Hero image

BrainyCats Learning

Our store focuses on resources for math, ELA, and US History, for students in grades 4 - 8. Many of the resources are designed for beginning-intermediate level English Language Learners. The goal is to provide resources with simplified language that still allow students to understand grade-level academics.

Our store focuses on resources for math, ELA, and US History, for students in grades 4 - 8. Many of the resources are designed for beginning-intermediate level English Language Learners. The goal is to provide resources with simplified language that still allow students to understand grade-level academics.
Informational Text:  Friday the 13th reading passage and activities
brainycatslearningbrainycatslearning

Informational Text: Friday the 13th reading passage and activities

(0)
Are you trying to get your students to connect with what they read? This product contains an informational text about Friday the 13th and a literary non-fiction piece thatwill capture student attention and engage critical thinking. High-level comprehension questions at the end of the readings will help you assess student understanding. The informational text also has a pre-teach vocabulary worksheet that will help make content comprehensible for language learners, while the literary non-fiction has a character trait follow-up. It's everything you need for a no-prep, print-and-teach lesson that you and your students will all enjoy. CONTENTS Reading passage (single page) Comprehension questions "Think About It" questions/Exit Ticket Coloring page with make-a-word activity Vocabulary pre-teaching sheet Second reading passage (double-sided) Interactive notebook root word activity Character analysis activity Answer keys for all activities
National Poetry  Month:  Langston Hughes:  Poetry, Civil Rights, and the Harlem Renaissance
brainycatslearningbrainycatslearning

National Poetry Month: Langston Hughes: Poetry, Civil Rights, and the Harlem Renaissance

(0)
Introduce your students to Langston Hughes, one of the most influential poets of the 20th century. There are activities to guide your students through analysis of two of Hughes's poems, as well as an informational text that highlights some of the experiences that shaped him as a champion of equality and black rights. This resource, originally designed as a poetry unit for ESL students, is great for both Black History Month and National Poetry Month, but also works well for cross-curricular units involving the Harlem Renaissance and Civil Rights. Activities and suggested timeline: DAY 1: “Hold Fast to Dreams”: Two activity pages that help students analyze meaning and figurative language in “Hold Fast to Dreams” by Langston Hughes “Hold Fast to Dreams: Comprehension Questions DAY 2: Self-Reflection: Two writing prompts to get students thinking about the themes in the lesson Pre-Reading Vocabulary: Use context clues and matching to introduce students (especially English language learners) to words from the informative text. Informative Text: A text about Langston Hughes and some of the events that shaped his decision to speak out for equal rights. Comprehension questions for the Informative Text DAY 3: Pre-reading Vocabulary: A cut-match-paste activity that introduces students to some of the vocabulary in the poem “Harlem”. (Designed with beginning-intermediate English language learners in mind. Some words will seem simple to more fluent students.) “Harlem”: Students fill in missing words in the poem and answer analysis questions. “Harlem”/Figurative Language: Students examine the similes in the poem and note their reactions “Harlem” Guided Analysis: Question (loosely based on the TPCAST method of poetry analysis) guide students through a deeper examination of the poem. “Harlem” Comprehension Questions Figurative Language Wrap-Up: Students identify types of figurative language as they work to get from START to FINISH in the maze.
Fact, Opinion, and Commonplace Assertions
brainycatslearningbrainycatslearning

Fact, Opinion, and Commonplace Assertions

(0)
Students need to understand the difference between fact, opinion and commonplace assertion, so they don't fall into the trap of believing everything they read on the Internet, or hear on television or radio or podcasts. This product was designed to help students differentiate between fact and opinion, and introduce them to the idea of commonplace assertions -- those things that many people believe to be true, but really aren't. With a PowerPoint that guides both teach and students through the activities, activities that allow movement, cooperative learning opportunities, and interactive notebook suggestions, it's a two day lesson that is both engaging and valuable. This product contains the following items: PowerPoint for students that guides the lesson and activities over the two days. Card sorting Activity Give One/Get One activity Three leveled readings about Pocohontas (app. 350, 650, 1050 L) Exit ticket
Amelia Earhart's Final Flight: Informational Texts and No-Prep Activities for Women's History Month
brainycatslearningbrainycatslearning

Amelia Earhart's Final Flight: Informational Texts and No-Prep Activities for Women's History Month

(0)
This Women's History Month resource contains activities related to Amelia Earhart and her last attempt to circumnavigate the globe. It also addresses the mystery surrounding her disappearance. The activities can be used individually, or as part of a themed unit. The comprehension questions use question stems from the 7th grade STAAR test, making the readings ideal for state testing practice. The pre-reading and idiom activities are especially helpful for English language Learners. Activities included are: Pre-Reading/Amelia Earhart’s Final Flight: Students predict the topic of the reading, and complete the first two columns of a K-W-L chart, as well as an agree-disagree anticipatory set. Pre-teach Vocabulary: Amelia Earhart’s Final Flight: Students use context clues to predict meanings of unfamiliar words, then match the words with the actual meanings. “Amelia Earhart’s Final Flight” Informational Text: A three-page reading about Earhart’s final flight with focused annotation questions in the margins. Final Flight Comprehension Questions: Based on STAAR sentence stems to help students prepare for standardized testing. “What Happened to Amelia Earhart?” In formational Text: Two page informational text with focused annotation questions in the margins. The article describes some of the most popular theories about the disappearance. “What Happened?” Comprehension Questions: Based on STAAR sentence stems to help students prepare for standardized testing. Figurative Language/Flying Idioms: Students use context clues to predict the meanings of idioms using the word “fly”, then match the idiom with the actual meaning. Idiom Task Cards: These eight task cards can be used at a literacy center, or posted around the room for a classroom activity. Two types of answer sheets are provided, one with four individual answer sheets and another complete sheet which requires the student to choose an idiom to use in a sentence and to illustrate the literal and figurative meanings of one of the idioms. Amelia Earhart’s Flight Plan: Students can use Google Earth to explore the path that Earhart took and record the distance between stops. A second sheet is included so they can mark out the path on a map. Amelia’s Accomplishments: Students read a list of Earhart’s accomplishments and write responses based on their own feelings and opinions. Final Flight Word Search: Not only are word searches fun for students, they also help develop cognitive skills, like pattern recognition. In this word search, students hunt for the cities on Amelia Earhart’s final flight plan.
STAAR 7th Grade Reading Review: Poetry
brainycatslearningbrainycatslearning

STAAR 7th Grade Reading Review: Poetry

(0)
Are your students ready for the STAAR test? Help them review graphical elements, poetic technique, and more with the aid of this resource. A PowerPoint is included to guide them through note-taking, a practice poem, and independent review. This resource includes: A 25-slide PowerPoint to lead students through visual note-taking and the guided practice poem. It details how to create the visual notes, what to look for in the poem, shows possible answers for the analysis sheet, and explains answers for the comprehension questions. Two different templates for visual note-taking (great for students who were absent or who need differentiation) STARS: A poem for guided practice which includes graphical elements and poetic techniques. An analysis page for “STARS” Comprehension questions for “STARS”, using question stems from the 7th grade STAAR Reading test. WHY NOT ME?: A poem for independent practice which includes graphical elements and poetic techniques. Pre-reading Vocabulary: An activity for “Why Not Me?” which allows students practice with context clues, matching definitions, and visualizing vocabulary. An analysis page for “WHY NOT ME? ” Comprehension questions for “WHY NOT ME?”, using question stems from the 7th grade STAAR Reading test. **Teaching times will vary with the fluency and academic levels of your class. My ESL Newcomers (mainly beginning-low intermediate level) took one day to complete the visual notes; one day to read through “STARS” , discuss unfamiliar vocabulary, and identify the graphical and poetic elements; then a third day to complete the analysis sheet as a group (they did the summary square alone with sentence stems) and comprehension questions. It took them an additional two 50-minute periods to complete the independent practice activities.
7th Grade STAAR Reading Review: Drama
brainycatslearningbrainycatslearning

