Brainy Bear
257 Followers
Arizona, United States
About the store
With 16 years of experience teaching both English Language Arts and History across multiple grade levels, I bring a deep understanding of how students grow as readers, writers, and critical thinkers.
My classroom experience has shaped every resource I create. I know firsthand what it takes to balance rigor with engagement, structure with flexibility, and high expectations with meaningful support. Teaching across subjects and grade levels has given me a strong perspective on skill progression — how students develop analytical thinking, writing stamina, and confidence over time.
Each lesson is designed to be practical, classroom-tested, and purposeful. The goal is not just to assign work, but to foster thoughtful discussion, deeper comprehension, and lasting understanding.
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Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry - Collage Project
In this engaging and relevant project, students will create a visual collage that represents Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor. The collage will illustrate the themes, characters, and key moments that develop throughout the novel. This project will engage students creatively by synthesizing textual evidence into a visual format. Step-by-Step Student Instructions on Google Slides (and PPT): Step 1: Research and AnalysisStep 2: Gather Visuals Step 3: Quote SelectionStep 4: Colla
5th - 8th
Literature, Novel Studies, Reading
CCSS
RL.7.1
, RL.7.2
, RL.7.3
+1
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry - Jigsaw Activity
This cooperative-learning reading technique gives students the opportunity to specialize in an important theme from Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor. Working collaboratively, students master a critical theme of the novel by analyzing, discussing, and answering questions in an “expert group” and then teaching the material to their “home group” members. Asking students to work together in a Jigsaw builds comprehension, encourages cooperation, and improves communication and problem-s
5th - 8th
Literature, Novel Studies, Reading
CCSS
RL.7.1
, RL.7.2
, RL.7.3
+2
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry - Gallery Walk Interactive Activity
In this engaging and collaborative Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry - Gallery Walk activity, students travel around the room in small groups to read various key parts related to the novel. They read and discuss each key part, leaving behind a sticky note sharing their thoughts. After reading and discussing all key parts, each group is given one poster, reads all its sticky notes, and develops a summary for their poster. Finally, students take turns sharing the overall trends they found in the st
5th - 8th
Literature, Novel Studies, Reading
CCSS
RL.7.1
, RL.7.2
, RL.7.3
+2
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry - Character Story Stream: Social Media Activity
Bring characters to life with this creative, multimedia activity perfect for an engaging Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry novel study. Students explore a character’s development by creating a mini social media profile, 3 journal entries, and 3 social media-style posts based on key moments in the text. This activity blends personal reflection with public persona, encouraging deeper analysis and creativity. What’s Included:Mini Social Media Profile Template3 Inner Thoughts Journal Pages3 Public S
5th - 8th
Literature, Novel Studies, Reading
CCSS
RL.7.1
, RL.7.2
, RL.7.3
+2
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry - "Dear Inspiration..." Letter Writing Activity
Using award-winning author Mildred D. Taylor as an inspirational example, students write a heartfelt letter to someone who has inspired them in a meaningful way. Their task is to express how and why this person is inspirational to them and how they have influenced their life. This activity will help students reflect on the themes of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, while making a personal connection through writing a letter to an inspirational figure (public figure, family member, historical figur
5th - 8th
Literature, Novel Studies, Reading
CCSS
RL.7.2
, RL.7.10
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry - Who Said That? Quote Review & Analysis
The Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry - Who Said That? Quote Review Activity is an engaging and fun way for students to review the novel after reading. This end-of-novel activity features 20 important quotations from a variety of characters from the novel. This student-favorite activity is available in Google Slides, PPT, and PDF. An important quote from the novel is displayed and the answer is revealed on a ‘click’ from the teacher. Or, print it out on PDF for a challenging and fun activity, ra
5th - 8th
Literature, Novel Studies, Reading
CCSS
RL.7.10
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry - Final Essay - "Exploring Humanity"
Wrap up your novel teaching unit on Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry with the “Exploring Humanity” Final Essay! This comprehensive resource provides everything you need to guide your students through the entire writing process. This narrative essay is an excellent way to culminate your unit! Step-by-step guidance: Engaging 23-slide student instructions presentation on Google Slides, PPT & PDF. This step-by-step presentation walks students through the entire essay process and includes specific ess
5th - 8th
Literature, Novel Studies, Reading
CCSS
RL.7.1
, RL.7.2
, RL.7.3
+2
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry - Discussion Questions (small-group, lit circles)
Get students involved with engaging discussions in your classroom—whether in small groups, as a whole class, during literature circles, or book talks —with this complete Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry Discussion Questions resource. This ready-to-use resource facilitates meaningful conversations about Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, allowing students to explore its themes and characters together. The included questions are versatile and can spark dynamic discussions between all levels of readers
5th - 8th
Literature, Novel Studies, Reading
CCSS
RL.7.1
, RL.7.2
, RL.7.3
+2
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry - Chapter Summaries, Analysis, and Key Points
The Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry Summaries & Analysis Bundle includes ready-to-present (Google Slides & PPT) or print (also on PDF) complete summaries, analysis, key points, and insights that cover ALL 12 Chapters of the novel. Great for teachers to review before reading, whole class review, and printing for readers struggling to understand key points. These complete presentations are designed for easy review with students. 3 Formats: Google Slides (editable), PowerPoint (editable), PDF
5th - 8th
Literature, Novel Studies, Reading
CCSS
RL.6.1
, RL.6.2
, RL.6.3
+2
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry - Book Introduction (Google Slides, PPT, & PDF)
The Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry - Complete Book Introduction Presentation was designed to keep students engaged with pre-reading activities, author biography, setting the scene, key themes, inspiration, and group discussion questions. This engaging Introduction Presentation includes everything you need to introduce Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, through social context, author biography, pre-reading discussion questions, and more… while connecting themes to real-life today! 3 Formats: Goog
5th - 8th
Literature, Novel Studies, Reading
CCSS
RL.7.2
, RL.7.3
, RL.7.10
The Maze Runner - Comic Book & Graphic Novel Project (Print & Digital)
Students create their own The Maze Runner comic book or graphic novel adaptation using included templates, available as a printable PDF (full-page & half-page) and a digital resource in Google Slides. This engaging activity helps students visually and narratively capture key events and characters. Their illustrated and scripted comics can be shared digitally, presented to the class, or discussed in small groups as an interactive way to analyze the novel. 12 Comic Templates on 2 Formats: PD
8th - 11th
Literature, Novel Studies, Reading
CCSS
RL.9-10.2
, RL.9-10.3
, RL.9-10.5
+2
Also included in: The Maze Runner - Novel Study Unit BUNDLE (Everything You Need)
The Maze Runner - Collage Project (Everything Included)
In this engaging and relevant project, students will create a visual collage that represents the novel The Maze Runner by James Dashner. The collage will illustrate the themes, characters, and key moments that develop throughout the novel. This project will engage students creatively by synthesizing textual evidence into a visual format. Step-by-Step Student Instructions on Google Slides (and PPT): Step 1: Research and AnalysisStep 2: Gather Visuals Step 3: Quote SelectionStep 4: Collage C
8th - 11th
Literature, Novel Studies, Reading
CCSS
RL.9-10.1
, RL.9-10.2
, RL.9-10.3
+2
Also included in: The Maze Runner - Novel Study Unit BUNDLE (Everything You Need)
The Maze Runner - Story Continuation Writing Activity
Students will creatively explore the themes and characters of The Maze Runner by James Dashner by writing a continuation of the story, imagining what happens after the novel ends. This activity will help students develop critical thinking, character development, and narrative skills. This comprehensive resource provides everything you need to guide your students through the entire writing process! Step-by-step guidance: Engaging 11-slide student instructions presentation on Google Slides,
8th - 11th
Literature, Novel Studies, Reading
CCSS
RL.9-10.1
, RL.9-10.2
, RL.9-10.3
+1
Also included in: The Maze Runner - Novel Study Unit BUNDLE (Everything You Need)
The Maze Runner - Jigsaw Activity
This cooperative-learning reading technique gives students the opportunity to specialize in an important theme from the novel The Maze Runner by James Dashner. Working collaboratively, students master a critical theme of the novel by analyzing, discussing, and answering questions in an “expert group” and then teaching the material to their “home group” members. Asking students to work together in a Jigsaw builds comprehension, encourages cooperation, and improves communication and problem-solvi
8th - 11th
Literature, Novel Studies, Reading
CCSS
RL.9-10.1
, RL.9-10.2
, RL.9-10.3
+1
Also included in: The Maze Runner - Novel Study Unit BUNDLE (Everything You Need)
The Maze Runner - Gallery Walk Interactive Activity
In this engaging and collaborative The Maze Runner Gallery Walk activity, students travel around the room in small groups to read various key parts related to the novel. They read and discuss each key part, leaving behind a sticky note sharing their thoughts. After reading and discussing all key parts, each group is given one poster, reads all its sticky notes, and develops a summary for their poster. Finally, students take turns sharing the overall trends they found in the sticky note respo
8th - 11th
Literature, Novel Studies, Reading
CCSS
RL.9-10.1
, RL.9-10.2
, RL.9-10.3
+1
Also included in: The Maze Runner - Novel Study Unit BUNDLE (Everything You Need)
The Maze Runner - Story Stream: Social Media Activity (Print & Digital)
