August 15, 2021

How do I teach Shurley English in a multi-grade classroom?

August 15, 2021/ Contributing Blogger

When I began teaching at a small private parochial school, I learned quickly that even though I was teaching two grade levels of Shurley English in the same room, there was a disparity in the way I had to instruct each level. Each group had different developmental needs and learning objectives. Along the way, I discovered a few extremely effective strategies for teaching different groups of students that I would like to share with you today.

August 11, 2021

Shurley English 101: Teaching with Confidence

August 11, 2021/ Contributing Blogger

So, you have purchased your Shurley curriculum, you open the book or access your digital teacher’s manual…and then it hits you! “What’s all this? How am I going to cover all of it? Can I even do it?” If you have had these or similar feelings, don’t panic. It’s going to be all right.

My post today is about confidence. Yes! You can teach with confidence, especially if you are just embarking upon your first journey with Shurley English. I realize that the

August 07, 2021

An Open Letter to Teachers: Taking off with Shurley English

August 07, 2021/ Contributing Blogger

Dear Educators,

Welcome aboard Shurley English flight ABC. Please find your seat, stow your baggage in the overhead bin, and buckle up as we take off into your new school year! This year’s destination is progress and growth. We’ve got a long flight ahead of us so, sit back, stay focused & relaxed, and enjoy the journey!

For some of you, Shurley English might be a new addition to your curriculum. Several of you may already be familiar with the effectiveness and uniqueness of our Grammar, Skills, Writing, Reading, and Speaking & Listening features. Regardless of your passenger status, I encourage each of you to

August 04, 2021

The Four “VITAL -V’s” of a Veteran Shurley English Teacher

August 04, 2021/ Contributing Blogger

Visualize this scenario: It’s early August, and as you scroll through your inbox you see the first of many emails from your school administrator. “Already!?!” you say to yourself as you hesitate to open it. You guessed it! It’s your new school year Welcome Letter and Professional Development Schedule. On the agenda, you notice a full-day training scheduled for Shurley English! Your next few thoughts go something like this: “I’ve taught Shurley English for 5 years now! I don’t need training! Maybe I can get out of it this year!”

Warning: Thoughts like these are exactly why veteran teachers still need our support! Take these thoughts as a sign. I know because I’ve been there.

September 09, 2020

How do I teach Shurley English in a multi-grade classroom?

September 09, 2020/ Contributing Blogger

June 24, 2020

How to Choose the Best Homeschooling Curriculum

June 24, 2020/ Contributing Blogger

SPOILER ALERT: I’m going to get personal and invite you to ask yourself some tough questions. Stay with me. I promise you'll be glad you did!

At an educator’s convention in 2019, I interacted with a parent and teacher who was searching for a Grammar and Writing curriculum. I gently offered her some verbal information, a

August 15, 2019

Shurley English 101: Teaching with Confidence

August 15, 2019/ Contributing Blogger

My post today is about confidence. Yes! You can teach with confidence, especially if you are just embarking upon your first journey with Shurley English. I realize that the sheer volume of information about English that we teach might be enough to send you to the edge. But, pull back. Breathe. Help is on the way.

August 13, 2019

The Art of Self-Care for Teachers: Saying "No."

August 13, 2019/ Contributing Blogger

Last week, we discussed how practicing the art of self-care IS your duty. Learning how to set boundaries at home and work helps you take care of YOU so you can take care of others. One valuable way to break your pattern of self-sacrifice is by learning how to gracefully say, “No.”

When you’re a chronic giver or helper, it’s really hard to tell people, “No.” Most of us don’t like to disappoint people. We avoid conflict when possible, and many people simply believe that taking care of one’s self is just plain selfish. These days, more and more people have started shifting their beliefs around self-care; personal health and well-being have become a part of people’s lives in the 21st Century. People are empowered when they can say, “No” to a request that is not absolutely necessary.

Please be aware of this important point:

August 06, 2019

The Art of Self-Care for Teachers

August 06, 2019/ Contributing Blogger

Are you familiar with the frog in boiling water metaphor? (Of course, do not attempt this at home!)

Imagine a pot of cold water sitting on the burner of a stove. A frog is peacefully swimming in it. The heat is turned on, and the water starts warming up. The frog finds this pleasant and keeps swimming. The temperature keeps rising, though. Now, the water is a little more than what the frog enjoys; it becomes a bit tired, but it doesn’t panic. As the water continues to heat up, the frog finds it very uncomfortable, and

July 11, 2019

Writing Time: Let's start a blog!

July 11, 2019/ Contributing Blogger

Journal Writing is an activity that is implemented very early in the Shurley English curriculum. Students are taught how to create a written journal to record their thoughts and feelings. Then, throughout the school year, they are encouraged to respond to specific prompts in their personal journals. (If you’re wondering about the benefits of journaling, please check out my previous blog, “The Value of Journal Writing (…and how to get started).”)

Today, I’d like for you to think beyond the written journal and consider developing a classroom wall blog. This type of activity affords you an opportunity to support your classroom instruction and teach your students how to become responsible writers.

To begin, here’s a blog for you and your students to read: