A comprehensive lesson for 7th graders on crafting clear, engaging introductions for both writing and speaking, focusing on hooks, context, and thesis statements using an architectural theme.
This lesson compares two student presentations on the god Hermes to help students understand grading criteria and how to improve their own mythological research projects.
A creative arts-integrated ELA lesson where students map the Hero's Journey using symbolic collage, supporting executive functioning through visual storytelling and metaphorical thinking.
A deep dive into Chapter 20 of 'The Westing Game', focusing on Turtle's sacrifice, the elevator bombing, and the ongoing investigation by the heirs. Students will demonstrate literal recall and summarize key plot developments.
A comprehensive novel study for 'Number the Stars' covering WWII history, character bravery, and key plot events across all 17 chapters.
A middle school lesson where students act as media scientists, deconstructing the psychological triggers and logical fallacies found in modern social media advertising. Students will learn to identify manipulation tactics and develop critical thinking skills to become savvy consumers.
A grammar-focused lesson set in professional and travel contexts, teaching middle schoolers to use compound-complex sentences, relative clauses, and consistent verb tenses through role-play scenarios.
A creative exploration of found poetry for middle schoolers, focusing on sourcing linguistic materials from their environment to demystify the poetic process.
A targeted grammar lesson focused on identifying and correcting run-on sentences using coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) within the context of Frederick Douglass's narrative.
A lesson designed to guide students through the planning phase of researching an extraordinary person. It covers selection, inquiry, source hunting, and outlining.
A lesson that uses role-play scripts of current events to teach middle schoolers comprehension skills like inference, figurative language, and main idea. Students take on roles as news anchors, reporters, and experts to engage with complex topics.
A middle school ELA lesson where students analyze narrative voice by rewriting a scene from a minor character's perspective to uncover hidden motivations and shifts in meaning.
A high-energy STAAR prep lesson focused on key reading skills using a relay race game format. Students practice genre, context clues, inference, character analysis, and central idea identification while mastering the RACE strategy for constructed responses.
An introductory study of the first five chapters of 'I Am Number Four,' focusing on John Smith's arrival in Paradise and the initial development of his relationships and Legacies.
A comprehensive lesson on the eight parts of speech, using a mechanical 'Grammar Gear' theme to help 6th and 7th grade students understand how language is constructed.
A comprehensive look at the life, struggles, and eventual triumph of Zora Neale Hurston, adapted for middle school readers. Students explore her journey from Eatonville to the Harlem Renaissance and her modern-day legacy.
Students master the art of professional public speaking as they prepare for a high-stakes press conference, focusing on body language, vocal delivery, and audience engagement.
A 45-minute workshop where students step into the role of news editors to provide constructive feedback on peer articles, focusing on structural integrity and narrative clarity.
A journalism-focused lesson for 6th graders to master the art of lead writing. Students learn to pack the 5 Ws and H into a concise, compelling opening paragraph to hook their readers immediately.
A comprehensive ELA review game designed to help students master MCAS standards through a competitive and engaging bingo format. The lesson covers vocabulary, literary elements, text structures, and grammar.
A comprehensive series of worksheets exploring nine essential literary devices through reading passages, identification tasks, and creative writing exercises.
Analyze direct and indirect comparisons to understand how they deepen meaning in creative writing.
Focus on the sounds of language through alliteration and onomatopoeia in descriptive storytelling.