Less than $5 Literature Lesson (by price, low to high)

Have you made Stone Soup with your upper grade students? They LOVE IT! Try this twist on the traditional reading and comprehension passages for Thanksgiving. These lessons focus on Thanksgiving Dinner! Open up a great discussion on the importance of sharing what we have with those who are less fortunate. This free activity includes a lesson plan for making stone soup, along with a four page pdf of the story "Stone Soup", and 2 comprehension pages - 1 multiple choice and 1 constructed response - to accompany the story. Like this free lesson! It's part of a larger theme unit - Thanksgiving Dinner. The large unit includes the following lessons. Click here to view the full unit! Thanksgiving Dinner Theme Unit - ELA, Math, and Science ★ Thanksgiving Then & Now paired reading passages with constructed response questions page, Venn Diagram, and three paragraph writing assignment. ★ The World’s Largest Pumpkin Pie reading passage with constructed response page and 8 math word problems involving all four operations. ★ Calories Count nonfiction science passage on what a calorie is and how many we often consume with our Thanksgiving meal. Includes a constructed response page and word problem page involving all four operations. ★ Homemade Cranberry Sauce recipe page with sequencing activity and math worksheet. ★ Pumpkin Pie in a Bag recipe page with science report form and question page. ★ Gobble! Gobble! Plan your own Thanksgiving dinner activity – complete with instructions, budget sheet, grocery list, menu page, and student / teacher scoring guides. ★ Stone Soup – When Sharing Benefits Everyone – Story, comprehension pages, directions for making stone soup, find a word puzzle, and a reader’s theater. ★ Bonus just for fun Family Dinner coloring page titled “Give Thanks”

This 3-page pre-reading handout introduces students to the most prominent themes in William Shakespeare's Hamlet. By having your class read and discuss this thematic introduction together, students will be captivated by the complex questions invoked in Shakespeare's play before they begin reading the enigmatic first scene.

If you like this 3-page pre-reading handout, you'll definitely want to check out my 200-page Complete Teaching Unit on Hamlet. The complete unit features worksheets on every scene in Shakespeare's longest play. Because the complete unit is both professionally designed and academically rigorous, it is especially well-suited for courses like Honors English and AP Literature.

Wishing you an amazing experience with teaching this complex play. If you have any questions along the way, please don't hesitate to get in touch. And don't forget to check out the Complete Teaching Unit on Hamlet...

Happy teaching,

Adam Jernigan, Ph.D.

adamjernigan@gmail.com

P.S. Don't forget to click “follow” for email updates on new products by Rigorous Resources. New products will be 50% OFF for the first 24 hours!

Please check out these complete units on Shakespeare's masterpieces:

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Romeo and Juliet

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Julius Caesar

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Macbeth

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Othello

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Hamlet

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Much Ado About Nothing

INTRO TO SHAKESPEARE: Biography, Globe Theater, Language, & Meter

This lesson was designed to be used on the first day of a year-long 11th-grade American Literature course. The lesson includes a poetry packet with 7 poems by diverse American authors. Each of the poems raises important questions about what "America" represents. A land of freedom and equality? A refuge for immigrants? A diverse and inclusive nation? Or a land with entrenched inequality? A saber-rattling evil empire?

Here is a list of the poems:

1. Ada Limón, "A New National Anthem" (2018) — our new Poet Laureate!

2. Emma Lazarus, "The New Colossus" (1883)

3. Walt Whitman, "I Hear America Singing" (1860)

4. Langston Hughes, "I, Too" (1923) — responding directly to Whitman!

5. Claude McKay, "America" (1921)

6. James Lasdun, "The Question" (2012) — is America "good or bad"?

7. Tony Hoagland, "America" (2003)

This resource also comes with a classwork packet that features discussion questions on the poems by Ada Limôn, Emma Lazarus, and Langston Hughes. The discussion questions come on three handouts, each of which contains 7 questions about a particular poem. Each handout also has a quick write where students can answer one of the questions in writing.

How might the concept of "America" represent a set of ideals and promises? Has this nation lived up to its ideals and promises? How might the idea of America be different from the reality?

Thank you for choosing Rigorous Resources!

Happy teaching!

Adam Jernigan, Ph.D.

adamjernigan@gmail.com

P.S. Don't forget to click “follow” for email updates on new products by Rigorous Resources. New products will be 50% OFF for the first 24 hours!

