Grammar Extension: The Empowering Acrostic Poem

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Grammar Extension: The Empowering Acrostic Poem

The ideal scenario for the first couple months of a new school year would be a classroom running smoothly.  You want to be comfortable with your daily schedule and know that you can meet the needs of all of your diverse students.

Realistically, some of you may already feel like the expectations and duties increase even more as the fall progresses.  Before you become consumed with the busyness of the new school year, always remember this:  “YOU are a TEACHER!”  You are the one that works to mold the future.  You make an incredible impression and impact in the lives of all the students who enter your classroom. 

This year is a brand new one, and if you’re ready to level-up your teaching, you should consider this question: “What kind of teacher do you want to be this year?” 

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Let’s get “Ziggy" with language arts definitions!

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Let’s get “Ziggy" with language arts definitions!

At Shurley English, we teach everything about Language Arts in a unique way. The curriculum has been divided into a combination of individual features that spiral together in harmony to teach difficult concepts successfully. Jingles are one of the unique features that we introduce, reinforce, and help students master, and they are taught during Jingle Time. So, what’s the big deal? Well, Jingles are a

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Authentic Assessments: Breaking the Paper Test Cycle

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Authentic Assessments: Breaking the Paper Test Cycle

When you think of testing, do any of these statements come to mind?

“I want to see what my students have learned at the end of each chapter.”

“I want to make sure I’m teaching effective lessons.”

“My administrator says I have to have a certain number of scores in my grade book.”

“I’d like to see the strengths and weaknesses of each student so I can know how to differentiate my instruction.”

We’re all familiar with national standardized testing, the numerous true/false or multiple-choice tests a teacher gives throughout a school year, along with the benefits these assessments can provide. One school of thought says that assessments are a key component of learning because it helps students see how well they understand subject-specific material. Others say assessments can help motivate students. Still, testing often feels like a necessary evil that all teachers must do to show evidence that students have learned the content teachers worked so hard to teach.

I’d like you to consider looking at

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Tips for Helping Parents with Shurley English

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Tips for Helping Parents with Shurley English

I understand that getting parents involved in your classroom can be challenging for many teachers; however, many parents begin to make themselves heard when a school or teacher implements a new curriculum. Especially when it is a new curriculum as unique as Shurley English.

You’ve probably heard such comments as:

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An Open Letter to Teachers: Taking off with Shurley English

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An Open Letter to Teachers: Taking off with Shurley English

Dear Educators,

Welcome aboard Shurley English flight ABC. Please find your seat, stow your baggage in the overhead bin, and buckle up as we take off into your new school year! This year’s destination is progress and growth. We’ve got a long flight ahead of us so, sit back, stay focused & relaxed, and enjoy the journey!

For some of you, Shurley English might be a new addition to your curriculum. Several of you may already be familiar with the effectiveness and uniqueness of our Grammar, Skills, Writing, Reading, and Speaking & Listening features. Regardless of your passenger status, I encourage each of you to

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Write It Out: The Power of Journal Writing and How to Get Started

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Write It Out: The Power of Journal Writing and How to Get Started

Mrs. Riddle, my sixth-grade teacher, is one of the reasons I became an educator.  I’ll never forget the year I was in her class; it was my final year as an elementary student.  I have so many memories, like the day the total solar eclipse happened; it was so dark!  Then, there was the time I cried because I got a “D” on my Social Studies test.  That’s the day I realized I wasn’t perfect.  Every day after lunch, she would give us time to write in our own personal journals.  She created an opportunity for us to write about something personal, or we could follow a given prompt.  We could even share what we wrote with the class if we liked.  You see, Mrs. Riddle was that teacher who, of course, was dedicated to our academic success.  She cared about our lives outside of her classroom, so she took Journal Time seriously. 

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The Value of a Pretest

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The Value of a Pretest

What is the value of giving the Shurley English Pretest if students are not familiar with the curriculum? As a consultant, I’ve heard this question before, and I want to urge you to listen up! Even though the pretest may appear extraordinarily difficult, you should never avoid it! Let me explain.

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How do I teach Shurley English in a multi-grade classroom?

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How do I teach Shurley English in a multi-grade classroom?

When I began teaching at a small private parochial school, I learned quickly that even though I was teaching two grade levels of Shurley English in the same room, there was a disparity in the way I had to instruct each level. Each group had different developmental needs and learning objectives. Along the way, I discovered a few extremely effective strategies for teaching different groups of students that I would like to share with you today.

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The Four “VITAL -V’s” of a Veteran Shurley English Teacher

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The Four “VITAL -V’s” of a Veteran Shurley English Teacher

Visualize this scenario: It’s early August, and as you scroll through your inbox, you see the first of many emails from your school administrator. “Already!?!” you say to yourself as you hesitate to open it. You guessed it! It’s your new school year Welcome Letter and Professional Development Schedule. On the agenda, you notice a full-day training scheduled for Shurley English! Your next few thoughts go something like this: “I’ve taught Shurley English for 5 years now! I don’t need training! Maybe I can get out of it this year!”

Warning: Thoughts like these are exactly why veteran teachers still need our support! Take these thoughts as a sign. I know because I’ve been there.

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Shurley English 101: Teaching with Confidence

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Shurley English 101: Teaching with Confidence

So, you have purchased your Shurley curriculum, you open the book or access your digital teacher’s manual…and then it hits you! “What’s all this? How am I going to cover all of it? Can I even do it?” If you have had these or similar feelings, don’t panic. It’s going to be all right.

My post today is about confidence. Yes! You can teach with confidence, especially if you are just embarking upon your first journey with Shurley English. I realize that the

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