Category · 319 articles
Spelling & Vocabulary
Meaningless Sentence Starters
Avoid beginning sentences with There or Here + a “helping verb” or a “linking verb." Revise to eliminate these words. To delete the unnecessary There or…
Wordiness
Learning how to write concisely (briefly) and efficiently is important. When wording is added which does not contribute meaning, teachers call this padding. Padding includes needless…
Instructional Phonics Order
Teachers often ask about the order of phonics instruction. Is there an instructional sequence that makes sense? First, let's take a look at some general criteria…
Build Vocabulary through Reading
Learn how to build vocabulary through reading, download six vocabulary resources to use with your students today.
Vocabulary Review Baseball Game
Baseball provides a great vocabulary review opportunity. Check out this fun, no-prep vocabulary review game and get four free lessons, vocabulary flashcards, and a unit test.
Syllable Transformers
Syllable Transformers is a whole-class instructional strategy that teaches students to master the basic syllable patterns. Download FREE this five-week unit.
ELA Language Anchor Standards | Curriculum Maps
Download these FREE full-year ELA Language Anchor Standards | Curriculum Maps for 4th grade, 5th grade, 6th grade, 7th grade, and 8th grade.
Avoiding Clichés
A cliché is an overused and worn-out word, phrase, or sentence, which has lost its original meaning or effect. Avoid these expressions in formal writing, such…