Top Ten Ways to Teach Vocabulary | Teaching Resource Center Building vocabulary is foundational at any reading level. Doesn't matter who, where, or what grade you teach - building vocabulary across the curriculum is a top priority. Drilling lists of spelling and isolated content words can get monotonous. Dry. Bo-ring. But building vocabulary doesn't have to be. First up, some classroom systems or routines to help implement vocabulary study regardless of level: Word Walls Word Walls receive a prominent place in a classroom environment. Content Rich Words Kids love to learn something new, and sophisticated vocabulary gives them that opportunity. Context The content-rich words you identified can be used in context of your curriculum and your spelling program. Repeated Reading Have you ever found that, when seeing a movie or reading a book for the second or third time, you've gotten a lot more out of it from subsequent viewings? Word Book/Personal Dictionary In my classroom, each student possesses a composition notebook for this purpose only. Prediction
Simple Past vs. Present Perfect Simple Exercises and Tests Form See also explanations on Simple Past and Present Perfect Simple Use In British English, the use of Simple Past and Present Perfect is quite strict. Note that the following explanations and exercises refer to British English only. Certain time in the past or just / already / yet? Do you want to express that an action happened at a certain time in the past (even if it was just a few seconds ago) or that an action has just / already / not yet happened? Certain event in the past or how often so far? Do you want to express when a certain action took place or whether / how often an action has happened till now? Emphasis on action or result? Do you just want to express what happened in the past? Signal Words Exercises on Simple Past and Present Perfect Simple Tests on Simple Past and Present Perfect Simple
Teacher's Guide to Using Padlet in Class July12, 2014 Padlet is a great platform for bookmarking and sharing digital content. Since in its launch a few years ago, Padlet (formerly Wallwisher) has undergone several great updates that make it an ideal tool to use with students in class. Before we see some of the ways to use this platform with students, let us have a look at some of its features . Padlet features : Padlet is very easy to use and has a user friendly interfacePadlet is web based and does not require any software installationIt allows you to easily add notes, text, images, videos, and drawings to your wallYou can also add word documents from computer to your Padlet wallPadlet provides a wide variety of layouts to choose fromPadlet works across multiple devices including mobile phonesAny Padlet wall you create can be embedded into your blog or website.It enhances collaborative work. Some suggested ways to use Padlet in class: Here is how to create a Padlet 1- Click on the plus sign and select create new Padlet
Present Perfect Simple vs Present Perfect Progressive Exercises and Tests Form See also explanations on Present Perfect Simple and Present Perfect Progressive Use Both tenses are used to express that an action began in the past and is still going on or has just finished. Result or duration? Do you want to express what has happened so far or how long an action has been going on yet? Certain verbs The following verbs are usually only used in Present Perfect Simple (not in the progressive form). state: be, have (for possession only)Example: We have been on holiday for two weeks. senses: feel, hear, see, smell, taste, touchExample: He has touched the painting. brain work: believe, know, think, understandExample: I have known him for 3 years. Emphasis on completion or duration? Do you want to emphasise the completion of an action or its continuous course (how has somebody spent his time)? Result or side effect? Do you want to express that a completed action led to a desired result or that the action had an unwanted side effect? Permanent or temporary?
