The Study Shack

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.

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.

* 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

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

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.