LIT TERMS REVIEW - WINTER EDITION
Take some time during the final days at the end of the semester to review a few key lit terms. These coloring sheets are the perfect way to have students reviewing important terms while you meet with students 1:1 about their writing, grades, etc.
TIME CAPSULE OF MY YEAR
Give students the chance to reflect on their year by creating a time capsule. This project-based learning assignment gives students ample room for creativity, reflection, and critical thinking about the Essential Questions they’ve studied and texts they’ve read over the course of the year. This works great for the ending of a calendar year (at semester) or a school year.
GRATITUDE SKETCHNOTES
Sketchnotes are a wonderful doodle-style way for students to reflect on the things that they are grateful for this time of year. With several other prompts, these are ideal for goal setting and reflecting on the year.
LAST LINES COUNTDOWN
Who says the end of the year can’t have a literary twist? Not me! I love using this old-school paper chain countdown to celebrate the author’s craft work in famous last lines from literature and film. All stories come to an end. All films come to an end. How do these stories end? How will this school year’s story end? Rip one paper chain per day and countdown to winter break!
Digital choice boards are the perfect assignment for the in-between moments of everyday teaching. From bell work to independent work during conferences, this digital choice board will keep students engaged and exploring cultural, historical, literary, and fun texts that all connect to December celebrations. This is incredibly handy for last minute lesson planning or even if you need to be out and have a sub!
THE LITERARY POLAROID
Foster critical thinking with this activity by asking students to read a winter-related text (poem, article, short story — you name it!) and find the evidence that best matches the “polaroid” they’ve been given. Students will select the evidence and provide a defense for that evidence on the back of the photo.
person of the year
Study the art of argument by examining the ways in which TIME magazine has historically selected their Person of the Year. This lesson also gives students the chance to select and defend their OWN person of the year. I love using this in choosing a person of the SCHOOL year if I didn’t have time to do this at the New Year.
SPARE CHANGE GAMESHOW - WINTER EDITION
Have a coin sitting around somewhere? Need students to practice their argumentation skills? Then you’re all set to play the Spare Change Gameshow! Students face off debating winter-themed claim statements in small groups or whole-class setting set ups. It’s completely flexible for what you need!
CREATE A CHARACTER STOCKING
If you had to create a unique stocking to hang by the fire for one of the characters that we’ve studied this semester, what would that stocking look like? This prompt engages students in an activity examining symbolism, color, and textual evidence while having fun and creating a cozy display for your classroom. (Fireplace not included — traced by students!)
Looking for Winter ELA Activities that will last you for years to come? Why not consider grabbing the bundle? Here is the collection of ALL my winter activities — the perfect resource for the teacher with multiple preps, grade levels, and who likes to change things up from year to year.