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Just like my blog, I've started a writing series with my mail group. The difference is that my mail group gets FREE products with each mailing. Why not join us?
In joining, you will also receive a FREE No Prep Problem Solving Pack.
CATCH MY WORDS to find help with teaching strategies, resources, or to enjoy a laugh or music. Blog connected to Catch My Products, the gifted department store with resources for K - 12.
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Friday, September 6, 2019
New and Free
Just a quick note to let you know what's new and FREE!
New:
Free:
Just like my blog, I've started a writing series with my mail group. The difference is that my mail group gets FREE products with each mailing. Why not join us?
New:
Free:
Just like my blog, I've started a writing series with my mail group. The difference is that my mail group gets FREE products with each mailing. Why not join us?
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
Using Strong Action Words in Writing
I've always felt that one of my best tricks of the trade is to take away a boring verb and replace it with a strong action verb. For example, no one wants to read that, "The dog was sleepy." However, if you take away "was" and turn sleepy into the adjective before the noun, there is no limit to what you can write.
Writers can be typical:
The sleepy dog curled into itself under the desk.
Or include more action:
The sleepy dog defied slumber by lurching at the unsuspecting human trying to pet it.
Maybe even add some creativity:
The sleepy dog stretched its paws and signaled the spacecraft to retrieve it from earth.
No matter what you decide to do with the sleepy dog, removing the be verb frees you up to create a story behind the image.
Therefore, my first trick along the writer's journey is to find ways to eliminate those boring be verbs and replace them with action verbs. I've even held mock funerals in my class, where we take index cards and bury the words in the school yard.
We give a teary goodbye to our friends who were always there for us in our writing slumps. Does anyone, *sniff* want to say some parting words to *sniff* our friends? Make sure you remember to bring the box of tissues outside with you for this is a truly sad moment.
Students take turns saying a few words, digging small holes with a shovel, and burying the following friends:
- is
- was
- are
- were
- have
- had
- has
- am
Goodbye, friends.
After the funeral, we go inside to answer a prompt without using our friends. Sure. There is a time to use these words, but students must learn how not to use them before they can add a few be verbs back into their writing.
If you want help with teaching kids to eliminate boring verbs, here is a new product for you.
Saturday, August 31, 2019
Labor Day Raffle for $275 & Dollar Deals
Dollar Deals are here!
In honor of Labor Day a group of teacher authors have come together to bring you $1.00 deals! Click HERE to see all deals.
I have three dollar deals!
This story that normally sells for $4.25 has been reduced for $1.00. If you want to teach your students about the horrors of 911 but are relying on a textbook, here is a historical fiction story just for you. Follow Jessica as she lives through the terror of not knowing her father's whereabouts on September 11, 2001.
Inside you'll find:
- Four page Historical Fiction Story
- One page Epilogue and Author's Note at End of Story.
- Fifteen Vocabulary Words
- Enrichment Vocabulary Word Sentence Prompt
- Vocabulary Sentence Matching
- Seven Discussion Questions
- One Research Question
- Complete Answer Key
Also on sale . . .
This math resource normally sells for $3.25 but is also available for $1.00 from September 1st - 3rd. If your students are having trouble understanding place value, and you need a new teaching strategy, you are in the right place! Make sure your kids know this common core aligned skill of place value with this colorful and engaging PowerPoint.
Inside you'll find:
- "I can" Statement & Listed Standards
- Teacher Instruction
- Read and Write numbers to the Hundred-Billions Place.
- Multiple Choice Questions
- Problems Identifying Digit's Value
- Check for Understanding
- State Common Core Standard
- Students apply their knowledge through word problems.
Do your students continually write with run on sentences. Teach kids how to fix run on sentences with this teacher ready printable. This series of four handouts contains examples of the same run on sentence written four times. Students are asked to fix the sentences in four different ways. This may be used with a teacher modeling or as practice. A quiz is located at the end of the packet. Answer keys included. The format allows for students to demonstrate their skills without taking a lot of class time.
Want to win $275?
A group of amazing teacher-authors have come together to help one lucky teacher win a $225 Teachers Pay Teachers gift card. Wouldn’t this be great to help with your school year needs?
Enter the raffle here:
👉 Raffle Ends at 12:00 AM Central Time, Tuesday, September 3rd (9/3/19). The lucky winner will be announced by 9/5/19.
👉 You must be an educator to win and provide proof by providing your school name and grade level within 48 hours after contacted or a new random winner will be selected. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, or Teachers Pay Teachers. You understand that you are providing your information to the owner of this page and not to Facebook , Instagram, or Teachers Pay Teachers. No Purchase Required.
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