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Windows into Literature

I have twelve years of teaching experience, seven of which were high school English here in the States. I have taught a mixture of special education and regular education classes. In addition to my experience here, I taught upper elementary and middle school Language Arts abroad for two years. I have my Masters in Education with an emphasis on Secondary (9-12) English. I also have my K-12 Special Education license.

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I have twelve years of teaching experience, seven of which were high school English here in the States. I have taught a mixture of special education and regular education classes. In addition to my experience here, I taught upper elementary and middle school Language Arts abroad for two years. I have my Masters in Education with an emphasis on Secondary (9-12) English. I also have my K-12 Special Education license.
Greek and Latin Roots Unit
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Greek and Latin Roots Unit

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Teaching Greek and Latin roots? This product has everything you need to cover 50 of the most common roots that make up the English language. What you get: ❖ a 51-slide PowerPoint presentation including one slide for each word. Slides include the definition of the root as well as three examples of words containing the root and their definitions ❖ a 63-page PDF file with student note pages, one for each root. Student note pages include: definition; examples from PowerPoint; space for students to research their own words containing the root; a space to illustrate one of the words; using one of the words in a sentence; determining and explaining the connotation of one of the words. Also included are exercises for each list as well as two quizzes - one for Lists 1-5 and one for Lists 6-10 ❖ a 12-page PDF answer key for list exercises and quizzes
The Birthmark Unit Plan
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The Birthmark Unit Plan

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This resource includes everything you need to teach one of Nathaniel Hawthorne’smost famous short stories - “The Birthmark”. One of the masters of the Gothic literature genre, Hawthorne is often a staple in English literature courses. His short story “The Birthmark” - a cautionary tale of the consequences of seeking perfection - is a perfect introduction to this genre. This resource can be used as a stand-alone lesson or as part of a larger short stories and/or Gothic literature unit. Don’t have time to cover everything? Use the handouts that align with the focus of your unit. Included in this resource: ❊ Suggested lesson plan ❊ American Gothicism and Nathaniel Hawthorne introduction PowerPoint ❊ 2 versions of guided notes ❊ Vocabulary handouts: 3 different handouts that cover 12 words from the text → Context Clues: Students use context clues to determine the meaning of the words and then compare their definitions to the actual definitions → Exercises: Match the vocabulary words to their synonyms; complete the sentences using the correct vocabulary word; write a paragraph using the vocabulary words → Quiz: Match vocabulary words and definitions; choose the correct word for provided synonyms; write an original paragraph using the vocabulary words ❊ Five key focus handouts: →Plot: answer plot-based questions and complete a plot diagram → Characterization: Review direct and indirect characterization. Examine four excerpts, determining which type of characterization is used and explaining what it reveals. Includes handout for Aylmer and Georgiana → Symbolism: review four symbols and provide an explanation of the symbol. Then, write a short paragraph describing Hawthorne’s use of symbolism. → Gothic Elements: Determine which Gothic elements are present. Write a paragraph arguing whether or not “The Birthmark” should be considered a Gothic text. → Topics and Themes: Examine how the text treats five topics; create a thematic statement; complete a theme development paragraph (includes scaffolded and non-scaffolded versions) ❊ Two grammar focus handouts: → Sentence Types: Review the four types of sentences; determine the type of sentence for ten excerpts from text; mark independent and dependent clauses. → Parallelism: Review parallelism and four types of parallelism problems. Identify parallelism in five excerpts. Rewrite three sentences without parallelism. ❊ Suggested answer key
"The Veldt" Ray Bradbury Short Story Lesson Plan
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"The Veldt" Ray Bradbury Short Story Lesson Plan

