Stones of Erasmus — Just plain good writing, teaching, thinking, doing, making, being, dreaming, seeing, feeling, building, creating, reading
12.3.24
Energize Students with Quick Activity: Critical Thinking & Movement for Engagement
2.3.24
Redefining Literacy in the AI Era: The Shift from Linear to Fragmented Reading
In this blog post, I discuss how literacy is evolving—a concept that has fascinated humanity since the advent of long-distance communication technologies such as the telegraph and telephone. Nowadays, our interaction with information is marked by its agility and rapidity, as demonstrated by AI advancements like ChatGPT from OpenAI.
Print magazines line a newsstand at the airport. |
5.1.24
Things in My Type ‘B’ Classroom that just Makes Sense
20.12.23
Medieval Majesty: Exploring the Intricacies of 11th Century Ivory Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
🛡️ A Journey Through History at The Met’s Arms and Armor Gallery 🏰
2.10.23
Day 16 of 180: Acknowledging I'm #TeacherTired While Asking Students to Go Deeper in Their Writing
9.9.23
Unveiling Mythology to Teens: Insights from the Humanities Classroom
Storm-Tossed and Star Crossed: Paris and Helen's Epic Journey to Troy |
27.8.23
Unlock Your Learning Potential: 16 Essential Resources at Just $2 Each! 🌟
As the school year gets into full swing—or if you're like me, gearing up to start teaching right after Labor Day—the need for effective educational tools for our middle and high school students couldn't be more crucial.
In reviewing some of my most valued resources, I was thrilled to discover that 16 of them are available for just $2 each! Now that's a deal worth exploring!
Key Features:
- Easy-to-use — with printable PDFs and student-facing digital materials for each resource.
- Resources were all modified this Summer, ensuring up-to-date content.
Sharpen Your Analytical Skills
- Introduce resources aimed at analytical skills like:
- "Thinking & Writing: Graphic Organizer for Analyzing Quotes & Textual Evidence"
- "Opposing Viewpoints Debate: On Judging Appearances"
Master The Writing Process
- Focus on resources that target writing skills:
- "Detail Observation Guide: Enhance Narrative & Expository Writing"
- "Prewriting-Drafting-Revising: ELA Writing Cycle Guide"
Tools for Organized Learning
- Resources that help students stay organized:
- "Student Writing Presentation Toolbox for Middle & High School"
- "Student Writer's Portfolio Tracker: Organize & Showcase Work"
Multi-dimensional Writing
- Resources that help students explore different modes and purposes of writing:
- "Writing Modes: ELA Exercise for Improving Writing Skills"
- "Purpose & Mode in Writing: Comprehensive Chart for Student Success"
Boost Creative and Factual Writing
- Resources that offer brainstorming and research techniques:
- "Using Print & Non-Print Sources | Classroom Success for Writing"
- "Clustering Guide: Brainstorming Activity for ELA/Writing Students"
Reading for Success
- Encourage independent reading:
- "Teen Book List: Promoting Independent Reading for Grades 7-12"
Conclusion
Call to Action:
17.8.23
Shaping Tomorrow's Citizens: Education, Religion, and Cultural Norms in the Classroom
In this blog post from Stones of Erasmus, I connect philosophical ideas with practical aspects of teaching and societal values. Let's invite reflection on the role of education, the influence of religion, and the importance of cultural norms in shaping the citizens of tomorrow.
The sun may appear small and lightbulb-like to the viewer, but it's actually a massive fusion-powered fireball that sustains life on Earth. |
Parity in the Classroom: The Common Gifts of Our Students
In every classroom, there lies a hidden world of potential. That gossipy student in the back row? Perhaps a budding playwright, weaving tales for the stage. Our students are not just learners; they are creators, thinkers, and future citizens.
The Personal Stance vs. The Professional Stance
Education is not just about imparting knowledge; it's a national effort to produce productive citizens. But what does that mean?
Producing productive citizens is about nurturing individuals who contribute positively to society and the economy. It's about fostering responsibility, hard work, and a commitment to the common good. It's about developing skills like problem-solving, communication, and teamwork that are vital in today's workforce.
The Image of Citizenship: A Reflection of Values
What should citizens of a country look like? The nineteenth-century image of the American family was a myth, yet it shaped perceptions. Today, we recognize that there is no one specific way citizens should look. Every individual is unique, bringing their own strengths and perspectives. The goal is to cultivate responsible, engaged members of society who contribute to the common good.
Religion and Education: A Complex Relationship
"Orderliness is godliness." This saying reflects how we often infuse public education with ideology, including the notion to "pull yourself up by your bootstrap." But do religious influences benefit the school system?
The Puritans were able to impose their ideology, but the relationship between religion and education is complex. Some believe that religious values can create moral grounding and community. Others see challenges in separating church and state, ensuring inclusivity for all students.
