Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson Novel Study

This product is a comprehensive set of instructional materials for teaching a novel study of Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson. With these Common Core aligned materials, students will deeply engage with the novel and develop their literacy skills through literary analysis, fiction close readings, spy readings and activities, projects, vocabulary, assessments, essays, and more. The suite includes 100+ resources to help you implement an engaging, rigorous ELA unit.

Snapshot of Resources Included in Unit:

• 20 Comprehension/Literary Analysis Assignments
• 20 Close Reading Assignments (literary skills-based)
• American Revolution Spy Unit - Game, 8 Readings, 5 Activities & More!
• Vocabulary Resources - 2 Crossword Puzzles, 2 Practice Activities, 2 Quizzes, Graphic Organizers
• Building Background Knowledge Resources - 5 Activities
• Assessment Resources - 20 Mini-Quizzes, 2 Novel Quizzes, 2 Final Tests, Essay Questions
• 3 Final Projects
• 30 Instructional Lesson Plans - 6-WEEK Unit
• Answer Keys for ALL applicable resources!
• Google Slides™ & Google Forms™ links for ALL student pages!

Digital Compatibility: This resource is also technology friendly! It can be utilized in classrooms where computers or tablets are central to instruction because the resource has been adapted for digital completion. The resources include links for students to complete any work assigned, such as in-class tasks and assessments, online via Google Slides™ and Google Forms. For instance, students can work with the documents in Google Drive™ or via Google Classroom™. With these links, you can have students complete their activities, assignments, and ALL ASSESSMENTS online. All they will have to do for the student pages is either create a text box or fill out a form! There are links for every student page and assessment, making the format friendly not only for technology but also trees.

Building Background Knowledge Resources: The background knowledge resources will help your students understand the key settings and time periods that shape the novel. They will aid students’ comprehension by providing information about the context in which the novel’s events take place. Rather than wondering about what characters are talking about, they will become their own experts.

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson: Novel Study, Chapter Analysis, Homework: The 20 literary analysis assignments provide a framework for students to complete a deep analysis of each chapter set in Chains. Each assignment is aligned to the Common Core State Standards. They are designed not only to have students practice literary skills but also demonstrate their comprehension of the text. The literary analysis comes in two formats – PDF and Google Slides - and could supply homework, facilitate guided reading groups, or stimulate whole class literacy discussions for each chapter. You can choose the purpose that best suits your students and your classroom.

Fiction Close Readings: The 20 fiction close reading lessons focus on critical Common Core State Standards to develop students’ literary proficiency. Using the novel as the foundational text for close reading, each lesson focuses on a particular skill and provides students an opportunity to develop and demonstrate their ability to perform that skill. Each assignment also requires students to use textual evidence to support their claims. The resource includes an answer key.

American Revolution Spy Unit: Spy Readings, Techniques, Vocab, Activities, Game!: The Revolutionary War spy resources provide everything you need to not only explain but also help your students experience America’s first espionage operations. The resources supply foundational knowledge about spying and Revolutionary War spies. Then, they provide a structure to guide students through fun, engaging activities that develop their critical thinking skills by putting them in the shoes of a Revolutionary War era spy. (Modified document included for printing)

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson: Quizzes, Tests, Essays – Assessment Pack!: After students complete the chapter analysis, close reading assignments, vocabulary assignments, and projects, they will know Chains inside and out. The Common Core aligned assessments will then help you measure your students’ comprehension of the text and their ability to apply the literary skills taught throughout the unit. The materials include 20 mini-quizzes, 2 comprehension quizzes, 1 map assessment, 1 final literary assessment, and essays. Answer keys are included for all materials.

Novel Projects: The three novel projects offer another avenue for students to go deeper with the novel and its content. The activities are designed to have students synthesize understandings and produce creative products. In doing so, they will develop critical thinking skills aligned with essential Common Core standards that have been embedded in the project’s course. *Bonus Material*

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson: Vocabulary, Activities, Quizzes, Test, Puzzles: Teaching vocabulary is an important part of any lesson. This vocabulary suite is a great way to help students learn, acquire, and use new words they will encounter in Chains. The resources will assist students as they learn and use new words while providing engaging activities to have them practice applying those words in academic settings. It will maximize their vocabulary expansion based on the challenging words the resources identify from each part of the novel.

Insturctional Materials: The standards-alignment guide, pacing guide, and 30 lesson plans will help you effectively plan and implement any and all components of the unit. They are the materials designed for you to use as you determine how best to engage your students in a deep analysis of Chains. *Bonus Material*

PLEASE NOTE: This resource is NOT EDITABLE! It is intended to be comprehensive, but if you have particular needs for your classroom, please contact me! (lauren@lit-lessons.com)

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