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Language Arts Resources

Vocabulary Cartoons: Building an Educated Vocabulary with Visual Mnemonics, Sam, Max, and Bryan Burches Using visual imagery, this book presents less common vocabulary word, each with a definition then a picture that uses cartoon images to visually associate the meaning of the word. Three sentences are given below the picture, using the word in slightly different contexts. At the end of ten words, there is a fill-in-the-blank exam.  An excellent resource for students who can compact out of their grade-level spelling! Could be used for tiered spelling lists. Elementary
Vocabulary Cartoons:  SAT Word Power Same as above, but using more challenging vocabulary. Superb for advanced middle/high school students as vocabulary and memory builders.  Contains 290 SAT level words with 29 review quizzes. Middle/High
Vocabulary Cartoons II:  SAT Word Power Same as above. Middle/High
Frindle, Andrew Clements This short novel tells the story of a very bright fifth grade student who decides to invent a word, and the trouble that causes for him, his family, his teacher, and the school.  It is an excellent book to ignite discussion about problem-solving and peer-adult interaction with gifted learners.   A chapter could be used for seminars. Elementary
The Mysteries of Harris Burdick, Chris Van Alsburg A picture is given, and one line is written as a prompt.  Teachers can use one picture as a pre-assessment of students’ abilities to write mysteries by asking them to complete the story.  Then, after analyzing from their writings the elements that make for a good mystery, students can incorporate those elements into another writing using a picture of their choice.  This could be whole class, or a tiered assignment.
The Math Wiz, Betsy Duffey A story of a young boy who is excellent at math, but terrible at physical education, and his struggles to resolve the inner and outer conflict that creates.  The teacher serves as an excellent role model.  A chapter could be used for seminars. It could also be used for counseling gifted students. Elementary
Be A Perfect Person In Just Three Days!, Stephen Manes This superbly written, funny book tells about a boy, Milo, who finds a book about how to become perfect.  For gifted children with any tendencies toward perfectionism, this book elicits great, healthy discussions about the impossibility of striving for perfectionism, and the need to accept ourselves and still strive for excellence.  A chapter could be used for seminars.  It is also a good book for parents to read with children. Elementary
Scholastic Dictionary of Idioms:  More than 600 Phrases, Sayings & Expressions, Marvin Terban To incite curiosity in students about our language, this “dictionary” gives the historical origins and meanings of idioms, some of which date back to the 12th century. Students may choose to write their own dictionary of contemporary idioms or use as many idioms as they can in an original story. Great resource for a center or tiered assignment.