Reading Comprehension

A foundational lesson for beginning ELL students to understand the opening of Homer's Odyssey through visual storytelling and simplified vocabulary focusing on Athena's arrival in Ithaca and her interaction with Telemachus.

A deep dive into ND Stevenson's 'Nimona', focusing on character dynamics, plot structure, and the unique visual language of graphic novels.

An introductory lesson designed to spark curiosity about Christopher McCandless's journey from South Dakota to Alaska, focusing on the geographical landmarks and the spirit of adventure in "Into the Wild".

Summative writing assessment where students independently write a complete, MLA-cited, and reasoned informative paragraph on a choice of familiar topics.

Collaborative peer-review session using a structured quality control checklist. Students evaluate and provide feedback on CER structure and MLA formatting.

Students use a comprehensive graphic organizer to assemble a complete 6-8 sentence paragraph. The lesson guides the full drafting process with visual and formulaic support.

Focuses on concluding sentences that mirror the topic sentence using synonyms. Students ensure a polished finish to their paragraphs about sports and interests.

Teaches the strategic use of transition words to create logical flow between CER components. Students apply smooth pathways to writing about personal interests.

Instruction on the 'Reasoning' component of CER. Students learn to explain the logical connection between evidence and claims using job skills as a thematic context.

Introduces the specific mechanics of MLA in-text citations. Students learn to give credit to sources using fashion-themed evidence and the (Author Page) format.

Teaches students how to distinguish facts from opinions and select relevant evidence from text sources. Students use automotive technology as a thematic base for finding 'bricks'.

Focuses on crafting clear, focused topic sentences (Claims) using the 'Topic + Main Idea' formula. Students practice anchoring their writing in the popular topic of soccer.

Introduction to the Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) structure of an informative paragraph using mentor texts about personal hobbies. Students learn to identify and define the three core components of a strong paragraph.

A deep dive into Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Raven' using an adapted text to support low Lexile readers. The lesson focuses on mood, sequencing, and specific word choices that build the poem's gothic atmosphere.

A cumulative review of all morphology, phonics, and writing skills taught. Students compose a final persuasive piece on environmental stewardship.

Focusing on the suffix '-ly' and the impact of climate change on polar regions, students practice advanced syllabication and inferential comprehension.

Students explore the prefix 'dis-' and work with complex transitions while learning about the effects of deforestation.

This lesson focuses on the morphology of '-ment' and reviews punctuation, specifically commas in a list, within the context of waste management.

A mid-point review of all R-controlled vowels and a focus on the prefix 'pre-'. Students analyze sustainable city planning and urban environments.

The final R-controlled vowel 'ur' is introduced alongside the suffix '-ion'. Students explore soil health and agricultural sustainability.

An ELL Level 1 adapted lesson for Chapter 4 of The Great Gatsby, focusing on romance vs. obsession through the lens of 'Red Flags' and 'Green Flags'. Includes vocabulary scaffolding, visual aids, and a creative meme project.

A foundational lesson for beginning ELL students to understand the opening of Homer's Odyssey through visual storytelling and simplified vocabulary focusing on Athena's arrival in Ithaca and her interaction with Telemachus.

Students analyze the climax of Section I, where Gregor is revealed to his family and the Chief Clerk. They will focus on the father's aggressive reaction and the symbolism of the final push back into the room.

Students examine the breakdown of communication between Gregor and his family. They will analyze the symbolism of Gregor's changing voice and use affixes to decode complex words.

Students analyze Gregor's professional life and his feelings of alienation. They will focus on characterization and the arrival of the Chief Clerk, exploring how Gregor's identity is tied to his labor.

Students explore the opening of the novella, focusing on Gregor's physical transformation and his initial internal reaction. They will practice using context clues and the IDEAS method to define difficult vocabulary.

Students explore the theme of alienation and the role of family debt in Kafka's life and work. They will practice identifying these themes in short text excerpts and learn how to use the RACE format with transition words.

Students are introduced to the concepts of magical realism and the term "Kafkaesque." They will learn how Kafka blends ordinary reality with impossible, nightmare-like situations to create a unique literary style.

Students examine the historical and social context of Prague in the late 1800s. They will explore how Kafka's identity as a German-speaking Jew in a Czech city contributed to the themes of isolation in his writing.

Students read a simplified biography of Franz Kafka to understand the author's background, his difficult relationship with his father, and his "double life" as an office worker and a writer.

An 11th-grade lesson focusing on the psychological and ethical complexities of literary characters. Students will deconstruct character motivations and behaviors to understand how moral dilemmas drive narrative progression and thematic depth.

A comprehensive assessment suite for F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, featuring chapter-by-chapter comprehension questions and a detailed answer key.