Folkways and Mores: The Fabric of Society
Folkways and mores are the threads that weave the social fabric. Folkways are the everyday customs and traditions, while mores are the deeper, moral values that guide a culture. Together, they shape our collective identity.
Opinions: The Personal Take on Knowledge
An opinion is more than a fleeting thought; it's your unique perspective on what you know. It's a reflection of your understanding, your beliefs, and your individuality.
PDF Copy for Printing
10.8.23
Tracking & Analyzing Myth Variations: A Comprehensive Guide to Using Graphic Organizers and Visual Aids in the Classroom
21.7.23
Revitalizing High School Reading Programs: Diversifying Book Selections for Engaged Learning
Read and write for pleasure. |
20.7.23
Sprinkles and Bazookas: A Candid Conversation Between Two High School English Teachers"
15.7.23
Writing a Movie Review: Writer's Workshop for Middle and High School Grades 8-10
Incorporating Movies into English Language Arts and Writing Instruction
Unlock English mastery! Transform your classroom with engaging movie reviews that boost language skills, critical thinking, and student participation. |
What's Included?
Teacher's Note for Using this Resource in the English and Writing Classroom: A helpful guide to ensure you get the most out of the resources provided.
Do's and Don'ts Anchor Chart: A visual guide to direct students on what to include and what to avoid in their movie review.
Fillable Movie Information Sheet for Before, During, and After Viewing: This allows students to track key information and impressions throughout the viewing experience, which helps build their review later.
Extended Written Response, Movie Quotes Double Entry Journal, Parts of a Movie Review Graphic Organizer: These tools support and scaffold students' writing, thinking, and reflection processes.
3 Exit Ticket Strategies for Formative Assessment: These will help you gauge student understanding and progress at the end of each lesson.
Movie Review Skills Assessment, 4-Point Grading Rubric, Student-Facing Checklist, and Grading Sheet: These tools help students self-assess their work and aid teachers in providing clear, fair, and consistent grading.
5-Star Rating and Rough Draft Starter: This provides students a starting point for their review and a simple, familiar way to give their overall rating.
Incorporating movie analysis into your curriculum can be a dynamic way to inspire student engagement and improve their English language and writing skills. By combining entertainment and education, you're teaching them language and skills like critical thinking, analysis, and self-expression.
Related Products
To further extend your resources, consider other products from Stones of Erasmus:
✰ Growing Humanities Bundle for Middle and High SchoolJoin me on this educational journey. Your feedback, comments, and insights are always welcome. Visit my website at stonesoferasmus.com for more resources and ideas.
© 2022-2023 Stones of Erasmus.
13.7.23
Unlocking Student Accountability in Group Discussions: The Power of Self-Evaluation in the English Language Arts Classroom
Empower your ELA class! Foster accountability & reflection with Stones of Erasmus' Self-Evaluation Form. |
Imagine if your classroom could emulate this! With Stones of Erasmus' Self-Evaluation Form for Group Work, it can! This resource offers a teacher guide, a self-evaluation form, a Google Form for group work self-evaluation, and a bonus link to a FREE student note-taking template.
Exclusively from Stones of Erasmus |
10.7.23
Athena Resources are Abundant on Stones of Erasmus: Plus, A Free Coloring Book (Just Click the Link!)
Greetings, dear readers!
Download a free PDF of an Athena-Inspired coloring book. |
Meet Athena: The Goddess of Wisdom
For those who are new to Greek mythology, Athena, also known as Minerva in Roman mythology, is the goddess of wisdom. She is often depicted as a perpetual virgin and is symbolized by the owl. This powerful and wise goddess is the star of our coloring book. Each coloring book page displays Athena in myriad ways, ranging from serious to whimsical interpretations. We've applied our creative license, delivering unique depictions of the goddess to inspire your imagination. To deepen the learning experience, we've also included a "Further Reading Guide" with links to mythology-related books and websites where you can discover more about Athena and her fascinating stories.
Use the Coloring Book in the Classroom
This Athena-inspired coloring book is an excellent resource to supplement a mythology unit for middle or high school students. Each student could be assigned a different 'Athena' and invited to develop their creative writing skills by crafting a backstory, detailing the goddess's character traits, or elaborating on a specific myth.
And of course, the book can also serve its traditional purpose: providing hours of coloring fun!
Let's Respect Copyright
We feel it's important to mention that this coloring book is protected by U.S. copyright law. It is intended for educational purposes in a classroom setting and not for wider distribution. If you know a fellow teacher or educator who might benefit from this resource, we encourage you to share the link to this post. Let's respect creativity and the hard work of creating these resources.
Get Your Free Coloring Book Today
Our Athena coloring book is more than just a book; it's an invitation to explore, learn, and have fun. So why wait? Click the link, download your free Athena-inspired coloring book, and embark on a fascinating journey into the world of Greek mythology!
(Note: This blog post is subject to copyright. Please ensure you adhere to the terms mentioned above. For the premium version of the coloring book, click here!)
Happy coloring!