google.com, pub-8985115814551729, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0 Free Printable Lesson Plans: Language Arts
Showing posts with label Language Arts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Language Arts. Show all posts

Free printable Scrabble games and homemade Scrabble and Boggle word games


Looking for hands-on spelling lesson plans? Here's a fun, easy DIY language arts game to make using homemade Scrabble or Boggle dice. Use manipulatives with preschool through high school, in reading, writing and spelling activities. Here are free printable Scrabble games plus instructions for a homemade word game I call Babble (Scrabble plus Boggle). The site gives free printable Scrabble tiles if you want to play the traditional game too! 

I love the word games Boggle and Scrabble in which players make words from random letters. Both Scrabble and Boggle are superb word games for spelling and reading practice. So I invented a game called Babble, that combines the scoring of Scrabble with the letter mix-up of Boggle. Use with the free printable games I've linked to, in reading lesson plans, spelling games and writing activities. Here's how to make and play Babble.  

You will need

12 dice: Recycle die from old games like Kismet or Yahtzee.
Dice can be purchased at almost any store for under $2).

Permanent markers

Blank stickers (round or square white stickers are best)

Note pad

small pencils

watch or timer

small box


To make Babble: (Scrabble plus Boggle)

Affix a sticker to each of the six sides of the die.

Label each die side with a different letter. With 12 dice times six sides you will have room for 72 letters. Since some letters are more popular, label dice this way. It makes no difference where on the dice you put which letters, Just be sure to get this many letters in.

  -four times each, letters: A, E, I, O, U, R, S, T, L, N

  -three times each letters: B, C, D, F, G, H, M, P

  -one time each, letters: J, K, Q, V, W, X, Y, Z

  -dictionary to check spelling


To play Scraggle:


Distribute pencils and pads. Players take turns shaking box with letter dice, to rearrange.

Player open box and make sure all dice are flat and showing letters.

Time players for three to five minutes, to see how many words they can make with letters showing.


Scoring is as follows: 

  -3 letter words = 5 points

  -4 letter words = 10 points

  -5 letter words = 20 points

  -6 letter words = 50 points

  -7 letter words = 100 points

  -8 letter words = 200 points

Players should check each others words for accuracy.

Use the free printable spelling worksheets plus this game for learning on the go! Do spelling lesson plans in the car, at the store, on a place, while waiting in line; anywhere you go it goes. 



Free online English homework help, ELA tutoring, English composition help


Have you ever sat staring blankly at what is supposed to your English paper? Blank is the right adverb. You feel empty and your sheet of blank paper, waiting. Your English homework is due tomorrow and you haven't got a clue what to write or how to write it or both. Here are websites with free online tutoring in English, ELA (English Language Arts), literature homework and writing homework help. Use the school tech lab if you need wifi. And remember to go over writing homework papers with spellcheck and grammar check. Ask an adult or older sibling to proofread before turning in English homework. These websites offer not-for-profit writing homework help and free online tutoring from colleges, universities and school.

Ref Desk offers vetted links for free online tutoring and homework help for subjects and for grades elementary to college. Ref Desk offers research helps, "Ask the expert" free online tutoring, reference materials, writing homework guidelines, and a personalized page for you to add notes and materials.

This site has writing homework help on essays. You'll write essays on many different topics in many different classes. The essay is one of the most common writing assignments. This site would be a good one to bookmark. The Internet Library System is now closed so free online tutoring isn't available but you can still access writing homework help information.

Fact Monster has English, literature homework and writing homework help geared for 6th to 8th grade. Get free online tutoring in writing papers, literature homework and ELA assignments. Brain Mass is a free online tutoring community in which you can post a question on English homework or comment and get feedback from other students. You can also submit an essay for a professional to read, remark on and give advice. That's a really useful feature. Infoplease works similarly to Brain Mass without the interactive homework help component.

