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By Beth Hammett
A quick, two page review of Grammar Tips (sentence variety with examples and reader as writer instructions) along with a five-step format for structuring standardized essays. Easy to follow with color-coded examples.
Writing Chain Stories Non-Fictional and Fictional Stories
By Beth Hammett
30 non-fictional and fictional story starters with black and white images for coloring and colored images for laminating and re-using. Each handout is lined for writing. Meets Common Core and State Standards. Objectives include: Factual versus Fictional characteristics Genre writing Writing Process Paragraphing skills Transition/relationship words Organization skills Time order Sentence Structures Punctuation Word Choices/Vocabulary Building Problem Solving Directions: Use with small/whole groups. Copy, laminate or place on company desktops or project from overhead projectors Students take turns and add one sentence at a time to build non-fictional and fictional stories. Variations: Set time limits to practice for standardized tests Use as individual writing prompts Use as storytelling prompts for pre-k/k/1/ESL Use with graphic organizers for pre-writing strategies Send home as family activities When finished with writings, do peer workshoppings/whole class edits Revise stories for read-around/publications Display by genre and share with whole school Educational, fun way to enhance students' writing skills
End Punctuation Marks and Writing Activities
By Beth Hammett
Make end mark punctuation easy to use for students! 13 slide pdf has student examples, peer workshopping activities, tips for writer as reader, reading with emotion, clarity, and meaning, as well as dangling and misplaced modifiers.Includes "Dear Jack" letter as a fun punctuation piece and "That Is" to get students to think about how punctuation affects meaning.Also, comes with Peer Workshopping End Punctuation Mark Check List handout.Great for introducing basic skills for emergent writers or for reviewing basic skills for test prep. Meets CCSS ELA.
Author's Style Writing Activities (Middle Grades)
By Beth Hammett
For Middle Grade Students, all writers have it, but do you know what style is and how to recognize it? This 15 page presentation for will help students understand and analyze their own writing styles, as well as other authors' styles. Easy to follow format will have students analyzing style in no time! Includes: Checklist for Authors Handout Definitions for Author's Style . Examples of Classic Literature and Fairy Tale to Analyze How to Find Author's Style in Writing Extra Style Analysis Activities Author's Style Workshopping Handout How and Why to Improve Student's author's style Terminologies and definitions include: Audience—listeners, readers, viewers of work Author’s voice—sets writing apart from others; uniqueness of writing Genre—category/organization pattern of writing Purpose—intent of writing Mood—reader’s emotion to the writing Tone—author’s attitude about subject matter Sentence fluency—cadence, flow, transitions used Sentence variety—lengths/mixture of sentences Word choices—descriptions, figurative language, repetitions, synonyms… Excellent for introducing style, writing concepts, standardized testing reviews, class assessments, college readiness, CCSS, literacy centers, and grammar/editing revisions, Students will be able to identify their authors' styles after working through this presentation.
Figurative Language Analysis Lesson Plans Dreams & Harlem by Langston Hughes
By TooBookedUp
Challenge your students with a deep exploration of figurative language with this complete, standards-aligned lesson plan centered on Langston Hughes’ classic poems Dreams and Harlem. Perfect for grades 6-8, this 60-minute lesson introduces and reinforces figurative language skills with a variety of Depth of Knowledge (DOK) levels, from identification to detailed analysis. Through engaging activities, guided notes, fill-in-the-blank practice, and insightful discussions, students will strengthen their understanding of metaphors, similes, personification, hyperbole, repetition, and more!
What's Included:
Why Teachers Love It: This resource provides a complete and flexible plan that fits seamlessly into any poetry or figurative language unit, with resources to support all stages of learning—from foundational identification to advanced interpretation. It’s ideal for introducing figurative language or deepening students’ analysis skills, making it a versatile addition to any ELA classroom.
Key Features:
Boost your students' confidence with figurative language and inspire thoughtful conversations with this enriching lesson plan! Download today to elevate your poetry and figurative language instruction with this ready-to-use, engaging resource!
