Educational Benefits:

• Cultural Awareness: Students gain insight into the global tradition of toasting, understanding its historical and cultural significance.
• Writing and Communication Skills: Enhances students' writing abilities, focusing on structure, creativity, and clarity.
• Public Speaking: Develops public speaking skills, including articulation, body language, and audience engagement.
• Social-Emotional Learning: Encourages self-expression and reflection, making it a valuable tool for SEL.

"Cheers to the New Year: Writing Memorable Toasts" is more than just a lesson plan; it's an interactive and multifaceted approach to learning that will captivate and inspire your students. Whether it's for a writing workshop or a public speaking exercise, this resource is sure to make the first weeks back at school both memorable and educational.

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

Take "Would you Rather" to the next level and use it as a tool for argumentative writing. Introduce the art of persuasion with our 'Valentine's Day Argumentative Writing Resource,' where love meets lively discourse.

Perfect for grades 4-8, this resource is crafted to demystify argumentative writing by breaking down its core components. Students will learn to construct solid arguments, establish clear claims, back them with logical reasoning, skillfully address counterarguments, and deliver convincing rebuttals.

What sets this resource apart are the 28 uniquely crafted 'Would You Rather' prompts - 14 fun and 14 icky scenarios - designed to spark engagement and laughter in any classroom. Accompanied by high-quality images and available in both PDF and Google Slides, this resource is a visual treat that enhances the learning experience.

Here's what makes our resource a 'must-have' for your classroom:

☑️ Blended learning

☑️ 1:1 student-device ratio

☑️ Small group discussions

☑️ Intervention strategies

☑️ Learning centers

☑️ Homework assignments

☑️ Engaging warm-ups

With 64 interactive slides and 28 printable PDF pages, it provides ample practice for students to master argumentative writing. Whether you're looking to spice up your writing centers or bring a little 'love' to your intervention lessons, these prompts are sure to keep students engaged.

Don't miss out on the chance to make argumentative writing the highlight of your classroom this February. Get your students chatting, debating, and writing with our Valentine's Day Argumentative Writing Resource. Follow our store for more heartfelt educational resources that blend fun with learning!

Take this week-long ELA unit centered around Rod Serling's classic teleplay, "The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street" and let the students do the heavy lifting! This resource is tailored specifically for middle school educators looking to inspire and engage students in grades 6-8, but is easily adaptable for other levels.

What’s Included:

• Engaging Lesson Slides: Jumpstart each lesson with beautifully designed slides that guide you through each day’s activities, from reading to analysis.
• Socratic Seminar Guide: Foster deep, meaningful academic discourse with step-by-step procedures for conducting a Socratic seminar that encourages student-led learning and critical debate.
• Choice Board Activities: Keep students engaged with a variety of creative tasks such as writing an alternate ending, designing a comic strip, and more, allowing for differentiated learning and student choice.
• Comprehensive Writing Prompts: Includes a range of essay questions—argumentative, informational, and correspondence—to enhance writing skills and deepen understanding of the text’s themes.
• Film vs. Text Analysis: Engage students with a comparative analysis using our Venn diagram activity, perfect for visual learners.

Perfect For:

• End-of-Year Engagement: Keep students actively learning until the last bell rings, with engaging content that challenges their thinking and comprehension.
• Substitute Lesson Plans: Everything is ready to go! Substitute teachers can easily pick up and teach, ensuring valuable learning continues uninterrupted.
• Mini Dystopian Unit: Seamlessly fits into a broader dystopian literature study, providing a multidimensional understanding of themes such as paranoia, fear, and the human condition.

Educational Objectives:

• Enhance critical thinking and analytical skills through structured debates and comparative analyses.
• Develop narrative writing and creative expression by allowing students to explore alternative perspectives and craft new story outcomes.
• Promote engagement and discussion, encouraging students to lead their learning journey through thought-provoking questions and peer-led seminars.

Designed with both the teacher and student in mind, this comprehensive unit not only aligns with educational standards but also taps into the students' abilities to analyze, debate, and create. Equip your classroom with this essential resource and watch as your students become more thoughtful, informed, and engaged members of society.

Included in this 12 week unit: Ultimate Middle School Short Story Bundle: 12 Week Engaging Suspense ELA Units (TeachShare.com)

Not sure what to do after state testing? Dive into the futuristic world of Ray Bradbury with our week-long dystopian unit plan centered around his intriguing short story, "The Pedestrian." This meticulously crafted resource is specifically designed for middle school humanities teachers looking to inspire and engage their students in deep, meaningful discussions about technology, society, and individuality.

