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Brenda's Brainstorms

Rated 4.85 out of 5, based on 34 reviews
12 Followers
Lexington, Kentucky, United States
About the store
For the past seven years, after leaving the classroom to teach independently, I have served as a dyslexia consultant & coach / reading specialist / screener. I provide dyslexia simulations upon request, give piano lessons, and play the organ and keyboard for my church. I have served on the board of the International Dyslexia Association - Kentucky Branch in the capacity of vice president and events coordinator, as well as compiled information for the newsletter. One of my passions is writing poetry about dyslexia.
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Preview of Elementary Spelling BEE II: Words from Basic Word List: Fifth Edition: Barron's

Elementary Spelling BEE II: Words from Basic Word List: Fifth Edition: Barron's

This ready-to-use spelling BEE includes a 100-word list, a chart to keep track of rounds, and rules to be read at the onset of the competition. It is fashioned after the SCRIPPS National Spelling Bee format, in that each word contains the part of speech, etymology, a definition, and a sentence.
Preview of Elementary Spelling Bee - Brenda's Brainstorms (Oxford Roald Dahl Dictionary)

Elementary Spelling Bee - Brenda's Brainstorms (Oxford Roald Dahl Dictionary)

Ready-made, 90-word list; complete with part of speech, etymology, definition, and sentence for each word; book references from Oxford Roald Dahl Dictionary; a Rounds Record Sheet is included; also find Rules to Be Read Aloud at Bee Time
Preview of Middle School Spelling Bee - Brenda's Brainstorms (American Heritage Thesaurus)

Middle School Spelling Bee - Brenda's Brainstorms (American Heritage Thesaurus)

Ready-made, 82-word list; complete with part of speech, etymology, definition, and sentence for each word; definitions (in the form of synonyms) and words taken from American Heritage Student Thesaurus; a Rounds Record sheet is included; also find Rules to Be Read Aloud at Bee Time
Preview of Elementary Academic Team Practice Match 1: by Fran & Brenda

Elementary Academic Team Practice Match 1: by Fran & Brenda

Two rounds of questions, including math, science, English, social studies, and arts & humanities; based upon the Governor's Cup format; 70 questions in all; can be used as academic trivia or games.
Preview of Middle School Spelling Bee III - from The Words You Should Know to Sound Smart

Middle School Spelling Bee III - from The Words You Should Know to Sound Smart

This 80-word list of spelling words, each containing part of speech, etymology, definition, and sentence will assist with presenting a middle school spelling bee. Words are taken from The Words You Should Know to Sound Smart : 1,200 Essential Words Every Sophisticated Person Should be Able to Use, by Robert W. Bly. Rules and round sheets are also included.
Preview of Middle School Spelling BEE II: Taken from The Big Book of Words You Should Know

Middle School Spelling BEE II: Taken from The Big Book of Words You Should Know

This ready-to-use spelling BEE includes a 100-word list, a chart to keep track of rounds, and rules to be read at the onset of the competition. It is fashioned after the SCRIPPS National Spelling Bee format, in that each word contains the part of speech, etymology, a definition, and a sentence.
Preview of Dyslexia Discoveries Jeopardy I: Things that Every Big & Little Kid Should Know

Dyslexia Discoveries Jeopardy I: Things that Every Big & Little Kid Should Know

This informative PowerPoint game will explain a great deal about a little-understood learning difference: DYSLEXIA. Five question categories include: Fact vs Myth; Warning Signs; Research; Famous People; and Accommodations.
Preview of Presidents Poem: Interesting Facts About Each U.S. President

Presidents Poem: Interesting Facts About Each U.S. President

This original poem provides facts - some fun and little-known and others meaningful - about all U.S. presidents to date. It could serve as a springboard to learn more about people who have achieved greatness.
Preview of Elementary Spelling Bee III - from Roget’s Thesaurus of Words for Students

Elementary Spelling Bee III - from Roget’s Thesaurus of Words for Students

This list of 82 words, complete with part of speech, etymology, definition, and sentence for each, will assist in presenting a spelling bee for elementary grades 3 through 5. Words were taken from Roget's Thesaurus of Words for Students: Helpful, Descriptive, Precise, Synonyms, Antonyms, and Related Terms. Rules and a round sheet are also included.
Preview of STEM Spelling Bee - Middle School Grades: Taken from 1,000+ Science Facts

