Teach indirect and direct characterization! Use “My Favorite Chaperone” by Jean Davies Okimoto at beginning of the school year to review characters and plot- and build on elements of a short story. This product includes a 40-slide PowerPoint, a 3-page editable EATS Lesson Plan (complete with Essential Questions, Activating Strategy, Exit Ticket, etc), a 3-page Reading Guide, Discussion Questions printable, Summary Paragraph Worksheet, Answer Keys, and an Assessment. What a valuable time-saver. Just print and go! The best part? A sample answer to the Essential Question is provided (on the PowerPoint and student worksheet) so students will understand the concept- and have a model when they respond. This has proven very effective in my classes. Students read and analyze the sample answer before attempting to write. Students also have the sample as a guide for their writing. Some activities are optional and can make this a 6- day unit. I encourage you to read the text (available online). This particular story lends itself nicely to teaching the elements of a short story plot. Students enjoy the collaborative discussions based on the text. Thanks for taking a look at my store!

Verbals are to be taught in 8th grade, so says the Common Core. Gerunds, Infinitives, Participles might be difficult to teach if you've kind of forgotten yourself! (right?) This lesson solves that problem! The EATS lesson includes: -- the content standard and essential question -- preview vocabulary -- the definition and example of each verbal -- a quick review -- an Exit Ticket The graphic organizer works really well for my 8th graders! Higher grades can use it as a review/refresher, too. This PowerPoint gives step-by-step instructions to the students. The lesson plan guides the teacher through, too! CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.1.a is the focus of the lesson.

Intensive Pronouns are the focus of Common Core 6.1 b. A PowerPoint, lesson plan, and worksheet on Intensive Pronouns are all included. The EATS lesson plan (tied to the Common Core Standards) as well as an individual worksheet work together to keep students on-task! If your class is studying Intensive Pronouns, this resource is for you! Complete with an essential question, vocabulary, teaching strategies, and an exit ticket, this lesson shows the difference between Intensive Pronouns and Reflexive Pronouns. Once students are shown several examples, they will practice with slides on the PowerPoint. Following the PowerPoint, students will work on individual worksheets. Lastly, students will complete an exit ticket. Students will learn: How can I use intensive pronouns correctly? CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.1b Use intensive pronouns (e.g., myself, ourselves). Thank you and ENJOY!

“The Sea” by James Reeves is OFTEN used in state tests, worksheets, and anthologies. It is short, but provides a lot to discuss. It is straightforward, and yet still complex. The imagery is superb. Almost all of it is within the grasp of the student, and yet there are parts that need discussion to be revealed. All in all, it is a perfect poem to use with a class! Due to copyright laws, I am unable to include the poem. It is easy to find and is likely in your anthology. Included is a lesson plan originally written for 7th graders- appropriate for grades 6-12. This is a PowerPoint, lesson plan AND worksheet. The PowerPoint includes: the Essential Question Activating Strategy Defined vocabulary and Examples. Students will learn figurative language, metaphor and simile. They will see examples and create some new ones. Next, they will learn denotation and connotation. Again, they will see examples and try their hand at examples. Finally, they will apply this knowledge to the poem, "The Sea" by James Reeves. After reading through once, students will answer questions about the first stanza and discuss. Then, the teacher (and PowerPoint) will guide them to answer the essential question based on the first stanza. The second stanza will be read, questions will be answered, and the essential question will be attempted again, discussed and perfected. Finally, the third stanza will be the focus of the assessment. The students will again read and answer questions, but this time, the students will be expected to use the strategy taught (re-read, locate, investigate and compare) to answer the essential question on their own. There are more slides after the poem study is over, including an activity to write the poem in as few words as possible (to illustrate how word choice is important) as well as an exit ticket. I hope you enjoy this lesson! Thank you!

