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The Productive Teacher
I help teachers and parents build knowledgeable, skilled readers based on research findings within the Science of Reading.
Explore the Parts of Literacy
Decoding Words
phonological awareness, phonics, syllables, orthographic mapping,
Vocabulary
morphology (Greek and Latin roots, prefixes, suffixes), word meanings and relationships, connotation, academic vocabulary
Grammar
parts of speech, sentence structure, syntax, punctuation, usage
Writing
sentence construction, paragraphs, organization, composition, written expression
Background Knowledge
science, history, geography, culture
Reading Comprehension
main ideas, inference, summarizing, text structure, figurative language
Explore Topics
Elementary Science
Middle School Science
Elementary Social Studies
U.S. History
World History
Elementary Culture
About Me
Hi, I’m Cate, a teacher, literacy researcher, writer, and mom of four. I have taught elementary and middle school since 2012 and am currently a Ph.D. student in Literacy, Language, and Culture at Texas Woman’s University.
As the mother of two children with dyslexia, I am passionate about making learning to read accessible to as many children as possible by empowering teachers and parents with knowledge and practical resources grounded in literacy research.
You can reach me anytime at Cate@TheProductiveTeacher.org!
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The Productive Teacher
Explore my Teachers Pay Teachers store, where more than 8,600 teacher reviews have earned The Productive Teacher a 4.9 out of 5 rating. With 700+ resources and more than 3,000 followers, you'll find practical, engaging materials designed to help students build knowledge and strengthen their reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar, and more.
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The Saltwater Biome for Middle School Science
Saltwater biomes, also known as marine biomes, are ecosystems found in oceans, seas, and coastal regions. They cover about 71% of Earth’s surface and contain high levels of salt, typically around 3.5% salinity. These biomes are home to a wide variety of plant and animal life that have adapted to survive in saltwater conditions. Saltwater biomes play a critical role in regulating Earth’s climate, producing oxygen, and supporting global biodiversity. Saltwater biomes are found
4 min read
The Taiga Biome for Middle School Science
The taiga biome, also known as the boreal forest, is the world’s largest land biome, stretching across North America, Europe, and Asia. It lies just below the Arctic tundra and is known for its long, cold winters and short, mild summers. The environment of the taiga biome is shaped by its location and climate. Found between 50° and 70° latitude in the Northern Hemisphere, the taiga is influenced by the angle of sunlight it receives. Because the Sun stays low in the sky for mo
7 min read
The Tundra Biome for Middle School Science
The tundra is one of the coldest and harshest biomes on Earth. It is found in two main forms: Arctic tundra and Alpine tundra. Arctic tundra is located near the North Pole, in regions such as Canada, Alaska, Greenland, and Russia. It forms because these areas receive very little direct sunlight due to the angle of the Sun. In winter, the Sun stays low in the sky or does not rise at all for months, causing long, freezing nights. In summer, the Sun stays up for almost 24 hours
4 min read
The Desert Biome for Middle School Science
Deserts are some of the most extreme environments on Earth. They are defined by low rainfall—usually less than 10 inches (25 cm) per year—and can have very high or very low temperatures. Shutterstock/1786551896 Deserts are found in different parts of the world, often between 15 and 30 degrees latitude, where sunlight is intense. Many deserts are located in areas with high atmospheric pressure, which limits cloud formation and rainfall. They are also often far from oceans, mea
4 min read
The Rainforest Biome for Middle School Science
Rainforests are lush, vibrant ecosystems teeming with life, known for their incredible biodiversity and vital role in regulating the Earth's climate. These forests are characterized by high rainfall, tall trees forming a dense canopy, and a warm, humid climate. But where exactly are these rainforests found, and what makes them so unique? Shutterstock/1786551896 Location, Location, Location Tropical rainforest biomes are primarily located near the equator, between the Tropics
7 min read
The Basic Needs of Plants and Animals for Middle School Science
Cellular metabolism is the incredible process that fuels every living cell and powers all of life's activities. From the smallest bacteria to the largest animals, every organism relies on cellular metabolism to convert nutrients into usable energy, build and repair cellular components, and carry out essential functions. My gift to you is this free printable reading passage on the basic needs of plants of animals. You can get the .pdf here. The Basic Needs of Plants and Anima
4 min read
Cellular Metabolism for Middle School Science
Cellular metabolism is the incredible process that fuels every living cell and powers all of life's activities. From the smallest bacteria to the largest animals, every organism relies on cellular metabolism to convert nutrients into usable energy, build and repair cellular components, and carry out essential functions. The flashcards you see below are at Teachers Pay Teachers. You can also read more about cellular metabolism below. Cellular Metabolism Cellular Metabolism Im
3 min read
Cellular Transport for Middle School Science
Cellular transport is how things get in and out of a cell. The two main types of cellular transport are active transport and passive transport. Unlike passive transport, active transport takes energy. The cell uses ATP for energy, including the energy needed for active transport. The flashcards you see below are free at Teachers Pay Teachers. You can also read more about cellular transport below. Cellular Transport Cellular Transport Cells are like tiny bustling cities, const
2 min read
The Biosphere for Middle School Science
The biosphere is the part of Earth where all living things exist. It includes land, water, and even the air, where organisms can survive. From the deepest oceans to the highest mountains, the biosphere supports millions of different species, including plants, animals, fungi, and microscopic organisms. It interacts with the atmosphere (air), hydrosphere (water), and geosphere (land) to create the perfect conditions for life. If you would like to get the unit on the biosphere,
4 min read
Knowing the Difference Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells for Middle School Science
One of the first steps in understanding cells is differentiating between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The presentation below shows a sorting activity with information on the cells. If you continue to read below the presentation, you will get more information on prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. If you would like a copy of the picture book, you can get it along with the reading passage, flashcards, and comprehension activities at Teachers Pay Teachers. Prokaryotic and Eu
3 min read
Why Does Warm Air Rise?
