Wonderful Writing Resources

I seem to find it easier to challenge capable students in math or solving puzzles than students who are passionate about writing.

It seems there are many online resources for math/puzzle solvers and not so many for writers.

Often the contests for writers include a fee or a requirement to purchase a bound book which can be out of a student’s price range.

Jerry Jenkins posted The Ultimate Guide to Writing Contests 2019. There are three dozen contests in his list. Here’s the one I found interesting.

Online Resource: Utah Education Network

Check out these amazing interactives that have been collected by the Utah Education Network (UEN).

This organization connects all Utah school districts, schools, and higher education institutions to provide quality resources.

I’m grateful they’re willing to share without requiring a sign in so the resources can be used by teachers and parents. 

Poetry About Weather

Poetry can connect science and language arts. Consider these when you are planning your weather unit.

Do you need free clip art for decorating your classroom or messages you’re planning to send home?

I found black and white clip art at Pixabay that might be just what you need! If you can print in color, they also have winter vector graphics – lots of snowpeople and penguins!

Idioms and Position Puzzles

   Why doesn’t “a piece of cake” simply mean a yummy dessert? Why does it also mean a task that’s very easy? What about “let them eat cake“, “slice of the pie“, or “icing on the cake“? “Half-hearted” means lack effort or enthusiasm. “Big deal” means something important or consequential. “Wake up” means, well, stop sleeping! All these idioms mean something very different than their literal interpretation.   Idioms can be a challenge for English language learners because they’re not literal. They can be puzzles to solve for all students in your classroom.   I just posted seven new products that are …

Poetry for Light

Poetry can be a great way to integrate language arts with science! Here are suggestions for connecting science and poetry when your students are studying light, reflection, refraction, shadows, or rainbows! Something Big has Been Here, Jack Prelutsky “Denson Dumm” A Light in the Attic, Shel Silverstein “BATTY” “SHADOW RACE” “SIGNALS” Every Thing On It, Shel Silverstein “THE RAINBOW THROWER” Where the Sidewalk Ends, Shel Silverstein “AFRAID OF THE DARK” “JOEY” “IT’S DARK IN HERE” Do you have poems about light to share with us?