STEM Spelling Bee - Middle School Grades: Taken from 1,000+ Science Facts

This ready-to-use spelling bee contains an 80-word list; 20 knockout words; and an entry for each word with etymology, part of speech, definition, and a sentence. Words were taken from 1,000+ Science Facts; Miles Kelly Publishing; 2012; ISBN 978-1-78209-964-2.
Preview of Elementary STEM Spelling Bee: Taken from "1000+ Science Facts"

Elementary STEM Spelling Bee: Taken from "1000+ Science Facts"

This spelling bee, designed for elementary students, includes 80 STEM words, 20 knock-out words, round sheets, and rules to be read aloud to students at the program's onset. Each word includes the etymology, part of speech, definition, and sentence. In addition, the list may hold value for science teachers hoping to build vocabulary and students' knowledge base.
Preview of Swift Syllable Split: 50 VCCV Words

Swift Syllable Split: 50 VCCV Words

This PowerPoint activity gives students a chance to split 50 words containing a VCCV pattern into syllables. It is helpful for those with dyslexia - or for students improving skills in syllabication. There is a slide to check each word, complete with a picture.
Preview of Schwa Jeopardy

Schwa Jeopardy

Answer questions in a game format about the schwa sound: sounds, syllables, rules, mystery words, and true/false. (tweaked on 8/11/19)
Preview of Jeopardy: Things That Every Big & Little Kid Should Know - DYSLEXIA 2

Jeopardy: Things That Every Big & Little Kid Should Know - DYSLEXIA 2

Become familiar with aspects of dyslexia such as myths, warning signs, research, famous people with the learning difference, and accommodations. This second in a series of Jeopardy activities is suitable in a number of academic settings.
Preview of Shape of the Week: Ovals

Shape of the Week: Ovals

Kids of all ages will enjoy creating people and animals with oval shapes, using step-by-step frames. Add captions, if desired. These easy-to-follow drawings are perfect for independent use - or for a classroom setting.
Preview of Secular Christmas Music Meets Language Arts: Jeopardy

Secular Christmas Music Meets Language Arts: Jeopardy

This light-hearted activity combines holiday tunes with language arts concepts: word choice; number words; rhyming; capitalization & punctuation; and vocabulary. It is an effective way to build word recall skills in students of all ability levels.
Preview of Turkey Chef

Turkey Chef

Draw a turkey chef, step by step; compare pumpkin recipes and answer comprehension questions; work an Ingredients Crossword Puzzle; create your own recipe; and practice writing a cursive Thanksgiving message.
Preview of MARTIN Luther King, Jr.: Create & Illustrate with Fran & Brenda

MARTIN Luther King, Jr.: Create & Illustrate with Fran & Brenda

Art / drawing activity: Enjoy doing a step-by-step drawing of Martin; Language Arts activities include an acrostic puzzle using meaningful vocabulary, a reading-in-context cloze "I Have a Dream" speech, and creative cloud writing / sketching
Preview of PIXanalogies

PIXanalogies

Enjoy a different twist to analogies, as you combine art with language arts. Draw the answers to 30 analogies - presented in a colorful, PowerPoint format. This activity will be useful as either an individual or a group/team activity!
Preview of Comprehension Crosswords: 150 PSALMS - with Synonyms

Comprehension Crosswords: 150 PSALMS - with Synonyms

Read and study through the book of Psalms in the Bible as you work six puzzles, one word from each psalm, a synonym for each entry, and solutions.
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About the store

Experience

For the past seven years, after leaving the classroom to teach independently, I have served as a dyslexia consultant & coach / reading specialist / screener. I provide dyslexia simulations upon request, give piano lessons, and play the organ and keyboard for my church. I have served on the board of the International Dyslexia Association - Kentucky Branch in the capacity of vice president and events coordinator, as well as compiled information for the newsletter. One of my passions is writing poetry about dyslexia.

Teaching style

I adjust my teaching style to meet the educational needs of each child. I use the Barton Reading and Spelling method for children with dyslexia but supplement with educational games and Smart Board activities. Assessing for learning differences gives me extra insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the kids and adults who come across my path.

Awards & shining teacher moments

As Elementary Academic Coach for 3 years, my team received 1st place in the district and 2nd place in the region for two years straight.

My own education history

I have attended four universities: University of Kentucky, Tennessee Tech, Memphis State, and Eastern Kentucky University, where I received an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education P-5 and Master's Degree in Reading & Writing K-12.

Additional biographical information

I have coordinated a 14-school Diocese of Lexington Spelling Bee for 11 years straight. In August of 2016, I started a group called the DYNAMOS - for kids with learning differences to get together each month and participate in activities to search out a talent or interest; thus, the motto "Every kid has a talent. Discover yours!"