Product Features:

• Complete Text & Accompanying Slides: Includes a full copy of "The Pedestrian" and visually engaging slides that complement the reading, ensuring students understand the setting, plot, and key themes.
• Socratic Seminar Guide: Detailed procedures and prepared questions for a Socratic seminar that encourage students to delve deeper into the text. Our guide helps students articulate their thoughts using claims, evidence, and reasoning, fostering critical thinking and debate.
• Evidence Writing Worksheets: Teach your students how to effectively back their arguments with textual evidence. These worksheets guide students through the process of making claims and supporting them with precise details from the story and film.
• Diverse Essay Prompts: Includes argumentative, informational, and correspondence essay questions that cater to different writing levels and interests, helping students explore various aspects of the narrative.
• Creative Activities: Engage your students’ creative sides with a comic strip activity and an alternate ending writing task. These exercises not only enhance understanding of narrative techniques but also allow personal expression and creativity.
• Film vs. Text Venn Diagram: A comparative activity where students analyze the differences and similarities between the short story and its film adaptation, enhancing their analytical skills.
• Choice Board Extension Activities: Offers a variety of project-based learning tasks that allow students to explore the themes of the story in diverse and engaging ways.

Perfect For:

• End-of-Year Lessons: Wrap up the year with a comprehensive, thought-provoking unit that engages students in critical thinking.
• Substitute Teacher Plans: Easy-to-follow lessons that ensure valuable and structured learning continues in your absence.
• Mini Dystopian Units: Ideal for a focused thematic study on dystopian literature, prompting discussions on societal impacts of technology and personal freedom.

Adjustability:

• Suitable for grades 6-8 and can be easily adapted for different levels of understanding or class sizes, making it a versatile tool for any middle school classroom.

Perfect Pairing: "All Summer in a Day" Comprehensive Week-Long Lesson Plan, Seminar, Choice Board (TeachShare.com)

Empower your students to think critically about their own world through the lens of dystopian literature. This "The Pedestrian" unit plan is not just a lesson—it's an exploration into critical thinking, creative expression, and scholarly discussion. Equip your classroom with this all-encompassing resource today and watch your students thrive!

Included in this 12 week unit: Ultimate Middle School Short Story Bundle: 12 Week Engaging Suspense ELA Units (TeachShare.com)

Engage your middle school ELA and humanities curriculum with our meticulously crafted "Survivor" by Destiny's Child Lesson 3-day bundle, designed for grades 5-8. This culturally relevant, comprehensive package seamlessly integrates music and media studies with critical ELA standards, making learning an engaging and transformative experience for students.

What's Included?

• Detailed Lesson Plans: Three structured plans for 60-minute classes, focusing on figurative language, visual elements, and literary analysis.
• Google Slides Presentations: Interactive presentations for easy instruction and student engagement.
• ✅ Answer Keys: Complete solutions for all activities, ensuring straightforward assessment.
• Visual and Literary Analysis Tools: Resources to explore music videos and lyrics in-depth.

Who Is This For?

• Middle School Teachers (Grades 5-8)
• ELA, Writing, and Humanities Educators
• Elective Teachers in Film and Music Study

How to Use This Resource

1. Engage Students: Begin each lesson with a "Do Now" to spark interest.
2. Teach with Technology: Use Google Slides for a dynamic presentation.
3. Collaborative Learning: Encourage group activities for deeper analysis.
4. Assessment Made Easy: Utilize provided answer keys for quick grading.

Standards Aligned

• CCSS 7.3: Determining the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text.
• CCSS 7.4: Analyzing how elements of a story interact.
• CCSS 7.7: Integrating and evaluating content presented in diverse media and formats.

This resource not only meets critical educational standards but also caters to diverse learning environments, whether in traditional ELA settings or innovative electives. By incorporating "Survivor" into your curriculum, you'll offer students a unique lens through which to explore themes of resilience, empowerment, and the artistic expression of personal growth. Equip your students with the skills to analyze and appreciate the depth of language and media with this all-encompassing resource.

Unlock Literary Analysis with "The Way Up to Heaven" - A Complete Week-Long ELA Unit

Prepare your middle school classroom for an immersive literary journey with our comprehensive week-long ELA unit centered around Roald Dahl’s gripping short story, "The Way Up to Heaven". Tailored specifically for middle school ELA teachers, this resource is perfect for wrapping up the year, enriching substitute plans, or as an engaging mini-unit.

