Students become journalists as they analyze characters, explore major events, and write about key themes, all while building critical thinking and writing skills aligned to Common Core ELA standards.

PERFECT FOR:

✔️ Middle School ELA (Grades 6–8)
* Whole class novel studies
✔️ Independent reading projects
* End-of-unit assessments
✔️ Sub plans or enrichment activities

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

⭐8 Character Templates (with AND without pictures & headings)

• Ponyboy, Johnny, Dally, Darry, Sodapop, Two-Bit, Cherry, Bob
• Perfect for differentiation and student choice

✔️ 3 RACER Writing Prompts

• Focus on theme, character development, and key events
• Builds strong text evidence and paragraph writing skills

⭐Argument Writing Prompt (“Who’s to Blame?”)

• Encourages critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning
• Perfect for test prep and deeper analysis

✔️ Character Journal (Diary Entry) Writing Prompt

• Creative writing meets character analysis
• Helps students connect emotionally to the text

⭐ Exemplar RACER Response

• Model high-quality writing for students
• Great for teaching expectations and structure

✔️ Complete Answer Key

• Character traits, decisions, struggles, and changes
• Major themes, events, and story elements

⭐ Rubric for Easy Grading

• Clear expectations for writing and content
• Saves you time while ensuring consistency

✔️ Digital Workbook + Digital Newspaper Template

• Perfect for Google Classroom or paperless learning
• Easy to assign, complete, and submit

WHY TEACHERS LOVE THIS RESOURCE:

⭐ NO PREP – Print & Go or Assign Digitally
* Combines reading, writing, and creativity in one project
⭐ Engages students with a real-world newspaper format
* Supports RACER writing strategy & text evidence skills
⭐ Great for novel studies, end-of-unit projects, or assessment
* Differentiated options for all learners

Use the RACER prompts as mini-lessons, exit tickets, or assessment pieces while students complete their Classroom Chronicle. This makes it a full literacy unit, not just a project!

❗❗COPYRIGHT ❗❗

© 2026 English, Oh My. The Classroom Chronicles© layout, design, and artwork are protected by copyright. This resource is for single-classroom use only and may not be copied, shared, or redistributed in any form without permission.

❤️ BECOME MY LATEST FOLLOWER! ❤️

⭐ Click HERE to become my latest follower. You will then receive customized email updates about this store.

⭐ Join my AMAZING SECONDARY ELA MASTERMIND FB GROUP, and collaborate with ELA teachers who are like-minded!

☆How would you like 5 ELA & Classroom Resources for ABSOLUTELY FREE?☆

⭐Grab these ABSOLUTELY FREE PRODUCTS RIGHT HERE: FREE PRODUCTS ⭐

✏️ FEEDBACK ✏️

I greatly appreciate your FIVE-STAR ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ feedback, and it helps you build points to use towards FREE TPT purchases!

I greatly appreciate your feedback, as I take great pride in my work.  If you have any issues with the product, please get in touch with me BEFORE leaving feedback.  I greatly appreciate you! Email me at englishohmy@gmail.com.

——————————————————–

Copyright © English, Oh My! ®

-Permission to copy for single classroom use only.

-Please purchase additional licenses if you intend to share this product.

-More on my Terms of Use HERE.

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The post The Outsiders Newspaper Project Activity Character Writing Worksheets appeared first on English, Oh My!.

Perfect for middle school ELA (grades 7-9), this print-and-go resource combines reading comprehension, text evidence, writing, and critical thinking into one powerful project your students will LOVE.

PERFECT FOR:

• Refugee Novel Study Activities
• Middle School ELA Projects
• End-of-Unit Assessments
• Reading Comprehension & Text Evidence Practice
• Writing Across Genres (Argument, Narrative, Analysis)
• Sub Plans or Independent Work
• Bulletin Board Displays

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

Rough Draft Workbook (Printable + Structured)
→ Guides students step-by-step through each section of the newspaper

9 Character Profiles from the Novel
→ Includes both main and supporting characters for deeper analysis

• Mahmoud
• Isabel
• Josef
• Ruthie
• Yara (Mahmoud’s mother)
• Aaron (Josef’s father)
• Isabel’s father
• Amara
• Ivan

Blank Newspaper Template
→ Clean, student-friendly layout ready for final drafts

3 RACER Writing Prompts
→ Focus on theme, character development, and key events
→ Includes a FULL exemplar response to model expectations

2 Argument Writing Prompts
→ Encourage students to take a stance and support it with evidence

Creative Writing Journal Prompt
→ Builds perspective and empathy through storytelling

Project Rubric
→ Clear expectations for grading

Editing Checklist
→ Helps students revise and improve their work before submission

SKILLS COVERED:

• Theme & Central Idea
• Character Analysis
• Text Evidence (RACER Strategy)
• Critical Thinking
• Argument Writing
• Perspective Writing
• Real-World Connections

WHY TEACHERS LOVE THIS:

✔ NO PREP – Print & Go
✔ Highly engaging “newspaper” format
✔ Encourages deeper thinking—not just recall
✔ Works for independent, partner, or group work
✔ Students are PROUD of their final product

❗❗COPYRIGHT ❗❗

© 2026 English, Oh My. The Classroom Chronicles© layout, design, and artwork are protected by copyright. This resource is for single-classroom use only and may not be copied, shared, or redistributed in any form without permission.

❤️ BECOME MY LATEST FOLLOWER! ❤️

⭐ Click HERE to become my latest follower. You will then receive customized email updates about this store.

⭐ Join my AMAZING SECONDARY ELA MASTERMIND FB GROUP, and collaborate with ELA teachers who are like-minded!

☆How would you like 5 ELA & Classroom Resources for ABSOLUTELY FREE?☆

⭐Grab these ABSOLUTELY FREE PRODUCTS RIGHT HERE: FREE PRODUCTS ⭐

✏️ FEEDBACK ✏️

I greatly appreciate your FIVE-STAR ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ feedback, and it helps you build points to use towards FREE TPT purchases!

I greatly appreciate your feedback, as I take great pride in my work.  If you have any issues with the product, please get in touch with me BEFORE leaving feedback.  I greatly appreciate you! Email me at englishohmy@gmail.com.

——————————————————–

Copyright © English, Oh My! ®

-Permission to copy for single classroom use only.

-Please purchase additional licenses if you intend to share this product.

-More on my Terms of Use HERE.

FOLLOW ME!

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

PINTEREST

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The post Refugee Classroom Chronicles Newspaper Project Novel Study ELA Project 7th 8th 9 appeared first on English, Oh My!.

PERFECT FOR:

Upper Elementary & Middle School ELA (Grades 5–8)

Animal Research Projects

Informational Writing Units

End-of-Year Projects

STEM + ELA Integration

Enrichment or Sub Plans

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

✔️ 10 Strange & Underdog Animals:

Blob Fish

Axolotl

Goblin Shark

Sloth

Naked Mole Rat

Pangolin

Dung Beetle

Glass Frog

Opossum

Black Seadevil Anglerfish

✔️ Classroom Chronicle Newspaper Template

A visually engaging long-format newspaper layout (8.5 x 20) that transforms research into a creative final product

• Two formats – With pictures & headings; Without pictures & headings

✔️ Complete Student Workbook (PDF & Digital)

Step-by-step guidance for research

Helps students organize information before writing

Perfect for scaffolding and differentiation

✔️ Exclusive Research Website 🌐

Includes kid-friendly, safe, and reliable websites

Makes research simple and stress-free

Saves teachers’ hours of prep

✔️ Extended Writing Activities

✔️ Project Rubric

• Clear expectations
• Easy grading
• Student-friendly success criteria

SKILLS COVERED:

• Informational Reading & Research
• Main Idea & Supporting Details
• Text Evidence & Analysis
• Explanatory & Informational Writing
• Critical Thinking
• Note-Taking & Organization

NEWSPAPER SECTIONS STUDENTS COMPLETE:

• 🐾 Creature Caught on Camera
• ⚡ Oddball Data: By the Numbers
• 🌍 Meet the Underdog! (Habitat, Traits, Diet)
• 🧬 Survival Secrets Revealed!
• ⚖️ Why This Animal Matters
• 🧩 Weird Stats & Wild Facts
• 🎤 Exclusive Interview (Write as the Animal!)
• 🚨 Help Wanted: Protecting the Underdogs

❗❗COPYRIGHT ❗❗

© 2026 English, Oh My. This Classroom Chronicles resource, including all original text and layout design, has been submitted for copyright protection. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution is prohibited.

❤️ BECOME MY LATEST FOLLOWER! ❤️

⭐ Click HERE to become my latest follower. You will then receive customized email updates about this store.

