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"Lose your laugh, lose your footing", (from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest)".
FEATURED ITEMS
This 33-page packet includes detailed teaching plans (with numerous urls to enhance your lessons) and 14 handouts. All of the handouts and teachi...
Level(s):
Duration:
1 Month
This REVISED (5/4/2011)14 page posting offers a chronological order of lessons, by quarter, to teach beginning journalism students the basic conc...
Throughout history, humans have shown their ability to be inhumane. If contemporary adolescents are to learn about and gain an understanding abou...
Subject:
Duration:
1 Month
This unit is 54 pages of engaging and thought-provoking activities. Like all of my other units, it offers Common Core standards, a time frame fo...
Subject:
Level(s):
Duration:
1 Month
This 16 slide PowerPoint compliments my Into the Wild Unit Plan, also sold on this site. The REVISED (4/5/2011)presentation includes summaries a...
Subject:
Duration:
40 Minutes
This thought-provoking unit includes 15 handouts, covering the main elements of literature, background information on George Orwell, the Bolshevi...
Subject:
Duration:
1 Month
This is a bundled set of 32 SAT vocabulary lists with accompanying quizzes and answer keys. Each test is composed of a matching segment (15 words...
Subject:
Level(s):
Duration:
1 Year
Aligned with the Common Core principles, this 67-page unit has been detailed and developed for clarity, depth, comprehension and analysis. It in...
Subject:
Level(s):
Duration:
1 Month
REVISED. This is a 100 point test on Maya Angelou's autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. It consists of multiple choice, character id...
Type:
Assessment
This 75 point tests students' comprehension of people and places in the book as well as their ability to analyze various concepts, ideas and them...
Subject:
Duration:
50 Minutes
When I first read this novel, it was because a colleague mentioned that her students loved it, so I thought that I'd try it with my seniors. They...
Subject:
Level(s):
Duration:
1 Month
Dear Colleagues:
For everyone who loved my Get R.E.A.L. REINFORCING ELEMENTS for ANALYZING LITERATURE product, and for those who missed it (yes, ...
Duration:
Lifelong Tool
During the study of various aspects of journalism (Facts vs. Fiction, interviewing and reporting, investigative reporting and journalism ethics),...
What invention would make your day and/or your life easier, safer, more productive, happier, etc? What invention would benefit the world? Your ...
Subject:
Duration:
N/A
This FREE worksheet now has more clarity and depth and includes a great quote about mob mentality from Bart Simpson. It offers questions for the ...
Subject:
Duration:
45 Minutes
Should educators tweet, "Good Bye" to proper paragraphs? Are these backbones of formal and informal writing becoming an endangered specie? Do st...
Subject:
Level(s):
Duration:
Lifelong Tool
NOTE: In August 2011,I revised this posting for margin issues and have deleted my name and the year from the pages.
This packet contains the syl...
Subject:
Duration:
1 Semester
This Common Core based unit plan is 53-pages. It contains day-by-day lesson plans, vocabulary, act-by-act study questions, 27 worksheets, as well...
Subject:
Duration:
1 Month
This 42-page unit plan is based on Common Core objectives and offers: A day-by-day teacher agenda,daily warm-up topics, a literary devices vocabu...
Subject:
Level(s):
Duration:
3 Weeks
This is a terrific project for students to complete after they have read a utopian/dystopian society novel. I use it after they have read A Handm...
Subject:
Duration:
3 Weeks
FEEDBACK
April Spence
super!
June 12, 2013
April Spence
Nice resource
June 12, 2013
ccmckee
What a time saver...thank you.
June 8, 2013
ccmckee
Loved this assignment.
June 8, 2013
ccmckee
I was able to translate this lesson into my Sociology class as well, since all the juniors and seniors had read this play.
June 8, 2013
myersk1
Thanks.
June 8, 2013
myersk1
Thanks.
June 8, 2013
myersk1
Great resource.
June 8, 2013
vbeatty
Some slides were hard to read. Good overall
June 2, 2013
michellej
Great idea for character development!
May 29, 2013
sholzberger
Great resource to use with any book/character. Thank you!
May 28, 2013
michellej
Excellent!
May 24, 2013
MichelleH
Super suggestions for what to do over the summer! Thanks.
May 21, 2013
sholzberger
I love this idea! Thank you for the creative resource!
May 21, 2013
Teachingisagift (TpT Seller)
Thank you so much for sharing this. I have been wanting to use something like this with my classes. I cobbled together something this year, but really wanted to improve upon it. You have taken that task out my hands, and I am grateful! Your generousity is much appreciated.
Sidney
Sidney
May 20, 2013
mtguy2000
Love this! Thanks for sharing!
May 15, 2013
jenprofeta
Great to use after summer reading assignment.
May 12, 2013
jenprofeta
Very helpful.
May 12, 2013
naontah
So helpful!
May 9, 2013
Deborah Aughey (TpT Seller)
I used the matching vocabulary for a sub lesson. It worked well!
May 3, 2013
kfreedman13
Just right! Perfect balance between comprehension and higher level questions.
May 2, 2013
hannae87
Downloaded as a PDF - Not good for altering/ adding to the exam.
May 2, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
I would be happy to send you a Word version. Send me your email address at conniecasserly@gmail.com and I will get this off to you ASAP. Thank you for your support,
Connie
Connie
May 2, 2013 
kransom
New at this Journalism thing, this is such a great resource. Thanks!
April 30, 2013
jcheatham22
I really like this!
April 30, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
Thank you so much. The book is awesome! The worksheets for the teacher will save time and be great data to show evaluators. The "Analyze This" quick evaluation to assess students' prior knowledge of the elements of fiction with its results sheet is a tremendous help to teachers and great data for evaluators.. The activities each have a detailed Teachers Notes page to help teachers figure out when, where and how to use that handout. You can order a soft cover copy or a digital copy through the publisher http://conniecasserly.weebly.com or a digital one through TpT. The publisher has a seller's account: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Compass-Publishing. Schools will get discounts for multiple copies. The Order page on the publishers website (not TpT) will give contact info:http://brigantinemedia.com/compass/?wpsc-product=the-house-of-comprehension
Thank you and Happy Teaching.
Connie
Thank you and Happy Teaching.
Connie
April 30, 2013
tkmamom
AWESOME!! Great time saver! Thank you!
April 24, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
Thank you. I had so much fun creating the sequel story and for some reason, the students seem to study more because of it. I also offer a $5.00 companion word cloud product where each word list has a word cloud (http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Vocabulary-Word-Clouds-for-SAT-Lists-1-32) and a FREE product:http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Vocabulary-31-Ideas-for-Teaching-Vocabulary. Thank you for your support.
Happy Teaching,
Connie
Happy Teaching,
Connie
April 30, 2013
ebelland
Great questions!
April 24, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
Thank you. I appreciate your support. I so love this book because I love Ms. Hurston's word pictures. Students like the gender and marriage issues.
Happy Teaching,
Connie
Happy Teaching,
Connie
April 30, 2013
Msdonaldson
Great!
April 22, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
Thank you. For some reason students seemed to have problems with the prepositional phrase issue. I was writing, "Don't end sentences with prepositions" so often I dreamed about making a stamp. Instead, I created this PowerPoint. It truly helped.
Happy Teaching,
Connie
Happy Teaching,
Connie
April 30, 2013
michellej
What a fun way to practice dialogue. Thanks!
April 18, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
Thank you. It truly is-especially with some of the hilarious character/setting combinations. Enjoy.
Happy Teaching,
Connie
Happy Teaching,
Connie
April 30, 2013
msgroicds
This really covers everything. Thank you for putting this together!
April 16, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
Thank you. Much appreciated. Enjoy. To correspond with this, I also sell A Canterbury Tales Introductory PowerPoint.
Happy Teaching,
Connie
Happy Teaching,
Connie
April 17, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
Thank you for the Follow! I absolutely love this product. It is so simple but creates such major results in students' writing. That's why my editor chose it to be included in my just released book, The House of Comprehension. This format is usually a part of most of my activity sheets, too. The more kids write, the more clearly, knowledgably and succinctly they'll express themselves.
Happy Teaching,
Connie
Happy Teaching,
Connie
April 17, 2013
erhone
Great resourse! I love the list of ways to write hook lines.
April 14, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
Thank you. I appreciate your supprt. For a great Free activity about writing hooks, check out my 3/21/13 blog, "Write Right-Reeling in Readers" on http://teachitwrite.blogspot.com
Happy Teaching,
Connie
Happy Teaching,
Connie
April 17, 2013
Dorie
This worked out really well with my 7th graders!
April 12, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
Fantastic! Maybe they could put together a class literary magazine with their poems. Each student could illustrate his/her poem, and you could have another staff member snap a picture of you all to include. What a great memory! Thank you for your support.
Happy Teaching,
Connie
Happy Teaching,
Connie
April 17, 2013
sacpokes34
This is one of my favorite things to do with my kiddos and you made it a lot easier! Thank you!
April 12, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
Thank you. Out of all of my research project ideas, this was one I thoroughly enjoyed as did the students. The reasons behind challenges and bans always surprised them and led to terrific discussions.
I appreciate your support.
Happy Teaching,
Connie
I appreciate your support.
Happy Teaching,
Connie
April 17, 2013
shreed
Love your resources..they really make my students THINK!!!
April 12, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
Thank you. Getting the students to think and not repeat others' thoughts is a major goal. I love the challenge when creating activities.
Happy Teaching,
Connie
Happy Teaching,
Connie
April 17, 2013
cmooresta
Thank you for your generous contribution. Can't wait to get started.
April 10, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
Thank you. I'm thrilled teachers are loving this unit that I so enjoyed creating.
Happy Teaching,
Connie
Happy Teaching,
Connie
April 17, 2013
naontah
THANKS
April 10, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
You are welcome. Thank you for your support.
Happy Teaching,
Connie
Happy Teaching,
Connie
April 17, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
You are welcome. Thank you for your support. I hope some of your students choose to dress their parts. That is always fun.
Happy Teaching,
Connie
Happy Teaching,
Connie
April 17, 2013
avaldes15
Thank you
April 7, 2013
Science Stuff (TpT Seller)
Thank you for sharing this wonderful resource with our fellow teachers!
April 7, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
You are very welcome. Thank you for the support.
Happy Teaching,
Connie
Happy Teaching,
Connie
April 17, 2013
shreed
What an amazing unit! Thanks for sharing!!!
April 7, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
Than you so much-for your compliments and support. Enjoy.
Happy Teaching,
Connie
Happy Teaching,
Connie
April 17, 2013
cardboardbox
A great resource thank you!
April 7, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
You are very welcome. I thoroughly enjoyed creating it, and am thrilled that teachers love it. Thank you or the support.
Happy teaching,
Connie
Happy teaching,
Connie
April 17, 2013
Tracee Orman (TpT Seller)
What a great (and timely!) activity for students. Thanks so much for sharing this with us, Connie! -Tracee
April 5, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
Thank you, Tracee. I cannot tell you how much your continual support means to me. Your students are blessed to have such an honestly compassionate and caring leader and innovator for their teacher.
Connie
Connie
April 17, 2013
schampagne
Great writing activity.
