E1L "DOVREI ANGLIT" STUDENTS
The Basics for E1L Students, Grade 5 and Up
Dictionaries and Other Tools
A skilled craftsman or artist knows that he needs good tools.
DO YOU HAVE A GOOD DICTIONARY?
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You MUST HAVE ONE AND USE it! (And not as a doorstop!) I recommend this beautiful, dictionary. But any one is OK, as long as you enjoy (!) using it. That means that it is age-appropriate, not too heavy to pull off the shelf, handy for use(not stored high up!), and at the right age level for you! |
Another useful tool is a "Thesaurus." This is a book that gives you synonyms of words so that your creative writing can be more interesting.
Of course, today, there is the internet to solve all our problems. So here are some good links to have on your "shelf" of reference books."
| Online Thesaurus | Online Dictionary | World Factbook Kids' Dictionary |
Enchanted Learning Kids' Dictionary | Wikipedia |
| Fact Monster | Links to sample book reviews. **1** **2** **3** | Learn a new word every day here or here! | Link to models of student writing at different levels. | Creative Writing - Ideas, Samples ad Links |
Scroll to the bottom of the page to find lots of FUNNY stuff!
What is "Grammar"?????
Grammar is simply a set of "rules" on how to use a language.
Basic English grammar involves knowing what a basic sentence is (a complete thought) and the words: nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, pronouns and articles therein.
Next comes knowing about constructing the different types of sentences: regular, negative ("no"), and interrogative (question) sentences.
After that, comes knowing the rules of correct punctuation: capitals and stops, commas, colons, hyphens...and more.
Finally, you can start getting into more complicated sentences and know about phrases and clauses - there are different types of each - the different tenses, and other more complicated stuff.
Here is my page of grammar topics with online quizzes for many of them. I will keep adding to it, so check back often.
Vocabulary
Vocabulary means knowing and BEING ABLE TO USE as many words in the language as possible.
Want to have a great vocabulary?
Read, read, read! Find great books and read as much as you can. Read stuff on the internet. Read the back of cereal boxes (if they are in English!) Do as many word puzzles as you can. Crossword puzzles are great.
Improve Your Vocabulary Check out this page
Learning "lists" of vocabulary is difficult, as if you don't use the words, you will soon forget them. Still, there are lots of things that I can point out to you.
Some examples:
- knowing about homophones and the like;
- knowing about other confusing words (lay/lie, affect/effect, principle/principal and zillions more!);
- knowing how to figure meaning from context;
- knowing how prefixes and suffixes alter word meaning; and more!
Spelling (and Reading)
To be able to enjoy reading, you have to be able to read QUICKLY.
You certainly know that reading in English is no easy thing. There are so many confusing letter combinations, giving us sounds that we never expect! Do you know that there are 26 letters, but 44 possible sounds?
Why are "ate" and "eight" pronounced the same? Go figure!
Even the simplest word has to be learned. Everyone KNOWS that that animal that goes miaow is spelled "cat." Right? But why not "kat?" You see, even such a simple word must be studied!
So, that means, you have to study words, and their SPELLING.
There are about 220 basic words that every kid should know to read and understant. They are called Dolche Words. Being able to read these words automatically makes reading much easier. (Also, check out the links on the left side-bar.)
After that, the world is the limit. Just go memorize the dictionary. (Ha ha -but that's a method, too.)
My Grade 5 students are being taught these words. Each list focuses on a different type of spelling convention.
You can also see all the lists together here.
Of course, the best way to learn ANYTHING is through FUN and GAMES, and I found a site with Games using the spelling lists! (Unfortunately, I can't find a "main page" with active links, so I will give you all the links here:)
| Lists 1-5. | Lists 6-10. | Lists 11-15. | Lists 16-20. | Lists 21-25. | Lists 26-30. |
You can also find some hints, links and games on the spelling page.
Reading (and Spelling)
The more you read...the more everything improves.
Don't have books? Go to a library!
My lucky students can have any book that they see here on the ReadingA-Z site. Just email me and I will send the file to you to print out.
Writing
Unless you are a "born" writer, one who has a talent and love for it (like a "born" artist), sitting down and doing "creative writing" can be a pain. I know, I used to be there.
I also learned that you can improve, and finally LOVE creative writing. I know, I'm there!
No matter what, there are certain things that ALL writing must have (intro, body, conclusion). Did I mention correct grammar and spelling, too?
The more you write, the better you get, just like any skill. SO KEEP WRITING!
Go HERE for ideas, hints and links to help your creative writing
Some other stuff that may interest you:
Lots of online quizzes for Grade 5.
Grammar workbooks for Grades 1 to 6 that can be Printed out, online)
Great Links on the Internet
Enchanted Learning - A great link for many topics. There are workpages for virtually everything for the younger kids! Well worth a visit!
* Main Page
* Little Explorers Picture Dictionary
Reading A-Z
* Main Page
* List of printable books
My students may email me if they want a free book.
Starfall-My favorite learn-to-read and early reading site
* Main Page
* Online Starfall Books
* Printable Starfall Books
Animated Letters
Learn to write the letters properly!
* Manuscript (Go to "Animation")
* Cursive letters - animations
Dolche Lists - the 250 basic words that children must be able to sight read!
* Dolche practice booklet.
* Other activities
The Grammar of Doom
A challenging game!For grade 5 up! Adults included!
Please send me any great links you think should be here!
English is Funny!
Enough serious stuff. English is so CRAZY that there is plenty to laugh about. Go here to find links to all sorts of funny English stuff.