Printable Reading Response Journal Template for Readers Workshop, Writers Workshop- Yahoo Voices - voices.yahoo.com

Can we agree that schools rely too heavily on worksheets? That handouts are boring and kids don't learn much doing them? To teach reading and writing, why not have students make Reading Response Journals? Students complete activities and interact with content, rather than just parroting back answers. Use reading response journals as part of Writer's Workshop or Reader's Workshop activities. Literature, Reading and Writing Response Journal Lesson Plan

Best Free Online Spelling, Vocabulary Games to Boost Reading Skills

I have a confession to make--I love online word games. For all the articles I write warning parents and kids about the dangers of obsessive game playing, I admit that there are advantages. Playing word games helps boost my visual tracking, perceptual acuity and typing skills (or so I tell myself). Mostly, I use them as a brain break from writing and research. Here are the best word games I've found that are free. Free Word Games Online

Writers' Workshop, Reading Response Journal Lesson Plan

Do we agree that in school, teachers rely too much on paper-and-pencil activities? Students spend endless hours in rote memorization, fill-in-the-blank activities and pointless time fillers. Do we agree that worksheets are boring and meaningless?  In my 25 year teaching career, I have agonized about this waste not only of paper, but more importantly of student brain power.  I've explored ways to make schoolwork more real and less 'ditto-based' (Dittos are what we called worksheets in the medieval days of Spirit Master copy machines.) Here's a list of alternatives for Writers' Workshop and book reports that are anything-but-boring worksheet activities.  Read more

Free Printable Writing Lesson Plans--Essay, Report, Composition, Writing Homework Help

Have you ever sat staring blankly at what is supposed to your English paper? Looks uncomfortably void of writing,does it? It's due tomorrow and you haven't got a clue what to write or how to write it or both? Writing is a struggle for many people. And composing an essay, research or term paper can be really intimidating. Here are websites to help with all your writing needs: essay, type 2, personal narrative, research,  term papers and more. Top10 Websites for Free Essay, Report, Composition or Any Other Writing Homework Help