Opal's Gems
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New Jersey, United States
About the store
With more than 20 years of teaching experience in high school and four years at the university level, I have secured excellent opportunities to instruct a variety of literature and writing courses, allowing me to diversify my teaching style and to achieve mastery over what I believe is the most fundamental principle in our profession: reaching students. Whether it be a developmental or advanced student, engagement is the key. The more individuals are empowered by their learning, the more they will thrive, thus reaching their fullest potential. Independent, critical thinkers are nurtured by innovative and inventive practices – practices delivered by passionate, responsive educators. This passion is shared when we make personal connections, when we engage in analytical dialogue and when we realize that education is a not an intangible objective but an organic process in which we all contribute. It is this community-based thinking that motivates me to be a TpT author-teacher.
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Great Gatsby Close Reading Assignment For All Nine Chapters
This is a favorite resource of mine because of its versatility in the classroom. Each of the nine chapter excerpts have 3-6 focused skill questions and an open ended response. I have used this activity as a do now, as a closure, as a cooperative learning assignment, as an independent journal -pretty much in any capacity I can. Each chapter has a literary skill focus such as mood, syntax, characterization, diction and builds the students toward a universal understanding of these elements in th
10th - 12th
English Language Arts, Literature, Reading Strategies
CCSS
RL.11-12.3
, RL.11-12.4
, RL.11-12.5
 +8
Also included in:Â The Great Gatsby Resource Bundle
Embedding Quotes Model and Practice
There are two handouts with a total of FIVE exercises that scaffold the skill of embedding quotes into sentences. This is a vital skill for college and is tested on the PARCC as well as college entrance exams. The first handout explains how and why to embed source material and a model example; then it gives two exercises for students to practice integrating quotes in their own original sentences. The second handout focuses students furthering their skills by revising faulty or poorly embedded
10th - 12th
ELA Test Prep, Informational Text, Writing-Essays
CCSS
CCRA.R.4
, CCRA.R.5
, CCRA.W.4
 +3
Also included in:Â AP Language and Composition Rhetoric Bundle
In Cold Blood Resource Bundle - UPDATED
I collected all my best-selling resources on In Cold Blood here - one stop shopping! The bundle includes: the study guide, the close reading assignment, the comparative analysis essay, the creative writing/defense of Dick and Perry assignment, the Capote synthesis assessment plus I have thrown in my In Cold Blood and Capote Viewing Guide as well as my Visual Argument Project as a bonus. I have added a literary theory element for each part of the book where students pick if they want to analyz
9th - 12th
Close Reading, Creative Writing, English Language Arts
CCSS
RL.11-12.1
, RL.11-12.2
, RL.11-12.3
 +13
Thank You For Arguing Bundle
This bundle includes ALL my best-sellers on Thank You for Arguing (TYFA): TYFA Assignments (THREE higher order thinking exercises) plus a projectTYFA Tests (Choice of TWO)TYFA Infographic ProjectPlus a bonus of 50 Ways to Make Your Writing Sound Smart! Related ResourcesHow to Write for AP Lang Sophistication PointAP/IB Teaching Genre AnalysisDistance Learning Rhetorical Situation Podcast ProjectIntroduction to AP Lang Choice BoardDistance Learning:Â Rhetorical Questions You Should Ask Yourself W
9th - 12th, Adult Education
Close Reading, Informational Text, Writing-Essays
CCSS, TEKS, VA SOL
RI.11-12.1
, RI.11-12.2
, RI.11-12.3
 +37
Distance Learning - AP Lang Identifying Tone Exercises
This 15 page resource WITH answer key is a highly effective means of teaching tone to advanced students. I use this with honors, AP and college students to build their skills through annotation and how to apply this knowledge to real rhetoric. There are two lengthy exercises. The first is annotation with 10 excerpts from various pieces of literature and non-fiction. The second offers eight close reading passages with application rewrites. Students develop skill and confidence through these ac
10th - 12th, Higher Education
ELA Test Prep, Reading Strategies
CCSS
RI.11-12.1
, RI.11-12.4
, L.11-12.3