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If your students are obsessed with their technology, then they need to read Ray Bradbury’s “The Veldt”. This dystopian short story addresses what happens when people get too attached to their devices. What’s included in “The Veldt” Lesson Plan: Daily Teacher Notes: notes for 5 days of lessons. Each day includes pre-reading, whole-class instruction, and independent practice suggestions as well as materials needed and standards addressed. Teacher Notes - Background: Summary of the story and breakdown of text complexity Anticipation Guide: Students respond to 8 questions and explain their answers to three of them. After reading, students revisit the anticipation guide and analyze one statement in light of the text. Pre-Reading Vocabulary Practice: Use context clues to define 4 words. Then, write a paragraph using the words. Annotations Directions & Key: Have students practice close reading skills by annotating as they read. Includes key for various annotations. Note: Due to copyright laws, the full text is not included in this resource. A link to a PDF version is provided. Plot: complete a plot diagram 2 ways to practice skills Text-dependent questions and quote analysis Key focus handouts 8 Key Focus handouts 1. Literary devices: review allusions, figurative language, and imagery 2. Conflict: Review the 4 types of conflict. Includes 2 versions of student handouts for differentiation 3. Characterization: Review 2 types of characterization. Includes 2 versions of student handouts for differentiation 4. Quote Analysis: Examine 4 quotes. Provide: speaker, context, and significance 5. Diction: Examine 5 excerpts. Highlight examples of strong diction. Provide connotation. 6. Topics and Themes: Analyze how six topics are addressed in the text. Then, choose one to write a theme development analysis paragraph. Includes scaffolded outline with sentence starters for struggling students 7. Argue Your Point: Students chose one of two prompts and write an argumentative paragraph Film Comparision Venn Diagram Multiple-choice quiz: characterization, inferences, vocabulary, point of view, and more 4 Optional Extensions: 2 videos and 2 articles. Include links, discussion questions, and extension tasks and/or debate topics Suggested answer key Fillable PDF for online completion Check out what other teachers are saying: ❤ “My kids love that they can fill in these worksheets digitally! I appreciate the visually-appealing, organized layout. Each literary device is clearly explained with opportunities to practice text analysis. The answer key is thorough and helpful. Thanks!” ❤ “This was a great resource for my students. My campus uses the HyFlex model, so we have in-person, blended, and online learners using the same resources. It was easy to use and the materials worked well in my Google Classroom.”
The Great Gatsby Novel Workbook
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The Great Gatsby Novel Workbook

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F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic work The Great Gatsby is considered to be one of the great American novels - the embodiment of the Lost Generation and the American Dream. Teaching this novel but tired of worksheets with basic comprehension questions? This workbook is for you. Designed to make students think, this 18-page resource is full of questions to challenge your students. This resource includes 2 PDFs: a print version and a fillable version that can be uploaded into the LMS of your choice for students to complete electronically. What you get: Section Pages: Each section comes with a two-page spread. These pages include a variety of activities, such as vocabulary, figurative language, reading comprehension questions, characterization, quote analysis, and more. Many questions are open-ended and require students to dig deeper rather than just regurgitate basic facts; the focus here is on higher-order thinking questions. Suggested Answer Key: A completed workbook with suggested answers. Since many of the questions in the workbook are designed to make students think and justify their responses, the provided answers are not intended to be the only ones, but rather to serve as a starting point for responses.
"The Most Dangerous Game" Digital Escape Room
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"The Most Dangerous Game" Digital Escape Room

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Looking for a fun, engaging way to review Richard Connell’s classic short story “The Most Dangerous Game”? Your students will love this digital escape room. Students play at Sanger Rainsford, rushing to solve a set of puzzles to help them escape General Zaroff and his Ship Trap Island. This is a no-prep activity. All you need to do is share the link by posting it in your online classroom or on your whiteboard, or printing out the QR code. Then, simply set the students free. Escape rooms allow students to review texts without boring study guides. Students will rely on their knowledge of the text and use logic to solve five tasks: Task 1: Plot -> Students determine the correct order of eight plot points. The correct order becomes the code for this task. Task 2: Characters-> Match descriptions and quotes to one of the four characters. Unscramble the shaded letters to unlock the code. Task 3: Figurative Language Puzzle -> Determine the type of figurative language being used to work through the maze. Task 4: Cryptogram -> Use clues gathered throughout the other tasks to decipher an encrypted message. Task 5: Close Reading -> Read four passages and answer multiple-choice questions. Unscramble the letters to unlock the code. Includes three versions: Interactive ThingLink presentation - embedded Google Slides means no forced copies! Google Sites: Students make a copy of each task before completing it. Microsoft OneNote: Students download a copy of the notebook on their devices and complete the tasks. Note: The Google Sites version requires students to access Google apps with a Google sign-in. Prior to purchasing this resource, please make sure your school doesn’t block: Google Sites, Google Slides, or Google Forms; Microsoft OneNote; ThingLink.com **
All Quiet on the Western Front Novel Workbook
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All Quiet on the Western Front Novel Workbook

