TEKS Correlation Guide

Each breakout is aligned to — not a reproduction of — the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for English Language Arts and Reading (19 TAC Chapter 110, Adopted 2017), organized by the seven integrated ELAR strands. Every activity also names the CLEAR reasoning focus and the high-effect-size instructional strategy engineered into its locks. Effect sizes (d) are drawn from Hattie's Visible Learning synthesis and are approximate.

▶ Open the activities — browse all 31 breakouts

Grades K–2

The Storyteller’s Order

Lock	Skill	ELAR strand (aligned to)	CLEAR · strategy
L1 · Sequence	Order the events of a story as the text presents them	Comprehension — retell/sequence with support §110.2(6), §110.4(6)	Evidence Advance organizers d≈0.42
L2 · Golden Rule	Identify what a text plainly states	Comprehension — make inferences using text evidence §110.2(6)(F)	Claim Feedback d≈0.70
L3 · Evidence sort	Separate what the story says from a true-but-irrelevant fact	Response — use text evidence to support a response §110.2(7)(C)	Alternatives Classifying/sorting d≈0.60
L4 · Name the book	Attribute a text to its source	Multiple Genres — recognize characteristics of texts §110.2(8)	Lens Vocabulary/knowledge d≈0.62

The Big Boat and the Rain

Lock	Skill	ELAR strand (aligned to)	CLEAR · strategy
L1 · Sequence	Order story events as the text presents them	Comprehension — retell/sequence events with support §110.4(6)(E)	Evidence Advance organizers d≈0.42
L2 · Detail	Answer from an explicit detail in the text	Comprehension — make inferences using text evidence §110.4(6)(F)	Claim Feedback d≈0.70
L3 · Evidence sort	Separate story facts from a true-but-off-topic fact	Response — use text evidence to support a response §110.4(7)(C)	Alternatives Classifying/sorting d≈0.60
L4 · Name the book	Attribute a text to its source	Multiple Genres — recognize characteristics of texts §110.4(8)	Lens Vocabulary/knowledge d≈0.62

The Stranger Who Helped

Lock	Skill	ELAR strand (aligned to)	CLEAR · strategy
L1 · Detail	Identify who acts, from the text	Comprehension — make inferences using text evidence §110.4(6)(F)	Claim Feedback d≈0.70
L2 · Sequence	Order events to see cause and effect	Comprehension — retell/sequence events §110.4(6)(E)	Evidence Advance organizers d≈0.42
L3 · Evidence sort	Separate story details from an off-topic fact	Response — use text evidence to support a response §110.4(7)(C)	Alternatives Classifying/sorting d≈0.60
L4 · Key word	Name the lesson word the text uses	Comprehension — identify the central idea §110.4(6)(G)	Lens Vocabulary/knowledge d≈0.62

The King's Wise Idea

Lock	Skill	ELAR strand (aligned to)	CLEAR · strategy
L1 · Problem	Identify the story's problem from the text	Comprehension — make inferences using text evidence §110.4(6)(F)	Claim Feedback d≈0.70
L2 · Sequence	Order how a character solves a problem	Comprehension — retell/sequence events §110.4(6)(E)	Evidence Advance organizers d≈0.42
L3 · Evidence sort	Separate story facts from an off-topic fact	Response — use text evidence to support a response §110.4(7)(C)	Alternatives Classifying/sorting d≈0.60
L4 · Character trait	Name a trait the text states	Comprehension — describe characters in a story §110.4(7)(B)	Lens Vocabulary/knowledge d≈0.62

The Man and the Big Fish

Lock	Skill	ELAR strand (aligned to)	CLEAR · strategy
L1 · Sequence	Order the events of a longer story	Comprehension — retell/sequence events §110.4(6)(E)	Evidence Advance organizers d≈0.42
L2 · Detail	Answer from the exact wording of the text	Comprehension — make inferences using text evidence §110.4(6)(F)	Claim Feedback d≈0.70
L3 · Evidence sort	Separate story facts from an off-topic fact	Response — use text evidence to support a response §110.4(7)(C)	Alternatives Classifying/sorting d≈0.60
L4 · Name the book	Attribute a text to its source	Multiple Genres — recognize characteristics of texts §110.4(8)	Lens Vocabulary/knowledge d≈0.62