What’s Included in This Resource?

• CommonLit Text: Easy access to "The Way Up to Heaven", ensuring seamless integration into your curriculum.
• Dynamic Slides: 22 interactive slides designed to guide discussions, enhance understanding, and captivate students' interest from start to finish.
• Socratic Seminar Tools: Everything you need to run a successful Socratic seminar, including detailed procedures and a framework for students to use claim, evidence, and reasoning in their discussions.
• Diverse Writing Prompts: Rigorous prompts for argumentative, informational, and correspondence essays that challenge students to delve deeper into the story’s themes and characters.
• Choice Board Activities: Engage every learner with creative projects such as comic strips, alternate endings, newspaper articles, and literary brochures.
• Film vs. Text Comparison: A Venn diagram activity to critically compare the story's film adaptation with Dahl's original text, fostering critical media literacy skills.
• Comprehensive Teaching Guide: Detailed instructions and tips to help you make the most of each lesson, regardless of your previous experience with the story.

Ideal For:

• End-of-Year Engagement: Keep your students intellectually stimulated and creatively engaged right up to the final bell.
• Substitute Lesson Plans: Robust, easy-to-follow plans ensure that your class remains productive even when you're not there.
• Focused Literary Studies: Perfect for a thematic unit that explores suspense, character analysis, and narrative structure.

Why Choose This Unit?

• Standards-Aligned: Meets key ELA standards, preparing students with essential analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Adaptable and Flexible: Easily modified to suit different classroom needs and student abilities.
• Interactive and Engaging: Encourages students to actively participate in their own learning through a variety of creative and analytical tasks.

Empower your students to explore complex literary themes, develop critical thinking skills, and express their understanding through diverse mediums. This all-encompassing unit is not just a teaching tool—it's a gateway to a richer understanding of literature.

Included in this 12 week unit: Ultimate Middle School Short Story Bundle: 12 Week Engaging Suspense ELA Units (TeachShare.com)

Keep your students engaged at the end of the year with this comprehensive week-long ELA unit centered on Kurt Vonnegut's thought-provoking story, "Harrison Bergeron." Crafted for middle school teachers, this package is designed to spark vibrant academic discourse, foster student-led analysis, and keep engagement high, especially towards the end of the school year.

What's Included:

• PDF Text included: Dive deep into the dystopian themes with the engaging text, "Harrison Bergeron," included.
• Interactive Slides: Enhance understanding with our dynamic PowerPoint slides tailored to break down key concepts and themes effectively.
• Socratic Seminar Toolkit: Includes step-by-step procedures and evidence writing guides to facilitate insightful student-led discussions.
• Versatile Choice Board Activities: From crafting an alternate ending to designing comic strips, these activities cater to diverse learning styles and promote creative expression.
• Comprehensive Essay Prompts: Equip your students with the skills to write argumentative, informational, and correspondence essays that delve deeply into the text’s themes.
• Film vs. Text Analysis: A structured Venn diagram activity to compare and contrast the story with its film adaptation, enhancing media literacy skills.

Perfect For:

• End-of-Year Learning: Keep the academic momentum strong with a unit that challenges students to think critically and discuss passionately.
• Substitute Teacher Plans: Each lesson is detailed and self-contained, ideal for days when you need reliable sub plans that require minimal preparation.
• Mini Dystopian Unit: Seamlessly integrates with broader studies of dystopian literature. Complements units on "The Pedestrian" by Ray Bradbury and "All Summer in a Day" for a richer exploration of dystopian themes.

Educational Alignment: Designed to cater to grades 6-8 but easily adaptable for higher or lower grades, this unit ensures alignment with Common Core standards, focusing on reading comprehension, critical thinking, and analytical writing.

Enhance Your Curriculum: Consider pairing this unit with our Complete Week-Long Dystopian Unit Plan for "The Pedestrian" and All Summer in a Day Seminar and Choice Board to provide a comprehensive dystopian literature experience that spans various authors and critical perspectives.

Elevate your teaching with a unit that not only fulfills educational standards but also inspires your students to examine and question the world around them. Prepare them for a future where they can think independently and debate constructively with "Harrison Bergeron."

Included in this 12 week unit: Ultimate Middle School Short Story Bundle: 12 Week Engaging Suspense ELA Units (TeachShare.com)

Dive into the suspenseful world of "Sorry, Wrong Number" by Lucille Fletcher with this comprehensive, end-of-year ELA unit, perfect for middle school humanities teachers! This meticulously designed resource offers a full week of engaging, scaffolded lessons, culminating in a dynamic Socratic seminar and creative choice board activities.

