Reading+Ideas+from+Articles

This lesson discusses best practices for teaching vocabulary through the strategy of Word Walks. Teaching vocabulary in the context of storybooks is an effective strategy, but doing so can often be too complicated, especially for younger students. In an article from The Reading Teacher, two professors discuss “Word Walks” as a way to provide impactful vocabulary instruction... Here is a link to a 5 min. video explaining this simple strategy. (A link to the actual article can be found under //Articles// on the right.) Volume 1, Edition 37 – Teaching Vocabulary through Word Walks – BPW: User-Friendly Professional Development for Teachers
 * Word Walks **

**Self regulation as a Key to Writing** Beyond simply knowing how to write, how much do students need to be able to monitor their goals and use of effective writing process? The authors conclude that “an intervention that combines the instruction of writing strategies with self-regulation skills exerts a strong, coherent and sustainable influence” on students’ writing achievement. It appears that helping students think about and monitor what they are trying to accomplish with their writing is essential to boosting their success at writing. Here is the article reference: Brunstein, J. & Glaser, C. “Testing a Path-Analytic Mediation Model of How Self- Regulated Writing Strategies Improve Fourth Graders’ Composition Skills: A Randomized Control Trial.” Journal of Education Psychology, 103.4 (2011), pp. 922- 938. http://bit.ly/vrHJ2K (subscription only). This link is to a 4 minute video summarizing and explaining practical application of the article: @http://bestpracticesweekly.com/?page_id=783


 * Color Me Grammar **

//Students type several sentences in MS Word. Use the font color palette to label parts of speech, i.e., blue for subject, red for verb. Use sentences from a book they’re reading in class, spelling words they’re working on, or a teacher hand-out. Makes grammar fun. // 

**Campaign Speeches:** The New York Times has fabulous lesson ideas connected to current events. @http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/24/on-the-stump-examining-the-form-and-function-of-campaign-speeches/

**Groundhog Day** Here is a link to a blog that shares ideas for groundhog day. This is a PRIMARY unit and may have a fee attached. @http://loryevanspage.blogspot.com/2012/01/groundhog-day.html

**Grow Your Story** //Use a first-grade or second-grade story. Show students how to add description to it, setting details, sensory details, characterization, so it sounds more mature and interesting. INTERMEDIATE and SECONDARY. // 

**Reading Vocabulary** for grades 4 & 5 (4Sight)

**Printable Phonics Game** : primary or use this link: @http://www.kids-reading-games.com/newsletter/wordmaker.htm

**Vocabulary Sponge Websites** :



**Developing Higher Order Thinking Skills in Students.** Listen to this short summary, then use the resources below. @http://bestpracticesweekly.com/?page_id=878 **A Boggle Bulletin Board**

@http://bestpracticesweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Vocab-Floods-Article.pdf
 * Teaching Large chuncks of Vocabulary: **