April 4, 2013
jettawoodall
Liked it!
April 1, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
Thank you. Coloring the parts of speech really helps students understand the purpose of each one as well as how each is used in a sentence. Enjoy.
Happy Teaching,
Connie
Happy Teaching,
Connie
April 17, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
Thank you. The students' inventions (often candy bars) we're always fun and well thought-out. This is a fun activity for students and teachers.
Happy Teaching,
Connie
Happy Teaching,
Connie
April 17, 2013
RM1230
Wonderful
March 24, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
Thank you. I appreciate your comment and your support. This really compliments the unit plan
Happy Teaching,
Connie
Happy Teaching,
Connie
April 17, 2013
dqchocho
good tool
March 16, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
Thank you. I always enjoyed the students' responses to the second part of the quizzes because it wasn't what they expected. Once they realized it was a story, their quiz errors really dropped away I think this is because the story hooked their interest. Enjoy.
Happy Teaching,
Connie
Happy Teaching,
Connie
April 17, 2013
Ask Connie a question. They will receive an automated email and will return to answer you as soon as possible.
Please Login to ask your question.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:
rgmsmmun
Connie, I love your curriculums. Thank you for sharing these great resources. I'm a mom of three using the summer to keep my kids reading, thinking, and writing (using "I am the Messenger" and "Animal Farm" for my 16 and 14 year old girls. But, I have a 12 year old son who is bright, but unmotivated. Which of your products would you suggest to would help develop the same type of critical thinking skill? I'm not a teacher so I'm just not sure where to start. Thank you. N~
June 17, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
Thank you so much for your positive comments. I absolutely love creating curriculum. What about Night for your 12-year-old? I do hesitate to mention the book about Elie Wiesel's concentration camp experiences, but I know that a number of sixth grade teachers have taught it successfully with my unit plan b/c they wrote me about their experiences. If you are not familiar with it, though, it is a tough book to read emotionally.
Oh, I just thought about Friday Night Lights (the original book...not the movie or TV show) or The Odyssey. I know the latter is taught in middle school.
Also, if you want them to practice reading comprehension, writing grammar and vocabulary skills, check out my 32 FREE products here on TpT or in my blog: http://teachitwrite.blogspot.com. My posts give more depth to the coordinating activities. Also I have a PowerPoint for I Am The messenger (I love, love, love Markus Zusak's way with words!).
Thank you so much for your support,
Connie
Oh, I just thought about Friday Night Lights (the original book...not the movie or TV show) or The Odyssey. I know the latter is taught in middle school.
Also, if you want them to practice reading comprehension, writing grammar and vocabulary skills, check out my 32 FREE products here on TpT or in my blog: http://teachitwrite.blogspot.com. My posts give more depth to the coordinating activities. Also I have a PowerPoint for I Am The messenger (I love, love, love Markus Zusak's way with words!).
Thank you so much for your support,
Connie
June 17, 2013
Tanya Sanchez (TpT Seller) re: Vocabulary: Words, Words, Words
Can you tell me why your document asks for "encoding" in order to see it? I have Microsoft Windows. I am able to see other PDF files. I don't get it. Am i missing something?
June 11, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
Tanya,
I just went to that page in my store and downloaded it without any problem. I also clicked on the TpT link I have on my 6/6/2013 blog, and it downloaded fine. I don't know what to say. Try clicking on the Contact US on the bottom of this page and explain your issue to the tech folks, or send me your email address at conniecasserly@gmail.com and I will be happy to send it to you.
I just went to that page in my store and downloaded it without any problem. I also clicked on the TpT link I have on my 6/6/2013 blog, and it downloaded fine. I don't know what to say. Try clicking on the Contact US on the bottom of this page and explain your issue to the tech folks, or send me your email address at conniecasserly@gmail.com and I will be happy to send it to you.
June 11, 2013
Catherine Hall (TpT Seller) re: The Stranger Unit Plan
I was just curious if you used all of the activities from page 35-47 at certain points in the novel or all at the end?
Thanks so much for the unit. It is so great!
Thanks so much for the unit. It is so great!
May 14, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
Catherine,
I have used them all during different years, but time constraints never allowed me to use all of them each year (Big sigh. I sure wish that they did). I selected which activities to use depending on which elements I wanted to study in depth, as well as my students' skills and abilities. Often, those that I didn't have students complete in writing were touched on in our discussions. When a student(s) needed more reinforcement on an element, I would give it to him/her to complete with me in before or after school work sessions. In my units, I try to offer a number of choices so teachers can pick and choose what suits their students' needs. If you want to chat about this some more, let me know. Thank you for your purchase and support. Enjoy teaching this fascinating novel.
Happy Teaching,
Connie
I have used them all during different years, but time constraints never allowed me to use all of them each year (Big sigh. I sure wish that they did). I selected which activities to use depending on which elements I wanted to study in depth, as well as my students' skills and abilities. Often, those that I didn't have students complete in writing were touched on in our discussions. When a student(s) needed more reinforcement on an element, I would give it to him/her to complete with me in before or after school work sessions. In my units, I try to offer a number of choices so teachers can pick and choose what suits their students' needs. If you want to chat about this some more, let me know. Thank you for your purchase and support. Enjoy teaching this fascinating novel.
Happy Teaching,
Connie
May 14, 2013
Ruth S. (TpT Seller)
Hi Connie! It took me time to figure it all out because I was doing the same thing you are. Don't worry about the pins that are already "out there". You'll never find them. I'd just start little by little. Pinterest is the biggest draw to my TpT store. My sales have increased five time from what they were. Yes, right after you upload your pin, you'll see EDIT at the top. Click on that. Have the product open in TpT to the product so the URL will be for the product, not for your store. Copy/paste the URL into that box. Don't drag and drop it because Pinterest won't accept it. I'm so glad I noticed it and could help! :) Before I pin anything I make sure it goes to the site it supposed to. Have a great weekend!
April 26, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
Thanks, Ruth. I plan to work on that this morning. Have a great weekend.
Connie
Connie
April 27, 2013
Ruth S. (TpT Seller)
Hi Connie, I created a new Secondary Pinterest board and found some of your products in Top Secondary Teachers. I always check to make sure the pins take me to the teacher's TpT store. Some of yours don't and they're wonderful products. When I click on them, they only enlarge your pin. I sometimes forget to click EDIT to add my TpT store URL and have found them the same as yours. Just an enlargement. I can't remember the titles off hand because I've been pinning a lot to my new Secondary board. I thought you'd want to know about it. I'll check back in Top Secondary Teachers and if they have the URL's to your store, I'll repin them for you. Have a great weekend!
Ruth
Ruth
April 26, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
Thanks, Ruth. I didn't know about clicking Edit to add my store. That means all of my pins are wrong. AAAGGGHHH! Do you mean that after I Add a pin, I should go to Edit and put the TpT URL in the Link space? Geesh! Thank you so much for the heads up, my friend.
Connie
Connie
April 26, 2013
Crystal Scott (TpT Seller)
Hello, again, Connie!
I was wondering where the materials for Effective News Stories can be found? I see them listed in the Whole Course materials, but cannot find them in your store.
Thanks again!
Crystal
I was wondering where the materials for Effective News Stories can be found? I see them listed in the Whole Course materials, but cannot find them in your store.
Thanks again!
Crystal
April 1, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
Crystal,
Thank you for your question. I can see where the mention on the Whole Course and Lessons product does not match with the place you will find this activity. I apologize. You will find it in the "Journalism: Analyzing Newspaper Leads and Articles Worksheets" posting. This product includes: a Journalism 1 Syllabus, and handouts for analyzing and writing- Effective Leads, News, Features, Editorials, Sports and Review articles. I hope that this clarifies this issue for you.
Thank you for your support. Enjoy these products.
Connie
Thank you for your question. I can see where the mention on the Whole Course and Lessons product does not match with the place you will find this activity. I apologize. You will find it in the "Journalism: Analyzing Newspaper Leads and Articles Worksheets" posting. This product includes: a Journalism 1 Syllabus, and handouts for analyzing and writing- Effective Leads, News, Features, Editorials, Sports and Review articles. I hope that this clarifies this issue for you.
Thank you for your support. Enjoy these products.
Connie
April 2, 2013
Crystal Scott (TpT Seller) re: Journalism 1 Whole Course Lessons and Worksheets
Hi Connie!
This looks like a great unit. I have a couple questions before I purchase, though.
I am going to be teaching two sections of mixed 9th/10th grade English at an alternative charter high school and have decided to do a journalism unit for it. You have a lot of piecemeal lesson plans on your store page as well as this comprehensive unit plan - which of he piecemeal lessons are and aren't included in the comprehensive unit? (I'd like to just purchase them all at once so I can go to my school to print them out at the same time.)
Are the common core standards attached to each one?
An earlier comment discussed some of the assignments/quizzes being focused on a text book. I don't use text books in my classroom - can these assignments/quizzes be done without one? I know your answer said that you designed the unit without your outdated text in mind, but the question asked definitely says there's a text being used, so I would like clarification before I buy the unit. A unit using a text would not work for me at all.
Finally, I was wondering if you had any lessons on editorials/opinion pieces or writing the types of articles that might be included in a magazine rather than a newspaper, or would know where to point me for those. I may include lessons on that type of writing as well, and need to find some good lesson plans for those.
Thank you very much for taking the time to respond.
Best,
Crystal
This looks like a great unit. I have a couple questions before I purchase, though.
I am going to be teaching two sections of mixed 9th/10th grade English at an alternative charter high school and have decided to do a journalism unit for it. You have a lot of piecemeal lesson plans on your store page as well as this comprehensive unit plan - which of he piecemeal lessons are and aren't included in the comprehensive unit? (I'd like to just purchase them all at once so I can go to my school to print them out at the same time.)
Are the common core standards attached to each one?
An earlier comment discussed some of the assignments/quizzes being focused on a text book. I don't use text books in my classroom - can these assignments/quizzes be done without one? I know your answer said that you designed the unit without your outdated text in mind, but the question asked definitely says there's a text being used, so I would like clarification before I buy the unit. A unit using a text would not work for me at all.
Finally, I was wondering if you had any lessons on editorials/opinion pieces or writing the types of articles that might be included in a magazine rather than a newspaper, or would know where to point me for those. I may include lessons on that type of writing as well, and need to find some good lesson plans for those.
Thank you very much for taking the time to respond.
Best,
Crystal
March 18, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
Hi, Crystal,
How exciting to be adding a journalism unit to your 9th/10th grade classes. My Journalism products are designed for those teaching full year Journalism classes that published a school newspaper, but I see no reason why you can't just complete a unit. Who knows, maybe these students will want to create a class newspaper. I taught in a number of alternative schools before regular public schools, so I know how important it is for these kids to develop confidence in themselves and their abilities. That's why I suggested a class newspaper. Adolescents LOVE to see their names in print, especially for something they wrote/created.
