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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
inferring, text structure, figurative language
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Elementary Science
Middle School Science
Elementary Social Studies
U.S. History
World History
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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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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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Continuity and Change in Europe for AP World History
The time period between 1450 and 1750 brought significant change to the entire world especially Europe. Europe transformed from a collection of feudal kingdoms to nation-states and empires with colonies across the globe. This shift in the power dynamics led to changes in social structures as well. Read the Google Slides to get an overview of the continuity and change in Europe between 1450 and 1750. Technological Advancements The age of transoceanic voyages, a pivotal peri
14 min read
Changes in European Nobility for AP World History
The changes in European nobility from 1450 and 1750 are an illustrative example of changing social hierarchies between 1450 and 1750 for Unit 4 in AP World History. This is an example you could reference on your AP World History test. The period between 1450 and 1750 witnessed profound changes in European nobility, marked by a dynamic interplay of political, social, and economic forces. These transformations reshaped the nature of aristocratic power, altering the traditional
2 min read
All About European Palaces for AP World History
European palaces are an illustrative example in the Empires: Administration topic of Unit 3 of AP World History. Read more about European palaces below! European palaces, exemplified by the grandeur of Versailles, were not merely architectural marvels but integral components of the administrative machinery that governed kingdoms during the transformative period from 1450 to 1750. The Palace of Versailles, commissioned by Louis XIV of France, stands as a prime example of how t
2 min read
The Story of Marco Polo for AP World History
The Story of the explorer, Marco Polo, is an illustrative example in the Cultural Consequences of Connectivity topic of Unit 2 of AP World History. Read more about Marco Polo below! Marco Polo, the Venetian explorer, merchant, and storyteller, occupies a prominent place in world history. His extensive travels across Asia during the 13th century, documented in his seminal work “Il Milione” (The Travels of Marco Polo), provide a fascinating account of the diverse cultures, land
2 min read
The Great Schism for Unit 1 of AP World History
The Great Schism happened before 1250, but understanding it will help you understand later tensions between the East and the West in Europe. The Great Schism, also known as the East-West Schism, was a significant split within the Christian Church that occurred in 1054. This event led to the formation of two separate branches: the Western Church, centered in Rome and led by the Pope, and the Eastern Church, centered in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) and led by the Patria
2 min read
World War I for AP World History
This article serves as an essential resource for AP World History students to understand the key facts and major developments of World War I. From exploring the causes of the world’s first global conflict to examining the impact of the war on different countries, we’ll provide comprehensive information slides and explainers to help students gain a better grasp of the conflict and its lasting effects. We’ll also explore the individuals and organizations that played a role in t
14 min read
A Brief Introduction to the Crusades for AP World History
The Crusades were a fascinating and complex period in medieval history. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the epic battles, religious fervor, and key figures that defined these holy wars. From Pope Urban II’s call to arms to the stories of legendary figures like Richard the Lionheart and Saladin, the Crusades were a series of conflicts that shaped history. Read the Google Slides to learn more about the Crusades. Introduction to the Crusades The Crusades were a series o
10 min read
The Scientific Revolution for AP World History
The Scientific Revolution, a pivotal period in history that unfolded from the late 16th to the 18th centuries, completely reshaped our understanding of the world. It marked a departure from traditional beliefs, ushering in an era where empirical observation, experimentation, and reason took center stage. The discoveries made during this time not only revolutionized our comprehension of the natural world but also laid the groundwork for modern science. Read the Google Slides t
6 min read
The Protestant Reformation for AP World History
The Roman Catholic Church was the major power in Europe for hundreds of years. When Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the church door, he changed everything. Read the Google Slides to learn how the Protestant Reformation shaped Europe. Before the Protestant Reformation Before the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, Europe was dominated by the Roman Catholic Church, which held immense power and influence. The Catholic Church was not only the central religious autho
14 min read
The Silk Roads for AP World History
Learn all about the silk roads that facilitated trade and the spread of culture from Europe to Asia between the 2nd century BCE to the 14th century CE. Read the Google Slides to learn more! Illustrative Examples Kashgar Samarkand Bills of Exchange Banking Houses Use of Paper Money The Silk Roads The Silk Road was a network of ancient trade routes that connected the East and West, facilitating the exchange of goods, cultures, and ideas. It played a pivotal role in shaping
4 min read
Building Background Knowledge: Continents
Building background knowledge is a huge part of reading comprehension. Students need to know the basic vocabulary and ideas on a topic before they can comprehend what they read about it. Knowing about the continents helps students understand so much about world history and science topics. In Texas, our standards have us teaching about the continents starting in second grade. Instead of teaching haphazardly, we created a pattern that we used every day for the week we spent lea
3 min read
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