PRI N T TEAH & Thank you for downloading Descriptive Essay—My Favorite Restaurant Getting Started: What should I print? Student handouts: pages 8-15 Page 8: Descriptive Essay Prompt “My Favorite Restaurant” Page 9: 5 Senses Planning Map Page 10: Vivid Words Page 11: Brainstorm Vivid Words Page 12: Planning Map Page 13: Descriptive Essay Tips Page 14: Writing Introductions and Conclusions Page 15: Revision Checklist Assessment Materials: pages 16-17 Page 16: Grading Sheet Page 17: 6+1 Writing Traits Rubric Additional Materials (printing optional) Page 3-6: Suggestions for Teaching the Descriptive Essay Page 7: Why Plan Your Writing? Page 18: Alternative Planning Map with hamburgers for younger writers Page 19 Decorative paper for publishing or presentation (pencil border clip art) Page 20: Decorative paper for publishing or presentation (marquee border clip art) Page 21: Decorative paper for publishing or presentation (My Favorite Restaurant sign border clip art) Page 22: Decorative paper for publishing or presentation (hamburger and hot dog border clip art) Tips for Teaching: How long should my students spend on this essay? It depends on the grade level and experience level of your students. If your students are familiar with the “basics”, i.e. following a writing prompt, using a planning map, writing paragraphs, etc., you can plan for these activities to take about a week (spending 45 min-1 hour a day). If you are teaching 3rd graders (or students that have little experience with essay writing), you may wish to extend the lessons for several weeks. How many paragraphs/sentences should I require of my students? Again, this will depend on grade level and writing experience. For 5 th and 6th graders, I would expect them to write at least a paragraph for each of the main categories. Depending on time and ability level, some students can and should write more than a paragraph for each of the main categories. For 3rd and 4th graders, special needs students, or students with little writing experience, you can easily adapt the essay’s length. You might, for instance, require a shorter paragraph for each of the main categories. I have had students that were only required to write a few sentences for each of the main categories. I feel strongly that ALL students, regardless of ability level, should include an introduction and conclusion in their writing. Knowing how to write an inviting introduction and a satisfying conclusion is a skill that will benefit them in all areas of writing for years to come. I have included a reference sheet for writing introductions and conclusions if you don’t already have a method you use with your students. © R. Russell Suggestions for Teaching the Descriptive Essay These materials are flexible! You don’t need to use them in a specific order. You don’t even have to use all of the pages. Just use what works best for your students and your teaching style. If you need a little more guidance, here are some suggestions on how I have used the materials successfully in my classroom: Writing Prompt: Step One Start with introducing the Writing Prompt. Should you start with the writing prompt before explaining what a descriptive essay is? Yes! The questions in the writing prompt will hook the students and provide motivation for learning more about descriptive essays. Each student will need a copy of the prompt. I suggest using an active reading or text marking strategy to help students disaggregate important information in the prompt. Use whatever strategies your students are used to, or try MUTT. MUTT stands for Mark Up The Text. My students know that “MUTT” means they must read the text 3 times. As they read, they will use “marks” to respond to the new information. (Circle any unknown words or confusing information. Underline or highlight key or important words and phrases. Jot down short notes or thoughts in the margins.) After students finish MUTT, encourage them to share their “marks” with the class. Show a copy of the prompt on the whiteboard or projector so you can “mark” as the students share. This will help you to determine if students understand the prompt, as well as give you an opportunity to clear up any confusion. 5 Senses Planning Map: Step Two We all know that planning is essential for successful essay writing! If you need help convincing your students, read the Why Plan Your Writing page included with this packet. Each student will need a 5 Senses Planning Map. Ask your students to close their eyes and think about what their topic looks like. After a few moments, instruct them to open their eyes and jot down their ideas under the “What do I see?” column. Do the same for the remaining categories. Notice that the third category has two pictures. Tell the students that they can write down what they feel with their hands (soft, bumpy, sticky, etc.). They can also record emotions— what they feel with their heart (fear, happiness, embarrassment, etc.). After students fill out their maps independently, have them share their ideas with a partner or on a big chart for the class to see. Say, “If someone else has an idea that also applies to your topic, add it to your map.” I encourage my class to share and borrow writing ideas—especially when learning a new type of