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  • Search Results for: vocabulary

    Meeting Challenges of Vocabulary Instruction for ELLs in Grades K-1

    Reading & Literacy

    Meeting Challenges of Vocabulary Instruction for ELLs in Grades K-1

    Teaching vocabulary presents a unique challenge because students in Kindergarten and grade 1 have limited or not-yet-developed reading skills,. Dr. Cheryl Dressler combines read-alouds by the teacher with a variety of visuals, including in-book illustrations, various types of picture-based activities, picture cards, and concept cards. The right combination of practice and instruction allows younger […]

    Tagged With: Dyslexia & Struggling Readers, Professional Development - Literacy

    Activities for Reinforcing Academic Vocabulary

    Reading & Literacy

    The differences between the vocabulary students use in school and in casual conversation impact their reading comprehension and writing skills. As students are encouraged to use academic vocabulary in class, the higher level words and concepts can work themselves more easily into their vocabulary, benefiting their ability to express themselves through more diverse language. […]

    Benefits of Structured Academic Vocabulary Instruction

    Reading & Literacy

    Vocabulary instruction has long been a stereotypical example of memorization and repetition. However, with the latest tools and research-based programs like Wordly Wise 3000® making vocabulary instruction more engaging for students, the understanding and use of more descriptive, diverse language is making a comeback in classrooms. Keep reading and learn more about the benefits of […]

    Improving Literacy Achievement through Vocabulary

    Reading & Literacy

    Improving Literacy Achievement through Vocabulary

    Educators increasingly recognize that vocabulary development is at the heart of literacy achievement. Students who understand texts as they read, draw meaning from words, and apply them correctly have a better chance of excelling in a variety of subjects—whereas your students who lack those skills will be hampered in subjects beyond literacy, such as […]

    Tagged With: Dyslexia & Struggling Readers

    Art Lesson Plan: Legendary Sunset Landscapes

    Arts & Crafts

    Nothing can steal your breath away like a stunning sunset on a beautiful landscape scene. As difficult as it is to capture a sunset’s magic in a photo or on a canvas, this lesson comes pretty darn close! Landscapes allow viewers to see places they have never visited or be transported back to a place […]

    Tagged With: Art Lesson Plans

    Science Centered Literacy Integration with FOSS

    Science

    An elementary school girl of Filipino ethnicity is outdoors with her class exploring nature. She is busy writing on her notepad while walking with the group.

    There just aren’t enough hours in the day. How many times have we made that statement? Probably many! In today’s fast-paced world, it often seems that there just isn’t enough time to get everything done. This is never more true than in the 21st-century classroom. Educators feel never-ending pressure to fit in multiple subjects […]

    The Schoolyard Podcast S2, E4: Classroom Hacks

    The Schoolyard Podcast

    blog graphic banner for podcast episode

    Leveraging Student Strengths and Tech Tools for Success In the latest episode of The Schoolyard Podcast, host Nancy Chung sits down with educators Fletcher Nelson and Carolyn Kim to discuss practical strategies for working more efficiently in the classroom. As the new school year kicks off, these seasoned teachers share their insights on streamlining […]

    Empowering Curiosity: Implementing a Core Science Curriculum Students Love

    Science

    teacher and students outside, one student looking at a leaf through a magnifying glass and taking notes

    The demand for scientific literacy grows each year, and educators are tasked with finding engaging ways to spark curiosity and cultivate understanding among young learners. The core science curriculum is at the foundation of this effort, and the implementation of curricula is a significant task for any school district. At Grand Forks Public Schools […]

    Tagged With: Active Learning, FOSS, Hands-on Learning

    Engaging Students as Active Science Learners with FOSS

    Science

    young student looking curiously at a straw

    It’s just a straw. To most people, a simple straw is an ordinary object we see daily. But to a child, simple objects open up a world of scientific investigation and discovery. Engaging with Phenomena Science instruction has a history of students sitting passively at desks, memorizing vocabulary, and trying to absorb lectures from […]

    Tagged With: Curriculum

    Three Ways to Effectively Extend Early Learning

    Early Childhood

    early childhood students learning from kindergarten teacher

    Early learning opportunities give children a critical foundation for success. High-quality early learning programs help children learn the basic academic skills and the social and emotional competencies they’ll need for more advanced learning. Research shows these programs can benefit all children—but especially English learners and those who come from low-income households.1 Early learning has […]

    Tagged With: Extended Learning, Family Engagement

    Why Books Matter: 3 Steps to Building a Successful Classroom Library

    Reading & Literacy

    young girl reading in classroom library sitting on soft seating beanbag

    Reading has been shown to increase academic knowledge and improve student performance across all content areas, specifically in comprehension and vocabulary skills. Outside of academic performance and growth, students who have access to books develop a more positive outlook on reading and learning.  Other positive effects include improved concentration, memory, and sleep. For these reasons […]

    Tagged With: Listening & Comprehension

    6 Easy Math and Reading Activities for Families

    At-Home Learning

    Academic work can sometimes seem intimidating to families. However, family engagement comes in many forms to fit the unique needs of students and families. Offering resources and options can help foster success. Here are six easy-to-implement math and reading activities families can do to build confidence and inspire engagement. 1. Books with Comprehension Questions […]

    Tagged With: At-Home Learning, Extended Learning, Family Engagement

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