About the store
Welcome to Curiosity First, where learning begins with wonder.
Our mission is to spark curiosity, creativity, and real-world connection in every classroom. With experience in upper elementary and middle school education, we design inquiry-based, standards-aligned resources that inspire students to think critically, explore deeply, and connect learning to the world around them.
Many of our lessons are inspired by travel, culture, and global exploration. Whether students are solving mysteries in ancient civilizations, taking virtual science adventures, or engaging with diverse and meaningful texts, each resource invites them to wonder, question, and discover.
At Curiosity First, we believe learning should be relevant, joyful, and empowering, for both teachers and students. Our goal is to save educators time while creating lessons that truly make learning come alive.
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Mystery Creatures Reading Passages | Reading Detectives Nonfiction Bundle
Spark your students’ curiosity with 5 thrilling nonfiction passages about the world’s most mysterious legendary creatures! In this engaging Reading Detectives bundle, students investigate fascinating myths and uncover the truth behind creatures like Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, Mothman, the Kraken, and the Chupacabra — all while practicing key reading skills. Each article comes with a detective-style worksheet designed to strengthen comprehension, vocabulary, and evidence-based writing in a
4th - 6th
Close Reading, Informational Text, Writing
CCSS
RI.4.1
, RI.4.2
, RI.4.4
+42
The Complete Text Evidence Bundle | Stories & Articles | Grade 5 RL.5.1 + RI.5.1
Two full units · 10 original stories and articles · quoting, citing, inferring from both text types · 8-part assessment coverage · classroom, homeschool & online ready. 📖 Fiction. 🗞️ Nonfiction. ✅ One skill. Two text types. Completely covered. 📦 WHAT'S IN THE BUNDLE Unit 1 — RL.5.1 | Literary Text Evidence Quote accurately from fiction. Find explicit evidence. Make inferences from character, dialogue, and plot. Build complete evidence-based responses using the Quote Sandwich. Unit 2 — RI.5.
4th - 6th
Close Reading, Informational Text, Literature
CCSS
RL.5.1
, RI.5.1
, RI.5.9
+1
Bigfoot Reading Detective Case File, 4th–6th Grade ELA, Text Evidence
Is Bigfoot real or just a hoax? In this spooky detective-themed activity, students read a nonfiction passage about Bigfoot and answer comprehension questions that build text evidence, main idea, vocabulary, and opinion writing skills. Perfect for Halloween reading centers or engaging practice with informational text, this resource is ready-to-print and classroom friendly. What’s Included: 1 Informational Article: “Bigfoot – Legend of the Forest” Detective Worksheet with: Text Evidence Questi
4th - 6th
Close Reading, Informational Text, Other (ELA)
CCSS
RI.4.1
, RI.4.2
, RI.4.4
+26
5th Grade Nonfiction Unit RI.5.1 Quote, Cite & Infer from Informational Text
🌊 5 original articles. 📝 4 skills built from scratch. 📅 5 days. Fully planned. ✅ Nothing to hunt down. Nothing to prep. You've seen it happen.You teach quoting from stories. Students get it. Then you hand them an article, and suddenly nothing transfers. They copy the wrong sentence. They forget the author's name. They have no idea whether to quote or paraphrase. And inference from nonfiction? Most fifth graders don't even know that's allowed. This unit fixes all of that in one week. 📦 W
4th - 6th
Close Reading, Informational Text, Writing
CCSS
RI.5.1
, RI.5.6
, W.5.1b
Text Evidence Unit & Quoting | RL.5.1 Complete Unit | Workbook + Teacher Guide
You know that moment when a student writes: “I think the character is sad.”…and stops there? This unit fixes that.In five days, your students go from “I think…” to: “The text states… (paragraph 4), which shows…”—and they actually understand why evidence matters.This unit teaches CCSS RL.5.1: Quote Accurately from Literary Text, the foundation skill students need for reading comprehension, evidence-based writing, and literary analysis.Students learn how to:• find textual evidence • quote acc
5th - 7th
Literature, Reading Strategies, Writing
CCSS
RL.5.2
, RL.5.10
, W.5.9b
+2
