7
Dear Teacher,
Why should math teachers have all the reference sheet fun? As my students started
their first piece of the school year, I thought I would love for them to have one easy
sheet to reference with my top tips for writing. That’s when the English Language Arts
Reference Sheet was born!
Ideas for implementing the ELA Reference Sheet in your classroom:
1.
When introducing the reference sheet, ask students to read through and
highlight the tips that they will need or will use the most. Ask students to talk to a
partner about the tips that they highlighted. Then, share as a whole class.
Discuss how the reference sheet can be used to make students stronger writers.
2.
Keep the ELA Reference Sheet in student binders for easy reference.
3.
Laminate the ELA Reference Sheet and keep in the classroom.
4.
Post the ELA Reference Sheet in Google Classroom.
5.
Use the ELA Reference Sheet as a editing tool. Instruct students to choose three
areas to focus on in their editing.
Enjoy seeing students learn and grow as writers. Feel free to email me at
readitwriteitlearnit@gmail.com with any questions or suggestions for updates. Enjoy!
Thank you!
Read it. Write it. Learn it., LLC
Digital Link for editing (this link is protected by copyright and is for your classroom use
only): To edit this file, click the following link. Then, click on File > Make a Copy. There is
no need to request access.
The ELA Reference Sheet
1
CAPITALIZATION
Blending quotes: LEading in with your
own words
Introduce the quote with a phrase and a comma
CAPITALIZE:
❏ The first word of
every sentence.
❏ The pronoun I.
❏ Proper nouns: names
of people, places,
things.
❏ Titles
The character thought, “Quote” (19).
Give credit by putting the page number in parentheses.
Notice the period goes AFTER the parentheses.
titles
❏
Introduce the quote with a complete sentence and a colon
The character barely survived: “Quote” (76).
❏
Give credit with the page number in parentheses
and a period at the end.
Blend the quote into your own sentence. Punctuate as you
would a normal sentence.
The character “ran to the window” (86).
❏
Capitalize all
important words in a
title.
Italicize titles of
major works.
Underline titles of
major works in hand
written pieces.
Put quotes around
the titles of short
works (articles,
poems, songs, etc.)
COMMA RULES
BEFORE A CONJUNCTION THAT JOINS
INDEPENDENT CLAUSES
I went to the store, and I bought milk.
for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
BETWEEN ITEMS IN A SERIES
I bought milk, ice cream, and cookies.
AFTER AN INTRODUCTORY PHRASE
Remember, I love chocolate.
TO SET OFF A NONRESTRICTIVE CLAUSE (NOT
ESSENTIAL)
I love chocolate, which reminds me of my
childhood.
BETWEEN ADJECTIVES DESCRIBING THE SAME
NOUN
Sweet, cold, chocolatey ice cream is my
favorite dessert.
TO SET OFF A DIRECT ADDRESS
Robert, is dessert your favorite meal?
TO SEPARATE THE SPEAKER FROM THE QUOTE
Troy Smith wrote, “Chocolate is the way
to my heart” (87).
© Read it. Write it. Learn it. 2019
POSSESSION
USING AN APOSTROPHE:
❏ Use an apostrophe s
to show ownership.
❏ Put the apostrophe
after the s if more
than one
person/thing owns it
(unless the word is
plural and not
ending in an s, like
children’s toys).
Example: My
students’ writing is
improving.
FUN WITH punctuation:
;
:
—
SEMICOLON: Use a semicolon to separate two
complete, but closely related ideas. A
semicolon works like a period but can better
show a close relationship between ideas.
COLON: Use a colon to show that a list or an
example is coming.
EM DASH: Use an em dash to indicate a
dramatic pause.
Sentence essentials
THE START: Avoid starting sentences with So, But, And, Because.
FLOW: Combine short, choppy sentences to make your ideas flow.
AVOID FRAGMENTS: Check that each sentence is a complete idea with a subject and a verb.
AVOID RUN ONS: Separate these with a period. Test: Read your writing softly to yourself. Put a
period where you hear your voice stop and drop or where you take a breath.
AVOID RAMBLING: It’s usually a bad idea to connect more than two complete ideas with and,
or, nor, so, then, but, etc.
ADD VARIETY: Vary the length of sentences. Avoid starting sentences with the same word.
homonyms
There = a place
Their = they own it
To = part of a verb, in the direction of
Your = you own it
pronouns
They’re = they are
Too = also, very
Two = 2
You’re = you are
Its = It owns something (no apostrophe to avoid confusion)
It’s = it is
© Read it. Write it. Learn it. 2019
Keep your
pronouns clear. Tell
you he, she, it, they
is.
Avoid YOU unless
you’re talking the
the reader.
Maximize student learning.
Minimize teacher stress.
Join my teacher learning community here.
Dear Teacher,
I started Read it. Write it. Learn it. in 2017 after creating my first escape room. I was so excited
about the experience that I wanted to share my ideas with other teachers in classrooms
across the country. My escape rooms ended up being shared around the world! They were
such a hit, I decided to start sharing the rest of my curriculum. After teaching 7th grade for 17
years, I know that kids learn best when they are engaged and active. All of my lessons are
designed to be engaging, interactive, and standards-based.
In addition to my experiences in the classroom, I have also worked as a curriculum
ambassador for grades 6-12 ELA in my school district and as an ambassador of the Common
Core for surrounding districts. As New York State worked to shift to the new standards, I helped
to train fellow teachers, sharing both the standards and different methods of adapting lessons
to meet new expectations. Most recently, I’ve developed and led teachers in my district
through training in standards based learning and grading. I know how many expectations
teachers are overwhelmed with, and my greatest joy comes from knowing that the quality,
standards-based lessons and materials I create can help save teachers time so they can
focus on enjoying the learning process with their students.
I share my teaching adventures on my blog and on social media:
Follow me on instagram: @readitwriteitlearnit
Follow me on FaceBook: @readitwriteitlearnit
Follow me on Twitter: @aierstokELA
Grab the latest products and freebies from the Read it. Write it. Learn it. Teachers Pay
Teachers store.
Never.
Plan.
Again.
u,
o
y
k
n
a
Th
WITH YEARLONG
CURRICULUM
FROM READ IT.
WRITE IT. LEARN IT.
*The contents of these materials are the intellectual property of
Read it. Write it. Learn it. This product is not intended for use outside
of your classroom. Additional licenses are available for purchase
at 50% off. Thank you for your support!