Reading level is just 1 aspect that impacts the ability to comprehend. Do you know others? Come read about areas of impact that can influence comprehension.

Designed for teachers who want to teach writing effectively to students of different ability levels, this resource offers lessons, leveled organizers, and writing models to make planning and gathering materials a cinch. Seventeen units cover topics from structuring paragraphs to using elaboration to develop ideas, to persuasive essay writing. Helps ALL students master the writing skills and concepts they need to succeed on standardized tests and beyond. Product DetailsISBN-13: 9780439567275 Media Type: Paperback Publisher: Scholastic - Inc. Publication Date: 09-01-2005 Pages: 112 Product Dimensions: 8.37(w) x 10.87(h) x (d) Age Range: 9 - 13 YearsAbout the Author Nancy L. Witherell teaches graduate and undergraduate literacy courses at Bridgewater State College, Bridgewater, MA, where she currently serves as Chair of the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education. Nancy, a former elementary school teacher, has numerous publications, including Graphic Organizers and Activities for Differentiated Instruction in Reading (Scholastic, 2002) written with coauthor Mary McMackin. Nancy presents on language-arts instruction nationally, regionally and locally. Mary C. McMackin is a professor in the Language and Literacy Division of the School of Education at Lesley University, Cambridge, MA. Mary began her career as an elementary school teacher and now teaches graduate literacy courses to preservice and in-service teachers. Mary has several publications including her Scholastic, 2002 publication of Graphic Organizers and Activities for Differentiated Instruction in Reading, coauthored with Nancy Witherell. Mary presents on literacy topics at conferences around the country.

Summer camps bring thoughts of fun activities that provide our kiddos with new experiences while gaining confidence, building friendships, and gaining new skill sets. As you search for camps, we challenge you to take a

