Language Arts

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"?

Improving A Task About Designing A Character’s Bedroom

Improving A Task About Designing A Character’s Bedroom

An under-developed task in which students designed a character's room.

Improving Identify the Figurative Language

Improving Identify the Figurative Language

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

Two Questions I Won’t Ask About A Famous Quote

Two Questions I Won’t Ask About A Famous Quote

Let's do more than ask, "What did this person mean?"

Over-Scaffolding Writing

Here's what happens when we make a scaffold the final product.

Going Beyond “Identify a Story’s Problem”

Going Beyond “Identify a Story’s Problem”

My students were stuck telling me a story's problem and solution. Let's get thinking!

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.

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.

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.

Word Pyramids – A Delightful Vocabulary Puzzle

Word Pyramids – A Delightful Vocabulary Puzzle

A fun, abstract vocab puzzle in which students can add one letter per line, forming a pyramid of words.