8th Grade Writing PowerPoint Presentations (by date, latest first)

Introducing "Quick Write!" – Your Ultimate Writing Companion for Inspiring Classroom Creativity!

Unleash the power of imagination and critical thinking in your classroom with "Quick Write!" This comprehensive collection of 100 creative journal prompts is tailor-made to spark innovative ideas, foster engaging discussions, and ignite a passion for writing among your students. Whether you're an experienced educator or a fresh face in the teaching arena, "Quick Write!" is the perfect tool to enrich your classroom experience.

Why Choose "Quick Write!"?

Diverse and Thought-Provoking Prompts: From thought-provoking hypothetical scenarios to real-world dilemmas, "Quick Write!" offers a wide array of prompts designed to cater to various learning styles and interests. Watch your students' creativity flourish as they delve into intriguing topics and explore new perspectives.

Versatility for All Subjects: Regardless of the subject you teach, "Quick Write!" seamlessly integrates into your curriculum. These prompts transcend subject boundaries, making them ideal for language arts, social studies, science, and more. Enhance critical thinking and communication skills effortlessly.

‍‍ Fosters Collaborative Learning: Encourage collaborative discussions and peer interactions with prompts that encourage students to share their thoughts, opinions, and insights. "Quick Write!" not only nurtures individual growth but also cultivates a classroom environment where diverse viewpoints are celebrated.

Easy Implementation: No need to spend hours crafting prompts – we've done the work for you! Simply download "Quick Write!" and seamlessly integrate these prompts into your lesson plans. Whether as a warm-up activity or a standalone exercise, they effortlessly fit into your teaching routine.

Boosts Confidence: As students explore their creativity through writing, their confidence in expressing ideas will soar. Witness your students' writing skills evolve and watch them conquer new challenges with every prompt they tackle.

Encourages Reflective Learning: "Quick Write!" isn't just about writing – it's about self-discovery. Through introspective prompts, students learn to reflect on their thoughts, experiences, and emotions, promoting holistic growth and self-awareness.

*Includes PowerPoint and PDF formats of writing prompts and Optional Printable Warm-Ups and Exit Tickets Organizer!

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.

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.

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.

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.

This is a novel study of Gary Paulsen's Brian’s Winter (The sequel to Hatchet). In this product, there are completed lesson plans (and a blank one if you need to write your own), a slideshow that includes everything for each chapter (introduction, review of content, copy of the doodle notes, copy of the end of chapter activity/discussion outline, and the closure question), the Doodle Notes outline for each chapter, and the End of Chapter/Discussion activities. This novel study is for 4th-grade to 7th-grade students.

****I would recommend reading Hatchet before Brian's Winter. Since it is a sequel, having the prior knowledge would help a lot. I also have a novel study to go along with Hatchet!**

Completed Lesson Plans

Each chapter comes with a completed lesson plan! The lesson plans include an I can statement (Chapter Goal), the materials needed, what students will be doing as a preview to the chapter, what they will be doing during the read, the activity after the chapter, some differentiation ideas, the assessment, and a closure. There is a spot for standards, but I did not include one because of different state standards. They are also all editable! It was made using Google Slides, so if you open the file in Google Slides or PowerPoint you can edit each lesson plan to fit your class's needs!

Doodle Notes and End of Chapter/Discussion Activities

Each chapter comes with doodle notes and an End of Chapter/Discussion Activity. Doodle notes are notes students take that involve more drawing than writing. Students will have a prompt to help them know what to focus on while listening/reading the chapter and what to take notes on. The activities focus on multiple different skills, Central Idea, Supporting Details, Problem/Solution, Cause/Effect, Summaries, Story Elements, Inferences, and more. There are also 5 discussion activities where students will need to work in groups discussing a prompt about the chapter.

Slideshow

To go along with the book, there is a Slideshow that includes an outline for each chapter! It includes what is written in the lesson plans. So there are introduction slides for each chapter, a copy of the doodle notes and chapter activities, and a slide for the closure. The slides are also editable! So if you would like to add/adapt anything to fit your class/lesson better, just open the file in Google Slides or PowerPoint. ***There is a slide, that you will need to edit. It is the “Discussion Expectations” slide. This is because each class will have different expectations for discussions.***

I hope you enjoy it! Please rate and review. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at ateacherssidekick@gmail.com

1. Digital Yearbook Creation for Any Novel:

• Engages students in an immersive project where they create a digital yearbook based on a novel. This resource facilitates a deeper understanding of characters, themes, and events using Google Slides.

1. Virtual Winter Sports Exploration:

• An interactive digital resource for grades 4-6 that explores winter sports. It includes a comprehensive study of sports history, rules, equipment, and famous athletes, enhancing knowledge with engaging visuals and content.

