Language Arts Education Articles for Teachers - Page 2
Beyond the Dictionary: Meaningful Word Study
We’ve all been witness to it. The confused, deer-in-the-headlights look when a student is completely and utterly lost. As a teacher, it’s a gut-wrenching situation. So, how do we effectively help our young learners navigate the treacherous waters of unknown vocabulary? What strategies do we provi...
Comparing Christmas Around the World
‘Tis the season! Students and teachers alike are celebrating the season and taking every opportunity to add a festive touch everywhere possible. In the classroom, this can take shape in many ways. From holiday-themed books and novels, to research and art projects centered on the holidays. There a...
Picture-Perfect Story Settings
“The barn was very large. It was very old. It smelled of hay and it smelled of manure. It smelled of the perspiration of tired horses and the wonderful sweet breath of patient cows.” - Charlotte’s Web
With just four sentences, E.B. White transports us to a place that feels as tangible...
How To Use the Six Traits of Writing
If you are an English teacher, you probably immediately recognize the name Ruth Culham. And chances are, she is also highly regarded by you and your colleagues. Culham’s research-based Six Traits of Writing has revolutionized the world of writing instruction and practice. By perfecting one skill ...
Thanksgiving Writing Prompts to Kick-off the Holiday Season
Thanksgiving is the holiday for expressing gratitude. It is the season to be thankful for family, friends, and all the blessings of the closing year. Take advantage of the time of year by implementing some of the following ideas to engage focus for readers, writers, and teachers alike. Allowing w...
Success Using Interactive Story Elements
Have you ever experienced this scenario: you are delivering some of the best instruction of your career, and a hand shoots up from the middle of the awestruck classroom. Preparing yourself for what is sure to be a mind-blowing, breakthrough question, the student begins to speak, “Can I go to the ...
Writing Connections: Link Writing to Pupils' Daily Lives
Think back to your middle school days. More specifically, the time you spent writing. Is it a memory that evokes a particular feeling, either positive or negative? Or, is it a forgotten experience? Allowing young learners to comprehend how their classroom experiences will affect and impact their ...
Give Peas a Chance This International Day of Peace
The International Day of Peace is a day devoted strengthening the ideals of peace within nations, among nations, and among people groups. The United Nation first established this day, which coincides with the opening session of the United Nations General Assembly, to encourage people wo...
Celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month
Think back to your childhood. Can you remember when you received your first personally-owned library card? How about the feeling of independence when you were finally able to check out books all by yourself—using that first library card? Did you keep it in a special place in your wallet or book b...
Calling All Inventors: Celebrate National Inventors Month
Steve Jobs, Thomas Edison, and Henry Ford—an impressive short list representing great American thinkers and the fathers of timeless, lifestyle-altering inventions. Reading and researching the lives of these innovative thinkers can’t help but add creative energy to your own work. This said, August...
Acts of Gratitude
As the end of the school year approaches, taking the time to review pupils’ success and growth is an important step in concluding the year. A crucial part of this review is coming to realize all the people it takes to build a successful school year. Whether it is parents, friends, relatives, scho...
That's Monkey Business!
June is National Zoo and Aquarium Month. During this time, zoos and aquariums across the country are recognized for their programs and efforts regarding conservation and environmental education. Taking advantage of the opportunity to learn about and experience the various exhibits and programs av...
Honoring Our Pets During National Pet Week
As a part of a month-long awareness project organized by various pet organizations, the 2013 National Pet Week will be celebrated May 5th-11th. This year’s motto, “You and your pets: Companions for Life,” is dedicated to the promotion of the well-being of animals, and recognizing the professional...
Better Your Vocabulary Instruction
How much time do you spend developing new vocabulary in your students? It seems like this is a main focus in elementary school, yet it tapers off drastically in middle and high school. Although not as much emphasis is placed on building one’s vocabulary bank at this age, knowing more words increa...
Turn Off the TV?
The last week of April is known as National TV-Turnoff Week. What does this actually mean? Over the years, this particular week has evolved into a week’s worth of awareness regarding alternative activities that create and/or maintain a healthy, well-rounded lifestyle. Such activities would t...