Now, back to your questions: The Journalism 1 Whole Course lessons and worksheets would be a great place to start. When you read it through, you will see what lessons should be your focus. My suggestions are: Leads, types of articles (News, features, sports, editorials, and reviews). The Analyzing Newspaper Leads and Articles product would be great for this. That product also includes a Syllabus, so that should be a big help to you. The Journalism Beat Sheet would help you organize the kids so everyone isn't covering the same activity, club, sport, etc for stories. The Reporting Practice product offers scenarios where the kids take roles for various participants in a variety of situations so they can practice getting the material they need for a story. The Fact-Finding Scavenger Hunt has students searching for various information. The objective is for them to figure out where and how to find the details they need for a well-developed article.
Any of the movies about Journalism are wonderful learning vehicles, but not necessary unless you have the time. I do offer worksheets with them so students do need to pay attention to the films. The Ethics Scavenger Hunt might be a little dry. I created this b/c I did sponsor the school newspaper and the staff needed to be aware of what was and wasn't acceptable in reporting.
None of the materials overlap. No, I didn't have a book when I created these materials, but was able to buy one after 4-5 years: High School Journalism: A Practical Guide by Jim Streisel. Therefore, I created these materials to be used w/o a book. If you manage to get a text, I'm sure that you will be able to easily adapt my materials.
I never gave any quizzes based on a book. The journalism vocabulary list and quiz to go with it are in the Whole Course product. You could always use the Analysis sheets for quiz grades if you wish.
No, these are not Common Core aligned b/c I created them before the CC existed. From just reviewing the College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Writing, though, I would think that all except #9 (unless the kids will be writing about literature you are studying) and #7 (unless they will be writing investigative pieces) will do for this unit. Language Standards #1, 2, 3, and 5 would be your best bets, and for Reading I'd go with # 4, 5, 6, and 8.
I hope that this helps. Let me know if I can clarify anything else for you. I want my products to work for you, and I want you and your students to have a fun, learning situation.
Best,
Connie
How exciting to be adding a journalism unit to your 9th/10th grade classes. My Journalism products are designed for those teaching full year Journalism classes that published a school newspaper, but I see no reason why you can't just complete a unit. Who knows, maybe these students will want to create a class newspaper. I taught in a number of alternative schools before regular public schools, so I know how important it is for these kids to develop confidence in themselves and their abilities. That's why I suggested a class newspaper. Adolescents LOVE to see their names in print, especially for something they wrote/created.
Now, back to your questions: The Journalism 1 Whole Course lessons and worksheets would be a great place to start. When you read it through, you will see what lessons should be your focus. My suggestions are: Leads, types of articles (News, features, sports, editorials, and reviews). The Analyzing Newspaper Leads and Articles product would be great for this. That product also includes a Syllabus, so that should be a big help to you. The Journalism Beat Sheet would help you organize the kids so everyone isn't covering the same activity, club, sport, etc for stories. The Reporting Practice product offers scenarios where the kids take roles for various participants in a variety of situations so they can practice getting the material they need for a story. The Fact-Finding Scavenger Hunt has students searching for various information. The objective is for them to figure out where and how to find the details they need for a well-developed article.
Any of the movies about Journalism are wonderful learning vehicles, but not necessary unless you have the time. I do offer worksheets with them so students do need to pay attention to the films. The Ethics Scavenger Hunt might be a little dry. I created this b/c I did sponsor the school newspaper and the staff needed to be aware of what was and wasn't acceptable in reporting.
None of the materials overlap. No, I didn't have a book when I created these materials, but was able to buy one after 4-5 years: High School Journalism: A Practical Guide by Jim Streisel. Therefore, I created these materials to be used w/o a book. If you manage to get a text, I'm sure that you will be able to easily adapt my materials.
I never gave any quizzes based on a book. The journalism vocabulary list and quiz to go with it are in the Whole Course product. You could always use the Analysis sheets for quiz grades if you wish.
No, these are not Common Core aligned b/c I created them before the CC existed. From just reviewing the College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Writing, though, I would think that all except #9 (unless the kids will be writing about literature you are studying) and #7 (unless they will be writing investigative pieces) will do for this unit. Language Standards #1, 2, 3, and 5 would be your best bets, and for Reading I'd go with # 4, 5, 6, and 8.
I hope that this helps. Let me know if I can clarify anything else for you. I want my products to work for you, and I want you and your students to have a fun, learning situation.
Best,
Connie
March 18, 2013
bcp524 re: The Stranger Unit Plan
Do all of these packets come with and answer key?
March 14, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
If you mean the Unit Plans, yes, they do. Quizzes, tests and some of the study questions have answer keys as do other parts of the plans. Each unit is different, so the answer keys vary. You will find them either at the very beginning, or at the very end of each packet. For The Stranger, the answer keys can be found on pages 1-3. Thank you for your purchase. Enjoy the unit.
Best,
Connie
Best,
Connie
March 14, 2013
catherina park park (TpT Seller) re: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest Unit Plan
Is there any way you can provide this unit in a word version? Thanks.
March 8, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
If you mean not in PDF, yes I can. Is there a problem with the PDF? Send me your email address along with the date you purchased this unit and I will be happy to send it to you. Thanks for buying it. I love teaching this novel and kids respond quite enthusiastically to it.
Connie
Connie
March 9, 2013
Tracy Mendez (TpT Seller)
Just now found this page with all your units. I teach 6th grade and am looking for lesson plans that show the activity and the common core standards. Listing the key topic/question would be nice too. Do you know about Quadrants A-D?
Before I sort through all these units want to check that you do have some for 6th grade and that CC is clearly matched. Any suggestions on where to start?
Before I sort through all these units want to check that you do have some for 6th grade and that CC is clearly matched. Any suggestions on where to start?
February 4, 2013
Connie (TpT Seller)
If you are looking for more Common Core aligned plans, check out my just released book for teachers, The House of Comprehension. It is a program for those who teach ELA 6-9 and shows how to help students buid durable houses of comprehension. Besides a great any charts for teachers to assess and plan, it offers 40 activity sheets for each of the elements of literature. http://conniecasserly.weebly.com or teacherspayteachers/Store/Compass-Publishing. You can see a preview for it on my TpT store home page.
Best,
Connie
I am so happy that you are interested in my literature units. Not only is each one quite detailed with plenty of thought-provoking activities, but I taught each one in class many times, tweaking and revising it, if necessary, for teacher/student clarity and depth after each study. Each unit does list the Common Core Standards endemic to that unit, and each packet offers a number of topic question-type openers, exit topics, essay topics lists...numerable writing opportunities... you can use them in whatever way best serves your students.
I am not familiar with the Quadrants A-D principles unless you are talking about Right/Left/Whole brain learning. If the latter is the case, each unit contains activities that address this concept, allowing students multiple opportunities to exhibit right/left/whole brain skills. The units also address visual, auditory and kinesthetic learners.
Because my plans can fit multiple middle and high school classes, I have used the Common Core Standards for Literature (6-12): College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards. Each standard that I list corresponds with a grade-specific number. Because of the repetition of the wording between the standards, The Anchor Standards condense the information, i.e. R1 is a reduced version of RL1 and RI1.
For 6th grade, I would suggest my free Odyssey unit, as well as Animal Farm and Friday Night Lights. A number of teachers have bought my Night unit, but I feel that study would call for students mature enough to handle the tough subject material. Those that bought it for that age level found it to be as successful as my other unit plans.
I do hope that my response has addressed your concerns. If not, please write me back and specify how I may help you. Whatever unit(s) you choose to use, enjoy.
Best,
Connie
Best,
Connie
I am so happy that you are interested in my literature units. Not only is each one quite detailed with plenty of thought-provoking activities, but I taught each one in class many times, tweaking and revising it, if necessary, for teacher/student clarity and depth after each study. Each unit does list the Common Core Standards endemic to that unit, and each packet offers a number of topic question-type openers, exit topics, essay topics lists...numerable writing opportunities... you can use them in whatever way best serves your students.
I am not familiar with the Quadrants A-D principles unless you are talking about Right/Left/Whole brain learning. If the latter is the case, each unit contains activities that address this concept, allowing students multiple opportunities to exhibit right/left/whole brain skills. The units also address visual, auditory and kinesthetic learners.
Because my plans can fit multiple middle and high school classes, I have used the Common Core Standards for Literature (6-12): College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards. Each standard that I list corresponds with a grade-specific number. Because of the repetition of the wording between the standards, The Anchor Standards condense the information, i.e. R1 is a reduced version of RL1 and RI1.
For 6th grade, I would suggest my free Odyssey unit, as well as Animal Farm and Friday Night Lights. A number of teachers have bought my Night unit, but I feel that study would call for students mature enough to handle the tough subject material. Those that bought it for that age level found it to be as successful as my other unit plans.
I do hope that my response has addressed your concerns. If not, please write me back and specify how I may help you. Whatever unit(s) you choose to use, enjoy.
Best,
Connie
February 5, 2013
darjo
Connie I wanted to get back to you about the Unit Night be in another language. I called the HP support and I was finally able to get the unit in English. Also, the support team you use also got back to me. Problem all taken care of.
Darlene
Darlene
December 31, 2012
Connie (TpT Seller)
Darlene,
I am so happy that this issue has been resolved. This is one of my best-selling units and as I had never confronted this issue before with it or any posting. I was stymied as to what I could do to help. I am thrilled that the TpT tech team contacted you,too. I asked them to intercede for me after I responded to you on Saturday. Do enjoy the unit! Thank you for your purchase and your patience in resolving this.
Best,
Connie
I am so happy that this issue has been resolved. This is one of my best-selling units and as I had never confronted this issue before with it or any posting. I was stymied as to what I could do to help. I am thrilled that the TpT tech team contacted you,too. I asked them to intercede for me after I responded to you on Saturday. Do enjoy the unit! Thank you for your purchase and your patience in resolving this.
Best,
Connie
December 31, 2012
darjo re: Night (Elie Wiesel): Unit Plan
I tried to download the Night Unit Plan again and it is still in a different language. Please reimburse my money as I can't use this unit plan.
December 29, 2012
Connie (TpT Seller)
PLEASE contact the TpT tech team. When I received your last message I contActed them and told them that I asked you to contact them. they said that I did offered the correct suggestion. They also told me that the Night unit was in English. I truly want you to be happy and to get a refund if need be. Only the tech team can help you with either of these issues. You will find the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of any TpT page.
As I said in my 12/10 response to your original question, if you send me your email address, I will be more than happy to send you the Night Unit Plan. Write me at: conniec0548@hotmail.com and put
Night Unit Plan in the Topic box. I will reply the same day.
Connie
As I said in my 12/10 response to your original question, if you send me your email address, I will be more than happy to send you the Night Unit Plan. Write me at: conniec0548@hotmail.com and put
Night Unit Plan in the Topic box. I will reply the same day.
Connie
December 29, 2012
Robinlopez re: Othello Unit Plan
I'm looking for a unit for a 10 honors class that has a lot of higher level thinking writing and discussion questions. Do you feel that this is included in your unit, or would it be more geared toward a basic college prep class? How much differentiation is worked into your lessons? How many lessons are included in this unit?
December 28, 2012
Connie (TpT Seller)
Robin,
Your question spurred me to update my Othello unit and add a number of new activities that I meant to but hadn't included yet in this posting. I thank you for motivating me to make these long-intended revisions.
