The Joy of Teaching

Sharing creative ideas and lessons to help children learn

May 27, 2015
by jessicaonkenevanmoor
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One Teacher’s Story: Using Daily Phonics for Assessment

In my first-grade classroom, I use a variety of Evan-Moor daily practice titles for quick lessons and easy assessments. While I don’t always use the lessons sequentially, I’ve found that these titles are valuable to help students practice a skill … Continue reading

February 17, 2015
by Evan-Moor
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Common Core Reading and Writing – Ways to Support Students and a Free Sampler of Common Core Lessons!

Research shows that reading and writing are interconnected and interdependent, and that a child’s literacy development is dependent upon the integration of both. The Common Core State Standards further emphasize vocabulary knowledge, close reading, and text-based writing as ways to … Continue reading

April 23, 2014
by Evan-Moor
2 Comments

Creative Writing Ideas and Story Starters: Using Mystery for “Tell a Story Day”

Most students cannot resist a good mystery—it brings out their natural curiosity and inspires creativity. Mysteries can serve as great story starters for celebrating “Tell a Story Day” or a creative writing assignment. Story starters using The Mysteries of Harris … Continue reading

March 19, 2014
by Evan-Moor
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Dust Bowl and Depression Era 4th 5th and 6th grades: images, resources and teaching guides

Common Core State Standards, multiple subjects, assessments, and not enough time…sound familiar? Teaching with primary sources is a great way to do it all! Primary sources are documents or physical objects that were present during the event you are studying: … Continue reading

February 14, 2014
by Evan-Moor
2 Comments

What Is It? A Fun Drawing and Writing Lesson Integrates Standards Across the Curriculum

When the school year ends, the “What Is It?” lesson may prove to have been your favorite for integrating standards across the ELA and SL curriculum. The “What Is It?” weekly lesson asks students to turn a doodle (such as … Continue reading