Literary Devices: Free Handout and Link to New Publication

What’s the Confusion all About?

Over the years, my students have come to sessions seeking help with literary devices.  They have expressed confusion over the terms: literary devices, literary terms, literary elements and figurative language, and they also struggle with the many definitions. 

What are Literary Devices, Literary Terms, Literary Elements and Figurative Language?

• Literary Devices are creative writing strategies used by an author to convey his or her message(s).  When used well, literary devices help readers to visualize, interpret and analyze literary texts.  There are two kinds: literary techniques (which includes figurative language) and literary elements. 
• Literary Techniques are words or phrases in texts of literature that writers use to achieve artistic or creative expression.  Literary techniques also help readers to visualize, understand and appreciate literature.  
• Literary Elements are components or pieces that make up a story or literary work. 
• Figurative Language is the creative use of words and phrases that offers a hidden meaning beyond any literal interpretation.

How Can Students Understand the Global Concept?

I created an image to help students “see” the big picture as well as understand the individual components.  Although I have not included all possible literary devices, I have included what I believe to be the most common ones.  I hope you agree. 

Click Here to download a free copy of this image.

Additional Resources:

If you are also interested in a comprehensive publication that also offers students additional printables, a multisensory activity and a game, Click Here

Cheers, Erica

Dr. Erica Warren is the author, illustrator and publisher of multisensory educational materials at Good Sensory Learning and Dyslexia Materials.  She is also the director of Learning to Learn, in Ossining, NY.  To learn more about her products and services, you can go to www.goodsensorylearning.com, www.dyslexiamaterials.com, & www.learningtolearn.biz  

Multisensory Teaching Accommodates the 12 Ways of Learning

To be a true multisensory teacher, it is important to be aware of all 12 Ways of Learning.  The Eclectic Teaching Approach merges the theories of cognitive styles, multiple intelligences, information processing, and multisensory learning to reveal 12 diverse and distinctive ways of processing and encoding information. Each of these learning modalities lie on a continuum and individuals have their own profiles that are based on cognitive strengths, preferences as well as exposure to each methodology. By learning about the Eclectic Teaching Approach, teachers, therapists, parents and even employers can be more mindful of their expectations as well as their lesson or training approach. Then, by evaluating preferences, instruction and assignments can be tailored for groups or individuals resulting in optimal learning.

What are the 12 Ways of Learning?

If you would like to view a FREE Prezi on the 12 Ways of Learning, Click here.

Cheers, Erica
Dr. Erica Warren is the author, illustrator and publisher of multi-sensory educational materials at Good Sensory Learning and Dyslexia Materials.  She is also the director of Learning to Learn, in Ossining, NY.  

                                                

The Number Ladder: Turning Addition and Subtraction from Top to Bottom

I have never understood why the number-line extends horizontally from left to right.  Young learners often confuse their left from right and others have trouble remembering which way to travel when trying to solve simple addition and subtraction problems.  However, when viewing a vertical number-line, it makes conceptual sense that going up would equate with adding, while traveling down would result in subtraction.  Furthermore, when solving multi-digit problems, we teach students to line up numbers vertically.  Therefore wouldn't it be best to commence instruction with the number-line extending up-and-down?

Turning the Number-line Into a Ladder
To make the learning process even easier, I like to change the number line into a ladder that travels up into the sky.  This way, when students are instructed to add, they climb up the ladder and when they subtract they descend down the ladder.  What's more, when students eventually learn about integers, the number line can descend down "into the ground."

Free Game that Teaches this Concept:  
I love to use a staircase to help students really understand the concept of adding and subtracting. If you would like a free game that is ideal for kinesthetic learners as well as a copy of my Number Ladder, Click here

I Also Offer Two Publications:

• If you want to purchase an interactive PowerPoint that teaches adding and subtracting whole numbers as well as a PDF file with activities and games, Click here.  
• If you would like to purchase an interactive PowerPoint as well as a PDF that teaches all about adding and subtracting integers and also offers two games click on the image to the right or Click here

Cheers, Erica

Dr. Erica Warren is the author, illustrator and publisher of multi-sensory educational materials at Good Sensory Learning and Dyslexia Materials.  She is also the director of Learning to Learn, in Ossining, NY.  

