Common Core Language Arts-Utah

This week, I watched a science teacher use sticky notes in a very creative way.

Try using this video as a lesson starter, without giving context.  It makes a solid point when choosing and using words in writing. Aligns well to CCSS Anchor Standard 3: Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening.

To further push rigor, ask students to critique the video (and some of the comments) for improvement in clarity, and even point of view.

It's alarming that such a simple video about word choice would illicit such impassioned dialog.  Ahhh the power of words!

Explicit strategy instruction is at the core of good comprehension instruction. Teachers should help students to understand why a strategy is useful, how it is used, and when it is appropriate.

Teachers should help students to understand why a strategy is useful, how it is used, and when it is appropriate. Teacher demonstration and modeling are critical factors for success, and student discussion following strategy instruction is also helpful.

Printable graphic organizers available.

Language learning myths must be dynamited, blasted into oblivion if we wish to seriously approach language acquisition in our global society.

In an opinion post in response to a recent New York Times essay, a city English teacher writes: "If algebra can be tossed by the wayside, why not Austen?" And he laments, that is already happening. (Never Mind Algebra.