I feel that this unit will suit your needs for an Honors 10 class for many reasons, one being that Honors 10 teachers at my last teaching post did ask me if they could use much of this material. More has been added as per their suggestions. This 25-page unit has 8 activities (handouts) as well as 11 teaching ideas to engage students individually or in groups, and a comprehensive test. Two project ideas are also included. Ten more project ideas are offered under the Othello Projects posting.
I always try to work in a good deal of differentiation in my units because all of the years I taught, my classes were quite heterogeneous, comprised of students whose abilities ranged from those who were taking Honors or AP classes (science, math, language) in most everything but English, to students on a much more basic level. The depth of thinking, comprehension and writing skills is fluid, dependent on the objectives of the teacher and the abilities of the students.
Check out the Thumbprints and the Preview; they should allay your concerns as much as they can, considering you aren't seeing the complete unit. Please let me know if I can clarify anything else for you.
This is a comprehensive unit that should fit your needs.
Best,
Connie
Your question spurred me to update my Othello unit and add a number of new activities that I meant to but hadn't included yet in this posting. I thank you for motivating me to make these long-intended revisions.
I feel that this unit will suit your needs for an Honors 10 class for many reasons, one being that Honors 10 teachers at my last teaching post did ask me if they could use much of this material. More has been added as per their suggestions. This 25-page unit has 8 activities (handouts) as well as 11 teaching ideas to engage students individually or in groups, and a comprehensive test. Two project ideas are also included. Ten more project ideas are offered under the Othello Projects posting.
I always try to work in a good deal of differentiation in my units because all of the years I taught, my classes were quite heterogeneous, comprised of students whose abilities ranged from those who were taking Honors or AP classes (science, math, language) in most everything but English, to students on a much more basic level. The depth of thinking, comprehension and writing skills is fluid, dependent on the objectives of the teacher and the abilities of the students.
Check out the Thumbprints and the Preview; they should allay your concerns as much as they can, considering you aren't seeing the complete unit. Please let me know if I can clarify anything else for you.
This is a comprehensive unit that should fit your needs.
Best,
Connie
December 29, 2012
moxyfyrecracker
Hi Mrs. Casserly!
I saw you spotlighted on the TpT homepage today and had to write you a reply! You were my 10th grade Creative Writing and English teacher! I have been a teacher myself for the past 5 years (I teach 6th Grade Advanced Academics) and use TpT regularly! I hope you're doing well! You were always my favorite teacher in high school! ~Angela
I saw you spotlighted on the TpT homepage today and had to write you a reply! You were my 10th grade Creative Writing and English teacher! I have been a teacher myself for the past 5 years (I teach 6th Grade Advanced Academics) and use TpT regularly! I hope you're doing well! You were always my favorite teacher in high school! ~Angela
December 18, 2012
Connie (TpT Seller)
Angela,
Thank you so much for writing me. Also, congratulations on joining this most noble profession. I hope you find some of my products useful (Tell your colleagues about my store, please). In March of 2013, I have book for English teachers, The House of Comprehension, coming out. My hope is that it will benefit middle school teachers and students, and will carry the message that learning is fun.
Best to you in your career,
Connie Casserly
Thank you so much for writing me. Also, congratulations on joining this most noble profession. I hope you find some of my products useful (Tell your colleagues about my store, please). In March of 2013, I have book for English teachers, The House of Comprehension, coming out. My hope is that it will benefit middle school teachers and students, and will carry the message that learning is fun.
Best to you in your career,
Connie Casserly
December 18, 2012
darjo
I paid for the Unit Night and downloaded it and it was in a different language. Please email me an attachment in English.
December 10, 2012
Connie (TpT Seller)
darjo,
I responded to this same message from you under the Ratings and Comments tab. Here is what I wrote:
I just downloaded the Night Unit Plan from my store. It was in English. I have absolutely no clue why yours was in another language. This has NEVER happened before and this is one of my top selling units. Please contact Paul on this site under the Contact Us button. Let me know if this is not rectified ASAP and I will email you a copy. You'll have to send me your email address and when you purchased this product. I want you to have a usable product, too.
Best,
Connie
December 10, 2012 (Edit)
I also sent a message to Paul's tech team under the Contact Us tab. We should figure this out soon. On my Transaction page, I saw that you bought this product. You will have to send me your email address so I can send you a copy. I never see the buyers' email addresses.
Connie
I responded to this same message from you under the Ratings and Comments tab. Here is what I wrote:
I just downloaded the Night Unit Plan from my store. It was in English. I have absolutely no clue why yours was in another language. This has NEVER happened before and this is one of my top selling units. Please contact Paul on this site under the Contact Us button. Let me know if this is not rectified ASAP and I will email you a copy. You'll have to send me your email address and when you purchased this product. I want you to have a usable product, too.
Best,
Connie
December 10, 2012 (Edit)
I also sent a message to Paul's tech team under the Contact Us tab. We should figure this out soon. On my Transaction page, I saw that you bought this product. You will have to send me your email address so I can send you a copy. I never see the buyers' email addresses.
Connie
December 10, 2012
crazyjaney
Connie- I teach high level 7th and low level 8th grade Language Arts. I will probably purchase your 100 page pack with things for Common Core. Would you have anything I can use for a packet to send home for Christmas break. I thinking a review of basic ediitng and revising and reading comp things?
December 1, 2012
Connie (TpT Seller)
Janey,
Are you talking about the Language Arts Worksheets: Get R.E.A.L., at least I hope so as you can choose any number of worksheets from this product to create a packet that addresses basic editing, revising and comprehension issues. I LOVE Get R.E.A.L.!
Here are a few suggestions:
1. Under the Analytic Writing Section (pgs 110-121) you can choose a number of these worksheets for basic writing issues. The Ten-Sentence Format (86A Short essay p. 115) product has students practice writing by following the typical paragraph format which they can easily expand into an essay once they have control of the basic paragraph elements. In this format they compose responses to literature by writing: a hook, an overview statement, a thesis statement, three main ideas, each with a supporting detail and a concluding statement. Once students have mastered this format, they can see how they can expand this into a full essay by dividing some of their main ideas into more main ideas, and by adding supporting details to each main idea. This activity really reinforces the parts of a paragraph and the parts of an essay. The Write Right! Analytic Writing Made Easy (pg. 110-112) and Essay Outline (p. 113) are good handouts for students to keep in their notebooks for review so they can refer to them all year.
2. The Hook it Up activity (p.118) has students practice luring readers to their writing through their mind-catching first sentences, or hooks.
3. The Taboo Words and Phrases (p.119) is a standard first day of school handout. It offers the Dirty Dozen: 12 overused, empty words and phrases students need to omit from their writing. The worksheets for this product (p. 120-121) allow students to practice revising their writing to irradicate these words/phrases over a fifteen day period. I LOVE this handout and the activities. Even if students do nothing more than get rid of this trite usage (but they will do more, of course), their writing will greatly improve.
4. For comprehension any of the worksheets of your choosing will do as they have students analyze their reading by focusing on the elements of literature. Writing is an integral component of most of these activities; the three journal ideas and the novel review activities especially combine writing and comprehension by focusing on all of the elements of lit.
You will easily be able to choose which Common Core Standards for Literature 6-9 you want to apply to each worksheet. The worksheets are based on the following College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards generally, although you will see how you might need to choose some more grade and skill-specific standards.
Reading: R1, 2, 3, 8,10
Writing: W 1, 2, 4, 5, 10
Speaking and Listening: SL12, 3, 4,
Language: L 1, 2, 3, 6
I hope this answers your question. If not, if you are asking if I have other products, I do. An easy way to peruse my products is to go to http://teachitwrite.com/EnglishLanguageartslessonplans.php (my website) and click on the white tabs on the left. They should (I hope) link to my TpT store.
If you have any other concerns, please contact me. I have many more handouts for writing and comprehension that I have not posted as I feel they are generally good, but need some clarity and revision. I do have a few free products on my http://teachitwrite.com/TeachingEnglish.php page in the Free Lesson Plans link on the left.
Best,
Connie
Are you talking about the Language Arts Worksheets: Get R.E.A.L., at least I hope so as you can choose any number of worksheets from this product to create a packet that addresses basic editing, revising and comprehension issues. I LOVE Get R.E.A.L.!
Here are a few suggestions:
1. Under the Analytic Writing Section (pgs 110-121) you can choose a number of these worksheets for basic writing issues. The Ten-Sentence Format (86A Short essay p. 115) product has students practice writing by following the typical paragraph format which they can easily expand into an essay once they have control of the basic paragraph elements. In this format they compose responses to literature by writing: a hook, an overview statement, a thesis statement, three main ideas, each with a supporting detail and a concluding statement. Once students have mastered this format, they can see how they can expand this into a full essay by dividing some of their main ideas into more main ideas, and by adding supporting details to each main idea. This activity really reinforces the parts of a paragraph and the parts of an essay. The Write Right! Analytic Writing Made Easy (pg. 110-112) and Essay Outline (p. 113) are good handouts for students to keep in their notebooks for review so they can refer to them all year.
2. The Hook it Up activity (p.118) has students practice luring readers to their writing through their mind-catching first sentences, or hooks.
3. The Taboo Words and Phrases (p.119) is a standard first day of school handout. It offers the Dirty Dozen: 12 overused, empty words and phrases students need to omit from their writing. The worksheets for this product (p. 120-121) allow students to practice revising their writing to irradicate these words/phrases over a fifteen day period. I LOVE this handout and the activities. Even if students do nothing more than get rid of this trite usage (but they will do more, of course), their writing will greatly improve.
4. For comprehension any of the worksheets of your choosing will do as they have students analyze their reading by focusing on the elements of literature. Writing is an integral component of most of these activities; the three journal ideas and the novel review activities especially combine writing and comprehension by focusing on all of the elements of lit.
You will easily be able to choose which Common Core Standards for Literature 6-9 you want to apply to each worksheet. The worksheets are based on the following College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards generally, although you will see how you might need to choose some more grade and skill-specific standards.
Reading: R1, 2, 3, 8,10
Writing: W 1, 2, 4, 5, 10
Speaking and Listening: SL12, 3, 4,
Language: L 1, 2, 3, 6
I hope this answers your question. If not, if you are asking if I have other products, I do. An easy way to peruse my products is to go to http://teachitwrite.com/EnglishLanguageartslessonplans.php (my website) and click on the white tabs on the left. They should (I hope) link to my TpT store.
If you have any other concerns, please contact me. I have many more handouts for writing and comprehension that I have not posted as I feel they are generally good, but need some clarity and revision. I do have a few free products on my http://teachitwrite.com/TeachingEnglish.php page in the Free Lesson Plans link on the left.
Best,
Connie
December 1, 2012
MB11 (TpT Seller) re: The Stranger: Existentialism Bulletin Board
Hi! Are you resources on The Stranger all in English or are they in French as well?
Merci!
Merci!
November 18, 2012
Connie (TpT Seller)
They are just in English. I wish that I was fluent in French, but it has been many, many years since my four semesters of high school French. I hope that you will still find this material useful. I do know that there is a site on the Internet that will translate any text into your choice of language. You will have to type in the text. Go to Google Translator or search for an English to French translator on line. Save yourself some time and offer extra credit or something to students who will do this for you. :-) Thank you for purchasing this product.
