The Study Shack

Students will complete a review of four sources of information related to one controversial topic on Healthy Lunch Regulation. The sources include a video from Fox news, information articles and an informational chart. Students will use graphic organizers and higher level questions to determine their stance on the issue. This will better prepare students for the expectations on the PARCC.

This is "Who has" game for PARCC or any standardized test vocabulary. This is a whole class activity where each student has a card with a clue for the next word. This reviews vocabulary needed to be successful on the test PARCC and other standardized test assessment.

The Document Based Questions in Social Studies have adjusted the way in which we teach Social Studies. The infusion of academic writing into the curriculum has required some adjustments. This checklist has been used with students with special needs to outline the important components of a quality DBQ. Each section of this checklist has a list of important aspects of this style of writing.

This activity guides students through the online PARCC practice tests. The questions are using the 7th Grade ELA and Math units to have students navigate through the online testing platform. The activity focuses on the tools available for students and how to access them.

Two new ways to assess students' independent reading. Task 1: A detailed book jacket that includes a cover page, summary, biography of the author, and book review. Task 2: A detailed book review and overview on how to use Goodreads with your students.

*Note this does not reflect the new 2026 NJSLA platform using Cambium assessments. This online scavenger hunt focuses on the tools and language used on the NJSLA, formerly the PARCC. It uses a 7th Grade ELA and Math practice test to navigate through the assessment and practice using the tools available. It can actually be used for PARCC assessment as well as the Practice Tests are identical.

* Notes this does not reflect the new 2026 NJSLA using the Cambium platform. This activity is used to review the NJSLA Research Task. It follows the 7th Grade ELA Unit 2 Practice test. It reviews the tools, expectations and format of the task. It also provides an opportunity for students to practice taking notes on sources and organize an essay. Answer key is included. It can be used for students in different grade levels to exposure them to the way the test is organized and the tools availa

Secondary students often struggle to maintain an organized system. This checklist will provide students with a short but structured list of important skills needed to stay organized. This checklist also provides teachers with a way to monitor students' progress in these areas. These checks can be done periodically either announced or unannounced ("Pop Checks"). I use this in the resource setting, in Study Skills, but it can be utilized across grade levels and content areas to ensure students

Graphic organizer for students to detail the functions of the cell parts. The use of symbols provides students with visual to aid in retaining the new information.

This power point is an introduction to the ELA PARCC assessment. This presentation introduces the different types of assessments and tasks student will have to complete. This presentation includes PARCC vocabulary and questions types. It details the types of questions students will encounter such as "drag and drop tasks." This will provide students with an overview of what to expect on this assessment. Examples from the 5th Grade PARCC Practice Test are used to provide students with visuals

This activity supports students' learning and reinforcement of new vocabulary terms. This activity allows students to choose the way in which they use the vocabulary terms. There are activities that support learning styles. Students are able to study words while using them in context which will improve retention. This can be used and adapted for any grade level and content area.

This presentation discusses how to be a good a student in the classroom. It discusses self-advocacy skills, note-taking, attentiveness, active listening skills, decision making and social skills. It is an overview directed at middle school students. It is tailored towards students with special needs and with IEPs but can be adapted. It includes strategies to be successful in the class, to advocate for yourself and be an active listener. This presentation provides information and a cooperativ

This presentation addresses students' ability to use study guides effectively. Many times, middle school students lack the skills necessary to study effectively. This presentation presents multiple strategies such as "chunking information." It also includes a cooperative learning activity that allows students to choose from several products, including technology, to display content information learned. It can be used as a mini lesson or a introduction to a long term project.

This activity is used to review the PARCC Research Task. It follows the 7th Grade ELA Unit 2 Practice test. It reviews the tools, expectations and format of the task. It also provides an opportunity for students to practice taking notes on sources and organize an essay. Answer key is included. It can be used for students in different grade levels to exposure them to the way the test is organized and the tools available.

This power point is an introduction to the ELA NJSLA assessment. This presentation introduces the different types of assessments and tasks student will have to complete. This presentation includes NJSLA vocabulary and questions types. It details the types of questions students will encounter such as "drag and drop tasks." This will provide students with an overview of what to expect on this assessment. Examples from the 5th Grade NJSLA Practice Test are used to provide students with visuals

A brief introduction to the philosophies of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke.

Easy to use worksheet to organize each student's modification and important details of their IEPs. Common middle school modifications are provided.

A timeline of majors events that led to the Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence. Simple explanations with visuals. It can be used as a reading or as a way to develop a timeline with students.

A Power Point presentation perfect for a basic introduction to the different types of government and their characteristics.

Students will complete a culminating project in Study Skills connecting content information and study strategies learned throughout the school year. This project is great for the end of the year and incorporates all subject areas with creativity.