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There is a myth that English spelling is unnecessarily complex. It is spread by those who don’t understand the writing system. Using a synthesis of theory, research, and teaching experience, the fascinating nature of English spelling is systematically teased out. The examples and exercises offer an encouraging, accessible way to implement the program of study and strive to reveal the beauty of spelling. Aided by example lessons, formative assessments and unique tools, this highly acclaimed overview of spelling succeed in developing theory and practice in the writing system for teacher and student alike.

This accessible guide bridges the gap between research and practice, translating academic findings into practical suggestions and ready-to-use techniques. It helps educational practitioners make informed decisions about which teaching methods to reject and select, and empowers parents to ask the right questions of professionals and policymakers. This book is a timely exploration of poor teaching methods and is an innovative, fresh assessment of how high-quality literacy teaching can be provided for all.

Learn about the five fundamentals of a comprehensive writing curriculum: critical thinking, syntax (sentences), text structure, writing craft, and transcription (spelling and handwriting). Teachers of Grades 4-8 will get crystal-clear guidelines that demystify the process of helping students learn to write and write to learn across academic content areas. And with dozens of included templates, handouts, and other resources — available for download online — teachers will have all the tools they need to design and deliver explicit, high-quality writing instruction.

This teacher’s manual includes research-based lesson design, alignment with the Common Core, sequence of skills for instruction, techniques for one-to-one and classroom instruction, and model dialogues. Each unit Includes an overview of general information for the teacher, clarification of points teachers sometimes confuse, steps for initial instruction and subsequent lessons, and sample activities and assignments.

Learn all about Holi, the Indian Festival of Colors, in this vibrant picture book. Spring is here, and it’s almost time for Holi, the Indian Festival of Colors. Siblings Mintoo and Chintoo are busy gathering flowers to make into colorful powders to toss during the festival. And when at last the big day comes, they gather with their friends, family, and neighbors for a vibrant celebration of fresh starts, friendship, forgiveness, and, of course, fun!

This retelling of a Hindu story from The Ramayana is the three thousand year-old tale of Rama, who rescues his wife, Sita, from the Demon King. The vibrant illustrations, based on the ancient tradition of shadow-puppetry, express the exuberance of a tale which is still very much alive. Diwali is a celebration of Rama’s return to his homeland, with his fellow villagers lighting the path for his return. 

This picture book about Diwali is a mixture of both traditional and new ways to celebrate the holiday in a secular nation. Diwali is Devi’s favorite time of year because that means there will be sweets, new clothes, jewelry, bindis, marigolds, diyas, rangoli, lights, and sparklers — but most of all, her family will be hosting a big party. The story presents both the celebration of Diwali and also the cleansing, prayers, and offerings involved, and shows that the joy of the holiday can be shared with family and friends inside and outside of the culture. (School Library Journal)

Glowing lights and colorful scenes surround Reena as she travels from Boston to Mumbai and back. On her journey, she learns about the values of kindness and responsibility, how she can give back to her community, and also enjoys making a fun new dessert.

Dia receives a camera as a Diwali gift and uses it to capture her memories of this special day. She takes photos of her family decorating clay lamps, creating unique rangoli designs, preparing sweets called ladoos, setting off firecrackers and more. While Dia explores the rituals of Diwali with her camera, children learn about a Prince named Rama who was exiled into a forest for 14 years. After fighting off a demon, he is welcomed back into his city with a “row of lights.” Children learn about how Diwali teaches us that light will overcome darkness and good will conquer evil. 

This chapter book is an action-packed adaptation of India’s great epic, The Ramayana. Follow Rama, the Prince of Fire, and his friends as they defeat the demon king of Lanka and return light to the world. Full-color illustrations throughout vividly bring the story of Diwali to life, while courageous heroes and dastardly villains will engage young readers who loves talesof adventure.

A little girl named Harini is excited to share her Diwali traditions with her class, but she’s not the only student who celebrates! Other children in her class also observe Diwali, in their own ways. This book explores all different kinds of Diwali traditions, including Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Sikh celebrations.

