Let's Get Creative
For some people, writing is an arduous task. They would rather do anything but pay attention to and analyze words—especially when they are writing. But, it is possible to help writers learn how to analyze words in a fun way, intentionally, and with a goal in mind…being specific.
Holiday Lessons/Resources
As a classroom teacher, returning from holiday break was always bittersweet. On one hand, I knew the pressure for “test prep” would be more intense, but on the other hand, the satisfaction of witnessing my students grow into wiser beings put a validating smile on my face. It was a
Let's Get Creative
My family and I have played a really cool game throughout our years together. My wife and I thought it up when we were traveling on vacation several years ago, and it remains as one of my all-time favorites (not sure anyone else agrees!!). It only requires a brain, a
In the Spotlight
Last week, I had the pleasure of teaching a struggling 8th grader how to classify a basic Pattern 1 sentence using the Shurley English Question & Answer Flow. After he silently reviewed the interesting process I lead him through and focused on the classified sentence, he proudly said, “It’s
In the Spotlight
Now that you’ve given yourself permission to be human and let go of the challenges surrounding perfection in learning and teaching Shurley English, let me speak to you first-year Shurley users and teachers that are just simply struggling teaching the curriculum. Here are my Top 10 Tips to surviving
ELAsuccess
Okay…so you want your kids to write detailed sentences, right? But, as the saying goes, “the devil is in the details” for most kids. Here’s a good way to help them strike a balance. For more expansive sentences, teach them to use the “Question Word” lineup in this
Holiday Lessons/Resources
‘Tis the season for trimming the tree, caroling, and holiday cards! I am one of those people who love to send and receive mail. I think I am a dying breed, but it gives me joy to create a holiday card and send it to my friends and family. Of
communication
Welcome to Shurley English (SE) and thanks for checking out our new blog! Whether you’re just learning about the curriculum or you’re a seasoned SE teacher, I’d like to invite you to come back weekly for some English Language Arts (ELA) discourse! This week, I want to
Holiday Lessons/Resources
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,
In the Spotlight
PERFECTION: the quality or state of being perfect: such as a. freedom from fault or defect: flawlessness That is how Merriam-Webster defines the word, perfection. In my experience training teachers across the USA, on how to implement Shurley English into their classrooms, I have noticed this one quality in many
In the Spotlight
Thankful does not even begin to describe what I feel today. Many years ago, when my children were young, I began to contemplate what their educational journey would look like. There were many options, which included public schools, private schools, and home education. I knew, regardless of what path we