Spark Notes and CliffsNotes websites offer tons of reading and literature homework help. Cliffnotes is probably a little more dry and cerebral while Spark Notes is funkier and edgier. Spark Notes does a nice job balancing book and movie versions of literature. Kids often relate to movie versions of classics maybe better than books. Pink Monkey offers book study guides and literature homework help

Free printable poetry writing prompts, poem patterns, poetry frames


April is National Poetry Month and NaPoWriMo (an online poetry slam project). Poetry is one of the most satisfying creative writing forms. But writing poems can be daunting for beginners. That's why teaching poetry writing, is such a joy. I love helping students get past fears and unlock that inner poet. Poetry templates can help break the creative ice. Here are free printable poem patterns, poetry frames and writing prompts. Poem patterns are adjustable by age to provide more or less structure. For young emergent writers, a frame poem may resemble a fill-in-the-blank activity. For seasoned readers-writers, the template is just an idea springboard from which to launch poems. Reluctant or special needs students gain writing confidence.
ETTC has 30+ free printable poetry frames and poem templates on all different subjects and themes. Many relate to nature (a common theme in poetry), all about me and emotion and feeling poems. Many of these free printable poem template cover grammar, word usage and other English language arts concepts.
TSL Books has loads of free printable writing prompts, including frame poem templates, poetry prompts and story starters. There are poem templates available for preschool to upper elementary school. Check Students Handouts for more challenging printable poetry writing prompts. Use for personal narrative writing prompts, too.
St. Jean's an assortment of free printable poem templates, poetry frames and graphic organizers: couplets, triplets, quatrain, tanka, sonnet, limerick, cinquain, haiku, persona and many other poetry templates to print.
TNEllen has eight free printable poem templates with different variations on the basic "I am' and "All about me" poem theme. Examples are provided. Creative writing teachers can simply block out the example words and print the poetry frame. Students may refer to the example or fill in their own words like a Mad-Lib fill-in-the-blank activity.
Cape.k12 has about 20 free printable poetry frames grouped by grade level. Each link focuses on different types of poetry writing frames and templates. Free printable haiku, cinquain, acrostic, 5 Ws, alliteration and diamante poetry template plus several other poem activities are available.

For more free printable lesson plans visit my linked blogs.

Free Printable Reading Response Journal Activities and Rubric for ELA (English Language Arts)

Kids get tired of doing the same ho-hum book reports and worksheets. The best way to teach any subject is with hands-on activities. Teach reading and literature study with interactive, personalized reading response journals. Get students interact with books, to take stories apart and live them, to explore characters, themes, symbols. Here are 50 printable activities to do that. They're multi-sensory, and employ HOTS (higher order thinking skills). I've included a template for a student activity calendar to organize response activities. Note. One of the activities is to create Facebook social profiles for characters. Optional Activities for an ELA (English Language Arts) Response Journal Rubric

Free Printable Murder Mystery Games, for Mystery Genre Lesson Plans

Teaching a unit on mystery in ELA? Then I've got a treat for you. Just in time for Halloween, free printable murder mystery games. English language arts teachers and homeschoolers, feast your eyes on this plethora of free murder mystery games and murder mystery play writing prompts.  Print murder mystery party games and use as a companion American or English literature lesson plans. These activities would nicely supplement lesson plans on Agatha Christie, Edgar Allen Poe, Cornell Woolrich or other classic crime fiction. There's on that dates back to Elizabethan England to Shakespeare's time. Perfect for Readers Workshop, Writers Workshop or whole-class activities. From a vintage literati-mysterati, happy sleuthing!  "The Raven" (2012-John Cusack) is rated R, but could be a good connection movie in appropriate high school settings. Read on Read on