30 RACE Writing Passages BUNDLE | Animals • Science + ELA • SEL | Grades 4–6
⭐️ 30 High-Interest Passages • 3 Complete Sets • 1 Powerful Bundle! ⭐️Save time and build stronger writers with this RACE Writing Passages BUNDLE, featuring 30 original reading comprehension passages across three engaging themes: 🦁 Animal Informational Passages 🌋 Natural Disasters: Science + ELA Integration 💬 Social Emotional Learning (SEL) TopicsEach passage includes a text-dependent RACE writing prompt (Restate, Answer, Cite, Explain) to strengthen reading comprehension, evidence-ba
4th - 6th
General Science, Informational Text, Writing
CCSS, NGSS
RI.4.1
, RI.5.1
, RI.6.1
+11
Dragons Around the World: Informational Text & Creative Writing Unit
Need informational text practice that actually engages students?This unit blends nonfiction reading with creative writing so students can analyze informational texts, and then use what they learn to create, design, and imagine. Dragons Around the World turns required ELA standards into an experience students look forward to. Make informational text engaging, creative, and meaningful with this high-interest ELA unit! Dragons Around the World is an informational text and creative writing unit t
3rd - 6th
Ancient History, Creative Writing, Informational Text
CCSS
RI.3.1
, RI.3.2
, RI.3.4
+32
Screen Time & You, Opinion Writing Unit Grades 5–6 | Student-Led Inquiry 3 Days
Your students already have opinions about screen time. This unit gives them the tools to actually argue them.Screen Time & You is a print and go OR digital ready opinion writing unit for grades 5–6. Students watch a free PBS video clipRead a two-sided research-based articleWrite a fully structured opinion paragraph; thesis, evidence, reasoning, counterclaim, and rebuttal, with explicit instruction every step of the way.No prep. Print and teach. Or assign digitally via Google Classroom.WHY TEACH
5th - 7th
Close Reading, Informational Text, Writing
CCSS
RI.5.6
, RI.6.6
, W.5.1
+10
Natural Disaster Passages | Science + ELA | RACE Strategy | Text Evidence 4-6
Integrate Science & ELA with 10 Natural Disaster passages! Students read, cite text evidence, and write using the RACE strategy. Perfect for grades 4–6, NGSS-aligned, and ready to print or assign digitally. Engage your students with 10 informational passages about volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, and more—while building essential reading comprehension and writing skills. Each short passage includes a text-dependent RACE prompt (Restate, Answer, Cite, Explain) that aligns with both NGSS scie
4th - 6th
General Science, Informational Text, Writing
CCSS, NGSS
RI.4.1
, RI.5.1
, RI.6.1
+12
Mythical Creature Reading Passages with RACE Text Evidence | Grades 4–6 No Prep
Unlock the magic of reading comprehension with this Mythological Creatures RACE Text Evidence Resource for grades 4–6! Students will engage with 10 short, high-interest passages featuring mermaids, dragons, unicorns, cyclopes, phoenix, hydra, werewolves, griffins, sphinx, and fairies. This resource is designed to Teach students the RACE strategy (Restate, Answer, Cite, Explain) Build text evidence and writing skills Increase engagement with mythology-themed reading passages Work for independ
4th - 6th
Handwriting, Informational Text, Reading Strategies
CCSS
RL.4.1
, RL.5.1
, RL.6.1
+3
The Science of Gratitude | Thanksgiving Reading Comprehension & SEL Activity 4-7
Teach students the science behind thankfulness this Thanksgiving season! This engaging Thanksgiving reading comprehension and SEL activity helps students explore how gratitude affects the brain, reduces stress, and improves health and happiness—all through science-based informational passages written at a 4th–7th grade level. Use it as a non-holiday Thanksgiving lesson, SEL unit, or fall reading activity that blends literacy, psychology, and wellness. ✅ Includes: 10 informational passages (
4th - 7th
General Science, Informational Text, Writing
CCSS
RI.4.1
, RI.4.2
, RI.4.4
+25
Mythological Creatures Mini Unit Nonfiction Reading & Creative Writing 4-6 grade
