Middle School Reading Literature Circles

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)

Fun and engaging Back to School reading posters to foster a positive attitude in the French Immersion or Core French classroom to the world of reading.

I use these posters in my book nook in my classroom so students can explore the world of imagination contained in books.

Posters include:

Each poster has great graphics with children reading and background with a geographic theme

3 different colour schemes to choose from or you could mix and match

Slogans included:

-On lit épaule à épaule et genou a genou for buddy reading time

-Le savoir est mon devoir

-La lecture ignite l’imagination

-C’est en lisant que je trouve mon chemin

-L’apprentissage est mon avenir

-Un bon livre peut nous transporter

Appropriate audience:

I use these posters in my French Immersion classroom with Grade 1 and Grade 2 students. I feel confident that they could be used for any grade from K-6. They are ideal for classroom decor, bulletin boards, and quiet reading area for young readers.

I would love to know how you are using this product in your classroom. Please feel free to contact me directly if you have anything to say about this resource. I love helping teachers as much as I can. A product review also is a great way of letting me know, and leaving a review earns you extra credit for more amazing TeachShare products!

What grade level:

I personally use these texts with Grade 1 and Grade 2 students in French Immersion. I feel confident that students from K-3 will find these most useful and teachers can come back to the texts with any students who may be experiencing challenges in their French reading skills. Core French teachers will be sure to add the resource to their repertoire for Grades 4 to 6 as they learn to read and write at the Junior level.

♥ Feel free to follow me for more items in my store! Click the green star beside my store name

If you love this resource:

***1. French SOR Sound Cards

***2. French Decodable Reading

***3. Roles et Responsabilites

***4. French Number Line

***5. French Attention Grabbers

***6. French Speaking Passport

***7. French Pyramid Reading

If you prefer things all bundled together:

***1 . French Decodable BUNDLE BEST DEAL

***2 . Phrases Decodables BUNDLE SUPER DEAL

Some of the Benefits of this resource:

1. Easy print and go resource
2. Black and White so you decide if they are in colour or BW
3. Fun and engaging graphics
4. Great variety of awards to match as many students as possible
5. Two great styles to choose
6. Highlights the importance of good school citizenship as well as strong academics
7. Fill in at your own leisure

Check out French Science of Reading Assessment Tool

Like my Facebook and Instagram account.

Follow me on TeachShare

Merci!

Ingrid

You have downloaded a license for you to use this resource in your own classroom(s) with your own students. Duplication of any kind: copying, adding to your own resource, or digitally changing and reproducing is strictly prohibited.

If you wish to download more licenses to share this resource with colleagues, please do so at the link for additional licenses.

Studying Fahrenheit451 ? Looking to give students some context for the novel ? Then this product is for you! Introduction power point includes:

•About the Author

•About the Book

•Historical Context

•Themes

•Symbols

•Essential Questions

Looking for a readers theatre script to accompany your celebrations unit? Or looking to enrich your literacy sessions with culture? Illuminate your classroom or stage with the radiant glow of Diwali through "Festival of Lights - A Diwali Story." This readers theatre script takes your audience through the ancient tale of Rama and Sita, celebrating the triumph of light over darkness. Your students will learn about the history behind Diwali and why there is this beautiful festival of lights every year.

Perfectly suited for units of inquiry focusing on celebrations, this script seamlessly integrates cultural richness and excitement into your curriculum. As students explore the significance of festivals around the world, "Festival of Lights - A Diwali Story" offers a compelling exploration of Diwali, inviting learners to immerse themselves in its vibrant traditions and timeless themes.

Crafted to engage audiences of all ages, each scene is meticulously designed to transport viewers into the heart of Diwali traditions. From the joyous homecoming of Rama and Sita to the illuminating victory over evil, every moment is brought to life with energy and authenticity.

Ignite your students' imaginations with this captivating readers theatre script, carefully crafted to immerse them in the cultural richness and timeless themes of Diwali.

• Character Development: The characters in the script are relatable and well developed, allowing your students to connect with them on a personal level.

• Engaging Dialogue: The witty and heartwarming dialogue keeps students engaged and eager to see what happens next, making it an excellent choice for classroom readings and performances.

