Literary Devices
Knowing these types of figurative language and other creative techniques will make it easier for students to analyze literature and write their own strong compositions.
40+ Literary Devices and Examples
Similes, metaphors, alliteration, idioms, and so many more!
Free Printable Figurative Language Worksheets
Fun and easy ways to practice.
Personification Examples
“The flowers danced in the breeze.”
Metaphor Examples
“Today’s history exam was a total nightmare.”
Simile Examples
“The bad news struck them like a bolt of lightning.”
Alliteration Examples
“Many merry monkeys make messy mistakes.”
Onomatopoeia Examples
“The censor bleeped out every offensive word he said.”
English Idioms and Definitions
“Beat around the bush.”
Vocabulary and Grammar
The more words kids know and can use correctly, the better their communication skills will be.
Vocabulary Activities for Kids
Fun activities for any word list.
Commonly Misspelled Words
Accumulate, necessary, vacuum, and more.
What Is a Root Word?
And how do they help kids build vocabulary?
Greek and Latin Root Words
Learning these is like a vocabulary shortcut.
400 Adjectives To Describe a Person
So many ways to bring people to life in writing!
Best Thesauruses for Kids
Age appropriate and easy to use.
Best Dictionaries for Kids
Electronic, online, and hard-copy options.
Funny Grammar Jokes and Puns
Because English teachers love puns!
Affect vs. Effect
One is usually a noun, the other a verb.
Free Vocabulary Worksheets
Use these with any vocab word list.
Lie vs. Lay
Such a tricky one.
FEATURED RESOURCE
What Is ELA?
Learn what English Language Arts is, the subjects it includes, and what students learn at various grade levels.
Literary Analysis
Teach students to read between the lines, examining texts for deeper meaning.
Elements of Fiction
Character, plot, point of view, setting, theme, and conflict.
Literary Genres Everyone Should Know
Plus free printables to help kids learn them!
How To Teach Author’s Purpose
What is the author trying to say or do?
Critical Thinking Questions
Encourage deeper thinking with any text.
How To Teach Theme
Explore the overarching idea, message, or lesson.
Book Lists and Recommendations
These are the books you’ll want on your classroom shelves!
Best High School Fiction Books
Classics and new favorites.
Top Graphic Novels for Teens
Because yes, ALL reading counts.
Diverse Anthologies for the Classroom
Make sure everyone is represented.
Science Fiction Books for Teens
Discover a new reality.
Horror Novels for Teens
Spine-chilling stories.
Best High-Low Books
High interest, low reading levels.
Amy Tan Books for Teens
Beyond “The Joy Luck Club.”
Banned Books Every Kid Should Read
Some of these will shock you.
Toni Morrison Books for Teens
“The Bluest Eye” is just the start.
Middle School Graphic Novels
Diverse, compelling stories to hook readers.
Graphic Novel Versions of Classics
An easy entry point for any student.
Picture Books for High School
Even older kids love a read-aloud!
Short Story Compilations
Quicker reads with just as much literary impact.
Best Short Stories for Middle School Students
Plus, free printables to share.
Best Short Stories for High School Students
Stories that pack just the right emotional punch.
Funny Short Stories for Kids
Because everybody needs a laugh!
Egyptian Myths Kids Should Know
Stories reveal who we are and what we care about.
Scary Short Stories for Kids
Jump-scares galore!
Poetry Analysis
Break down the words to find hidden meaning.
25 Types of Poetry To Teach
Genres everyone should know.
Poetry Activities for the Classroom
Fun ways to learn.
Poetry Analysis Worksheets
Use them with any poem.
“Stopping by Woods …” Activity
A simple way to teach the classic Robert Frost poem.
Famous Poets Kids Should Know
Masters of language throughout the ages.
Best Poetry Websites
For teaching and learning poems.
Poems by Genre, Topic, and Author
Need some new poetry for your lessons? Look no further!
Best Poems for Middle and High School
Verses they’ll really enjoy.
Famous Poems Everyone Should Know
Classics from diverse poets.
Free-Verse Poems for Middle and High School
It’s all about the rhythm and language choice.
Black History Month Poems
Celebrate Black poets.
Poems About Nature
Inspiration is all around us.
Walt Whitman Poems
Thought-provoking poetry to read and share.
Alliteration Poems
So much fun to read!
Slam Poetry Examples
Poetry as performance art.
Blackout Poetry
A creative twist on existing text.
E.E. Cummings Poems
Playful poems that shaped modern poetry.
Shakespeare Poems
All’s well that begins with a good poem or two!
Emily Dickinson Poems
One of America’s foremost poets.
Langston Hughes Poems
“What happens to a dream deferred?”
Robert Frost Poems
An American icon.