Ten Rules to Live By

Lock	Skill	ELAR strand (aligned to)	CLEAR · strategy
L1 · Detail	Read carefully for an exact number	Comprehension — make inferences using text evidence §110.4(6)(F)	Claim Feedback d≈0.70
L2 · Sequence	Order events as the text builds them	Comprehension — retell/sequence events §110.4(6)(E)	Evidence Advance organizers d≈0.42
L3 · Evidence sort	Separate story facts from an off-topic fact	Response — use text evidence to support a response §110.4(7)(C)	Alternatives Classifying/sorting d≈0.60
L4 · Name the book	Attribute a text to its source	Multiple Genres — recognize characteristics of texts §110.4(8)	Lens Vocabulary/knowledge d≈0.62

The Wooden People and the Stickers

Lock	Skill	ELAR strand (aligned to)	CLEAR · strategy
L1 · Sequence	Order story events as the text presents them	Comprehension — retell/sequence events with support §110.2(6)(E)	Evidence Advance organizers d≈0.42
L2 · Inference	Answer from what a character believes, from the text	Comprehension — make inferences using text evidence §110.2(6)(F)	Claim Feedback d≈0.70
L3 · Evidence sort	Separate story details from a true-but-off-topic fact	Response — use text evidence to support a response §110.2(7)(C)	Alternatives Classifying/sorting d≈0.60
L4 · Name the maker	Recall a name the text gives	Comprehension — describe characters in a story §110.2(7)(B)	Lens Vocabulary/knowledge d≈0.62

Grades 3–5

Underdogs & Lions’ Dens

Lock	Skill	ELAR strand (aligned to)	CLEAR · strategy
L1 · Theme	Determine a theme shared across two texts	Multiple Genres — determine theme using text evidence §110.7(8)(A)	Claim Feedback d≈0.70
L2 · Evidence	Gather only evidence that supports the claim	Response — use text evidence to support an appropriate response §110.7(7)(C)	Evidence Classifying/sorting d≈0.60
L3 · Counter-example	Test a pattern against a case where it breaks	Comprehension — make/correct/confirm inferences §110.6(6)(F)	Alternatives Metacognitive strategies d≈0.55
L4 · Source	Situate texts in their larger collection/context	Inquiry & Research — identify/gather relevant sources §110.7(12)	Lens Prior knowledge activation d≈0.55

Noah and the Flood

Lock	Skill	ELAR strand (aligned to)	CLEAR · strategy
L1 · Sequence	Order key events to see structure	Comprehension — make/confirm inferences §110.6(6)(F)	Evidence Advance organizers d≈0.42
L2 · Theme	Determine the theme the story teaches	Multiple Genres — determine theme using text evidence §110.6(8)(A)	Claim Feedback d≈0.70
L3 · Evidence	Gather only evidence that supports the theme	Response — use text evidence to support a response §110.6(7)(C)	Alternatives Classifying/sorting d≈0.60
L4 · Source	Name the source book/context	Inquiry & Research — identify/gather relevant sources §110.6(12)	Lens Prior knowledge activation d≈0.55

Jonah's Second Chance

Lock	Skill	ELAR strand (aligned to)	CLEAR · strategy
L1 · Theme	Determine the theme from the whole story	Multiple Genres — determine theme using text evidence §110.7(8)(A)	Claim Feedback d≈0.70
L2 · Cause & effect	Order events to trace cause and effect	Comprehension — make/confirm inferences §110.7(6)(F)	Evidence Advance organizers d≈0.42
L3 · Evidence	Gather only theme-supporting evidence	Response — use text evidence to support a response §110.7(7)(C)	Alternatives Classifying/sorting d≈0.60
L4 · Source	Situate a text in its larger collection	Inquiry & Research — identify/gather relevant sources §110.7(12)	Lens Prior knowledge activation d≈0.55