18 Free Digital Storytelling Tools For Teachers And Students Editor's note: We have originally written and published this article in February 2013. Thanks to your useful suggestions and our own following of the latest developments in the fast-paced field of technology, we have updated this piece in November 2015 in the hope that you will keep finding it useful. Thank you for sharing! Stories are important. At the following list you will find 18 free digital storytelling tools, both websites and apps, which will help you use technology to tell a story while being highly creative and having fun. 11 Free Digital Storytelling Websites ACMI Generator ACMI Generator is a creative studio space where you can explore the moving image, be inspired, create your own moving image works, and share your creations with the Generator community. Create the best Course for your School with the Right Vendor Find, choose and compare the top eLearning Content Development Companies for K12! 7 Free Apps For Digital Storytelling Additional Note:
Simple Past vs. Past Progressive Exercises and Tests Form See also explanations on Simple Past and Past Progressive Use After another or at the same time? Do you want to express that the actions in the past happened one after another or at the same time? New action or already in progress? If you want to express that a new action happened in the middle of another action, you need both tenses: Simple Past the new action and Past Progressive for the action already in progress. Only mentioning or emphasising progress? Do you just want to mention that an action took place in the past (also used for short actions)? Certain Verbs The following verbs are usually only used in Simple Past (not in the progressive form). Signal words Exercises on Simple Past and Past Progressive one after another or at the same time: Exercise 1, Exercise 2 new or already in progress: Exercise 3, Exercise 4 just mentioning or emphasising progress: Exercise 5, Exercise 6 mixed exercises: Exercise 7, Exercise 8
Spelling Bee Visual Thesaurus Spelling Bee Your Score: - - - Round 1: 5 words left Word #1: Guess the Spelling: Your Guesses: Nope! Correct! Definitions: Nouns: something regarded as a _______ative example Adjectives: conforming with or constituting a _______ or standard or level or type or social _______; not ab_______in accordance with scientific lawsbeing approximately average or within certain limits in e.g. intelligence and developmentforming a right angle Simple Present vs. Present Progressive Exercises and tests Form See also explanations on Simple Present and Present Progressive Use In general or right now? Do you want to express that something happens in general or that something is happening right now? Timetable / Schedule or arrangement? Do you want to express that something is arranged for the near future? Daily routine or just for a limited period of time? Do you want to talk about a daily routine? Certain Verbs The following verbs are usually only used in Simple Present (not in the progressive form). state: be, cost, fit, mean, suitExample: We are on holiday. possession: belong, haveExample: Sam has a cat. senses: feel, hear, see, smell, taste, touchExample: He feels the cold. feelings: hate, hope, like, love, prefer, regret, want, wishExample: Jane loves pizza. brain work: believe, know, think, understandExample: I believe you. Exercies on Simple Present and Present Progressive Tests on Simple Present and Present Progressive
Write About This Helping Students Learn to Cite Their Sources A MiddleWeb Blog By Jody Passanisi When I first started teaching writing in history class a number of years ago, I was totally focused on the students just getting their ideas out and being able to write on historical themes. I wanted them to be able to internalize the basic structure of an argumentative essay, make an argument, and back it up. I was already asking them to do so many things – create an argument, find details to back it up, and write in a structured essay format. “Just back up your ideas” This approach to historical writing worked quite well for a few years. But I was still a long way from requiring both in-text and end-of-text citations. “Wait…Do you know which ideas are yours?” Then I had an epiphany. I had previously required students, if they DID use the Internet at all, to cite their sources, but no one really ever resorted to online investigation. So for this new essay assignment I was getting weak paraphrasing, with or without citations. Time to teach citations
We All Teach Reading and Writing Sponsored By If you teach algebra, you may not think of yourself as a reading teacher. But you do know that comprehension, fluency and good communication are key to success in math as well as other subject areas. Writing Across the Content Areas Creative ways that every teacher can foster communication skills.Explore Now » Teaching Fact vs. Why Grammar Rules See why the humble comma is oh-so-important to getting your point across.View Now » How Audiobooks Can Help Explore how audiobooks can support readers and writers.Find Out » Reading in Photos Check out the great reading ideas we’ve shared on our Pinterest page. Go Now » Talking With Struggling Readers Dos and don'ts for supporting a student who's struggling with reading.Read More » Setting the Stage for Deep Thinking How you can promote a learning environment that encourages discussion. Read More » Lesson Plans That Work Explore some of our favorite lesson plans submitted by teachers.Get Ideas »
Literature Circles for High School Students | Simply Novel Teachers Blog Today’s strategy spotlight is on literature circles. I’ve used this technique in my 9th grade English classes to differentiate lessons in order to meet the needs of students struggling to keep up and those needing an extra challenge. There are many ways to implement literature circles to accommodate for a range of reading levels, class size issues, English learners, and other common classroom needs. I’m going to share the way it works in my classroom based on my needs, but I’d love for you to leave a question or comment at the end of this post to continue the conversation as it relates to classrooms across the board! What are literature circles? Students select a book of choice from a controlled range of options. Why I use literature circles: I teach 9th grade English in a school that has an average of 50 feeder middle schools. How I use literature circles: Step 1: Lay the groundwork. Are you using literature circles in your classroom or considering them for next year? Like this: