Stephen Campbell

This PowerPoint file introduces basic concepts about the terms "protagonist" and "antagonist." After a brief contrast of the terms, students apply their knowledge to a class discussion of the story "Rapunzel." Then, independent practice is provided as students choose another fairy tale, completing a graphic organizer about the protagonist and antagonist. This presentation is good for an extended lesson block and/or for assigning independent homework as a follow-up to the lesson. This resourc

This chart provides a way for students to organize their observations about the Newbery-winning novel Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry. This novel, describing the Nazis' occupation and their persecution of Jews during World War II, has become a middle-school staple of historical fiction literature and Holocaust studies. The book is often paired with the historical fiction film "Miracle at Midnight," which has many parallels with Number the Stars. It is also set in Copenhagen during 1943, when s

In middle school and beyond, students will need to identify symbols in literature. When students scratch below the surface meaning of a text and start to notice symbolism, they can't get enough! This presentation provides a clear, easy-to-grasp overview of symbolism: - what is it? - what clues help readers notice it? The activity includes four practice slides for identifying symbolism, drawing from sources such as the Snow White fairy tale and the Superman genre. These discussions usually

This quiz page is a quick way to check students' understanding of the roles of each branch of the US government. There are 12 questions in all, covering basic functions of each branch. Each statement is answered with one word: executive, legislative, or judicial. The quiz can easily be modified to become a worksheet, homework page, or study guide. This resource is created by Stephen Campbell.

This PowerPoint file explains the concept of propaganda and presents a dozen posters which the Nazi government used to attack Jewish people and foster German pride during the World War II era. Open-ended questions are also provided to jump-start student discussions or projects about how propaganda works and how it is used today. The presentation was originally created to accompany historical fiction novels, such as Number the Stars or The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. However, it is also effect

This PowerPoint gives a brief overview of some early civilizations in North America. It provides maps and images to illustrate concepts such as the land bridge of Beringia, hunter - gatherers, the Olmec, the Mound Builders, and the Maya, providing one or two important or interesting facts to remember about each. Please take note of the sample slides! They are representative of the presentation as a whole. This file is designed as an engaging **supplemental** resource to enhance your lesson (n

This chart provides a way for students to organize their observations about the movie version of the Newbery-award winning novel The Giver, by Lois Lowry. Rather than "just watching a movie," students will be able to analyze it effectively by comparing and contrasting it with the novel. As a graphic organizer, this chart heightens the students' attentive responses and focuses their thoughts on how the messages of relationships and meaning in The Giver can be presented through different media. Th

Writing with subordinate clauses (also known as dependent clauses) will instantly add a nice layer of complexity and sophistication to your students' compositions, essays, and literary analysis. Because the term "subordinate" sounds very technical, students usually don't realize how easy it is to use those phrases. With this PowerPoint presentation, you can demystify that grammar topic through simple, direct instruction and relevant examples. You can use these slides in one comprehensive lesso

Literature abounds with the importance of connotation. Students who recognize the connotation of various vocabulary choices will also begin to understand the tone and author's purposes for various pieces of writing. This lesson provides a detailed introduction and explanation of a word's denotation as well as its positive or negative connotations. Students are presented with background information, examples, and opportunities for practice and discussion. The PowerPoint presentation includes

Haiku poetry is a form that's very accessible for most students, yet it also leads to some beautifully expressive work. This packet of two rubrics makes it easy to score students' haiku in an objective way. Format, topic choice, and imagery are key aspects of the haiku, and the rubrics provide descriptive explanations of stronger and weaker writing in those areas. Teachers will find it easy to assess students' poetry, and students can use the rubric as a guide to self-evaluation as they rev

This presentation introduces students to the concept of a plot diagram, comparing a story to a mountain. After explaining the significance of literary conflict, this lesson provides a basic, easy-to-follow explanation of several technical literary terms, including: -Conflict -Exposition (setting and characters) -Rising action -Climax (turning point) -Falling action -Resolution The plot diagram used in this presentation is designed to illustrate that the rising action of a narrative often seem

Writing with appositives is an effective way to add complexity and sophistication to students' written work. This packet is useful for assessing knowledge about appositives. The packet includes a review sheet that helps students practice identifying appositives and using correct punctuation. There is also a section that asks students to transform simple sentences into one complex sentence that includes appositives. The three-page, 20-question assessment tool provides an array of questions on

This chart provides a way for students to organize their observations about the Nickelodeon movie version of the Newbery-winning novel Maniac Magee, by Jerry Spinelli. Rather than "just watching a movie," students will be able to analyze it effectively by comparing and contrasting it with the novel. As a graphic organizer, this chart heightens the students' attentive responses and improves their awareness of how Maniac's story is presented through different media. The movie (about 70 minutes lon

This simple sheet provides a quick quiz for students on four types of sentences as well as interjections. Students match definitions of sentence types, identify sentences, and create their own sentences. The page also be used as a worksheet for extra practice. This resource is created by Stephen Campbell.

Prepositional phrases are everywhere, and they are one of the easiest ways to provide elaboration in writing. This slide show is designed for step-by-step instruction about prepositional phrases. The presentation can be done in one class period, or it could be divided into two or even three sessions if the instructor wishes to present smaller bits of information and practice. This presentation covers: - a definition of prepositions - an explanation of prepositional phrases and objects - a

This packet covers early civilizations of the Americas, starting with the arrival of hunter-gatherers in North America. Reference is made to ways of life of the Olmec, Mound Builders, Anasazi, Maya, Aztec, and Inca. Related vocabulary terms are assessed, and questions about geographic location and time lines are included as well. The packet provides an answer key and two black-line masters, one standard form and one modified with fewer choices for meeting student needs. The assessment or

This presentation provides an overview of historical fiction. A graphic organizer is suggested for notes about how characters, setting, and plot all contribute to the accuracy of a historical novel. A distinction is made between historical and imaginary characters, although all characters will fit in to the daily way of life presented by the time period. Graphics are used to illustrate various historical aspects of this genre. This file can be helpful for a whole-class lesson or at a liter

This sheet serves as a graphic organizer for notes about totem poles and other aspects of the lifestyle of the Tlingit people of the Northwest. Each box provides a starter thought to which the students add further information. This activity can be used as a lesson guide, homework assignment, or as a study sheet, as well. This resource is created by Stephen Campbell.

Making sure subjects and verbs agree is an essential aspect of good writing. This PowerPoint lesson provides the following: ~ a review of subjects and verbs; ~ an explanation of subject/verb agreement; ~ several opportunities for practice during and after the lesson. This lesson helps students identify singular and plural subjects, including compound subjects. Students have the opportunity to discuss answers with the teacher or in small groups, and they also write their own sentence exampl

Students are able to practice their map skills and social studies knowledge on this world map. They will review map skills such as the compass rose, identify continents, and create a map key to identify routes of important European explorers near the end of the Middle Ages. This activity is a great test review for themes about Marco Polo, Bartolomeu Dias, and Vasco da Gama. This resource is created by Stephen Campbell. Related products: PowerPoint presentation for Marco Polo, Songhai, and