The Good Samaritan

Lock	Skill	ELAR strand (aligned to)	CLEAR · strategy
L1 · Theme	Determine the theme (who is a neighbor)	Multiple Genres — determine theme using text evidence §110.7(8)(A)	Claim Feedback d≈0.70
L2 · Evidence	Gather only evidence that supports the theme	Response — use text evidence to support a response §110.7(7)(C)	Evidence Classifying/sorting d≈0.60
L3 · Source	Name the Gospel the parable comes from	Inquiry & Research — identify/gather relevant sources §110.7(12)	Lens Prior knowledge activation d≈0.55
L4 · Sequence	Order how characters are introduced	Comprehension — make/confirm inferences §110.6(6)(F)	Alternatives Advance organizers d≈0.42

Moses and the Ten Commandments

Lock	Skill	ELAR strand (aligned to)	CLEAR · strategy
L1 · Text type	Identify the kind of text (a law code)	Multiple Genres — recognize/analyze genre characteristics §110.7(8)	Lens Concept mapping d≈0.64
L2 · Evidence	Gather what the text states about the rules	Response — use text evidence to support a response §110.7(7)(C)	Evidence Classifying/sorting d≈0.60
L3 · Source	Name the source book	Inquiry & Research — identify/gather relevant sources §110.7(12)	Lens Prior knowledge activation d≈0.55
L4 · Sequence	Order events to the key moment	Comprehension — make/confirm inferences §110.6(6)(F)	Alternatives Advance organizers d≈0.42

The Last Supper: Text and Painting

Lock	Skill	ELAR strand (aligned to)	CLEAR · strategy
L1 · Text vs. image	Distinguish what a text states from an image	Comprehension — evaluate details; make connections §110.7(6)(F)	Alternatives Critical/evaluative thinking d≈0.55
L2 · Evidence	Sort what the text says vs. what the painting adds	Response — use text evidence to support a response §110.7(7)(C)	Evidence Classifying/sorting d≈0.60
L3 · Sequence	Order the events the Gospel narrates	Comprehension — make/confirm inferences §110.7(6)(F)	Lens Advance organizers d≈0.42
L4 · Source	Name the source collection	Inquiry & Research — identify/gather relevant sources §110.7(12)	Response Prior knowledge activation d≈0.55

The Lowest Seat

Lock	Skill	ELAR strand (aligned to)	CLEAR · strategy
L1 · Theme	Determine the theme of a parable	Multiple Genres — determine theme using text evidence §110.6(8)(A)	Claim Feedback d≈0.70
L2 · Evidence	Gather only evidence that supports the theme	Response — use text evidence to support a response §110.6(7)(C)	Evidence Classifying/sorting d≈0.60
L3 · Sequence	Order the steps of the advice	Comprehension — make/confirm inferences §110.6(6)(F)	Alternatives Advance organizers d≈0.42
L4 · Source	Name the Gospel the parable comes from	Inquiry & Research — identify/gather relevant sources §110.6(12)	Lens Prior knowledge activation d≈0.55

The Burning Bush and the Sea

Lock	Skill	ELAR strand (aligned to)	CLEAR · strategy
L1 · Sequence	Order key events to see structure	Comprehension — make/confirm inferences §110.7(6)(F)	Evidence Advance organizers d≈0.42
L2 · Theme	Determine the theme across two scenes	Multiple Genres — determine theme using text evidence §110.7(8)(A)	Claim Feedback d≈0.70
L3 · Evidence	Gather only theme-supporting evidence	Response — use text evidence to support a response §110.7(7)(C)	Alternatives Classifying/sorting d≈0.60
L4 · Source	Name the source book and chapters	Inquiry & Research — identify/gather relevant sources §110.7(12)	Lens Prior knowledge activation d≈0.55

Grades 6–8

Parables & Persuasion

Lock	Skill	ELAR strand (aligned to)	CLEAR · strategy
L1 · Genre	Name the parable genre from its defining traits	Multiple Genres — analyze genre characteristics & structures §110.22–24(8)	Lens Concept mapping d≈0.64
L2 · Claim	State a theme grounded in what the text dramatizes	Comprehension — synthesize/evaluate details §110.22–24(6)	Claim Feedback d≈0.70
L3 · Techniques	Identify rhetorical/literary devices in the text	Author's Purpose & Craft — analyze author's use of craft §110.22–24(9)(D)	Evidence Classifying/sorting d≈0.60
L4 · Connection	Transfer a device (anaphora) to another text	Response — analyze/make connections across texts §110.22–24(7)	Response Transfer strategies d≈0.86