More Games that Benefit the Brain: A Review

If you have been reading my blogs, you know I'm a big fan of bringing the fun factor into learning.  In fact, did you know there are many games that can improve cognitive functioning?  Kids love to play card and board games, and there are quite a few that exercise and strengthen the brain. Back in September I reviewed 15 games that can benefit cognition and I wanted to add a few more to the list:

Game:	Cognitive Benefits	Where to Purchase
Rat-A-Tat-Cat:	· Visual Processing · Visual Memory · Planning · Attention · Working Memory	Amazon: See link below
Q-Bits – Extreme:	· Visual Processing · Spatial Relations · Speed of Processing · Attention to Detail · Mental Flexibility · Executive Functioning · Perceptual Reasoning	Amazon: See link below
Duple:	· Visual Processing · Word Finding · Processing Speed · Hemisphere Integration · Attention to Details	Amazon: See link below
Stare:	· Visual Memory · Speed of Processing · Metacognitive Skills · Attention to Details	Amazon: See link below
Color Code:	· Visual Processing · Nonverbal Reasoning · Spatial Relations · Planning · Perceptual Reasoning	Amazon: See link below
No Speed Limit:	· Processing Speed · Visual Processing · Visual Memory · Executive Functioning · Perceptual Reasoning	Amazon: See link below
Qwitch:	· Mental Flexibility · Sequential Processing · Speed of Processing · Working Memory · Hemisphere Integration	Amazon: See link below
Anomia:	· Word Finding · Processing Speed · Hemisphere Integration · Attention to Details	Amazon: See link below
Speedabee:	· Word Finding · Speed of Processing · Mental Flexibility · Listening Skills · Auditory Processing · Verbal Reasoning	Amazon: See link below

I hope you found this useful.  If you know of other card or board games, that you would like me to review, please share them in the comment box below.  

 

Cheers, Erica

Dr. Erica Warren is the author, illustrator and publisher of multisensory educational materials at Good Sensory Learning and Dyslexia Materials.  She is also the director of Learning to Learn, in Ossining, NY.  To learn more about her products and services, you can go to www.goodsensorylearning.com, www.dyslexiamaterials.com & www.learningtolearn.biz  

Free Five Paragraph Essay Instruction

Many students struggle with writing and find the required steps both confusing and overwhelming. However, learning the "formula" behind an excellent essay can make the process of writing a relative breeze!

Engage Your Students in the Creative Process:
I often help my students to develop metacognitive skills by asking them to create their own graphic organizers or manuals that can guide them through the sequence of steps required to complete an activity.  What's more, when they are apart of the creative process, I find that they are more engaged as well as apt to use and share the resources.

Prezi Makes Learning Fun and Memorable:
Many of our students are masters on computers, and they love to learn about new technologies that can make learning both memorable and fun.  Prezi is an online site that allows anyone to create engaging and dynamic presentations!  They have some wonderful templates, or you can just create your own.  It's easy to learn and whenever I need help, there is a quick and simple video to answer my questions.  Just this week, I've had fun creating some presentations that I have made free to the public.

Here is a link to my Free Five Paragraph Essay on Prezi.  Just click on the image below to view it:

http://prezi.com/3uvudpog1qcn/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy

I hope you enjoy it and I would love to hear your thoughts!!

Cheers, Erica

Dr. Erica Warren is the author, illustrator and publisher of multisensory educational materials at Good Sensory Learning and Dyslexia Materials.  She is also the director of Learning to Learn, in Ossining, NY.  To learn more about her products and services, you can go to www.goodsensorylearning.com, www.dyslexiamaterials.com & www.learningtolearn.biz  

Thanksgiving Giveaway at Good Sensory Learning

To give thanks to my readers, I am offering a chance to win a free product from Good Sensory Learning!  All you have to do is pick your favorite product from the ones listed and write a comment below this post telling me which is the one you would like.  Be sure to leave some way for me to contact you so we can make arrangements.  Here are your choices:

1) Reading Board Games

2) Following Directions Primary

3) My Pet PEMDAS

4) Planning, Time Management and Organization for Success

5) College Essay Workshop

Two lucky winners will be selected and contacted on Thanksgiving Day.  Good luck and have a happy Thanksgiving!

