773 articles since 2009
The Pennington Publishing Blog
Grade-level 4-adult standards and assessment-based ELA and reading instruction. Free Diagnostic Reading and ELA Assessments
Articles · page 29
Consonant Digraphs for Big Kids
s an MA reading specialist, I know that teachers get confused about consonant blends. Let me give you the definitions, a way to remember the difference,…
Consonant-Final e for Big Kids
Students find the silent final e to be a frustrating component of our English sound-spelling system. In particular, second-language learners struggle with both pronunciations and spellings of…
How Can I Get My Child to Read?
"How can I get my child to read?" is probably the question that I am asked most by parents. I'm Mark Pennington, M.A. Reading Specialist, teacher,…
Read-Study Method for Textbooks
The PQRAR and read-study method with the SCRIP comprehension strategies are beneficial for building comprehension of both narrative and expository text. These self-questioning strategies engage the…
How to Teach Multiple Meaning Words Vocabulary
The Common Core authors include multiple meaning words in the Language Strand as Standard L.4.a., but word play is also included in word relationships Standard L.5.b.…
Figures of Speech and Idiomatic Expressions
The authors of the Common Core State Standards recognize the essential roles that figures of speech play in our English language. I especially appreciate the author's…
How to Teach Connotations | Shades of Meaning Vocabulary
One great way to teach connotations is with semantic spectrums. Just like a rainbow is a color spectrum, certain vocabulary words can be placed within their…
How to Teach Word Relationships Vocabulary
ears ago the SAT tested vocabulary through word relationships, known as analogies. Knowing the typical analogy categories helped students make educated guesses to be able to…