Catalyst Cards - English & Language Arts

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Kick off the class period with unique activities that spark students' interest. Adapted from comprehensive Center for Learning lesson plans, Classroom Catalysts foster creative and critical thought and develop universal skills key to students' future success. These activities can be used as they are or adapted to fit other subject areas, and all of the lessons from which they have been drawn can be downloaded for free below.

Current English & Language Arts Cards

• The Scarlet Letter
• Grammar Mastery for Better Writing
• American Literature, Book 1
• British Literature, Book 2

Check out our current social studies cards.

The Scarlet Letter

Catalyze students’ ability to analyze, synthesize, and apply ideas found in literature.

Ask students to reflect on the description found on the opposite side of this card. Have them write two or three of their own descriptive phrases about additional mannerisms or features this character might possess. Have volunteers share with the class.

Card excerpt from Lesson 10.

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Grammar Mastery for Better Writing

Catalyze students’ ability to identify and correct poorly constructed sentences.

Present students with the sentence below and the one on the opposite side of this card.
The cab driver asked his passenger where he was going.
Let students consider both statements for a moment. As a class, discuss the statements’ possible meanings and why they are ambiguous. Conclude with students revising the sentences logically.

Card excerpt from Unit 3.

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American Literature, Book 1

Catalyze students’ ability to identify specific applications of broad concepts.

Present students with the statements found on the opposite side of this card. Explain that both statements are aphorisms from Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanack. Have students work in small groups to examine the statements and their applications to everyday life. To conclude, have students identify quotations that illustrate qualities that they value.

Card excerpt from Lesson 13.

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British Literature, Book 2

Catalyze students’ ability to recognize and interpret wordplay.

As a class, discuss what a pun is and build a list of words that have double meanings or applications. Then have students work independently to develop their own puns. Finally, have each of them share one or two of their favorite creations with the class.

Card excerpt from Lesson 21.

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