Are there times when you wonder, “What is my child thinking?” Well, let me clarify. Are there times when you wonder, “What are my child’s thoughts on a particular topic?” (Yes, that’s better phrasing.) I find that this question usually hits me around the holidays. While the pageantry,
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude—so why not help your students express theirs in a meaningful way? Today, we have a heartfelt writing activity that guides them through every step of the process to create a personal keepsake for someone special. Here are all the details... 1. Prewriting: Explain the
We all know it takes a lot of effort to help students become proficient writers, but where should you start your journey? Join us for Episode 3 of the Shurley English Teacher Talk, where we will introduce you to a highly effective writing strategy called the Sentence Blueprint. You will
Every year, Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends on the first Sunday in November, when clocks are moved back an hour at 2 a.m. local daylight time. When this happens, It takes our minds and bodies several weeks to adjust to the time change. On top of that, the early
One of my favorite forms of writing is the Comparison-Contrast Essay. You must use factual details to analyze the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. I think the wanna-be researcher in me loves this! I get to scour sources for facts and data. I get to learn new
The Shurley English Writing Folder will help your students move through the writing process with ease. This foldout, four-pocket folder keeps students organized with a dedicated space for their prewriting, rough draft, revised draft, and edited paper. It is packed with handy references, checklists, and tips to ensure students have
I have never taken a class in martial arts, but I have certainly enjoyed watching Bruce Lee’s moves in his action-packed films! Let’s face it. The guy was physically amazing, but more than that, he had a way with words! Lee was more than just a famous martial
Grammar is the foundation for writing; that’s a fact! We invite you to join us for our next Teacher Talk event, where veteran teachers will discuss the value of teaching grammar fundamentals in a systematic way using a unique strategy called the Question & Answer Flow. You will learn
It’s that time of year when all things Halloween are tripping about, including thematic lessons like the one I’d like to share with you today. Since it can be exhausting to come up with new, exciting ideas to engage kids during the holidays, hopefully, you will appreciate the
Have you ever set out on a road trip without a map or GPS? I tried it once, years ago. I thought, “How hard could it be?” A few wrong turns later, I was circling back, wasting time, and wishing I had just plugged in my destination from the start.
There’s nothing like the dreaded feeling of sitting at your desk with a blank sheet of writing paper staring back at you. You see some of your classmates busily jotting down ideas; you see them creating their prewriting map; or you see some classmates looking upward with a pleasant
As a kid, do you remember the first time you took the training wheels off and tried to ride your first bicycle? In the beginner’s mind, it was the next step in being a big kid, and it meant being open to making mistakes and being willing to take