Edgar Allan Poe Poems
“The Raven” is only the beginning.
Writing Poetry
Crafting verse doesn’t have to be scary with these helpful resources!
200 Poem Ideas for Kids & Teens
When they don’t know what to write about.
Haiku Starter Worksheets
Three simple lines to capture a mood.
Free-Verse Poem Template
Because it really is an art form.
Ode Template Worksheets
Write a poem that celebrates your favorite person, place, or thing.
Couplet Poem Template
Pairs of rhyming lines that tell a story.
Blackout Poetry Template
Kids love this activity!
Rhyming Poem Worksheets
Make time for kids to rhyme!
Diamante Poem Template
A unique and interesting style to try.
Concrete Poem Template
Wonderful for visual learners!
FEATURED RESOURCE
Poetry Worksheet Bundle
Get all of our poetry worksheets in one big bundle. These free printables are perfect for a poetry unit!
Writing Strategies
Help students plan ahead and try different methods to get their thoughts on paper.
20+ Writing Strategies
Something for every kind of writer.
RACE Writing Strategy
A classic strategy that everyone should try.
Benefits of Journaling
An easy, low-pressure way to practice writing.
Bullet Journal Ideas
Such a versatile and creative system.
How To Use Interactive Writing
Make it work in your own classroom.
Writing Tools
Resources to support writers and scaffold the writing process.
How To Write a Bibliography
Multiple styles, with examples.
Conclusion Sentence Starters
Help writers wrap things up neatly.
How To Use Sentence Stems
Kick-start the process.
Writing Websites for Kids & Teens
Online resources for writing support.
Creative Writing Books for Teens
Help them tap into their originality.
Mentor Texts and Examples
See these writing styles in action.
Persuasive Writing Examples
Essays, speeches, ads, and more.
Personal Narrative Examples
Reveal a part of yourself through words.
Opinion Writing Mentor Texts
Show kids how powerful sharing ideas in writing can be.
Compare & Contrast Essay Examples
Full essays about education, technology, pop culture, sports, animals, and more.
Writing Prompts and Essay Topics
Sometimes just figuring out what to write about is the hardest part. That’s why you need these lists!
Best Middle School Writing Prompts
Interesting, engaging topics for tweens.
Best High School Writing Prompts
Any teen can find inspiration here.
Picture Writing Prompts
A picture is worth a thousand words!
High School Essay Topics
For every type of composition and writer.
Short Story Prompts for Kids
Spark creativity!
Persuasive Essay Topics
Use your words to sway the reader.
Argumentative Writing Prompts
Make well-reasoned arguments using research and facts.
Cause & Effect Essay Topics
Teach critical thinking, logic, and the art of persuasion.
Personal Narrative Ideas
Tell a story to engage the reader.
Compare & Contrast Essay Topics
Android vs. iPhone? Hot dog vs. taco?
Informative Essay Topics
Tell them what you know.
Debate Skills
Learn to argue fairly and effectively.
Best Middle School Debate Topics
Should schools eliminate dress codes?
Top High School Debate Topics
Should parents be punished for their children’s crimes?
Funny Debate Topics
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
Debate Graphic Organizers
Prep your arguments and counterarguments.
Controversial Debate Topics
Are school voucher systems a good idea?
Writing Worksheets and Activities
Printables and ideas for practice in the classroom and at home.
Five-Paragraph Essay Organizer
The classic format.
Book Report Templates
Make them interesting!
Comic Strip Template
Combine words and art.
Narrative Writing Organizer
An easy way to help kids tell their stories.
Opinion Writing Organizer
Show kids how to clearly state their opinions, backed with evidence.
Informational Writing Organizer
Help them get their facts straight.
Persuasive Essay Planner
Learn to interpret the language writers use to sway their readers.
Argumentative Essay Planner
Get ready to argue your case.
Exit Ticket Templates
Quick check-ins with free printables!
Best English Activities for High School
Fun ideas to encourage engagement.
Help Secondary Students Make Time for Reading
Their lives are busy, but reading still matters as much as ever.
Free Media Literacy Posters
Kids need these skills.
How To Recognize Bias in Media
More important than ever.
Free News Literacy Slides
A vital topic for today’s students.
One-Pager Examples
A smart way to remember what matters.
Note-Taking Strategies
Because each student learns differently.
Printable Cornell Notes Template
A research-backed method.
How To Teach With Graffiti Walls
Fun and creative!
Free Dewey Decimal System Charts
For libraries and classroom shelves.
Tips for Dealing With School Book Bans
You don’t just have to sit there and take it.
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Find everything from creative ideas for using music and theater at school to craft projects you’ll love.
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Tips for English as a Second Language and English Language Learner teachers.
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