How do pupils relate paired passages to each other? Here's a resource that helps! The lesson includes a short story and a poem as a set of paired reading passages, followed by some analysis questions. It also includes an essay template...

The interpretation of a poem often lies in the mind of its reader, especially when reading the tone. Focus on author's word choice, middle schoolers read four different poems and briefly state a perceived tone for each, along with the...

Both poetry analysis and waste disposal are more engaging topics for young readers with a instructional activity to accompany the Shel Silverstein poem 'Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out" from Where the Sidewalk...

Ponder the complexities of war, peace, and country with Stephen Crane's "War is Kind." After reading the poem, learners answer six questions in a class discussion or as an individual assessment.

Glimpse a beautiful moment through poetry with a reading comprehension activity. As sixth graders read through "City Autumn" by Joseph Moncure March, they answer ten questions about the setting, mood, vocabulary, and punctuation of...

In this poetry analysis worksheet, students read a paragraph regarding Langston Hughe’s use of collective voice in the poem, “The Negro Speaks of Rivers Theme of Memory and the Past.” Students then answer 4 discussion questions about the...

For this poetry analysis worksheet, learners consider the motivation for the actions of the Duke in "My Last Duchess," by Robert Browning as they read a brief paragraph positing that the Duke is insane. Students then respond to...

In this poetry analysis worksheet, 6th graders read a paragraph about the Duke's style of communication and lack of it in the poem, “My Last Duchess,” by Robert Browning. Student then answer 4 short answer...

In this poetry analysis worksheet, students examine the content of the William Butler Yeats poem, “No Second Troy." Students read a paragraph about the theme of the poem, then respond...

In this poetic themes activity, students consider the theme of youth in "The Lamb,"  by William Blake as they respond to 3 short answer questions. Students may also complete their choice of the 2 reading activities suggested.

In this reading reflection worksheet, learners respond to 4 short answer and essay questions as they consider the themes of wisdom and knowledge in "Ode on a Grecian Urn," by Keats. Students may also complete their choice of 3...

In this poetry analysis worksheet, students respond to 5 discussion questions that require them to investigate the symbolism of rivers in the Langston Hughes poem “The Negro Speaks of Rivers."

Concluding a study of metaphysical poetry? Challenge John Donne scholars with a worksheet that asks them to identify the subject of several of his poems, to interpret lines, to find examples of metaphysical conceits, and to analyze how...

In this Romeo and Juliet worksheet, students complete a group project by creating a poem on an assigned topic relating to themes found in Romeo and Juliet.

Whether you are planning on using Of Mice and Men for whole-class reading or as a selection for literature circles; whether you are new to John Steinbeck's novel, or it has long been a part of your curriculum, you...

In this literary analysis worksheet, students consider the comments made about religion in William Blake's poem, "The Lamb." Students read an overview of the poem's symbolic content, then respond to five questions in which they reflect...

In this literary analysis activity, students read the poem "Ode to the West Wind," by Percy Bysshe Shelley and then respond to 5 short answer discussion questions about the significance of wind in the poem and the symbolism of directions...

For this literary analysis worksheet, students consider the content and theme of  the poem "Meditation at Lagunitas," as they answer 5 short answer questions.

In this literary analysis worksheet, students examine Robert Browning's "My Last Duchess," as they read the poem and respond to 6 short answer questions.

With the end of the year quickly approaching it's time to find out exactly how much your sixth graders have learned. Specifically designed for the Common Core ELA standards, this practice test gives students five reading passages,...

A speaker's attitude toward his or her subject matter determines the tone of a piece of literature. Interpret the tone of four different poems, as well as their meanings, with supporting textual details.

Alice Walker's poem "Women" provides ninth graders the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to identify how a writer's choice of syntax and diction contribute to the development of the theme of the work.

In this poetry analysis activity, students read a reflection on the conflict between male and female identities in Dickinson's "My Life had stood – a Loaded Gun –." Students then respond to questions about male and female dominance...

In this poetry analysis learning exercise, students examine commentary about the jealousy of the Duke in Browning's "My Last Duchess." Students respond to discussion questions regarding the Duke’s suspicion that his wife is...