With a decade of teaching experience, I specialize in developing student-centered ELA activities and unit plans that foster creativity and critical thinking. My resources have been tried and tested in more than 74,000 classrooms worldwide since 2013.
With a decade of teaching experience, I specialize in developing student-centered ELA activities and unit plans that foster creativity and critical thinking. My resources have been tried and tested in more than 74,000 classrooms worldwide since 2013.
Evaluate reading comprehension, support vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with these activities and assessments covering chapters 27 and 28 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Two plot-based quizzes, two close reading inference worksheets, three vocabulary activities, and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these resources, students will do the following:
Read for literal comprehension
Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings as needed
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Discern the tone of given excerpts
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing and hyperbole
Conduct brief research on the Great Depression’s influence on common Halloween practices, especially in the South
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction
Evaluate reading comprehension, support vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with these activities and assessments covering chapters 24, 25, and 26 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Two plot-based quizzes, three close reading inference worksheets, three vocabulary activities, and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will:
Read for literal comprehension
Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings as needed
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Consider historical context in relation to the plot
Determine the tone of a given passage
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Predict the future behavior of Bob Ewell, possibly addressing foreshadowing in the process
Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, simile, and situational irony
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction
Evaluate reading comprehension, support vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with these activities and assessments covering chapters 21, 22, and 23 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Two plot-based quizzes, three close reading inference worksheets, three vocabulary activities, and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will:
Read for literal comprehension
Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings as needed
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor
Identify the best textual evidence in support of a claim
Draw parallels between two chapters
Consider theme in relation to plot developments
Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction
Evaluate reading comprehension, support vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with these activities and assessments covering chapters 19 and 20 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Two plot-based quizzes, two close reading inference worksheets, three vocabulary activities, and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these resources, students will do the following:
Read for literal comprehension
Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings as needed
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Examine plot developments from an historical perspective
Discern the function of a given passage
Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction
Evaluate reading comprehension, support vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with these activities and assessments covering chapters 16, 17, and 18 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Two plot-based quizzes, three close reading inference worksheets, three vocabulary activities, and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will:
Read for literal comprehension
Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings as needed
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Consider the tone of a particular section of text
Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, allusion, and hyperbole
Consider the greater significance of the kids’ being seated in the balcony
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction
Evaluate reading comprehension, support vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with these activities and assessments covering chapters 14 and 15 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Two plot-based quizzes, two close reading inference worksheets, three vocabulary activities, and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will:
Read for literal comprehension
Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings as needed
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Discern the tone of a particular excerpt
Explore an abrupt shift in tone in a given excerpt
Determine the function of a given excerpt
Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including paradox and dramatic irony
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction
Evaluate reading comprehension, support vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with these activities and assessments covering chapters 12 and 13 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Two plot-based quizzes, two close reading inference worksheets, three vocabulary activities, and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will:
Read for literal comprehension
Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings as needed
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Choose a synonym that may replace a given word or phrase without changing the original fundamental meaning
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Apply knowledge of coordinating conjunctions, selecting the most appropriate conjunction to join two sentences in context
Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including imagery and theme
Determine the tone of a given excerpt
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction
Evaluate reading comprehension, support vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with these activities and assessments covering chapters 10 and 11 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Two plot-based quizzes, two close reading inference worksheets, three vocabulary activities, and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will:
Read for literal comprehension
Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings as needed
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including symbolism and situational irony
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction
Evaluate reading comprehension, support vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with these activities and assessments covering chapters 8 and 9 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Two plot-based quizzes, two close reading inference worksheets, three vocabulary activities, and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will:
Read for literal comprehension
Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings as needed
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including simile, metaphor, idiom, hyperbole, and situational irony
Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction
Evaluate reading comprehension, support vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with these activities and assessments covering chapters 6 and 7 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Two plot-based quizzes, two close reading inference worksheets, three vocabulary activities, and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging in these exercises, students will:
Read for literal comprehension
Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings as needed
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Determine the greater significance of a particular excerpt
Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including dialect, foreshadowing, slang, simile, and dramatic irony
Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction
Evaluate reading comprehension, support vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with these activities and assessments covering chapters 4 and 5 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Two plot-based quizzes, two close reading inference worksheets, three vocabulary activities, and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will:
Read for literal comprehension
Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings as needed