Best,
Connie
Best,
Connie
November 18, 2012
Donna Hooten re: Journalism Article & Layout Rubric & Guidelines Printables
Are there worksheets that go with this package or is it just information?
October 24, 2012
Connie (TpT Seller)
First of all, thank you for purchasing this product. This is an informational packet for teachers and students who publish a school newspaper. It is meant to help the class organize their time, set criteria for articles and layouts and to offer a rubric for grading articles. After struggling through my first year of sponsoring our school's paper, I knew that the students and I had to set specific expectations and guidelines so articles and layouts would be consistent, to lessen the stress of putting together a publication, and to meet deadlines. These guidelines settled arguments between students about articles and layouts and banished many headaches for all of us.
The following postings include a number of of worksheets where students analyze what comprises journalism articles and practice writing leads and types of journalistic articles, i.e. News, Features, Sports, Reviews and Editorials.
Analyzing Newspaper Leads and Articles Worksheets
Whole Course Lessons and Worksheets, and
Journalism Reporting Practice Worksheets
I hope this response helps.
Connie
The following postings include a number of of worksheets where students analyze what comprises journalism articles and practice writing leads and types of journalistic articles, i.e. News, Features, Sports, Reviews and Editorials.
Analyzing Newspaper Leads and Articles Worksheets
Whole Course Lessons and Worksheets, and
Journalism Reporting Practice Worksheets
I hope this response helps.
Connie
October 24, 2012
pintos re: I Am The Messenger Unit Plan
Is there an answer key for the test?
October 22, 2012
Connie (TpT Seller)
First of all, thank you for buying this unit plan. It is one of my favorites. Enjoy.
The Answer Keys to the Crossword Puzzle and the Test are on page 82; the Answer Keys to the two Concentration Games are on page 83.
Connie
The Answer Keys to the Crossword Puzzle and the Test are on page 82; the Answer Keys to the two Concentration Games are on page 83.
Connie
October 22, 2012
Katie O (TpT Seller) re: Language Arts: Writing-Taboo Words and Phrases
Okay, thank you for such a timely respose. I look forward to using this.
October 15, 2012
Katie O (TpT Seller) re: Language Arts: Writing-Taboo Words and Phrases
Do you have a list of replacement words? I purchased this and would like to have examples to pull from.
October 15, 2012
Connie (TpT Seller)
No, I don't have a replacement list b/c the worksheet that comes with this product allows students to find the words they choose to use. As a class, we would have Mental Stretches lessons (5-10 minutes) where I would call out an emotion or an emotion-guided situation for the verbs (#3-7)and then have the students write a sentence replacing the Taboo verb. This helped them to pick words that showed how the subjects' actions and emotions meshed. Check out the lessons on the worksheet for ways students can find replacements and how to revise sentence structures that suit them and their style of writing as they remove the Taboo words.
Thank you for purchasing this product. I have students email me from college and ask me to send them another Taboo sheet.
Connie
Thank you for purchasing this product. I have students email me from college and ask me to send them another Taboo sheet.
Connie
October 15, 2012
heatherevans1 re: I Am The Messenger Unit Plan
I can not save in my files. I would like to be able to print in color ... how does one do this.
I wanted to save and take it to Staples to be printed in color.
Is this possible?
heather
I wanted to save and take it to Staples to be printed in color.
Is this possible?
heather
October 11, 2012
Connie (TpT Seller)
Heather,
My original note is below, but here is a response I got from the TpT tech team:
Hi Connie,
Here's what I would tell her: A file is automatically saved to your computer upon download. There's no need to save it. The fact that you're opening it means you already have it saved.
Best,
Sally
I hope that these two responses help you out. Let me know if this file still doesn't work.
Connie
First of all, thank you for buying this product. I understand why you want it in color. Can you save it to a flash drive or a DVD? I am far, far from a techie-type person, so these are my only suggestions. When you say you can't Save in your files, do you mean on a school computer or your personal one? If you want to Download it at school, your tech person there could guide you. Another idea: Did you try contacting Paul under the Contact button on TpT? He or his tech people might have some suggestions. No one else has reported having a problem saving this file, and it is a good seller for me. Let me know if any of these ideas work. If they don't, contact me again and we can see what else we could do to make this work.
Best,
Connie
My original note is below, but here is a response I got from the TpT tech team:
Hi Connie,
Here's what I would tell her: A file is automatically saved to your computer upon download. There's no need to save it. The fact that you're opening it means you already have it saved.
Best,
Sally
I hope that these two responses help you out. Let me know if this file still doesn't work.
Connie
First of all, thank you for buying this product. I understand why you want it in color. Can you save it to a flash drive or a DVD? I am far, far from a techie-type person, so these are my only suggestions. When you say you can't Save in your files, do you mean on a school computer or your personal one? If you want to Download it at school, your tech person there could guide you. Another idea: Did you try contacting Paul under the Contact button on TpT? He or his tech people might have some suggestions. No one else has reported having a problem saving this file, and it is a good seller for me. Let me know if any of these ideas work. If they don't, contact me again and we can see what else we could do to make this work.
Best,
Connie
October 11, 2012
heatherevans1 re: I Am The Messenger Unit Plan
I can not save in my files. I would like to be able to print in color ... how does one do this.
I wanted to save and take it to Staples to be printed in color.
Is this possible?
heather
I wanted to save and take it to Staples to be printed in color.
Is this possible?
heather
October 11, 2012
jessieka11 re: Journalism 1 Whole Course Lessons and Worksheets
Do you have any lesson plans on Design/layout- just bought your other plans
thanks
thanks
October 9, 2012
Connie (TpT Seller)
Thank you for puchasing this product, Jessie. For design and layout, check:
Journalism Article & Layout Rubric & Guidelines Printables
Journalism: Analyzing Newspaper Leads and Articles Worksheets, and
Journalism: Reporting Practices Worksheets.
My HS uses InDesign for our layouts. I don't have anything else right now, because I didn't know what software teachers would have; my guidelines are rather generic, but truly organized the staff, kept them all following the same criteria for layout and insured that they met the deadlines. If you want to chat about your journalism concerns, email me at connie@teachitwrite.com. I'll respond with my regular email address. Put Journalism Concerns in the Topic Space. Also, check out the Journalism Lesson Plans tab on my website www.teachitwrite.com. I know that sponsoring the newspaper can be stressful. When I took over our school's paper in 2000, I had NOTHING from the previous teacher. I tweaked the products you are getting over and over until they worked for me. I hope they do the same for you.
Best,
Connie
Journalism Article & Layout Rubric & Guidelines Printables
Journalism: Analyzing Newspaper Leads and Articles Worksheets, and
Journalism: Reporting Practices Worksheets.
My HS uses InDesign for our layouts. I don't have anything else right now, because I didn't know what software teachers would have; my guidelines are rather generic, but truly organized the staff, kept them all following the same criteria for layout and insured that they met the deadlines. If you want to chat about your journalism concerns, email me at connie@teachitwrite.com. I'll respond with my regular email address. Put Journalism Concerns in the Topic Space. Also, check out the Journalism Lesson Plans tab on my website www.teachitwrite.com. I know that sponsoring the newspaper can be stressful. When I took over our school's paper in 2000, I had NOTHING from the previous teacher. I tweaked the products you are getting over and over until they worked for me. I hope they do the same for you.
Best,
Connie
October 10, 2012
samartine re: Journalism 1 Whole Course Lessons and Worksheets
Would it be possible to apply this for middle school? Is there something else available if isn't?
August 24, 2012
Connie (TpT Seller)
Sure. My J1 kids were always mainly 9th graders...fresh from Middle School. Any of my products would work for that level I.e. The Reporting Practice activity. Kids have a difficult time learning who to interview, how to interview and how to ferret out the facts they need. Shattered Glass would be a great movie to show them, too. I have an activity for it and for three other journalism-based movies. Thank you for purchasing this product. It should serve you well.
Connie
Connie
August 24, 2012
shoffner
Hi! I just purchased your creative writing syllabus. What is the warm-up Box? You also mention a list that follows your directions, but it's not included. Can you give me an idea about what it is? How do you incorporate poetry? How do you make is somewhat equitable in terms of a short story's length versus poetry?
August 13, 2012
Connie (TpT Seller)
Hello,
First of all, thank you for purchasing this product. Let me address your concerns:
1. The Warm-up Box is basically a collection of ideas for students to choose from if none of the warm-ups spoke to them. I began it by writing one idea each on a 3x5 card, i.e. an enaging 1st line from a novel, a word such as "bravery," "cowardice," etc; or an emotion. I also cut and pasted to cards headlines from factual or human interest newspaper stories, personal ads, help columns, etc. Also, I cut out pictures and photos of people, places and things that "told stories" and glued them to construction paper for durability. Basically, anything that might tease students' brains into a creative piece was included. Students could add their ideas to the box (I gave them extra-credit- 1 pt each up to 10 pts) and decorate the outside of it with pictures. magazine and newspaper headlines, photos, etc. One student glued a mirror to the top. I used an empty copy paper box. Keep adding to this all year (and save it for the next year).
2. The List: every quarter, I created a Warm-up topic list (25-30 ideas that would jog students' brains). I'm pasting one below (I really need to get all of these into a product!). Look under my Activities category for more creative writing ideas.
3. Some students always chose to write fiction, some narrative non-fiction, some poetry. My basic minimum guidelines were: 1000 words for prose and 50 lines (could be more than one poem) for poetry. The word length for poetry came from a colleague who was a published poet. He would tell me he spent an hour on one line when I explained how I wrote two pages in that length of time. The problem was, some students would just dash off a few lines without much thought to word choice, idea clarity, etc. During pre-final draft conferences, we would discuss how the poem worked and what poetic elements would strengthen the piece. Make Every Word Count, Paint Word Pictures, and Show, Don't Tell were our mottos.
I hope this clarified your concerns. Keep an eye out for more creative writing ideas. The List is below:
Creative Writing Warm-ups Quarter 3 WORD PICTURES
Describing Place:
1. Describe the place you are in now as objectively as possible, using nothing but the facts, sizes, shapes, smells, etc.
2. Do the same as number one for another place where you go often.
3. Describe another place that engenders a great deal of emotion in you (hate, love, fear, serenity, etc). Don’t mention the emotion; show it. In other words, if the place is frightening, don’t use the word frightening; describe the fear and how the place influences this feeling.
4. Choose yet another place to describe, this time including all or as many of the five senses that you can.
5. Describe a room in such a way as to give away the personality of the person who lives here.
6. Describe a place using only the senses of hearing, touch and smell.
Describing People:
Be sure to show place in these descriptions, also.
7. Describe a person trying to exchange an item at a store after the refund expiration date.
8. Describe a person trying to walk some place (along the beach, down a street, across a field, etc) on an extremely windy day.
9. Describe a mugger for a police report.
10. Make as precise a word portrait as you can of any adult that you know.
11. Describe a person from a particular profession (baby doctor, judge, construction worker, plow/salt truck driver, store manager, coach, astronaut, etc)
12. Describe a person who:
a. has just received news that a relative has died
b. is a new parent, grandparent
c. has just won the lottery
d. is waiting at the airport for a returning soldier
e. has just come across a murder victim
13. Describe yourself in a situation where you are feeling strong emotion.
14. Choose a picture from my folder and describe what a person in the picture is thinking. Be sure to show the physical and emotional person.
