Ms. Brody's Class

Welcome to the Web site for Ms. Brody's 2011-2012 classes.

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Learning Tools for English Language Arts
USA Learns
This semester we are looking for ways to improve everyone's reading and writing skills. One great way to start is by exploring  material that was created for English language learners (sometimes called ELL or ELLs). 
 
U.S.A. Learns is an easy-to-use, free web site designed to help users learn English. One of several Web-based programs we will explore in class, you can also use it from home (if you have a computer with Internet access) or the library.
 
Start by clicking on the link above and exploring the site.  It's best if you register - then you can keep track of the lessons you completed, your scores, etc.  Each lesson has a variety of interactive activities that will help vocabulary, comprehension, drawing conclusions and writing.
 
Note:  The site uses a lot of sound, so you might want to have headphones handy (especially in the library).
 
 

OWL


The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) offers all kinds of writing resources about everything from writing to research to grammar and mechanics. There is even help for parents, English language learners, as well as job search and professional writing guides. 

OWL for students
OWL for parents
OWL for teachers

 

Empower3000


Empower™ is a Web-based, individualized reading and writing program that we are using in Reading & Writing Lab this semester. It has a proven track record for accelerating "reading comprehension, writing proficiency, vocabulary development and high-stakes test scores."

 

You can also improve your reading skills at home with the same great Empower3000 technology program we're using in school.

 

How does it work?
Each day, Empower3000 sends a current events article. Every student in the class gets the same basic article, but the content is customized to match each student's own reading level. The article comes with a variety of fun activities to improve comprehension, vocabulary and writing skills. As your reading level improves, Empower will increase the level of difficulty so you remain challenged and interested.

 

How can I use Empower3000 outside of school?
You can also share in the fun at home - or anywhere a computer is connected to the Internet. Here's how:

 

Log on to www.empower3000.com with the username and password you received from Ms. Brody, and follow these five easy steps:

 

Step 1:  Check your e-mail. Read the message from Empower3000 and respond.
Step 2:  Click the link in the e-mail to read that day's news article.
Step 3:  Do the activity.
Step 4:  Finish the thought question.
Step 5:  Vote in the poll.

 

Explore other Empowerfeatures, including other articles, the Stock Market game, puzzles, jokes, and more.

 

We hope you enjoy exploring Empowerand use it often.