Jonah & the Art of Irony

Lock	Skill	ELAR strand (aligned to)	CLEAR · strategy
L1 · Genre	Name the genre from its traits	Multiple Genres — analyze genre characteristics & structures §110.22–24(8)	Lens Concept mapping d≈0.64
L2 · Irony	Identify the central irony	Author's Purpose & Craft — analyze the use of literary devices §110.22–24(9)(D)	Claim Feedback d≈0.70
L3 · Evidence	Distinguish ironic reversals from an off-topic fact	Response — use text evidence; analyze across texts §110.22–24(7)	Evidence Classifying/sorting d≈0.60
L4 · Sequence	Order reversals to see how they build	Comprehension — synthesize/evaluate details §110.22–24(6)	Alternatives Advance organizers d≈0.42

The Good Samaritan: Parable & Reversal

Lock	Skill	ELAR strand (aligned to)	CLEAR · strategy
L1 · Genre	Name the parable genre	Multiple Genres — analyze genre characteristics §110.22–24(8)	Lens Concept mapping d≈0.64
L2 · Sequence	Order events so the reversal lands	Comprehension — synthesize/evaluate details §110.22–24(6)	Evidence Advance organizers d≈0.42
L3 · Technique	Identify a craft technique ('show, don't tell')	Author's Purpose & Craft — analyze author's craft §110.22–24(9)(D)	Claim Feedback d≈0.70
L4 · Evidence	Separate craft evidence from an off-topic fact	Response — use text evidence to support analysis §110.22–24(7)	Alternatives Classifying/sorting d≈0.60

The Psalms: Reading Ancient Poetry

Lock	Skill	ELAR strand (aligned to)	CLEAR · strategy
L1 · Genre	Name the poetic genre	Multiple Genres — analyze poetic forms & structures §110.22–24(8)(B)	Lens Concept mapping d≈0.64
L2 · Device	Identify parallelism	Author's Purpose & Craft — analyze literary devices §110.22–24(9)(D)	Claim Feedback d≈0.70
L3 · Sequence	Order the concepts of an analysis	Comprehension — synthesize/evaluate details §110.22–24(6)	Evidence Advance organizers d≈0.42
L4 · Connection	Connect a device to modern poems	Response — analyze/make connections across texts §110.22–24(7)	Response Transfer strategies d≈0.86

Esther: Dramatic Irony & Reversal

Lock	Skill	ELAR strand (aligned to)	CLEAR · strategy
L1 · Device	Name the technique (dramatic irony)	Author's Purpose & Craft — analyze literary devices §110.22–24(9)(D)	Lens Concept mapping d≈0.64
L2 · Reversal	Identify the reversal of fortune	Multiple Genres — analyze plot elements §110.22–24(8)(A)	Claim Feedback d≈0.70
L3 · Sequence	Order plot to see setup and payoff	Comprehension — synthesize/evaluate details §110.22–24(6)	Evidence Advance organizers d≈0.42
L4 · Evidence	Separate craft evidence from an off-topic fact	Response — use text evidence to support analysis §110.22–24(7)	Alternatives Classifying/sorting d≈0.60

Solomon's Judgment: Argument & Logic

Lock	Skill	ELAR strand (aligned to)	CLEAR · strategy
L1 · Logic	Explain why the test works	Comprehension — synthesize/evaluate details §110.22–24(6)	Claim Feedback d≈0.70
L2 · Genre	Name the reasoning form (a logic puzzle)	Multiple Genres — analyze genre characteristics §110.22–24(8)	Lens Concept mapping d≈0.64
L3 · Sequence	Order the steps of an argument	Author's Purpose & Craft — analyze how an argument is built §110.22–24(9)	Evidence Advance organizers d≈0.42
L4 · Evidence	Separate argument evidence from an off-topic detail	Response — use text evidence to support analysis §110.22–24(7)	Alternatives Classifying/sorting d≈0.60