Rigorous Resources is your one-stop shop for resources on American literature. Every unit was designed by a Ph.D. with a research specialization in American literature. Feel free to check out these complete units on canonical texts by diverse American authors:

Complete Unit on Tommy Orange's There There

Complete Unit on Arthur Miller's The Crucible

Complete Unit on Frederick Douglass's Narrative

Complete Unit on F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby

Complete Unit on Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God

Complete Unit on Nella Larsen's Passing

Complete Unit on J. D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye

Complete Unit on Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun

Complete Unit on Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye

Complete Unit on Gene Luen Yang's American Born Chinese

Engage your 3rd-grade students with a spooky, Halloween-themed reading passage! "The Halloween Scarecrow" is a fun and slightly spooky fiction story perfect for the Halloween season. In this 300-350 word passage, Lily and her brother Ben go trick-or-treating and encounter a mysterious scarecrow at an old farmhouse. When the scarecrow suddenly moves, the kids must decide if it’s just the wind—or something more! This engaging passage will spark imagination while reinforcing key reading skills.

What’s Included:

• Fiction Reading Passage: A 300-350 word Halloween-themed story that’s exciting and relatable for 3rd-grade readers.
• 5 Multiple-Choice Questions: These questions assess students' comprehension, ability to make inferences, identify the main idea, and recall important details.
• 2 Discussion Questions: Open-ended questions that encourage critical thinking and class discussion about the characters and events in the story.

Skills Covered:

• Reading Comprehension: Multiple-choice questions focus on understanding the main idea, key details, cause-and-effect relationships, and drawing conclusions from the text.
• Making Inferences: Students will infer why the scarecrow’s arm moved and how the characters’ feelings change throughout the story.
• Character Analysis: Discussion questions ask students to explore character reactions and motivations, comparing how Ben and Lily respond to the spooky house.
• Critical Thinking: Open-ended discussion questions challenge students to think creatively and explain their reasoning.
• Story Elements: Students will identify key story elements such as setting, plot, and character emotions.

Possible Uses in the Classroom:

• Independent Reading Practice: Assign as a fun and seasonal comprehension check during reading block or centers.
• Guided Reading: Perfect for small-group instruction, allowing students to discuss the story and explore their understanding together.
• Whole-Class Discussion: Use the included discussion questions to promote classroom dialogue and encourage students to express their ideas and make connections.
• Homework or Early Finisher Activity: Ideal for independent practice outside of class or for students who finish their work early.
• Halloween Literacy Fun: The spooky theme makes this a great seasonal activity to keep students engaged while building essential literacy skills.

Engage your students with this Halloween-themed passage that’s both fun and educational, and help them master key reading skills while celebrating the season!

Help students understand literary criticism and what it is and is not. Includes: group/individual activity to define literary criticism examples of literary criticism journals compare and contract of "critic" definitions links to literary criticism journals where not to find literary criticism types and definitions of literary criticism Simple overview of literary criticism and where to find proper information for academic essays.

This 90-minute lesson plan is designed for high school students (Grades 9–12) studying Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Using the engaging "Video SparkNotes: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein Summary" as a foundation, the lesson guides students through key plot points, characters, and major themes like responsibility, isolation, revenge, and the dangers of unchecked ambition.

The session begins with a warm-up activity to activate prior knowledge, followed by a focused video viewing and guided discussion to promote critical thinking.

Students then work in small groups to complete comprehension and analysis activities on a detailed worksheet. These tasks range from timeline sequencing and character analysis to exploring moral dilemmas and comparing Frankenstein’s actions to modern ethical issues in science. The lesson encourages students to reflect on who is more to blame—Frankenstein or his creation—and why that matters.

By the end of the class, students will have a deeper understanding of the novel’s structure, themes, and relevance. The worksheet includes a mix of creative and academic tasks, fostering engagement and interpretation. An answer key is provided to support both guided instruction and independent review. This lesson is perfect for literature units or as part of a larger discussion on Gothic fiction, ethics, or Romantic literature.

Twelfth Night incorporates many classic elements of comedic theater. At the core of its structure lies a network of complex romantic liaisons (Orsino loves Olivia, Olivia is smitten with Cesario and later Sebastian, Viola has feelings for Orsino, while Sir Andrew and Malvolio are attracted to Olivia); disguise (the plot centers around Viola disguising herself as a male servant to survive after being shipwrecked in Illyria); mistaken identities (Viola and Sebastian are twins so alike that nobody can tell them apart); trickery and mischief; a rich offering of song and dance; the satire of hypocrisy, excess, and arrogance; a fleeting period of chaos and confusion; concluding with a resolution where all misunderstandings are resolved and three marriages take place.

This ebook features an extensive lesson plan focused on 'Twelfth Night' and includes multiple activities intended to last at least 90 minutes. A unique printable worksheet for learners is included, along with the answer guide.

A thorough lesson plan on the well-known drama "An Inspector Calls" by J.D. Priestley. The play's action takes place in an industrial city in England, where a young girl kills herself and a well-known British family is routinely investigated in relation to the death. All of the family members are either directly or indirectly implicated in the girl's downfall. As a result, an inspector calls to investigate the family. Before the evening is done, the close-knit and amiable family is revealed to be cowardly, selfish, or self-centered, its good humor turning to sour, and its pleasant fellowship to despised.

