Dear Dr. Louis, “For the synthesis question on the AP Language exam (which is basically an argument prompt but the students have to use sources as CDs), I’ve heard much talk from other AP teachers that the commentary should still …
Dear Dr. Louis, Could you remind me of that wonderful three part phrase about concrete detail? With gratitude, Marie S. Dear Marie, Of course! For student writers, knowing how to evaluate what evidence to use in an essay is a …
The Vertical Vision: A Recipe for Success is a four-part webinar series that provides teachers with a practical and effective approach to teaching novel and drama selections while integrating vocabulary, grammar/syntax, and writing strategies. Teachers attending this webinar use their …
Dear Dr. Louis, Our district is considering summer reading. What is your opinion? Delainey Dear Delainey: One answer: the best of times; the worst of times. I say that because summer reading and any outside reading requirement can be …
I am wondering about the Dialectical Journal form. My students complete dialectical journals as we read our novels, but I love this form that you attached . . . we do them in a journal notebook in class. Now that …
Dear Dr. Louis, I need your insight and expertise. As so much continues to shift and change in our district, we have had more and more questions around all things English Language Arts (ELA) and literacy. Some folks believe that …
Hi Dr. Louis! Happy New Year! I have a question for you regarding expository writing. In filling out the T-Chart for a body paragraph, how do you explain the difference between the commentary sentence and the concluding sentence? The ideas …
Good morning Dr. Louis, I am having my students complete outside reading before they come to class and as a way to support their comprehension and prepare them for a quick reading quiz, I am going to have them write …
Dear Dr. Louis, I need help with prompt writing, please! Eileen V. Dear Eileen, Well, the first step is asking for help! When I first started teaching eleventh grade English Language Arts, I would become discouraged as I began scoring …
Dear Dr. Louis, My son’s middle school is using your program. I have searched your website looking for how your curriculum is used in a middle school special education setting for a student entering 6th grade reading and writing on …