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Creating engaging and comprehensive lessons and assessments.
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Creating engaging and comprehensive lessons and assessments.
English
The Outsiders: Class Mock Trial Activity -- Students Become the Characters
THE OUTSIDERS: JOHNNY ON TRIAL:
Mock Trial:
This is one of the most fun, yet academically engaging lessons I have done with my kids. With this activity, they are challenged to go deep into the novel and interact with characterization and plot development.This activity also challenges them to engage their writing, group collaboration, and public speaking skills.
The activity is a Mock Trial for Johnny Cade and his role in the murder of Bob Sheldon. It is the students' job to decide if Johnny acted in self defense or if he is guilty of second degree murder. The packet guides the students through the process of the trial with easy-to-follow instructions which means no prep for you! A grading rubric is also included. (I have noted the duration is two days, but this activity can be extended for longer if needed).
The packet includes the following:
1) Instructions/Note for the Teacher
2) General Instructions and Steps for the students
3) Terminology sheet of basic "Courtroom Lingo"
4) Character Role sheets for the following:
*Johnny Cade
*Ponyboy Curtis
*Randy Adderson
*Arresting Officer (not a true character to the novel)
*Defense Lawyer
*Prosecuting Lawyer
*Judge
*Jury Member
Optional Roles include:
*Cherry Valance
*Marcia
*Dally Winston
*Darry Curtis
5) Jury Member Official "Verdict" Votes
6) Easy-to-Read GRADING RUBRIC
The Outsiders: Chapter Comprehension Quizzes
THE OUTSIDERS 10-QUESTION CHAPTER QUIZZES:
I am not a huge proponent for multiple choice assessment, but sometimes with novel units, you do need a quick way to hold them accountable and to asses their comprehension. These are BASIC QUESTIONS* about the chapters, so if they are actually reading, they will get these correct. (*I note this because they are very basic plot and character elements used just as an assessment to make sure they are following along. The EXAM I offer in my store is much more detailed and thorough).
There are three comprehension quizzes that cover Chapters 1-4, 5-8, and 9-12. There are ten multiple choice questions per quiz and an Answer Key is included.
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Rhetoric / Rhetorical Appeal Writing: Ethos, Pathos, Logos
<strong>RHETORICAL APPEAL IN WRITING</strong>
As a college instructor for Composition, I have found that most first year college students have never been exposed to rhetorical appeal or they are very confused by the concept. I have tried to develop a visually appealing and straight-forward introduction to the concept of rhetoric that may be used in high school and college courses. (This packet could also be used in advanced middle school courses)
This packet offers your students the following:
27-SLIDE POWERPOINT PRESENTATION WITH VIDEO
–Defines Ethos, Pathos, Logos
– Provides Examples of Ethos, Pathos, Logos
–Challenges students to test their knowledge on Ethos, Pathos, Logos
–Final Video presentation of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos in Commercial
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STUDENT NOTES
–Fill-in-the-blank graphic organizer to help students comprehend, practice, and
review Ethos, Pathos, Logos
RHETORICAL APPEAL ACTIVITY
–Instructions for an activity that challenges the students to implement Ethos,
Pathos, Logos within their own commercial advertisement (print or video)
–Ready to use Rubric (one that includes scoring and one that is blank to allow
you to choose your own points per element)
Earth Day Writing Activity: Letter to Our Planet
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A LETTER TO OUR PLANET EARTH:
Earth Day can come and go with some of our students never truly having the opportunity to reflect on the impact they can have with the environment. This letter-writing activity allows them to do so. They are asked to describe some of Earth's greatest natural wonders, how the planet affects our survival as a human race, man's impact (negative and positive) on the environment, and how they can change their daily routines in order to help preserve planet Earth.
There are instructions, suggestions/prompts for each paragraph, a letter-formatting template, and a final draft template included.