The Birds and the Lilies

Lock	Skill	ELAR strand (aligned to)	CLEAR · strategy
L1 · Technique	Identify the argument move (lesser-to-greater)	Author's Purpose & Craft — analyze rhetorical/argument moves §110.22–24(9)(D)	Claim Feedback d≈0.70
L2 · Evidence	Distinguish craft evidence from an off-topic fact	Response — use text evidence to support analysis §110.22–24(7)	Evidence Classifying/sorting d≈0.60
L3 · Sequence	Order how examples build to a claim	Comprehension — synthesize/evaluate details §110.22–24(6)	Alternatives Advance organizers d≈0.42
L4 · Genre & source	Name the sermon/Gospel the passage belongs to	Multiple Genres — analyze genre characteristics §110.22–24(8)	Lens Concept mapping d≈0.64

A Time for Everything

Lock	Skill	ELAR strand (aligned to)	CLEAR · strategy
L1 · Genre	Name the poetic genre from its traits	Multiple Genres — analyze poetic forms & structures §110.22–24(8)(B)	Lens Concept mapping d≈0.64
L2 · Evidence	Separate structural evidence from an off-topic fact	Response — use text evidence to support analysis §110.22–24(7)	Evidence Classifying/sorting d≈0.60
L3 · Sequence	Order the poem's opening, list, and claim	Comprehension — synthesize/evaluate details §110.22–24(6)	Alternatives Advance organizers d≈0.42
L4 · Device	Name the repeated word that carries the parallelism	Author's Purpose & Craft — analyze literary devices §110.22–24(9)(D)	Claim Feedback d≈0.70

Grades 9–12

Allusion, Archetype & Argument

Lock	Skill	ELAR strand (aligned to)	CLEAR · strategy
L1 · Archetype	Name a narrative archetype (the 'fall')	Multiple Genres — analyze relationships/thematic links §110.36(6) English I	Lens Concept mapping d≈0.64
L2 · Allusion	Trace an allusion to its source text	Author's Purpose & Craft — analyze allusion & rhetorical devices §110.36(9), §110.36(7)	Evidence Elaborative interrogation d≈0.55
L3 · Text vs. interpretation	Distinguish textual fact from reader interpretation	Comprehension — evaluate details; distinguish fact/interpretation §110.36(5)(F)(H)	Alternatives Critical/evaluative thinking d≈0.55
L4 · Constitutional line	Explain why a text is studied academically vs. devotionally	Response — evaluate relevance/credibility by context & source §110.36(4)(H)	Response Metacognitive strategies d≈0.55

The Flood Archetype

Lock	Skill	ELAR strand (aligned to)	CLEAR · strategy
L1 · Archetype	Name a recurring narrative archetype	Multiple Genres — analyze thematic/structural links across texts §110.36(6)	Lens Concept mapping d≈0.64
L2 · Sequence	Verify textual facts via sequence	Comprehension — evaluate details §110.36(5)(F)	Evidence Advance organizers d≈0.42
L3 · Text vs. interpretation	Distinguish textual fact from interpretation	Comprehension — distinguish fact from inference/interpretation §110.36(5)(F)(H)	Alternatives Critical/evaluative thinking d≈0.55
L4 · Allusion	Trace a cross-cultural parallel/allusion	Author's Purpose & Craft — analyze allusion §110.36(9)	Response Elaborative interrogation d≈0.55

The Shepherd's Song

Lock	Skill	ELAR strand (aligned to)	CLEAR · strategy
L1 · Device	Name the central device (extended metaphor)	Author's Purpose & Craft — analyze figurative language §110.36(7)(D)	Lens Concept mapping d≈0.64
L2 · Genre	Name the poetic genre	Multiple Genres — analyze poetic forms §110.36(6)	Claim Feedback d≈0.70
L3 · Sequence	Trace the image sequence/arc	Comprehension — evaluate details §110.36(5)(F)	Evidence Advance organizers d≈0.42
L4 · Text vs. interpretation	Separate the poem's image from interpretation	Comprehension — distinguish fact/interpretation §110.36(5)(H)	Alternatives Critical/evaluative thinking d≈0.55

