Language Arts

Studying Ambiguous Sentences

Studying Ambiguous Sentences

This type of sentence has great possibilities for classroom application because of its two different interpretations. It's a perfect tool to: demonstrate careful reading, showcase the need for editing while writing, and encourage creativity and divergent thinking.

Poe’s The Raven

Poe’s The Raven

The Raven is a great starting point for students' to learn about Poe. Not only does the poem clearly demonstrate "tone," but it is a figurative language tour de force. Plus, there are some amazing readings available online!

Patterns In Writing I: Introduction

Patterns In Writing I: Introduction

Take a break from teaching the details of writing and examine narrative writing from a larger perspective. How can structure increase creativity in writing? Take your gifted writers on a journey through common patterns in narrative writing.

Improving Identify the Figurative Language

Improving Identify the Figurative Language

What do we do after a student can identify the type of figurative language?

Rewriting a Sentence With Different Coordinating Conjunctions

Rewriting a Sentence With Different Coordinating Conjunctions

The first unit in our writing program was always teaching the coordinating conjunctions. It always felt goofy teaching this to 6th graders - especially a gifted magnet class. I mean... do they really not know the difference between "and" and "but"?

Don’t Just Paraphrase A Poem!

Don’t Just Paraphrase A Poem!

What if, instead, we re-wrote the poem in the style of a different poet?

Going Beyond “Challenge Words” In Spelling

Going Beyond “Challenge Words” In Spelling

Many students blow past grade-level spelling and vocabulary at a young age. Unfortunately, a common technique to "challenge" them is to find harder and more obscure words for their spelling list. Instead, let's take advantage of the built-in complexity of common words with multiple-meanings.

Analyzing Prefixes and Suffixes

Analyzing Prefixes and Suffixes

Instead of just memorizing what a bunch of morphemes mean, we're looking broadly, exploring patterns, finding unexpected similarities and weird differences.

Vocab Puzzle: Antonym Paths

Vocab Puzzle: Antonym Paths

Begin with a small, simple word and identify its antonym. Then, take this second word and find its antonym. Many times, you'll find that an antonym of an antonym isn't always related the original word.