1. Global Bites - New Years' Celebrations and Food Traditions:

• This inquiry-based learning project explores global New Year celebrations and food traditions. It's an engaging way for students to learn about cultural diversity and culinary practices around the world.

1. A Personal Identity Project for Middle Schoolers (SEL Digital Resource):

• Focuses on social-emotional learning (SEL) by allowing students to explore and present their personal identity. This project encourages self-reflection and expression through a digital medium.

1. A Day in My Life - SEL, Public Speaking, Photography Project:

• Combines SEL, public speaking, and photography, where students document and share 'A Day in My Life'. It's an excellent resource for developing storytelling, presentation, and photography skills.

1. My First Summer Job - Project-Based Learning Project:

• A practical project-based learning experience where students explore the concept of a first summer job. This digital resource covers job searching, application processes, and job responsibilities.

1. My Dream Summer Vacation - Project-Based Learning:

• Allows students to plan their dream summer vacation, integrating skills like budgeting, itinerary planning, and geographical exploration. It's a creative way to learn about different destinations and travel planning.

Each of these digital resources offers unique and interactive learning experiences, perfect for enhancing student engagement and skills in various areas. They are ideal for virtual learning environments, providing meaningful and educational activities.

1. Examination Day Full-Week ELA Unit Plan: Socratic Seminar, Choice Board, Slides

• Dive into Henry Slesar's thought-provoking short story, "Examination Day," with a full-week ELA unit plan designed for middle school. This comprehensive package includes detailed Socratic seminar procedures, engaging choice board activities, and dynamic presentation slides to encourage critical thinking and student-led discourse on themes of intelligence testing and government control.

1. Harrison Bergeron Full-Week ELA Plan: Socratic Seminar, Choice Board, Slides

• Explore Kurt Vonnegut's classic dystopian tale, "Harrison Bergeron," in this complete week-long ELA unit. Middle school students will engage deeply with themes of enforced equality and individuality through structured Socratic seminars, creative choice board activities, and informative slides, all designed to foster critical analysis and vibrant classroom discussions.

1. All Summer in a Day Comprehensive Week-Long Lesson Plan: Seminar, Choice Board

• Immerse your students in Ray Bradbury's poignant story, "All Summer in a Day," with this extensive unit plan. The curriculum includes everything you need to facilitate meaningful discussions around themes of isolation, bullying, and the longing for sunshine. Engaging seminars and diverse choice board activities provide varied learning opportunities that cater to different student interests and learning styles.

1. The Pedestrian Full-Week ELA Unit Plan: Socratic Seminar, Choice Board, Slides

• Step into the futuristic world of Ray Bradbury's "The Pedestrian" with this detailed unit plan for grades 6-8. Through thoughtful Socratic seminars, a creative choice board, and educational slides, students will analyze the story's critique of technological dependency and societal conformity, developing critical thinking skills that transcend the classroom.

Comprehensive Dahl Exploration: This bundle combines three of Roald Dahl’s most compelling stories, each presented in a detailed ELA unit designed to engage middle school students. Perfect for an author’s study, this bundle allows students to analyze Dahl’s unique narrative style and recurring themes across different works. From the mysterious escalations in "Way Up to Heaven" to the unsettling undertones of "The Landlady" and the darkly comic "Lamb to the Slaughter," students will appreciate Dahl’s mastery in crafting suspense and surprise. This bundle is an excellent resource for end-of-year activities, sub plans, or a focused thematic unit on one of literature’s most intriguing authors.

1. Way Up to Heaven ELA Unit

Description: Explore the suspenseful realms of Roald Dahl’s "Way Up to Heaven" with this detailed ELA unit. This package includes engaging slides for easy teaching, a structured Socratic seminar to foster deep discussion, comprehensive lesson plans for effective learning, and versatile choice board activities to cater to diverse learning preferences. Students will delve into thematic analysis, character study, and the craft of writing through guided essays and creative projects.

2. The Landlady ELA Unit

Description: Dive deep into the chilling story of "The Landlady" with this complete ELA unit. It features dynamic slides that enrich the narrative experience, a Socratic seminar to enhance critical thinking, and a choice board that offers creative and analytical options like comic strips and alternate endings. Additional essays and activities, including a film comparison using a Venn diagram, make this unit perfect for a comprehensive study of narrative techniques and thematic development.

3. Lamb to the Slaughter ELA Unit

Description: Unpack the intrigue of Roald Dahl’s "Lamb to the Slaughter" in this all-inclusive ELA unit. This resource provides detailed slides for seamless instruction, engaging seminar guidelines to discuss the complexities of the plot, and a range of activities including a choice board for student-driven projects. The unit also includes tailored essay prompts and additional activities that encourage a deeper understanding of the story’s themes and Dahl’s distinctive writing style.

