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.
Help high school students go beyond basic comprehension, practice critical thinking skills, and explore literary elements with this close reading inference worksheet covering chapter 27 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will do the following:
Read for literal comprehension
Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings as needed
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Determine the tone of a given excerpt
Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing
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 evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction
Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this set of two plot-based quizzes covering chapters 16, 17, and 18 of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. The assessments may double as guided reading worksheets or review handouts. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following plot elements:
Dolphus Raymond as a social outcast
The “sad” life of Dolphus Raymond’s children
Who arranges for the children to have seats at the trial
Judge Taylor’s peculiarity
The prosecution’s first witness
The significance of Mayella’s injured eye
Bob Ewell’s testimony
Dramatic irony
The significance of Bob Ewell writing his name
Mayella’s insubordination
Tom Robinson’s injury
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
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 general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this set of two plot-based quizzes covering chapters 4 and 5 of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. The assessments may double as guided reading worksheets or review handouts. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following plot elements:
Discoveries in the knothole
Jem’s fear for Scout’s life
The irony of the discovery of money
Dill’s claim of a peculiar talent
The rolling tire incident
The game the kids play
Dill and Scout’s relationship
The evolving relationship between Scout and Miss Maudie
Theories pertaining to the mystery of Boo Radley
Miss Maudie’s impressions of Boo
Delivering a note to Boo
Atticus’s trick
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 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 general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this set of two plot-based quizzes covering chapters 6 and 7 of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. The assessments may double as guided reading worksheets or review handouts. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following plot elements:
A contest between Jem and Dill
The kids’ decision to sneak to the Radley residence
Mr. Radley scaring the kids off
How and why Jem lost his pants
Dill’s excuse for Jem’s lost pants
The lie Jem tells to Atticus
What motivates Jem to leave home in the middle of the night
Jem’s alarming discovery
Items in the knothole
Mr. Radley’s heartbreaking attempt to break Boo’s connection to the outside world
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 general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this set of two plot-based quizzes covering chapters 8 and 9 of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. The assessments may double as guided reading worksheets or review handouts. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following plot elements:
Scout’s reaction to the weather
The snowman/mudman
The house catching fire
Miss Maudie’s peculiar reaction to the house fire
The blanket wrapped around Scout
Scout’s reaction upon a disturbing discovery
Beating up Cecil Jacobs
Christmas gifts
Scout’s punishment
Atticus discussing the trial with Uncle Jack
Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this set of two plot-based quizzes covering chapters 12 and 13 of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. The assessments may double as guided reading worksheets or review handouts. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following plot elements:
Jem’s moodiness
Disappointing news to begin summer
The reason for Atticus’s two-week absence
The incident involving Eunice Ann Simpson
Lula’s treatment of the children
The general reaction of the parishioners toward the children
Calpurnia’s separate identities
Why Alexandra decides to stay with the family
Alexandra’s philosophy on what makes “fine” people
Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this set of two plot-based quizzes covering chapters 10 and 11 of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. The assessments may double as guided reading worksheets or review handouts. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following plot elements:
Atticus’s rule
Miss Maudie’s revelation of Atticus’s skills
The Tim Johnson incident
Why the kids dislike Mrs. Dubose
Mrs. Dubose’s condition
Jem’s misbehavior and subsequent punishment
The true purpose behind Jem’s punishment
“The bravest person I ever knew”
A gift left for Jem
Jem’s misunderstanding of Mrs. Dubose’s intent
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 general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this set of two plot-based quizzes covering chapters 14 and 15 of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. The assessments may double as guided reading worksheets or review handouts. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following plot elements:
Aunt Alexandra’s feelings toward Calpurnia
The discovery under Scout’s bed
Breaking “the code of childhood”
Dill’s epiphany regarding Boo Radley’s isolation
Jem breaking up the meeting
Atticus and Mr. Underwood outside of the jailhouse
Jem’s concern for his father
The lynch mob
How the lynch mob came to disperse
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 general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this set of two plot-based quizzes covering chapters 21, 22, and 23 of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. The assessments may double as guided reading worksheets or review handouts. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following plot elements:
Interruption of the court proceedings
Jem’s misunderstanding racial prejudice and the justice system
The jury’s deliberation
The verdict
The African American community’s appreciation of Atticus
Altercation between Bob and Atticus
Alexandra’s strictness
Jem’s opinion on Boo’s isolation
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 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