Guides the student through the construction of a Claim-Evidence-Reasoning paragraph using a highly scaffolded template and word bank.

Teaches the student how to identify 'evidence' by selecting images and simple phrases that show family tension and responsibility.

Introduces the abstract concept of guilt using visual metaphors and simple emotion words to describe Gregor's internal state.

Explores the concept of responsibility through the lens of money and work, contrasting Gregor's role before and after his transformation.

Introduces Gregor and his family members through high-frequency vocabulary and visual matching to establish the premise of the story.

Students analyze how Kafka uses the Chief Clerk's arrival to explore the theme of authority and the dehumanizing nature of debt and labor.

Students master the use of commas with dialogue tags to punctuate the tense conversation between Gregor, his family, and the Chief Clerk.

Students analyze the arrival of the Chief Clerk and Gregor's deteriorating communication as the pressure to work intensifies.

A collaborative 1-week final project where students form news crews to report on the tragic events of Verona, requiring deep analysis of character motives and textual evidence.

Analyze themes, character development, and figurative language in literary excerpts to prepare for the literature portion of the TSIA.

Develop the ability to read between the lines and understand why an author wrote a text, moving beyond the literal.

Master the art of using context clues to define unfamiliar words, essential for tackling complex TSIA passages.

Learn to identify the central point of a passage and distinguish it from supporting details, a fundamental skill for the TSIA.

A fast-paced, high-engagement lesson for 11th graders exploring theme in The Great Gatsby, culminating in a dynamic 'Thematic Speed Dating' collaborative activity.

A high-energy, 25-minute collaborative lesson focused on identifying and analyzing themes in Neal Shusterman's 'Downsiders'. Students use a Think-Pair-Share structure to explore the conflict between the Topside and Downside worlds.

An ELL Level 1 adapted lesson for Chapter 4 of The Great Gatsby, focusing on romance vs. obsession through the lens of 'Red Flags' and 'Green Flags'. Includes vocabulary scaffolding, visual aids, and a creative meme project.

A foundational lesson for beginning ELL students to understand the opening of Homer's Odyssey through visual storytelling and simplified vocabulary focusing on Athena's arrival in Ithaca and her interaction with Telemachus.

Students analyze the climax of Section I, where Gregor is revealed to his family and the Chief Clerk. They will focus on the father's aggressive reaction and the symbolism of the final push back into the room.

Students examine the breakdown of communication between Gregor and his family. They will analyze the symbolism of Gregor's changing voice and use affixes to decode complex words.

Students analyze Gregor's professional life and his feelings of alienation. They will focus on characterization and the arrival of the Chief Clerk, exploring how Gregor's identity is tied to his labor.

Students explore the opening of the novella, focusing on Gregor's physical transformation and his initial internal reaction. They will practice using context clues and the IDEAS method to define difficult vocabulary.

Students explore the theme of alienation and the role of family debt in Kafka's life and work. They will practice identifying these themes in short text excerpts and learn how to use the RACE format with transition words.

Students are introduced to the concepts of magical realism and the term "Kafkaesque." They will learn how Kafka blends ordinary reality with impossible, nightmare-like situations to create a unique literary style.

Students examine the historical and social context of Prague in the late 1800s. They will explore how Kafka's identity as a German-speaking Jew in a Czech city contributed to the themes of isolation in his writing.

Students read a simplified biography of Franz Kafka to understand the author's background, his difficult relationship with his father, and his "double life" as an office worker and a writer.

A deep dive into ND Stevenson's 'Nimona', focusing on character dynamics, plot structure, and the unique visual language of graphic novels.

A comprehensive study guide and review lesson covering the intersection of individual conscience and societal law through Arthur Miller's 'The Crucible' and Henry David Thoreau's 'Civil Disobedience', including targeted language and style mini-lessons.

A literary analysis comparing the internal struggles and moral dilemmas of Hamlet and Jean Valjean through their iconic soliloquies.

A 45-minute lesson where students showcase their media literacy investigations through screencasts, engage in peer evaluation using a professional rubric, and reflect on their growth as digital fact-checkers.

A focused lesson on identifying the main idea in fictional and non-fictional texts, tailored for adult learners preparing for the HSED RLA exam. Includes guided practice with current events and structured graphic organizers.

Analyze themes, character development, and figurative language in literary excerpts to prepare for the literature portion of the TSIA.

Develop the ability to read between the lines and understand why an author wrote a text, moving beyond the literal.

Master the art of using context clues to define unfamiliar words, essential for tackling complex TSIA passages.

Learn to identify the central point of a passage and distinguish it from supporting details, a fundamental skill for the TSIA.

