This category contains posts written by Deb Wahlstrom.
As you know, when the Common Core Standards in English Language Arts were released, we all learned about the Instructional Shifts. As you read about the Common Core and the changes it brings, you’ll see two basic lists of the shifts – one with three items and one with six. The list with 3 shifts …
Today’s post is Text Structures for Different Types of Writing. I designed this tool for teachers, but there are many pages that will also be good resource materials for students. In this handy guide, you’ll find a quick overview of the text types (i.e., Argumentative, Informational, Narrative) in the Common Core State Standards. AFter that, I’ve …
You already know how important it is to teach vocabulary. You likely also know that we need to be directly teaching important vocabulary words. I’ve provided these examples to give you an idea of ways you might structure lessons to teach vocabulary. The examples are in a pdf format and ready for you to download …
Examples of Lessons for Teaching Vocabulary: ELA K-12 Read More »
It’s official. You have likely heard that the new cut scores were coming. Well they’re here. When the MDE sent a memo out this week reminding everyone that historical data with the new cut scores attached would be released on Novemember 3, 2011 – I jumped into action. I’ve put together a few materials that …
You’ve likely seen this product on television. It’s a Wonderfile! I tested it out recently and liked it very much. My test run was with an assortment of materials I put together for a Reading Playbook that I designed for students. I wanted to have my most recent copy of the playbook, examples of the …
I am a fan of Kelly Gallagher’s Article of the Week. His website is loaded with weekly articles you can use to give students interesting topics to which they can write. I recently read an article in Education Week and asked the author, Anothy Cody, for permission to turn his article, Color Coded High School ID …
Details and examples are one of those areas that students have struggled with when writing. Being able to cite details and examples is a skill that is valuable in reading, writing, thinking, and speaking. What are some of the things we might want to make sure students learn when we ask them to think about …
I’ve been working on collecting ideas for content-area literacy. I began with the reading standards for science, grades 9-10 from the Common Core State Standards. Download a pdf version of the 28-page document and see if there’s an idea or two you can use. Informational Literacy Standards for Science – FRESH LINK, Updated September 27, …
Common Core Standards for Literacy in Science (Reading, 9-10) Read More »
Motor Mouth is simply an engaging strategy for students to review important vocabulary. This can be used in any class at any grade level. Did I mention that this is also fun? I’ve included the PowerPoint with directions and a template that is ready to modify for your own use. Click here for the Powerpoint!
Another one completed! Click here to get the pdf. Don’t forget to run this on one sheet of paper for a one-pager (front and back) content card.