Easy, thoughtful activity with NO PREP for you! Recommended Grades: 5th-10th
1984 BY GEORGE ORWELL | Novel Study Intro Activity | Video & Reflection
1984 BY GEORGE ORWELL NOVEL STUDY Engaging Unit Activity: Introduce the Novel (Video & Activity): Pre-Reading Activity to Spark Interest in the Novel
*** GET THEM EXCITED TO READ!!! ***
This is an activity that can be used to introduce the novel prior to reading. Detailed instructions for your students are provided on the handouts, so all you have to do is print and press play!
Included in this activity is a VIDEO composed of IMAGES related to the setting, theme(s), and plot of the novel. Each image will be displayed on the screen for about twenty seconds. Students will be asked to do a QUICK WRITE by jotting down their immediate thoughts and reactions as they view the images within the video. This allows students to spark any BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE, as well as spark an interest in the novel before even starting to read!
After the video has been viewed, the students will then use their quick write as a reference to create a poem, paragraph, drawing, etc. that reflects their initial reaction to what they believe the novel will be about. You may wish to have each student present their creative projects in front of the class prior to reading and turning them in. I hope you and your students find this source a great way to introduce the novel.
Your Students will love this activity!
Bundle
The Outsiders Unit Packet: Character / Plot, Mock Trial, Quizzes, Exam
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THE OUTSIDERS UNIT PACKET:
This is a UNIT PACKET for The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton.
The packet includes the following:
1) TIMELINE UNIT PROJECT
This project encourages student engagement throughout the entire progression of the novel. It includes a guideline with instructions for the students, a graphic organizer for note-taking, and an easy-to-grade rubric for you.This can be done individually, in pairs, or in groups.
2) JOHNNY ON TRIAL: A MOCK TRIAL
The most fun you’ll have all year…
The activity is a Mock Trial for Johnny Cade and his role in the murder of Bob Sheldon. It is the students’ job to decide if Johnny acted in self defense or if he is guilty of second degree murder. The packet guides the students through the process of the trial with easy-to-follow instructions which means no prep for you! This activity challenges them to engage their close reading, writing, group collaboration, and public speaking skills. A grading rubric is also included.
4) COMPREHENSION QUIZZES
These are three very BASIC* comprehension quizzes that cover Chapters 1-4, 5-8, and 9-12. These quizzes are just a quick assessment to ensure they are following along. There are ten multiple choice questions per quiz and an Answer Key is included. *The EXAM included in this packet delves more into details and close reading.
5) CHARACTER AND TERMINOLOGY CROSSWORD REVIEW
This is a 20-question Crossword Puzzle with terms, characters, and plot points from the play. Good for summary and review before exam, or just for days when students are silent reading and you get some early finishers.
6) 40 QUESTION UNIT EXAM (PLUS ESSAY PROMPT)
40 question unit exam that includes 15 multiple choice comprehension/critical thinking questions, 15 character and terminology matching questions, 5 true/false, and 5 plot diagram (optional). Answer key provided.
Also included is an Essay prompt that may be used as part of the exam (based on how much time your class periods allow for assessment) or assigned as an individual take-home or in-class essay. A Rubric, a Brainstorming Sheet, an Outline Sheet, and a Final Draft Sheet are provided. (The latter three are optional based on your preference.)
The Outsiders Unit Exam and Essay (40 Questions)
**THE OUTSIDERS 40-QUESTION UNIT EXAM PLUS ESSAY:
40-Question Unit Exam that includes 15 multiple choice comprehension/critical thinking questions, 15 character and terminology matching questions, 5 true/false, and 5 plot diagram questions (optional). Easy-to-read Answer Key.
Also included is an Essay prompt that may be used as part of the exam (based on how much time your class periods allow for assessment) or assigned as an individual take-home or in-class essay. A Rubric, a Brainstorming Sheet, an Outline Sheet, and a Final Draft Sheet are provided. (The latter three are optional based on your preference.)