7th Grade STAAR Reading Review: Drama

(0)
This resource was designed for use as a review for drama questions on the 7th grade STAAR Reading test. BEFORE PURCHASING THIS PRODUCT, PLEASE REVIEW THE EXCERPT FROM "RUIN A FOOD" (with the preview files). My students enjoyed it, but it is about a food contest where competitors try to make disgusting combinations of food, so the topic may be off-putting to some groups. This resource includes: * A template for taking notes, along with a completed copy to project for the students, or to use while giving instrauctions. * PRE-READING VOCABULARY for “RUIN A FOOD”: A Frayer model activity to help familiarize students with words in the play. Two versions are available – one for ESL students which includes a spot to translate the word into their home languages, and one for General Education students. *RUIN A FOOD: A scene for guided practice which includes figurative language and stage directions. *Comprehension questions for “RUIN A FOOD”, using question stems from the 7th grade STAAR Reading test. *THE LAST STRAW: An excerpt from a drama about bullying. *Comprehension questions for “THE LAST STRAW” using question stems from the 7th grade STAAR Reading test.
Make 13:  Math Puzzles that Develop Algebraic Thinking
brainycatslearningbrainycatslearning

Make 13: Math Puzzles that Develop Algebraic Thinking

(0)
Help your students practice basic operations, sharpen their logic skills, and strengthen their problem-solving abilities with these “Make a Number” puzzles. There are thirteen different sets. Each set contains an “expert” level puzzle, a “novice” puzzle with hints, and an answer key. These puzzles are perfect for early finishers, homework, cooperative learning, extra credit, and times when you need a fun but educational activity at the end of the day of before vacations. Because they reinforce basic skills and have simple instructions, they are suitable for many grade levels, and students of varying degrees of English fluency. ” The Novice and Expert levels help you differentiate for the variety of abilities in your classroom. In addition to practice with basic number facts, the puzzles also encourage development for skills needed for algebraic thinking, such as thinking backward, solving for an unknown, and eliminating solutions.
Myths and Superstitions:  Informative Text, Reader's Theater, and Writing Activities
brainycatslearningbrainycatslearning

Myths and Superstitions: Informative Text, Reader's Theater, and Writing Activities

(0)
Everything you need for a two week reading and writing unit that includes fiction, drama, and informative text. Introduce your students to Baldur and Loki as they really were in myth, before they became Marvel characters. This product contains the following items: Suggested sequence: Two weeks worth of exit tickets Five interactive notebook pages for root words List of optional definitions for the root word sheets Root Word Fill-In worksheet Myth: Loki’s Betrayal Reader’s Theater: Loki’s Betrayal Story summary graphic organizer Comprehension questions: Loki’s Betrayal Pre-teach vocabulary: Magical Mistletoe Informational text: Magical Mistletoe Comprehension questions: Magical Mistletoe Creative Writing Prompt Expository Writing Prompt (written in the fashion of the STAAR 7th grade prompts) Guided expository pre-writing Peer and self-edit checklists Pages for rough draft and final copy
SAMPLER|  Facts, Commonplace Assertions, and Opinions
brainycatslearningbrainycatslearning

SAMPLER| Facts, Commonplace Assertions, and Opinions

(0)
With television, social media, and the internet, students have the ability to gather information almost effortlessly. But, this convenience requires an ability to discern between what is true and what is the author's opinion or a misguided belief. This sample, excerpted from a two-day lesson, includes both a reading passage and exit ticket. CONTENTS Informational text: the story of Nicholas of Patara, who may have been the man who we know today as Santa Claus. Exit ticket: a winter-themed worksheet to check your students' abilities to distinguish fact from commonplace assertions and opinions. Reading comprehension questions: assess student knowledge over the reading. PowerPoint slides: preview the longer lesson
Superstition:  Informational Text, Writing Prompt, and Word Activities
brainycatslearningbrainycatslearning