This is a set of ROOTS for your Word Wall. Included are 80 Root Words with meaning and examples, AND illustrations -plus extra pages of the same Root words with meaning, examples, and blank spaces so students can draw. These printable pages are excellent to display on your word wall- or for students to study. Four Root "cards" are formatted on a single page. Simply print, cut, and pin! You may also want to print on stock paper and place on a ring for students to clip to their bookbags. All pages are in Black and White. Learning to identify root words is a valuable lesson that will assist students when they decode unfamiliar words – throughout life! Although the CCSS specifically assigns roots and affixes to grades 6, 7, and 8, every grade from 1 to 12 is expected to “determine or clarify the meaning of unknown words” Language Standard 2.4, 3.4, 5.4, 6.4, 7.4, 8.4, 9-10.4, and 11-12.4. Thanks!

This 9th- 10th grade resource consists of a PowerPoint, a Lesson plan, 3 worksheets and an answer key- everything you need to teach euphemisms and oxymora, based on the Common Core Standards L.9-10.5 and L.9-10.5a. The PowerPoint discusses euphemisms and oxymora, giving several examples and opportunities for students to participate in discussions. The class will follow along with the lesson by filling in the first two worksheets. The class will begin with an Activating Strategy and move into a discussion on the obstacles people face while learning English and encountering euphemisms. Students will pair up and brainstorm euphemisms and oxymora- as well as guess what the illustration on the PowerPoint represents. Students will be challenged to answer the Essential Questions: How can I uncover the meanings of euphemism and oxymoron? AND How do I analyze the role of euphemism and oxymorons inside of a text? Differentiated instruction is offered with extra challenges- such as providing the definition of the opposite of euphemism (dysphemism). Students will be given a chance to review before completing an Exit Ticket. A third optional worksheet is included for fun- or for extra differentiation, if there is a need for extra practice. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.5a Interpret figures of speech (e.g., euphemism, oxymoron) in context and analyze their role in the text.

Students are shown the humor that can be created with dangling and misplaced modifiers. (Prepare to have your students laughing!) This lesson shows the definition of a modifier and a clause, as well as the difference between a misplaced modifier and a dangling modifier. The PowerPoint provides several examples for mastery and later for students to identify. Following the PowerPoint, groups will use the printable worksheets to determine which sentences contain misplaced/dangling modifiers. An EATS lesson plan (tied to the Writing Common Core Standards) includes an essential question, preview vocabulary, teaching strategies, assessment strategies, and an exit ticket. This lesson is easy to follow, interactive and high-interest. The lesson plan, PPT, a group activity and individual worksheets are all included. There is also a challenge section to differentiate instruction for quick learners. Finally, students will complete an individual worksheet and an Exit Ticket. This lesson was a hit in my classroom. I hope you enjoy this product, too!

This is a PowerPoint, lesson plan, several worksheets and activities on phrases and clauses. An EATS lesson plan (tied to the Common Core Standards) as well as two graphic organizers are included. Complete with an essential question, activating strategy, vocabulary, teaching strategies, and an exit ticket, students learn the difference between phrases and clauses. In Part 1, students are shown examples of each phrase type: Noun phrase Verb phrase Adjectival phrase Adverbial phrase Participial phrase Prepositional phrase Absolute phrase The class will fill out a graphic organizer, practice with partners and practice individually using different phrases. In Part 2, students are shown examples of each clause type: Independent Clause Dependent Clause Noun Clause Relative Clause Adjectival Clause Again, the class will fill out a graphic organizer, practice with partners, and practice individually using different clauses. In Part 3, students get a chance to review. There are opportunities for differentiation in the activities. For example, on the PPT, students are asked to create example sentences. To challenge students, teachers may opt to ask students to use a topic. On Worksheet #5, students are challenged to identify phrase/clause types. Lastly, students will complete an exit ticket. This is a complete lesson- ready for your classroom. Thank you!