When my kids came back from spring break this week, they were greeted with shampooed carpets, new collaboration desk clusters, fully stocked common desks, rotated book titles, and one less fish. I forgot to bring back Skittles, our classroom fish, who was still sitting on the entertainment center at home. It was very much a fresh start for everyone after the winter grind that brought long streaks of indoor recess, multiple rounds of state and district testing, and a consistent escalation of what my kids call "drama." I call it meanness. For the two weeks or so before spring break, there was a noticeable increase in student counseling , calls from concerned parents, and tears in the 6th grade. Student factions were constantly shifting their allegiances, leaving what were once friends, literally and figuratively standing out in the cold. The evidence and impact of rumor mongering, which causes emotional pain and hurt feelings, had increased. To me, the meanness was starting to erode away some of the classroom community that we had worked so hard to build together over the last eight months. Monday, as the kids began sleepily doing their morning work and listening to welcome back announcements, I started to clean the main whiteboard. The task got their attention, because it is something that they have never seen me do before. Tasks like those don't take place when kids are supposed to be learning. I removed all of the 'stuff' from what is normally our main board for instruction. All the magnets, signs, attendance sticks, etc were taken away or placed on the auxiliary board. I used the 'special' overpriced whiteboard spray and some rags to achieve a perfectly white surface. Nothing. Just before lunch I showed the kids a short video on how to subtly stand up for someone who is being treated mean or bullied. I tried to not sound old while offering them suggestions on how to verbalize a "stop it" message to someone choosing to be mean. The following morning I had written, just one word on the board. mean. I then shared some more videos on how bullying happens and how it continues. The lessons were short, focused and sometimes intense. I didn't want to lecture, I wanted to inform. I wanted the kids to make the connection between the words and actions they choose and how those choices impact others. Wednesday morning, as the kids entered the room, they immediately noticed that the big board was filled with meanness. Mean words, actions, and descriptors filled the space. I choose to write the words in black and blue, to symbolically represent the physical harm that meanness can rise too. After answering the most frequently asked question of "how long did that take you?", they began to notice the breadth of the words. Many of the words the kids didn't know, like avarice, scorn, and nefarious. However, when placed alongside more familiar words like mean, taunt, and pain, the variety of words helped them understand that there is more than one way to describe unkindness. On Thursday, even-though it took me over an hour to put the words up just the day before, I erased a bunch of them and created a space to write 'How do you want to be remembered?' smack dab in the middle of all the meanness. I shared my personal story of some events and people from my childhood that I still remembered. Life events that still bring me pain when I recall them. It was difficult at times to tell the stories, but I think my emotions helped land the message that the pain caused by others can last. Friday we were visiting the middle school that my 6th graders will be attending next year, and with it, a glimpse of another new start. Before we left we watched a powerful video of a young boy who was changing schools and was afraid that he would continue to be bullied and called names. The video message ends with him making a decision to keep fighting for who he is and a recognition that he matters. Once the video was complete, I silently walked to the board filled with mean words and characteristics, erased one of them, and replaced it with Love. I wanted to give them an opportunity to define themselves, while at the same time realize that they were in charge of their choices and legacy. I handed my marker to one of my students and asked them to help me erase meanness and replace it with a word of kindness or a word that they wanted to be remembered by. Over the next few minutes, as the rainbow of dry erase markers were passed around, the words on the board began to represent their aspirations. I was so proud of these young people and the respect that they were giving the process. They sat quietly and watched their classmates slowly transform the black and blue board into one of color and hope. It was an amazing and touching experience. We then headed off to their new school for a morning of tours and lunch. We had a blast seeing all of the resources and activities that will be part of of their academic lives in 7th and 8th grade. When we returned I shared the activity with my science and math sections. Powerful moments were created each time. We began to see how we can change the world with just a little kindness. Our world prism widened as we began to realize what we could become. During dismissal procedures, when my kids returned to gather their things and head home, they noticed that all of the harmful words weren't gone. Still visible were words such as envy and detest, but then a powerful observation was made. Yes there was meanness still present. Sadly, we can never get rid of it all, but kindness and caring can overwhelm the unkind. When we looked at the colored words of kindness that now represented our 6th grade, you barely noticed the words of pain. We literally "Erased Meanness" and replaced it with kindness. Update May 2013 : The reply I gave to a reader's request. Thanks for reading, I appreciate it. And yes it was an amazingly powerful lesson and one that I hope they never forget. I've never included the specific videos that I used in this post, because I picked them out specifically for my kids to address some of the things that I was seeing in my classroom. I guess I didn't want the lesson to be copied verbatim if another educator wanted to use the idea. I would rather have them tailor it to their classroom. I see know that that may have been shortsighted. I used a variety of sources and clips and have included them in my October Post "Charles Adler Show" here The word list I use to create the whiteboard is available here in this Google Doc Update August 23, 2014 - Launch of EraseMeanness.org ! I started a non-profit organization to spread the lesson of Erasing Meanness beyond this post. Kids really respond to this lesson and it is something that they remember. I like that. Join us by visiting our site. EraseMeanness.org Follow us on Twitter or https://twitter.com/EraseMeanness and Pinterest Update August 13th, 2015 - New materials for 2015's Worldwide Erase Meanness Day posted at http://www.erasemeanness.org/join-the-movement.html Join us and kids around the world as we try and make the world a kinder place. Follow me on Twitter @YourKidsTeacher

What are executive functioning skills? Executive functioning (EF) skills are the abilities in our brain that help us complete everyday tasks. These skills include planning, organization, time management, metacognition, working memory, self-control, attention, flexibility, and perseverance. S

I made this for a first grade RTI group, to help reinforce their knowledge of the spelling of the six question words. (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How) I did not include explicit instructions in the file because my students are reading at or below kindergarten level, and therefore need me to give...

What is a leveled math assessment , you ask? Today I'm going to tell you all about what my leveled math assessments are and some of the thought processes behind creating them to use with my students for differentiation in math and to allow them to show growth in their learning throughout a unit.

With the Common Core Standards in place, students are being asked more and more to use critical thinking skills to analyze literary and informational text. Inference is a prime example of a critical thinking skill used in classrooms today. Students are asked to read text and analyze it by

As the web design community explores using game design principles in our work, we must be aware of how and when they are appropriate. Christina Wodtke takes a closer look at two key principles, mastery and flow, and explains how we might use them in application design.