5th Grade Character, Problem, Solution Stories with Questions and Note Catcher
By Ann Stewart
Help your 5th-grade students master the essential reading skills of identifying character, problem, and solution with this thoughtfully crafted resource! This set includes three engaging fiction passages at a Level T reading level, each designed to strengthen students' ability to track character development, analyze the main problem, and understand the solution.
Each passage is accompanied by:
Also included in this set is our popular "Story Detective" Anchor Chart—a visual tool that guides students through the key questions to ask themselves when reading any fiction story. This anchor chart breaks down the process of understanding the character, identifying the problem, and following the solution.
As a bonus, we've included a student note catcher, perfect for independent practice, where students can jot down their observations on the character, problem, and solution of any story they read.
What’s Inside:
3 Level T Fiction Passages with:
Story Detective Anchor Chart: A helpful visual reference for understanding any fiction story.
Student Note Catcher: A worksheet to help students independently track character, problem, and solution in their reading.
Why You'll Love This Resource:
Perfect For:
By Beth Hammett
Common Core approach to Persuasive writing using step-by-step instructions for students. Includes 20 pages of: Definition Persuasive vs. Argumentative Whole/small group and individual activities Ethical Writers Examples of Thesis/Topic Sentences/Details/Facts... Using Figurative Language Outlines Peer Workshopping Persuasive Scoring Rubric (Revision friendly to master skills) Extra Resources: video presentations, handouts, and ESL links Easy to follow and use with students in grades 4 and up. Meets CCSS Opinion and Argument Writing requirements.
Pixar Shorts Finding Theme and Summary Worksheets and Graphic Organizer
By TooBookedUp
Are you trying to make theme sticky for your students? This resource includes practice worksheets for three short films under 5 minutes long: Piper, The Present, Pip available on Youtube for free. Students will love the beautiful graphics of the films, and the heart warming lessons to learn from each. I love using these films as mini lessons of about 10 minutes each or you can combine all three into a 30 minute practice session. This can be used virtually or in person, as extension activities or as direct instruction!
Piper: https://youtu.be/WIPV1iwzrzg
The Present: https://youtu.be/WjqiU5FgsYc
Pip: https://youtu.be/07d2dXHYb94
Free Bonus: Using Pixar to teach Somebody wanted, but, so then (Summary!) with answer keys.
Spelling Confused Words J-W Game and Puzzles with Activities
By Beth Hammett
15 Commonly Confused Words J-W with engaging CCSS activities for students to learn. Includes: J-W game with fill-in-the-blank, definitions, make your own sentences/slides (individual/groups & competitive play) 2 Crossword puzzles with Commonly Confused Words 2 Word Searches with Commonly Confused Words All answer sheets included Directions and Suggestions with Extensions Words used are: 1. jewel joule 2. knew new 3. know no4. lay lie 5. loose lose6. moral morale 7. morning mourning 8. nose knows 9. none no one 10. passed past 11. pole poll 12. principal principle 13. rain reign 14. road rode15. sight site cite 16. stationary stationery 17. their there they’re 18. to too two 19. warn worn 20. weather whether Students will have fun learning these Commonly Confused Words.
Teach Tone Through Greeting Cards | PPT Lesson | Notes | Activity
By Blooming Through High School
Need to teach tone? Do it in a way your students will immediately understand through greeting cards! This is such a great way to also introduce non-fiction elements such as audience, message, and purpose.
The cards are simple to understand but require a little inferencing too. Using greeting cards means it's a lesson where students can learn and practice quickly.
The lesson has increased complexity, gradual release through group and independent work, and is adapted with a word bank.
What's Included:
By Beth Hammett
What is multigenre writing, and how can you use it in your classroom? This Common Core, across-curriculum, interactive presentation includes: Fact-based/non-fiction or fictional Defining: "Multi" and "Genre" Student examples of multigenre projects Interactive small group activity for introducing multigenre Research and extra resources on multigenres 2 levels of assignments: lower and upper Brainstorming Topics chart Find Your Topic graphic organizer Multigenre list for choosing types of writings Peer Workshopping guide Supplemental Resources Works Cited Ready to use with students, and a great way to re-visit an old topic or to revive research essays, whether using non-fiction or fiction. Can be used to introduce topics or as assessment for unit or research for any discipline.. Multigenre activities are engaging, educational, meaningful, and fun.