Bonus:

Includes in-depth character analysis across three stories and synthesizing essay prompt with graphic organizers!

Included Resources:

1. Sorry, Wrong Number ELA Unit: A Full Week of Engaging Lessons for Middle School

• Description: Dive into the suspenseful world of "Sorry, Wrong Number" by Lucille Fletcher with this comprehensive ELA unit. Over the course of a week, students will read the script, listen to the captivating radio play, and engage in dynamic activities including a Socratic seminar and creative choice board projects. Each lesson plan is fully detailed, with scaffolds and extensions to support all learners, making it perfect for a middle school reader's theater.

2. The Hitchhiker ELA Unit: A Full Week of Engaging Lessons for Middle School

• Description: Explore the eerie tale of "The Hitchhiker" by Lucille Fletcher in this full-week ELA unit. Students will delve into the text and the radio play, enhancing their understanding through structured lessons, a Socratic seminar, and creative projects from a choice board. The unit includes detailed lesson plans, comprehensive question sets, and all necessary materials to make it an ideal choice for a middle school reader's theater experience.

3. The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street ELA Unit: Slides, Essay, Choice Board (Grades 6-8)

• Description: Uncover the chilling drama of "The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street" with this engaging ELA unit. Designed for grades 6-8, students will read the play, analyze key themes, and express their understanding through essays and choice board activities. The unit features fully detailed lesson plans, interactive slides, and thoughtful discussion prompts, providing a rich reader's theater experience for middle school students.

Bundle Features:

• Engaging Content: Each unit includes captivating dramas and plays that are perfect for reader's theater, keeping students motivated and excited about learning.
• Comprehensive Lesson Plans: Detailed, day-by-day lesson plans ensure a structured and organized approach to teaching, with clear objectives and standards alignment.
• Dynamic Activities: Students will engage in a variety of activities, including reading, listening, Socratic seminars, and creative choice board projects, fostering critical thinking and creativity.
• Support for All Learners: Each unit comes with scaffolds and differentiation strategies to support diverse learning needs, ensuring every student can participate and succeed.
• Ready-to-Use Resources: Fully printable and easy to implement, these units save teachers time and effort in planning and preparation.

Perfect for middle school humanities teachers, this bundle provides everything you need to deliver a series of engaging and educational drama units that will captivate your students and enhance their learning experience. Bring your classroom to life with these dynamic ELA resources!

Transform your middle school ELA classroom with this comprehensive bundle of 12 highly engaging short story units. Each unit is meticulously designed to provide a full week of dynamic lessons, complete with detailed plans, interactive slides, a choice activity board, Socratic seminar questions, three STAAR-aligned essay prompts, a film vs. text Venn diagram, and the text PDF. These short stories will captivate your students and enhance their literary analysis skills, making learning both fun and meaningful.

Included Short Stories:

1. The Most Dangerous Game
2. Sorry, Wrong Number
3. The Hitchhiker
4. The Way Up to Heaven
5. Lamb to the Slaughter
6. The Landlady
7. The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street
8. Harrison Bergeron
9. Examination Day
10. The Pedestrian
11. All Summer in a Day
12. There Will Come Soft Rains

Bundle Features:

1. Comprehensive 5-Day Lesson Plans: Each story unit includes a detailed five-day lesson plan, ensuring a structured approach to teaching. Lessons are aligned with educational standards and include clear objectives and outcomes.

2. Interactive Slides: Engage your students with interactive slides that guide them through the story, provide context, and facilitate discussions. These slides are designed to keep students focused and involved.

3. Choice Activity Board: Each unit comes with a creative choice board, allowing students to demonstrate their understanding through various projects such as writing an alternate ending, creating a comic strip, designing a literary brochure, and more.

4. Socratic Seminar Questions: Encourage critical thinking and in-depth discussion with six thought-provoking Socratic seminar questions for each story. These questions help students delve deeper into the text and analyze its themes, characters, and literary elements.

5. Three STAAR-Aligned Essay Prompts: Each unit includes three essay prompts (argumentative, correspondence, and informational) that are aligned with STAAR standards, helping students practice their writing skills and prepare for standardized assessments.

6. Film vs. Text Venn Diagram: Enhance your students' analytical skills with a film vs. text Venn diagram activity. Students compare and contrast the short story with its film adaptation, focusing on key similarities and differences.

7. Text PDF: Each unit comes with a PDF of the short story, making it easy to provide students with the text for reading and annotation.

Why Choose This Bundle?

• Engaging Content: These short stories are highly engaging and perfect for capturing the interest of middle school students. The diverse selection of stories includes suspense, science fiction, dystopian themes, and more.
• Comprehensive and Ready-to-Use: Save time with ready-to-use lesson plans, activities, and resources. Each unit is designed for easy implementation, ensuring you can focus on teaching and engaging your students.
• Develop Critical Thinking: The activities and discussions included in each unit promote critical thinking, literary analysis, and deeper understanding of the text.
• Flexible and Adaptable: The bundle provides flexibility in teaching, with a variety of activities and assessment options to suit different learning styles and classroom needs.

