The Importance of Promoting Free Reading in ELA Classrooms

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The Importance of Promoting Free Reading in ELA Classrooms:

In the age of standardized testing, structured curriculum, and not to mention the technology wave, English Language Arts (ELA) classrooms often become a student's battleground a rigid schedules and stringent reading lists that they dread. However, there is a powerful tool that can ignite passion for learning, foster a love for literature, and improve literacy skills: Free Reading.

What is Free Reading? Free reading, also known as independent reading, or reading for pleasure, is when students choose books they are interested in and read them at their own pace.  This practice contrasts with prescribed reading often dictated by curriculum. Free reading allows students to explore topics that resonate with them personally, leading to a more engaged and enjoyable reading experience.  

Benefits of Free Reading:

• Increased Motivation and Engagement: When students have the autonomy to choose what they read, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated.  Reading becomes an activity they look forward to, rather than a chore they must complete.
• Improved Literacy Skills: Regular reading practice improves vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills.  Free reading exposes students to diverse genres and writing styles, enhancing their overall language abilities.
• Encourage Lifelong Learning: Cultivating a habit of reading for pleasure from a young age can lead to a lifelong love of books.  This habit promotes continuous learning and intellectual curiosity well beyond the classroom.
• Personalized Learning: Free reading respects individual interests and reading levels, providing a personalized learning experience.  Students can select books that challenge them appropriately, ensuring they remain interested and avoid frustration. 

Strategies for Promoting Free Reading in the Classroom:

• Create a Rich Classroom Library: Stock your classroom with a diverse range of books, covering various genres, topics, writing styles, and reading levels. Ensure there are options that appeal to all students, including, graphic novels, non-fiction, young adult fiction, contemporary literature, and classics.  
• Allow Regular Reading Time: Dedicate time during the school week specifically for free reading.  This could be a set period each day or a longer session once a week, the key is consistency.
• Encourage Book Talks and Sharing: Give students opportunities to share what they are reading with their peers.  This can be through formal book talks, recommendations, presentations, or even a class blog, where they can write about their current reads. 
• Model Free Reading: Show students that reading is a valuable activity by modeling it yourself. Share your reading experiences and your love of books.  Participate in your own free reading during the designated time.
• Involve Parents and Community: Encourage parents to support free reading at home. Organize community events, book drives, book fairs, and reading nights.  Take trips to the school's library or local library for a larger selection of book options.  Promote a culture of reading beyond the classroom.  

Conclusion:

Promoting free reading in ELA classrooms is not just about improving literary skills; it's about fostering a lifelong love for books and learning.  By giving students, the freedom to choose what they want to read, we empower them to become passionate, engaged, and independent readers. This practice enriches their academic journey and nurtures their development as empathetic, curious, well-rounded individuals. 

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL: We hope this article inspires you!  For those looking to enhance their curriculum with high-quality resources, don't miss our black Friday special!  Email us at curriculumlab365@gmail.com with the subject BLACKFRIDAY50 and tell us in the email what subject you are most interested in and receive 50% OFF WHEN YOU ORDER A CUSTOM CURRICULUM PLAN, LESSON PLAN BUNDLE, OR ANY OTHER RESOURCE! 

This Week's Writing Prompts - TRAVEL TALES

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This week's writing prompts are a little late, but since next week is a holiday week, this will serve as the writing prompts for this week, and next.  Usually our prompts will be posted on Monday's like they have been in the past.  

Our theme for this week is entitled TRAVEL TALES in honor of all the traveling that will be taking place during the holiday season.  Whether it be a road trip to grandmas, or a private getaway on a jet for two lovers, some amazing stories have taken place during traveling.  Let's dive into this week's prompts and we hope you find them inspiring!

1. 1. Mysterious Disappearances:  While exploring a remote location (village, forest, mountain, beach), you discover that a series of tourists have mysteriously vanished in that location over the years.  What happens when you start to piece together the clues?  Or will you be the next one to disappear?
2. The Haunted Hotel:  While on a road trip you book a stay at a secluded, odd, hotel.  You soon learn it has a very dark history, and guests have reported strange occurrences.  What happens when you start experiencing them too?
3. Lost in the Wilderness:  You are excited for an adventurous hike through a dense wilderness.  As night falls, you get separated from your group.  What awaits you in the dark and how will you survive the vast wilderness?
4. The Doppelganger:  While exploring a foreign city you come face-to-face with someone that looks exactly like you.  Their world is sinister and dangerous, as you become tangled in their web, you start to lose touch with who you really are and what your reality is.  
5. Midnight Train: During a train ride across the country, you encounter some peculiar characters, who are they and what do they have in store during your journey?
6. Hidden Gem:  Describe a trip to a remote location that very few people know about.  What do you experience while there and would you ever go back?
7. Foody:  You are on a road trip, and you want to experience culinary creations from various destinations.  You go out of your way to find the best local spots.  Write about your experiences and do your best to describe the food in fun and creative ways.  Add something about the folks you meet along the way as well. 
8. Unexpected Adventure:  Write about a trip that you take for the holidays at the last minute that turns into an adventure. 
9. Maps and Mishaps: While traveling to see friends for the holiday you and your travel mate end up getting lost.  Cell reception is nonexistent, and you are trying to be guided by an old foldable printed map.  
10. Home for the Holidays:  You are away at college, or living in another location, and you decide at the last minute to travel home for the holidays.  When you arrive, nothing is what it is supposed to be, or where it is supposed to be.  Where are you and why is this happening?