Told in the words of a child, this picture book shows how an Indian family prepares for the festival of Diwali. Young and old participate equally in these preparations. Everyone helps clean the house and decorate it with buntings and vibrant, colorful art. Traditional foods and sweets are made, and new clothes are bought. When Diwali begins, families come together to worship, sing hymns, and tell stories of gods. It’s time to visit friends and neighbors. Fireworks brighten the skies, and gifts are exchanged. (School Library Journal)

This board book features photographs of adorable babies and toddlers experiencing the Diwali holiday in wide-eyed wonder, surrounded by the gentle love and affirmation of adults. The text does an excellent job balancing universal experiences with culturally specific ones. The book presents an age-appropriate view of the holiday from morning until night. (School Library Journal)

Count up to ten and back down again to the tune of “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe” while learning about the traditions that make Diwali a fun-filled festival! Celebrated during autumn harvest, Diwali symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. From sweet treats to intricate henna designs to exciting firework displays, young readers will get a vibrant glimpse into the Festival of Lights.

It’s Deepawali, the Festival of Lights in Nepal, and today is the day to honor dogs! Brothers Alu and Bhalu wander the streets of Kathmandu, passing by twirling kites and bamboo swings, looking for a dog to feed. But as night falls, their task begins to feel hopeless, until they spot a small black dog who is in need of a friend. This gentle story told in verse presents an important Hindu holiday (also called Diwali in India) through the eyes of two young boys.

Binny woke up happy but nervous. It was her day to share about Diwali, the Festival of Lights! Binny is excited to talk to her class about her favorite holiday. But she struggles to find the words.Taking a deep breath, she tells her classmates about the fireworks that burst like stars in the night sky, leaving streaks of gold and red and green. She shares with them delicious pedas and jalebis. And she shows them clay lamps, called diyas, which look so pretty all the children ooh and aah.

This updated edition supports educators in bridging the gap between evidence-based reading research and actionable instructional strategies. Organized according to the elements of explicit instruction (what? why? when? and how?), the Sourcebook includes both a research-informed knowledge base and practical sample lesson models. It teaches the key elements of an effective reading program, based on the science of reading — phonemic awareness, decoding, vocabulary development, fluency, and comprehension — in a practical hands-on teacher’s guide. The third edition also includes a chapter on reading instruction within a MTSS framework.

This accessible book will give teachers the knowledge base they need to help English learners develop strong literacy skills and achieve academic success.  Aligned with IDA’s Knowledge and Practice Standards, this book prepares current and future educators to teach English learners the key components of language and literacy, as first described in the National Literacy Panel report.

A young girl, filled with the sounds of her beloved city, shares a song with her grandmother that changes the two forever. After helping Grandma realize that the city makes music as beautiful as the sounds they hear in church on Sunday morning, the two sit down and take in all the sounds of the city … together.

Using sentences from more than one hundred popular stories and novels as models, this workbook offers extensive practice in four sentence-manipulating techniques: sentence unscrambling, sentence imitating, sentence combining, and sentence expanding. By playing with hundreds of sentences from selections like Charlotte’s Web and the Harry Potter series, children learn to write their own sentences in more effective and interesting ways. At the same time, they improve their reading skills by discovering the story in the sentence.

This practical book provides explicit instructions for teaching sentence-level skills to students who have difficulties in this area. The author explains the key role of sentence combining in the writing process and presents effective techniques for instruction and assessment. Numerous sample lessons, practice activities, planning tips, and grammatical pointers make it easy for teachers to incorporate sentence combining and construction into the writing curriculum at all grade levels (2-12). 

A loving celebration of school and all it may signify: work and play, creativity and trust, and a supportive community that extends beyond walls. A school isn’t just a building — it is all the people who work and learn together. It is a place for discovery and asking questions. A place for sharing, for helping, and for community.

Can an undercover nerd become a superstar secret agent? In this graphic novel adaptation of the popular prose books, Ben Ripley is recruited into the CIA’s Academy of Espionage due to his enthusiastic gaming abilities and his exceptional math skills. As Ben tries to adapt to life at his new top-secret school, he unwittingly becomes the target of a deadly assassin. (School Library Journal)

In this Wampanoag story told in a Native tradition, two kids from the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe learn the story of Weeâchumun (corn) and the first Thanksgiving. The Thanksgiving story that most Americans know celebrates the Pilgrims. But without members of the Wampanoag tribe who already lived on the land where the Pilgrims settled, the Pilgrims would never have made it through their first winter. This picture book honors both the history and tradition that surrounds the story of the first Thanksgiving.