Books with author Dianne Draze

Help students improve their mastery of the English language and acquire the keys for understanding thousands of words by studying Greek and Latin word parts (prefixes, root words, and suffixes). This is one of the most complete, usable presentations of vocabulary development using word parts you will find. A knowledge of word parts gives students a head start on decoding words in reading and testing situations. This is the first book in the two-book series. Each of the well-developed lessons in this text includes: one to three word parts along with meanings and sample words, five vocabulary words that use the prefixes or root words, definitions and sample sentences for each of the five words, a practice exercise that lets students apply knowledge of the words and their meanings, and a one-page review worksheet for one or two lessons that presents more unique opportunities to work with the prefixes and root words and to see how they are combined with suffixes. In addition to the student pages, the teacher's information includes: an extensive listing of the most common prefixes, root words, and suffixes; their meanings and sample words; additional words for each lesson; andlesson ideas to supplement the word being studied.For older students, use Red Hot Root Words, Book 2. Grades 3–5

Students become think tank professionals in this action-packed simulation game. Problem solving and creative thinking combine as players work together to devise unique solutions to a variety of problems. As players select the best solution, they practice idea generation, criteria setting, evaluation, and cooperation. Kids will ask to play it again and again. Grades 5-9.

Give your students a head start on problem solving. This book presents creative problem solving in a step-by-step manner young children can understand and enjoy. Use the CPS process to solve the problems of the three little pigs, Rapunzel, and the frog prince, as well as more common family problems. Each problem includes illustrated worksheets to take you through each step of the problem-solving process. Grades 2-4.

Students will love the challenge of solving these interest-grabbing puzzles. Armed with the clues (4–6 per puzzle), they'll have to pool their past knowledge, check reference material, and, most importantly, think in order to discover the person, place, or thing to which the clues refer. Clues progress from general to specific. Each exercise is a lesson in cultural or global literacy, as well as an opportunity to develop thinking and reference skills. You'll find a multitude of uses for these motivating riddles. Use them for team competition (or cooperation), weekly challenge, research, or to build thinking skills. These topics build a foundation of information that all literate people should know. Your students will enjoy using these puzzles to expand their knowledge of the world around them while they build important research and thinking skills. Book 1 in this series includes puzzles on: U.S. geography (cities, states, and land features); world geography (countries, cities, rivers, and mountains); landmarks and famous sites; and famous people (important people from all areas of human endeavors).

Students will be intrigued with this unique approach that combines the roles of detective and mathematician. By solving math problems students get clues that allow them to solve the mysteries. Thirteen mysteries present a variety of math skills on attractive reproducible blackline masters. Sleuth your way through the mysteries of the loose caboose, Jewel's jewels, the foreign frogs, and more fun mysteries. This is a motivating way to apply or review essential math processes. Grades 5-8.

Are your students ready for more advanced analogies: to look deeper into the relationships between seemingly unrelated things? Are they ready to expand their vocabulary and their thinking abilities - to be both flexible and analytical? Then they're ready for Advancing Through Analogies. This valuable resource will be one that you'll pull off the shelf often and use to expand student's critical thinking skills and vocabulary. Grades 5-8.

This complete guide to the Creative Problem Solving process is everything you need to teach this versatile skill. CPS is a process that allows people to apply both creative and critical thinking to find solutions to everyday problems. Creative Problem Solving can eliminate the tendency to approach problems in a haphazard manner and, consequently, prevents surprises and/or disappointment with the solution. It is both a way to enhance creative behavior and also a systematic way of organizing information and ideas in order to solve problems. It is an effective way to exercise both divergent and convergent thinking. Students who learn the principles of CPS develop a sense of control in their lives derived from their ability to deal with difficult situations creatively. The extensive text includes an explanation of each step in the process, group lessons and extensions, skill builders for each step, open frames to use with each step, and practice problems. It includes ideas for identifying problems, finding relevant facts about each problem, and methods for generating and judging ideas. Examples are from common situations that students can relate to. Attractive illustrations add to the relevant problem situations and clear step-by-step presentation. Use these exercises to teach an entire unit on Creative Problem Solving or use selected worksheets for practice in creative or critical thinking or as writing prompts. For more information on Creative Problem Solving, refer to Creative Problem Solving: An Introduction, CPS for Kids, CPS for Teens, CPS in the Classroom, and the Creative Problem Solver's Guidebook. Grades 5–8

Were your community's founders gold miners or farmers? Does your town's name mean "mud hole" or "beautiful view?" Is "downtown" maturing, dying, or being reborn? Can you boast about being a busy harbor, a historic site, or a recreational wonderland? Is your community more like a raging river or a quite pond? If you (or your students) don't know all the many fascinating things about the place you call home, it's time to find out. No matter where you live, you can use these activities to let young students explore their surroundings. Includes ideas for group lessons and projects, individual projects, learning centers, and worksheets. Students will learn the following things about their community: the location, history, transportation, economy, buildings, communication, recreation, and government. The wide assortment of activities make this a unit that can be used in a variety of cities and towns. Plan on a unit that will be dynamic and relevant; that will pinpoint specific information about your town as well as lay out common features of all communities. Higher-level thinking is woven into each worksheet and project, assuring that students will be engage in meaningful learning. Add these creative, enriching activities to your community study unit. Grades 1-3