 +2
Also included in:Â AP Language and Composition Rhetoric Bundle
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks PBL Unit
This 3 week unit for the non-fiction piece The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is engaging for STEM students as well as regular college prep students. This problem based learning unit has three weeks of ready made lessons and tasks for students to complete in an 80 minute block period. It includes: Three weeks of ready made, hyperlinked student agendas outlining the tasks for the week Pre-reading activity suggestions Using figurative language in non-fiction graphic organizer Study guide quest
9th - 11th
English Language Arts, Informational Text, Science
CCSS, NGSS, TEKS, VA SOL
CCRA.R.1
, CCRA.R.2
, CCRA.R.3
 +31
AP Lang Syntax Exercises: How Syntax Affects Meaning
This assignment works best with AP or honors students who have a strong sense of grammar and rhetoric. I use these two exercises to review syntax as rhetoric and to assess students' understanding of how sentence structure affects meaning. It can be completed independently, for homework or collaboratively in class. An answer key is included. Related ResourcesHow to Write for AP Lang Sophistication PointAP/IB Teaching Genre AnalysisDistance Learning Rhetorical Situation Podcast ProjectIntroducti
10th - 12th
English Language Arts, Writing
CCSS
RI.11-12.5
, RI.11-12.6
, W.11-12.1c
 +4
Also included in:Â AP Language and Composition Rhetoric Bundle
Thank You For Arguing Unit Test - Choice of Two
Two tests - one with 25 objective questions plus essay options and one with 50 objective questions plus essay options - assess the students' understanding of rhetorical terms and fallacies. ANSWER KEYS INCLUDED Related ResourcesHow to Write for AP Lang Sophistication PointAP/IB Teaching Genre AnalysisDistance Learning Rhetorical Situation Podcast ProjectIntroduction to AP Lang Choice BoardDistance Learning:Â Rhetorical Questions You Should Ask Yourself Word SortDistance Learning - Using Music t
9th - 12th
Informational Text, Reading Strategies, Writing-Essays
CCSS
RI.11-12.1
, RI.11-12.2
, RI.11-12.4
 +2
Also included in:Â Thank You For Arguing Bundle
The Importance of Being Earnest Test
This 25 question objective test with an essay is for advanced students who studied this play as social satire. There are NO recall questions. The focus is on satiric themes and characterization. An answer key is included. The focus of the essay is on what type of comedy best suits The Importance of Being Earnest and the answer lies in how the student defends his/her definition through discussion of comedic devices. Related ResourcesImportance of Being Earnest Resource BundleImportance of Bei
9th - 12th
English Language Arts, Literature
CCSS
RL.11-12.1
, RL.11-12.3
, RL.11-12.5
 +2
Also included in:Â The Importance of Being Earnest Resource Bundle
In Cold Blood Study Guide - Close Reading Focus
This detailed study guide does not ask comprehension questions; instead, it focuses on text-dependent questions forcing students to go back to the passage and look at imagery, characterization or other resources of language - a technique great for the Common Core. A thorough answer key is provided. Related ResourcesIn Cold Blood and Capote Viewing GuideIn Cold Blood Resource BundleIn Cold Blood Comparative AnalysisIn Cold Blood Source Based ArgumentIn Cold Blood Creative Writing AssignmentIn Co
9th - 12th
English Language Arts, Informational Text, Reading Strategies
CCSS
RL.11-12.1
, RL.11-12.2
, RL.11-12.4
 +9
Also included in:Â In Cold Blood Resource Bundle - UPDATED
Distance Learning - The Synthesis Writing Process: College Ready Writing
Synthesis, or source based writing, is the new buzz word in education and in education reform that replaces the antiquated "research paper" in ALL disciplines. It is part of the PARCC, the Common Core and interestingly, something students will actually use in college! I have looked far and wide for resources on teaching this complicated type of writing to your average student and have found very little. As an AP Language teacher and college composition professor, I am VERY familiar with synth
9th - 12th, Higher Education
English Language Arts, Social Studies, Writing-Essays
CCSS
RI.11-12.1
, RI.11-12.2
, RI.11-12.3
 +3
2020 AP Language Rhetorical Analysis Rubric, Peer Conference & Self-Evaluation