15. Describe a normal person. On the other side of the paper, add details that turn this human into a monstrous personage.
16. Describing only the clothes, give proof that a person is a bum, a movie star, a wealthy person, a triathelete, or your choice.
17. Describe a person whose clothes contrast with his/her personality.
18. Describe your ideal mate.
19. Describe a person who is showing feelings to a person her/she is talking with.
20. Write a description of a person who changes attitude; example: disgust to sympathy; elation to defeat, etc.
21. Personify an emotion.
Describing Action:
22. Describe a car crash, an injury, climbing a mountain or making the winning hit, basket, goal from the viewpoint of a person involved in the action. On the other side of the paper, describe the same event from a witness’s viewpoint.
23. Describe an ordinary event: shaving, a fly settling on a counter, writing a warm-up, etc.
24. Write about a conversation between two people in which no words are spoken.
25. Write a description of a horrendous or magnificent action as seen from a distance.
Connie
First of all, thank you for purchasing this product. Let me address your concerns:
1. The Warm-up Box is basically a collection of ideas for students to choose from if none of the warm-ups spoke to them. I began it by writing one idea each on a 3x5 card, i.e. an enaging 1st line from a novel, a word such as "bravery," "cowardice," etc; or an emotion. I also cut and pasted to cards headlines from factual or human interest newspaper stories, personal ads, help columns, etc. Also, I cut out pictures and photos of people, places and things that "told stories" and glued them to construction paper for durability. Basically, anything that might tease students' brains into a creative piece was included. Students could add their ideas to the box (I gave them extra-credit- 1 pt each up to 10 pts) and decorate the outside of it with pictures. magazine and newspaper headlines, photos, etc. One student glued a mirror to the top. I used an empty copy paper box. Keep adding to this all year (and save it for the next year).
2. The List: every quarter, I created a Warm-up topic list (25-30 ideas that would jog students' brains). I'm pasting one below (I really need to get all of these into a product!). Look under my Activities category for more creative writing ideas.
3. Some students always chose to write fiction, some narrative non-fiction, some poetry. My basic minimum guidelines were: 1000 words for prose and 50 lines (could be more than one poem) for poetry. The word length for poetry came from a colleague who was a published poet. He would tell me he spent an hour on one line when I explained how I wrote two pages in that length of time. The problem was, some students would just dash off a few lines without much thought to word choice, idea clarity, etc. During pre-final draft conferences, we would discuss how the poem worked and what poetic elements would strengthen the piece. Make Every Word Count, Paint Word Pictures, and Show, Don't Tell were our mottos.
I hope this clarified your concerns. Keep an eye out for more creative writing ideas. The List is below:
Creative Writing Warm-ups Quarter 3 WORD PICTURES
Describing Place:
1. Describe the place you are in now as objectively as possible, using nothing but the facts, sizes, shapes, smells, etc.
2. Do the same as number one for another place where you go often.
3. Describe another place that engenders a great deal of emotion in you (hate, love, fear, serenity, etc). Don’t mention the emotion; show it. In other words, if the place is frightening, don’t use the word frightening; describe the fear and how the place influences this feeling.
4. Choose yet another place to describe, this time including all or as many of the five senses that you can.
5. Describe a room in such a way as to give away the personality of the person who lives here.
6. Describe a place using only the senses of hearing, touch and smell.
Describing People:
Be sure to show place in these descriptions, also.
7. Describe a person trying to exchange an item at a store after the refund expiration date.
8. Describe a person trying to walk some place (along the beach, down a street, across a field, etc) on an extremely windy day.
9. Describe a mugger for a police report.
10. Make as precise a word portrait as you can of any adult that you know.
11. Describe a person from a particular profession (baby doctor, judge, construction worker, plow/salt truck driver, store manager, coach, astronaut, etc)
12. Describe a person who:
a. has just received news that a relative has died
b. is a new parent, grandparent
c. has just won the lottery
d. is waiting at the airport for a returning soldier
e. has just come across a murder victim
13. Describe yourself in a situation where you are feeling strong emotion.
14. Choose a picture from my folder and describe what a person in the picture is thinking. Be sure to show the physical and emotional person.
15. Describe a normal person. On the other side of the paper, add details that turn this human into a monstrous personage.
16. Describing only the clothes, give proof that a person is a bum, a movie star, a wealthy person, a triathelete, or your choice.
17. Describe a person whose clothes contrast with his/her personality.
18. Describe your ideal mate.
19. Describe a person who is showing feelings to a person her/she is talking with.
20. Write a description of a person who changes attitude; example: disgust to sympathy; elation to defeat, etc.
21. Personify an emotion.
Describing Action:
22. Describe a car crash, an injury, climbing a mountain or making the winning hit, basket, goal from the viewpoint of a person involved in the action. On the other side of the paper, describe the same event from a witness’s viewpoint.
23. Describe an ordinary event: shaving, a fly settling on a counter, writing a warm-up, etc.
24. Write about a conversation between two people in which no words are spoken.
25. Write a description of a horrendous or magnificent action as seen from a distance.
Connie
August 14, 2012
Heather Jancoski re: Journalism 1 Whole Course Lessons and Worksheets
I can not download your product, can you provide assistance?
August 12, 2012
Connie (TpT Seller)
That's strange. This has never happened before. Send me an email at conniec0548@hotmail.com with your name and the product title and I will be happy to send it to you.
Connie
8/14: Heather, have you been able to open this product?
Connie
Connie
8/14: Heather, have you been able to open this product?
Connie
August 12, 2012
machelld re: The Great Gatsby Unit Plan
Does this unit have any grammar lessons? I was trying to find some lessons to incorporate with the reading.
August 2, 2012
Connie (TpT Seller)
No it doesn't. I keep my novel plans just on the literature. If you want some grammar plans, check out my lessons in my Grammar & Usage category and my grammar PowerPoints in the PowerPoints category. Thank you for purchasing this product. I hope that you and your students enjoy it.
Connie
Connie
August 2, 2012
Brandy Sherrod (TpT Seller)
Connie,
Thank you for your quick reply. Mislead may have been a strong word, sorry. I am going to look over it today with my ELA 6th grade team and see if we can use it with the new CCGPS standards we are being instructed to teach. Thank you for taking the time to build units (no matter the level) and sharing them. Have a great day!
Thank you for your quick reply. Mislead may have been a strong word, sorry. I am going to look over it today with my ELA 6th grade team and see if we can use it with the new CCGPS standards we are being instructed to teach. Thank you for taking the time to build units (no matter the level) and sharing them. Have a great day!
August 2, 2012
Connie (TpT Seller)
You are welcome. I do hope that you can find out how to utilize this unit with your students...at least parts of it! Maybe the connection to former Russian leaders could be de-emphasized and the fable and propaganda topics emphasized. Guiding the students to work on the project about creating a utopian society could really tie in with this election year. And the propaganda techniques would be fun to explore as advertisers really market to the young. Just a few ideas. I really want you and your students to enjoy this study.
Best,
Connie
Best,
Connie
August 2, 2012
Brandy Sherrod (TpT Seller) re: Animal Farm Unit Plan(2)
Connie,
I downloaded this in hopes to help me with my 6th grade ELA/writing class. Once I opened I realized that it was directed more toward 9-12. I feel like I was mislead because it is advertised under the sixth grade slot. Any help would be great
I downloaded this in hopes to help me with my 6th grade ELA/writing class. Once I opened I realized that it was directed more toward 9-12. I feel like I was mislead because it is advertised under the sixth grade slot. Any help would be great
August 1, 2012
Connie (TpT Seller)
Brandy,
I added the 6th grade designation because I talked with a number of Middle School teachers in my district who recommended that I do so. I put a lot of thought into my choices as I would never try to mislead any buyers. Also, since a few 5th grade teachers bought the Night unit b/c they had already read the book (which I felt was a bit strong for that age group until I heard from them), I thought Animal Farm could fit, too. My goal is for teachers to be happy with my products. If you feel that this doesn't fit, contact Paul about returning it and getting a refund: mailto:purchaseorders@teacherspayteachers.com
I am truly sorry that this product didn't fit your needs. If you wish, do check out some of my writing products; I KNOW that a number of 4th-6th grade teachers have bought some of them for ELA writing classes and have loved them. Again, I am sorry that this unit doesn't fit your needs.
Best,
Connie
I added the 6th grade designation because I talked with a number of Middle School teachers in my district who recommended that I do so. I put a lot of thought into my choices as I would never try to mislead any buyers. Also, since a few 5th grade teachers bought the Night unit b/c they had already read the book (which I felt was a bit strong for that age group until I heard from them), I thought Animal Farm could fit, too. My goal is for teachers to be happy with my products. If you feel that this doesn't fit, contact Paul about returning it and getting a refund: mailto:purchaseorders@teacherspayteachers.com
I am truly sorry that this product didn't fit your needs. If you wish, do check out some of my writing products; I KNOW that a number of 4th-6th grade teachers have bought some of them for ELA writing classes and have loved them. Again, I am sorry that this unit doesn't fit your needs.
Best,
Connie
August 1, 2012
Clever Classroom (TpT Seller)
Hi Connie, I was unable to find a contact us button on your blog, so I am contacting you this way. Could you email emma@cleverclassroom.com.au ? It's just regarding our TpT stores board. Chat soon.
Emma :)
Emma :)
July 22, 2012
Cynthia Camerer
Guess what! After using a different computer / format, I was able to download the Canterbury PPT. Thanks for responding!
cyn554
cyn554
June 21, 2012
Connie (TpT Seller)
Excellent! I'm thrilled that it worked. If you have any other questions or concerns, you have my email now, or this format.
Connie
Connie
June 21, 2012
Cynthia Camerer
Greetings! I am having difficulties opening The Canterbury Tales Introductory PPT due to the file extension which is .ppt.part Please advise.
Thanks!
cyn554
Thanks!
cyn554
June 20, 2012
Connie (TpT Seller)
If you send me your email, I will be happy to send it to you. I'll try a few formats; let me know which one works, please. Thanks for buying this product. My email is conniec0548@hotmail.com. You can get in touch with me through it. Just put something about TpT Canterbury Tales PP question, or something like that in the Topic line.
Connie
Connie
June 20, 2012
peggypate2012 re: Activity Language Arts: Personal Collage Present Project
On the personal collage, can you do it with card stock (regular size) instead?
June 9, 2012
Connie (TpT Seller)
Yes. Use any type of sturdy backing. Hmm, I just had an idea...really sturdy backing, such as that used for science projects, could support items like jewelry, foam letters, artificial flowers, and other light weight objects. To adhere them, if needed, kids could use those twist ties that come with trash bags. This will really allow their creativity to soar. Thank you for buying this product. Enjoy.
Connie
Connie
June 9, 2012
rothjr3 re: Night (Elie Wiesel): Unit Plan
Too young for 5th graders? We read the book.
May 22, 2012
Connie (TpT Seller)
If you read the book, you know that it is rather brutal. The unit plan will help you discuss the who, what, where, when and why's which will help yuo bring the discussions to a factual level. The unit has worksheets that will enable your students to work through the emotional aspects, too. I hope this helps.