The Giver Utopia Project: Activity to introduce students to the novel
THE GIVER UTOPIA PROJECT: Activity for introducing the novel
Get your students excited about reading this novel by starting off the unit with The Utopia Project. . .While this is a project designed to introduce students to the novel, it may be done during any portion of the unit. The purpose of this project is to not only introduce the novel, but to get your students actively thinking about the setting and theme of a Utopian vs. Dystopian world.
Included in this product are guidelines to help your students create an advertisement or visual depiction of their perfect, Utopian society. Also included is a Rubric for quick and easy grading.
THIS IS A *PDF FILE
The Giver Novel Study Activity: Timeline to Introduce the Novel
THE GIVER NOVEL STUDY INTRODUCTORY ACTIVITY “TIMELINE PROJECT”:
This is a comprehensive unit project for The Giver. This fun project is a favorite of the students that encourages student engagement with the entire progression of the novel. This project can be done individually, in pairs, or in groups. With the timeline project, you are able to assess formative student engagement and comprehension throughout the unit, as opposed to just a summative assessment at the end of the unit.
In this packet, you will find the Timeline Instructions and Checklist for students. This project can be given after reading the novel, but it works best if given at the beginning. This activity asks the students to document important moments, events, and/or dialogue as they read. Included is a graphic organizer that will help them compile their notes for their Timeline.
You will find an easy-to-grade Rubric that should allow you to grade their projects quickly, yet efficiently.
Greek Mythology Activity: Defining the Gods
This is a pre-unit activity that asks the students to make inferences about each God and Goddess based on the accompanying images. This activity will get them activating prior background knowledge and making inferences about the powers, actions, etc. of each God or Goddess. After filling out their worksheet, you can go over the actual powers and titles of each God or Goddess. (I also like to show the Mount Olympus cartoon on the History.com website--it is a quick and entertaining look at the Gods and Goddesses of Greek Mythology).
Answers included
**Can also be used as a study guide once answers have been corrected**
Grammar: VERBALS Unit Activity to introduce Gerunds, Infinitives, Participles
VERBALS UNIT ACTIVITY: CLOZE TEST:
☑ Common Core Standard: (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.8.1.A)
☑ This is an activity to help introduce gerunds, infinitives, and participles.
☑ A Cloze Test is a way to measure a student’s prior knowledge on a subject by asking the student to fill in the missing words that have been removed from a passage. This Cloze Test will measure how much the student knows (or is able to predict) about GERUNDS, INFINITIVES, and PARTICIPLES.
☑ After completing the test, you will give the students the correct terminology (TIP: always fun to make it a COMPETITION! Whoever gets the most correct gets candy, 5 points on exam, etc).
☑ Once they have all of the answers, they will be able to use this as a guide for review before assignments and quiz or exam.
☑ Easy-to-read Answer Keys always included in my products
The Giver: 50+ Chapter Questions for Class Discussion and Individual Assessment
THE GIVER CHAPTER QUESTIONS:
This is a packet of over 50 chapter questions that can be used as a tool for you to facilitate class discussion and/or given to your students for individual reflection. The questions are reflective of main points or themes that require critical thinking skills. Many of the questions challenge students to think outside of the novel and reflect on our own society and encourage growth as individuals.
A Streetcar Named Desire: Reading Project Assessment
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<strong>A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE TIMELINE PROJECT:</strong>
This is a unit project for A Streetcar Named Desire that is introduced prior to reading and worked on as you progress through the reading. (The project could also be done post-reading if preferred; students will just have to go back through the play a second or third time to find his or her information). It includes a guideline with instructions for the students, a graphic organizer for note-taking, and an easy-to-grade rubric for you.
This project encourages student engagement throughout the entire progression of the play. I have found this to be an extremely helpful tool in my classroom with ensuring that students are engaged and comprehending. This Timeline can be done individually, in pairs, or in groups. With the timeline project, you are able to assess formative student engagement and comprehension throughout the unit, as opposed to a summative assessment at the end of the unit.