An answer key for the June 2024 Quarter 4 Internal Assessment for World Literature, covering reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and transitions.

An ELL Level 1 adapted lesson for Chapter 4 of The Great Gatsby, focusing on romance vs. obsession through the lens of 'Red Flags' and 'Green Flags'. Includes vocabulary scaffolding, visual aids, and a creative meme project.

A deep dive into Eric Schlosser's "Food Product Design" from Fast Food Nation, focusing on rhetorical analysis, evidence-based claims, and industrial vocabulary in the flavor industry.

Students analyze the climax of Section I, where Gregor is revealed to his family and the Chief Clerk. They will focus on the father's aggressive reaction and the symbolism of the final push back into the room.

Students examine the breakdown of communication between Gregor and his family. They will analyze the symbolism of Gregor's changing voice and use affixes to decode complex words.

Students analyze Gregor's professional life and his feelings of alienation. They will focus on characterization and the arrival of the Chief Clerk, exploring how Gregor's identity is tied to his labor.

Students explore the opening of the novella, focusing on Gregor's physical transformation and his initial internal reaction. They will practice using context clues and the IDEAS method to define difficult vocabulary.

Students explore the theme of alienation and the role of family debt in Kafka's life and work. They will practice identifying these themes in short text excerpts and learn how to use the RACE format with transition words.

Students are introduced to the concepts of magical realism and the term "Kafkaesque." They will learn how Kafka blends ordinary reality with impossible, nightmare-like situations to create a unique literary style.

Students examine the historical and social context of Prague in the late 1800s. They will explore how Kafka's identity as a German-speaking Jew in a Czech city contributed to the themes of isolation in his writing.

Students read a simplified biography of Franz Kafka to understand the author's background, his difficult relationship with his father, and his "double life" as an office worker and a writer.

A high-intensity 90-minute workshop designed to move students from a score of 6 to 8 on the Texas English I Argumentative ECR by focusing on quote integration, thorough development, and sophisticated organization. Students analyze a passage on the 4-day school week and practice drafting a high-scoring response.

A comprehensive 90-minute workshop designed to move Texas English 1 students from a score of 0 to 3 on the Argumentative ECR rubric. Students focus on building defensible thesis statements and selecting high-impact text evidence using a 'blueprint' approach to writing.

A set of three interactive writing stations where students analyze a provided article about social media's impact on mental health and draft a complete informative essay using graphic organizers and sentence frames.

An answer key for the June 2024 Quarter 4 Internal Assessment for World Literature, covering reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and transitions.

A deep dive into Eric Schlosser's "Food Product Design" from Fast Food Nation, focusing on rhetorical analysis, evidence-based claims, and industrial vocabulary in the flavor industry.

A 90-minute intensive workshop designed to help students transition from a basic score (3) to a top-tier score (6) on the Texas English I Argumentative ECR. The lesson focuses on evidence integration, transitions, and counter-arguments using the controversial topic of four-day school weeks.

A set of three interactive writing stations where students analyze a provided article about social media's impact on mental health and draft a complete informative essay using graphic organizers and sentence frames.

A 70-minute lesson on the 'Foo Fighters' phenomena and pilot logs, analyzing how the 'unexplained' triggers a shift from logic to superstition in text structure.

A 70-minute lesson on The Diary of Anne Frank, analyzing epistolary structure as a tool for personal reflection and psychological resilience in the face of constant fear.

A 70-minute lesson on Executive Order 9066, analyzing how bureaucratic and legalistic structures can mask fear and justify mass exclusion.

A 70-minute lesson focusing on FDR's 'Day of Infamy' speech, analyzing how a leader uses structural contrast and periodic sentences to transform public fear into national resolve.

A comprehensive station-based activity designed to guide English I students through the full writing process for the STAAR EOC Informational Extended Constructed Response (ECR). Students move through drafting, evidence selection, and analysis using a 'Blueprint' theme.

This lesson explores the mental and physical health benefits of reading as presented in Hilary Freeman's article. Students will analyze the author's claims, evaluate scientific evidence, and master key vocabulary related to brain health and empathy.

Summative writing assessment where students independently write a complete, MLA-cited, and reasoned informative paragraph on a choice of familiar topics.

Collaborative peer-review session using a structured quality control checklist. Students evaluate and provide feedback on CER structure and MLA formatting.

Students use a comprehensive graphic organizer to assemble a complete 6-8 sentence paragraph. The lesson guides the full drafting process with visual and formulaic support.

Focuses on concluding sentences that mirror the topic sentence using synonyms. Students ensure a polished finish to their paragraphs about sports and interests.

