English Language Arts Blog | ELA Resources - Charts/Posters

Literacy

Teaching Point of View; An Overview for Grades 3–5

Most state standards for English Language Arts require that students analyze the impact the point of view has on a text. Download a Point of View ...

Vocabulary

ACT/SAT Test-Taking Strategies: Pre-assess & Differentiate Vocabulary Learning

After 13+ years teaching high school English, I've concluded that ACT and SAT test-taking strategies are more successful when educators make...

Vocabulary

A Guide to Reviewing Vocabulary Terms Before High-Stakes Testing

In this article, you'll explore the benefits and rationale for teaching and reviewing vocabulary strategies as part of high-stakes test preparation!...

Literacy

3 Test-Taking Strategies for Elementary Students (Includes 10+ Printables)

Recently I've had a lot of teachers come to me asking about standardized test preparation. While I hope the majority of my instruction prepares my kids...

Grammar

Informative/Explanatory Writing in the Classroom, Grades 3–12

Lets explore the importance of teaching informative/explanatory writing in the classroom. Students need to have the ability to clearly convey concepts...

Tiffany Rehbein

Grammar

4 Tips to Successfully Begin a New Semester After Winter Break

Resolutions abound in the new year, and the beginning of a new semester can represent a clean slate, as well. A new year naturally lends itself to...

Tiffany Rehbein

Vocabulary

Help Struggling Readers Build Vocabulary; 10+ Printables to Get You Started

I love working with our district’s literacy coaches and reading specialists, and I have a special place in my heart for Ms. Long, the reading...

Vocabulary

14 Free Back-to-School Printables for Teachers

Although I have been working all summer long, the inevitable school year start date suddenly looms up before me, scary and overwhelming. To honor...

Literacy

How To Teach Reading Comprehension Strategies In Your School

Hanging on the door in my classroom is a hand-written poster that I made over 10 years ago. It reads, “Reading Comprehension Strategies will help you →...

Vocabulary

How to Make Vocabulary Improvement and Instruction a Whole-School Endeavor

Students attend multiple classes every day and often don’t connect ideas or concepts from one class to another. By bringing students’ attention to...

Grammar

Writing Communities in School; Creating a School-wide Literacy Action Plan

In this article, we'll explore the benefits of building a school-wide community of writers and literacy action plan. With the strategies outlined in...

Tiffany Rehbein

Grammar

Awesome Anchor Chart to Teach Homophones, Grades 2–12

Homophone anchor charts are a great way to place the words in the classroom and provide a resource for students as they learn homophones.

Tiffany Rehbein

Vocabulary

10 High Stakes Assessment Terms Students Need to Know

If you read last week’s post, you know that your vocabulary instruction is most critical to your students’ success on high-stakes testing. Unfamiliar...

Grammar

Teaching Students the Different Writing Formats; 8 Printables to Get You Started

As you head back to the classroom, download eight resources that will assist you in teaching students the different writing formats! These posters and...

Tiffany Rehbein

Vocabulary

Setting Learning and Vocabulary Expectations in the Classroom

I am always really excited about learning and teaching vocabulary words, but my students aren’t always as exhilarated as I am. After seeing a poster in...

Literacy

Classroom Library Organization Tips for K–5 Teachers

Last year I wrote a blog post about creating a classroom environment where students can be immersed in literacy experiences. One of the elements I...

Grammar

Teaching Students the Elements of Writing to Entertain

There are many reasons to get to together with family and friends throughout the year. Whether you like to host people at your home or you like to...

Tiffany Rehbein

Grammar

Teaching Argumentative Writing in the Classroom, Grades 9–12

Teaching both tenth and twelfth grade presents its rewards and challenges. It is rewarding because I get to see so much growth and maturity in twelfth...

Tiffany Rehbein

Grammar

Presentations: Tips for Improving Speaking and Listening Skills

I am a great admirer of eloquent speakers. I watch TED Talks in awe, closely examining the speaker’s wardrobe, hand motions, and movement across the...

Tiffany Rehbein

Grammar

Teaching Narrative Writing in the Classroom [Printable Poster Included]

Students love stories. Whether they are telling a story or they are listening to a story, students become engaged with the plot line and interested in...