Students learn the four common text structures: Compare/Contrast, Description, Cause/Effect, and Problem/ Solution. In this lesson, students learn the definition of text structure- and the difference between it and text features (commonly confused). This product includes the PowerPoint, an EATS lesson plan, graphic organizer, worksheet and answer key. Once students are shown several examples, they will practice identifying original paragraphs (created by me) and writing in a text structure format. Students will write their own paragraph using a structure of their choosing. Others will guess which structure they used. Lastly, students will pair up to summarize the lesson. Students will learn: What clues can I use to determine the text structure of a written piece? and How do text features and structures help the reader understand what they are reading? Common Core Standards: RI. 6.5 Analyze the structure an author uses to organize a text, including how the major sections contribute to the whole and to the development of the ideas. Thank you and ENJOY!

Context clues are so important; they are part of the Common Core Standards in grades TWO through TWELVE! This lesson focuses on grades 6 through 8. This product includes: ---An EATS Lesson plan (with activating strategy, teaching strategies, etc.) ---A complete PowerPoint for this lesson ---Two worksheets ---Two activities ---A PowerPoint of printable task cards (8)- perfect for differentiated instruction The lesson gives the definition for context and shows examples. A sample sentence without context clues is also shown. Students will be given an original picture of "clues" as a PowerPoint visual to connect with this concept. Students will learn the four main strategies that writers use to give context clues to their readers (telling, examples, antonyms, and picture-painting). As a class, students will practice with the examples on the PowerPoint- identifying which strategy the writer used. Later, students will pair up and work on TASK CARD examples (perfect for differentiating this lesson- or use them as homework slips!). Finally, students will work independently on a worksheet and create a context clue-filled sentence of their own for their peers to critique. Most of the students' unknown words come from my "Word of the Day: Preparing for the S.A.T." So, if they accidentally learn the meaning, it's a win!! :) This lesson has a lot of information and several strategies for students to learn. The second PowerPoint (the one with task cards) is intended to be printed. This lesson focuses on: CCSS Literacy .L.6.4.a, 7.4.a, and 8-12.4.a. Thank you so much!

Students will follow the PowerPoint to find out what connotation is- and find FOUR STRATEGIES to use to uncover nuances in meaning. This lesson uses task cards, a game, and worksheet to capture students' attention. Check the feedback below. This product includes: -- an EATS lesson (with essential question, activating strategy, vocabulary, etc.) -- two worksheets -- answer keys --40 Task Cards for writing a paragraph --40 more Task Cards for writing a haiku (for others to guess the subject!) --Match Up GAME Focus: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.5, L.7.5 , L.8.5 and CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.5.c, L.7.5.c, L.8.5.c The class will see examples of writing that are negative and examples that are positive- and learn what shades of meaning are. The essential question also is the exit ticket. A sample answer is included so students can LEARN the answer. After they have learned the concept, they will be expected to understand and write it. The task cards are great for individual practice. Students love sharing what they have written. For differentiated instruction, I have included task cards on Haikus. Students focus on word choice as they write a haiku on a given subject. When complete, they read the haiku to the class and the class will guess their subject. Example: Student A reads: Brown or white mammal With hooves and tail, she’s lazy. She provides breakfast. The class guesses: a cow! Students enjoy this activity! There is an additional worksheet included for those who are struggling- and need additional practice. I encourage my students to use the thesaurus if they want. Thank you!

Verb Mood... is a Common Core necessity! Verb Moods - Subjective. Conditional. Imperative. Interrogative. Indicative. I've tried to make this topic a little snazzy. Generally, students feel that verb moods are a bunch of big words that are not relevant to them. My goal is to connect a visual with each mood and have students understand each mood through various activities. This EATS lesson includes: --a very helpful graphic organizer -- the content standard and essential question -- preview vocabulary -- Fantastic PowerPoint with the definition and example of each mood: Indicative, Imperative, Interrogative, Conditional and Subjunctive -- a review -- a writing activity -- an Exit Ticket The graphic organizer works really well with my 8th graders! Students connect to the visuals and can use this g.o. with future assignments! This PowerPoint is accompanied by an EATS lesson plan. This lesson focuses on: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking, AND (especially) CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.1c Form and use verbs in the indicative, imperative, interrogative, conditional, and subjunctive mood. The Essential Questions used are: -- How can I use verbs correctly in the indicative, imperative, interrogative, conditional, and subjunctive moods? -- How can I form verbs correctly in the indicative, imperative, interrogative, conditional, and subjunctive moods? Thanks so much!- Kim Kroll