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Teaching this novel but tired of worksheets with basic comprehension questions? This workbook is for you. Designed to make students think, this 56-page resource is full of questions and activities to challenge your students and help them make connections to other texts as well as their own lives. What you get: Erich Maria Remarque Biography: One-page biography of the author to give students a little background on the man behind the novel. World War I Timeline: Two-page timeline of major battles and other events in World War I. This gives students an idea of the progression of events. Anticipation Guide: Students will respond to ten statements, rating each from “Strongly Agree” to “Strongly Disagree”. Each statement addresses a topic or idea that will be explored in detail during reading. Students can revisit this guide after reading to see if their opinions have changed. The anticipation guide can also be used as a writing prompt, where students have to justify their response(s). Chapter Pages: Each chapter comes with a two-page spread. These pages include a variety of activities, such as vocabulary, figurative language, reading comprehension questions, characterization, quote analysis, and more. Many questions are open-ended and require students to dig deeper rather than just regurgitate basic facts; the focus here is on higher-order thinking questions. Plot Diagram: A blank plot diagram for students to complete as they read or after finishing the novel. Symbolism: A chart where students can track the symbolism in the novel and discuss the role of each symbol. Topics and Themes: A two-page activity that allows students to explore five topics found in the novel and craft a thematic statement for each. Students then choose one topic and thematic statement and write a paragraph response. World War I Poetry: Four of the most well-known poems from World War I- “Break of Day in the Trenches”, “Dulce et Decorum Est”, “The Rear-Guard”, and “In Flanders Fields”. These pages include the full text of the poem as well as questions for each poem. Students can simply answer these questions or can annotate the poems for other elements as the teacher sees fit. Picture Mapping Project: Instructions for a picture mapping project. Here, students identify key details from the novel, decide what image(s) symbolize these details, and gather them together to create a statement about the world outside of the text. Similar to a one-pager. Mini-lesson on rhetorical devices: A PowerPoint presentation on logos, ethos, and pathos, complete with student guided notes. Propaganda Poster Activities: Links to several websites full of propaganda posters from World War I (actual posters not included due to copyright laws). Students will use the Propaganda Poster Analysis handout to analyze a poster (or posters). Students will then create their own propaganda posters. A sample rubric for this project is included.
The Canterbury Tales Character Graphic Organizers
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The Canterbury Tales Character Graphic Organizers

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Teaching Chaucer’s influential The Canterbury Tales? Looking for a visually appealing and engaging way to keep track of the pilgrims mentioned in the Prologue? The Canterbury Tales Character Graphic Organizers are perfect for you. This resource was created to provide students a way to track the different pilgrims described in the Prologue. Students will provide a physical description, characteristics, historical role, and class for each character. Research shows that students retain more information when they are able to incorporate both written and visual cues. These graphic organizers provide students the ability to do this through visually appealing text boxes and character outlines that can be colored in. The Canterbury Tales Character Graphic Organizers include: Full page organizer for 20 pilgrims PDF version with black and white and colored versions Also fillable to allow for digital completion Digital version (compatible with Google Slides) Perfect for small groups or independent practice. Assign each student/group a pilgrim to complete and teach to the class. Note: The digital version of this resource requires students to have a Google account. You will be asked to make a copy of the slides to add to your own Google account. From there you can share via the LMS of your choice. Copyright Windows into Literature Terms of Use: This product is for individual single classroom use only. Copying, altering, redistributing, editing, or re-selling anything from this product is strictly forbidden. Use in multiple classrooms requires the purchase of additional licenses.
The Black Cat Lesson Plan
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The Black Cat Lesson Plan