Tiffany Rehbein

Grammar

How To Motivate Students To Write (And Love It!)

It’s that time of year when the weeks are long, the days are colder (especially if you live where I live), and the students are in their school...

Tiffany Rehbein

Literacy

Give Me Five! Reading Strategy for Grades K–2

A top priority in reading for my primary grade-level readers is to be able to retell a story and state its most important details. The details that I...

Grammar

Teaching Students The Many Purposes of Writing

I love sticky notes. If you were to look at my desk or at my planner or at my laptop lid, you would see sticky notes filled with information. A...

Tiffany Rehbein

Vocabulary

Teacher To-Do List for the New School Year

It’s back-to-school for teachers! I know that each year our school starts earlier, and each year I begin panicking about all the things I want to do in...

Grammar

Tips to Make Classroom Setup Fun and Easy for Teachers

One of the most exciting parts of the school year occurs at the beginning with classroom setup. Whether you get to work with new materials or you have...

Tiffany Rehbein

Grammar

Comma Practice Worksheets and Anchor Chart for the Classroom

Commas are a common punctuation mark that can spice up any writing.Because there are so many different ways to use commas, students have countless...

Tiffany Rehbein

Vocabulary

5th Grade Vocabulary Worksheets, Printables, and Resources

Today I'm sharing 5th grade vocabulary worksheets and printables that will make the word building process more exciting for students! As you prepare...

Vocabulary

4th Grade Vocabulary Worksheets, Printables, and Resources

Today I'm sharing 4th grade vocabulary worksheets and printables that will make the word building process more exciting for students! As you prepare...

Vocabulary

2nd Grade Vocabulary Worksheets, Printables, and Resources

Today I'm sharing 2nd grade vocabulary worksheets and printables that will make the word building process more exciting for students! As you prepare...

Grammar

Printable Adverb Activities and Anchor Chart for the Classroom

Students love to discuss what is better. I enjoy listening to their conversations throughout the school year because they usually offer an opportunity...

Tiffany Rehbein

Grammar

What's In Your Test-Taking Strategies Toolkit? 5 Printables to Help Students Ace Assessments!

The papers are passed out, pencils are sharpened and fresh test booklets are positioned on students’ desks. It’s that time again: spring testing...

Tiffany Rehbein

Literacy

Teach Literary Elements with a Plot Boat Narrative Poster

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) require upper elementary grade students to have a clear understanding of literary elements and text structures.

Vocabulary

Genrifying Your Classroom Library

I love a great library, whether it it’s my school library or my classroom library, and I have found that the best way to get students the books they...

Grammar

Awesome Anchor Chart for Indentifying Adverbs

When an English Language Arts standard focuses on developing and strengthening writing skills, students can also focus on grammar usage. One way to...

Tiffany Rehbein

Grammar

5 Common Uses for Commas Anchor Chart

As an English teacher, I love punctuation jokes. A common joke follows: Let’s eat Grandma! Commas matter. Let’s eat, Grandma. Another favorite is the...

Tiffany Rehbein

Literacy

Using the Six Signposts from Notice and Note in Your Classroom

My school’s 4th and 5th grade students participate in book clubs each week. The signposts from Notice and Note: Strategies for Close Reading by Kylene...

Literacy

Teaching with the Signposts from Notice and Note

I love when I pick up a professional book and it is so good that I just can put it down! When I am so inspired, I immediately grab my latest lesson...

Vocabulary

Top 3 Tips to Survive the First Week of School

School is back in session! At the beginning of the school year it’s easy to let yourself get overwhelmed with all the planning and prep. You’ve spent...

Grammar

Grammar Mini Lesson: Words Often Misspelled, Grades 3–5

I remember when spell check first was included in Microsoft’s documents. “What a blessing,” I thought. “Use your resources,” I told my students as they...

Tiffany Rehbein

Vocabulary

Vocabulary Strategies: Vocab Workshop Word Walls, Grades 1–6

I love word walls for the simple fact that they are amazing teaching tools. With them, both my students and I have a permanent reminder of vocabulary...

Vocabulary

Vocabulary Practice: The Writing on the Classroom Walls

I will admit to being a high school English teacher with a word wall. Okay three word walls to be precise-one for each level of vocabulary I teach. I...