Bring characters to life with this creative, multimedia activity perfect for an engaging The Maze Runner novel study. Students explore a character’s development by creating a mini social media profile, 3 journal entries, and 3 social media-style posts based on key moments in the text. This activity blends personal reflection with public persona, encouraging deeper analysis and creativity. What’s Included:Mini Social Media Profile Template3 Inner Thoughts Journal Pages3 Public Social Media P
8th - 11th
Literature, Novel Studies, Reading
CCSS
RL.9-10.1
, RL.9-10.2
, RL.9-10.3
+2
Also included in: The Maze Runner - Novel Study Unit BUNDLE (Everything You Need)
The Maze Runner - Who Said That? Quote Review Activity
The Maze Runner Who Said That? Quote Review Activity is an engaging and fun way for students to review the novel after reading. This end-of-novel activity features 25 important quotations from a variety of characters from the novel. This student-favorite activity is available in Google Slides, PPT, and PDF. An important quote from the novel is displayed and the answer is revealed on a ‘click’ from the teacher. Or, print it out on PDF for a challenging and fun activity, race, scavenger hunt,
8th - 11th
Literature, Novel Studies, Reading
CCSS
RL.9-10.3
, RL.9-10.10
Also included in: The Maze Runner - Novel Study Unit BUNDLE (Everything You Need)
The Maze Runner - Video Interview Q&A with Stars and Author (Print & Digital)
Make James Dashner’s novel, The Maze Runner, come alive with this powerful, ready-to-use “The Maze Runner Q&A with Stars and Author” video interview with student questions (and answer key)! Perfect for use alongside the novel or as a standalone lesson. What’s Included: Teacher instructionsAuthor BiographyAuthor & Movie Stars Interview (video link)10 thoughtful student discussion & reflection questions (PDF, Google Slides/PPT, Digital Google Docs)Grading rubric (20-point scale)Complete answe
8th - 11th
Literature, Novel Studies, Reading
CCSS
RL.9-10.2
, RL.9-10.3
, RL.9-10.10
Also included in: The Maze Runner - Novel Study Unit BUNDLE (Everything You Need)
The Maze Runner - Final Essay - "Exploring Humanity"
Wrap up your novel teaching unit on The Maze Runner with the “Exploring Humanity” Final Essay! This comprehensive resource provides everything you need to guide your students through the entire writing process. This narrative essay is an excellent way to culminate your unit! Step-by-step guidance: Engaging 23-slide student instructions presentation on Google Slides, PPT & PDF. This step-by-step presentation walks students through the entire essay process and includes specific essay examples f
8th - 11th
Literature, Novel Studies, Reading
CCSS
RL.9-10.1
, RL.9-10.2
, RL.9-10.3
+5
Also included in: The Maze Runner - Novel Study Unit BUNDLE (Everything You Need)
The Maze Runner - Discussion Questions (small-group, whole-class, lit circles)
Get students involved with engaging discussions in your classroom—whether in small groups, as a whole class, during literature circles, or book talks —with this complete The Maze Runner by James Dashner Discussion Questions resource. This ready-to-use resource facilitates meaningful conversations about the novel The Maze Runner, allowing students to explore its themes and characters together. The included questions are versatile and can spark dynamic discussions between all levels of reader
8th - 11th
Literature, Novel Studies, Reading
CCSS
RL.9-10.1
, RL.9-10.2
, RL.9-10.3
+4
Also included in: The Maze Runner - Novel Study Unit BUNDLE (Everything You Need)
Showing 1-20 of 175 results
About the store
Experience
With 16 years of experience teaching both English Language Arts and History across multiple grade levels, I bring a deep understanding of how students grow as readers, writers, and critical thinkers.
My classroom experience has shaped every resource I create. I know firsthand what it takes to balance rigor with engagement, structure with flexibility, and high expectations with meaningful support. Teaching across subjects and grade levels has given me a strong perspective on skill progression — how students develop analytical thinking, writing stamina, and confidence over time.
Each lesson is designed to be practical, classroom-tested, and purposeful. The goal is not just to assign work, but to foster thoughtful discussion, deeper comprehension, and lasting understanding.
Teaching style
My teaching style centers on depth, clarity, and meaningful engagement.
I believe students learn best when they are challenged to think critically, supported with purposeful structure, and given space to develop their own ideas. In my classroom, learning is active — discussions are thoughtful, writing is intentional, and reading goes beyond surface-level comprehension.
I value strong routines and clear expectations, but I also prioritize flexibility and authentic conversation. Students are encouraged to question, analyze, and make connections that extend beyond the text. Skills are built progressively, with careful scaffolding that promotes independence and confidence over time.
Awards & shining teacher moments
Throughout my 16 years in education, the most meaningful recognition has always come from student growth and classroom impact. However, I am deeply honored to have been named Teacher of the Year twice — a recognition that reflects not only instructional dedication, but also a commitment to building strong relationships and a positive learning culture.
Some of my proudest “shining moments” aren’t formal recognitions at all — they’re the breakthrough discussions, the reluctant readers who find confidence, the writers who discover their voice, and the classes that leave stronger thinkers than when they arrived.
My own education history
PhD in Global Relations and Master of Arts Degree in Education
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