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:
tips
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
How to Manage Stress During the Holiday Season
There are only nine shopping days left before Christmas! (Let that sink in for just a minute!) I know that Christmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but right about now, I’m feeling a little less than wonderful! The very idea that I only
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
ELA Success
More Than the ABCs: The Consonant S
Welcome back! In a previous post, I showed you how to help students own the alphabet as more than just the ABCs. Each symbol or letter is a picture of sound. Our job is to teach kids how to attach the sound or sounds that each symbol represents. I introduced
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Writing Time: Let's start a blog!
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
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Authentic Assessments: How Shurley English integrates real assessments
it 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
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FREE Language Arts Tools from Shurley English
At Shurley English, we are committed to helping you and your students experience language arts success. Whether you use the Shurley English curriculum or not, we want your language arts experience to be the best that it can be. Today, we are excited to share several FREE resources to help
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Authentic Assessments: Breaking the Paper Test Cycle
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
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The Value of a Pretest
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
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How do I teach Shurley English in a multi-grade classroom?
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