Writing
Recent Newsletter Articles
Getting Started, Moving Forward: An Explicit Plan for Teaching the Writing Standards
An explicit instructional plan for teaching the Writing Standards in a way that cultivates both students’ reading and writing capacities, plus examples of reading-writing tasks for cross-implementation of the Writing Standards at Levels A-C. Read More
New from Khan Academy: Interactive Grammar Lessons
Khan Academy is a free online learning platform used by students from around the world. Recently, Grammar was added as a topic under Arts & humanities. I found the tutorials and exercises to be highly engaging and quite entertaining! Read More
ESL Classroom Activity Videos
ESL teachers and volunteers interested in watching professional teachers leading popular ESL classroom activities can now complete observations from the comfort of their own homes. Read More
English Grammar 101
English Grammar 101 is a free online resource to supplement your current grammar instruction for advanced ESL or ABE learners. Read More
A Trio of Academic Vocabulary Resources
Strong academic vocabulary knowledge is essential for ABE/ESL students who want to complete their GED or adult diploma, attend technical school or college, or advance in a career. Learn about 3 resources to improve knowledge, sentence writing, and usage. Read More
Who Wants to Know What CCRS Writing Looks Like?
I’m often asked about what writing aligned to the CCRS looks like, and two resources are available to us that demonstrate samples of the three types of writing required by the CCRS ELA/Literacy standards: argument/opinion, informative/explanatory and narrative. Read More
Just Write! Frequently and Quickly
The "Just Write! Guide" is a research and instructional resource worth writing about! One strategy, called quickwrites, can be done before, during and after reading and can be motivational and low-stress for even nonwriters. Read More
Grammar Bytes! (In a Good Way.)
Here is a website that really puts some teeth into grammar, usage and mechanics instruction! The materials can be used in a structured class or open lab setting, for one-on-one sessions with learners, for work with volunteers, and as independent work to supplement class lessons. Read More
LearningExpress Library for ABE
LearningExpress Library contains nearly 1,000 online tutorials, practice tests, and e-books. It covers job search and workplace skills improvement; skill building in reading, writing, math, and basic science; and prep for career certification, licensure exams, college and grad school entrance tests, GED, and more. Read More