Teaching kids how to write a paragraph? Use the hamburger analogy – and a paragraph example! They’ll soon understand topic, supporting detail, and concluding sentences. (more…)
How can you find main idea and supporting details in informational text? First, locate the thesis statement in the introduction and/or conclusion. Second, determine the topic sentence in each of…
Finding main idea of a nonfiction paragraph is easy with the hamburger analogy. First, teach kids to find the topic sentence and supporting detail sentences. Second, explain that paragraphs may…
Elements of drama include cast of characters, dialogue, and stage directions. Each play may also be broken into scenes and acts. When teaching, provide lots of examples – and let…
How do you teach elements of prose? It’s just ordinary language. Through it, we express complete thoughts in sentences. Then we group sentences into paragraphs. In longer works, we group…
Kids learn forms of poetry better with examples from famous poets. Read on for samples of rhyming, limerick, diamante, haiku, cinquain, concrete, and acrostic poems. (more…)
Wondering how to teach the types of poetry? When you include a variety of genres, you can also hit different literature and language skills. My favorites include rhyming, limericks, diamante,…
Teaching acrostic poetry? It spells one or more word vertically. While this usually occurs with the first letter of each verse, it can also happen in the middle or at…
Teaching concrete poetry? It takes the shape of the topic. Also known as shape poems, these simple word arrangements make easy projects for kids. Surprising, this type of literature has…
Teaching haiku? This traditional Japanese poetry consists of three verses of seventeen syllables. It has a 5-7-5 syllable pattern. When teaching this type of poem to kids, focus on nature…