Teaching Resources for Middle
and High School ELA

Every resource on this page begins the same way: with a text I could not stop teaching, a character worth analyzing deeply, a story that deserved more than a superficial reading.

Here you will find free and premium materials for middle and high school classrooms — close reading worksheets, character analysis activities, novel study units, and more. All classroom-tested, structured, and ready to use. Because our students are capable of engaging with what is most demanding and most meaningful — and that is exactly what these resources ask of them.

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The Moral Isn’t the Point — a one-page guide to teaching theme by letting students discover it themselves, instead of handing them the lesson. Four ready-to-use writing prompts, with examples from The Hobbit, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Odyssey, and more.

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Grades 6–8

The Hobbit — Crossword Puzzle (Ch. 1) + Answer Keys

A chapter-specific crossword puzzle that reinforces vocabulary and key plot points from Chapter 1 of The Hobbit. No prep required — just print and go. Includes a complete answer key.

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Grades 6-8

The Hobbit — Novel Study Worksheets (Ch. 1)

Close reading worksheets for Chapter 1 of The Hobbit — available in both print and digital format. Includes comprehension exercises at varying difficulty levels, interpretation questions, vocabulary activities, and a reflective writing prompt. Answer keys included for all exercises.

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Grades 6–8

The Magician’s Nephew — Novel Study Worksheets (Ch. 1–2)

In-depth close reading worksheets for the opening chapters of The Magician’s Nephew. Includes comprehension exercises at multiple difficulty levels, interpretation questions, vocabulary activities, and creative writing prompts. Aligned with ELA standards.

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Grades 6–7

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe — Novel Study Worksheets (Ch. 1–2)

Close reading worksheets for the first two chapters of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Scaffolded comprehension exercises, interpretation questions, and creative writing assignments — designed for students new to literary analysis as well as experienced readers.

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Grades 6–7

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe — Character Analysis Graphic Organizers: Edmund Pevensie

A focused character analysis of Edmund Pevensie — his traits, actions, relationships, and growth across the novel. Includes a compare and contrast exercise (Edmund vs. Tumnus) and space for personal reflection. Textual evidence required throughout.

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Grades 7–12

To Kill a Mockingbird — Character Analysis Graphic Organizers: Atticus Finch

A structured, step-by-step character analysis of Atticus Finch. Students explore his traits, motivations, and relationships — with textual evidence required for every point. Includes a compare and contrast exercise (Atticus vs. Aunt Alexandra) and a student reflection space.

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Premium Resources

Full bundles and complete novel study units, available on Teachers Pay Teachers.

Grades 6–8

The Magician’s Nephew Mega Bundle | Complete Novel Study Unit

A comprehensive teaching bundle for The Magician’s Nephew — introductory materials, chapter-by-chapter close reading worksheets, activities, crossword puzzles, and a final test. Everything you need to teach the novel from start to finish.

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Grades 6-7

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe & the Bible — Intertextual Analysis Activity

A structured intertextual comparison activity that guides students through the biblical parallels in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Supports deep thinking about themes, symbols, and the figure of Aslan. Includes student worksheets and a teacher slideshow for guided exploration.

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Grades 6–8

The Hobbit — Complete Novel Study Bundle

A comprehensive teaching bundle for The Hobbit covering the entire novel from start to finish. Includes an introductory Google Slides presentation (Tolkien, the Inklings, rune activity), chapter-by-chapter close reading worksheets (ch. 1–19), 19 crossword puzzles, a novel recap activity, an end-of-novel test, and creative writing prompts including collaborative book-writing activities. Available in both print and digital formats. No prep required.

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Grades 7-10

Homer’s The Iliad — Step-by-Step Proem Analysis

A guided close reading of the Proem of the Iliad — perfect for introducing Homeric language and epic themes. Includes step-by-step student worksheets and a detailed teacher reference. Ideal for high school literature or classical studies units.

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Grades 6–8

Percy Jackson & the Lightning Thief — Movie Activities for Myth Exploration

A complete set of activities based on the Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief film — designed to introduce or wrap up a unit on Greek mythology. Includes 22 comprehension questions, 15 research prompts, 7 character analysis organizers (Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hermes, Athena, Perseus, Medusa), and a reflection sheet on humanity and divinity. Teacher guide included. No prep required.

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Grades 9–12

Miller’s Circe — Comparative Analysis Activities with Classical Sources

A comparative analysis activity that places Madeline Miller’s Circe alongside its classical sources — Homer’s Odyssey (Books 10–11) and Ovid’s Metamorphoses (Book 14). Includes selected excerpts, comprehension questions, comparative analysis prompts with textual evidence, and detailed teacher answer keys. Perfect for in-class work, literature circles, or homework.

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Explore the full store

These are just a selection of the resources available in the store. Browse the complete catalogue on Teachers Pay Teachers for more novel study units, close reading activities, character analysis worksheets, and puzzles — for grades 6 through 12.

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