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Language Arts
How to Teach Interviewing
$4.00
Sounds easy enough, but there's a technique to such things, you know. Provides an example of two types of interviewing. Students will love the social interaction, too. 5 Pages / PDF / Grades 4-12
REVIEW BY MARGARET WHISNANT,A TOP TPT CONTRIBUTOR AND SELLER, AND BLOGGER AT www.TakingGrades.blogspot.com:
"How many times have you instructed students to interview each other for a particular lesson only to find that your young scholars know very little, if anything, about the process? If you have given up on this technique, put it back in your teacher's bag of tricks. This download is a well-organized and clearly presented lesson in the art and structure of interviewing. Listed as appropriate for 6th-12th grade, I think it can be easily adapted to work with 4th and 5th graders as well."
Sounds easy enough, but there's a technique to such things, you know. Provides an example of two types of interviewing. Students will love the social interaction, too. 5 Pages / PDF / Grades 4-12
REVIEW BY MARGARET WHISNANT,A TOP TPT CONTRIBUTOR AND SELLER, AND BLOGGER AT www.TakingGrades.blogspot.com:
"How many times have you instructed students to interview each other for a particular lesson only to find that your young scholars know very little, if anything, about the process? If you have given up on this technique, put it back in your teacher's bag of tricks. This download is a well-organized and clearly presented lesson in the art and structure of interviewing. Listed as appropriate for 6th-12th grade, I think it can be easily adapted to work with 4th and 5th graders as well."
Teaching Book Reports
$4.00
They've been done for decades and will be for decades more. This article gives both teacher and student examples - from "fanciful fiction" to "in the minority" book reports. Includes book lists and a "Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down" student-rating chart. 22 Pages / PDF / Grades 4-12
They've been done for decades and will be for decades more. This article gives both teacher and student examples - from "fanciful fiction" to "in the minority" book reports. Includes book lists and a "Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down" student-rating chart. 22 Pages / PDF / Grades 4-12
The Art of Story Taking
$4.00
You can teach it 'til the cows come home, but unless you let the students get out in "the field" and practice, all those writing rules will take longer to sink in--and bore the students to boot. This program allows your class to enjoy all that English mechanics "stuff" you've been teaching. Milk it for all it's worth. 10 Pages / PDF / Grades 5-9
You can teach it 'til the cows come home, but unless you let the students get out in "the field" and practice, all those writing rules will take longer to sink in--and bore the students to boot. This program allows your class to enjoy all that English mechanics "stuff" you've been teaching. Milk it for all it's worth. 10 Pages / PDF / Grades 5-9
Improving Public Speaking with Picture Books
$2.00
Get those students out of their seats and performing in other classrooms! This easy-to-follow program not only engenders student excitement (yes, they're fearful, at first), but teaches the maturing public speaking and anti-stage fright skills every child and adult should possess. As an added plus a list of 270 best-of-the-best, grade-/interest-leveled, read-aloud picture books is included with helpful comments and resources. PDF / 12 Pages / Grades 2-8
Get those students out of their seats and performing in other classrooms! This easy-to-follow program not only engenders student excitement (yes, they're fearful, at first), but teaches the maturing public speaking and anti-stage fright skills every child and adult should possess. As an added plus a list of 270 best-of-the-best, grade-/interest-leveled, read-aloud picture books is included with helpful comments and resources. PDF / 12 Pages / Grades 2-8
Assaying the Essay
$4.00
Say that again? Yes, there is a value to writing longer compositions. But just like money, it should not become onerous (well, maybe that is not a good analogy). The best past writers have admitted, and current ones do too, that they had mentors, examples to follow. And, dear teacher, you have the privilege of following in their successful steps: more student-written examples, less pedagogical falderal. 8 Pages / PDF / Grades 5 and up
Say that again? Yes, there is a value to writing longer compositions. But just like money, it should not become onerous (well, maybe that is not a good analogy). The best past writers have admitted, and current ones do too, that they had mentors, examples to follow. And, dear teacher, you have the privilege of following in their successful steps: more student-written examples, less pedagogical falderal. 8 Pages / PDF / Grades 5 and up
A Mini-Potpourri of Ideas to Spark Structured-Creative-Writing and Art
$2.00
Sometimes creativity does have a way of getting out of hand--especially in children. So, herein, you'll get fun ideas off the beaten path that yet allow you to know the students are enjoying AND learning. These activities involve both thinking creatively (within a structure) and involve physical, artistic or social efforts. On top of that is the writing skill. 13 Pages / PDF / Grades 2 and Up
In a two week free trial, 1,627 people downloaded the article. It is now reasonably priced.ON 1/8/2012, CHOSEN BY Teachers Pay Teachers AS ONE
OF THE BEST TEN FREE DOWNLOADS.