This figurative language (Hyperboles and Paradoxes) lesson includes a PowerPoint, a lesson plan, two worksheets and an Exit Ticket- everything you need to teach hyperbole and paradox. The PowerPoint discusses hyperbole and paradox, giving several examples and opportunities for students to participate. The class will follow along with the lesson- filling in an individual worksheet. Common Core Standard L 11-12.5a is the focus. The class begins with the Essential Question and Activating Strategy. The teacher will discuss the definition and role of hyperbole and paradox. Students will have opportunities to pair up, brainstorm, and work individually. Differentiated instruction is offered with the Exit Ticket. A second optional worksheet is included for fun- or if there is a need for extra practice.This lesson uses examples from classic literature. Focus: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.5a Interpret figures of speech (e.g., hyperbole, paradox) in context and analyze their role in the text.

This “Puns” lesson comes complete with: • an EATS lesson plan (including essential question, teaching strategies, etc.) • a PowerPoint • a printable worksheet that follows the PowerPoint • an exit ticket • an answer sheet • a bonus worksheet for students to create puns This lesson provides an explanation of puns and the reasons authors use them. Students will learn to interpret puns through the discussion of the several examples. In order to focus on CCSS (LITERACY.L.8.5 and L.8.5.A), the Essential Question asks “How can I interpret puns?” A sample response to this question is included. Students will be able to discuss and critique the response- before they are expected to answer it on their own. I have found providing a sample answer really helps students understand how to respond to the lesson’s exit ticket. The printable worksheet allows students to follow along with the lesson- and independently work on interpreting puns in literature. An “Extra Pun Worksheet” is included for further study. Using the list of multiple meaning words and more examples, students can create their own puns! I hope you enjoy this Puns lesson. Thank you!

Hyphenation conventions are the focus of CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.11-12.2.A. This product contains a PowerPoint, Lesson Plan, Worksheets and an activity on the use of Hyphens. There are many hyphen rules, but here are the 10 most common (and important) uses of hyphens: 1) Two words that, when linked, describe a noun 2.) Ex- words 3.) All compound numbers from 21-99 4.) Spelled-out fractions 5.) Self- words 6.) Well- words 7.) With figures or letter 8.) Between a prefix and a capitalized word 9.) New word blends 10.) Avoid confusion or an awkward combination of letters The second worksheet, “Matching Hyphens with a Rule” can be completed independently. The third worksheet “Hyphen Needed?” is a great paired activity because students can discuss which rule applies to each sentence. Finally, the FIRST worksheet is my favorite- because it helps students focus on the message of the PowerPoint lecture. When they are finished, they have a great study sheet that lists the ten rules! Answer Keys are provided. This product is aligned with CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.2A Observe hyphenation conventions. Thank you!

These exercises for learning how to determine an unknown word using context clues focuses on 4 categories: examples, definition, antonym, and details. Teaching these strategies will help your students’ reading comprehension with secondary texts. Context clues are so important; they are part of the Common Core Standards in grades TWO through TWELVE. This product includes: ---An EATS Lesson plan (with vocabulary, teaching strategies, etc.) ---A complete PowerPoint for this lesson ---Two worksheets ---Two activities ---A PowerPoint of printable TASK CARDS (8)- perfect for differentiated instruction This lesson focuses on grades 9 through 12. The lesson gives the definition for context and shows examples. A sample sentence without context clues is also shown. Students will be given an original picture of "clues" as a PowerPoint visual to connect with this concept. Students will learn the four main strategies that writers use to give context clues to their readers (telling, examples, antonyms, and picture-painting). As a class, students will practice with the examples on the PowerPoint- identifying which strategy the writer used. Later, students will pair up and work on TASK CARD examples (perfect for differentiating this lesson- or use them as homework slips!). Finally, students will work independently on a worksheet and create a context clue-filled sentence of their own for their peers to critique. Most of the students' unknown words come from my "Word of the Day: Preparing for the S.A.T." So, if they accidentally learn the meaning, it's a win!! This lesson has a lot of information and several strategies for students to learn. The second PowerPoint (the one with task cards) is intended to be printed. This lesson focuses on: CCSS Literacy .L9 -12.4.a. Thank you!

Teaching Parallel Structure to 9th and 10th graders CAN be enjoyable! This resource was created to make teaching this Common Core Standard easy! I have included: -an EATS lesson plan -the content standard -essential question -vocabulary: Parallel and Structure -an activating strategy -collaborative activities -individual activities -a printable exit ticket -POWERPOINT -WORKSHEETS TASK CARDS -challenge activity -optional homework practice and answer keys This works really well with my 9th graders! You can also use with grades: 7, 8, 11 or 12th grade, but it was built specifically for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.1.a (Use parallel structure). The Essential Question is: How can I create and correct sentences that have parallel structure? This lesson is accompanied by a PowerPoint (included) that goes with the EATS lesson plan- and makes teaching very easy. I hope you enjoy this lesson! Thanks!- Kim Kroll

This Punctuation Lesson, PowerPoint, two worksheets and Answer Key teaches the Common Core standard addressed in L 9-10. 2b : using Colons for introducing a list and quote. Teachers will be able to use this resource to completely teach the concept. With the PowerPoint, a lecture unfolds to include an activating strategy, teaching strategies and a summarizing strategy. The worksheet allows students to follow along with the PPT smoothly, while taking notes. Included are examples and activities for the entire class, partners, and individuals. Answer keys are provided for each activity.

The PPT, lesson plan, worksheets, and exit ticket all focus on CCSS.L. 9-10.2. Teach punctuation to your secondary class with this no prep resource. Check out the reviews! With the PowerPoint, a lecture unfolds to include an activating strategy, teaching strategies, and summarizing strategies. Using the Essential Question: “When do I use a semicolon?” the worksheet allows students to follow along with the PPT smoothly, while taking notes.The PPT and worksheets focus on the correct ways to use the semicolon. Included are examples and activities. Answer keys are provided for each activity. Addressed Common Core Standards include: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.2.a Use a semicolon (and perhaps a conjunctive adverb) to link two or more closely related independent clauses Both “independent clauses” and “conjunctive adverb” are defined and examined in the lesson. Hope you enjoy this lesson! It will save you hours from creating a lesson from scratch! Thank you! ~Kim

Twenty-Three (23!) different task cards are formatted (four to a page) and are EDITABLE. Just add your questions in text boxes! --OR print the task cards and add your content in your own handwriting. You must have PowerPoint to use this product. These templates are ready for you to create TASK CARDS in math, science, Language Arts, or any subject. Customize your content as you like. Use as exit tickets, entrance tickets, comprehension checks, sponge activities, brain breaks, Scoots, Center activities, Station activities, and so much more. An EDITABLE Answer Sheet/ Answer Key is included. Terms of Use If you use as a commercial product, you must flatten the final product into a PDF. All content in this product is the copyrighted property of Kim Kroll Use in your personal classroom and/or commercially to create task card products that you flatten and secured with questions that you have added. You may not post to a blog. You may not share with other teachers. Please give credit by stating “graphics by ©Kim Kroll” in your product package. You may not sell, trade, share or redistribute this product