Moostache
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houston, Texas, United States
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STAAR Test Prep Week 3: Comparing & Defending Explanations (Mystery Reading Unit
STAAR Test Prep Week 3: Comparing & Defending Explanations (Mystery Reading Unit) Turn test prep into an engaging, mystery-based learning experience! This STAAR-aligned Week 3 mini-unit builds on foundational skills and pushes students to the next level— comparing explanations across texts and defending their thinking with strong evidence. Students move beyond simply identifying evidence and begin evaluating which explanation is MOST strongly supported, a high-frequency STAAR skill. 📚
6th - 8th
Reading, Reading Strategies, Writing
CCSS, TEKS
RL.7.1
, RL.7.2
, RI.7.1
+10
STAAR Test Prep Week 2: Evaluating Evidence & Explanations (Mystery Reading Unit
STAAR Test Prep Week 2: Evaluating Evidence & Explanations (Mystery Reading Unit) Turn test prep into an engaging, skill-focused experience! This Week 2 STAAR-aligned unit helps students move beyond basic comprehension and learn how to evaluate explanations and determine which ideas are best supported by evidence across multiple genres. Students will analyze mysterious texts, compare explanations, and defend their thinking using strong textual evidence—just like they are expected to do on the
6th - 8th
ELA Test Prep, Reading, Reading Strategies
CCSS, TEKS
RL.7.1
, RL.7.2
, RI.7.1
+8
Animal Myths: Paired Passage Nonfiction + Poetry +STAAR Practice +Digital PDF
Animal Myths: Paired Passage Escape RoomThis engaging digital escape room combines nonfiction and poetry to help students bust common animal myths while mastering STAAR-aligned paired passage skills. Each level challenges students to read two texts, answer STAAR-style multiple choice questions, and unlock the next stage through correct answers. Designed to boost comprehension, comparison, and inference skills in a fun, low-pressure format. Perfect for: STAAR Reading Test Prep Reading Centers or
5th - 7th
Close Reading, ELA Test Prep, Informational Text
TEKS
LA.6.5.F
, LA.6.5.H
, LA.6.9.A
+2
Harry Potter Book vs. Movie | Compare & Contrast Activities + Reflection
Harry Potter Book vs. Movie CompanionCompare & Contrast Scenes · Literary Reflections · Critical Thinking PromptsThis printable and digital-ready companion is the perfect way to help students engage with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone through a critical media lens. Students will analyze how key scenes are presented in both the book and the film, reflect on the impact of changes, and explore why filmmakers adapt stories the way they do. Whether you're wrapping up your novel unit or diving
4th - 8th
Novel Studies, Reading, Writing
Also included in: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Book Study
STAAR ECR Writing | Sentence Bidding Game | The Continental Evidence Auction
The Continental Evidence AuctionLooking for a way to make STAAR ECR writing feel like a mission, not a chore? Step into the high-stakes world of The Continental Evidence Auction, where students must build the strongest Extended Constructed Response using only the coins they’re given. Every sentence has a cost—and every choice counts. This interactive, STAAR-aligned writing game helps students internalize what makes a response strong by challenging them to evaluate controlling ideas, reasons, ev
6th - 8th
ELA Test Prep, Writing-Essays, Writing-Expository
CCSS, TEKS
CCRA.W.2
, CCRA.W.4
, CCRA.W.5
+9
Flip the prompt - ECR & SCR practice
Need your students to actually understand what a prompt is asking? These Flip the Prompt task cards are here to save the day. With two STAAR-aligned sets, students get repeated practice rewriting prompts—one of the most overlooked but essential skills for strong constructed responses. What’s Included: Set 1: Cards with STAAR-style prompts and student-friendly sample rewrites on the back Set 2: Cards with prompts and scaffolded guiding questions on the back Teacher instruction cards for each
5th - 8th
ELA Test Prep, Writing, Writing-Essays
CCSS, TEKS
CCRA.W.1
, CCRA.W.4
, CCRA.W.5
+7
Plot Twist: Setting Shuffle – Creative Writing Cards for Middle School
What happens when a storm rolls into the middle of your story—or your character gets transported from a grocery store to a haunted circus? Plot Twist: Setting Shuffle helps students understand just how much setting shapes plot, tone, and conflict. This flexible writing resource includes: Engaging plot prompt cards written as short story scenes Setting Shuffle cards that throw students into unexpected environments A student answer sheet for rewriting and reflecting A complete teacher instruct
5th - 8th
Creative Writing, Writing
CCSS, TEKS
CCRA.W.3
, CCRA.W.4
, CCRA.W.5
+8
First 5 Days of ELA – Back-to-School Mini-Lessons
Looking to launch your ELA class with purpose, structure, and student voice? This print-and-go + editable resource includes everything you need to build routines, spark engagement, and get to know your students during the first week of school. Perfect for upper elementary and middle school ELA teachers, this resource is low prep, highly structured, and full of meaningful tasks that set the tone for a strong year. ✅ What’s Included: Student Packet (PDF):Daily warm-upsReading & writing identity s
5th - 7th
Other (ELA), Reading, Writing
CCSS, TEKS
CCRA.R.4
, CCRA.R.10
, CCRA.W.10
+3
My first year at Hogwarts - A Sorcerer's Stone Book Study
Bring the magic of Hogwarts into your classroom with this engaging novel study journal! Designed for middle-grade readers, this resource transforms each chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone into a meaningful learning adventure with warm-ups, writing prompts, and creative projects. What's Included:Daily warm-ups to spark imagination and discussionChapter-by-chapter diary reflections that guide students through character development, theme, and key eventsCreative response activities l