Cheers, Erica

Dr. Erica Warren is the author, illustrator and publisher of multisensory educational materials at Good Sensory Learning and Dyslexia Materials.  She is also the director of Learning to Learn, in Ossining, NY.  To learn more about her products and services, you can go to www.goodsensorylearning.com, www.dyslexiamaterials.com & www.learningtolearn.biz  

10 Ways to Release Worries in the Classroom

With stringent common core demands, burdensome homework, and competition for high test grades, many students spend a lot of time worrying about school performance.  However, many of these children do not know how to manage stress, and it can lead to sleepless nights, panic attacks, temper tantrums, health concerns, a case of learned helplessness, and even clinical levels of anxiety and depression.  So, what can we do to help children manage the academic load while keeping a level head?

Help your Students Understand the Negative Side Effects of Worrying:

1)   Worrying Interferes with Learning and Makes it Hard to Concentrate:  

If students are worrying, they are easily distracted and will likely miss important directions and academic content. Here is a great NY Times article on this: Click Here

2)   Worrying has a Negative Impact on Memory:

Research suggests that stress and worries make it difficult for the brain to access memories.  In fact, prolonged stress can cause an excessive amount of cortisol production in the brain which can even shrink the hippocampus - the memory center of the brain. To learn more about this go to: Click Here

3)   Worrying also Makes us Stressed, Unhappy and Unhealthy: 

Negative emotions can harm the body and lead to illnesses and diseases.  Harvard News and WebMD offers more on this.

Help your Students Manage their Worries:

1)   Integrate Movement into the Classroom:  When your students' attention wanes, offer short kinesthetic brain breaks.  Also, encourage your students to get involved in sports and other physical activities.  Exercise has been shown to reduce stress.  In fact, children that exercise regularly are better able to cope with stress.  Come read more in this NY Times article.  

2)   Manage the Homework Load Across Classes:  Be sure to communicate with other teachers so, each day, homework loads are manageable for your students.

3)   Give your Students “Personal Days” with No Homework: Once a week, offer your students a day with no homework.  Brainstorm with them how they can best use this free time.

4)   Create a Worry Box: Many students are not able to share their worries because they are embarrassed or they are afraid that their fears will be criticized.  If you offer your students a worry box, where they can write down and submit their concerns, it will allow you to address the issues individually or as a class.

5)   Teach Time Management Skills:  Break long assignments into manageable chunks with clear expectations and deadlines.  Also discuss time management with your students and brainstorm with them ways to prepare for assignments, projects and test in advance.

6)   Offer Short Mindful Meditations: Before tests and other stressful events, offer your students the option of participating in a short mindful meditation.  Here are two free meditations offered on YouTube that focus on stress relief: Meditation 1  Meditation 2.  

7)   Offer an Organized System for Catch-up:  When a student misses a day or more of school, it can be difficult for them to manage the work load when they return.  As a result, create a system where missed content, handouts, class notes and homework can be available on the internet, through email or attainable from a peer or advisor. 

8)   Return Assignments and Tests ASAP:  After your students turn in homework, classwork and completed tests, be sure to return the graded material as soon as possible.  Also, offer them the opportunity to learn from their mistakes by providing comprehensive comments or setting up a one-on-one session with you or support staff.

9)   Provide Extra Credit for Test Corrections:  Encourage your students to learn from their mistakes by offering extra credit or additional points on their test grade for completing comprehensive test corrections.

10) Set an Example:  Students can learn how to let go of their worries if you too exhibit this behavior.  Think aloud and let them hear how you can take a stressful situation and manage your own worries. 

Share the Following Statistics with your Class and Discuss Them:

If you have any other ideas, I would love to hear your thoughts!

Cheers, Erica

Dr. Erica Warren is the author, illustrator and publisher of multisensory educational materials at Good Sensory Learning and Dyslexia Materials.  She is also the director of Learning to Learn, in Ossining, NY.  To learn more about her products and services, you can go to www.goodsensorylearning.com, www.dyslexiamaterials.com & www.learningtolearn.biz