Where curriculum meets community, creativity, and continuing support. |
|
|
Gratitude & Growth: A Season to Reinforce & Enrich
|
The month of November often brings a unique mix of excitement and challenges to the classroom learning environment. Students may need extra reinforcement of key skills, along with enrichment activities to keep them engaged and motivated—especially as the busy holiday season approaches. To support you, this month’s newsletter is filled with timely resources and ideas designed to help you strengthen learning, spark curiosity, and keep momentum going right through the holiday hustle. |
|
|
Teacher Training Resources |
Teacher Talk: Writing with Sentence Blueprints
|
We all know it takes a lot of effort to help students become proficient writers, but where should you start your journey? Join us for Episode 3 of the Shurley English Teacher Talk, where we will introduce you to a highly effective writing strategy called the Sentence Blueprint. You will learn how using this simple, logical tool will help students draw on their existing grammar knowledge to craft sound, vivid sentences that reflect essential composition skills and key traits of effective writing. Register today, bring your questions, and be a part of Shurley English Teacher Talk: LIVE!
Webinar Date: Tuesday, November 11, 2025, 4 p.m. CST |
Online attendees who are present for the entirety of the LIVE presentation will receive a certificate of participation to use towards professional development hours. Space is limited. |
|
|
| |
Penned with Honor:
Veterans Day
|
One of my favorite forms of writing is the Comparison-Contrast Essay. You must use factual details to analyze the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. I think the wanna-be researcher in me loves this! I get to scour sources for facts and data. I get to learn new information. That’s where I thrive, and you may be surprised by how many of your students will love this type of writing too! November is a wonderful month to do this type of essay, as many students do not know the similarities and differences between two important U.S. holidays: Veterans Day and Memorial Day. |
|
|
|
|
Extend the Lesson: Seasonal Resources and Activities |
Boost your Mood with Gratitude
|
Every year, Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends on the first Sunday in November. It takes our minds and bodies several weeks to adjust to the time change. On top of that, the early evening darkness can wreak havoc on our overall mood. There’s evidence to support a positive way to combat some of the issues caused by DST and the reduction in sunlight, and it involves writing! |
|
|
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude—so why not help your students express theirs in a meaningful way? Today, we have a heartfelt writing activity that guides them through every step of the process to create a personal keepsake for someone special. Here are all the details...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Writing Extension: The Acrostic Poem
|
Are there times when you wonder, “What is my child thinking?” Well, let me clarify. Are there times when you wonder, “What are my child’s thoughts on a particular topic?” (Yes, that’s better phrasing.) I find that this question usually hits me around the holidays. While the pageantry, hustle, and bustle of the holiday season surround us, I have a desire to know, and I have found a great way to “tune in” with acrostic poems. |
|
|
December Ahead:
Let's Make it Merry!
|
Make the end of the calendar year merry and bright with fresh teaching ideas from the Shurley English Blog! You’ll find fun, festive classroom activities that will keep students engaged and learning, even during the hectic holiday hustle and bustle. So, bookmark our blog, add it to your list, and check it twice. You'll be glad you did! |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
As we count our blessings during this holiday season, know that you are among them. Educators like you inspire us each and every day, and for that, we are extremely grateful. |
|
|
|
|
|
© Shurley Instructional Materials, Inc. All rights reserved.
366 SIM Drive, Cabot, AR 72023
www.shurley.com
|
|
|