What's Included:

• Fully Detailed Lesson Plans: Each day is carefully planned with clear objectives, standards alignment, and step-by-step instructions. Scaffolds and differentiation strategies ensure all students can participate and succeed.
• Engaging Activities: Students will read and analyze the text, listen to the captivating radio play, and participate in thought-provoking discussions. Every lesson is designed to captivate students' imaginations and deepen their understanding of the material.
• Socratic Seminar: Facilitate a rich, student-led discussion with our structured Socratic seminar guidelines. Students will engage in meaningful dialogue, using evidence from the text to support their points.
• Choice Board Projects: Empower students to demonstrate their learning creatively with a variety of project options, including writing an alternate ending, crafting a comic strip, designing a literary brochure, and more. Each option includes graphic organizers and rubrics to guide student work.
• Comprehensive Question Sets: Thoughtful questions accompany each lesson, encouraging critical thinking and textual analysis. An answer key is provided to support teacher facilitation.
• Paper-Based Resource: Designed for easy implementation, this unit is fully printable and ready to use in any classroom setting.

Unit Breakdown:

• Day 1: Whole-class reading of "Sorry, Wrong Number" followed by listening to the radio play. Discussion on suspense and foreshadowing.
• Day 2: Collecting evidence and constructing responses using the claim, evidence, reasoning (CER) format. Preparation for the Socratic seminar.
• Day 3: Socratic seminar day. Students explore and discuss the text, aiming to speak 2-3 times, using textual evidence to support their points.
• Days 4 & 5: Choice board activities. Students choose from a range of creative projects to showcase their understanding of the story.

Benefits:

• Engaging End-of-Year Content: Keep students motivated and excited about learning with a thrilling, suspenseful story that will capture their interest.
• Scaffolding and Extension Ideas: Each lesson includes scaffolds to support all learners and extension ideas to challenge advanced students.
• Comprehensive and Ready-to-Use: Save time with detailed lesson plans, organized materials, and everything you need to deliver a successful unit.

Perfect for middle school humanities teachers looking to end the year with a bang, this unit will leave students discussing, debating, and reflecting on "Sorry, Wrong Number" long after the lessons are over. Bring your classroom to life with this engaging, paper-based resource!

Included in this 12 week unit: Ultimate Middle School Short Story Bundle: 12 Week Engaging Suspense ELA Units (TeachShare.com)

Keep your middle school students engaged in the world of Ray Bradbury's "There Will Come Soft Rains" with this all-encompassing week-long ELA unit. Designed specifically for educators teaching grades 6-8, this resource is perfect for deepening understanding of science fiction and dystopian themes, but it is flexible enough to be adjusted for other levels.

What’s Included:

• Interactive Lesson Slides: Engage students from the start with detailed slides that outline daily activities, from insightful readings to critical discussions.
• Socratic Seminar Toolkit: Equip your students for high-level academic discourse with comprehensive guides and tools for a Socratic seminar that emphasizes student-led discussions and analytical thinking.
• Choice Board Activities: Motivate students with diverse projects such as creating comic strips, crafting alternative endings, and more, allowing them to express their understanding creatively and diversely.
• Varied Writing Prompts: Challenge students with tailored writing prompts, including argumentative, informational, and correspondence essays that probe deeper into the story’s speculative and technological themes.
• Film vs. Text Comparative Analysis: Utilize our ready-to-use Venn diagram to compare the text with film adaptations, enhancing multimedia analytical skills.

Perfect For:

• End-of-Year Projects: Keep the learning momentum going with engaging material that captivates students’ imaginations and critical thinking skills until the final day.
• Sub Plans: Fully prepared and easy to follow, this unit ensures that learning is seamless and comprehensive, even when the regular teacher is away.
• Mini Dystopian Unit: Integrates smoothly with larger thematic studies, offering students a layered understanding of dystopian narratives and futuristic cautionary tales.

Educational Objectives:

• Foster critical analysis and discussion skills through structured and guided debates about technology and humanity.
• Encourage creative writing and narrative skills by having students explore and invent within the world Bradbury imagined.
• Promote student engagement and autonomy in learning through activities that require active participation and personal input.

Crafted with precision for both teacher ease and student engagement, this unit not only meets educational standards but also inspires students to consider deeper questions about technology, society, and human impact.

