“I live and die by your website!” ~ a coordinator in Washington

Arizona ELA Standard: 1.L.5.c

Identify real-life connections between words and their use (e.g., note places at home that are cozy).

Order and Chaos Hide Inside Each Other

Order and Chaos Hide Inside Each Other

Chaos can contain order. Order can contain chaos! Is chaos ever truly random?

Introducing Order and Chaos

Introducing Order and Chaos

Introduce Order by exploring “written” vs “unwritten” rules.

Power and Symbols

Power and Symbols

A skull and crossbones says “danger” faster than any sentence can. So why can’t a symbol say “I forgive you, but I’m still upset”?

Power Can Be Fast, Slow, Loud, or Quiet

Power Can Be Fast, Slow, Loud, or Quiet

Power may seem loud and fast, but it can also be slow and quiet.

Geosynth (Greek and Latin)

Geosynth (Greek and Latin)

What on earth is a Geosynth? Break apart the Greek and Latin roots, figure out what it should mean, then invent what it describes.

Parts of Speech Party – Care

Parts of Speech Party – Care

How many different ways can we use the word “care”? Let’s find out in this Parts of Speech Party!

Super Specific Similes: Stinky Seaweed

Super Specific Similes: Stinky Seaweed

Start with a basic simile. Now make it more specific. Now even more. Watch how much better writing gets with each round.

New Uses For An Aluminum Can

New Uses For An Aluminum Can

So, what CAN a CAN be used for other than storing liquids?

What’s In My Brain: Cute Baby vs Fast Cheetah

What’s In My Brain: Cute Baby vs Fast Cheetah

Can students spot similes vs metaphors?

Building Creative Analogies

Building Creative Analogies

We’ll take two seemingly unrelated pieces of content (say volcanoes and the human body) and then build analogies to connect the two ideas. In the end, students can create a skit, comic, or story relating the two concepts.

Common English Words From Other Languages

Common English Words From Other Languages

Bored with typical spelling studies? Let’s dig into the origins of common English words from other languages!

Think Like An Economist

Think Like An Economist

How would an economist read Goldilocks? How would they see a rainforest? How would they study the American Revolution?