5th - 8th
Novel Studies, Reading, Writing
TEKS
LA.6.5.F
, LA.6.5.B
, LA.6.5.E
+10
Also included in: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Book Study
Percy Jackson: Myth vs. Movie Comparison Booklet
⚡ Percy Jackson: Myth vs. Movie Comparison Booklet A Student-Friendly Companion to The Lightning Thief Film | Grades 5–8Take your Percy Jackson unit to the next level with this ready-to-use, print-and-go companion booklet! This engaging resource allows students to dive deep into the Greek myths behind Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief — and compare how they’re adapted in the movie. This companion includes 7 core myths referenced in the film, each one followed by a structure
5th - 8th
Literature, Novel Studies, Reading
Chapters and Cheeseburgers: A Character Analysis Choice Menu Project
Chapters & Cheeseburgers: A Character Analysis Choice Menu ProjectLooking for a creative way to teach character analysis that goes beyond basic worksheets? Chapters & Cheeseburgers is a tasty, engaging project where students "order" their final product by choosing from a menu of appetizers, entrées, and desserts — each focused on key literary analysis skills. Perfect for:Middle school ELA (Grades 5–8)Any novel, short story, or lit circle bookEnd-of-unit projects or choice boardsDifferentiated
5th - 8th
Novel Studies, Reading, Writing
CCSS, TEKS
RL.6.1
, RL.6.3
, RL.6.9
+12
Global Myths and Greek Legends
Global Myths & Greek LegendsA TEKS-Aligned Mythology Resource for Grades 5–7Explore the world through myth with this student-friendly collection of 30+ myth retellings from across global cultures — including Aztec, Māori, Inuit, Hindu, Norse, Celtic, Greek, and more. Each myth is written in clear, age-appropriate language and organized into thematic sections: Creation Myths, Classic Greek Legends, and Percy Jackson Tie-Ins — making this an ideal resource for novel studies, thematic units,
4th - 8th
Literature, Reading, Short Stories
CCSS, TEKS
RL.6.2
, RL.6.3
, RL.6.4
+6
Creation Myths Worksheets – Reading, Writing & Creative Thinking Activities
Creation Myths Worksheets Reading • Writing • Creative Thinking | Grades 5–8Looking to bring mythology into your ELA classroom in a way that’s meaningful, engaging, and easy to prep? This printable companion pack includes 12 student-friendly worksheets, each focused on a different creation myth from around the world. With built-in comprehension questions, writing prompts, and creative extensions, this resource supports theme, inference, and cross-cultural understanding — no extra materials re
4th - 8th
Literature, Reading, Writing
CCSS, TEKS
RL.6.1
, RL.6.2
, RL.6.3
+6
Back-to-School Escape Room: 4 Fun Icebreaker Challenges to Build Community
Who’s Who? Back-to-School Icebreaker Escape Room4 Rounds of No-Prep Team-Building Fun for the First Week of School!Make back-to-school a blast with this classroom-ready escape room designed to get your students moving, talking, and laughing — without the need for fictional profiles or complicated setup! Who’s Who? includes four rounds of engaging icebreaker activities that help students build real connections while working together to “escape.” What’s Included:✅ 4 printable + digital rounds of
5th - 8th
Classroom Community, For All Subjects, Not Subject Specific
A Hatchet Novel Study Adventure | Reading & Writing Journal
My Wilderness Survival JournalA Hatchet Novel Study Adventure | Reading & Writing JournalEngage your readers. Build survivors. This Hatchet-themed journal transforms your novel unit into an immersive survival experience. Students won’t just read Brian Robeson’s journey — they’ll live it. Through guided reading logs, survival-based reflections, and creative missions, this resource blends STAAR-aligned literacy skills with adventure-based learning. What’s Included:Survival-Themed Guided Reading
4th - 8th
Novel Studies, Reading, Writing
TEKS
LA.6.5.F
, LA.6.5.B
, LA.6.5.E
+5
Also included in: My Survival Literacy Toolkit | Hatchet Journal + Movie Companion Pack
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About the store
Experience
7 Years teaching in Texas
Teaching style
Welcome! I’m a 7th and 8th grade Academic Literacy Lab teacher in Texas, specializing in TEKS-aligned, data-driven instruction that actually helps students grow.
After 6 years teaching 6th grade ELAR, I’ve learned how to break down complex reading and writing skills into clear, engaging, and manageable steps—especially for struggling readers, SPED, and EB students.
My resources are scaffolded, classroom-tested, and designed to save you time while making learning accessible and engaging for all students.
If you’re looking for student-friendly materials you can use immediately—plus a little pop culture fun (and yes… Keanu Reeves makes an appearance)—you’re in the right place.
Let’s make learning engaging, effective, and actually stick.
My own education history
Bachelor's in Psychology - University of Houston
Master's in Education: Curriculum and Instruction - St. Thomas university
Additional biographical information
I live in Texas with my 3 kids, who have grown up and left me behind. Now I spend my time trying to find ways to get apathetic middle schoolers excited about reading and writing
I love playing games to teach and reinforce skills, so I have been making a lot of task cards, relay races, escape rooms. I thought this would be a good way to share.
Keanu Reeves is the theme of my classroom, so most card sets have at least one reference to him.
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