Mrs. A. Ervin

Each text found in HMH are linked to Notice & Note signposts (fiction and nonfiction) and have associated anchor questions that encourage students to think deeply about the author's meaning. As students become acquainted with each signpost, they learn more about reading with purpose and utilize strategies such as asking themselves important questions. As teachers introduce each signpost, this activity encourages students to create meaning behind each signpost through not only definitions, but

These questions can be utilized as daily Warmups/Bell Ringers, Quick Writes, Comprehension Questions (in addition to those already provided within the HMH text), or as Study Guides. They are not found in the student textbook; however, they can be used in addition to the questions found in the student textbook. The questions are meant to build upon prior knowledge, review learning from the previous day, and encourage thinking before, during, and/or after the lesson of the day. Usage depends upon

Knock out the toughest part of building evidence based paragraphs in essays. This document allows students to find textual evidence and explain how it actually supports their claim. Then, students utilize all of their findings to formulate a rough draft of a body paragraph using the information gathered. Included is an example of a Body Paragraph and a description of how it was organized. Encourage students to annotate/identify the elements found within the body paragraph according to organizat

Here's a fun way for students to get up and moving in the classroom! With this activity, students must move around the room and communicate with their peers in order to locate responses to the scavenger prompts. Be sure to review the instructions with your students. Select prizes for students who win. Teachers may read off the winner's 4 row to the class to check to see if the names included in the responses are in fact accurate. Have fun!

Character Traits, Behaviors, and GRAPHIC TSHIRT DESIGN Unit 4: Inspired by Nature Text: Allied with Green EQ: What does it mean to be in harmony with nature? I can identify a character's traits based on their actions, motives, feelings and thoughts. I can use evidence from the text to support my thoughts. Students will identify traits/behaviors about Lucy and create a graphic T-shirt that Lucy would wear to school based on their characterization of her. Include a slogan and bright colors!

This fun research activity can be utilized to build upon students' prior knowledge and to build schema. Allow students to search the internet to gather their responses. Students can learn all about the Mississippi River and about canoes before reading about Eddy Harris' adventure. This activity also engages students' thinking while reading.

With this activity, students get a chance to show off their creative writing skills! Students will formulate a short story about any topic while incorporating the details/guidelines provided (in any order). There are 10. Students can check each off each as they write! Encourage students not to limit themselves to only the provided details/guidelines--- just to be creative with including them as they write! Afterwards, have students swap papers with a peer to complete a peer review. Students ca

Positive affirmations are positive statements/reminders that individuals tend to repeat to themselves daily. These statements can help overcome those negative thoughts that tend to sneak up in our minds during tough situations. Positive affirmations can build self-esteem, create a more positive mindset, and encourage personal growth. Often, these statements are said while looking in the mirror at ourselves.  After drawing a picture of themselves in the mirror, encourage students to utilize the s

Here's an easy way to review elements of Narrative Writing. It is a great "We Do This presentation includes an example Narrative piece that can be read and analyzed during a whole group setting. There are elements missing in the first example and then a slide to show how the narrative changes when those elements are added. It also includes a fun "recipe" that can be used as a rubric. This fun recipe format encourages students to utilize rubrics! In the past, I've printed the "Recipe" slide and

Characterization can be difficult for students at first, but when they start with characterizing themselves, they can then apply the skill to characters that they read about (using STEAL)! This can be a great first day of school activity or an activity that students can complete during the introduction of characterization. The writing component also help students practice transferring their thoughts from an organizer to paragraph format.

This activity can be used to reinforce reading strategies. These are strategies that readers should be implementing while reading texts. This mini poster can be assigned during the teaching of each strategy---teach two or three strategies and then send students off to work. Or, it can be assigned afterwards---once all reading strategies are taught. All in all, it can be used as an artifact of learning/formative assessment. It can also be utilized as a reference throughout the year. Strategies

Allow your students time to get acquainted with their ELA textbook. A refresher will help them navigate through the text and practice with those text features that they will learn more about.