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Determine the greater significance of given details
Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification, hyperbole, allusion, situational irony
Identify the best textual evidence in support of claims
Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction
Evaluate reading comprehension, support vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with these activities and assessments covering chapters 1, 2, and 3 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Two plot-based quizzes, three close reading inference worksheets, three vocabulary activities, and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will:
Read for literal comprehension
Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings as needed
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Choose the most appropriate synonym to replace a word or phrase without changing the excerpt’s fundamental meaning
Demonstrate knowledge of comma and punctuation rules, especially as they apply to writing dialogue
Determine the greater significance of given details
Describe tone in context
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Reflect on Miss Caroline’s relationship to the town of Maycomb
Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification, hyperbole, allusion, alliteration, oxymoron, dramatic irony, and situational irony
Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction
Prepare students to go beyond general reading comprehension and develop critical thinking skills and literary craft analysis skills with this bundle of close reading worksheets covering Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers. Seven activities are included, addressing a meaningful excerpt from a range of chapters (1, 2, 5, 10, 14, 16, and 21). Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these close reading activities, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Consult reference materials as needed to learn or verify word meanings
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Determine the functions of various excerpts
Evaluate the positive and negative aspects of a particular situation
Describe tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Isolate examples of figurative language
Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on alliteration, dramatic irony, foreshadowing, personification, simile, and more
Conduct brief research on various topics
Select textual evidence in support of a claim
Write about complex literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this bundle of plot-based quizzes covering the entirety of Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers. The assessments may double as guided reading worksheets to facilitate active engagement with the novel. Answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
By taking these quizzes, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Perry’s home city
Perry’s hopes and dreams
Perry’s motivations for serving in the military
Perry’s physical limitations
Rumors concerning the war
Peewee’s erratic behavior
Perry’s relation to Kenny
Why Peewee likes being in the military
Jenkins’ motivations for serving in the military
Why Lt. Carroll refers to Jenkins as an “angel warrior”
The veteran soldiers’ perception of Lt. Carroll
The reason for a mission to a Vietnamese village
The purpose of Earlene’s letter to Peewee
Lt. Carroll’s request of Perry
Perry’s loyalty to his squad
Lobel’s mindset at he is on patrol
Perry’s stated reason for being a soldier
The reason Perry does not participate in the killing of an adversary
Perry’s mindset as he looks at the corpse of the adversary
Captain Stewart’s lies
Perry’s physical condition
The reason for a fistfight between two characters
Why Peewee asks Perry to write a letter to Earlene
A major mistake by another squad
Lt. Carroll’s generosity
Perry’s request of Brew
Monaco’s reckless behavior
The purpose of a visit to a Vietnamese village
Brunner’s behavior while in the Vietnamese village
Johnson’s defense of Perry
What Peewee wants to buy while in the Vietnamese village
The content of a letter Lobel receives
Kenny’s personal goals as outlined in his letter to Perry
Peewee’s emotional state as he interacts with Red Cross representatives
The location where the squad will wait to ambush enemy forces
The death of a character following a conflict
Who is tasked with notifying the dead character’s family
Perry’s declining of an offer from Stewart
Perry’s learning of how Vietnamese forces treat hostages
Lobel’s extreme guilt
The author of a letter sent to Peewee
A lengthy discussion on draft-dodging
The rumor circulating about the war
An incident that jeopardizes the squad’s safety
Who accepts responsibility for the aforementioned incident
The reason for a group vote
The main purpose of the American soldiers’ mission to ambush Vietnamese forces
Perry’s brush with death
How Peewee is affected by events
The ARVN
Jamal’s role
Tam Ky
Why Gearhart does not order his men to fire upon enemy forces
Simpson’s feelings toward Captain Stewart
Perry’s physical condition
The nature of Perry’s injuries
Judy’s role
What happens to Brew
What Perry sends Kenny
The squad’s suspicions about Dongan
Dongan’s trick to make enemy forces vulnerable to attack
A booby-trapped child
Perry’s observations before shooting an enemy soldier
Dongan’s death
The reason for burning American soldiers’ bodies
The incident involving a jet
Monaco’s hallucinations
The reason Gearhart hands Perry a letter
What Gearhart hands Walowick
Why Perry feels distressed when writing to Kenny
Brunner’s new role
Qualities Perry and Peewee share in common
How Perry and Peewee are separated from their peers
Where Perry and Peewee spend a night
The Viet Cong fighters’ trap
Perry’s concerns for his physical condition
An update on Judy Duncan
Characters who are sent home
Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering a meaningful excerpt from chapter 21 of Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Consult reference materials as needed to learn or verify word meanings
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Determine the function of the given excerpt
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare the content of Perry’s most recent letter to Kenny to his previous letters
Apply knowledge of literary devices
Choose relevant textual evidence in support of a claim
Write about complex literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering a meaningful excerpt from chapter 14 of Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Consult reference materials as needed to learn or verify word meanings
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Determine the function of the given excerpt
Describe tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Choose relevant textual evidence in support of a claim
Write about complex literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering a meaningful excerpt from chapter 10 of Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Consult reference materials as needed to learn or verify word meanings
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Describe tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on alliteration
Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering two meaningful excerpts from chapter 5 of Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Consult reference materials as needed to learn or verify word meanings
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Evaluate the positive and negative aspects of a particular situation
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on dramatic irony, personification, and simile
Write about complex literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering a meaningful excerpt from chapter 1 of Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Consult reference materials as needed to learn or verify word meanings
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Isolate an example of figurative language
Select textual evidence in support of a claim
Decide what the primary function of the excerpt is
Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 20, 21, 22, and 23 of Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the novel. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Monaco’s hallucinations
The reason Gearhart hands Perry a letter
What Gearhart hands Walowick
Why Perry feels distressed when writing to Kenny
Brunner’s new role
Qualities Perry and Peewee share in common
How Perry and Peewee are separated from their peers
Where Perry and Peewee spend a night
The Viet Cong fighters’ trap
Perry’s concerns for his physical condition
An update on Judy Duncan
Characters who are sent home