Students learn the four common text structures: Compare/Contrast, Description, Cause/Effect, and Problem/ Solution. In this lesson, students learn the definition of text structure- and the difference between it and text features (commonly confused). This product includes the PowerPoint, an EATS lesson plan, graphic organizer, worksheet and answer key. Once students are shown several examples, they will practice identifying original paragraphs (created by me) and writing in a text structure format. Students will write their own paragraph using a structure of their choosing. Others will guess which structure they used. Lastly, students will pair up to summarize the lesson. Students will learn: What clues can I use to determine the text structure of a written piece? and How do text features and structures help the reader understand what they are reading? Common Core Standards: RI. 6.5 Analyze the structure an author uses to organize a text, including how the major sections contribute to the whole and to the development of the ideas. Thank you and ENJOY!

Context clues are so important; they are part of the Common Core Standards in grades TWO through TWELVE! This lesson focuses on grades 6 through 8. This product includes: ---An EATS Lesson plan (with activating strategy, teaching strategies, etc.) ---A complete PowerPoint for this lesson ---Two worksheets ---Two activities ---A PowerPoint of printable task cards (8)- perfect for differentiated instruction The lesson gives the definition for context and shows examples. A sample sentence without context clues is also shown. Students will be given an original picture of "clues" as a PowerPoint visual to connect with this concept. Students will learn the four main strategies that writers use to give context clues to their readers (telling, examples, antonyms, and picture-painting). As a class, students will practice with the examples on the PowerPoint- identifying which strategy the writer used. Later, students will pair up and work on TASK CARD examples (perfect for differentiating this lesson- or use them as homework slips!). Finally, students will work independently on a worksheet and create a context clue-filled sentence of their own for their peers to critique. Most of the students' unknown words come from my "Word of the Day: Preparing for the S.A.T." So, if they accidentally learn the meaning, it's a win!! :) This lesson has a lot of information and several strategies for students to learn. The second PowerPoint (the one with task cards) is intended to be printed. This lesson focuses on: CCSS Literacy .L.6.4.a, 7.4.a, and 8-12.4.a. Thank you so much!

Students will follow the PowerPoint to find out what connotation is- and find FOUR STRATEGIES to use to uncover nuances in meaning. This lesson uses task cards, a game, and worksheet to capture students' attention. Check the feedback below. This product includes: -- an EATS lesson (with essential question, activating strategy, vocabulary, etc.) -- two worksheets -- answer keys --40 Task Cards for writing a paragraph --40 more Task Cards for writing a haiku (for others to guess the subject!) --Match Up GAME Focus: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.5, L.7.5 , L.8.5 and CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.5.c, L.7.5.c, L.8.5.c The class will see examples of writing that are negative and examples that are positive- and learn what shades of meaning are. The essential question also is the exit ticket. A sample answer is included so students can LEARN the answer. After they have learned the concept, they will be expected to understand and write it. The task cards are great for individual practice. Students love sharing what they have written. For differentiated instruction, I have included task cards on Haikus. Students focus on word choice as they write a haiku on a given subject. When complete, they read the haiku to the class and the class will guess their subject. Example: Student A reads: Brown or white mammal With hooves and tail, she’s lazy. She provides breakfast. The class guesses: a cow! Students enjoy this activity! There is an additional worksheet included for those who are struggling- and need additional practice. I encourage my students to use the thesaurus if they want. Thank you!

