"When the two main characters initially meet, what is the source of conflict?" This page of questions can be applied to almost any romance book (from Jane Austen to Meg Cabot). An excellent checklist for book reports, these questions are also a good way to check student comprehension.
"In what ways does the setting of the movie differ from how it was presented in the book?" Many popular children's books are being made into films-- this list of questions helps students develop critical thinking skills while comparing the two media.
Read a Pecos Bill tall tale and answer the multiple choice questions, then read a true story about Pecos Bill with short answer comprehension questions. Sort fact from fiction in a review worksheet. Think and write about the values reflected in these tall tales. Finally: Write your own Pecos Bill tall tale. A great unit!
Marie's trip to Washington, D.C. has her thinking about her favorite orator. A nice tie-in for MLK Day (third Monday in January), this reading comprehension is followed by multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions.
Tyler and Hannah are overwhelmed by the number of search results they get for the word Internet, when trying to research for an assignment. Mother helps them start the paper by explaining some of the changes the Internet has brought.
Gwen is disappointed in her summer visit to Granny's. Granny challenges Gwen to use her "tools" and teaches her some lessons about boredom and luck. Includes multiple choice and short answer questions. Writing prompt challenges students to write their own ending to the story using objects and ideas in the plot.
A girl in 1916 ponders the issues of suffrage. The focus of this lesson is embedded SAT-level vocabulary (all verbs). The story is followed by questions to check vocabulary-based comprehension, context practice, synonym matching, and a guide word exercise.
"Raoul Kirschbaum climbed from the smoking wreckage of the time machine." A fictional story about meeting a real president with real dental problems, followed by multiple choice, short answer and essay questions.
The tale of a boy who trades a panda for a pepper (??) is available at four different levels, with increasingly advanced vocabulary and activities. The middle school level includes reading comprehension, inference questions, metaphor and simile work, and exercises in understanding appropriate for middle school readers.
A 10 page set of differentiated activities related to the Clement's book, Frindle. Includes a list of 8 choices of activities with rubric score form and rubrics tally sheet, plus word searches and word unscrambles with answer keys.
Jacob and his twin sister learn about the importance of family health history. Includes a set of short response and a set of multiple choice questions, plus a writing prompt that will help student make a plan for heart health in their family.
Read an Annie Oakley tall tale (based on "Annie Got Her Gun!") and answer the multiple choice questions, then read a true story about Oakley with short answer comprehension questions. Sort fact from fiction in a review worksheet. Think and write about the values reflected in these tall tales. Finally: Write your own Annie Oakley tall tale. A great unit and a fun "women's history month" tie-in.
"What tasks must the hero accomplish?" This page of questions can be applied to almost any fantasy/adventure book. An excellent checklist for book reports, these questions are also a good way to check student comprehension.
"Matthew and Jessica were the leaders of Washington Middle School's Mardi Gras float committee." Students trying to decide on a Mardi Gras parade float learn a little about how Mardi Gras is observed in other parts of the world. This short fiction is followed by multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions.
A historical fiction story about a village that once had "gypsy" visitors forms the backdrop for this great mini-unit, featuring vocabulary building, comprehension questions, reflection, writing assignments, and more.
This unit uses three of Aesop's shorter fables as a foundation for talking about unity. With imaginative writing and drawing prompts, as well as comprehension questions, this is a fun introduction to Aesop AND a solid lesson on character education and critical thinking skills. Available at four levels.