Free Printable Writing Prompts, Poem Templates, Poetry Frames

April is National Poetry Month and NaPoWriMo (an online poetry slam project). Poetry is one of the most satisfying creative writing forms. But writing poems can be daunting for beginners. That's why teaching poetry writing, is such a joy. I love helping students get past fears and unlock that inner poet. Poetry templates can help break the creative ice. Here are free printable poem patterns, poetry frames and writing prompts. Poem patterns are adjustable by age to provide more or less structure. For young emergent writers, a frame poem may resemble a fill-in-the-blank activity. For seasoned readers-writers, the template is just an idea springboard from which to launch poems. Reluctant or special needs students gain writing confidence.
ETTC has 30+ free printable poetry frames and poem templates on all different subjects and themes. Many relate to nature (a common theme in poetry), all about me and emotion and feeling poems. Many of these free printable poem template cover grammar, word usage and other English language arts concepts.
TSL Books has loads of free printable writing prompts, including frame poem templates, poetry prompts and story starters. There are poem templates available for preschool to upper elementary school. Check Students Handouts for more challenging printable poetry writing prompts. Use for personal narrative writing prompts, too.
St. Jean's an assortment of free printable poem templates, poetry frames and graphic organizers: couplets, triplets, quatrain, tanka, sonnet, limerick, cinquain, haiku, persona and many other poetry templates to print.
TNEllen has eight free printable poem templates with different variations on the basic "I am' and "All about me" poem theme. Examples are provided. Creative writing teachers can simply block out the example words and print the poetry frame. Students may refer to the example or fill in their own words like a Mad-Lib fill-in-the-blank activity.
Cape.k12 has about 20 free printable poetry frames grouped by grade level. Each link focuses on different types of poetry writing frames and templates. Free printable haiku, cinquain, acrostic, 5 Ws, alliteration and diamante poetry template plus several other poem activities are available.
For more free printable lesson plans visit my linked blogs.

Free Printable Spelling Lessons, Phonics Rules Chart Using Color Coding


Next to math, reading is the most vital learning activity schools teach. But reading is more than just knowing words. Reading involves four components known as RWSL--reading, writing, speaking and listening. The four skills work together. So reading lesson plans must include phonics and whole language approaches. Writing lesson plans should cover grammar, spelling lessons, sequencing and organization. Here are free printable reading lessons with phonics, spelling lessons, grammar and writing worksheets. These reading lessons are hands-on and include interactive games, puzzles and cut and paste crafts.
Starfall is a school-approved educational game and activity site for students, parents, homeschoolers and teachers. Starfall has a huge assortment of free printable reading lessons and learning activities. The free printable activities are black and white copies of materials available from Starfall online store. The great thing about printing these activities in black and white is that they become coloring pages for students to enjoy.

Here are some of the free printable reading lessons, phonics activities, spelling lessons and grammar lessons and writing worksheets you can access. There are 26 free printable alphabet worksheets for kindergarten. Students can practice reading and writing their ABCs. There are also 26 alphabet puzzles and word sorting games. Kids love using games and puzzles as reading lessons, phonics activities, spelling lessons, grammar lessons and writing worksheets.

Free Printable Shakespeare Reader's Guide

Beware the Ides of March! And students, beware of teachers quoting Shakespeare, or Julius Caesar in March! Teachers adore Shakespeare and the Ides of March (March 15) is their feast day! But students--meh, not so much. Are you struggling with Shakespeare? Do you despise your literature teacher for making you read Middle English? Do you fail to see the appeal of the Bard of Avon? That is perfectly understandable, but don't despair. Here are tips to vanquish that Shakespearean tragedy, parse his sonnets and laugh in the face of the Bard's comedy. Teachers and homeschool parents, use these lesson plans to make Shakespeare more approachable for students.
Use your textbook lexicon to translate Middle English. A lexicon is a reference guide like a dictionary that defines and explains word usage from different dialects, regions or periods. Many publishers include a lexicon in the form of references at the bottom of each page. Penguin and Dover Thrift classics of Shakespearean works also include lexicons. Here are free printable Shakespeare lesson plans with lexicons, teachers.
Use a specifically- Shakespeare lexicon. A lexicon will make mincemeat of troublesome Middle English and make you battle-ready for the Ides of March inspired homework assignments! Here are more free printable Shakespeare lesson plans to put Shakespearean dialog in user-friendly terms.
Use Internet study guides. Many sites offer free study guides on Shakespeare's books and sonnets. They will include a character analysis, character web, plot timeline, major themes and chapter or verse breakdown, as well as an explanation of unfamiliar terms. Cliffnotes, Sparknotes, Bookrags, E-Notes and Pink Monkey provide great literary help with Middle English, Here are more free printable Shakespeare resources.
Read any Shakespeare story in the narrative or children's version. Julius Caesar should beware the Ides of March and teachers should beware of reading the play versions of Shakespearean works until students have a feel for the actual story without all the confusing theatrical notes and dialogue. Charles and Mary Lamb and Evelyn Nesbit have written beautiful story versions of Shakespeare's that are very readable for all ages.
When you get to the play, read the dialogue aloud. Shakespeare is first and foremost a playwright. His works were written for actors in a theater. His sonnets were written to be read aloud. Read plays as if you're a troupe of theatre actors. Put a little enthusiasm into it! Add the correct emotion (which the play will tell you in parenthesis). Get into character. Reading aloud as Shakespeare's plays were meant to be read, will help you to understand the flow and meaning of the dialogue.

