Dr. Maya Angelou was an author, actress, singer, and most notably a poet. Known for her command of language, the poem “Still I Rise” is one of her most acclaimed works that speaks to overcoming oppression. This resource contains an in-depth analysis of the poem for teachers and aligned graphic organizers and text dependent questions for students. This is a NO PREP resource for teachers. Teacher Resources: - Detailed Lesson Plan - Text Analysis (3 pages) - Teacher Response Guide The Texts: - Dr. Angelou biography - “Still I Rise” student copy with wide margins for literal and analytical annotations Graphic Organizers: - Finding the Theme - Vocabulary

This is a rigorous unit geared at student engagement, thinking, reading, and writing skills. This unit can stand alone, or be integrated into various units as there are multiple standards aligned resources. Students read and analyze both informational and fictional texts, and write argumentative and literary essays. This unit includes winter themes and is a LOW PREP resource for teachers. There are more than 40 pages which include: Two page Informational Text Articles with Comprehension Questions: - Winter Storms - Chinese New Year Fictional Texts with Comprehension Questions: - The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Andersen - Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost - A Frost Fancy by Richard Le Gallienne *********************************************** Skill Based Graphic Organizers: Digging for Details Story Problems ***********************************************

This is a set of 24 high interest task cards for finding the main idea. This activity is perfect for centers or small groups! The paragraphs are thought provoking and include rich vocabulary. Student response cards and teacher answer key is included.

This is a complete novel study using the book Holes. The entire unit focuses on the Common Core Standards and shift to getting students to use evidence from the text to answer and defend their responses. The structure of my class was a vocabulary mini-lesson, mini-lesson connected to a skill, whole class and independent reading connected to the text. LESSON PLANS ARE IN WORD (AND PDF) FORMAT. This perfect for teachers who like to tweak class activities to the needs of their individual classes. Please note restrictions on commercial use. The Unit Includes: 25 Original Vocabulary Mini-lessons 24 Lessons (Questions from the chapters, Exit Ticket, Homework) 22 Mini-lessons aligned to skills from the text 4 Extension Activities (Create a Creature, Wanted Ads, Character Traits, Alternative Ending) Graphic Organizers 1 Character Study Mini-Book (9 pages) for students to track characters

“The Tell Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe is a classic short story that is riveting from start to finish. This is one of Poe’s most recognized works, and it is sure to grab the attention of your students! This resource is aligned to Common Core standards and age/grade appropriate. All materials provided in this lesson will position students to make a claim about the narrator and engage in deep conversations regarding the events that unfold. This unit infuses a bit of technology with the use of QR codes, but no worries, teachers are still set up for success without the technology. This unit is designed for Grades 8-10! Mini-Lessons: - Mood and Tone - Prefixes and Suffixes - Context Clues - Irony *********************************************** Text Materials: This unit includes the text for students. There are two different options (with and without guided questions) and a teacher annotated copy to assist with analysis.

“Thank You Ma'am” by Langston Hughes is a timeless short story with very rich themes. This story demonstrates the value of compassion and second chances. All materials provided in this resource provide multiple opportunities to critically evaluate character traits, character change, character challenges, and theme! One of the most amazing components is the inclusion of SIX original graphic organizers with answer keys. These organizers can be used with other text! This is a jam packed short story evaluation that includes: - Common Core Aligned Questions from the text - Six Original Graphic Organizers with Answer Key - Description of how to implement Graphic Organizers - Writing Extension Activity Excluding Title and Resource pages this resource is 18 pages! It is perfect for introducing a short story unit and reinforcing ideas from fiction reading. It is simple enough to be used as an emergency substitute lesson plan!

“Charles” by Shirley Jackson is an amazing short story that is sure to grab the attention of your students. Students are invested in close reading for clues, find evidence, and determining the elements of plot. All materials provided in this lesson will allow students to do this at a high level! One of the most amazing components is the higher level vocabulary activities that position students to make inferences, use new words to describe characters, and summarize sentences where the word is used. This is a jam packed short story evaluation that includes: - Detailed Lesson Plan - Five Original Graphic Organizers - Common Core Aligned Questions from the text - Task cards to assign student annotated reading role (3 different roles) - Extension Activities It is perfect for introducing a short story unit and reinforcing ideas from fiction reading. It is simple enough to be used as an emergency substitute lesson plan.

This is a complete novel study using the book Number The Stars. This Novel unit has nonfiction embedded into the lesson and a class favorite! The entire unit focuses on the Common Core Standards and shift to getting students to use evidence from the text to defend their responses. More importantly it unites ELA with reading, writing, and vocabulary. Each lesson includes an annotated copy of student work with answer key, vocabulary word of the day, and homework option. Perfect for a whole class novel or with a guided reading group. Lessons are uploaded using Word so that they can be easily formatted for your classroom. Lessons are also available in PDFs for teachers who simply want to print and go! Updates include six activities/graphic organizers for students to use to help with comprehension, character taboo, vocabulary pictionary,writing mini-lessons, and a 10 page personal narrative (with model responses) lesson.