• Literacy centres or social emotional learning lessons: Perfect to integrated into your literacy centres or your social emotional learning lessons!

• Perfect for Years 3 - 7: Suitable for middle - upper elementary and middle school students, this script can be adapted for various grade levels, ensuring that every student can benefit from its message of kindness.

• Easy to Use: All you need to do is print, staple and go!

Happy Diwali to one and all! A grand celebration!

Like what you see? Follow along at Captivating Kids where you'll get heaps of inspiration and all the low down on new resources!

I'd also love to connect on social media and see the resources in action!

Character traits and analysis fun!

Have some outdoor fun (or use butcher paper for indoors) with sidewalk novel characters! Students choose a character from their novels then do body outlines with sidewalk chalk. Fill these with physical and character traits from quotes within the novel...full directions for implementing and making a competitive game. Can be used with all ages and novels. Excellent for comprehension and assessment.

This story is also available as part of an eight story ebook, "Young Voices: Eight Short Stories of Courage & Resilience."

"Echoes of Hope: The Children of Sarajevo" is an inspiring story of resilience and creativity amidst the devastating siege of Sarajevo. A group of children, led by Luka, Maja, Amir, and Zlata, transform a war-ravaged hideout into "The Nook," a sanctuary of learning, art, and music. They preserve the city’s spirit through storytelling, makeshift classes, and concerts, becoming a symbol of hope. Post-siege, "The Nook" evolves into a community center, its mural a poignant reminder of courage. The children, now adults, impart lessons of unity and creativity to future generations, showcasing the enduring power of the human spirit.

There are thought provoking questions (and suggested answers) at the end of the story.

General Learning Objectives for Deep by Design stories:

Understanding Conflict: The material offers insights into the dynamics of territorial conflicts and their ramifications for those caught in the crossfire.

Effects of War or Conflict on Youth: The content underlines the deep-seated impact of hostilities on the mental and physical health of children and adolescents.

Resilience and Hope: Through character experiences, the narrative highlights the human capacity for endurance and the quest for collective healing amidst adversity.

Cultural Insight: The text provides a window into the complexities of a region's culture and the intense obstacles its inhabitants endure.

Human Rights: The narrative serves as a primer for dialogues concerning the safeguarding of civilians and the enforcement of human rights in times of strife.

Peacebuilding: The book promotes an investigation into the adoption of nonviolent strategies for mitigating disputes and fostering reconciliation at the community level.

3 Little Pigs with a twist- Part of my first story of my Bilingual Series

Tales with a twist is designed to give students a familiar feel, but with surprising elements throughout the story.

Print out the stories in either English, or Spanish or both!!!

It is not direct translation rather I focused in translating the stories in a way they feel right and are authentic.

More stories coming soon!

This packet is a literature response to Those Shoes. It can be used as a literature response for a book club or as a whole class reading comprehension packet. There are prompts on when to answer each response page in the upper right corner in blue. These are graphic organizers with reading comprehension questions to promote a deeper understanding.

This book is at a Level P.

Reading Comprehension Strategies Addressed-

- Predicting

- Visualizing

- Short Answer Response

- Questioning

- Story Mapping

- Opinion

*** VOCABULARY BOOKMARKS INCLUDED!

For literature response packets for 12 titles leveled N-R, click here <--

This set of 32 unique task cards contain engaging thought-provoking questions meant to prompt lively discussion for literature circles or books clubs in your middle or high school ELA classroom. Questions are mainly reader-response and are fully aligned to the Common Core. They can be used at any point during the reading of a novel or short story and are great as both full-class lesson plans or for time-fillers at the end of class. I also like to use these cards as bell-ringer activities to check in on my students' thoughts and understanding of the novel as we go. These are the perfect task cards to add to your teacher's toolbox and use all year long! __________________________________________________________________________ Also, check out these great resources that can be adapted for any novel by Language Arts Excellence: Differentiated Essay Prompt Task Cards Novel Soundtrack Assignment Socratic Seminar Lesson Plan and Materials Adaptable for ANY Topic Differentiated End of Term Reflection Activities Book Recommendation Form Differentiated Essay Prompts for use with ANY Novel Active Reading Strategy Task Cards

I used this resource with one of my guided reading groups. After they completed a book they choose from the list of extra activities.