Perfect for middle school humanities teachers, this bundle offers everything you need to deliver engaging and effective ELA lessons throughout the year. Enrich your curriculum and inspire your students with these timeless short stories and comprehensive teaching resources.

Elements of Suspense Lesson Plan (Grades 6-8)

Description:
Dive into the spine-tingling world of suspense with this engaging lesson plan! Students will analyze the key elements of suspense—pacing, foreshadowing, red herrings, danger, and more—through guided notes, interactive activities, and media examples like film trailers. This resource is perfect for Halloween or any time you want to keep your students on the edge of their seats. Ideal for introducing or reviewing the genre of suspense.

Elements of Dystopia Lesson Plan (Grades 6-8)

Description:
Welcome to the dark side of fiction with this comprehensive dystopian literature lesson. Students will explore themes like totalitarian regimes, environmental disasters, survival, and rebellion. Using multimedia examples and text excerpts, students will analyze how these elements create powerful dystopian worlds. This resource is perfect for introducing dystopian fiction or as a review of the genre, making it a great fit for discussions on social justice or government control.

Elements of Science Fiction Lesson Plan (Grades 6-8)

Description:
Blast off into the universe of science fiction! This lesson plan introduces students to the exciting elements of sci-fi, including futuristic technology, space exploration, time travel, alien life, and parallel universes. Students will analyze these elements through guided notes, multimedia, and text excerpts. Whether you're teaching the genre for the first time or reviewing it with your class, this resource is out of this world!

Elements of Fantasy Lesson Plan (Grades 6-8)

Description:
Step into magical realms with this enchanting lesson plan on the elements of fantasy. Students will explore key components such as world-building, magical systems, mythical creatures, quests, and good vs. evil. Using guided notes and multimedia, students will be transported into the fantastical worlds of dragons, wizards, and epic quests. This resource is perfect for immersing students in the magic of fantasy fiction, sparking their imaginations and developing their literary analysis skills.

Elements of Mystery Lesson Plan (Grades 6-8)

Introduce your students to the mystery genre with this 60-minute, print-and-go lesson plan that includes everything you need to kick off a mystery unit! This engaging lesson features guided notes, teacher slides, a one-page mystery story, and answer keys. Students will explore key mystery elements, such as clues, suspects, and red herrings, and apply their knowledge by solving the included mystery. Perfect for grades 6-8, this resource makes it easy to teach critical thinking and deduction skills while introducing a fun and interactive genre.

Engage your middle school students with this spooky Halloween Urban Legend Bundle, perfect for Grades 6-8! This comprehensive resource includes informational text on popular urban legends, interactive slides, and a fun, challenging quiz to boost reading comprehension. Whether you're looking for Halloween literacy activities or thrilling lessons to excite your students, this bundle delivers. Perfect for building critical thinking skills, analyzing scary stories, and creating a memorable classroom experience with a Halloween twist.

1. Jersey Devil Urban Legend Resource

Uncover the chilling mystery of the Jersey Devil in this engaging resource! Students will explore the legend of this winged creature, diving into its history and sightings in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. The resource includes an informational text, comprehension questions, and creative writing prompts to help students analyze and craft their own spine-tingling stories.

2. Rougarou Urban Legend Resource

Journey into the swamps of Louisiana with the legend of the Rougarou, a fearsome werewolf-like creature! This resource provides an informative article about Cajun folklore, a 10-question quiz to assess comprehension, and creative activities to get students writing their own eerie tales of the Rougarou. Perfect for building writing skills through myth and legend.

3. Bell Witch Urban Legend Resource

Enter the haunted world of the Bell Witch, one of America's most famous ghost stories! Students will learn about the haunting of the Bell family in early 19th-century Tennessee. The resource includes a detailed article, STAAR-aligned quiz, and a writing prompt where students can craft their own ghostly urban legend based on this timeless tale.

4. Goatman Urban Legend Resource

Introduce your students to the spine-chilling legend of the Goatman, the axe-wielding creature from Maryland! This resource includes an informational text that dives into the origins of this urban legend, followed by critical thinking and comprehension activities. Students will develop their own spooky stories based on this fearsome figure, complete with an engaging quiz.

5. Create Your Own Urban Legend Resource

Empower your students to become urban legend creators with this exciting, interdisciplinary writing activity! Students will choose a local landmark, develop a mysterious creature or event, and write their legend as a two-page newspaper article. The resource includes brainstorming worksheets, character development guides, and newspaper templates, plus a 3-day lesson plan to guide them through the creative process.

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!

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)

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)