Everything Is Connected
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Wisconsin, United States
About the store
Having taught English Language Arts and incorporated related academic skills for nearly 30 years, I have primarily relied on writing and close reading as access points, giving students a solid base. However, I have taken the opportunity to pivot from many other angles to both engage and access student interest and motivation. Having taught skills-based curricula for over the years, I have a broad range of teaching experience at the high school level: AP Language and Composition, English 9, English 10, Enriched 10, American Literature 1 and 2, Grammar and Usage, Humanities, British Literature, and English for the 21st Century. I have also taught university graduate-level courses, ACT preparatory courses, and English classes at the community college level.
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CRITICAL READING in a BUNDLE | *Pre-AP & AP | Across The Curriculum |
I want to go beyond connecting with texts, and I want the same for others. I want internal conversations with texts. I need both engagement and comprehension before synthesis and conversations. . . . just some of the resources and skills inside: Annotation helps students remember what they were thinking as they read and alerts instructors to things that might be discussed as an entire class. Annotations can also foster future writing ideas and communicate ideas that need additional attent
6th - 12th, Adult Education, Higher Education
Close Reading, English Language Arts, Reading Strategies
Syntax: Analyzing & Writing Sentences Chs. 1-5 *AP Virginia Tufte Rhet. Choices
Hello Teacher Friends! Work with students to identify, analyze, and describe syntactic structures using Virginia Tufte’s text, Artful Sentences. I've typically begun this process with sentence diagramming before progressing to writing about author’s syntactic style, but other years, I've gone straight to Tufte's Artful Sentences. Through Tufte’s text, my students and I experienced a welcome change in both writing and critical reading instruction. I teach high school juniors and seniors
8th - 12th, Adult Education, Higher Education
Close Reading, English Language Arts, Grammar
AP (Language) Exam Prep (or ANYTIME Film Analysis) (*Maslow's Hierarchy)
It's a bit early to be able to conceptualize May-- after the AP Language examination--but if I had to, one of the first things that comes to mind is holding student's attention. Ane one of the things I LOVE about my Film Analysis Unit is that it does capture students' attention in a more sensory way than print-based text. AND students continue to practice their argument, synthesis, and language analysis skills--but they don't even realize it! This is a great fit for the end of the school yea
10th - 12th, Adult Education, Higher Education
English Language Arts
Sem. 2 | Brainstorming & Prep for Synthesis Essays | Critical Literacy AP/Pre-AP
SYNTHESIS introduction, NOTES, brainstorming, THEMATIC categories IN preparation FOR synthesis (or ARGUMENT) writingHello, Friends! I prepare students for argument and synthesis immediately! And because I absolutely LOVE cooperative grouping, pairing, and learning, I’ve prepared a bunch of activities and handouts that instructors can use in the classroom for student teams, pairs--or individually. These resources can easily support YOU in your classroom:Teachers set specific student goals
9th - 12th, Adult Education, Higher Education
ELA Test Prep, English Language Arts, Writing
CCSS
CCRA.W.1
, CCRA.W.9
, CCRA.SL.1
+3
Test Prep! |Quote Explication, Analysis, Rhetorical Moves, Explanation (*Pre-AP)
WAIT! This product is included in a popular miniBUNDLE YOU MIGHT WANT TO CHECK OUT! * * * * * * * * * *Analyzing Quotations and Working towards Effects in the AP and Pre-AP ClassroomTeaching students to discuss and analyze quotations whether in essay body paragraphs, verbally, or in AP rhetorical analysis essays takes SO much practice. This higher-order task requires both critical reading and
8th - 12th, Adult Education, Higher Education
Close Reading, English Language Arts, Reading Strategies
Sem. 2 | Critical Literacy: Brainstrm & Prep | Synthesis & Argument | Essays *AP
BRAINSTORMING CATEGORIES in PREPARATION FOR ARGUMENT & SYNTHESIS WRITINGHello, Friends! With the College Board’s changes to Language & Composition, I’ve begun to prepare students for argument and synthesis even earlier than usual. And because I absolutely LOVE cooperative grouping and learning, I’ve prepared a Category Brainstorm! Activity that instructors can use in the classroom for student teams, pairs, or individually. (This lesson could last up to three days.) Students complete a br
9th - 12th, Adult Education, Higher Education
ELA Test Prep, English Language Arts, Writing
CCSS
CCRA.W.1
, CCRA.W.9
, CCRA.SL.1
+3
Syntax | *AP Pre-AP | "Mental Floss" | Sentence Diagramming | Challenges BOOK 2
On each page is one copy-ready diagramming challenge for students along with the completed diagram on the next page. Each sentence is repeated multiple times on one page so that teachers can easily photocopy that page and cut apart the sentences for distribution to students. I use weekly “Mental Floss for extra credit and extended study of grammatical and syntactic structure—one per week beginning early in Quarter 2 (mid-November) give or take a shortened school week or a holiday vacation. I eva