Thanks for looking! Please rate and leave a comment.

Two NOVEL STUDIES for RUNT by Craig Silvey and TOM APPLEBY CONVICT BOY by JACKIE FRENCH.

These are engaging and comprehensive units that allow your students to respond to the story by using a wide range of reading comprehension strategies and skills.

With comprehension questions and activities for each chapter the units can be followed chapter by chapter, with no extra preparation or planning required by the teacher. The responses in the unit have been planned and arranged so that your students will practise a wide range of comprehension strategies in context. They have been designed to promote thinking and understanding. Tasks can be completed independently, collaboratively or alongside a teacher. The units have been planned so that over the course of the book, students will become familiar with and well-practised in using comprehension strategies to make meaning from text.

Activities include:

• COMPREHENSION ACTIVITIES FOR EACH CHAPTER
• Comprehension strategies - inference, prediction , visualising, questioning, retrieving information, activating prior knowledge, making connections, summarizing, analysing, synthesising, understanding vocabulary in context.
• Literacy Skills - sequencing, cause and effect, main idea and events, compare and contrast, point of view, venn diagrams, writing, point of view, vocabulary work.
• Story elements - character descriptions, character analysis, character emotions, character challenges, setting, plot, theme,
• Book response - creative responses, written responses, critical thinking.

All activities have been designed with student engagement at the forefront. In responding to the book, students will be required to think both within and beyond the text. Children learn best when they are having fun! Even better that they are learning the love of books at the same time!

BUNDLE INCLUDES:

***PLUS BONUS FILE: 154 WRITING PROMPTS FOR CHILDREN***

Please follow me for more literacy units - particularly new releases!

Thank you for your continued support

Fostering avid readers means consistently presenting books to your class. I have witnessed, first-hand, the power of consistent Book Talks with my students. Book Talks have the power to foster continued love in avid readers and reach even the most struggling readers.
Check out my no-prep Book Talk Guides for teachers. And because I am so passionate about the power of Book Talks, my Book Talk Guides will ALWAYS BE FREE!

What's Included?

• Teacher Tips for successful book talks

• Book Talk Guide, including genre, what kind of students might enjoy each book, and a plot summary

• Two student book talk response activities

Follow my store and check back as new titles and themed Book Talk bundles will be added!

Novel Study for Any Novel (Independent or Small Group Novel Study)

For Grades 6 to 9

Aprox. 8 weeks teaching duration.

Google Slides, PDF, Editable MS Word

No Prep

Includes:

Reading comprehension questions

Several writing assignments

Analysis of character, mood, setting, literary devices

Graphic organizers

Student self assessment

Grading Rubric

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!

My most popular classroom decor posters are all bundled into one great resource! These vibrant, engaging, and helpful posters and bulletin board sets are a great addition to the Elementary classroom. French teachers love these posters and my students use them daily to help them with language patterns, spelling, speaking with peers, and many other helpful ways. Grab this bundle now and as it grows, you'll get all the updates!

Do you struggle to find colourful, engaging, and unique classroom decor elements to add to your French classroom? I created these Classroom Decor Posters with you in mind. Engaging, child-centered, and colorful posters to foster the love of learning and to instill a sense of positivity in your students as they stretch their thinking. A growth mindset means that students learn to recognize that challenge, mistakes, and even frustration can all lead to leaps in learning!

Les affiches sont l'essentiel dans la salle de classe cette année. Les élèves adorent encourager les autres et donner la motivation à leur copains. Les affiches dans cette collection sont bons pour les étudiants de Maternelle à la 3e année.

Growth Mindset Posters:

Mon cerveau est un muscle que j’entraine

Toutes mes idées m’aident à apprendre

J’accepte les défis et les difficultés

Je peux toujours m’améliorer!

J’essaye de nouvelles stratégies!

Je suis capable de faire des choses difficiles!

Mon cerveau grandit quand je me pousse!

