Daily Archives: December 21, 2020


December 2020 Teacher Talk

Posted by Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

It’s December and time for our holiday version of Teacher Talk. Getting ready for the holiday festivities or just looking for some great ideas. You don’t want to miss what these creative educators are doing this month.
If you’re interested in joining this unique group of teacher entrepreneurs, blogging buddies and/or our blog linky, sign up here….The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative.  If you decide to join, “Feel free to email me at deann.marin@gmail.com if you have any questions”
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An Amazing Holiday Values Lesson To Use Right Now!

By Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

I woke up this morning, December 20, 2020 and thought about how much things have changed since the pandemic, staying away from those we love, prejudice against those who are different, a separation of so many people in this country, bullying, and distance learning. This has been a very sad and stressful time in our lives.*********************************************

Hope is Just AheadBy Retta London of Rainbow City Learning

Adding hope to a New Years goal setting activity.
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Virtual Math Games to Engage Student Learning

By Kathie Yonemura of Tried and True Teaching Tools

One of my struggles during distance learning has been how to keep students engaged during math. Breakout rooms have been the perfect solution! I digitized a few of the games I used to print out and laminate. They are no-prep and ready to use!
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When was the last time you took time for YOU?

By Renee Heiss of All-American Teacher Tools

You’ve been creating virtual lessons, implementing virtual rewards and discipline procedures, and possibly keeping up with in-class separation shenanigans, as well. It’s overwhelming and not what you signed up for, right? Here are some ideas to help you relax and enjoy a small part of your day or week so you tell yourself that you are special (channeling Mr. Rogers here!)*********************************************

My Rule #3 for Teaching Middle School

By Katie Auer of Loving Language Arts

 #3 in a series of tips for Teaching Middle School*********************************************

Civility in the Classroom

By Charlene Tess of Charlene Tess

Teaching civility in the classroom is a must.

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The Gift of No Homework

By Gini Musmanno of Reading Spotlight

Why not try giving students the gift of NO HOMEWORK this holiday season? For a week? For a month? For EVER?

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3 Easy Tips to Increase Engagement and Learning During Grammar Lessons

By Marcy Howe of It’s a Teacher Thing

Learn easy tips for increasing engagement and learning during your grammar lessons.
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Make sure you take a look at all the tips from our extraordinary educators.

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Short Story Bundle Unit Plan

Description

The Short Story Bundle is 4 short story mini-units for the price of one. See the preview for more details.

Seventh Grade Short Story Mini Unit is a great way to start any literature unit. Suitable from grade seven to ten, this unit reviews literary elements and allows students to practice identifying all important elements.

The unit includes:

❒ a copy of the short story

❒ an anticipation reading guide

❒ a two-page literary element cheat sheet

❒ plot graph

❒ word wall

❒ character trait explanation sheet

❒ characterization activity

❒ writing evaluation (or activity) with evaluation sheet

❒ comprehensive answer key for all activities.

18 pages total

“The Elevator” Short Story Mini-Unit is a one-stop-shop for teaching the short story. Other than photocopies, all of the work has been done for you.

This mini-unit is suitable for grades 7 through 10 and includes:

❒ a copy of the short story

❒ questions for comprehension

❒ a plot chart organizer

❒ activity to help students discover the author’s purpose for writing

❒ an instructional sheet on how to develop themes (with a practical example)

❒ an instructional sheet on how to develop a theme in paragraph form

❒ a graphic organizer to help students organize their paragraphs

❒ an example of a completed graphic organizer to plan the paragraph

❒ an example of a paragraph for “The Elevator.”

❒ a comprehensive answer key for all handouts

❒ a three-day lesson plan to accompany the story

This short story mini-unit features Shirley Jackson’s short story “Charles.” Appropriate for grades 7 to 10, the lessons focus on the development of theme and paragraphs.

Included in the mini-unit is:

❒ a copy of the short story

❒ a prediction chart

❒ an anticipation guide

❒ activity sheet (select important passages in the text for theme and paragraph support)

❒ author’s purpose activity sheet

❒ how to develop a theme sheet with an example

❒ a graphic organizer to help students plan their paragraph

❒ an answer key for all activities

❒ 3-day lesson plan for easy planning

16 pages total

The Rain Rain Go Away Mini Unit includes all materials to teach this short story. Students also get the opportunity to be creative and collaborate with others in the creative process. This unit is always a hit in my class.

The resource includes:

❒ an anticipation guide

❒ a copy of the short story

❒ questions for comprehension

❒ plot graph activity-❒Information sheet on characterization and an accompanying activity

❒ a personal word wall to improve students’ vocabulary and understanding

❒ a comprehensive answer key for all activities

Also included are two evaluations with evaluation grids:

❒ An individual evaluation where the student must write an alternate ending to the story.

❒ A group evaluation where students must work collaboratively to produce an alternate ending.

24 pages total

Individual Short Story Mini-Units:

Charles by Shirley Jackson

Rain, Rain, Go away Short Story

Seventh Grade Short Story

The Elevator Short Story

You may also be interested in the following products:

ELA Literature Study Unit

English Grammar Cheat Sheet

How to Write a Paragraph

Opinion Letter with the Novel Holes

Spelling Flip Book

It’s teaching made easy!

Total Pages
74 pages
Answer Key
Included with rubric
Teaching Duration
2 Weeks


FREE MISC. LESSON – “FREEBIE Winter Themed No Prep Printables Kindergarten Literacy & Math Pack”

by Third Grade Triumph
Pre-Kindergarten – 1st Grade

Are you a busy teacher? Do you need something quick that is fun, engaging, and aligned to the CCSS?

SAVE $$$ BUNDLE PACK. These winter no prep kindergarten math and literacy printables are an easy way to review key skills throughout the month and can be used for a variety of purposes: homework, sub plans, extra practice, independent work, etc…

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREEBIE-Winter-Themed-No-Prep-Printables-Kindergarten-Literacy-Math-Pack-1644083

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