The Giver Unit Activity: Mock Ceremony of Twelve for Students
THE GIVER MOCK CEREMONY OF TWELVE:
This is a fun and engaging activity to do with your students as you read The Giver, by Lois Lowry. This Mock Ceremony of Twelve allows your students to actively engage with the novel as they play the roles as citizens of the community.
There is a writing portion of the activity that encourages persuasive writing, as well as a public speaking aspect. The packet includes instructions and a "script" for you, guidelines and worksheets for the students, and job assignments.
If you need an activity to really get them interested in the novel, this is the one!
Bundle
Grammar: VERBALS UNIT 50+ Pages (Gerunds Infinitives Participles) Common Core
8th GRADE GRAMMAR COMMON CORE: VERBALS UNIT:
☑ A 50-page packet that helps you introduce the Verbals unit, provide practice, and assess student knowledge upon completion of the unit.
☑ Common Core Standard: (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.8.1.A)
INCLUDED IN THE PACKET:
☑ 1) CLOZE TEST:
This is an activity to help introduce gerunds, infinitives, and participles.
A Cloze Test measures a student’s prior knowledge by asking the student to fill in the missing words that have been removed from a passage.
Once they have taken the cloze test, you will give the students the correct terminology so they may use the handout as a guide for review
(TIP: always fun to make it a COMPETITION! Whoever gets the most correct gets candy, 5 points on exam, etc).
☑ 2) DEFINITION AND PRACTICE WORKSHEETS:
Handouts with the definition and examples of Gerunds and Participles. (A definition for Infinitives is included in the first page of practice worksheets) All are color-coded to help with visual learning.
4-5 Practice Worksheets for each Verbal. The worksheets offer practice by determining the specific usage of the verbal through context, creating sentences, identifying phrases, and using the verbal for certain parts of speech.
☑ 3) UNIT EXAM:
30-Question Unit exam for student comprehension with Verbals (Gerunds, Infinitives, and Participles).
The first portion of the exam asks students to identify the verbals within the given sentences through tasks such as indicating where the verbal is within the sentence, and how the verbal is functioning (as an adjective, verb, etc.).
The last section of the exam asks students to identify the verbals within a paragraph (in context) and indicate if the verbal is a gerund, infinitive, or participle. The writing portion requires the same, but they are to create their own paragraph. This last section can be optional depending on your preference.
☑ Easy-to-grade answer keys for all products are always included.
1984 BY GEORGE ORWELL | Novel Study Unit Activity: Characterization Analysis
1984 BY GEORGE ORWELL NOVEL STUDY UNIT READING ACTIVITY: CHARACTERIZATION / CHARACTER ANALYSIS
NO PREP! Ready to Print and Go! Includes PowerPoint!
This is a deeply engaging activity for your students to not only learn how to analyze/characterize literature but learn how to reflect and grow as individuals through reading.
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
POWERPOINT PRESENTATION: with definition and examples of Dynamic, Static, Round, and Flat Characters; Characterization (Indirect and Direct)
STUDENT GUIDED NOTES: Two options for notes that correspond with the PowerPoint (fill-in notes or ready-to-use)
CHARACTER ANALYSIS SHEETS: Students will be given an acronym (T.R.A.I.T.S.) to help them remember what to consider when analyzing characters. Upon filling out the brainstorming work, there is an option for a paragraph or essay portion to further their analysis of each character.
CHARACTERS INCLUDED:
WINSTON
JULIA
O’BRIEN
MR. CHARRINGTON
ALSO INCLUDED: BLANK Template for students to choose additional characters
STUDENT SELF-REFLECTION: This portion of the packet allows students to complete the same process of characterizing they did with the characters, but for themselves. With this activity, students are given some insight as to why reading is so important.
Bundle
The Giver: Complete Unit Packet (Projects, Chapter Questions, Exam and more)
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THE GIVER UNIT PACKET:
This is a UNIT PACKET for The Giver by Lois Lowry.