Sometimes creativity does have a way of getting out of hand--especially in children. So, herein, you'll get fun ideas off the beaten path that yet allow you to know the students are enjoying AND learning. These activities involve both thinking creatively (within a structure) and involve physical, artistic or social efforts. On top of that is the writing skill. 13 Pages / PDF / Grades 2 and Up
In a two week free trial, 1,627 people downloaded the article. It is now reasonably priced.ON 1/8/2012, CHOSEN BY Teachers Pay Teachers AS ONE
OF THE BEST TEN FREE DOWNLOADS.
Memory Writing
$4.00
"Memory writing" is simple, engaging, very logical, and very elementary, my dear teacher. But it's only elementary because it's basic, and its a wonderful starting, and continuing, point--not just for creative and expository compositions, but research as well. 7 Pages / PDF / Grades 5-12
"Memory writing" is simple, engaging, very logical, and very elementary, my dear teacher. But it's only elementary because it's basic, and its a wonderful starting, and continuing, point--not just for creative and expository compositions, but research as well. 7 Pages / PDF / Grades 5-12
Diary Writing
$4.00
This is not one of those "you ought to do this, but I'm not going to lead you by the hand" articles. I tell you WHAT diary writing really is, WHY it is important, HOW to conduct your program---and give a list of intriguing topics to use in a pinch. 7 Pages / PDF / Grades 4-12
This is not one of those "you ought to do this, but I'm not going to lead you by the hand" articles. I tell you WHAT diary writing really is, WHY it is important, HOW to conduct your program---and give a list of intriguing topics to use in a pinch. 7 Pages / PDF / Grades 4-12
Phonics and Syllables
$1.00
If you have to teach any middle or upper elementary students who are really PRIMARY students, skill-wise, you need a shortcut to getting phonetic and word attack skills across. Check out these unusual, non-traditional, yet effective ideas. 4 Pages / PDF / Grades 3-8
If you have to teach any middle or upper elementary students who are really PRIMARY students, skill-wise, you need a shortcut to getting phonetic and word attack skills across. Check out these unusual, non-traditional, yet effective ideas. 4 Pages / PDF / Grades 3-8
Tape-Assisted Reading: When Students Aren't Learning Any Other Way
$1.00
You've worked very diligently to help Johnny or Mary to read, but they are getting far behind and nothing seems to work. Barring any emotional, visual, or neurological impairment, why not try an approach you may not have thought of?
Definition: "Tape assisted reading is an individual or group reading activity where students read along in their books as they hear a fluent reader read the book on an audiotape [or CD]. As confidence and reading skills develop, students read the same passage or text without the assistance of the tape." (Readingingrockets.org) 4 Pages / PDF / Grades 4-8
You've worked very diligently to help Johnny or Mary to read, but they are getting far behind and nothing seems to work. Barring any emotional, visual, or neurological impairment, why not try an approach you may not have thought of?