After attending the AP Language Summer Institute, I merged two draft copies of the College Board 6 point rhetorical analysis rubric, emphasizing key factors for my students as well as creating an updated peer conference and self-evaluation based on the new 2020 rubric. Students definitely have grown to incorporate the language of the rubric and the more in-depth language of the peer conference into their own drafts; thus, they have begun to score themselves more accurately on the new rubric. Re
11th - 12th, Higher Education
Close Reading, Writing-Essays
CCSS, TEKS, VA SOL
CCRA.W.1
, CCRA.W.2
, CCRA.W.4
 +25
Also included in:Â AP Language and Composition Rhetoric Bundle
Thank You for Arguing Assignments and Project
This book is gaining in popularity for AP Language and college composition courses alike! There are three distinct activities to engage the students in the rhetoric of this excellent reference book and a project with three choices. My AP students enjoyed this unit and I found their knowledge of rhetoric to be strengthened by its inclusion in the curriculum. Related ResourcesHow to Write for AP Lang Sophistication PointAP/IB Teaching Genre AnalysisDistance Learning Rhetorical Situation Podcast
10th - 12th, Adult Education, Higher Education
Informational Text, Writing
CCSS
RI.11-12.1
, RI.11-12.2
, RI.11-12.3
 +3
Also included in:Â Thank You For Arguing Bundle
Dialectical Journal: A Student Guide
This resource is fashioned after the "Dummy's Guide" as it is speaks conversationally to the student on how to organize a dialectical journal and why the journal is an important assignment in an AP course. It offers a step-by-step guide to creating a journal entry - from active reading, annotating, how to pick out rhetorical devices and discussing the effect plus gives a model example. This is one of THE best resources created for my course!!!! Related ResourcesHow to Write for AP Lang Sophist
10th - 12th
Informational Text, Reading Strategies
CCSS
RI.11-12.1
, RI.11-12.2
, RI.11-12.3
 +6
Also included in:Â AP Language and Composition Rhetoric Bundle
Toulmin Model of Argumentation Outline and Explanation
Teaching argument to advanced placement students and college freshmen is an difficult task even with the best textbook. These handouts make the Toulmin model more accessible. There are two outlines of how the Toulmin argument is formulated and one handout that makes the terms of the model digestible by creating an analogy to going to a party to meet someone - it is a HUGE hit with students and typically they understand the model after discussing these handouts collectively. Related ResourcesH
11th - 12th, Higher Education
Writing-Essays
CCSS
W.11-12.1
, W.11-12.1a
, W.11-12.1b
 +10
Also included in:Â AP Language and Composition Argument Bundle
In Cold Blood And Capote Movie: Viewing Guide
The movie Capote offers invaluable insight in Truman Capote and his creation In Cold Blood. This viewing guide focuses on the global connections between the two texts. Using this guide gave the students a clear starting point for a robust discussion. Related ResourcesIn Cold Blood Resource BundleIn Cold Blood Comparative AnalysisIn Cold Blood Source Based ArgumentIn Cold Blood Study GuideIn Cold Blood Creative Writing AssignmentIn Cold Blood Part I Close ReadingCommon Core Projects for Any Cha
10th - 12th, Higher Education
English Language Arts
CCSS
RI.11-12.1
, RI.11-12.2
, RI.11-12.3
 +2
Also included in:Â In Cold Blood Resource Bundle - UPDATED
Distance Learning AP Language Verbs that Identify Author's Purpose
This interactive activity is a HUGE hit in my AP Language class. Students receive the list of 196 rhetorically active verbs and have to sort the verbs into categories that identify the author's purpose. In teams, students complete to sort, organize and categorize strong academic verbs that assist in building their vocabulary as well as their understanding of author's purpose. Typically I give one class period to complete the activity and one to present and defend their categories. Answers wi
11th - 12th, Higher Education
ELA Test Prep, Informational Text, Writing-Expository
CCSS
CCRA.L.3
, CCRA.L.4
, CCRA.L.5
Also included in:Â AP Language and Composition Rhetoric Bundle
Teaching With AI Bundle
This is the bundle you've been waiting for! All the professional development you need to ease into the AI evolution in education. An introduction to AI for teachers, AI educational tools that are FERPA and COPPA compliant, lesson planning for secondary teachers, AND a full middle school curriculum which works with 9th graders and struggling learners as well! Dive in and learn all AI has to offer you as a personal assistant!