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Teaching Poe’s classic short story “The Black Cat”? Practice close reading with these focused handouts. “The Black Cat” Unit Plan resource includes everything you need to cover this short story by the master of suspense - Edgar Allan Poe. No prep needed - just print and go! Lead your students through an introduction to Edgar Allan Poe and several focused close reading handouts. Each handout zooms in on a specific literary device to help students hone their skills in each area. Every page can be used individually, allowing you to reinforce the specific skills you’re studying at the time. Need a quick lesson to fill in some gaps? Use just the vocabulary and reading questions. Want to expand your discussion of the story and delve a little deeper? Use any (or all) supplemental activities to get students thinking about specific aspects of the text. What’s included: Poe introduction Prezi (including link, offline version, and PDF version) Fill-in-the-blank notes for introduction material Vocabulary practice (context clues, Frayer models, practice exercises, and quiz) Four key focus handouts Three writing extensions with sample rubric Suggested answer keys Key focus handouts include: Reading comprehension - characterization, theme, mood, and more Plot diagram Conflict - Examine five passages. Identify the type of conflict and explain. Narrator Reliability - Determine if the narrator is reliable and provide textual evidence Suspense - Provide textual evidence as well as how the excerpt contributes to the suspense, mood, plot, and/or theme. TEACHERS LIKE YOU SAID… 5 STARS - Theresa says, “ “The Black Cat" Is one of Poe’s more challenging stories, but this has made it easier for my struggling freshmen. The bio Prezi is incredible! My kids all agreed the vocabulary work helped them understand the text much better. Great purchase for us!"
"I Have a Dream" Rhetorical Analysis Mini Flip Book
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"I Have a Dream" Rhetorical Analysis Mini Flip Book

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Martin Luther King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech is full of rhetorical devices. Use this mini flipbook to examine and analyze some of these devices. Mini flipbooks are engaging twists on the traditional worksheet. Simply print, cut, and staple. Flipbooks can be used separately or as part of an interactive notebook. Tabs include: ➳ Glossary of rhetorical devices ➳ Rhetorical devices chart: Students close read the speech for various rhetorical devices and analyze the effect of the device on the speech. ➳ Rhetorical pyramid: Complete the rhetorical pyramid using the three appeals: ethos, pathos, and logos ➳ Rhetorical precis: Write a rhetorical precis, or analytical summary, of the speech. A format is provided. ➳SOAPSTone analysis chart
The Fall of the House of Usher Lesson Plan
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The Fall of the House of Usher Lesson Plan

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This resource includes everything you need to teach one of Edgar Allan Poe’s most famous short stories - “The Fall of the House of Usher”. One of the masters of the Gothic literature genre, Poe is often a staple in English literature courses. His short story “The Fall of the House of Usher” - a tale of an isolated family and a decaying house - is a perfect introduction to this genre. This resource can be used as a stand-alone lesson or as part of a larger short stories and/or Gothic literature unit. Don’t have time to cover everything? Use the handouts that align with the focus of your unit. Included in this resource: ❊ Suggested lesson plan ❊ Edgar Allan Poe introduction Prezi (including a link, offline version, and PDF version - for those inevitable days when technology doesn’t work) ❊ Prezi guided notes ❊ Vocabulary handouts: 3 different handouts that cover 10 words from the text → Context Clues: Students use context clues to determine the meaning of the words and then compare their definitions to the actual definitions → Exercises: Match the vocabulary words to their synonyms; complete the sentences using the correct vocabulary word; write a paragraph using the vocabulary words → Quiz: Match vocabulary words and definitions; choose the correct word for provided synonyms; write an original paragraph using the vocabulary words ❊ Five key focus handouts: →Plot: answer plot-based questions and complete a plot diagram → Symbolism: review six symbols and provide an explanation of the symbol. Then, write a short paragraph describing Poe's use of symbolism. → Narrator Reliability: Review traits of reliable and unreliable then determine which the narrator of "The Fall of the House of Usher" is → Gothic Elements: Review elements of Gothic literature and find examples of each within the text → Topics and Themes: Examine how the text treats seven topics; create a thematic statement; complete a theme development paragraph (includes scaffolded and non-scaffolded versions) ❊ Writing Extensions ❊ Two grammar focus handouts: → Sentence Types: Review the four types of sentences; determine the type of sentence for ten excerpts from text; mark independent and dependent clauses. → Parallelism: Review parallelism and four types of parallelism problems. Identify parallelism in five excerpts. Rewrite three sentences without parallelism. ❊ Suggested answer key
The Most Dangerous Game Lesson Plan
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The Most Dangerous Game Lesson Plan