J’aperçois les changements dans mes pensées

Je crois en moi!

Je célèbre les nouveaux défis!

Les erreurs m’aident à grandir!

Je ne comprends pas encore

Attention Grabbers:

Une banane bleu, les yeux, les yeux, les yeux!

Vert, jaune, rouge...on ne bouge!

Visual Schedule Cards (36 daily activities for your board)

French Conversation Starters, Est-ce que...? questions

EX. Est-ce que je peux:

-aller aux toilettes

-boire de l'eau

-chercher une gomme

-mettre de l'eau dans ma bouteille

-etc.

Est-ce que tu peux:

-m'aider

-attacher mon manteau

- etc

La lecture posters:

French posters to inspire students to read and open the marvellous world of lifelong learning

Appropriate audience:

I use these posters in my French Immersion classroom with Grade 1 and Grade 2 students. I feel confident that they could be used for any grade from K-6

I would love to know how you are using this product in your classroom. Please feel free to contact me directly if you have anything to say about this resource. I love helping teachers as much as I can. A product review also is a great way of letting me know, and leaving a review earns you extra credit for more amazing TeachShare products!

What grade level:

I personally use these texts with Grade 1 and Grade 2 students in French Immersion. I feel confident that students from Kindergarten to Grade Three will find these most useful and teachers can come back to the texts with any students who may be experiencing challenges in their French reading skills. Core French teachers will be sure to add the resource to their repertoire for Grades 4 to 6 as they learn to read and write at the Junior level.

Qui peut se servir de cette ressource?

J’utilise cette affiches dans ma classe d’immersion française avec des élèves de 1e et 2e. Je suis convaincu qu’ils pourraient être utilisés pour n’importe quel niveau de la maternelle à la 6è année. J’aimerais savoir comment vous utilisez ce produit dans votre classe. N’hésitez pas à me contacter directement si vous avez quelque chose à dire sur cette ressource. J’aime aider les enseignants autant que je peux.

Une revue de produit est également un excellent moyen de me le faire savoir, et laisser un avis vous vaut un crédit supplémentaire pour des produits TeachShare fabuleux!

♥ Feel free to follow me for more items in my store! Click the green star beside my store name

If you love this resource:

***1. French SOR Sound Cards

***2. French Decodable Reading

***3. Roles et Responsabilites

***4. French Number Line

***5. French Attention Grabbers

***6. French Speaking Passport

***7. French Pyramid Reading

If you prefer things all bundled together:

***1 . French Decodable BUNDLE BEST DEAL

***2 . Phrases Decodables BUNDLE SUPER DEAL

Some of the Benefits of this resource:

1. Easy print and go resource
2. 2 formats for you to choose based on printing needs
3. Fun and engaging graphics
4. Great variety of expressions to foster Growth Mindset
5. Two great styles to choose Large or Small format
6. Highlights the importance of perseverance, acceptance, determination, and diligence in learning
7. Students have visual cues to promote a positive attitude toward learning

Check out French Science of Reading Assessment Tool

Like my Facebook and Instagram account.

Follow me on TeachShare

Merci!

Ingrid

You have downloaded a license for you to use this resource in your own classroom(s) with your own students. Duplication of any kind: copying, adding to your own resource, or digitally changing and reproducing is strictly prohibited.

If you wish to download more licenses to share this resource with colleagues, please do so at the link for additional licenses.

This flip book goes through all the main characters of the play. It includes graphic organizers for your students to fill out in order to better understand character development. It makes a great study guide and a good way to have your students understand the differences and similarities between the different characters of the novel. Offers differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all your students! Rubric included for easy grading. This is the GOOGLE DRIVE version.

Celebrate Diversity with Engaging Readers Theatre Scripts!

Are you looking to bring cultural celebrations to life in your classroom while boosting students’ reading skills? This Readers Theatre Script Bundle is designed for upper primary/elementary students and offers a captivating exploration of five important global celebrations: Thanksgiving, St. Patrick's Day, Diwali, Chinese New Year, and Hanukkah.