⭐ Join my AMAZING SECONDARY ELA MASTERMIND FB GROUP, and collaborate with ELA teachers who are like-minded!

☆How would you like 5 ELA & Classroom Resources for ABSOLUTELY FREE?☆

⭐Grab these ABSOLUTELY FREE PRODUCTS RIGHT HERE: FREE PRODUCTS ⭐

✏️ FEEDBACK ✏️

I greatly appreciate your FIVE-STAR ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ feedback, and it helps you build points to use towards future purchases!

I greatly appreciate your feedback, as I take great pride in my work.  If you have any issues with the product, please get in touch with me BEFORE leaving feedback.  I greatly appreciate you! Email me at englishohmy@gmail.com.

——————————————————–

Copyright © English, Oh My! ®

-Permission to copy for single classroom use only.

-Please purchase additional licenses if you intend to share this product.

-More on my Terms of Use HERE.

FOLLOW ME!

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

PINTEREST

BLOG

The post Strange & Underdog Animals Newspaper-Style Research Project appeared first on English, Oh My!.

PERFECT FOR:

Upper Elementary & Middle School ELA (Grades 5–8)

Animal Research Projects

Informational Writing Units

End-of-Year Projects

STEM + ELA Integration

Enrichment or Sub Plans

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

✔️ 10 High-Interest Mystery & Legend Topics:

Easter Island

Bigfoot

Bermuda Triangle

Yeti

The Disappearance of the Mary Celeste

Phoenix Lights

Loch Ness Monster

The Jersey Devil

Area 51

Crop Circles

✔️ Classroom Chronicle Newspaper Template

A visually engaging long-format newspaper layout (8.5 x 20) that transforms research into a creative final product

• Two formats – With pictures & headings; Without pictures & headings

✔️ Complete Student Workbook (PDF & Digital)

Step-by-step guidance for research

Helps students organize information before writing

Perfect for scaffolding and differentiation

✔️ Exclusive Research Website 🌐

Includes kid-friendly, safe, and reliable websites

Makes research simple and stress-free

Saves teachers’ hours of prep

✔️ Extended Writing Activities

✔️ Project Rubric

• Clear expectations
• Easy grading
• Student-friendly success criteria

SKILLS COVERED:

• Informational Reading & Research
• Main Idea & Supporting Details
• Text Evidence & Analysis
• Explanatory & Informational Writing
• Critical Thinking
• Note-Taking & Organization

NEWSPAPER SECTIONS STUDENTS COMPLETE:

• 🔍Featured Story: Inside the Mystery
• ⚡ Fast Facts
• 🌍 Case Profile: Key Figures & Facts
• 🧬 Survival Secrets Revealed!
• ⚖️ Why This Mystery Matters
• 🧩 Pieces of the Puzzle
• 🎤 Exclusive Interview
• 🚨 Help Wanted: Case Closed?

❗❗COPYRIGHT ❗❗

© 2026 English, Oh My. This Classroom Chronicles resource, including all original text and layout design, has been submitted for copyright protection. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution is prohibited.

❤️ BECOME MY LATEST FOLLOWER! ❤️

⭐ Click HERE to become my latest follower. You will then receive customized email updates about this store.

⭐ Join my AMAZING SECONDARY ELA MASTERMIND FB GROUP, and collaborate with ELA teachers who are like-minded!

☆How would you like 5 ELA & Classroom Resources for ABSOLUTELY FREE?☆

⭐Grab these ABSOLUTELY FREE PRODUCTS RIGHT HERE: FREE PRODUCTS ⭐

✏️ FEEDBACK ✏️

I greatly appreciate your FIVE-STAR ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ feedback, and it helps you build points to use towards future purchases!

I greatly appreciate your feedback, as I take great pride in my work.  If you have any issues with the product, please get in touch with me BEFORE leaving feedback.  I greatly appreciate you! Email me at englishohmy@gmail.com.

——————————————————–

Copyright © English, Oh My! ®

-Permission to copy for single classroom use only.

-Please purchase additional licenses if you intend to share this product.

-More on my Terms of Use HERE.

FOLLOW ME!

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

PINTEREST

BLOG

The post Mysteries & Legends Newspaper-Style Research Project appeared first on English, Oh My!.

The post Historical Events Newspaper Style Research & Informative Writing Project appeared first on English, Oh My!.