Every step of the 90-minute lesson is included in the lesson plan. It includes the 'An Inspector Calls || 7 Minute Summary' YouTube video from the Easy as GCSE channel. A student worksheet that may be printed has a lot of activities and answers at the end.

Enjoy teaching classic literature to your students!

While The Great Gatsby provides an in-depth portrayal of American culture during the Roaring Twenties, its storyline mirrors one told many times before, potentially as old as the country itself: a man rises from destitution to wealth, only to find that his fortune does not afford him the privileges enjoyed by those born into their elite status.

The central character is Jay Gatsby, a wealthy New Yorker whose occupation is vague. Gatsby is primarily known for the lavish parties he throws each weekend at his opulent Gothic mansion in West Egg. He is thought to be linked to illegal bootlegging and several criminal activities. The storyteller, Nick Carraway, resides next to Gatsby in West Egg.

This lesson plan for The Great Gatsby is designed to last approximately 90 minutes. The student activities vary and are presented in a separate worksheet. In the end, the answer key for the assignments is given separately at the end of the lesson plan.

The tragedy of political aspirations

A courageous Scottish general called Macbeth is given a prediction by three witches that he will someday be King of Scotland. Driven by ambition and urged into action by his wife, Macbeth kills King Duncan and quickly transforms into a tyrannical leader. Core themes in Shakespeare's Macbeth encompass: the conflict of good and evil, the perils of ambition, the impact of supernatural elements, the disparity between appearance and truth, as well as loyalty and remorse. A prominent theme in Macbeth is ambition, evident in both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. They are lured by the notion that Macbeth will ascend to the throne – Macbeth is uncertain about his choices, but his wife is relentless in pursuing her desires – she considers her husband a coward and seems willing to go to any lengths.

Ambition drives one to wickedness - it empowers Macbeth, increasing his resolve, yet ultimately leads to his wife's madness.

Ambition ultimately destroys Macbeth as well, as he turns into a tyrant and consequently alienates his friends.

This lesson plan, which lasts nearly 6 hours (depending on your class size, of course), provides a comprehensive analysis of William Shakespeare's renowned play. It comprises spoken and written tasks, arranged into four worksheets. The responses are also incorporated.

The tragedy of political aspirations

A courageous Scottish general called Macbeth is given a prediction by three witches that he will someday be King of Scotland. Driven by ambition and urged into action by his wife, Macbeth kills King Duncan and quickly transforms into a tyrannical leader. Core themes in Shakespeare's Macbeth encompass: the conflict of good and evil, the perils of ambition, the impact of supernatural elements, the disparity between appearance and truth, as well as loyalty and remorse. A prominent theme in Macbeth is ambition, evident in both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. They are lured by the notion that Macbeth will ascend to the throne – Macbeth is uncertain about his choices, but his wife is relentless in pursuing her desires – she considers her husband a coward and seems willing to go to any lengths.

Ambition drives one to wickedness - it empowers Macbeth, increasing his resolve, yet ultimately leads to his wife's madness.

Ambition ultimately destroys Macbeth as well, as he turns into a tyrant and consequently alienates his friends.

This lesson plan, which lasts nearly 6 hours (depending on your class size, of course), provides a comprehensive analysis of William Shakespeare's renowned play. It comprises spoken and written tasks, arranged into four worksheets. The responses are also incorporated.

Romeo and Juliet is a play created by Shakespeare. It is a tragic romantic story where the two main characters, Romeo and Juliet, are supposed to be fierce opponents but ultimately fall in love. Due to the ongoing conflict between their families, they cannot be with each other, resulting in their decision to end their lives as they cannot bear the agony of being apart. Romeo and Juliet is a heartbreaking drama written by Shakespeare.

Unquestionably, the primary and most important theme of the play is love. The drama focuses on romantic love, especially the passionate longing that ignites immediately when Romeo and Juliet encounter each other for the first time. In Romeo and Juliet, love is a passionate, thrilling, prevailing force that transcends all other values, loyalties, and emotions.

This lesson plan focused on Shakespeare's famous tragedy is designed to last approximately 6 hours (of course, depending on your class size). Many tasks are organized in five worksheets. Their replies are also incorporated at the conclusion.

An easy to understand presentation to help students with mood and tone. Includes: Definitions Quotes Examples Group/Individual Activities with word banks Whole class reviews (Poetry and Prose) Great for literature classes and writing reviews! Meets CCSS.