Definition: "Tape assisted reading is an individual or group reading activity where students read along in their books as they hear a fluent reader read the book on an audiotape [or CD]. As confidence and reading skills develop, students read the same passage or text without the assistance of the tape." (Readingingrockets.org) 4 Pages / PDF / Grades 4-8
Unique Bulletin Board Letters for Tracing--Part One
$4.00
These templates for bulletin board letters are not pristine in appearance—being scanned copies of used templates—but they are unique in style and will look quite attractive once printed and traced on colored paper. You will not find these at Google or elsewhere.
I suggest you print them onto 110-pound card stock available at big office supply/stationery stores or printing outlets, and have these templates two-sided laminated (much cheaper at
teacher stores) for durability during continual tracing. The letters are up to 4” tall and up to 5.5” wide (the letter “W” for instance); this varies, of course—the letter “I” being one example of a narrow width.
Make sure your computer/printer is set to print almost to the edge of the paper—although, this is a PDF and may fit to the requirements of your computer/printer.
Using scissors to cut out the originals is okay, but an X-acto knife might be better. If using the latter approach just cut them out on a hard board or on a lot of waste paper so as not to damage any cutting surface. 9 Pages / PDF / All Grades
These templates for bulletin board letters are not pristine in appearance—being scanned copies of used templates—but they are unique in style and will look quite attractive once printed and traced on colored paper. You will not find these at Google or elsewhere.
I suggest you print them onto 110-pound card stock available at big office supply/stationery stores or printing outlets, and have these templates two-sided laminated (much cheaper at
teacher stores) for durability during continual tracing. The letters are up to 4” tall and up to 5.5” wide (the letter “W” for instance); this varies, of course—the letter “I” being one example of a narrow width.
Make sure your computer/printer is set to print almost to the edge of the paper—although, this is a PDF and may fit to the requirements of your computer/printer.
Using scissors to cut out the originals is okay, but an X-acto knife might be better. If using the latter approach just cut them out on a hard board or on a lot of waste paper so as not to damage any cutting surface. 9 Pages / PDF / All Grades
CATS--What a Strange Title: How to Teach Categorizing-Paragraphing
$4.00
Some ideas just don't sink in easily; you have to pound them, gently, in this case. This is a sneaky way to get across those skills of beginning categorizing, paragraphing, researching and article or compositional writing, especially of non-fiction. You have to do a little preparatory work the first time only. After that (for the teacher) this technique is a breeze--and just as refreshing--in both the learning and teaching process. 7 Pages / PDF /Grades 4-12
Some ideas just don't sink in easily; you have to pound them, gently, in this case. This is a sneaky way to get across those skills of beginning categorizing, paragraphing, researching and article or compositional writing, especially of non-fiction. You have to do a little preparatory work the first time only. After that (for the teacher) this technique is a breeze--and just as refreshing--in both the learning and teaching process. 7 Pages / PDF /Grades 4-12
Paragraphing Made Simple for Grades 4 through High School
$4.00
Learning paragraphing from trade or textbooks is about as appetizing as chewing leather. They are not enaging, not intellectually stimulating (that's their stated purpose, I believe), and, to some extent, not even correct. Teachers stand up and clap at seminars after experiencing this approach to paragraphing. You can simply enjoy the ideas and pass them on to your students. 6 Pages / PDF / Grades 5-12
Learning paragraphing from trade or textbooks is about as appetizing as chewing leather. They are not enaging, not intellectually stimulating (that's their stated purpose, I believe), and, to some extent, not even correct. Teachers stand up and clap at seminars after experiencing this approach to paragraphing. You can simply enjoy the ideas and pass them on to your students. 6 Pages / PDF / Grades 5-12
EXPERTS: Becoming a True Researcher
$4.00
Even that little brat of a kid torturing an ant is doing some research: He has questions, has formed a hypothesis, is testing it, and is finding a conclusion. This best-I've-ever-used approach for research-writing projects is admittedly more erudite--even more fun. And it's easier than you might think. 18 Pages / PDF / Grades 5-12
Even that little brat of a kid torturing an ant is doing some research: He has questions, has formed a hypothesis, is testing it, and is finding a conclusion. This best-I've-ever-used approach for research-writing projects is admittedly more erudite--even more fun. And it's easier than you might think. 18 Pages / PDF / Grades 5-12
Letter Writing: Don't Let It Become a Lost Art
$4.00
Computer or not, letter-writing skills and formats have to be learned. Here are sometimes-silly, reproducible assignments: concrete, simple, and short--a real time-saver for the teacher. (Grades 4-8)
Computer or not, letter-writing skills and formats have to be learned. Here are sometimes-silly, reproducible assignments: concrete, simple, and short--a real time-saver for the teacher. (Grades 4-8)
A Starter/Mini-Literature Kit for Grades 3-5 and Up
$2.00
In this article you will have access to about 20 book "ads" for grades 3-5+, (sort of a mini-starter kit). You can use these to motivate your students to select the book (have it on hand: yes, some leg work for you). Additional helpful information is provided as you select the appropriate grade span.