writing. © R. Russell Suggestions for Teaching the Descriptive Essay (Continued) Vivid Words: Step Three Descriptive essays need to use vivid words! This packet includes a Vivid Words sheet and also a blank sheet for Brainstorming Vivid Words. Give students several minutes to brainstorm their own words on the blank Brainstorming Vivid Words sheet. Allow students to discuss and share words with classmates. Then pass out the Vivid Words sheet, and ask students to compare it their list. Did they have some of the same words? Did they have vivid words that the sheet did not? Are there words they didn’t have that they can add to their list? You may prefer to skip the brainstorming sheet, and just have students circle words they like on the Vivid Words sheet. Main Ideas Planning Map: Step Four Each student will need a copy of the Planning Map. There are also alternative planning maps with cute shapes. You can choose and copy the maps that work best for your students. The main sections of the Planning Map will eventually become the body paragraphs of the essay. Now students can begin brainstorming and jotting down ideas for their descriptive essays. They should have their Five Senses Map nearby for reference. Students do not need to use complete sentences on the planning map— words and phrases are fine. I like to give my students several minutes of “quiet planning time” for independent writing, and then several minutes of “discussion time” to share their ideas with classmates. Again, it is important for your students to discuss and share their ideas with each other. This can be done with partners or as a whole class activity. Allowing discussion will also give valuable insight as to whether the students are on the right track with their ideas. © R. Russell Suggestions for Teaching the Descriptive Essay (Continued) Body Paragraphs: Step Five Now that we’ve read the prompt and filled out our planning maps, it’s time to begin writing some paragraphs! Each of the main topics on the Planning Map is designed to become a body paragraph; however, this is easily adjustable. Beginning writers or special needs students might only be required to write a few sentences for each main topic. Older students or advanced writers may be able to write several paragraphs for each main topic. You can determine what length works best for your students. Depending on your schedule and your students’ ability levels, writing the body paragraphs can take several days or several weeks. The Descriptive Essay Tips sheet should be given to each student as you prepare to write paragraphs. Read the Descriptive Essay Tips sheet with your students. Discuss what descriptive writing should contain. Read the examples of descriptive writing. Keep this sheet handy as students draft their paragraphs. I have students keep the Descriptive Essay Tips sheet in a writing folder so they can use it for this and future assignments. Writing Introductions and Conclusions: Step Six All students, regardless of ability level, can benefit from learning how to write inviting introductions and satisfying conclusions. If you don’t already have a method for teaching introductions and conclusions, you can use the Writing Introductions and Conclusions sheet. It contains student-friendly examples you can discuss together. It is also an excellent reference for students to keep in a writing folder. I like to have students write their body paragraphs first, and then add the introduction and conclusion at the end. © R. Russell Suggestions for Teaching the Descriptive Essay (Continued) Editing and Revising: Step Seven While teachers can and should help students revise and edit their writing, it is important for students to practice assessing and correcting their own writing. The Revision Checklist is a student-friendly sheet that can help students assess their writing and make adjustments. Have your students fill out the checklist after writing the first draft of the essay. They will use a checkmark on areas that are satisfactory and an X on areas that they want to improve. Another tip is to have students read the essay aloud to a classmate, parent, or teacher. Reading aloud allows them to “hear” parts of the essay that need correction or revision. Final Draft and Publishing: Step Eight Knowing their work will be published and displayed is a great motivator for students to do their best work! Writing Paper with decorative borders is included in this packet. Assessment: Step Nine A Grading Sheet is included so you can provide feedback on the final essay. I like to show the grading sheet to the students several times throughout the writing process so they will know exactly how they will be graded. Also included is the Rubric, which can help you determine how individual students are progressing on writing goals. You may also want to have students try evaluating their writing with the rubric. © R. Russell Why plan your writing? A guide for helping students understand why pre-writing is important It never fails. After passing out that first writing prompt and planning sheet, at least one student groans and asks, “Why do we have to do all of this planning? Why can’t we just start writing?” This is a story I share with my students to help them see the importance of pre-writing and