Each script in this bundle is carefully crafted to immerse students in the rich histories and vibrant traditions of these cultural events. Not only do these scripts enhance reading fluency and expression, but they also encourage active participation and deeper understanding of the diverse celebrations that shape our world.

What's Included:

• Thanksgiving: Travel back in time to the origins of this American holiday, learning about the Pilgrims, the first Thanksgiving feast, and the importance of gratitude and giving thanks.
• St. Patrick's Day: Follow the legendary tales of St. Patrick, uncover the meaning behind shamrocks, and discover the colourful and festive Irish traditions.
• Diwali: Brighten your classroom with the story of Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, and learn how good triumphs over evil in this celebration of light.
• Chinese New Year: Experience the magic of this Lunar New Year festival, filled with iconic symbols like dragons, lanterns, and family gatherings, as students explore its ancient customs.
• Hanukkah: Delve into the history and miracles of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, and learn how it symbolises faith, resilience, and cultural heritage.

Why Choose These Scripts?

• No Prep, Print and Go: Save time with ready-to-use scripts that require minimal preparation—perfect for busy teachers!
• Interactive Learning: Engage students in meaningful readers theatre activities that boost reading comprehension, fluency, and expression.
• Culturally Enriching: Promote diversity and inclusion by teaching students about important global holidays and the values behind them.
• Versatile Use: Ideal for social studies, literacy lessons, holiday celebrations, or multicultural education units.

Whether you’re incorporating these scripts into a readers theatre performance, using them for group reading activities, or integrating them into holiday-themed lessons, this bundle is sure to captivate students while meeting important learning objectives.

Enhance your classroom with these Readers Theatre Scripts that make learning about cultural celebrations fun, educational, and engaging. Let your students step into the shoes of historical figures, participate in age-old traditions, and build empathy and understanding for the diverse world around them.

Want to check out the readers theatre scripts?

St Patrick's Day Readers Theatre

Hanukkah Script

Chinese New Year

Thanksgiving

Diwali

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

Help Your Students Explore Bullying & Resilience with "The Invisible Scars"

A Powerful Story & Engaging Activities for Grades 5-8

"The Invisible Scars" is a compelling short story about Avery, a middle school student struggling with the long-term effects of bullying. This relatable narrative provides a springboard for meaningful discussions about mental health, self-esteem, and the importance of seeking help.

This comprehensive resource includes:

• A moving short story (approx. 2,000 words) that tackles the sensitive topic of bullying and its lasting impact on a young person's life.

• Engaging activities designed to deepen students' understanding of the story's themes, including:

  • Thought-provoking discussion questions to spark classroom conversations about bullying, resilience, and support systems.
  • Creative writing prompts that encourage students to explore the story's themes through different perspectives and genres.
  • Project-based assignments that allow students to research, analyze, and create presentations, campaigns, and more.

• A comprehensive vocabulary list to enhance students' reading comprehension and vocabulary development.

"The Invisible Scars" will help your students:

• Develop empathy and understanding for individuals who have experienced bullying.
• Recognize the signs of bullying and its impact on mental health.
• Identify healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with difficult emotions and situations.
• Understand the importance of seeking help from trusted adults and mental health professionals.
• Develop their critical thinking, writing, and communication skills through engaging activities.

This resource is perfect for:

• Language Arts classes
• Social Studies classes
• Guidance lessons
• Advisory periods
• Anti-bullying initiatives

Elementary Spanish Bundle

More than a $23 savings!!!

-One More Product coming in this Bundle 9/18/204

Everything in this BUNDLE is BILINGUAL OR in Spanish.

Please see the list of all the items that are included!

This packet is a literature response to Those Shoes. It can be used as a literature response for a book club or as a whole class reading comprehension packet. There are prompts on when to answer each response page in the upper right corner in blue. These are graphic organizers with reading comprehension questions to promote a deeper understanding.

This book is at a Level P.

Reading Comprehension Strategies Addressed-

- Predicting

- Visualizing

- Short Answer Response

- Questioning

- Story Mapping

- Opinion

*** VOCABULARY BOOKMARKS INCLUDED!

For literature response packets for 12 titles leveled N-R, click here <--