And, don't forget, even junior high students enjoy picture books--mine did. Set the tone, read some to them and let them see the wonderful benefits of such literature. This is not "dumbing down;" it is letting older students see the magic of storytelling and the written language.
My book, The Creative Teacher: Activities for Language Arts (Grades 4 through 8 and Up) actually has a unique program for using picture books with primary students by older students.
13 Pages / PDF / Grades 3-5
Make your selections and enjoy!
In this article you will have access to about 20 book "ads" for grades 3-5+, (sort of a mini-starter kit). You can use these to motivate your students to select the book (have it on hand: yes, some leg work for you). Additional helpful information is provided as you select the appropriate grade span.
And, don't forget, even junior high students enjoy picture books--mine did. Set the tone, read some to them and let them see the wonderful benefits of such literature. This is not "dumbing down;" it is letting older students see the magic of storytelling and the written language.
My book, The Creative Teacher: Activities for Language Arts (Grades 4 through 8 and Up) actually has a unique program for using picture books with primary students by older students.
13 Pages / PDF / Grades 3-5
Make your selections and enjoy!
Storytelling: In the Classroom and Beyond
$4.00
Often it's the comedian who tells a very short story and gets a laugh...or not. Herein, you will learn how to instill traditional storytelling skills in your students. The result may be funny or amazing or trickery, but always awesome. At the end I give you a list of classroom-tested tale titles you can use. I also give you an evaluation form for the cooperating teacher to use and for the performing student to use as an assessment tool before retelling the story in another classroom. I cannot give you the actual stories to print out (that would be copyright infringement), but I do tell you how to get them. 9 Pages / PDF / Grades 3-9
Often it's the comedian who tells a very short story and gets a laugh...or not. Herein, you will learn how to instill traditional storytelling skills in your students. The result may be funny or amazing or trickery, but always awesome. At the end I give you a list of classroom-tested tale titles you can use. I also give you an evaluation form for the cooperating teacher to use and for the performing student to use as an assessment tool before retelling the story in another classroom. I cannot give you the actual stories to print out (that would be copyright infringement), but I do tell you how to get them. 9 Pages / PDF / Grades 3-9
Doing a Poem: How to Start Losing Your Fear of Classroom Drama
$2.00
Why let the class clown get all the attention? Here's an engaging drama-like activity that allows the whole class to participate in one way or another: choral speaking, a cappella singing (unless you play an instrument), art work, drama, and being a VIP or star to primary grade students. It's really English, but we won't tell them that. 6 Pages / PDF / Grades 4-6
Why let the class clown get all the attention? Here's an engaging drama-like activity that allows the whole class to participate in one way or another: choral speaking, a cappella singing (unless you play an instrument), art work, drama, and being a VIP or star to primary grade students. It's really English, but we won't tell them that. 6 Pages / PDF / Grades 4-6
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