The Meg and Ann Adventures Written by Jill Lauren Illustrated by Darren McKee Overview: Level 4, Unit 1, Books 1-3, The Meg and Ann Adventures, target skills include ending blends and clusters (spr, spl, scr, str) Page Count: 56 pages Size: 6" x 9" x 0.18" Age: Beginning readers, struggling readers and beyond. Story 1: Stella's Band Target Sound: -st, -nt, -nd, -lf, -sk, -mp, -ft, -ng, -xt, -nch, and all previously  High Frequency Words: our Plot Summary: Ann and Meg want to throw a party for their friend Stella. To make the party special, she asks if a band can play. Will Ann and Meg be able to make Stella's wish come true? Story 2: Color Fest Target Sound: -sp, -lp, -lt, -lk, -pt, -ld, -ct, -tch, -nk High Frequency Words: color, play, (our) Plot Summary: Ann and Meg set off to sleepaway camp, filled with excitement. They are excited for Color Fest, the most special day of the summer. But how will the sisters act when they aren't on the same team, and they both want to win? Story 3: Let's Rock Target Sound: spr, spl, scr, str High Frequency Words: always, friend, now, (color, play, our) Plot Summary: Something is up with Ann. Stella has an idea to cheer her up, so she brings together Ann's pals for some fun. But Nick has another plan. Read to find out how Nick adds even more excitement to the day. Includes a Free Digital Download of the Level 4, Unit 1 Writing Prompts A link to download the writing prompt page for The Meg and Ann Adventures will be automatically emailed to the email address associated with your order.

Resources, tips, and materials to help you, help children with autism

The Really Cool Tool for Teaching School….teachers, homeschoolers, Mom, Grandmas and anyone helping children learn. Wikki Stix are a proven tool for tactile, hands-on learning. Make STEM activities fun and engaging!

Take Latin roots to a level beyond memorization. 12 Latin Roots are featured in this lesson. Each root has a poster which features the origin and an instance where this word is used. 5 of the roots have a lesson idea to give students a fun and entertaining way of remembering the words. Some are videos, and one is a cool history of company names! In my classroom, I go through the words with my students as they take notes. Then, I have the students look for words with the roots throughout the week in their reading, TV shows, favorite music, by asking their parents, and, finally, the dictionary (a key common core skill). Included in this packet: 4 pages of student notes & reference pages I can statement 5 mini-lesson ideas 12 posters of roots Please share how you used this resource in your own classroom by leaving feedback! Find many other resources for reading HERE!6th Grade Marks the Spot © 2016 -------------------------------------------------- **Any claims of use, support, correlation or alignment to the CCSS Standards are solely those of 6th Grade Marks the Spot and have not been evaluated nor endorsed by CCSS. 6th Grade Marks the Spot is the sole creator of this product and does not claim endorsement or association with the creators of the CCSS standards. To view the standards, please visit The Common Core State Standards here.

Skills: Behavior Management Grade Level: K-3 Product: Get started training your students to be in control of their Minds, Bodies, and Choices with my Learn Like a Champion Posters. Simply Print, Mount and Laminate! I have mine on my classroom door and we touch our signs as we leave to remind us as we head out on our hallway journey! Be sure to Check out My full Beyond Flipping Cards packet to learn more about how I encourage independent learning in my classroom! This file is a 4 page download containing a short description of the signs and 2 copies of Learn Like a Champion & Teach Like Champion posters.

As we wrap up the February Strategy of the Month, we need to add strategies for helping AAC users talk/chat with peers. For some learners, it is more about providing access and opportunity while fo…

With the Common Core Standards in place, students are being asked more and more to use critical thinking skills to analyze literary and informational text. Inference is a prime example of a critical thinking skill used in classrooms today. Students are asked to read text and analyze it by

I'm writing this from the kitchen table in my brother-in-law Doug Sutton's mountain lodge home on the snow-covered golf course of Huntsman Springs in Driggs, Idaho, on New Years Day. My family just left to go into town. John Huntsman, the billionaire, built this entire development. I'm told Steve [...]

User Generated Education.