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Teaching Richard Connell’s famous story “The Most Dangerous Game”? Use this resource to review literary devices, focus on plot, characterization, and conflict, and more. This resource can be used as a stand-alone or part of a short stories unit. Included are: ✺ Suggested lesson plan for pre, during, and post-reading ✺ Vocabulary - using context clues and vocabulary exercises ✺ Literary Terms: Use the included PowerPoint to review six literary terms: mood; simile; metaphor; point of view; protagonist; and antagonist ✺ Key Focus: Plot - two pages of reading comprehension questions and a plot diagram ✺ Key Focus: Characterization - Determine if passages are examples of direct or indirect characterization as well as what they reveal about the character. ✺ Key Focus: Conflict - Review the four types of conflict and determine which is being used in each passage ✺ Figurative Language Scavenger Hunt - Identify examples of figurative language and search the text for examples of the terms given ✺ Extension Activities - Choose from three extension activities. Includes suggested rubrics ✺ Suggested answer key - Since many questions require students to provide textual evidence and their own analysis, these answers should be viewed as starting points.
Complex & Compound-Complex Sentences Unit
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Complex & Compound-Complex Sentences Unit

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Do your students struggle with identifying complex and compound-complex sentences? Looking for a quick review of these two foundational sentence structure types? Review and practice with the Complex, Compound-Complex Sentences Structure Unit. Designed to provide a quick review of simple and compound sentences, this resource covers definitions and allows for practice. **What’s included in the Complex, Compound-Complex Sentences Structure Unit: ** Pretest and Posttest PowerPoint presentation 3 versions of student visual notes Cornell Notes Practice worksheet Google Slides version of the presentation and all handouts Fillable PDF version for electronic completion **3 versions of student visual handouts: ** Version A: completed notes for students who struggle with note-taking Version B: partially completed notes for students who need some scaffolding Version C: blank notes for students who don’t require scaffolding **Presentation includes: ** Independent and dependent clauses Complex and compound-complex sentences Definitions Examples Practice sentences
The Tempest Act 1, Scene 1 Close Readings
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The Tempest Act 1, Scene 1 Close Readings

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Teaching Shakespeare’s The Tempest? Looking for a way for students to practice annotating and close reading in Act I, scene i? If so, then this no prep resource is for you. This resource includes: ❊ Shakespeare’s Language handout: Review some key facts about Shakespeare’s language as well as commonly used terms found in Act I, scene i. ❊ Vocabulary: Students define seven vocabulary words from the scene, provide the connotation of the word, and explain their reasoning behind the connotation. ❊ AnnotationDirections: An annotation key is provided to help students differentiate between their markings and develop a clear focus for annotating. ❊ Full text with wide margins: Plenty of room is provided for students to annotate on both sides of the text. Use the left side of summaries and the right side for questions, literary devices, and more. ❊ Reading question: Nine short answer questions requiring students to make inferences, predictions, and provide textual evidence. ❊ Standards Alignment chart: Provides astandard for each of the reading questions. (Based on the CCSS standards) ❊Suggested Answer Key: Since annotation can be subjective, the annotations included are samples. Sample responses are also included for the short answer questions.
Marigolds by Eugenia Collier - Close Reading
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Marigolds by Eugenia Collier - Close Reading

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Teaching Eugenia Collier’s “Marigolds”? Practice close reading with these focused handouts. This “Marigolds” Close Reading resource includes seven student worksheets. No prep necessary - just print and go! Lead your students through several close reading focus handouts. Each handout zooms in on a specific literary device to help students hone their skills in each area. Every page can be used individually, allowing you to reinforce the specific skills you’re studying at the time. What’s included: Seven key focus handouts Fillable PDF - perfect for 1:1 classrooms and/or remote completion Suggested answer key Key Focus handouts include: Reading comprehension - literary terms, tone, mood, summary, and more! Character study - Lizbeth - Read four excerpts. Determine the type of characterization and what the excerpt reveals about Lizbeth. Figurative language - Identify the type of figurative language being used in five excerpts and explain how each contributes to the text. Symbolism - Examine three passages that reference marigolds. Determine the symbolism behind the flower. Conflict - Review the four types of conflict. Identify the type of conflict being used in four excerpts and how the conflict impacts the text. Theme - Analyze five excerpts, noting how Lizbeth’s actions change throughout the course of the text. Write a thematic statement. TEACHERS LIKE YOU SAID… 5 Stars: Samantha says, “I had my students annotate the text and used this to check how much they understood. The questions are varied and cover a good amount of literary elements.” 5 Stars: Katherine says, “Fantastic! Exactly what I’ve been looking for to freshen up my 9th grade curriculum!”
"The Most Dangerous Game" Digital Lesson Plan
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"The Most Dangerous Game" Digital Lesson Plan

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Teaching Richard Connell’s famous story “The Most Dangerous Game”? Looking to help your students dig deeper into the text? Then “The Most Dangerous Game” Digital Lesson Plan is for you! Review literary devices, plot, characterization, conflict, and more. A suspenseful story of cat-and-mouse, “The Most Dangerous Game” has long been a staple in English classes. Designed to help students close read for various literary devices, this resource can be used as a stand-alone lesson plan or as part of a short stories unit. Perfect for 1:1 classrooms. Simply create a copy and upload into the LMS of your choice. Students type directly into colored boxes. What’s included in “The Most Dangerous Game” Digital Lesson Plan: Suggested lesson plan with activities for pre-reading, during reading, and post-reading Vocabulary Literary terms review: review mood, simile, metaphor, point of view, protagonist, and antagonist Four key focus handouts Extension activities Full text with embedded questions Suggested answer key Key Focus handouts: Plot: Answer reading comprehension questions and complete a plot diagram. Characterization: Determine if the passages are examples of direct or indirect characterization. Explain what each passage reveals about the character. Conflict: Review the four types of conflict and determine which is being used in each passage. Figurative Language Scavenger Hunt: Identify examples of figurative language and search the text for examples of various figurative language terms Extension Activities: R.A.F.T Essay: Write a letter in a bottle detailing the events of the island Invention: Create an invention that Rainsford could have used to escape the island Ship Trap Island Map: Create a detailed map of the island.
Romeo & Juliet Character Analysis Mini Flip Books
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Romeo & Juliet Character Analysis Mini Flip Books

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Looking for an engaging way to help students analyze characters in Romeo and Juliet? Mini flip books to the rescue! These Romeo and Juliet Character Analysis Organizers, Mini Flip Books will help students not only keep track of all characters, but also provide examples of characterization, theme, and more. A play of forbidden love, loyalty, and reckless decisions, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, long a staple in ELA classrooms, still resonates with teenagers nearly 400 years after its publication. Created with the reluctant learner in mind, these mini flip books provide quick and easy practice in analyzing key characters. What’s included in the Romeo and Juliet Character Analysis Organizers, Mini Flip Books: Two mini flip books: Main characters and minor characters Main characters: ▶ Romeo ▶ Juliet ▶ Tybalt ▶ Mercutio ▶ Friar ▶ Nurse Minors characters: ▶ Benvolio ▶ Montague ▶ Lady Montague ▶ Capulet ▶ Lady Capulet ▶ Prince Each Romeo and Juliet Character Analysis Mini Flip Book includes: Background: What is known about the character Quote Analysis: Choose one quote that best exemplifies the character and analyze for its impact on the text Theme: Explain how the character’s actions help develop the theme Characterization: Provide examples of direct and indirect characterization Characterization: Determine if each character is static, dynamic, round, or flat and explain Easy to assemble. Cut along the dotted lines and then staple pages together along the left margin. Mini flip books are the perfect size for interactive notebooks.
Romanticism & Transcendentalism Introduction, Visual Notes
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Romanticism & Transcendentalism Introduction, Visual Notes

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Looking for an engaging way to introduce Romanticism and Transcendentalism to your students? This American Literary Periods: Romanticism, Transcendentalism Introduction presentation and visual notes resource is a great addition to any American Literature course. Research shows that students retain more information when visuals are combined with words. The more students make connections between graphics and written notes, the stronger their ability to apply information becomes. This resource was created to provide background knowledge that will be useful as students tackle a staple unit in any American Literature curriculum - Romanticism and Transcendentalism. Visual notes as well as Cornell notes are included to take away any prep work and allow students to focus on the material at hand. Included in this resource: PowerPoint presentation with a timeline of important events and literary works as well as additional information about Romanticism, Dark Romanticism, and Transcendentalism. 3 versions of student handouts: 1. Version A: completed notes for students who struggle with note-taking 2. Version B: partially completed notes for students who need some scaffolding 3. Version C: blank notes for students who don’t require scaffolding Cornell notes version interactive ThingLink version - perfect for individual exploration of the topic provides the same information as the PowerPoint, with additional links to external websites and texts Note: Make sure that ThingLink.com is not blocked by your school district if you intend to use the interactive version.
The Great Gatsby Digital Escape Room
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The Great Gatsby Digital Escape Room

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Scott Fitzgerald’s classic work The Great Gatsby is considered to be one of the great American novels - the embodiment of the Lost Generation and the American Dream. Looking for a fun and engaging way to review this classic novel? Then this escape room is for you :) Students will access the digital escape room through a Google Site. There’s no need to create copies of anything - everything is embedded in the presentation. There’s also a printable student response sheet that can be used to record answers to the locks. Tasks include: ✺ Plot - determine the order of the eight plot points ✺ Characters - match the character to his or her description ✺ Budget - convert the Fitzgerald’s 1923 monthly budget to today’s money ✺ Setting - discover the real-life locations that served as inspiration for East and West Eggs ✺ Quotes - solve the cryptogram to decipher three quotes
"The Most Dangerous Game" Escape Room
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"The Most Dangerous Game" Escape Room

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Looking for a fun, engaging way to review Richard Connell’s classic short story “The Most Dangerous Game”? Your students will love this escape room. Students play at Sanger Rainsford, rushing to solve a set of puzzles to help them escape General Zaroff and his Ship Trap Island. Students can work at their desks to solve all puzzles or can rotate around the room. Great for a little friendly competition between groups. Included: Five core tasks: plot, characters, figurative language, cryptogram, and close reading with instructions and clues Station cards Student answer sheet Answer key Teacher instructions
The Fall of the House of Usher DIGITAL AND PRINT
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The Fall of the House of Usher DIGITAL AND PRINT

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This resource includes everything you need to teach one of Edgar Allan Poe’s most famous short stories - “The Fall of the House of Usher”. One of the masters of the Gothic literature genre, Poe is often a staple in English literature courses. His short story “The Fall of the House of Usher” - a tale of an isolated family and a decaying house - is a perfect introduction to this genre. This resource can be used as a stand-alone lesson or as part of larger short stories and/or Gothic literature units. Don’t have time to cover everything? Use the handouts that align with the focus of your unit. Included in this resource: ❊ Suggested lesson plan ❊ Edgar Allan Poe introduction Prezi (including a link, offline version, and PDF version - for those inevitable days when technology doesn’t work) ❊ Prezi guided notes ❊ Vocabulary handouts: 3 different handouts that cover 10 words from the text → Context Clues: Students use context clues to determine the meaning of the words and then compare their definitions to the actual definitions → Exercises: Match the vocabulary words to their synonyms; complete the sentences using the correct vocabulary word; write a paragraph using the vocabulary words → Quiz: Match vocabulary words and definitions; choose the correct word for provided synonyms; write an original paragraph using the vocabulary words ❊ Five key focus handouts: →Plot: answer plot-based questions and complete a plot diagram → Symbolism: review six symbols and provide an explanation of the symbol. Then, write a short paragraph describing Poe’s use of symbolism. → Narrator Reliability: Review traits of reliable and unreliable then determine which the narrator of “The Fall of the House of Usher” is → Gothic Elements: Review elements of Gothic literature and find examples of each within the text → Topics and Themes: Examine how the text treats seven topics; create a thematic statement; complete a theme development paragraph (includes scaffolded and non-scaffolded versions) ❊ Writing Extensions ❊ Two grammar focus handouts: → Sentence Types: Review the four types of sentences; determine the type of sentence for ten excerpts from text; mark independent and dependent clauses. → Parallelism: Review parallelism and four types of parallelism problems. Identify parallelism in five excerpts. Rewrite three sentences without parallelism. ❊ Suggested answer key This resource includes both a print (PDF) and a digital copy of the materials. To access the digital versions, make a copy of the Google Slides presentation and the Google Forms vocabulary quiz. Then, share with your students or upload them to the LMS of your choice.