6th - 12th, Adult Education, Higher Education
English Language Arts, Grammar
Reading & Writing Literacy | Round-Robin, Reading, Revision, & Essay Evaluation
ROUND-ROBIN WRITING, ESSAY EVALUATION & SCORING ACTIVITYHello, Friends! Learning about writing and improving one’s writing happens —actually happens—when one physically writes and evaluates writing. And as teachers, we also know that writing is a process rather than “an event.” Students see this principle in action as we work on writing: paragraph revision activities, narrow, skill-focused assignments--both in person or online, short, concentrated writing assignments--those focused on very
8th - 12th, Adult Education, Higher Education
ELA Test Prep, English Language Arts, Writing
CCSS
CCRA.W.1
, CCRA.W.9
, CCRA.SL.1
+3
Literacy | Close & Critical Reading Log Label | Pre-AP | (6" x 9") (*AP)
This is one of those resources that I actually print off in color at home on 6 x 9 Avery self-adhesive labels and provide students sometime during the first few weeks of school. This download includes a fully editable, 6” x 9” critical reading log label (Word) that I have students adhere on the inner-front cover of their composition notebooks! There’s never a question about what students should be looking for and noting as they read. There is also no question about what students’ notes shou
6th - 12th, Adult Education, Higher Education
Close Reading, English Language Arts, Other (ELA)
Sem. 2 |Writing Literacy: Close / Critical Reading Practice w/Francine Prose *AP
Kick off critical and close reading instruction as well as practice with figurative language and rhetorical choices early on in the school year with the first two chapters of Francine Prose's Reading Like a Writer: Chapter 1: “Close Reading” and Chapter 2: “Words”; pp. 1-34. Extend student learning with a rich discussion of Chapter 2, “Close Reading: The Art and Craft of Analysis, from The Language of Composition by Shea, Scanlon, and Aufses. I have students read these texts both efferently
10th - 12th, Adult Education, Higher Education
Close Reading, English Language Arts, Writing
Literacy: Critical Reading Log 6X9 Label & Evaluation STICKIES (*AP)
Hey there, friends! I've paired these two! Because things that work well should go together. FIRST is the resource that I actually print off in color at home on 6 x 9 Avery self-adhesive labels and provide students sometime during the first few weeks of school. This download includes a fully editable, 6” x 9” critical reading log label (Word) that I have students adhere on the inner-front cover of their composition notebooks! There’s never a question about what students should be looking
Not Specific
Close Reading, English Language Arts, Other (ELA)
2nd Sem. | Critical Reading @ the Secondary Level | Survey | *Pre-AP | *AP |
This has been great to have students respond in class--with some background music--sometime during the first two weeks of the semester. I have also used this survey during some "gap" time and had students finish at home. The information provided by students allows me to look at student needs first-hand as well as to open the doors of communication: for overall class discussions about reading.for introducing individual student conversations about reading.for sharing my own views and struggles wi
8th - 12th, Adult Education, Higher Education
Close Reading, English Language Arts, Other (ELA)
MATCH GAME! The OCEAN Set *AP Rhetorical Features, Figurative Language Devices
It's the beginning of the school year. Are you already thinking about the AP examination in May? Will your students be ready? Add these sets to your lesson plans early on in the school year--and then keep the inclusion consistent! Add these fun (and very quiet) active games to your AP work! Have discussions about WHY each language feature example is a better exemplification of a specific language feature. Your kids will love getting out of their chairs for a change! Match Game! stemmed first
6th - 12th, Adult Education, Higher Education
Close Reading, English Language Arts
BTS!! | Writing Correction Ex. & Sample | for Grammar and Style Sheets
WAIT!! You can get this PLUS three other resources in my Writing Correction BUNDLE for Middle School and High School!When students are are making consistent writing errors in their written work (two or more of the same error), I assign a “writing correction.” This will be indicated at the bottom of their work. Students have two days to complete this assignment and submit it for evaluation. This differentiation in instruction is especially helpful for those students who need more writing focus th
6th - 12th, Adult Education, Higher Education
English Language Arts, Grammar, Writing
Tracking Card | Grammar, Usage, & Style Sheets | (*Pre-AP/AP Appropriate)
WAIT!! You can get this PLUS three other resources in my Writing Correction BUNDLE for Middle School and High School!After laminating the Middle and High School Convention and Style card and distributing them to my students, I copy this tracking card on card stock and distribute it as well. One side per semester, students track their grammar and style issues per assignment (tracked at the top of the card). I assign students "Writing Corrections" (product upload separately) if they accrue two o