This is a rigorous Greek Mythology unit geared at student engagement, thinking, reading, and writing skills. It also includes a number of activities that would be perfect for literacy centers. There are more than 100 pages which include: Rewritten Greek Myths with Common Core Aligned Questions and Activities: - Once Upon a Beauty: The Story of Medusa - The Wonderful Weaver: The Story of Arachne - The Trojan Horse - The Greek Army - Love’s Echo - The Midas Touch - Psyche & Eros: The Story of Love - Heracles: The Twelve Labors - The Story of Zeus *********************************************** Myth Writing: Suggested Scope and Sequence Mentor Text Brainstorming Outlining Character Development Drafting Paper Revision & Editing Checklist Rubric ***********************************************

These activities are prefect for engaging your entire class in a quick game of “I have…Who has…?” The game promotes listening and speaking skills. My students love doing a timed edition where I compete between classes for the class that can get to 100% without errors in the shortest amount of time. This product includes: • 24 figurative language game task cards • 24 context clues game task cards • Response keys • Guidance for playing the game

Lamb to the Slaughter” by Roald Dahl is a classic short story about a pregnant housewife who completes and covers for an unthinkable crime. All materials provided offer multiple opportunities to critically evaluate character motivation, plot elements, cite evidence and evaluate irony! The lesson also includes engaging extension activities. ★ Common Core Aligned Questions from the text w/Answer Key ★ Discussion Questions ★ Graphic Organizers ★ Writing Extension Activity (4) This resource is perfect for introducing a short story unit and reinforcing ideas from fiction reading. It is also simple enough to be used as an emergency substitute lesson plan!

The unit was designed to teach students about argumentative writing. The Common Core Standards highlight the shift from persuasive writing to argumentative writing, which requires students to use evidence to support and arguable claim. This unit walks teachers and students through this process. This unit is designed for the middle grades! Mini-Lessons: - Argument vs. Persuasive Writing - Writing Claims - Fact and Opinion - Counterarguments - Writing Leads *********************************************** Grammar Lessons: Run-on Sentences Compound Complex Sentences Using Commas *********************************************** Graphic Organizers: Brainstorming Outlining Building a Case Problem/Solution Counterarguments Evaluating Arguments ***********************************************

This is a fun freebie to get writing juices flowing with students. There are 24 different story starters and a few bonus goodies to assist students with Halloween themed writing. Enjoy!

This is a bundled writing unit that saves buyers 25% versus buying each unit separately. There are more than 200 pages of materials. Each unit includes: ★ Graphic Organizers ★ Mini-lessons ★ Mentor Texts ★ Language Lessons ★ Rubrics for each Genre ★ Editing Checklists ★ Revision Checklists …AND MORE

This unit is directly aligned to Common Core Writing and Language standards, and is designed for students in grades 6-8. This unit will lead you and your students through the process of writing different types of informative pieces. Download the preview for a peak at the resources. There are more than 65 pages which include: ★ Explanatory/Informative Writing Overview ★ Mentor Texts (4) ★ Writing topics (32) ★ Student Revision Checklist ★ Student Editing Checklist ★ Common Core Aligned Rubric Graphic Organizers by Organization Structure Descriptive (5) Problem Solution (2) Compare and Contrast (2) Cause and Effect (4) Generic (4) Mini-lessons: Drafting From an Outline Recognizing Bias in Writing Compare and Contrast Formats Cause Effect Language Lessons: Infinitive and Infinitive Phrases Gerunds

This personal narrative unit is directly aligned to Common Core Writing and Language standards, and is designed for students in grades 6-8. This unit will lead you and your students through the process of writing personal narratives. There are more than 65 pages which include: Suggested Lesson and Resource Scope and Sequence Lesson Plan Template Graphic Organizers Narrative Definition Poster Narrative Subway Art Mentor Text Narrative topics Narrative Activities Student Revision Checklist Student Editing Checklist Common Core Aligned Rubric 32 Task Cards aligned to Language standards Publishing Paper Mini-lessons: Flashbacks Dialogue and Quotations Descriptive Language Voice Point of View Clauses and Phrases Sentence Fluency Writing Narrative Leads Using Transition Words

This poetry resource includes 35 pages that are sure to supplement any poetry unity. There are templates for students to create poetry mini books, planning posters, publishing papers, and poem posters for each poem. Two versions of mini-book covers Full Page Graphic Organizer for Publishing Posters with poem definitions Common Core analysis for Haiku, Limerick, and Free Verse Editable template for you to add additional pages Poems in this Unit: • Haiku • Limerick • Cinquain • Free Verse • Acrostic • Couplet • Diamante Each type of poem includes: • Mini-book student copy of the definition and example of poem • Mini-book activity using the poem • Mini-book space for students to create a poem

This is a complete novel study using the book Locomotion by three time Newberry Honor winner Jacqueline Woodson. Locomotion is a Coretta Scott King Book Winner that is told in 60 poems. The poems are written through the perspective of 11-year old Lonnie who uses poetry to emote. This Novel unit has 10 additional poems embedded into the lessons and its great for not only introducing students to poetry, but also in getting them to develop their own poetry. In addition to being embedded the poems are formatted to be used as standalone resources for students. This item is also in my store if you want to preview before purchasing. Poetry Analysis Resource The entire unit focuses on the Common Core Standards and shift to getting students to use evidence from the text to defend their responses. Each lesson includes a copy of student work with answer key, vocabulary word of the day, daily exit ticket, and homework.

This is a sample from my End of Year A to Z resource pack. It includes one activity for the letters D,E,N, O, P. If you like this resource, please check my store for more the full resource!

This is a sample from my Beginning of the Year A to Z resource pack. It includes one activity for the letters B, G, H, N. Please note there are additional resources for these letters should you decided to purchase the full unit. If you like this resource, please check out the full resource with over 100 pages.