Superstition: Informational Text, Writing Prompt, and Word Activities

(0)
Challenge your students with this 1000 L reading passage about superstitions. This text can be used with students at any time of the year, but is particularly relevant when Friday the 13th rolls around. ( In 2017, there will be one in January and one in October). This product gives students an informational text to read about the superstitions, and activities that go with the reading. The no-prep format allows you to print it out and hand to the students, which also makes it ideal for days when you need an emergency lesson for a substitute. This packet contains: Frayer model to be used for a bellringer or anticipatory set (3 versions: ESL, Gen ED, and customizable)) Informational reading passage about superstitions (2 versions -- one-sheet "paper saver" and two-page "note-taker) Comprehension questions, including questions about text structure, fact vs opinion, and author’s purpose Phrase search Word Search with hidden message Superstition Acrostic Writing Prompt with Pre-writing guides and editing checklists Answer keys for all activities
Reader's Theater:  Federalists vs Anti-Federalists and Ratifying the U.S. Constitution
brainycatslearningbrainycatslearning

Reader's Theater: Federalists vs Anti-Federalists and Ratifying the U.S. Constitution

(0)
Every US History student is expected to know the names of prominent Federalists and Anti-Federalists, weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, and why we have a Bill of Rights, This fun, 20-minute reader's theater script allow students to review these concepts in a fresh, interactive way. With added bits of humor (did Patrick Henry really say, "Give me liberty or give me a side of beef?") and the constant middle-school scuffling between Alexander Hamilton and John Adams, students will see that the Founding Fathers might be a little less stuffy and a lot more interesting than first impressions might have indicated. It's the Federalists vs Anti-Federalists reader's theater that you've been waiting for! The dialogue is conversational and modern, to engage students and make the material more accessible. Contents 20- minute Reader's Theater script with 9 speaking parts Comprehension questions
STAAR 7th Grade Writing and Revision Review: Prompts and Passages
brainycatslearningbrainycatslearning

STAAR 7th Grade Writing and Revision Review: Prompts and Passages

(0)
This product was designed to help 7th grade students review for their STAAR Writing test, but would also be great throughout the year. Use it any time you need a no-prep activity for a sub or want to give your students a little extra writing practice. This resource includes: Two Revision Practice Texts: One expository (about Jackie Robinson) and one persuasive ((asking the Capitol to end the Hunger Games). Revision Questions: Each set of revision questions uses sentence stems from the STAAR. Two Writing Prompts: one about forgiveness and one about respect. Both are formatted in a manner similar to the STAAR expository writing prompt for Grade 7. Peer/Self Editing Checklists Final Draft Lined Paper: Based on the format of the STAAR lined paper. Suggested Timeline for Review
ESL New Beginnings: First Day of School Activities
brainycatslearningbrainycatslearning

ESL New Beginnings: First Day of School Activities

(0)
Having a student who is both new to the United States and new to the English language can be a little daunting for teachers. This resource, which I’ve used with my 7th and 8th grade Newcomers classes, is full of ideas, activities, and word work for the first day of school. The focus is to make the students comfortable, help them get to know some of their classmates, and teach them enough English language to have their basic needs met while at school. CONTENTS INCLUDE: Stuffed Animal Name Toss: a fun game that’s sure to get even the most frightened student smiling. Survival Language: A classroom poster (offered in both in color and in black and white) to help students remember how to make basic requests to use the restroom and get a drink of water, as well as ask for directions to the bus and to the cafeteria. Hang on the wall, or give a copy to each student for reference. Survival Language Activity Sheet: Using the Survival Language sheet, students will practice reading the questions, matching the symbols with the questions, and writing the questions. Nametag Template: Students can fold the paper in half to make a standing name tag with their name and illustrations of their favorite sport and favorite food.
Digital/Print ESCAPE ROOM/ Dia de los Muertos Informational Text and Activities
brainycatslearningbrainycatslearning

Digital/Print ESCAPE ROOM/ Dia de los Muertos Informational Text and Activities

(0)
Escape rooms harness the natural competitive nature of middle-school students to encourage them to work cooperatively and to use critical thinking and comprehension skills to complete a series of tasks which allow them to succeed. This product features an informational text about Día de los Muertos, along with comprehension questions and vocabulary matching. The vocabulary matching allows bilingual and English language learners a chance to take the lead in the problem solving. There are also two additional puzzles that students must solve in order to escape the room. The product gives both digital and non-digital options, or a combination of both. To use the digital version, students (or each group of students) need access to a device that has Internet capabilities. The teacher gives students a link to a private website that requires them to read and search for clues to unlock four different types of locks. The non-digital option allows the teacher to print out the reading passage and puzzles and give one set to each student, or each group of students. The students can then go to the website to enter their answers, or simply write the lock codes down on their response sheet for easy checking . The packet also includes an optional certificate that can be given to successful students.
7th Grade STAAR Reading Review: Literary Non-fiction
brainycatslearningbrainycatslearning