Included in this 12 week unit: Ultimate Middle School Short Story Bundle: 12 Week Engaging Suspense ELA Units (TeachShare.com)

Transform your middle school classroom routine with this comprehensive 12-week collection of Do Now warm-ups designed specifically for grades 5-8. These daily activities are perfect for building essential skills, fostering creativity, and promoting mindfulness at the start of each day. This resource offers a variety of activities from Mindful Monday reflections to Fun Fact Friday discussions, keeping your students engaged and ready to learn.

Available in both a Canva link and PDF format, this resource is easy to use and adaptable to fit your classroom needs. It's perfect for one trimester of morning work, bell ringers, or quick warm-ups!

What's Included:

• Mindful Monday: Start the week with intention and focus. Prompts include gratitude exercises, goal setting, and mindfulness practices.
• Teamwork Tuesday: Foster collaboration and communication with activities that encourage students to work together on puzzles, scenarios, and creative challenges.
• Wordplay Wednesday: Enhance language skills with fun and engaging word activities such as homophones, acronyms, and metaphor creation.
• Thoughtful Thursday: Encourage reflection and critical thinking with prompts that challenge students to think deeply about their experiences, goals, and leadership potential.
• Fun Fact Friday: End the week with interesting trivia related to pop culture, history, and middle school life, sparking engaging classroom discussions.

Ideas for Use:

• Use these warm-ups to kickstart each day, helping students transition smoothly into learning mode.
• Incorporate them as bell ringers to promote on-time attendance and focused class beginnings.
• Adapt the prompts for journaling exercises or as a springboard for class discussions.
• Perfect for homeroom, advisory periods, or as a consistent start to your ELA, social studies, or science classes.

Benefits:

• ✅ Promotes mindfulness and positive thinking at the beginning of the week.
• ✅ Encourages teamwork and collaboration through engaging group activities.
• ✅ Develops language and literacy skills with creative wordplay.
• ✅ Fosters self-reflection and personal growth with thoughtful prompts.
• ✅ Sparks curiosity and learning with fun, educational trivia.
• ✅ Ready-to-use in multiple formats (Canva link and PDF) for easy classroom integration.

Why This Resource?

• Created with middle school students in mind, these prompts are designed to be relatable, thought-provoking, and engaging. They are perfect for building a classroom culture of respect, curiosity, and critical thinking while seamlessly fitting into your daily routine.

Get ready to inspire and engage your students with these 12 weeks of carefully curated Do Now warm-ups!

Bring the heartwarming and inspiring Disney+ adaptation of Out of My Mind into your classroom with this comprehensive movie guide and activity bundle. Perfect for grades 5-8, this resource engages students in thoughtful discussion, critical analysis, and creative reflection while exploring key themes of inclusion, perseverance, and advocacy.

What’s Included:

Pre-Watching Activities:

• Agree/Disagree/Justify Statements: Students reflect on key themes like inclusion, disability, and perseverance before viewing the movie.
• Author Investigation: Research questions about Sharon M. Draper’s life, career, and motivations for writing Out of My Mind.

During-Watching Questions:

• 3 Open-Ended Discussion Questions: Encourage critical thinking and active viewing, focusing on the film’s characters, themes, and key moments.

Post-Watching Reflection:

• Creative Reflection Choices: Students choose from a variety of activities, including:

• A personal essay exploring connections to Melody’s story.

• A diary entry written from the perspective of a character.

• A 6-panel brochure highlighting the movie’s plot, characters, and themes.

Skills Covered:

• Critical Thinking: Through open-ended questions and reflection activities.
• Research Skills: Investigating Sharon M. Draper’s life and work.
• Creative Expression: Writing diary entries, essays, or designing brochures.
• Empathy and Inclusion: Exploring themes that challenge perspectives and foster understanding.

Why Teachers Love It:

Engaging & Flexible: Perfect for a wide range of learners with multiple activity options.
Low Prep: Ready-to-use activities designed for easy implementation.
Standards-Aligned: Meets objectives in reading comprehension, writing, and critical thinking.

Perfect For:

• Movie Companion Activities
• SEL Lessons on Inclusion and Perseverance
• Sub Plans or Flexible Learning Days
• Cross-Curricular Connections in ELA and Social Studies

This complete guide offers everything you need to turn Out of My Mind into a powerful teaching moment. Inspire your students to think deeply, reflect creatively, and grow in understanding with this must-have resource. Grab it today!

Additional resources with similar themes: 18-Day Disabilities & Equity Unit Grades 6+ Project, Essay, Assessments, Seminar