SEL Reading Comprehension: Secret in the Attic (10-Day Self-Management Unit)

Description

Your students will be begging to know what happens next in this story.

A boy discovers his new friend is actually *spoiler* a ghost (don’t tell the students!)—and she needs his help. It’s the kind of story middle schoolers can’t put down, which means they’re actually engaged while practicing reading comprehension AND building self-management skills.

What’s Included:

• 1 captivating short story that hooks students from day one
• 10 reading comprehension passages (designed for 10 days of instruction)
• Each reading passage has 8 multiple-choice and 2 short-answer questions right after it (that’s 100 questions total)
• Vocabulary practice with every passage
• Writing prompts that encourage self-reflection and personal connection (opinion and prediction writing as well as text-to-self connections and more)
• Self-management SEL focus woven naturally into the content
• Thorough answer keys included
• PDF format – print and go!
• BONUS – 2 crossword puzzles, 4 blank comic pages for early finishers, and 1 plot map to track the key events of the story as they read or as an assessment at the end

Why Teachers Love This:

• Students are genuinely engaged (ghost stories = instant buy-in!)
• Covers multiple standards at once: reading, writing, vocabulary, AND SEL
• Perfect for 15-minute blocks (bell ringers, morning work, advisory time, sub-plans…)
• Works as independent work or guided practice
• Zero prep time required

Perfect for:

• Upper elementary & middle school ELA teachers (grades 5-8)
• Advisory or homeroom time
• Homeschool families
• Any teacher looking to sneak SEL into their literacy block

How It Works: Use one passage per day for 10 days (or adapt to your schedule). Students read, answer comprehension questions, practice vocabulary, and reflect through writing prompts—all while following a story they actually care about.

There are bonus crossword puzzles, blank comic pages for early finishers, and a plot map to track the key events of the story as they read or as an assessment at the end.

Your students get stronger reading skills AND practice managing their emotions, making decisions, and handling challenges. You get an entire week of meaningful content that requires zero planning.

Here are just a few of the positive reviews –

• “This is a very good resource to use at Halloween time. My students enjoyed the story and the activities that went with it.” – Sonya T.
• “Great short story for the beginning of the year! The learners were engaged and loved it!” – Danielle B.
• “Loved this, thank you! My students truly benefited from this!” – Giselle H.