7th Grade STAAR Reading Review: Literary Non-fiction

(0)
If you live in Texas, all roads lead to the STAAR test. This resource, which contains two original reading passages, will engage your students and help them review literary non-fiction as we head into our end-of-the-year testing season. It's also great as an introductory unit earlier in the year. This resource focuses on Literary Non-Fiction. The TEKS reviewed are : 7.2A Latin roots and affixes 7.3 Author’s message or theme 7.7 Inferences and conclusions about organization, characterization, and specific details. Fig 19E Text summary 7.8 Sensory language and mood. Contents include: PowerPoint presentation Visual notes template Reading Passage for guided practice: Candle in the Darkness Four Square Follow-Up Reading Comprehension Questions (using STAAR stems) Reading Passage for Independent Practice: Papa Frankenstein Four Square Follow-Up Reading Comprehension Questions (using STAAR stems) NOTE: I marked this unit as lasting three days. With my Newcomer ESL students (beginning - intermediate fluency), it was actually four days just for the guided practice. The visual notes took one day, the guided annotation took two days, and the follow-up and comprehension questions took one day.
Inauguration Day: Informational Text and No-Prep Activities
brainycatslearningbrainycatslearning

Inauguration Day: Informational Text and No-Prep Activities

(0)
UPDATED ON JANUARY 21, 2017. Update includes a second informational text that focuses specifically on President Trump's Inauguration day. This resource contains informational texts, , critical thinking activities, word puzzles and other fun activities for January 20 or any unit involving the election process in the US. Teach your students about the peaceful transfer of power in the US every four years with these fun and educational no-prep activities. Included in this resource: Inauguration Day Informational text (2 levels)-- Unexpected at the Inauguration -- odd things that have ahppened over the years Inauguration Day 2017-- informational text about Donald Trump's Inauguration Day and address Comprehension questions for all informational texts Presidential Word Search Oath of Office Word Cross Presidential Birthplace Hunt Presidential Birthplace Mapping Activity Inauguration Alphabet Challenge Inauguration Acrostic and coloring page Create-Your-Own Oath of Office and coloring page Answer keys
Super Bowl 2018:  Informational Text and No-Prep Activities
brainycatslearningbrainycatslearning

Super Bowl 2018: Informational Text and No-Prep Activities

(0)
This resource includes an assortment of math, reading, writing and critical thinking activities, all involving different aspects of the 52st Super Bowl on February 4, 2018. It's perfect for upper elementary and middle school students who need activities that allow them to review concepts while engaging them with the excitement of the big game. Activities include: Logic Puzzle: use the clues to figure out the team mascot and average points per game for four new teams that entered the NFL in 2034. Informational Text: The Pope of Football. The Super Bowl trophy is named after coach Vince Lombardi. This informational text details events from Lombardi’s life. Comprehension questions for “The Pope of Football”. Two Word Searches with Hidden Messages featuring the Eagles and Patriots starting players Make the Score: Students must figure out what combination of touchdowns, field goals, and point after touchdowns resulted in a given score. Did They Make the First Down? Students read a scenario and must determine if the team was able to move the ball at least ten yards in four plays. Great practice for integer addition! Scrambled Mascots and Cities: Students unscramble place names and mascots and match them together in this fun word puzzle. Predictions: Students use statistics from this year’s Super Bowl teams to predict the winner and final score of the big game. Students are also given sentence starters to justify their predictions. Create Your Own Team: Students can take a break from calculations and reading and exercise their creativity by creating a team name, choosing team colors, and creating a logo to put on their team helmet. Expository Prompt: Students write an expository prompt in response to one of Vince Lombardi’s quotes. A prompt analysis, pre-writing activity, rough draft, editing and final draft sheet are included. Answer keys for all activities ********** Looking for Informational Texts with comprehension questions and no-prep activities with the same theme? Need a last-minute lesson for your sub> Looking for a way to perk up your students on Friday afternoon with some engaging and educational activities? Check out some of these products: Myth and Superstition : Informational Text, Readers Theater, and More Benjamin Franklin: Informational Text and No-Prep Activities
Supporting Evidence: Powerpoint Lesson, Reading, and Activities (TEKS 7.11A)
brainycatslearningbrainycatslearning