planning. Maybe it will help you. I ask my students to pretend they are going to take a trip to Florida and visit Disney World. Then I ask, “Would you just get into your car, start driving, and hope you get to Disney World someday?” After the laughter subsides, I engage the students in a discussion about why planning is necessary to make their trip successful. I record their answers on a chart to ensure that we have planned thoroughly. Students usually begin by explaining that they would need a map to get to Florida. (These days, however, my students call it a GPS app.) As the discussion continues, students mention necessities such as gas, money, luggage, first aid kits, hotel reservations, etc. (I should mention that I live and teach in Indiana, so a trip to Florida is quite an undertaking. If you happen to live in Florida, pick another destination for your students.) After we “plan” our trip to Disney World, I explain that writing an essay is like taking a trip. We don’t just start writing and hope we get there someday. To ensure that we get to our destination, we have to plan. Of course, our destination is an essay that fulfills the requirements of the prompt. More importantly, our destination is a finished product that students are excited about and take pride in. Tell your students that just as we needed a chart to plan our trip to Florida, we will make a chart before we start writing. This way, we will stay on course and make sure we get to our destination. This is where I integrate planning sheets, graphic organizers, or thinking maps into the discussion. Just a warning, I usually have to remind students of this story several times throughout the year. I still get some groans when it’s time to fill out the planning sheets. When that happens, I always ask, “Why do we have to plan first?” The students always answer, “If you don’t plan first, you probably won’t get there.” © R. Russell Descriptive Writing Prompt My Favorite Restaurant What is your favorite restaurant? What do you see, hear, and smell when you enter? What delicious foods do they serve? Why is visiting this restaurant such a great experience? Write a descriptive essay about your favorite restaurant. Describe the atmosphere, your favorite foods, and the experience of being there. Think about these questions as you fill out your Planning Map: What kind of atmosphere does the restaurant have? Is it fancy or casual? What are the decorations like? Is it loud or quiet? Can you describe the atmosphere so the reader can almost see it? What are your three favorite dishes at the restaurant? What makes them so delicious? Can you describe the dishes so the reader can almost taste them? Why is visiting the restaurant such a great experience? Do they have music, games, funny waiters, etc.? Is the service fast and friendly? Do you have a special memory of being there with a friend or relative? Do you go there for special occasions (like birthdays)? Can you describe the experience so the reader can feel how great it is to be there? © R. Russell My Favorite Restaurant 5 Senses Planning Map Imagine you are visiting your favorite restaurant. What do you see, hear, feel, taste, and smell at your favorite restaurant? Write what you sense in the appropriate boxes below. OR What do I What do I see? hear? What feel? do I What do I What do I taste? smell? © R. Russell VIVID Words to Describe Food Circle the words you want to use for your essay. delectable saucy garlicky creamy sweet mashed crunchy hot toasted flaky scrumptious rich © R. Russell Brainstorm vivid words you can use to describe food! © R. Russell My Favorite Restaurant Planning Map Restaurant Atmosphere: Three Favorite Dishes: Restaurant Experience: Vivid Food Words: © R. Russell Descriptive Essay Tips Descriptive Writing Should: Paint a picture in the reader’s mind. You want to make your reader feel that they have met a particular person, visited a specific place, or held a certain object in their hands. Pretend that you have a photograph of a person, place, or object. You aren’t allowed to show it to your friend, but you describe it so well that your friend can imagine exactly what the picture looks like. That’s descriptive writing! Use vivid and creative words. Pick words that will make your topic come alive! Stay away from vague words, like, “nice, cute, bad, good.” Are you writing about your favorite meal? Don’t say, “The spaghetti and meatballs were good!” Say, “The meatballs were juicy and tender. The tangy and garlicky sauce danced on my tongue, and I sighed with pleasure.