Creating the Hook

Guide learners through a discussion about Natalie Babbitt's Tuck Everlasting with a helpful graphic organizer. As they read through the novel, individuals note their reactions to statements about the book's themes, and fill out a chart...

Split the class into two groups for a fishbowl discussion using of Jerry Spinelli's Maniac Magee. The first group initiates the conversation by reviewing the important points of Chapter thirteen while group two members are listening,...

Get your class ready to read with this anticipatory set for Running Out of Time. Small groups each consider one thought-provoking statement. After each group comes to a consensus, the whole class participates in sharing ideas and voting...

Both Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy have proud moments, but who is more prideful? Explore Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice with a discussion web that compares both characters in a brainstorming graphic organizer. Each side provides enough...

Language learners discuss ways they can increase their use of English in the new year and brainstorm with peers ideas to practice language. Scholars finish by completing a worksheet to create their own English Action Plans to increase...

As part of a final discussion of The House on Mango Street, groups examine a concept question about the text, record arguments for and opposed to the question, and then a draw their own conclusions.

Need a meeting log worksheet for a reading group in your class? Use a quick and easy format for your groups to monitor their progress. The questions available cover group accountability, topics discussed, and good things or problems that...

Continue on the path to writing a strong explanatory essay in the second of six lessons. The focus is on close reading and creating cohesive paragraphs by grouping together related information. The instructor identifies this work as...

In the third of a five-part series on writing informational essays, writers focus on drafting and revising a body paragraph in response to a question about a text. An instructor walks through how to support their answers to questions...

Involve your readers in finding works of literary genius. Have each individual write down compelling sentences that they read or hear, whether in a newspaper, advertisement, book, movie, song, or any other place! Once each person has a...