The Meg and Ann Adventures Written by Jill Lauren Illustrated by Darren McKee Overview: Level 4, Unit 1, Books 1-3, The Meg and Ann Adventures, target skills include ending blends and clusters (spr, spl, scr, str) Page Count: 56 pages Size: 6" x 9" x 0.18" Age: Beginning readers, struggling readers and beyond. Story 1: Stella's Band Target Sound: -st, -nt, -nd, -lf, -sk, -mp, -ft, -ng, -xt, -nch, and all previously  High Frequency Words: our Plot Summary: Ann and Meg want to throw a party for their friend Stella. To make the party special, she asks if a band can play. Will Ann and Meg be able to make Stella's wish come true? Story 2: Color Fest Target Sound: -sp, -lp, -lt, -lk, -pt, -ld, -ct, -tch, -nk High Frequency Words: color, play, (our) Plot Summary: Ann and Meg set off to sleepaway camp, filled with excitement. They are excited for Color Fest, the most special day of the summer. But how will the sisters act when they aren't on the same team, and they both want to win? Story 3: Let's Rock Target Sound: spr, spl, scr, str High Frequency Words: always, friend, now, (color, play, our) Plot Summary: Something is up with Ann. Stella has an idea to cheer her up, so she brings together Ann's pals for some fun. But Nick has another plan. Read to find out how Nick adds even more excitement to the day. Includes a Free Digital Download of the Level 4, Unit 1 Writing Prompts A link to download the writing prompt page for The Meg and Ann Adventures will be automatically emailed to the email address associated with your order.

We came back from winter break with a two day week last week. I really wanted to do a review of multiplication concepts, because we had been away from school for twelve days. So I had planned some …

Critical thinking is an integral skill, and while a majority of high school and college graduates lack the ability, it's entirely possible to launch kids into the world with higher-level thinking skills.

Create the perfect level 10 life, get your life in balance so you can be fulfilled, happy and content. Or working your way towards there with this FREE worksheet!

Want to start improving yourself? Trying to better yourself? Want some personal improvement ideas? Self improvement ideas? Then you need to read this ultimate guide to improving yourself. Below is …

Logical thinking enables you to solve various life problems through logic and reasoning. Here are 10 ways to develop logical thinking in your daily life.

Did you ever think luck was just a roll of the dice? I used to believe the same. Then I discovered the concept of the "luck surface area." (h/t Jason… | 240 comments on LinkedIn

Improve critical thinking skills and you're sure to improve reading comprehension, problem solving, writing skills, and more!

Problem-solving skills for kids can be learned, nurtured by teachers, and practiced by everyone! Learn how with these creative tips.

How do you define which task to start with and which one to put aside? The eisenhower box gives you a very easy trick to define the way to treat your various tasks. Via Dr. Susan Bainbridge

Explore our insightful blog for valuable leadership tips and empowering advice for employees. Your roadmap to success starts here.

Both tried & true and unusual tips on how to be more creative through your actions! *First article of a three-part series on Cultivating Creativity...

Want to boost your skills for work? Read our article to learn how to develop new skills to be more successful in the workplace.

Create the perfect level 10 life, get your life in balance so you can be fulfilled, happy and content. Or working your way towards there with this FREE worksheet!

Here are 6 Ways to Develop Your Leadership Skills:1. Practice discipline: A good leader always work with discipline.2. Take on more projects: You can become a good leader by taking responsibilities. You have more responsibilities, more work experience you get, and hence you become a good leader. 3. Learn to follow: Follow some great personalities, it will motivate you. While working, follow the rules and regulations which will help you to maintain a good image.4. Inspire others: Create a personality that people get inspired by you. Though it can be a tough job so you can motivate other people towards their goal direction.5. Keep learning: learning is a continuous process, so try to master the things you know. Learning new skills and tricks to manage your work can give a great impact on your career.6. Resolve conflicts: Try to solve problems. Think practically and solve them by mutual understandings.

Ever wondered what the difference is between these student-centred methods of inquiry learning? Read on to find out what makes them different.

Teaching students strong self-advocacy skills sets them up for a life that is filled with self-confidence, courage, and appropriate boundaries.

Use these 3 techniques to help your students build critical and higher-level thinking skills.