Verb Mood... is a Common Core necessity! Verb Moods - Subjective. Conditional. Imperative. Interrogative. Indicative. I've tried to make this topic a little snazzy. Generally, students feel that verb moods are a bunch of big words that are not relevant to them. My goal is to connect a visual with each mood and have students understand each mood through various activities. This EATS lesson includes: --a very helpful graphic organizer -- the content standard and essential question -- preview vocabulary -- Fantastic PowerPoint with the definition and example of each mood: Indicative, Imperative, Interrogative, Conditional and Subjunctive -- a review -- a writing activity -- an Exit Ticket The graphic organizer works really well with my 8th graders! Students connect to the visuals and can use this g.o. with future assignments! This PowerPoint is accompanied by an EATS lesson plan. This lesson focuses on: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking, AND (especially) CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.1c Form and use verbs in the indicative, imperative, interrogative, conditional, and subjunctive mood. The Essential Questions used are: -- How can I use verbs correctly in the indicative, imperative, interrogative, conditional, and subjunctive moods? -- How can I form verbs correctly in the indicative, imperative, interrogative, conditional, and subjunctive moods? Thanks so much!- Kim Kroll

This figurative language (Hyperboles and Paradoxes) lesson includes a PowerPoint, a lesson plan, two worksheets and an Exit Ticket- everything you need to teach hyperbole and paradox. The PowerPoint discusses hyperbole and paradox, giving several examples and opportunities for students to participate. The class will follow along with the lesson- filling in an individual worksheet. Common Core Standard L 11-12.5a is the focus. The class begins with the Essential Question and Activating Strategy. The teacher will discuss the definition and role of hyperbole and paradox. Students will have opportunities to pair up, brainstorm, and work individually. Differentiated instruction is offered with the Exit Ticket. A second optional worksheet is included for fun- or if there is a need for extra practice.This lesson uses examples from classic literature. Focus: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.5a Interpret figures of speech (e.g., hyperbole, paradox) in context and analyze their role in the text.

This “Puns” lesson comes complete with: • an EATS lesson plan (including essential question, teaching strategies, etc.) • a PowerPoint • a printable worksheet that follows the PowerPoint • an exit ticket • an answer sheet • a bonus worksheet for students to create puns This lesson provides an explanation of puns and the reasons authors use them. Students will learn to interpret puns through the discussion of the several examples. In order to focus on CCSS (LITERACY.L.8.5 and L.8.5.A), the Essential Question asks “How can I interpret puns?” A sample response to this question is included. Students will be able to discuss and critique the response- before they are expected to answer it on their own. I have found providing a sample answer really helps students understand how to respond to the lesson’s exit ticket. The printable worksheet allows students to follow along with the lesson- and independently work on interpreting puns in literature. An “Extra Pun Worksheet” is included for further study. Using the list of multiple meaning words and more examples, students can create their own puns! I hope you enjoy this Puns lesson. Thank you!

Hyphenation conventions are the focus of CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.11-12.2.A. This product contains a PowerPoint, Lesson Plan, Worksheets and an activity on the use of Hyphens. There are many hyphen rules, but here are the 10 most common (and important) uses of hyphens: 1) Two words that, when linked, describe a noun 2.) Ex- words 3.) All compound numbers from 21-99 4.) Spelled-out fractions 5.) Self- words 6.) Well- words 7.) With figures or letter 8.) Between a prefix and a capitalized word 9.) New word blends 10.) Avoid confusion or an awkward combination of letters The second worksheet, “Matching Hyphens with a Rule” can be completed independently. The third worksheet “Hyphen Needed?” is a great paired activity because students can discuss which rule applies to each sentence. Finally, the FIRST worksheet is my favorite- because it helps students focus on the message of the PowerPoint lecture. When they are finished, they have a great study sheet that lists the ten rules! Answer Keys are provided. This product is aligned with CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.2A Observe hyphenation conventions. Thank you!

