A research-based introduction to a diverse book club selection, teaching students to investigate author backgrounds, settings, and subject matter while mastering simplified MLA citations.
A lesson focused on identifying logical flow and transition markers to reorder scrambled paragraphs into a cohesive narrative or informational text.
A lesson exploring the evolution of nature symbolism in Zora Neale Hurston's 'Their Eyes Were Watching God', specifically focusing on the transition from the pear tree of youth to the blossom and frost of Janie's maturity.
A highly scaffolded research project for ELL students reading at a 7th grade level, focusing on 4 book targets with visual supports and sentence frames.
A modified research project for 9th graders focusing on three core book club targets, introducing investigative skills and simplified MLA formatting.
A comprehensive catch-up module for students joining mid-read of Ta-Nehisi Coates' 'The Water Dancer', focusing on the first 25 chapters. It covers the complex social hierarchy, the protagonist's journey, and the supernatural elements of 'Conduction'.
A 45-minute "Book Tasting" style activity where students act as intelligence officers to investigate and evaluate potential novels through cover analysis, blurb reconnaissance, and first-page 'wiretaps'.
A deep dive into the historical and cultural context of the supernatural in Shakespeare's plays, exploring the societal fears, royal obsessions, and dramatic techniques of the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras.
A focused independent practice session where students analyze short stories and fables to identify themes, summarize plots, and demonstrate comprehension using the RACE writing strategy.
A lesson covering Part 7 (Miranda) and the beginning of Part 8 (August) of the novel Wonder, focusing on Miranda's internal conflict and the transition to the 6th grade nature retreat.
A lesson focused on analyzing how individual scenes and chapters contribute to the overall structure and development of a story's plot, setting, and theme.
A focused look at Part 5 of 'Wonder', exploring Justin's unique perspective, narrative voice, and his protective role within the Pullman family circle.
Mastering Latin roots related to doing and writing: fac/fic/fact (to make/do) and scrib/script (to write).
Mastering Latin roots related to leading and following: duc/duct (to lead) and sequ/secut (to follow).
Mastering Latin roots related to carrying and pulling: port (to carry) and tract (to pull).
Mastering Latin roots related to writing: graph (to write) and scrib/script (to write).
A comprehensive review of the five informational text structures using an architectural blueprint theme. Students learn to identify structures through signal words and graphic organizers.
Mastering Latin and Greek roots related to writing and drawing: scrib/script (to write) and graph (to write or draw).
Mastering Latin roots related to movement and force: port (to carry) and tract (to pull).
A comprehensive review of the five primary informational text structures: description, sequence, cause and effect, problem and solution, and compare and contrast. Students identify signal words, analyze short passages, and use graphic organizers to map text relationships.
Mastering Latin roots related to communication and listening: dict (to say) and aud (to hear).
Mastering Latin roots related to viewing: spect (to look) and vid/vis (to see).
A focused lesson assessing comprehension of Part 6 of 'Wonder' by R.J. Palacio, covering August's experience with hearing aids and the pivotal nature retreat.
A deep-dive discussion into Chapter 8 of The Outsiders, focusing on character evolution, the weight of social expectations, and the looming threat of violence.
In this lesson, students become "Media Decoders" to uncover bias and evaluate the reliability of information. They will analyze headlines, examine source credibility, and apply critical thinking to navigate the modern media landscape.
Mastering prefixes for quantity and fractions: multi-, poly-, semi-, and hemi-.
Mastering prefixes for size and distance: mini-, micro-, mega-, and tele-.
A biography research project focused on influential athletes who changed the world. Students use a sports-themed packet to document their subject's career milestones, social impact, and personal mindset.