“ See the difference? Use the five senses. Describe what the reader should feel, see, hear, taste, and/or smell. Using as many senses as possible will help your reader “see” your picture! Write so your reader will see the sunrise, hear the music, taste the pumpkin pie, smell the roses, or feel the kitten’s fur. Limit use of characters, dialogue, and action. Descriptive writing doesn’t usually have characters talking (dialogue). Descriptive writing doesn’t have a plot with lots of action. If you have to use a little dialogue or action in your description, make sure it adds to the picture you are trying to get your reader to see in their mind. Allow the reader to feel your emotions. An important part of descriptive writing is making the reader feel what you feel about a person, place, or object. If you feel love for the person you are writing about, your reader should be able to feel it. If you are writing about your grandfather, how could you describe him so the reader feels that love? If you are writing about a place that scares you, what descriptive words can you use so the reader feels your fear? Examples of Descriptive Writing Instead of: I was scared to jump off the diving board. It was really high. I finally did it. Try This: As I climbed higher and higher on the ladder, my body started to shake. My throat was as dry as a desert. I could no longer hear the other kids splashing and laughing. All I could hear was the rapid beating of my heart. When I finally reached the diving platform, the people below me looked like ants. It was now or never. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and jumped! Instead of: I had fun at the beach. It was a very nice day. I went swimming. Try This: The sand was scratchy and hot under my feet. I could hear the sound of seagulls squawking as they flew through the blue sky. Finally, I reached the water. It was cool and turquoise blue. I felt like a dolphin as I played in the waves. I tasted salt from the ocean on my lips. I turned onto my back and floated for a while, admiring white puffy clouds in the sunny sky. Soon I smelled the delicious aroma of hot dogs cooking. It was Mom, grilling dinner in a fire pit on the beach. My mouth watered as I swam to shore. Instead of: My dog is brown. She is a good dog. She likes to play. Try This: My dog is my best friend. She has brown fur, pointy ears, and a curly tail. She always waits by the window for me to come home from school. When I come in the door, she gives a little “yip” of excitement, and her body wiggles all over. I put down my book bag to pet her, and her fur is soft and silky. Soon she goes to the back door and looks at me expectantly. I can almost hear her asking to go out and play. We run and jump and explore together. Her legs are short, but she can run like the wind! Use these suggestions, and soon you’ll be describing like a pro! © R. Russell Writing Introductions and Conclusions Writing Introductions Writing Conclusions Your introduction should contain two things: Your conclusion should contain two things: 1. The Hook (H) 1. Restate the Topic (RT) Your first sentence should “hook” the reader’s attention and make him or her excited to read the rest of your essay. Here are some examples of hooks for an essay about pizza: In this section, you will restate your main idea(s). This could be one sentence or several sentences, depending on how many main ideas your essay has. Here are some examples from essays about pizza: First a Fact: Use real facts to intrigue your reader. With the right ingredients, pizza can be healthy snack! Did you know pizza took the United States by storm before it became popular in its native Italy? As you can see, pizza has an interesting and confusing history. It’s My Opinion: Express yourself! Use this for persuasive essays. Many people consider pizza just another type of junk food, but with the right ingredients, I think it can be quite healthy! Jump into Action: Drop your reader into the middle of the action. My party guests gasped in horror as the pizza slipped out of the box and onto the floor. Imagine This: Use adjectives to create a vivid picture in the reader ’s mind. Mmmm….do you smell that? Fresh from the oven, the scents of hot bread, spicy pepperoni, and melted cheese make my mouth water. 2. The Topic (T) After hooking your reader, you will need to tell them what the rest of your essay will be about. Try not to say, “My topic is…”. Here are some creative examples of telling the topic after the hooks: (H)- Did you know pizza took the United States by storm before it became popular in its native Italy? Here is how pizza became one of the most popular foods in the United States. -(T) (H)- Many people consider pizza just another type of junk food, but with the right ingredients, I think it can be quite healthy! Read on to discover recipes to make your pizza delicious and healthy! -(T) (H)- My party guests gasped in horror as the pizza slipped out of the box and onto the floor. Let me tell you about my worst birthday ever! -(T) Even though it was a bad birthday party, I learned an important lesson. In conclusion, pizza is not the same food all around the world. Ingredients and preparation vary greatly depending on where you are. 2. Memorable Moment (MM) You want your essay to end with something the reader will remember. This will be the last line of your essay, so make it a memorable one! Here are some examples of ways to make your final sentence memorable: May I suggest? Suggest an action or give advice—great for persuasive essays. (RT)- With the right ingredients, pizza can be healthy snack! So, the next time you want a delicious snack that’s also good for you, think pizza, and try my recipes! -(MM) Lesson Learned: Tell your reader what lesson you learned—great for personal narratives. (RT)- Even though it was a bad birthday party, I learned an important lesson. Loyal friends are much more important than pizza, decorations, and presents. -(MM) Ponder This: Leave your reader with