6th - 12th
Instructional Technology
AP Language and Composition Rhetoric Bundle
This product has EVERYTHING (23 products!) you need to introduce rhetoric to your AP Language or or older composition students! This bundle includes all my best selling activities for AP Lang including: Rhetorical Situation Learning Stations, Connotation and Denotation exercises, Meaning and Syntax, Identifying Tone, Identifying Audience, Annotation Acronyms, Genre Analysis, Rhetorical Analysis Question Sort, Rhetorically Active Verb Sort, Embedding Quotes Model and Practice, How to Write for t
10th - 12th, Higher Education
English Language Arts, Informational Text, Writing-Essays
CCSS, TEKS, VA SOL
RI.11-12.1
, RI.11-12.2
, RI.11-12.3
 +74
Introduction to Literary Theory
In college students are asked to view literature in a variety of lens. Exposing students to these literary theories in high school better prepares them for this type of analysis. This handout is a guide for the introduction to literary theory and the three questions per theory can be used with ANY text. From practice, I can attest that students enjoy "finding clues in the novel" that support their ideas. Though this assignment is best suited for advanced students, it can easily be modified.
11th - 12th, Higher Education
Literature, Reading
CCSS
RL.11-12.1
, RL.11-12.2
, RL.11-12.3
 +2
Showing 1-20 of 218 results
About the store
Experience
With more than 20 years of teaching experience in high school and four years at the university level, I have secured excellent opportunities to instruct a variety of literature and writing courses, allowing me to diversify my teaching style and to achieve mastery over what I believe is the most fundamental principle in our profession: reaching students. Whether it be a developmental or advanced student, engagement is the key. The more individuals are empowered by their learning, the more they will thrive, thus reaching their fullest potential. Independent, critical thinkers are nurtured by innovative and inventive practices – practices delivered by passionate, responsive educators. This passion is shared when we make personal connections, when we engage in analytical dialogue and when we realize that education is a not an intangible objective but an organic process in which we all contribute. It is this community-based thinking that motivates me to be a TpT author-teacher.
Teaching style
I teach to engage, to get students to relate and to question the literature as well as their connection to it. A typical day in my class is mini-lessons, discussion activities and "all about me" moments where students connect to the unit personally. I do not believe in busy work but center my instruction on skill reinforcement and extension activities that build on students' knowledge and their interests. Simply put, my focus is teaching students, not content:)
Awards & shining teacher moments
Teacher of the Year 2017
County Teacher of the Year Finalist 2017
2018 Honorable Mention in the Writers-Editors International Writing Competition
2018 First Place Winner of the Institute of Children's Literature After School Contest
My own education history
Supervisory Certification, Rowan University
MA in English, College of New Jersey
BA in Secondary Education/English, Magna Cum Laude, York College of Pennsylvania
Certified in SEL Instruction and Leadership, Rutgers and the College of Saint Elizabeth
Certified in AI in education, IBM and Course Hero
Certified Mindfulness and MBSR Teacher, Mindful Education and Center for Adolescent Studies
Certified in AP Literature and AP Language,College Board
Certified State Achievement/Instructional Coach
Standard New Jersey Certification for English
Pennsylvania Instructional II Certificate for English
Additional biographical information
I am a freelance writer specializing in education, social-emotional learning and mindfulness. I have been published by NCTE, Highlights Magazine, College Board and Albert.io.
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