Supporting Evidence: Powerpoint Lesson, Reading, and Activities (TEKS 7.11A)

(0)
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Knowing how to identify the different types of supporting evidence not only allows students to analyze speeches, but also aides them in their own writing. The activities in this resource were designed to help middle school students (including ESL Newcomers) differentiate between quotes, facts, statistics, and examples. This resource includes: Lesson Guide: use this PowerPoint to walk your students through each step of the lesson. Notes Page Connections page: an activity that allows your students to connect the examples from the notes page with the definitions of each type of evidence. Give One/Get One activity: Students pair up with several different classmates throughout the activity to identify different types of evidence. Talking Head: Assess student knowledge with this activity that requires them to create their own examples of each type of evidence for a central argument of their choice. Service Dogs Informational Text and Comprehension Questions: Two levels of the same policy speech are included, along with comprehension questions, to be used as a post-assessment. ****** Check out my store for more ELA products including: 100TH Day of School with Benjamin Franklin: Informational Text and No-Prep Activities Myths and Superstitions: Informative Text, Reader's Theater, and Writing Activities Fact, Opinion, and Commonplace Assertions: Informational Text and Activities
100TH Day of School with Benjamin Franklin: Informational Text and No-Prep Activities
brainycatslearningbrainycatslearning

100TH Day of School with Benjamin Franklin: Informational Text and No-Prep Activities

(0)
This Benjamin Franklin - inspired twist on the more traditional observation of the 100th day of school, gives your middle school students a little education with their fun. (Or, maybe, a little fun with their education!). The no-prep activities in this packet all have to do with the $100 bill and Benjamin Franklin, and differentiated levels make them are suitable for 5th -8th graders. There is also a self-reflection journal that allows students to analyze their performance in the first 100 days. This 100th day, make it all about the Benjamin Franklins! Activities included are: Math word problems with answer keys. (Two sets: one with one-step problems and one with two-step problems) Informational Text: Text about Franklin’s accomplishments. Two different reading levels (app. 600 and 900) with comprehension questions. $100 Words: Find out how much your name is worth, and try to discover some $100 words. Franklin Quote Completion Challenge: Let your students step into Benjamin Franklin’s shoes and dispense words of wisdom based on his well-known quotes. Quote match: After coming up with their own endings to the quotes, students can try to match the actual beginnings and endings. Quote- Libs: Like the popular story fill-in game, but with Franklin-inspired quotations Creative Writing Prompt: What would you do if you found $100? Find the Difference: Examine twelve $100 bills and find the one that is not like the rest Find the Match: Examine twelve $100 bills and find the two that are identical. Reflection on the First 100 Days: Students think about what they’ve accomplished in the first 100 days, and what they would like to accomplish before the end of school.
Pi Day 2017: No-Prep Art, Math, Figurative Language and Writing Activities
brainycatslearningbrainycatslearning

Pi Day 2017: No-Prep Art, Math, Figurative Language and Writing Activities

(0)
Celebrate Pi Day with these fun, no-prep activities that focus on the number (and its homophone) in a variety of ways that will engage and educate your elementary, middle, and even high school students. Activities in this resource:Activities in this resource: Agamograph: This engaging art project shows the word and symbol for Π when viewed from one angle, and the approximation 3.14 when viewed from another. Discovering Pi: Students measure the diameter and circumference of circles to determine the value of pi for themselves, them use their discovered value to predict the circumference of a circle they draw. Pie Idioms: Students use context clues to predict the meaning of idioms that include the word “pie” Hidden Message Pi Word Search: Students find the names of people throughout history who worked on calculating the value of pi. When they are done, the unused letters will reveal a quotation about pi. Uncovering Pi: Use PEMDAS to find the first ten digits of pi. Memorizing Pi: Create a story to help memorize the first ten digits of pi.