6th - 12th, Adult Education, Higher Education
English Language Arts, Grammar, Writing
Sem. 2 | Literacy: Critical Reading Log | Evaluation | STICKY NOTES (*Pre-AP)
Hey there, friends! After collecting all of the important critical reading log information: Impressions, Motifs (which includes patterns and repetition ), Rhetorical Features and Key Passages that exemplify those features and push students to begin coming up with significance, Language (which includes syntax, diction, and tone), Vocabulary, Summary/Annotation/Thesis, and Discussion QuestionsAnd after I've shared and discussed my sample log entry with students, I might choose to assess student
6th - 12th, Adult Education, Higher Education
Close Reading, English Language Arts, Other (ELA)
MATCH GAME! The GOLD Set *AP Rhetorical Features, Figurative Language Devices
It's the beginning of the school year. Are you already thinking about the AP examination in May? Will your students be ready? Add these sets to your lesson plans early on in the school year--and then keep the inclusion consistent! Add these fun (and very quiet) active games to your AP work! Have discussions about WHY each language feature example is a better exemplification of a specific language feature. Your kids will love getting out of their chairs for a change! Match Game! stemmed first
6th - 12th, Adult Education, Higher Education
Close Reading, English Language Arts
Personal Narrative Planning & Revision Mind Map
By the time we get through all of the qualities of a personal narrative as we're working with students, it's not surprising that they've forgotten a few details. Of course, a personal narrative begins by introducing a character, setting, and event and conflict--but there are SO many more things we want to see in that writing! I've had excellent success showing students the elements through which the story should develop (plot, dialogue, description, and a reflective ending) with MIND MAPPING.
6th - 12th, Adult Education, Higher Education
English Language Arts, Other (ELA), Writing
Syntax Study | Diagramming Practice 5 | Alaska | Structure | Parts of Speech
Hello friends! SENTENCE DIAGRAMMING IN THE HIGH SCHOOL CLASSROOMFor decades, debates in the world of grammar have revolved around whether language has concrete conventions and how those conventions should be taught. At the center of these debates is grammar and sentence diagramming. Although many confine grammar to an academic study, this debate is relevant to the everyday lives of all English speakers because it affects how we understand language. Diagramming is a visual representation of th
6th - 12th, Adult Education, Higher Education
English Language Arts
Showing 1-19 of 19 results
About the store
Experience
Having taught English Language Arts and incorporated related academic skills for nearly 30 years, I have primarily relied on writing and close reading as access points, giving students a solid base. However, I have taken the opportunity to pivot from many other angles to both engage and access student interest and motivation. Having taught skills-based curricula for over the years, I have a broad range of teaching experience at the high school level: AP Language and Composition, English 9, English 10, Enriched 10, American Literature 1 and 2, Grammar and Usage, Humanities, British Literature, and English for the 21st Century. I have also taught university graduate-level courses, ACT preparatory courses, and English classes at the community college level.
Teaching style
Creating both collaborative and cooperative environments in the classroom and utilizing student partnerships and groups whenever possible promotes lasting, learning relationships as well as supportive networks that stay with students long after they leave the classroom.
Awards & shining teacher moments
National Board Certified Teacher who mentors others working towards National Board Certification.
My own education history
Our mothers, fathers, and families
B.S. Secondary Education
B.A. Secondary English (Focus Native American Literature Certificate)
M.S. Curriculum and Instruction
NBCT National Board Certified Teacher
Author, Poet, Curriculum Writer, Educational Consultant, Graphic Designer, Baker, Artisan, Artist, EverythingIsConnected0101 . . .
Additional biographical information
Having grown up in the Northwoods, Nelson's career has been an exercise in weaving words with work: gardening, cooking, technical writing, marketing, graphic design, education and training, fusing curriculum and instruction specialties with educating at the middle-, secondary-, and postsecondary levels of education over nearly three decades; they have also been recognized as an Excellence In Education Educator more than several times. Their work has appeared professionally in several professional publications: _The English Journal_, _A Second Opinion_, _The Wisconsin English Journal_ and explore topics such as vocabulary, syntax, and food. Their work continues to evolve and inspire. Connect soon at http://wwweverythingisconnected.
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