Back-to-School
Last week, we discussed how practicing the art of self-care IS your duty. Learning how to set boundaries at home and work helps you take care of YOU so you can take care of others. One valuable way to break your pattern of self-sacrifice is by learning how to gracefully
Back-to-School
Are you familiar with the frog in boiling water metaphor? (Of course, do not attempt this at home!) Imagine a pot of cold water sitting on the burner of a stove. A frog is peacefully swimming in it. The heat is turned on, and the water starts warming up. The
Back-to-School
Journal Writing is an activity that is implemented very early in the Shurley English curriculum. Students are taught how to create a written journal to record their thoughts and feelings. Then, throughout the school year, they are encouraged to respond to specific prompts in their personal journals. (If you’re
Back-to-School
[caption id align="alignnone" width="507"] “Without continual growth and progress, such words such as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.” -Benjamin Franklin [/caption] Dear Educators, Welcome aboard Shurley English flight ABC. Please find your seat, stow your baggage in the overhead bin, and buckle-up
Back-to-School
So, what’s happening “testing-wise” in your school and in your classroom? Let’s continue the conversation about real or authentic assessments. (If you missed part one, click here.) In my opinion, it is vital to add these authentic assessments to your “testing bag-o-tricks.” Just look at some of the
Back-to-School
When you think of testing, do any of these statements come to mind? “I want to see what my students have learned at the end of each chapter.” “I want to make sure I’m teaching effective lessons.” “My administrator says I have to have a certain number of scores
Back-to-School
Visualize this scenario: It’s early August, and as you scroll through your inbox you see the first of many emails from your school administrator. “Already!?!” you say to yourself as you hesitate to open it. You guessed it! It’s your new school year Welcome Letter and Professional Development
Back-to-School
Although summer is in full swing, we all know that August is just around the corner and school will begin soon thereafter! I feel like a killjoy for bringing this up, but I know from experience that now is a great time to work on a few of those back
Back-to-School
What is the value of giving the Shurley English Pretest if students are not familiar with the curriculum? As a consultant, I’ve heard this question before, and I want to urge you to listen up! Even though the pretest may appear extraordinarily difficult, you should never avoid it! Let
Back-to-School
When I began teaching at a small private parochial school, I learned quickly that even though I was teaching two grade levels of Shurley English in the same room, there was a disparity in the way I had to instruct each level. Each group had different developmental needs and learning
Ideas for your Classroom
As you relax into your summer break and feel the freedom of each day, consider thinking about those learning centers you wanted to create during the school year but never had the time to do. With a clear mind and more time to tap into your right brain, creating Shurley
Back-to-School
SPOILER ALERT: I’m going to get personal and invite you to ask yourself some tough questions. Stay with me. I promise you'll be glad you did! At a recent educator’s convention, I interacted with a parent and teacher who was searching for a Grammar and Writing