These exercises for learning how to determine an unknown word using context clues focuses on 4 categories: examples, definition, antonym, and details. Teaching these strategies will help your students’ reading comprehension with secondary texts. Context clues are so important; they are part of the Common Core Standards in grades TWO through TWELVE. This product includes: ---An EATS Lesson plan (with vocabulary, teaching strategies, etc.) ---A complete PowerPoint for this lesson ---Two worksheets ---Two activities ---A PowerPoint of printable TASK CARDS (8)- perfect for differentiated instruction This lesson focuses on grades 9 through 12. The lesson gives the definition for context and shows examples. A sample sentence without context clues is also shown. Students will be given an original picture of "clues" as a PowerPoint visual to connect with this concept. Students will learn the four main strategies that writers use to give context clues to their readers (telling, examples, antonyms, and picture-painting). As a class, students will practice with the examples on the PowerPoint- identifying which strategy the writer used. Later, students will pair up and work on TASK CARD examples (perfect for differentiating this lesson- or use them as homework slips!). Finally, students will work independently on a worksheet and create a context clue-filled sentence of their own for their peers to critique. Most of the students' unknown words come from my "Word of the Day: Preparing for the S.A.T." So, if they accidentally learn the meaning, it's a win!! This lesson has a lot of information and several strategies for students to learn. The second PowerPoint (the one with task cards) is intended to be printed. This lesson focuses on: CCSS Literacy .L9 -12.4.a. Thank you!

Teaching Parallel Structure to 9th and 10th graders CAN be enjoyable! This resource was created to make teaching this Common Core Standard easy! I have included: -an EATS lesson plan -the content standard -essential question -vocabulary: Parallel and Structure -an activating strategy -collaborative activities -individual activities -a printable exit ticket -POWERPOINT -WORKSHEETS TASK CARDS -challenge activity -optional homework practice and answer keys This works really well with my 9th graders! You can also use with grades: 7, 8, 11 or 12th grade, but it was built specifically for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.1.a (Use parallel structure). The Essential Question is: How can I create and correct sentences that have parallel structure? This lesson is accompanied by a PowerPoint (included) that goes with the EATS lesson plan- and makes teaching very easy. I hope you enjoy this lesson! Thanks!- Kim Kroll

This Punctuation Lesson, PowerPoint, two worksheets and Answer Key teaches the Common Core standard addressed in L 9-10. 2b : using Colons for introducing a list and quote. Teachers will be able to use this resource to completely teach the concept. With the PowerPoint, a lecture unfolds to include an activating strategy, teaching strategies and a summarizing strategy. The worksheet allows students to follow along with the PPT smoothly, while taking notes. Included are examples and activities for the entire class, partners, and individuals. Answer keys are provided for each activity.

The PPT, lesson plan, worksheets, and exit ticket all focus on CCSS.L. 9-10.2. Teach punctuation to your secondary class with this no prep resource. Check out the reviews! With the PowerPoint, a lecture unfolds to include an activating strategy, teaching strategies, and summarizing strategies. Using the Essential Question: “When do I use a semicolon?” the worksheet allows students to follow along with the PPT smoothly, while taking notes.The PPT and worksheets focus on the correct ways to use the semicolon. Included are examples and activities. Answer keys are provided for each activity. Addressed Common Core Standards include: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.2.a Use a semicolon (and perhaps a conjunctive adverb) to link two or more closely related independent clauses Both “independent clauses” and “conjunctive adverb” are defined and examined in the lesson. Hope you enjoy this lesson! It will save you hours from creating a lesson from scratch! Thank you! ~Kim

Twenty-Three (23!) different task cards are formatted (four to a page) and are EDITABLE. Just add your questions in text boxes! --OR print the task cards and add your content in your own handwriting. You must have PowerPoint to use this product. These templates are ready for you to create TASK CARDS in math, science, Language Arts, or any subject. Customize your content as you like. Use as exit tickets, entrance tickets, comprehension checks, sponge activities, brain breaks, Scoots, Center activities, Station activities, and so much more. An EDITABLE Answer Sheet/ Answer Key is included. Terms of Use If you use as a commercial product, you must flatten the final product into a PDF. All content in this product is the copyrighted property of Kim Kroll Use in your personal classroom and/or commercially to create task card products that you flatten and secured with questions that you have added. You may not post to a blog. You may not share with other teachers. Please give credit by stating “graphics by ©Kim Kroll” in your product package. You may not sell, trade, share or redistribute this product

