Two-Minute Tip of the Day
When should I use a semicolon?
Semicolons don't have to be mysterious! There are only two reasons to use a semicolon in a sentence. Take a look at this Shurley English Two-Minute Tip of the Day to learn more:
shurley english
Holiday Lessons/Resources
Resolutions vs. Goals
During the first few days of January, many people across the globe participate in the age-old tradition of writing a New Year’s Resolution. The custom of making a promise to do something differently to improve one’s life (mind, body, & soul) in the coming year has been going
Holiday Lessons/Resources
ELA Tips for a Successful Second Semester
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
Holiday Lessons/Resources
Language Arts Success: Top 10 List, 2021 Edition
As the calendar year comes to a close, a teacher’s journey is still moving at full speed. (It’s true!) We are not quite to the halfway mark of our year, and we still have much to do! As 2021 comes to a close and before you begin the
Holiday Lessons/Resources
Holiday Activity: Let's address the envelope!
‘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
Holiday Lessons/Resources
Holiday Activity: My 12 Days of Christmas
Coloring sheets, word puzzles, tinsel, glitter, and glue are just some of the items you’ll find scattered around many classrooms during the holidays. There are so many wonderful craft ideas and activities people have used to make the season a memorable one at school. Here’s a fun way
Holiday Lessons/Resources
Holiday Fun: A vocabulary game for the whole family
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 one of my all-time favorites (not sure anyone else agrees!!). It only requires a brain, a vocabulary,
Holiday Lessons/Resources
Extend the Lesson: Thanksgiving fun with Grammar Printables
Have you ever asked your students to use a newspaper or magazine to highlight adjectives or adverbs? You may have had the same results as me. I tried this with 3rd-5th graders, and I admit the results were underwhelming. A more effective and interactive way to help your students practice
Holiday Lessons/Resources
Writing Extension: The Acrostic Poem
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,
Holiday Lessons/Resources
Writing Extension: A Thanksgiving Keepsake
The upcoming Thanksgiving holiday is the perfect time to help your students show appreciation for someone special in their lives by creating a special, handmade memento. I’ve got a great activity that will take your students through the entire writing process to create a heartwarming essay to share with
Holiday Lessons/Resources
Writing Extension: Veterans Day Comparison-Contrast Essay
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
Holiday Lessons/Resources
360˚ Thinking: A Halloween Lesson
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