Archive
Tag: Teaching the Language Strand
Should We Teach Standards or Children?
The excesses of the standards-based movement frequently run contrary to the need to differentiate instruction, according to the diagnostic needs of children.
Ten Tips to Improving Writing Coherency
Writing coherency refers to how well sentences and paragraphs are organized into an understandable whole. Good writing coherency is reader-centered. From the reader’s point of view,…
How to Eliminate “To Be” Verbs in Writing
Every English teacher has a sure-fire revision tip that makes developing writers dig down deep and revise initial drafts. One of my favorites involves eliminating the…
How to Grade Literary Discussions
Students need to know that their participation in class discussion is an important part of their overall grade. Otherwise, many will avoid participation or perceive the…
Why English Spelling Is So Difficult
This article explains why the English Spelling System is so difficult to master. Seven suggestions give hope to even the most challenged speller to improve spelling.
Learn Vocabulary by Reading
Most teachers teach vocabulary inefficiently. Learn the common mistakes that teachers make in vocabulary instruction and how to re-orient vocabulary instruction to help students make real…
The Consonant-Final e Spelling Rule
The Silent Final e Spelling Rule is one of the most consistent and useful spelling rules. Find other spelling rules, tests, and songs or raps in…
The Final y Spelling Rule
The Final y Spelling Rule is one of the most consistent and useful spelling rules. Find other spelling rules, tests, and songs or raps in Pennington…