The second semester is HARD. Teachers are tired. Kids are tired. We adults still have standards to meet, minds to shape.
With all of that in mind, here are ten second semester ELA activities.
March Task Cards
Add common writing errors to your station rotations or to classroom discussions. These March task cards are perfect for older students because they cover standards, and they also encourage discussion amongst peers.
Figurative Language
Figurative language is not only meant to be read. Make it come to life with these figurative language truth or dare task cards. Watch students laugh and be creative as they recall key literary devices and use examples in conversation with peers.
Narrative Writing
Allowing students to stretch their creative muscles helps second second semester ELA classes move. I start with a narrative presentation that outlines expectations and defines confusing terms. Then, I provide student choice with writing prompts. (You can download those for free!)
Grammar Games
Need to make grammar practice more engaging? Spring is the perfect time to begin synthesizing all of the grammar skills students have learned as they prepare for test prep season. Incorporate these grammar games into your lesson plans for student-driven learning and movement.
Test Prep Presentation
We don’t like it, but sometimes our schools or parents ask for it: test prep. I divide the English portion into sections for my students. This not only makes the material manageable, but it also allows me to review where necessary. The goal? Targeted and manageable practice so students don’t burn out.
Root Words Minilesson
Students don’t always understand how to use root words as a strategy for attacking new words in reading. Dig into what root words are and how students can use them to determine the meaning of known words with this minilesson and visual organizer.
Theme Graphic Organizers
No matter what literature you are teaching, you can discuss theme. I use graphic organizers to provide student choice, to brainstorm with students, and to scaffold understanding. At this point in the school year, students understand our procedures, and giving student choice is a normal activity.
Jamboard Writing Activities
Engage quiet students across learning settings using whole class and small group Jamboard activities! Jamboard™ is a Google platform that allows students to add virtual sticky notes to a variety of templates. I design my templates to get students to think critically, to scaffold and chunk when necessary, and to engage them in conversation. Here are some writing templates you can use with narrative, informative, and argumentative writing in middle and high school classrooms. (Great for Jamboard™ or Google Slides™!)
Digital Grammar
Digital grammar has changed the way I differentiate grammar activities. I can assign different students their individual activities, and no one else knows what any one is getting! I’m so excited about digital grammar that I made this lesson free for you to experiment.
Reading Journal Prompts
Whether you’re doing book clubs or literature circles or just reading in any format, students need to be writing about reading. These journal prompts provide twenty different angles. Build them into choice activities, learning stations, or reading workshop! The built-in rubric allows you to provide quick feedback.
There you go! Second semester ELA activities to save you time and keep you moving.
MONTHLY LESSON PLANS:
