Category · 319 articles
Spelling & Vocabulary
Common Core Spelling Standards
The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in English Language Arts provide instructional challenges for all conscientious upper elementary and middle school teachers. In addition to the…
Teaching Your Child to Read Well
One of the true joys and responsibilities of parenthood is teaching your child to read. But wait... isn't that the teacher's job? Of course it is,…
The “able” Spelling Rule
The "able" suffix spelling is often misspelled, even by very accomplished spellers. Here are the applicable spelling rules for the "able" suffix.
The Vulgar “a” Spelling
This lesson on the vulgar “a” includes definitions, examples, writing hints, practice, a formative assessment, writing application, and related CCSS standards.
Grammar and the Common Core
1. “I’ve heard that research has proven grammar, usage, mechanics, spelling, and vocabulary instruction doesn’t work.” 2. “I teach grammar and they seem to get it.…
Morphological Awareness with Greek and Latin
The bulk of Vocabulary Standards are now included in the Language Strand of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Greek and Latin affixes (prefixes and suffixes)…
Common Core Instructional Minutes
How much to teach, not what to teach or how to teach are the questions keeping English-language arts teachers up at night. How much to teach…
Academic Language Words
Yes, the Common Core authors view literacy development as a mutual responsibility of all educational stakeholders. Yes, history, science, and technology teachers need to teach domain-specific…