Education | Reading Rockets: Topics A to Z
Teaching reading is a complex process that draws upon an extensive knowledge base and repertoire of strategies. Find out more about best practices in reading instruction and why so many are concerned that our teachers aren't prepared to teach in today's classrooms.
Using the Present Progressive Tense | No Nonsense Grammar
Present progressives describe an action in progress, or something that started in the past and is still happening. It is formed with the helping "to be" verb in the present tense and the present participle of the verb.
Simple and Compound Sentences | No Nonsense Grammar
A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought. A simple sentence contains a subject and a verb and by itself contains a complete thought. A compound sentence contains two independent clauses joined by a coordinator: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
How to Use Commas with Conjunctions | No Nonsense Grammar
Conjunctions can join two separate clauses, but sometimes they need commas. Learn how to do so correctly.
Using Proper Punctuation for Titles | No Nonsense Grammar
Small works (short stories, essays, magazine and newspaper articles, etc.) are indicated with the use of quotation marks. Larger works, such as books or movies, are indicated either through italics (in typing) or underlining (handwriting).
Instruction | Reading Rockets: Topics A to Z
Curricular materials tell us what to teach, and instruction informs us of the best way to teach. This section includes information about both the "what" and "how" of evidence-based teaching.
How to Recognize a Phrase | No Nonsense Grammar
A phrase is a group of related words that does not include both a subject and a verb. It only has one or the other!
Edison: Boyhood and Teen Years
Find out how young Thomas Edison’s curiosity got him into trouble, and how, during his teen years, he lost his hearing but gained confidence as an aspiring inventor, in this video adapted from AMERICAN EXPERIENCE: Edison.
Book Buddies | Engaging with Literature
Watch as two teachers create Book Buddies with 3rd and 5th graders in this half-hour video from Engaging with Literature. Book Buddies offers students a chance to explore a book they are familiar with in new ways.
Lesson Builder Template | Engaging with Literature
Download this lesson builder template as a framework for reviewing and analyzing your classroom literature lesson.
Magician's Apprentice | WordGirl
Becky gets roped into joining a magician's act.
How to Capitalize Titles | No Nonsense Grammar
Capitalizing titles of books, movies, etc. can be tricky at first glance, but is easy to figure out. Remember to capitalize the first word, last word, and any important words within the title.
Using Commas and Quotations | No Nonsense Grammar
Quotations and commas are two very useful punctuation tools that indicate dialogue and brief pausing in sentences. Learn how to use them correctly!
Reflexive Pronouns and Subjects | No Nonsense Grammar
Reflexive pronouns reflect the subject of the sentence. A reflexive pronoun is a pronoun that is preceded or followed by the noun, adjective, adverb, or pronoun to which it refers within the same clause.
Marvin K. Mooney Activity
In this activity, students get to combine the world of literacy and physical movement! As the teacher reads the book “Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now” by Dr. Seuss, students listen carefully
Antonyms and Synonyms
In this 3rd through 5th grade video, students learn about synonyms and antonyms through physical activity. The teacher calls out a series of commands.
Action Verbs
In this 3rd through 5th grade video, students connect exercise and literacy. The teacher reads a sentence aloud and students must identify the action verb that was read and then act it out accordingly. This is a great lesson to combine focus on cognitive and psychomotor skills.
Waddle
Get your students up and moving in this Kindergarten through 5th grade activity that connects literacy, creativity and movement! Students act out different animals in the book “Waddle” as the teacher reads aloud.
Minute to Win It
This Kindergarten through 5th grade activity is based on the popular game show, Minute to Win It! Students form into groups of 4-5 and perform various exercises for one minute in order to gain points.
Fitness Bingo
This activity is similar to traditional bingo. Each student gets a fitness bingo card. Creating space between them and their peers, students will act out the exercise if they have it on their bingo card.