Warm air rising is one of the driving factors of our weather, but why does warm air rise? This post will explain the physics behind why warm air rises and touch on the effects this has on the atmosphere and weather around us. If you would like a copy of the picture book, you can get it along with the reading passage, flashcards, and comprehension activities at Teachers Pay Teachers. Why Does Warm Air Rise? Why Does Warm Air Rise? Water vapor condenses and forms clouds in the
2 min read
The Greenhouse Effect for Middle School Science
The Greenhouse Effect describes how heat from the Sun is trapped by the atmosphere of a planet. It is not unique to Earth, but it is having an impact here. If you would like a copy of the picture book, you can get it along with the reading passage, flashcards, and comprehension activities at Teachers Pay Teachers. The Greenhouse Effect What is the Greenhouse Effect? The greenhouse effect is the name scientists have given to the way that gases in the atmosphere absorb or "tra
2 min read
The Coriolis Effect for Middle School Science
The Coriolis Effect is a small topic in atmospheric science that can be seen in big ways. It explains why hurricanes spin and why massive air currents bend. You can witness the Coriolis Effect by playing catch on a merry-go-round. If you would like a copy of the picture book, you can get it along with the reading passage, flashcards, and comprehension activities at Teachers Pay Teachers. The Coriolis Effect What is the Coriolis Effect? Hurricanes spin because of the Coriolis
2 min read
Radiation from the Sun for Middle School Science
Radiation from the sun is a fancy term for sunlight. Sunlight is made up of different wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum. Humans can only see the visible light part of the electromagnetic spectrum, but we feel the effects of the other wavelengths. If you would like a copy of the picture book, you can get it along with the reading passage, flashcards, and comprehension activities at Teachers Pay Teachers. Radiation from the Sun What is Radiation from the Sun? Radiati
2 min read
El Niño for Middle School Science
Have you ever heard people blaming unusual weather on El Niño or La Niña? These weather patterns are caused by the trade winds and the movement of ocean water. The first people to notice these changes were fishermen in South America. They named the phenomenon El Niño after the Baby Jesus because it happened around Christmas. If you would like a copy of the picture book, you can get it along with the reading passage, flashcards, and comprehension activities at Teachers Pay Te
2 min read
All About Air Pollution for Middle School Science
Learning about Earth's atmosphere means learning about air pollution. Some air pollution is natural, like the dust and gases released during a volcanic eruption. Most air pollution comes from humans. Learn about air pollution and the ways scientists are helping to decrease it. If you would like a copy of the picture book, you can get it along with the reading passage, flashcards, and comprehension activities at Teachers Pay Teachers. Air Pollution What is Air Pollution? Air
2 min read
All About Rainbows for Middle School Science
Rainbows are one of the most fun science topics! Plus, they are a great way to connect light, the electromagnetic spectrum, and the atmosphere! If you would like a copy of the picture book, you can get it along with the reading passage, flashcards, and comprehension activities at Teachers Pay Teachers. Rainbows How Do Rainbows Form? Rainbows are giant optical illusions. There isn't a leprechaun hiding gold at the end of a rainbow because there is no end of a rainbow. Rainbow
2 min read
All About Wind for Middle School Science
Wind is a part of weather and the atmosphere that we experience every day. Understanding wind means knowing how and why warm air rises and cool air falls and how the density of air causes movement. If you would like a copy of the picture book, you can get it along with the reading passage, flashcards, and comprehension activities at Teachers Pay Teachers. Wind What Causes Wind? The wind is a part of our weather, but it doesn't always blow. Some days the air around us is stil
2 min read
Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition for Middle School Science
Weathering, erosion, and deposition is where the atmosphere and the geosphere interact. Wind and water weather, erode, and depose rocks and particles of rocks. These changes shape the world every day. If you would like a copy of the picture book, you can get it along with the reading passage, flashcards, and comprehension activities at Teachers Pay Teachers. Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition The atmosphere and hydrosphere change the lith
3 min read
Lightning and Thunder for Middle School Science
Lightning and thunder are both a discharge of electricity. Lightning is what you see, and thunder is what you hear. Read below to learn about where lightning and thunder come from. If you would like a copy of the picture book, you can get it along with the reading passage, flashcards, and comprehension activities at Teachers Pay Teachers. Lightning and Thunder Lightning and Thunder Earth's atmosphere is full of gases. The most abundant gas in the atmosphere is nitrogen gas.
3 min read
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