The Art of Lament

Lock	Skill	ELAR strand (aligned to)	CLEAR · strategy
L1 · Genre	Name the poetic genre (lament)	Multiple Genres — analyze genre characteristics §110.36(6)	Lens Concept mapping d≈0.64
L2 · Structure	Name a structural device (acrostic)	Author's Purpose & Craft — analyze text structure §110.36(8)	Claim Feedback d≈0.70
L3 · Sequence	Order the poem's movements (the volta)	Comprehension — evaluate details §110.36(5)(F)	Evidence Advance organizers d≈0.42
L4 · Text vs. interpretation	Separate what the text shows from interpretation	Comprehension — distinguish fact/interpretation §110.36(5)(H)	Alternatives Critical/evaluative thinking d≈0.55

From Parable to Law

Lock	Skill	ELAR strand (aligned to)	CLEAR · strategy
L1 · Genre	Identify the literary form (parable)	Multiple Genres — analyze genre characteristics §110.36(6)	Lens Concept mapping d≈0.64
L2 · Allusion	Name the device carrying a text into culture	Author's Purpose & Craft — analyze allusion §110.36(9)	Claim Feedback d≈0.70
L3 · Text vs. interpretation	Separate what a text narrates from later interpretation	Comprehension — distinguish fact/interpretation §110.36(5)(H)	Alternatives Critical/evaluative thinking d≈0.55
L4 · Sequence	Order how a text influences law over time	Response — evaluate relevance/credibility by context & source §110.36(4)(H)	Response Transfer strategies d≈0.86

Wisdom Literature & the Clever Test

Lock	Skill	ELAR strand (aligned to)	CLEAR · strategy
L1 · Genre	Name the genre (wisdom literature)	Multiple Genres — analyze genre characteristics §110.36(6)	Lens Concept mapping d≈0.64
L2 · Rhetoric	Name the rhetorical strategy (the clever test)	Author's Purpose & Craft — analyze rhetorical devices §110.36(9)	Claim Feedback d≈0.70
L3 · Sequence	Order the steps of a rhetorical proof	Author's Purpose & Craft — analyze how an argument is built §110.36(9)	Evidence Advance organizers d≈0.42
L4 · Text vs. interpretation	Separate the text's ruling from its 'lesson'	Comprehension — distinguish fact/interpretation §110.36(5)(H)	Alternatives Critical/evaluative thinking d≈0.55

The Innocent Sufferer

Lock	Skill	ELAR strand (aligned to)	CLEAR · strategy
L1 · Archetype	Name a narrative archetype (the innocent sufferer)	Multiple Genres — analyze thematic/structural links across texts §110.37(6)	Lens Concept mapping d≈0.64
L2 · Text vs. interpretation	Distinguish what the text states from interpretation	Comprehension — distinguish fact from inference/interpretation §110.37(5)(H)	Alternatives Critical/evaluative thinking d≈0.55
L3 · Sequence	Trace the book's frame–debate–answer structure	Comprehension — evaluate details §110.37(5)(F)	Evidence Advance organizers d≈0.42
L4 · Allusion	Trace an allusion into everyday language	Author's Purpose & Craft — analyze allusion §110.37(9)	Response Elaborative interrogation d≈0.55

The Definition of Love

Lock	Skill	ELAR strand (aligned to)	CLEAR · strategy
L1 · Form & device	Name the form (epistle) and definition-by-attribute	Multiple Genres — analyze genre characteristics §110.39(6)	Lens Concept mapping d≈0.64
L2 · Evidence	Gather evidence for how the passage defines love	Response — use text evidence to support analysis §110.39(7)	Evidence Classifying/sorting d≈0.60
L3 · Sequence	Order the argument to its climax	Author's Purpose & Craft — analyze how a text builds §110.39(9)	Alternatives Advance organizers d≈0.42
L4 · Close reading	Read the passage’s climax closely (the word it lands on)	Comprehension — evaluate key details; text vs. context §110.39(5)(F)(H)	Response Critical/evaluative thinking d≈0.55