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

Poem Party, Writer Workshop Activities for April National Poetry Month

April is National Poetry Month in the U.S. Why not celebrate creative writing, by throwing a "poem party." Or host a writer workshop. Teachers and homeschoolers, help kids access their inner bard. I've included writing prompts, poem frames, templates and other inspirational activities. This can be done in any grade from preschool to college. Or do this with a group of adults.  Poem Party, Writer Workshops for April National Poetry Month

Free Printable Romantic Poety, Cards for Valentines

Valentine's Day cards aren't just for children. We can all enjoy the fun of sending and receiving little greetings and notes or cheer during this cold, dark season of winter. Here are a variety of websites featuring free e-cards, printable poems and valentine cards for adults to share with each other. Many of the sites feature cards to send to sweethearts and lovers and are sensual or romantic. Free Romantic and Valentine's E-Cards for Adults

Winter Holiday, Christmas Card Making Craft Contest

I'm a 25-year teacher and 24-year mom to four. In 1994, we started homeschooling and did that for 10 years. Most of our educational activities were done sans internet or computer. We did a lot of homemade, hands-on lessons. During Advent, we gave ourselves up to Christmas preparation. All lessons were based on the holidays. One of our favorite activities was the annual family Christmas letter accompanied by homemade cards. Since 'Green' and 'Saving Money' are bywords this Christmas, I thought you might appreciate a card-making craft includes a contest to create unique, green designs from recycled materials. What a nice medium on which to write your Christmas letters! Read on Writing, arts and crafts project

Free Online Food Journals, Fitness Trackers

To address growing children's health concerns--diabetes, nutrition, obesity, fitness and general wellness--several groups have developed health programs written at kid level. They offer free printable food journals, online fitness trackers and nutrition planning tools. Geared for elementary to high school age kids, these programs teach self-sufficiency and basic life skills related to health. These activities can help a busy freelancer organizer her life, too. Free Food Journals, Online Fitness Trackers for Kids

Free Poetry Writing Guide: How to Write Free Verse Poetry

 Poetry gives voice to the soul. Writing poetry is like singing;it should flow from the spirit, as a lament, a rhapsody or an aria. Unlike tangible things poetry is not so easy to dissect, critique or explain. There are some devices that poets employ to create poems. Having created some poetry myself and taught courses in poetry in creative writing, I'll try to distill the essence of poetry in this guideline. Poetry Writing Guide: How to Write Free Verse Poetry 

Free Printable Poetry Lesson--'Green' Nature Poems with Science Connections

April is National Poetry Month. April 22 is Earth Day, too. In spring, our lesson plans usually turn to life science, new life, plant life, seasons and other such activities. In many classrooms, from preschool to kindergarten and up through 8th grade, lessons are focused on the sun, clouds, rain, precipitation, the water cycle, budding trees, plants and flowers, insects and baby animals. Here's a green project. You can easily combine a unit on poetry reading and writing with your spring life science lessons.  Free Printable Poetry Lesson: Green Nature Poems