Author's Purpose Inform, Entertain and Persuade: a lesson on Author's Purpose This PowerPoint was created for my observation/ evaluation. It has a lesson plan and worksheet included. It is: *interesting and rigorous *timed perfectly for a 53-minute class period *showcases teacher strengths *uses various activities for high interest *keeps students involved This lesson was used during my observation/ evaluation, and my principal LOVED it. This PPT focuses on the 3 purposes-- inform, entertain and persuade-- giving examples, practice and eventually an Exit Ticket. This presentation was used for 6th and 7th grade, but could work with 5th-12th. At one point, students can use sign language to silently engage in the lesson. (Principal and students LOVE this part!) Included with the lesson plan are activities for partners (sorting slips) and individuals (writing). Answer keys are also provided. I HIGHLY SUGGEST USING THIS ONE-DAY LESSON WHILE GETTING EVALUATED. Using the Essential Question: How can a reader determine the author’s purpose?, the worksheet allows students to follow along with the PowerPoint smoothly. There are pictures to stimulate interest, along with an easy format for students and teachers, alike. The Author's Purpose lesson plan follows LFS (Learning Focused Strategies) to include an activating strategy, teaching strategies and summarizing strategies. The lesson helps students determine the author's purpose as found in the Common Core Standards: "Reading Standards for Informational Text - Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author distinguishes his or her position from that of others." This teaches students to look for clues to the author's purpose. I truly think you will like this one! Enjoy!

If you’ve never read The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate (“EvCT”) by Jacqueline Kelly, you are in for a treat. My sixth graders love EvCT and I LOVE teaching it! It works well as a cross-curricular unit with science OR history- and the author’s voice is simply incredible. 71 pages + 91 PowerPoint slides = 162 page resource! This product contains everything you need for a great unit and aligns with the Common Core State Standards. This product includes: • TWELVE lessons, each with a worksheet (study guide) featuring vocabulary. Answer keys are included. Most lessons also include extra activities to supplement the lesson (For example, one chapter features a PALS activity, complete with instructions; another chapter features a figurative lesson worksheet and activity.). The lesson plans are grouped as: 1. EvCT Ch 1 2. EvCT Ch 2 3. EvCT Ch 3 4 5 4. EvCT Ch 6 7 5. EvCT Ch 8 9 6. EvCT Ch 10 11 7. EvCT Ch 12 13 8. EvCT Ch 14 15 16 9. EvCT Ch 17 18 19 10. EvCT Ch 20 21 22 11. EvCT Ch 23 24 25 12. EvCT Ch 26 27 28 EvCT POWERPOINT (90 slides) The PPT gives visual references for background information (pinafore, kerosene lamp, Wounded Knee Massacre, author background, etc.), discussion questions, Venn diagrams, exit tickets and much more. Students also get to guess the prices from the 1890’s (my students love this activity!) EvCT Final Test (Answer Key included) Bookmarks What student doesn't like a little gift? Packed with EvCT info (and vocab!), this bookmark is a handy "cheat sheet" to use with the worksheets ~and possibly the final test (IF the teacher allows it...). This product also features several opportunities for figurative language practice (EvCT has a ton of figurative language: perfect for mini-lessons!) and a semi-colon study. Some worksheets (study guides) offer “challenge questions.” There are opportunities for differentiated learning. You can use challenge questions for students who are absent or as an activity for cooperative learning…). There are also suggestions for research. PLUS- writing prompts! This product is editable, if you prefer to customize any part. Final test, writing prompts, and extra activities are included! The Common Core Standards cited are for 6th grade, but other grades are largely interchangeable. Recommended for grades 5-8, The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is a 2010 Newbery Honor Book and the winner of the 2010 Bank Street - Josette Frank Award. I spent over 100 hours on this product. I pride myself on creating a unit that offers user-friendly, thought-provoking lessons and creative activities. Click this link to buy all of my