a thought-provoking question to get them thinking. (RT)- In conclusion, pizza is not the same food all around the world. Ingredients and preparation vary greatly depending on where you are. Which type of pizza do you think you would enjoy the most? -(MM) © R. Russell Revision Checklist for “My Favorite Restaurant” Organization: I have a great title that is interesting and clever. I have a strong beginning (introduction) that states my topic and grabs the reader’s attention. My essay is well-organized. I can read it without getting lost. Every sentence relates in some way to my main point. I have a strong ending (conclusion) that restates my topic and is memorable. Ideas: I gave examples of the restaurant’s atmosphere. I described my three favorite dishes. I described the experience of being at my restaurant. Voice: My writing shows that I like this topic. My writing sounds like me. My writing gives the reader a clear picture of who I am. My writing is appropriate for the audience. Sentence Fluency: My sentences start in different ways. I have both long and short sentences in my essay. I have enough sentences to support my topic. My essay sounds great when I read it aloud. Word Choice: My words make my essay come alive. My writing isn’t vague. (“stuff, things”) I used vivid food words. Conventions: My words are all spelled correctly. I used correct capitalization and punctuation. I indented all of my paragraphs. I had at least one other student read my essay. I had at least one adult read my essay. (parent, teacher, uncle, etc.) © R. Russell Descriptive Essay: My Favorite Restaurant by:________________________________________________ Section Clever Title Inviting Introduction Restaurant Atmosphere Three Favorite Dishes Restaurant Experience Vivid Food Words Satisfying Conclusion Correct Spelling Correct Grammar Neatness (Appearance and Presentation) % /05 /10 /15 /15 /15 /15 /10 /05 /05 /05 Total Score: _______/100 Comments:_____________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ © R. Russell © R. Russell Writing Rubric (grades 3-6) 4 3 2 1 Ideas Organization Sentence Fluency Word Choice Voice Conventions The writer’s ideas are clear and focused. Relevant details support and enhance the main topic. The main topic is focused, clearly stated, and strongly maintained. Interesting and accurate details support the main topic. The reader’s questions are anticipated and answered. The writer has an excellent understanding of organization. The order and structure of the writing smoothly move the reader through the text. Thoughtful use of transition and signal words show how ideas connect. There is a logical progression of ideas from beginning to end. There is an inviting introduction and satisfying conclusion. The writer has a good understanding of organization. The order and structure of the writing are generally smooth. Adequate use of transition and signal words show how ideas connect. There is a mostly logical progression of ideas from beginning to end. There is an adequate introduction and conclusion. The writer’s sentences have an easy flow and rhythm. The writing is fluid and pleasing to read. Sentences vary in length and structure. Varied sentence beginnings add interest and energy to the writing. The flow of the writing is ideal for expressive oral reading. The writer uses words in a precise, dynamic, and natural way. Words are specific and accurate. It is easy to understand just what the writer means. Words add energy and depth to the writing. Word choice is extremely appropriate for purpose and audience. The writer speaks directly to the reader in a way that is compelling and engaging. The reader feels a strong connection with the writer, sensing the person behind the words. The writing reflects a strong commitment to the topic and convinces the reader to care about the topic. The writer demonstrates an excellent grasp of standard conventions. Few, if any, errors are present in spelling, punctuation, and capitalization. Grammar and usage are correct and contribute to the clarity and style of the writing. The writer’s sentences mostly have an easy flow and rhythm. The writing is generally fluid and pleasing to read. Most sentences vary in length and structure. Sentence beginnings are not all alike. The flow of the writing allows for expressive oral reading. The writer generally uses words in a precise, dynamic, and natural way. Words are generally specific and accurate. The writer's meaning is understood. Words often add energy and depth to the writing. Word choice is generally appropriate for purpose and audience. The writer is mostly sincere and generally speaks to the reader in a way that is compelling and engaging. The reader generally feels a connection with the writer, sensing the person behind the words. The writing mostly reflects a commitment to the topic. Readers generally care about the topic. The writer demonstrates an adequate grasp of standard conventions. Writing contains some errors in spelling, punctuation, and capitalization. Grammar and usage are mostly correct and generally contribute to the clarity and style of the writing. The writer has an inconsistent understanding of organization. Writing often lacks a sense of direction. Inconsistent use of transition and signal