Engage your students with this high-interest nonfiction mini-unit on mythological creatures! This resource builds reading comprehension, cultural understanding, critical thinking, and informational writing skills through legendary creatures students love. Students explore creatures from cultures around the world while analyzing symbolism, comparing texts, and applying learning through a creative nonfiction project. Perfect for upper elementary or early middle school, this unit is print-and-
4th - 6th
Creative Writing, Informational Text, Writing
CCSS
RI.4.1
, RI.4.2
, RI.4.4
+18
RACE Writing Strategy 3-Day Lesson | Text Evidence & Constructed Response Unit
Help your students master text evidence writing with this engaging, step-by-step 3-day RACE writing mini-unit! Perfect for grades 4–6, this resource walks students through each part of the RACE strategy — Restate, Answer, Cite, Explain — using clear examples, guided practice, and structured worksheets. If you're like me you're stuck trying to pull longer responses out of your students. I was still getting one sentence and even one word answers from students until I introduced this system. It
4th - 6th
ELA Test Prep, Informational Text, Writing
CCSS
RI.4.1
, RI.5.1
, RI.6.1
+3
SEL Reading & Writing Passages | RACE Strategy | Social Emotional Learning
Build empathy, self-awareness, and writing skills—all in one engaging resource! Help your students grow both academically and emotionally with these 10 high-interest SEL reading passages paired with RACE writing prompts. Each passage focuses on a key social-emotional learning topic—like empathy, growth mindset, kindness, and teamwork—while reinforcing ELA skills such as reading comprehension, citing text evidence, and constructed response writing. This resource integrates CASEL SEL compet
4th - 6th
Informational Text, School Counseling, Writing
CCSS
RI.4.1
, RI.5.1
, RI.6.1
+9
Chupacabra Reading Detective, 4th–6th Grade Nonfiction ELA
Investigate the legend of the Chupacabra with this spooky Halloween-themed case file! Students read about strange livestock deaths and practice text evidence, main idea, summarizing, vocabulary, and writing skills. What’s Included: Article: “The Chupacabra – Creature of the Night” Worksheet with: Text Evidence Questions Main Idea (Multiple Choice) Summarizing Practice Vocabulary (predator, livestock, cryptid) Opinion Writing Extension (“Case Report”) Answer Key Standards: RI.4.1 / RI.5.1 / RI.
4th - 6th
Close Reading, Informational Text, Writing
CCSS
RI.4.1
, RI.4.2
, RI.4.4
+41
Mothman: Urban Legend Reading Detective | 4th–6th Grade Nonfiction
Was the Mothman a real creature, or just an omen of tragedy? Students investigate eyewitness reports and the Silver Bridge disaster while practicing main idea, text evidence, vocabulary, and opinion writing. What’s Included: Article: “The Mothman – Omen in the Sky” Detective Worksheet with: Text Evidence Questions Main Idea (Multiple Choice) Summarizing Practice Vocabulary (ominous, eyewitness, tragedy) Opinion Writing (“Case Report”) Answer Key Standards: RI.4.1 / RI.5.1 / RI.6.1 – Text evi
4th - 6th
Close Reading, Informational Text, Writing
CCSS
RI.4.1
, RI.4.2
, RI.4.4
+41
Text Detective: Ocean Geniuses Around the World | Text Evidence & Science NGSS
🌊 PRODUCT OVERVIEW Dive into the ocean of intelligence with this high-interest, inquiry-based reading lesson! Your students become Text Detectives as they explore how dolphins, orcas, and humpback whales show unique forms of intelligence — from tool use to teamwork to innovation. Through guided investigation and reflection, students learn to cite textual evidence while celebrating the many ways animals (and humans!) can be “smart.” This resource is perfect for whole-class lessons, small gro
3rd - 6th
Informational Text, Other (Science), Writing
CCSS, NGSS
RI.3.1
, RI.3.2
, RI.4.1
+11
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Activities | Reading & Writing Packet (Grades 3–5)
Help your students learn about the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while strengthening reading comprehension, writing, and reflection skills with this no-prep Martin Luther King Jr. Day activity packet. This engaging resource is perfect for MLK Day, Black History Month, or social studies lessons focused on peace, justice, equality, and nonviolent leadership. The activities are written in student-friendly language and encourage meaningful discussion and personal connections. Wh