May 22, 2012
rgsxyiav
1
April 29, 2012
karenlynn
I bought the Iam the Messenger unit plan and was wondering if you have a key for the final test.
Thanks
Karen
Thanks
Karen
March 13, 2012
Connie (TpT Seller)
The answer key for the test is on p.82, right after the crossword puzzle answer key. If you can't find it, let me know and I'll send it to you (I'll need your email address).I just checked my pdf file and it was there. I hope that you enjoy the unit. Thank you for buying it. I sell a PowerPoint to correspond with it, too.
Connie
Connie
March 13, 2012
christi12 re: Night (Elie Wiesel): Unit Plan
does this include answer key
January 23, 2012
Connie (TpT Seller)
I just checked my posting to make sure I downloaded the final draft, and yes it does. The Answer Keys for all of the quizzes and test are on the first 3 pages. Let me know if you don't find it. Enjoy.
Best,
Connie
Best,
Connie
January 23, 2012
Ruth S. (TpT Seller)
Connie.. I know what you mean about being out of the loop.. I didn't see the info about the press release. I'd love to see it..Send me the link, okay?
I just have to show you our "boys".. Jeffrey and Frederick..Sometimes I think they're smarter than I am!! :) I just posted pictures of them a couple of days ago.. http://teacherpark.blogspot.com/
At the bottom of my blog you can read a little about me. I just added that too. I figured people would like to know something about whose blog it is. :)
Happy New Year to you and your family!
Ruth
I just have to show you our "boys".. Jeffrey and Frederick..Sometimes I think they're smarter than I am!! :) I just posted pictures of them a couple of days ago.. http://teacherpark.blogspot.com/
At the bottom of my blog you can read a little about me. I just added that too. I figured people would like to know something about whose blog it is. :)
Happy New Year to you and your family!
Ruth
January 1, 2012
Ruth S. (TpT Seller) re: Activity: Dynamite Resolutions for the New Year
Connie.. About the last one I added in my last note to you.. The Best of Teachers Pay Teachers. I'm not sure if you can post there. I think Vicky Leon (tpt seller) asked for names of people who wanted to post there.. I'm sure she wants other people. You can try posting something there but I'm not sure it will work unless she adds you as a contributor. I'm just not sure. If you find you can't, let me know and I'll ask her for you.
Ruth
Ruth
December 30, 2011
Connie (TpT Seller)
Thanks, Ruth. I'll check it out. I haven't been on any sites or the TpT forum for almost two weeks, so I probably missed the newest info. I appreciate your help.
Connie
Connie
December 31, 2011
Ruth S. (TpT Seller) re: Activity: Dynamite Resolutions for the New Year
Hi Connie.. I just answered your question about Secondary Solutions linky party for middle and high school teachers on Facebook. You should have that FB message from me. If you didn't get it, let me know. There's also another one where you can add products. A lot of primary teachers add their links there but I add mine It's another way of networking. Here's the blog where you can link up.http://www.teachingblogaddict.com/2011/12/freebie-friday-last-of-2011.html
They have to be free products on that one.
In case you didn't see this one, it's the Best of Teachers Pay Teachers on FB. Just link your product, free or paid, and it will be networked. https://www.facebook.com/TheBestofTeachersPayTeachers
Happy New Year!!
Ruth
They have to be free products on that one.
In case you didn't see this one, it's the Best of Teachers Pay Teachers on FB. Just link your product, free or paid, and it will be networked. https://www.facebook.com/TheBestofTeachersPayTeachers
Happy New Year!!
Ruth
December 30, 2011
Connie (TpT Seller)
Thanks again, Ruth. Yesterday I worked all day on my site, and TpT products, and we went to see The Jersey Boys last night at National Theater ( 3rd time for my husband and me; the first for our kids). Awesome, as always. Anyway, I was too tired to check out FB. I'll do that this AM.
Did you see my post about the press release written about my site? If not, I'll send you the link. Pretty cool.
Happy New Year to you and yours.
Connie
Did you see my post about the press release written about my site? If not, I'll send you the link. Pretty cool.
Happy New Year to you and yours.
Connie
December 31, 2011
Ruth S. (TpT Seller) re: First Day Writing Assignment
Hi Connie! I love your blog! Tommy and Charlie are soo cute! I have two dachshunds, Jeffrey and Frederick, who are brothers and who are my biggest fans. Animals are truly our best friends! I should put a picture of them on my blog. Thank you so much for putting my blog button on your site!
I see your button but there's no code. I'm new to blogging, so maybe you can tell me how to do it. If you don't have a code I can enter on my site, I'll take a picture of your button and then put the link to it, below the button. Let me know what's best, okay?
I really related to your post about teaching young people in trouble and reform schools. I've always taught in public schools but one summer I was asked to teach juvenile felons ages 14 -22. My job was to teach them proper English and the proper way to interview for a job. It was run by our state's prison- to- work program. I feel the same way you do. Posting "This is a Zero Tolerance Zone" makes me shiver every time I see it. My experience that summer was tough at first (long story) but it was the most memorable and wonderful experience I've ever had.
I was amazed when I read about your book "A Fine Line". I have two historical fiction novels for kids ages 10 -15 that are just about finished. I'm part of an author group that is "by invitation only". One must be published in order to be a member. I was retained as an author by NASA in 2009, thus the reason I was asked to participate. Many authors in the group have many, many books published, so I'm feeling like a kindergartener, just learning my ABC's.
Also, there are many TpT middle and high school teachers who are networking to promote their TpT products. Have you posted your blog URL in the Sellers' Forum under "Selling Tips"?
Most of us start a new topic that says something like "New High School Blog" then write a note asking people if they'd post your blog on their sites. Maybe you've done that already. We put our blog address in the posting. If you haven't done this, you'll be amazed when you see the responses you'll have. Everyone will "grab your blog button" or link and post it on their sites.
My sales have increased dramatically since I started networking. At first, high school teachers weren't networked and then I started seeing them post their blogs in the Sellers' Forum. We elementary and middle school teachers all cheered when they started to get together. One friend of mine at TpT is Tracee Orman who is listed as a top 100 seller every week. She's famous for her Hunger Games novel activities and if you do a Google search you'll find her products everywhere! She and I have communicated via email to talk about networking and about computer technical issues. Last year, I was in the top 100 category for "The most products sold" but because I sell my products rather cheaply, I didn't make into the category "The Top Sellers".
Sorry this is so long. Writers like me, tend to write too much at times!
Let me know about your blog button and then I'll post it!
Ruth S.
I see your button but there's no code. I'm new to blogging, so maybe you can tell me how to do it. If you don't have a code I can enter on my site, I'll take a picture of your button and then put the link to it, below the button. Let me know what's best, okay?
I really related to your post about teaching young people in trouble and reform schools. I've always taught in public schools but one summer I was asked to teach juvenile felons ages 14 -22. My job was to teach them proper English and the proper way to interview for a job. It was run by our state's prison- to- work program. I feel the same way you do. Posting "This is a Zero Tolerance Zone" makes me shiver every time I see it. My experience that summer was tough at first (long story) but it was the most memorable and wonderful experience I've ever had.
I was amazed when I read about your book "A Fine Line". I have two historical fiction novels for kids ages 10 -15 that are just about finished. I'm part of an author group that is "by invitation only". One must be published in order to be a member. I was retained as an author by NASA in 2009, thus the reason I was asked to participate. Many authors in the group have many, many books published, so I'm feeling like a kindergartener, just learning my ABC's.
Also, there are many TpT middle and high school teachers who are networking to promote their TpT products. Have you posted your blog URL in the Sellers' Forum under "Selling Tips"?
Most of us start a new topic that says something like "New High School Blog" then write a note asking people if they'd post your blog on their sites. Maybe you've done that already. We put our blog address in the posting. If you haven't done this, you'll be amazed when you see the responses you'll have. Everyone will "grab your blog button" or link and post it on their sites.
My sales have increased dramatically since I started networking. At first, high school teachers weren't networked and then I started seeing them post their blogs in the Sellers' Forum. We elementary and middle school teachers all cheered when they started to get together. One friend of mine at TpT is Tracee Orman who is listed as a top 100 seller every week. She's famous for her Hunger Games novel activities and if you do a Google search you'll find her products everywhere! She and I have communicated via email to talk about networking and about computer technical issues. Last year, I was in the top 100 category for "The most products sold" but because I sell my products rather cheaply, I didn't make into the category "The Top Sellers".
Sorry this is so long. Writers like me, tend to write too much at times!
Let me know about your blog button and then I'll post it!
Ruth S.
November 7, 2011
Connie (TpT Seller)
I love your long response! We writers do tend to be loquacious, don't we? I tell my students, that's why I write books and not poems.
About my site logo, my web host techie told me to tell people to copy and save it and then put it on theircsite as a link. I have a hyperlink button to do this on my edit page. I tried about a half dozen times to get yours to work by using my Script box, but ended up having to copy and paste your button picture and add the URL. I don't know why, as this same method worked for the others. I do know that when I tap on mine from other sites, it takes me to mine.
Thanks for the advice about using TpT Sellers Forum. I'll do that later tonight or tomorrow.
My two years teCjing at the reform school made me the teacher I am: accepting of all kids no matter what they did in their personal lives. I've tried to write about those years, but my words come out so flat. After forty years, those boys still resonate in my heart.
I could go on and on, but will cut you a break and stop here. If you want to stay in touch, my email is: conniec0548@hotmail.com.
Best,
Connie
(I apologize for any typos; I'm on my IPad and it won't allow be to scroll back.)
About my site logo, my web host techie told me to tell people to copy and save it and then put it on theircsite as a link. I have a hyperlink button to do this on my edit page. I tried about a half dozen times to get yours to work by using my Script box, but ended up having to copy and paste your button picture and add the URL. I don't know why, as this same method worked for the others. I do know that when I tap on mine from other sites, it takes me to mine.
Thanks for the advice about using TpT Sellers Forum. I'll do that later tonight or tomorrow.
My two years teCjing at the reform school made me the teacher I am: accepting of all kids no matter what they did in their personal lives. I've tried to write about those years, but my words come out so flat. After forty years, those boys still resonate in my heart.
I could go on and on, but will cut you a break and stop here. If you want to stay in touch, my email is: conniec0548@hotmail.com.
Best,
Connie
(I apologize for any typos; I'm on my IPad and it won't allow be to scroll back.)
November 7, 2011
Ann Marie Smith (TpT Seller)
Sure! I was asking in the forum thread I about that....was confused, but probably should not have been. It wouldn't let me reply to your reply to my rating feedback so I'm leaving this question in hopes you get it.
We are following each other on twitter by the way..... :)
Ann Marie Smith
We are following each other on twitter by the way..... :)
Ann Marie Smith
November 4, 2011
Connie (TpT Seller)
Got it. Thanks. I'm not very technical, but once I do something, I'll remember it. Let me go to your blog and choose one, then you can send it to me, and I'll post it on my blog along with your URL. I'm sure there is an easier way, but I don't know it. You pick one from me, and I'll send it to you. How does that sound? Thank you so kuch for responding to my request. If there are any typos here, I apologize. I'm on my IPad and can't figure out how to scroll up. :-(
Connie
Connie
November 4, 2011
TeachEng (TpT Seller) re: Journalism: Analyzing Newspaper Leads and Articles Worksheets
Hello!