Visualize the similes and metaphors
. Shakespeare was free with metaphor, so to understand his phraseology is to connect with his metaphorical references (which may be very different in Medieval/Renaissance England than in 2016!)

Free Printable File Folder Games

March is National Reading Month. Here's a great lesson plan to teach reading with file folder games. Students can learn just about any subject using file folder games to reinforce content and practice skills. Here are free printable file folders games online. Besides reading, teach math, reading, spelling, grammar, phonics, science, social studies and more. Print games for all ages and ability levels: preschool, kindergarten, elementary, special needs, middle school. Use for homeschool, too.
File Folder Fun has over 100 free printable file folder games in content areas across the curriculum. Search by age, grade level, theme and subject. File folder themes include animals, foods, flowers, weather, ocean life, circus. Themes teach math, reading, science, social studies, phonics, spelling, math, ELA (English Language Arts) history, music and other preschool and elementary school subjects. Click the games you want. The click "download." And voila, a screen appears with game background, pieces, cards, all materials you need, free.
File Folder Farm has gobs of free printable file folder games for math, English, reading, writing, spelling, science, social studies and more. Games can be used with varied ages. Click the game you want. The print, cut out and and assemble. Or better still, print in black and white. Have students color, cut and paste and assemble. You get two activities--craft, lesson plan and game--all in one!
Cindy's Autistic Support has free printable math file folder games. Use to teach counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division file folder games. You can make individual games for each math fact (times table) family.
To make file folder games:
Print game board and glue to inside of file folder. Write instructions on outside. Laminate or cover with contact paper. Make a spinner by drawing a circle. Divide like a pie. Label segments with game advancement options. Place paperclip on paper fastener (brad). Poke fastener through center of circle. Spin paper clip.

Store game cards or pieces in zippered plastic bag or envelope stapled to folder. File folder games store upright in filing cabinet or drawer. Get extra craft mileage from free printable file folder games by assigning students make them.

Free Printable Leveled Readers, Phonics Workbooks


Your new reader has just mastered her phonics lessons; she's reading with some fluency. But summer vacation is here. She won't have access to classroom readers. Do you buy a set of classroom readers to keep up her momentum? You can but you don't need to; there are free printable reading books, phonics books, spelling, vocabulary and grade leveled readers right here on the Internet. Or maybe you need some summer enrichment writing activities for your reluctant reader. He's not too crazy about reading to start with, and you are concerned about how the long summer will affect his phonics and reading skills. Certainly you need some reading and writing activities that your children will enjoy. You will also want free printable reading books, phonics books, spelling and writing activities that are easy to manage.

The sole reason many people hire a tutor for their children is that they feel inadequately prepared to teach them. It's important that if you elect to tutor your child at home, you feel confident and prepared. As a teacher, parent and former homeschooler myself, I can assure you that you can tutor your children at home. With the multitude of free printable reading books, spelling, writing activities and phonics lessons available, all you really need to do is assemble some materials for your child, spend a few moments each day on the writing activities, monitor his progress, and most importantly, relax and have fun.


This link offers over 30 free printable reading books and leveled readers to cut, color and assemble. Making booklets will be fun for you and your child to enjoy together. Print these booklets free of charge by simply submitting a valid email address. There are no fees. Naturally, Reading A-Z hopes that you may purchase more of their fine materials. That is your choice. Meanwhile you may enjoy the free booklets. These books are written according to grade level. There are stories that introduce science, social studies and other school content, while practicing phonics, syllables and spelling patterns. Enchanted Learning has more free printable reading books and leveled readersand booklets. DL-TK has many free printable reading books and leveled readers for preschool, emergent reader and early readers.

Free Websites for English, Essay, Report, Composition, Writing Help


Top 10 Websites for Free Printable English Lesson Plans Review of websites that offer free English or writing homework help. Great sources for assistance with report writing, creative writing, essays, personal narrative, poetry, composition and technical writing. read on