Revising & Combining Sentences for HS/MS English - Test Prep, worksheets, group
By Blooming Through High School
Unlock the power of sentence revision and combination with this comprehensive resource tailored for both high school and middle school English students. Designed to enhance critical thinking skills while honing essential writing abilities, this teaching tool offers a dynamic blend of test preparation materials, engaging worksheets, and collaborative group activities.
What's Inside:
Benefits:
Whether you're gearing up for standardized testing or seeking to bolster writing skills in the classroom, this resource offers a comprehensive toolkit for educators and students alike. Get ready to elevate your English curriculum with engaging activities that inspire growth, mastery, and creativity.
Test Prep: Bullseye Strategy/Practice/ELA/ Critical Thinking
By Blooming Through High School
What is it?
Micro texts are made with the intention of getting to the skill or the practice students need FASTER. Each text is less than 400 words. All of the 16 questions is aligned to finding the "bullseye" and helping students think critically about the answer choices and how they can apply critical thinking to get the right answer every time. It also encourages students to read each question and not choose an answer that "feels right".
What's included?
Google Slides (56 slides)
PowerPoint (56 slides)
PDF (26 pages)
Editable Word file
Four total passage
Two micro argumentative texts
Two micro informational passages
16 questions
Teaching Slides
Bullseye for students to practice the strategy
A simple answer key is included as well as a detailed rationale page.
Who's it for?
- Middle and high school
- Teachers who want to teach test strategies before exams
Check out these other resources!
Engaging Figurative Writing Pack: Teach Similes, Metaphors, & Personification
By Jennifer Nguyen
Transform Writing with Engaging Figurative Language Lessons
Boost your students’ writing skills with this comprehensive Figurative Writing Resource Pack, designed for Grades 3-6. Teach similes, metaphors, and personification using vivid presentations, hands-on worksheets, and editable Google Slides/PowerPoint. Perfect for whole-class instruction, small groups, or independent learning, this resource is fully aligned with Common Core, TEKS, and the UK National Curriculum.
Save time with ready-to-use materials and differentiated tasks for all abilities. Featuring step-by-step guidance, interactive activities, and creative writing challenges, this pack helps students craft vivid, descriptive pieces while building confidence and autonomy. Proven effective in classrooms, it delivers an engaging, curriculum-aligned learning experience for teachers and students alike.
What’s Included?
✏️ Print Materials: Worksheets, Answer keys, PDF of slides
✅✅ Digital Content: Part-Editable Google Slides/PowerPoint Presentation
What’s Inside?
✔️ 20 pg PowerPoint Presentation/Google Slides
✔️ 7 Worksheets
✔️ Student Directions
✔️ Teacher Answer Key
✔️ Teacher Directions, Tips and Differentiation
✔️ Learning Objective
✔️ Success Criteria
✔️ Lesson Route
Perfect for Grades 3-6!
Why You’ll Love This Resource:
✏️ No Prep
✏️ Print and Go
✏️ Cross-Curricular
✏️ Aligned with Common Core, TEKS, and UK National Curriculum.
✏️ Highly Engaging
✏️ Great for whole-class instruction, small groups, or independent work
✏️ Classroom-tested
When to use this?
✅ Literacy ELA Lesson (1-2 hour lessons)
✅ Sub Plans
✅ Review
What Do You Need?
✏️ Pencils
✏️ Computer
✏️ Projector for slides (Slides are in PowerPoint format and can be uploaded to Google Drive to open as Google Slides)
Skills Used:
✔️ Identifying figurative language
✔️Creative writing
✔️ Reading comprehension
✔️ Vocabulary development
✔️ Critical thinking
✔️ Independent learning
Curriculum Alignment
This resource meets several educational standards, including:
Common Core State Standards (CCSS):
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS):
UK National Curriculum (Years 3-6):
Bonus Benefits:
✅ Encourages Creativity
✅ Promotes Self-Learning
✅ **✅**Addresses Common Misconceptions
Extra Perks:
YOU MIGHT ALSO LOVE ♥️…
Inspire your students to write with flair and confidence. Grab this versatile, high-quality resource today!
Extended Constructed Response Writing for STAAR - Test Prep for ELAR ECR
By Blooming Through High School
Elevate your students' short response writing skills and prepare them for success on the STAAR test with this comprehensive Extended Constructed Response (ECR) lesson designed for middle and high school classrooms. This engaging PowerPoint lesson offers educators a valuable tool to assess and guide student learning effectively.
Key Features:
Why Choose This Lesson:
Rigorous and standards-aligned content designed to meet the needs of middle and high school students.
Engaging and interactive activities that promote student engagement and academic growth.
Easy-to-use resources and materials for seamless lesson implementation and classroom management.
Comprehensive preparation for the STAAR test, ensuring that students feel confident and capable on exam day.
Empower your students to excel in short response writing and conquer the challenges of the STAAR test with this dynamic and comprehensive lesson. Elevate your teaching and ignite a passion for learning with these innovative instructional materials. Download this lesson today and watch your students thrive!
What's Included:
Context Clues Worksheets Determining Meaning of Unknown Words
By Blooming Through High School
THIS IS A PDF FILE
Why teach word meaning through nonsense words?
All of these are things we want every student to do! This is something that is already adapted for high and low learners.
Starting with three nonsense words gets students going so they can work in groups or independently to decode the meaning of 7 REAL words (selected from the SAT vocabulary list).
This is a perfect activity for group problem solving and critical thinking!
Short Constructed Response Writing for STAAR - Test Prep for ELAR High SCR
By Blooming Through High School
Elevate your students' short response writing skills and prepare them for success on the STAAR test with this comprehensive Short Constructed Response (SCR) lesson designed for middle and high school classrooms. This engaging PowerPoint lesson offers educators a valuable tool to assess and guide student learning effectively.
Key Features:
Why Choose This Lesson:
Rigorous and standards-aligned content designed to meet the needs of middle and high school students.
Engaging and interactive activities that promote student engagement and academic growth.
Easy-to-use resources and materials for seamless lesson implementation and classroom management.
Comprehensive preparation for the STAAR test, ensuring that students feel confident and capable on exam day.
Empower your students to excel in short response writing and conquer the challenges of the STAAR test with this dynamic and comprehensive lesson. Elevate your teaching and ignite a passion for learning with these innovative instructional materials. Download this lesson today and watch your students thrive!
ECR Relay Race: Engaging STAAR Writing Prep Grades 5-8 Comprehension 12 Prompts!
By TooBookedUp
Transform STAAR writing preparation into an exhilarating adventure with our "ECR Relay Race" resource! Designed specifically for grades 6-8, this product turns the daunting task of essay writing into a collaborative, fun, and competitive experience. Dive into high-engaging topics while practicing informational, argumentative, and correspondence writing skills critical for STAAR success.
✅ Engaging Topics for Every Genre:
✅ Collaborative Learning: Encourage teamwork with relay races that make writing a shared journey. Students can work together or individually, pushing them to think critically and write effectively.
✅ Interactive Progress Tracking: Watch as students advance their stick figure characters across the board with each completed paragraph, igniting a sense of accomplishment and urgency.
✅ Comprehensive ECR Refresher: Kickstart your classes with 15 slides designed to refresh students on ECR essentials, providing a solid foundation for success.
✅ Inclusive Support Materials: Includes sentence stems for each writing genre, aiding students in structuring their thoughts and arguments clearly and cohesively.
✅ Fun, Engaging, and Educational: Our resource is not just about STAAR prep; it's about creating memorable learning experiences that foster creativity, critical thinking, and a love for writing.
Prepare your students for STAAR writing with a resource that’s as educational as it is exhilarating. Make test preparation something students look forward to with our ECR Relay Race. Perfect for teachers seeking innovative, engaging ways to enhance writing skills and STAAR readiness.
