In these diverse times, it is very likely that teachers will encounter limited English proficiency (LEP) learners in their classrooms or other learning settings. Students learning English, or English Language Learners (ELL), are no longer a minority segment of the school population. ELLs are among the nation’s fastest-growing group of students and are set to become a majority in schools. As of … [Read more...]
“Wham!” A Fun Game For Learning About Exclamatory Sentences
One of the most challenging tasks for budding young writers is learning when and how to introduce strong emotion into words. Too little emotion makes the writing dry and boring where too much is overpowering and smacks of insincerity. That’s why its important students learn the function and purpose of exclamatory sentences. Games and activities can make this learning much more memorable and … [Read more...]
Balanced Literacy Instruction: A Truce For The Reading War?
Unless you’re an elementary teacher, balanced literacy instruction may be a new concept to you. What is it, anyway? What happened to phonics? What about whole language? Which is better? Why does the pendulum continue to swing from one method to another? And why can Johnny still not read? Welcome to the reading war. These questions have been the heart of heated controversy for … [Read more...]
Strategies to Help Engage Reluctant Readers in Reading
Every parent and teacher wants their children to be avid readers. Because we know the benefits of reading we want our children to embrace it as we have. While a good many children do become excited and engaged in reading (especially in the primary grades), some are reluctant and disinterested. While a child may not show a natural interest in reading, this does not mean that he cannot become a … [Read more...]
Dolch Word List Worksheets and Activities
The Dolch word list includes the most common 220 words and 95 nouns encountered in children's books. Dolch words, or sight words, are critical in early reading development because they represent high-frequency words and are difficult to sound out or to illustrate. The Dolch word list resources below are organized a few different ways: Alphabetically by grade, by frequency by grade, and in some … [Read more...]
