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Hands-On Activities for Secondary ELA


Vibrant colored paper, colored pencils, scissors, and tape lay out on a desk. Bold text says, "Hands-on activities for secondary ELA."


While reading and writing form the foundation of any English Language Arts class, incorporating hands-on activities only enhances the learning process. Hands-on activities increase student engagement, reinforce concepts, and improve knowledge retention.


Despite some misconceptions that hands-on activities lack rigor, they can be thoughtfully designed to challenge students and support ELA standards. Here are some easy and effective hands-on activities to try in your secondary ELA classroom.


A completed story cube for the short story "The Gift of the Magi" sits on a desk with colored pens and a pair of scissors.

Story Cubes

Story cubes are a creative way to analyze fiction while keeping students engaged. Instead of traditional worksheets, students design and build cubes that focus on the elements of plot. These tangible, interactive projects provide a fresh way to look at literature. Click here to grab a free story cube.


A variety of book projects are laid out on a table. There's a Bloom ball, flip book, one-pager, novel cube, character Croc, and more. Markers and sticky notes lay among the projects.

Book Projects

Book projects offer countless opportunities for hands-on learning while maintaining rigor. Options like Bloom balls, flip books, or playlists allow students to explore plot, themes, characters, and conflicts in meaningful ways. Hands-on book projects can serve as an alternative to essays, giving students a chance to showcase their understanding of a novel in a creative way.


Someone is playing a rhetorical appeals sorting game.

Sorting and Matching Games

Gamifying content with matching or sorting games is an excellent way to reinforce vocabulary and literary terms. While these activities are less rigorous than other hands-on options, they are highly effective for review. Plus, they add an element of fun that keeps students motivated.


Banners for Black History Month lay out on a desk. There's one for Bessie Coleman, Kathrine Johnson, and Jesse Owens.

Research Banners

Who says research projects must always end with an essay? Research banners allow students to visually display their research findings in a creative and engaging format. These banners can highlight essential details, connect ideas, and showcase students' ability to synthesize information. As a bonus, they make excellent classroom or hallway decorations.


Hands-on activities provide students with new ways to connect with class content. They also support diverse learning styles, encourage creativity, and increase engagement. Finding the right hands-on lesson can transform your classroom.



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