Teaching Tips of the Week (October 11-17)

1. The Roald Dahl Dahlathon is running now through December.  The beloved authors' site is challenging young readers to read three of his books and complete a downloadable reading journal in order to win prizes!
2. Algebra can be engaging to students playing Lure of the Labyrinth!  This unique tool is “a digital game for middle-school pre-algebra students. It includes a wealth of intriguing math-based puzzles wrapped into an exciting narrative game in which students work to find their lost pet - and save the world from monsters!”
3. No matter the grade level, use wordless picture books to assess your students’ mastery of story structure and literary elements.  Have them write short story or reader’s theater script to accompany a wordless picture book.  This lesson idea can get you started.  Not only could this be a great way to express creativity, but this can also help your struggling readers with comprehension.
4.  Science teachers:  consider visiting Wonderville and Proton the Cat when you want your class to apply their studies of sound waves and hearing.  It's a really well-designed site!
5. Amuse your students’ word sense with a list of Tom Swifties.  Use the provided examples to stimulate their word skills, and you could even have students devise their own Tom Swifties using their spelling and vocabulary lists.