Thanksgiving Argument Writing Unit Debate Topics & Lesson Plans 4 STAAR ECRs
By TooBookedUp
Looking for a high-engagement, standards-aligned resource to teach argumentative writing? This Thanksgiving Argument Writing Unit is perfect for middle school (grades 6-8) and provides four unique Thanksgiving-themed writing prompts that help students practice developing claims, providing evidence, and addressing counterarguments and rebuttals.
This resource includes:
A full lesson plan designed for a 75-minute class, guiding students through argument writing with structured slides and engaging activities.
Four thought-provoking Thanksgiving debate topics, including:
"Should Black Friday be banned due to its impact on society?"
"Is it ethical to celebrate Thanksgiving given the historical conflicts with Native Americans?"
"Should Thanksgiving Day parades be canceled due to their environmental impact?"
"Should Thanksgiving football games be banned on the holiday?"
Slides and Guided Notes: Step-by-step instruction on writing an argumentative essay using claims, evidence, counterarguments, and rebuttals.
Practice Activities: Hands-on exercises to help students identify and write each part of an argument.
Templates for Writing: Easy-to-use templates for students to organize their essays and develop their writing.
This unit is ideal for teaching the basics of argumentative writing in a fun, seasonal way, with relevant and engaging Thanksgiving topics that students care about. It's also perfect for debate prewriting, essay interventions, or building towards state assessments like STAAR.
What’s Included:
Help your students develop strong, clear arguments while engaging with Thanksgiving traditions in a meaningful way. Perfect for teaching argumentative writing and improving students' ability to express their ideas logically and persuasively!
STAAR ECR Mastery Resource Informational Essay Test Prep Grades 6-8 Thesis Claim
By TooBookedUp
Transform your students’ writing skills with this STAAR ECR Mastery Resource, designed to make essay writing both engaging and effective for grades 6-8. This product breaks down the often overwhelming task of essay writing into clear, manageable steps, ensuring that your students feel confident and prepared for the Extended Constructed Response (ECR) section of the STAAR exam. Whether for classroom instruction, intervention, or test prep, this resource delivers everything you need to support your students in writing strong, structured essays.
✅ Thorough Skill Development Across 3 Days
This 3-day lesson plan guides students through each critical step of informational essay writing. Starting with a solid foundation in developing a thesis, students will then practice writing claims, supporting them with evidence, and providing sound reasoning. By the end of the unit, students will have completed a full-length informational essay on a highly engaging topic—Fortnite—a subject that captures their attention while reinforcing essential writing skills.
✅ Engaging and Interactive Resources
To maintain student engagement, this resource includes interactive slides that break down each element of essay writing. These slides are designed to support all learners by making the concepts of thesis development, claims, evidence, and reasoning more accessible and relatable. The step-by-step instructions and accompanying answer keys ensure that students receive clear feedback and can refine their skills with guided practice.
✅ Real-World Topic for Practice
Students will have the opportunity to write a complete essay on Fortnite, a popular video game that they are likely familiar with and excited to discuss. This essay topic makes practicing the skills they need for STAAR ECR a fun, relevant experience, allowing them to see the real-world application of writing techniques.
✅ Key Features of the Resource:
✅ Perfect for Test Prep and Classroom Instruction
This resource is perfect for helping students master the skills needed to succeed on the STAAR Extended Constructed Response. Whether used for whole-class instruction or focused intervention, the STAAR ECR Mastery Resource delivers everything you need to elevate your students' essay writing abilities.
Prepare your students for STAAR writing success with a resource that not only builds essential writing skills but also keeps them engaged and excited to learn. Perfect for middle school teachers looking for practical, engaging ways to improve writing outcomes.
Additional STAAR resources:
ECR Relay Race: Engaging STAAR Writing Prep Grades 5-8 Comprehension 12 Prompts!
Thanksgiving Argument Writing Unit Debate Topics & Lesson Plans 4 STAAR ECRs