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
The reinforcement of concepts can sometimes be a tedious task. Here is a great way to practice sentence building during center time: 1. Create a word-bank wall using any flat surface. (An old metal filing cabinet makes a great wall.) 2. Make labels for the parts of speech that you
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
Let's Get Creative
It's always a great idea to have an activity on hand for days when reinforcement is needed. Here's a great activity to add to your toolbox: The Grammar Necklace. Supplies Needed: yarn, construction paper, markers, stapler or tape Assembly Instructions: 1. Fold a sheet of construction
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
Being organized is a key ingredient to the writing process. It helps everyone stay focused and on-topic. I find that writing maps not only help my students accomplish this goal, but these planning tools also give them a great place to start. Recently, I had a teacher at a workshop
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