The packet includes the following:
1) TIMELINE UNIT PROJECT
This project encourages student engagement throughout the entire progression of the novel. It includes a guideline with instructions for the students, a graphic organizer for note-taking, and an easy-to-grade rubric for you.This can be done individually, in pairs, or in groups.
2) MOCK CEREMONY OF TWELVE
The most fun you'll have all year...
This is a fun and engaging activity to do with your students as you read. This Mock Ceremony allows your students to actively engage with the novel as they play the roles as citizens of the community.
There is a writing portion of the activity that encourages persuasive writing, as well as a public speaking aspect. The packet includes instructions and a "script" for you, guidelines and worksheets for the students, and job assignments.
3) CHAPTER DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a packet of over 50 chapter questions that can be used as a tool for you to facilitate class discussion and/or given to your students for individual reflection. The questions are reflective of main points or themes that require critical thinking skills. Many of the questions challenge students to think outside of the novel and reflect on our own society and encourage growth as individuals.
4) CHAPTER VOCABULARY GRAPHIC ORGANIZER
This is a comprehensive unit packet of Vocabulary with over 50 Vocabulary terms used in the novel. Providing students with this packet allows for closer reading and engagement with the novel.
The Vocabulary Graphic Organizer is a column chart that instructs the students to write how the word is used in context with the book (page numbers included), provide a definition, and create a new sentence.
5) 45 QUESTION UNIT EXAM (PLUS ESSAY PROMPT)
45-Question Unit Exam that includes 25 multiple choice comprehension/critical thinking questions, 15 character and terminology matching questions, and 5 plot diagram questions. Easy-to-read Answer Key.
Also included is an Essay prompt that may be used as part of the exam (based on how much time your class periods allow for assessment) or assigned as an individual take-home or in-class essay. A Rubric, a Brainstorming Sheet, an Outline Sheet, and a Final Draft Sheet are provided. (The latter three are optional based on your preference.)
6) STUDENT UTOPIA PROJECT
Get your students excited about reading this novel by starting off the unit with The Utopia Project. . .While this is a project designed to introduce students to the novel, it may be done during any portion of the unit. The purpose of this project is to not only introduce the novel, but to get your students actively thinking about the setting and theme of a Utopian vs. Dystopian world.
Included in this product are guidelines to help your students create an advertisement or visual depiction of their perfect, Utopian society. Also included is a Rubric for quick and easy grading.
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Middle School English ELA Thanksgiving Activity: “Thankful” Letter Writing
5th, 6th, 7th, 8th Middle School English ELA Thanksgiving Activity! “Thankful” Letter Writing
LETTER OF GRATITUDE: "I AM THANKFUL FOR…"
This is a thoughtful and engaging activity with the Thanksgiving holiday in mind. This activity will allow students to reflect on that one, special person who has had a positive impact on their lives. Not only will this help students realize how they should show appreciation for others, but it will also allow them to reflect on their own sense of self, as well as how to structure a letter.
Activity Includes:
Prompts to help students brainstorm how to express their gratitude
Letter Templates to help structure the letter
Easy, thoughtful activity with NO PREP for you!
Have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!
FREE Grammar Resource: Parts of Speech Graphic Organizer
FREE Grammar Resource: Parts of Speech Graphic Organizer
FREE Resource! This is a Graphic Organizer for your students to keep in a binder. Included in this organizer is a Definition, Example words, and a blank space for a student example for each of the 8 Parts of Speech.
Middle School English ELA Fun Halloween Activity | FREE Acrostic Poem
5th, 6th, 7th, 8th MIDDLE SCHOOL ENGLISH ELA HALLOWEEN ACTIVITY! ACROSTIC POEM:
Save yourself some time (and sanity!) with this quick “time-filler” for the crazy week around Halloween.
This worksheet provides:
*Definition of an Acrostic Poem
*Example of an Acrostic Poem
*Brainstorming Word Web
*Acrostic Template with the word “Halloween”