words make following the writing difficult. There is an uneven progression of ideas from beginning to end. The introduction and conclusion, if present, are weak. The writer has a poor understanding of organization. Writing lacks a sense of direction. Few or no transitional or signal words are present. Ideas seem to wander. There is no progression from beginning to end. The introduction and/or conclusion is not present. Some of the writer’s sentences have an easy flow and rhythm. The writing can be awkward or choppy. Many sentences are incomplete or rambling. Many sentences follow the same pattern (subject-verbobject). The flow of the writing is mechanical or choppy and makes expressive oral reading difficult. The writer sometimes uses words in a precise, dynamic, and natural way. Words are simplistic and do not enhance meaning. Words are sometimes vague or passive. Word choice may at times be inappropriate for the purpose and audience. The writer seems somewhat insincere and/or not fully engaged in the topic. The tone of the writing may not be appropriate for the audience (too silly, sarcastic, etc.). The writer sometimes seems invested in the topic, but can sometimes seem insincere or uninterested. The writer demonstrates a partial grasp of standard conventions. Writing contains frequent errors in spelling, punctuation, and capitalization. Problems with grammar and usage often distort meaning of the writing. The writer’s sentences lack flow and rhythm. The sentences make the writing unclear and difficult to read. Most sentences are incomplete or rambling. Most sentences follow the same pattern (subject-verbobject). This writing does not invite expressive oral reading. The writer seldom uses words in a precise, dynamic, and natural way. Limited or nonspecific word choice makes the writing lack clarity or meaning. Words are often vague or unimaginative. Word choice does not show an understanding of purpose or audience. The writer seems indifferent or uninterested in the topic. The writer is not concerned with the audience. The reader does not get a sense of the person behind the writing. The lack of interest in the topic harms the writer’s credibility. The writing is lifeless and/or mechanical. The writer demonstrates a limited grasp of standard conventions. Errors in spelling, punctuation, and capitalization repeatedly distract the reader. Errors with grammar and usage greatly distort meaning of the writing. The writer’s ideas are mostly clear and focused. Relevant details support the main topic. The main topic is generally focused and clear, but some irrelevant details may be present. Mostly interesting and accurate details support the main idea. The reader’s questions are mostly anticipated and answered. The writer is beginning to define the main topic, but clarity and/or supporting details may be missing. The main topic is not clear, and many irrelevant details are present. Supporting details are attempted, but they lack accuracy or depth. The reader is left with some questions about the main topic. The writer’s ideas are unclear and unfocused. Supporting details are not present. The writer is still in search of a main topic. Supporting details are not present. The reader is left with many questions about the main topic. My Favorite Restaurant Planning Map Put Your Ideas in the Hamburgers! Restaurant Atmosphere: Three Favorite Dishes: Restaurant Experience: Vivid Food Words: © R. Russell __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ © R. Russell __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ © R. Russell __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ © R. Russell More coming soon! Please Follow Teacher Oasis, as we will be adding more writing lessons, paired texts for guided reading, and readers’ theater for beginning and advanced readers! Our goal is to create materials that are concise, relevant, and easy for you to print and teach. We know you are busy, and we want to provide a place, an oasis, for materials that are always professional looking, hassle-free, and of the utmost educational quality. We will have the hammock and cold drinks ready, so stop by often and tell us how we can help you. If you downloaded our materials, please leave a rating and tell us what you think! Feel free to reach out to us at teacheroasis@gmail.com. Our store address at Teachers Pay Teachers is: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Teacher-Oasis About us: I am a veteran teacher with experience in upper elementary, high school, and special education. I am passionate about language arts studies. My expertise is in 6 +1 Writing and guided reading, and I have been developing and implementing curriculum for these subjects for over 20 years. My husband, who has been designing multimedia materials professionally for over 20 years, designs the materials. He works at an elementary school and is always looking for ways to help teachers. His passion is developing multimedia materials and helping teachers use technology effectively and efficiently. Also, our materials have been reviewed by a group of educators in various grades before being placed on TPT. This ensures our materials are mistake free, easy to use, and teacher tested to give you exactly what you need. © R. Russell