Engaging Fiction Comprehension - Character, Problem, Solution (300 words)

This fiction comprehension pack includes a 300 word story featuring two personified heart characters who face a problem preparing for Valentine's Day that threatens to ruin the holiday celebration. They must work together to come up with a clever solution and save the party.

The narrative focuses on analyzing character traits, understanding plot structure and sequence of events, and examining how the characters identify a problem and reach a resolution.

Includes:

300 word story with grade 3 vocabulary

6 multiple choice questions about the characters, problem, and solution

9 key vocabulary words from the story and student-friendly definitions

2 short answer questions about the characters, problem, and solution

Key skills:

Character analysis

Plot elements and structure

Identifying problem and solution

Critical thinking

Comprehension

Reading level: Grade 3

With thought-provoking questions and an engaging story, this resource is perfect for assessing comprehension and reading skills related to analyzing characters, setting, plot, problem and solution. These supplemental materials engage students with purposeful fiction practice.

Keywords: character, problem/solution, plot, 3rd grade reading, comprehension, fiction

Engaging Fiction Comprehension - Character, Plot, Solution

This resource includes a 500+ word engaging fiction story centered around a compelling character facing a problem and coming up with a thoughtful solution. The complex narrative is written at a high 5th - 6th grade reading level and tackles mature themes including passion, injury, depression, and overcoming adversity that will resonate with middle school students.

The passage is followed by 5 multiple choice questions and 2 short answer questions focused on analyzing the central character's motivations and development, understanding the plot points and central conflict, and examining how the character grapples with and solves the key problem in the story. Detailed sample responses and an answer key are provided.

This fiction comprehension resource is perfect for:

Analyzing character traits, motivations, and development

Plot analysis and plot structure

Conflict and resolution

Theme and central ideas

Critical thinking and analysis

Key terms: character, plot, conflict, solution, fiction comprehension, upper elementary, middle school reading

With engaging content and thought-provoking questions, this resource provides an excellent opportunity for upper elementary or middle school students to practice standards-aligned ELA skills. This comprehension activity engages learners in analyzing high-level narrative fiction.

Print and Go Mini Book on the Days of Creation!

Teach the TRUTH of Earth's beginnings in this money & time saving resource!

Print and Fold and You are Ready to Go!

Simple & Meaningful!

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Looking For Even More?!

Learn the Days of Creation through Reading, Writing, Playing, Creating and Singing!

Click Here to Check it out!

Test your reading comprehension of the eleventh book in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series: Double Down with this hilarious 44-question multiple-choice self-checking digital game - complete with a mystery puzzle!

Students must acquire and read the eleventh book in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. After students read the book, they are ready to play the game! It's simple: click the link to access the game. The game gives you audio instructions and guides you. Read the question and choose the answer! You will know right away if you got the answer correct. Throughout the game, you will slowly reveal a secret mystery puzzle - see if you can guess the picture before the game ends! The game should take 15-30 minutes depending on the player's reading level.

What's Included?

• 44-multiple choice question self-checking digital game
• built-in mystery puzzle
• Printable Certificate of Completion PDF

Love,

Teacher Bethanie

This social emotional learning lesson uses Terry Bisson's short story They're Made Out of Meat. During this SEL lesson, students complete a pre-reading activity, read the short story (not included), answer questions related to the text, and contemplate the ways that they can demonstrate social awareness. In particular, this lesson focuses on the idea of excluding others. Students are asked to think about the reasons they exclude others and what they might be missing by excluding people. There is also an opportunity for whole class discussion regarding the idea of social awareness.

This lesson also focuses on short paragraph writing. The presentation contains an outline and example of a 6 sentence response. Students will first collect evidence to support a response about the identity of the short story's speakers. Then, they will practice writing the 6 sentence paragraph supporting their claim about the identity of the speakers.

This resource includes:

- a slides presentation to follow: 6 sentence paragraph outline and example, discussion questions

- 5 worksheets: pre-reading, an activity to help students determine the identity of the story's speakers, questions about social awareness in the text, and a reflection about themselves to increase self-awareness

- a teaching guide

Overview of 20th century poetry includes 17 slides. Includes poets, social concepts (lifestyles, fashions, entertainment), links to readings and visuals, resources, photos of fashions and poets. A complete overview for students that can be broken down by sub-divisions. Easy for students to follow and comprehend.

This resource should be use with the short story How to Transform an Everyday, Ordinary Hoop Court into a Place of Higher Learning and You at the Podium by Matt De La Peña. This is the first short story in the book Flying Lessons and Other Stories. This resource includes a presentation with 11 slides which you can display to students. It also includes a colored and b/w version of 4 pages of student worksheets. The first page focuses on point of view, the second on vocabulary, the third on tiered reading response questions, and the fourth on a focus standard- RL.8.3. The presentation contains an answer key.