Category · 413 articles
Grammar & Mechanics
Ten Start-up Tips for New Teachers
New teachers can "make or break" their school year in the very first days and weeks. Here are 10 start-up tips for new teachers that will…
Why We Don’t Teach Grammar
Teachers deemphasize grammar instruction for six key reasons. Learn these reasons and re-prioritize your instruction to include teaching grammar in the context of meaningful writing.
Teach Grammar through Writing
Balanced grammar instruction includes four components: 1. Differentiated instruction based upon diagnostic assessments 2. Direct instruction in grammar and mechanics 3. Writing strategies practice and 4.…
The Great Grammar Debate
The Great Grammar Debate between those favoring part to whole and those favoring whole to part grammar instruction is still relevant.
Trust Teachers, but Verify with Diagnostic ELA/Reading Assessments
In summary, trust the science of comprehensive, diagnostic ELA/reading assessments to inform your instruction. Using this objective data will eliminate the "trust factor" and guess work…
Ten Criteria for Effective ELA/Reading Diagnostic Assessments
Diagnostic assessments are essential instructional tools for effective English-language Arts and reading teachers. However, many teachers resist using these tools because they can be time-consuming to…
Educational Fads
Teaching is, by its very nature, experimental. We teachers are just as susceptible to snake-oil sales pitches, fads, and cultural pressures as any professionals. Educational fads…
How to Teach Proofreading Strategies
Writers make errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, proper use of quotes, paragraphs, usage, and word choice for a variety of reasons. Effective proofreading strategies can…