M. Towle is a veteran Language Arts and Social Studies teacher with fourteen years of classroom experience in urban schools in Los Angeles and Philadelphia. M. Towle holds an M.A. in Holocaust and Genocide Studies and is the founder of TeachNovels.com.
Warrior’s Don’t Cry (abridged version by Melba Pattillo Beals) gives students a personal view of the struggle to end segregation through a powerful memoir. The reading level of Warriors Don’t Cry makes it appropriate for both middle and upper grades. Warriors Don’t Cry reading level by the numbers: Lexile level:… Read More »Warriors Don’t Cry Reading Level
Teaching Frankenstein in high school ELA requires a practical structure. The unit plan below breaks the novel into four readings, with three lesson plans per reading. Pre-reading and post-reading lessons frame the unit on both ends. Whether you are teaching AP students or developing readers, the structure applies. Unit overview:… Read More »FRANKENSTEIN Unit Plan and Lesson Plans for High School ELA
This Frankenstein unit test is designed for grades 9–12 ELA. It covers comprehension, literary knowledge and analysis, short response, and essay prompts. The free 37-item test is available to print or download. The full test maker includes 118 questions, a customizable Word file, and an answer key. A Frankenstein reading… Read More »FRANKENSTEIN Unit Test — Free PDF
These Frankenstein discussion questions are designed for grades 9–12 ELA. The 60 questions below are organized into four reading sets that align with the standard four-part reading schedule. A whole-novel set and six essential questions follow for end-of-unit discussion and Socratic seminar. Pre-reading Discussion Questions for Frankenstein The Frankenstein anticipation… Read More »FRANKENSTEIN Discussion Questions for High School ELA
This Frankenstein anticipation guide prepares students to read the original novel by Mary Shelley. It activates prior knowledge, engages students with the novel’s key theme subjects, and sets a purpose for reading before the first page. Grades 9–12 ELA. Before you grab the PDF, two resources worth knowing about: →… Read More »FRANKENSTEIN Anticipation Guide — Free PDF
This is my recommended Frankenstein reading schedule for high school ELA. The novel breaks cleanly into four parts, each with enough plot, character development, and thematic material to anchor a week of instruction. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley runs approximately 80,000 words across 24 chapters plus four introductory letters. It is… Read More »FRANKENSTEIN Reading Schedule (4 parts)
This White Fang Test gives credit to students who actually read the book. I also have 5 White Fang reading quizzes to use as students move through the novel. It is easy to have engaging lessons when everyone completes the reading. White Fang Test (comprehension): White Fang Test Resource Resource… Read More »WHITE FANG Test (PDF) and Comprehension Quizzes
White Fang can be used in various ways in the classroom (lit. circles, summer reading, small groups, etc.) Here is a White Fang unit plan to follow for whole-class instruction. White Fang Reading Level (7th-9th grade) White Fang is not necessarily a kid’s book. The vocabulary of White Fang may… Read More »White Fang Unit Plan
Assessment can take many forms. Here are 31 Huckleberry Finn Assessment ideas for your classroom. Huckleberry Finn assessment ideas in three types: Culminating Tasks (essays, presentations, and projects that directly assess mastery of key unit standards) Extension Tasks (activities that connect to the novel but extend to skills like creative writing, performance, or… Read More »31 Huckleberry Finn Assessment Ideas
Touching Spirit Bear offers accessibility, high interest, and thought-provoking lessons. Reading quizzes are a must to ensure that students are reading regularly, developing as readers, and engaging in lessons.
11 Huckleberry Finn pre-reading activities to help you start your unit.
This Huckleberry Finn unit plan covers six weeks of instruction for grades 9–12. Each week pairs a reading assignment with a reading quiz and multiple lesson options: a main lesson and two or three additional lessons targeting different standards. The unit includes a pre-reading lesson on the novel’s controversies, fourteen… Read More »HUCKLEBERRY FINN Unit Plan for High School
These Huckleberry Finn discussion questions cover the full novel in six reading sections and include whole-book essential questions and book club questions for adult readers. Organized for grades 9–12, this post contains over 80 questions addressing Twain’s themes of morality, freedom, racism, and satire. Contents Essential Questions for Huckleberry Finn… Read More »HUCKLEBERRY FINN Discussion Questions: Book Club and Classroom Sets
Teaching Huckleberry Finn intimidates even the most experienced teachers. Students might completely miss subtleties that are essential to Twain’s themes. Even worse, a clumsy approach to sensitive issues can result in harming students. Be mindful of these tips for teaching Huckleberry Finn, and your unit will be engaging, productive, and… Read More »30 Tips for Teaching Huckleberry Finn
Teaching Huckleberry Finn requires a decision and a defense. Every teacher who assigns the novel must weigh its literary value against its genuine risks, and be prepared to answer objections from students, parents, and administrators. This post lays out the strongest arguments on both sides without softening either one. Contents… Read More »Pros and Cons of Teaching HUCKLEBERRY FINN