Thanks for posting your journalism products. . . what a time saver and tremendous help! Do you have a word version of your syllabus? If so, I would love to have a copy to personalize.
Thanks!
Asa Suriano
asuriano@stny.rr.com
Thanks for posting your journalism products. . . what a time saver and tremendous help! Do you have a word version of your syllabus? If so, I would love to have a copy to personalize.
Thanks!
Asa Suriano
asuriano@stny.rr.com
September 6, 2011
Connie (TpT Seller)
I'll be happy to send it to you. Email me at: conniec0548@hotmail.com to make sure that I send it to the correct email. The material will look a bit different as I adapted it to fit the template. Do you want everything or just the J1 syllabus? thanks for the good comments. This is a timesaver!
Connie
Connie
September 6, 2011
Khughes re: The Crucible Unit Plan
Are there keys?
August 29, 2011
Connie (TpT Seller)
The answer key to the test is on page 44. I don't have keys to the worksheets as they are open-ended and answers will vary. I didn't include answers to the Study Guide, but I plan to do this in the near future. If you Email me at conniec0548@hotmail.com, I can send them to you when I have completed them. It will be later this week, maybe even this afternoon. I just added the answer key to the study guide today. Let me know if you need it and I'll be happy to send it to you.
August 30, 2011
Claire Signorello (TpT Seller) re: Vocabulary: SAT Word Lists and Quizzes (480 words)
May I use this material for a distance learning course?
July 24, 2011
Connie (TpT Seller)
What do you mean? How would it be used? You may contact me through my email, conniec0548@hotmail.com
July 24, 2011
petunia1122
Would this be a good idea to use for literature circles? My students will be selecting a Dickens novel to read as a group in an AP English Literature course.
Cindy Green
Cindy Green
December 15, 2010
Connie (TpT Seller)
Yes, I definitely think this would be a good basis for individual or group novel study. If you want the Ten Sentence format, or Ideas for Teaching Literature, which I sell on this site, tell Paul that you wnt to email me personally and ask him for my address. I'll be happy to share them with you to enhance this unit.
December 15, 2010
pangea1 re: Journalism 1 Whole Course Lessons and Worksheets
Constance,
This is terrific course load... I'm going to be teaching Journalism this year and this helps. One important question. A lot of the assignments/quizzes are based on the textbook... What's the exact name of the text book that's used in this specific class?
This is terrific course load... I'm going to be teaching Journalism this year and this helps. One important question. A lot of the assignments/quizzes are based on the textbook... What's the exact name of the text book that's used in this specific class?
July 6, 2010
Connie (TpT Seller)
Hello,
When I started teaching Journalism 1 six years ago, I had an outdated textbook that I rarely used and no POS to guide my lessons. Obviously, I felt a bit obverwhelmed. Not any more, as this unit has been quite successful for my students. I created all of the assignments/quizzes and they are included with this unit or in other postings on TpT that preceded this unit's posting, but that suppliment it. On the top of page 1 of this course of study, I have marked which are included and which are not with asterisks. Also, I have noted the websites that I use for various lessons. I did get new textbooks this year and did use them occasionally. I will have to go up to the school and get the title for you; I am drawing a blank on it right now. If you are also producing a newspaper, contact me as I have made up some guidelines for the students and me that really help to keep them on schedule so we aren't stressed to the hilt on deadline day and to insure that all sections are using the same InDesign settings and formats that I will share with you. I haven't posted these as they are the areas my staff has chosen as their focus points. My email address is conniec0548@hotmail.com; just put something about journalism in the subject line so I know that it's from you. Hopefully this will clarify your questions. As I said at the top of the first page of the unit, I chose not to use the outdated books that I inherited, and made up lessons based on the skills the students needed to learn.
Best,
Connie
When I started teaching Journalism 1 six years ago, I had an outdated textbook that I rarely used and no POS to guide my lessons. Obviously, I felt a bit obverwhelmed. Not any more, as this unit has been quite successful for my students. I created all of the assignments/quizzes and they are included with this unit or in other postings on TpT that preceded this unit's posting, but that suppliment it. On the top of page 1 of this course of study, I have marked which are included and which are not with asterisks. Also, I have noted the websites that I use for various lessons. I did get new textbooks this year and did use them occasionally. I will have to go up to the school and get the title for you; I am drawing a blank on it right now. If you are also producing a newspaper, contact me as I have made up some guidelines for the students and me that really help to keep them on schedule so we aren't stressed to the hilt on deadline day and to insure that all sections are using the same InDesign settings and formats that I will share with you. I haven't posted these as they are the areas my staff has chosen as their focus points. My email address is conniec0548@hotmail.com; just put something about journalism in the subject line so I know that it's from you. Hopefully this will clarify your questions. As I said at the top of the first page of the unit, I chose not to use the outdated books that I inherited, and made up lessons based on the skills the students needed to learn.
Best,
Connie
July 6, 2010
Mizwright (TpT Seller)
This is not about the product, it's about the sellers forum. I cannot find the sellers forum. How do I get there?
December 14, 2009
Connie (TpT Seller)
It's on the Manage My Account page; click on the Seller's Forum, right under the See/Edit My Product Listings. I hope that this helps.
Connie
Connie
December 14, 2009
Sarah Ross-Koves (TpT Seller) re: The Great Gatsby Test w/Answer Key
Do you have the answer key? That would be so helpful. skoves@carsoncity.k12.mi.us
Thanks
Thanks
December 8, 2009
Connie (TpT Seller)
Here it is; I am so sorry; I thought that I attached it with the unit plan. I am so sorry. Thank you for buying my product.
Connie
The Great Gatsby Test
I. Matching: 1. I 2. E 3. K 4. J 5. B 6. A 7. E 8. D 9. H 10. G 11. B 12. F 13. C 14. A 15. I
II. Completion: 1. James Gatz 2. Daisy 3. Dog collar/leash 4. Valley of Ashes 5. Oxford
6. Football player 7. She never loved him 8. Old Sport 9. Letter from Gatsby 10. Gatsby/ Wolfsheim 11. Cruel 12. Money 13. Nick 14. Pretty fools 15. West Egg 16. Old money/ East Egg 17. Necklace 18. Go out to dinner 19. Carelessness 20. Innocence/naivete
III. Matching: 1. N 2. L 3. M 4. J 5. K 6. B 7. A 8. O 9. D 10. C 11. G 12. E 13. F 14. H 15. i
IV. Matching; 1. A 2. C 3. F 4. G 5. D 6. B 7. E 8. H 9. D 10. F
V. Short Answer: Answers will vary but must reveal understanding of the book and must include details and specific examples from the novel.
Connie
The Great Gatsby Test
I. Matching: 1. I 2. E 3. K 4. J 5. B 6. A 7. E 8. D 9. H 10. G 11. B 12. F 13. C 14. A 15. I
II. Completion: 1. James Gatz 2. Daisy 3. Dog collar/leash 4. Valley of Ashes 5. Oxford
6. Football player 7. She never loved him 8. Old Sport 9. Letter from Gatsby 10. Gatsby/ Wolfsheim 11. Cruel 12. Money 13. Nick 14. Pretty fools 15. West Egg 16. Old money/ East Egg 17. Necklace 18. Go out to dinner 19. Carelessness 20. Innocence/naivete
III. Matching: 1. N 2. L 3. M 4. J 5. K 6. B 7. A 8. O 9. D 10. C 11. G 12. E 13. F 14. H 15. i
IV. Matching; 1. A 2. C 3. F 4. G 5. D 6. B 7. E 8. H 9. D 10. F
V. Short Answer: Answers will vary but must reveal understanding of the book and must include details and specific examples from the novel.
December 8, 2009
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Because one of my goals is to prove that studying literature, writing, vocabulary and grammar can be fun, I have created a number of innovative lessons for these strands of learning. So far, I have 143 products posted in my store. In March 2013, my book, The House of Comprehension, will be published by Compass, an imprint of Brigantine Media. Based on Common Core Standards, the program and accompanying activities with Teacher Notes encourages students to construct durable houses of comprehension by combining the study of the elements of literature with any text. Watch for notices about the availability of this book here, and on my website www.teachitwrite.com. Check out the book on http://conniecasserly.weebly.com. As for my products here, veteran teachers and those new to the field can utilize the hands on units and ideas for teaching while honing their skills on how to pace a lesson and to connect it to their state's standards of learning. I am a recently retired (2011) English teacher in the Fairfax County Virginia public school system, where I taught English 12, Journalism 1,2,3 & 4 and Creative Writing 1, 2, & 3. As a result of the Teacher Performance Evaluation instituted by the county, I was awarded the prestigious Career Two Exemplary level status three times. Besides the public high school venue, my teaching background includes an alternative secondary school for behaviorally disadvantaged adolescents, an adolescent psychiatric hospital, and a boys' reform school. Proud of my choice to be an educator, I have always hated the cliche, "Those that can, do; those that can't teach." Through my writing and my role modeling in the classroom, I show that not only do I teach, but I also practice what I preach.
MY TEACHING STYLE
My lessons are planned to be both structured and open-ended as I love student discussions which show that they are sharing their original thoughts and analysis skills. Whether students are discussing character and plot development, symbolism, themes and subtext, utilizing their grammar and writing skills to revise their pieces, or enhancing their vocabularies, they are guided by lessons that have been planned to motivate, to inspire and to challenge them. Creative writing and journalism students are encouraged to think outside the box to come up with original stories,poems or articles that stretch their minds and skills. My goal is to show my students that learning is fun and not a chore. Every day I invite them to explore ways to challenge their minds, to check out others' viewpoints and to believe in the merit of their own thoughts, interpretations and ideas, verbally and in writing.
HONORS/AWARDS/SHINING TEACHER MOMENT
Six times since 1999 due to students' nominations,students I have been included in the Who's Who Among America's Teachers yearly annuals. This honor means a great deal to me since it shows that I have touched the minds and hearts of my charges. My bio has also been included in Marquis Who's Who of American Women three times.
MY OWN EDUCATIONAL HISTORY
BS.ED: Indiana University of Pennsylvania Graduate Work: Multiple credits from the University of Virginia and George Mason University.
ADDITIONAL BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
I am a published writer of A FINE LINE, a Young Adult book and a number of articles in various NCTE publications. I also write women's fiction. Check out my website: www.teachitwrite.com to see pictures of many of my products sold on TpT. Followers will find some freebies for teaching English, creative writing and journalism. I update it often with teaching ideas. For updates, stop in at my site's Facebook page, Like it, and become a friend. http://www.facebook.com/#!/TeachitWriteOnlineLessonPlans. Follow me on Twitter @ TeachitNow. My blogs can be found on http://teachitwrite.blogspot.com, http://teachitwrite.com/Blog and on http://herndon.patch.com (type: Connie Casserly in the search box:). I'd love to read your feedback.
GRADES TAUGHT
Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth, Homeschooler
SUBJECT AREAS
English Language Arts, Creative Writing, Specialty, Critical Thinking
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