Teaches the strategic use of transition words to create logical flow between CER components. Students apply smooth pathways to writing about personal interests.

Instruction on the 'Reasoning' component of CER. Students learn to explain the logical connection between evidence and claims using job skills as a thematic context.

Introduces the specific mechanics of MLA in-text citations. Students learn to give credit to sources using fashion-themed evidence and the (Author Page) format.

Teaches students how to distinguish facts from opinions and select relevant evidence from text sources. Students use automotive technology as a thematic base for finding 'bricks'.

Focuses on crafting clear, focused topic sentences (Claims) using the 'Topic + Main Idea' formula. Students practice anchoring their writing in the popular topic of soccer.

Introduction to the Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) structure of an informative paragraph using mentor texts about personal hobbies. Students learn to identify and define the three core components of a strong paragraph.

A high-stakes, data-driven execution plan for English 3 educators and administrators to bridge performance gaps before the STAAR assessment. Includes a comprehensive slide deck for administrative review and a tracking guide for implementation.

Préparation et organisation de la table ronde sur la romance adolescente avec des professionnels de l'édition et de l'éducation.

Students synthesize their knowledge to create a professional style guide for clear modifier placement.

Students explore how grammar errors can lead to legal loopholes by rewriting school policies and analyzing mock contracts.

A newsroom simulation where students edit a frantic breaking news script filled with modifier errors under a deadline.

Focuses on 'squinting modifiers'—words that sit between two actions and create double meanings—and how to resolve them for absolute clarity.

Students analyze real-world examples of headlines and signage where misplaced modifiers create hilarious or confusing unintended meanings.

Students demonstrate mastery by manipulating complex paragraphs to yield multiple distinct meanings through modifier placement alone.

Students intentionally use misplaced modifiers to create surreal humor, then reverse-engineer their work to understand the mechanics of syntactic ambiguity.

Students examine the high stakes of syntax in legal and technical writing, focusing on how a single misplaced modifier can lead to liability or safety risks.

Students visualize the cognitive dissonance caused by misplaced modifiers by drawing their literal meanings and discussing the distance between intended and stated messages.

Students analyze 'crash blossoms'—ambiguous newspaper headlines—to identify how modifier placement creates unintended meanings and undermines clarity in media.

A simulation where students develop a strategic style guide for a global corporation, defining when and how to use loanwords for internal and external stakeholders.

Analysis of code-switching in modern literature, examining how authors use non-translated foreign phrases to create narrative texture and challenge linguistic hegemony.

Identification and correction of common malapropisms and logical fallacies derived from foreign terms, such as i.e. vs. e.g. and petitio principii.

A technical workshop on the formal mechanics of loanwords, covering diacritics, italics, and the pluralization of anglicized terms according to major style guides.

Students analyze the rhetorical impact of loanwords on a speaker's ethos, debating the balance between establishing authority (prestige) and excluding the audience (alienation).

Students synthesize their learning by rewriting a single narrative event in three different styles: an objective police report (passive focus), a dramatic victim statement (active focus), and a biased news article.

Students explore creative writing techniques where the passive voice builds suspense by withholding the identity of the actor. They analyze passages from mystery novels to see how grammar creates mood.

Students analyze lab reports and technical manuals. They discover how passive voice is used to emphasize the process and results rather than the researcher, establishing an objective tone.

A deep dive into Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Tell-Tale Heart', focusing on the mechanics of suspense, the psychology of the unreliable narrator, and the sharp edge of gothic irony.

A workshop-focused lesson where students refine their original work and compile their final poetry portfolios.

Connects historical protest to contemporary global conflicts and the power of spoken word poetry.

Examines poetry as a tool for social change during the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement.

Explores the visceral imagery and disillusioned perspectives of World War I poets like Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon.

Students analyze the climax of Section I, where Gregor is revealed to his family and the Chief Clerk. They will focus on the father's aggressive reaction and the symbolism of the final push back into the room.

Students examine the breakdown of communication between Gregor and his family. They will analyze the symbolism of Gregor's changing voice and use affixes to decode complex words.

Students analyze Gregor's professional life and his feelings of alienation. They will focus on characterization and the arrival of the Chief Clerk, exploring how Gregor's identity is tied to his labor.

Students explore the opening of the novella, focusing on Gregor's physical transformation and his initial internal reaction. They will practice using context clues and the IDEAS method to define difficult vocabulary.

Students explore the theme of alienation and the role of family debt in Kafka's life and work. They will practice identifying these themes in short text excerpts and learn how to use the RACE format with transition words.

Students are introduced to the concepts of magical realism and the term "Kafkaesque." They will learn how Kafka blends ordinary reality with impossible, nightmare-like situations to create a unique literary style.