3rd - 5th
Black History, Reading, Writing
CCSS
RI.3.1
, RI.3.2
, RI.3.3
+12
Multiplying Decimals: The Money Mystery, Complete Inquiry Lesson + Teacher Guide
✨ Spark Curiosity. Build Conceptual Understanding. Master Decimal Multiplication.Turn decimal multiplication from confusion to “Aha!” with this inquiry-based, real-world math lesson that helps students discover how decimal place value really works. Includes both student activity pages and a full teacher guide with answer key and differentiation tips!📘 What’s Included:✅ Student Packet (6 pages) “The Gaming Challenge” real-world hook Step-by-step guided discovery (ignore decimals → count di
5th - 7th
Decimals, Fractions, Money Math
CCSS
5.NBT.B.7
, 6.NS.B.3
9 Halloween & October Main Idea & Key Details | Leveled Texts | 4-6 grade
Make reading comprehension fun this fall with these Halloween and October-themed passages! This resource is designed to help students practice identifying the main idea, supporting details, and conclusion while reading engaging seasonal texts. With leveled passages for both 4th grade (Version A) and 6th grade (Version B), you can easily differentiate for mixed-ability classrooms. Each passage includes a hook, 5–7 sentences, multiple supporting details, and a conclusion. This resource co
4th - 6th
Close Reading, Informational Text, Other (ELA)
CCSS
RI.4.2
, RI.5.2
, RI.6.2
Showing 1-20 of 35 results
About the store
Experience
Welcome to Curiosity First, where learning begins with wonder.
Our mission is to spark curiosity, creativity, and real-world connection in every classroom. With experience in upper elementary and middle school education, we design inquiry-based, standards-aligned resources that inspire students to think critically, explore deeply, and connect learning to the world around them.
Many of our lessons are inspired by travel, culture, and global exploration. Whether students are solving mysteries in ancient civilizations, taking virtual science adventures, or engaging with diverse and meaningful texts, each resource invites them to wonder, question, and discover.
At Curiosity First, we believe learning should be relevant, joyful, and empowering, for both teachers and students. Our goal is to save educators time while creating lessons that truly make learning come alive.
Teaching style
Curiosity First resources are designed around inquiry, creativity, and connection. We believe students learn best when they’re encouraged to ask questions, explore big ideas, and see themselves in the content they study.
Each lesson uses project-based learning, storytelling, and real-world relevance to make concepts meaningful and engaging. Every resource invites students to take ownership of their learning, think critically, and celebrate curiosity as the heart of understanding.
Awards & shining teacher moments
Our approach has been celebrated for making learning student-centered, culturally relevant, and curiosity-driven. Some of the most rewarding feedback comes from educators who share that their students are more engaged, more thoughtful, and more excited to learn.
We take pride in creating materials that transform classrooms into spaces of discovery, where curiosity leads the way.
My own education history
Curiosity First was founded by an educator with a Master’s in Teaching and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, bringing experience from a variety of grade levels and subjects, including ELA, math, science, and social studies.
Our work is grounded in research-based best practices, combining inquiry-based learning, culturally responsive teaching, and creativity to make learning meaningful and equitable for all students.
Additional biographical information
Curiosity First was created from a simple belief: before success, there is curiosity.
We are passionate about connecting education to real life, designing lessons that help students understand the “why” behind what they learn. Inspired by global exploration, culture, and creativity, our goal is to nurture curious thinkers who are ready to explore the world with empathy and purpose.
Every resource we create is built to spark wonder, inspire learning, and celebrate curiosity as the heart of education.
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