Author's Purpose Inform, Entertain and Persuade: a lesson on Author's Purpose This PowerPoint was created for my observation/ evaluation. It has a lesson plan and worksheet included. It is: *interesting and rigorous *timed perfectly for a 53-minute class period *showcases teacher strengths *uses various activities for high interest *keeps students involved This lesson was used during my observation/ evaluation, and my principal LOVED it. This PPT focuses on the 3 purposes-- inform, entertain and persuade-- giving examples, practice and eventually an Exit Ticket. This presentation was used for 6th and 7th grade, but could work with 5th-12th. At one point, students can use sign language to silently engage in the lesson. (Principal and students LOVE this part!) Included with the lesson plan are activities for partners (sorting slips) and individuals (writing). Answer keys are also provided. I HIGHLY SUGGEST USING THIS ONE-DAY LESSON WHILE GETTING EVALUATED. Using the Essential Question: How can a reader determine the author’s purpose?, the worksheet allows students to follow along with the PowerPoint smoothly. There are pictures to stimulate interest, along with an easy format for students and teachers, alike. The Author's Purpose lesson plan follows LFS (Learning Focused Strategies) to include an activating strategy, teaching strategies and summarizing strategies. The lesson helps students determine the author's purpose as found in the Common Core Standards: "Reading Standards for Informational Text - Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author distinguishes his or her position from that of others." This teaches students to look for clues to the author's purpose. I truly think you will like this one! Enjoy!

If you’ve never read The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate (“EvCT”) by Jacqueline Kelly, you are in for a treat. My sixth graders love EvCT and I LOVE teaching it! It works well as a cross-curricular unit with science OR history- and the author’s voice is simply incredible. 71 pages + 91 PowerPoint slides = 162 page resource! This product contains everything you need for a great unit and aligns with the Common Core State Standards. This product includes: • TWELVE lessons, each with a worksheet (study guide) featuring vocabulary. Answer keys are included. Most lessons also include extra activities to supplement the lesson (For example, one chapter features a PALS activity, complete with instructions; another chapter features a figurative lesson worksheet and activity.). The lesson plans are grouped as: 1. EvCT Ch 1 2. EvCT Ch 2 3. EvCT Ch 3 4 5 4. EvCT Ch 6 7 5. EvCT Ch 8 9 6. EvCT Ch 10 11 7. EvCT Ch 12 13 8. EvCT Ch 14 15 16 9. EvCT Ch 17 18 19 10. EvCT Ch 20 21 22 11. EvCT Ch 23 24 25 12. EvCT Ch 26 27 28 EvCT POWERPOINT (90 slides) The PPT gives visual references for background information (pinafore, kerosene lamp, Wounded Knee Massacre, author background, etc.), discussion questions, Venn diagrams, exit tickets and much more. Students also get to guess the prices from the 1890’s (my students love this activity!) EvCT Final Test (Answer Key included) Bookmarks What student doesn't like a little gift? Packed with EvCT info (and vocab!), this bookmark is a handy "cheat sheet" to use with the worksheets ~and possibly the final test (IF the teacher allows it...). This product also features several opportunities for figurative language practice (EvCT has a ton of figurative language: perfect for mini-lessons!) and a semi-colon study. Some worksheets (study guides) offer “challenge questions.” There are opportunities for differentiated learning. You can use challenge questions for students who are absent or as an activity for cooperative learning…). There are also suggestions for research. PLUS- writing prompts! This product is editable, if you prefer to customize any part. Final test, writing prompts, and extra activities are included! The Common Core Standards cited are for 6th grade, but other grades are largely interchangeable. Recommended for grades 5-8, The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is a 2010 Newbery Honor Book and the winner of the 2010 Bank Street - Josette Frank Award. I spent over 100 hours on this product. I pride myself on creating a unit that offers user-friendly, thought-provoking lessons and creative activities. Click this link to buy all of my