We hope you enjoy these travel tales writing prompts!  Get creative and share you short stories with us!  We can't wait to hear from our fellow writers.  Contact us, leave a comment, or join our email club by emailing curriculumlab365@gmail.com.  If you put SPECIAL OFFER in the subject line, we are still offering a FREE GIFT! 

A Tantalizing Review of my first J.T. Ellison Novel: "A Very Bad Thing"

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A Tantalizing Review of my first J.T. Ellison Novel: "A Very Bad Thing"

I just finished up my first J.T. Ellison novel and it was a twisty phycological thrill ride!  In "A Very Bad Thing" Ellison masterfully crafts her character's, and I was immediately intrigued, because the main character, who is also an anti-hero of sorts, is a world-famous writer with a walk-in closet full of secrets!

At first, I thought the twists in the story were predictable, but as I dove deeper into the pages, I found myself marveling at the sheer number of unexpected twists and turns.  This novel holds more surprises than I ever imagined, keeping me at the edge of my seat with every turn of the page. 

Columbia Jones is a well-known author doing book tours around the world.  Her daughter, Darian, is also her manager/assistant.  While in Colorado at the end of long U.S. tour, a murder upends everything that Columbia has built for herself and her daughter.

Along on the tour is a hard ass but lovable journalist Riley Carrington.  Riley was asked by the distinguished author to follow along on the tour to write a once-in-a-lifetime piece about her and her esteemed novels.  Riley's character was a favorite of mine, she is sharp, smart, and hardworking.  She is beautiful without really knowing it.  A well-rounded character to take the lead in many of the intriguing chapters.

After the murder, and during the investigation, more characters are introduced on the peripheral of Columbia's life.  Each one has a different reason for being featured in the story, and the more you learn about them, and Columbia's secrets, the more insnared you will become in finding out the real story, just like Riley Carrington becomes invested in figuring out the truth and her real role in Columbia's life story.

Told from the point of view of several pivotal character's "A Very Bad Thing" will leave you wanting more from each one.  Stories unfold, within the story, that capture the true essence of this being a novel about a writer.  The lengths that Columbia has gone to build her empire are both impressive and disheartening.  

Take this thrill ride that I gave 5 stars to on Amazon!  You will not be disappointed.  J.T. Ellison is now an author that I follow, and I look forward to becoming intwined in the next novel I decide to read by this significant thriller author!

Have you read "A Very Bad Thing"?  Or any other novel by J.T. Ellison?  We would love to hear your thoughts!   Join our email club or comment on this post!  curriculumlab365@gmail.com and remember we are still offering a FREE GIFT for joining our email club.  We can't wait to read your comments! 

SPECIAL OFFER!

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Curriculum Lab365 is growing our email list!  Join our email list and receive this FREE GIFT!

What is the free gift?  Are you a student, a parent that homeschools, or an educator of any kind?  Or just someone looking for more organization?

Curriculum Lab365 offers a host of creative learning resources, and we are offering one of our printable assignment trackers for FREE!  Just join our email list by using the contact form on our blog and we will send you the link to download your FREE GIFT!  That's right it is an absolutely FREE assignment tracker, and did we mention it is editable?  So, you can print it off and carry it to class or keep up with your assignments on your laptop.  

IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE FINDING OUR CONTACT FORM OR JUST WANT TO EMAIL US FOR ANY QUESTIONS OR A FREE ESTIMATE ON A CUSTOM CURRICULUM PLAN YOU CAN DO SO AT CURRICULUMLAB365@GMAIL.COM  

HERE IS A PREVIEW OF OUR PRINTABLE AND EDITABLE ASSIGNMENT TRACK THAT YOU WILL RECIEVE AS A FREE GIFT JUST FOR EMAILING US! COLORFUL AND EASY TO USE GET YOUR FREE GIFT TODAY! 

Unlock Excellence in Learning with Curriculum Lab365's High School Biology Lesson Plan Bundle

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Unlock Excellence in Learning with Curriculum Lab365's High School Biology Lesson Plan Bundle!

In the ever-evolving field of education, having access to comprehensive and innovative teaching resources is key to engaging students and fostering a deep understanding of complex subjects.  Enter Curriculum Lab365's High School Biology Lesson Plan Bundle-and all-in-one solution designed to transform the way biology is taught in the classroom, or at home.  

Why Choose Curriculum Lab365's High School Biology Lesson Plan Bundle?

Our bundle offers a meticulously crafted collection of 16 weeks of lessons, that cover all essential high school biology topics. Here is why it stands out:

• Comprehensive Coverage of Core Topics:  From cell structure and function to genetics, evolution, and ecosystems, this bundle ensures no stone is left unturned. Each lesson is aligned with national standards, ensuring that your students receive a well-rounded education that meets learning benchmarks.

• Engaging Interactive Materials:  Traditional textbooks can only go so far in keeping students interested and giving them hands-on experiences.  Curriculum Lab365's lesson plans incorporate interactive experiences and real-life case studies. These dynamic resources make learning biology not only informative but also fun and engaging.  Students will love the lab assignments, journaling opportunities, research, and projects.  
  
  
  

• Easy to Follow Structure:  Each lesson in the bundle is designed with a clear, easy to follow structure.  Teachers/parents are provided with objectives, step-by-step instructions for assignments, labs, and projects, and assessment tools to ensure effective delivery of content. 

• Flexible and Adaptive:  Whether you are teaching in the classroom, at home, or online, Curriculum Lab365's lesson plan bundles are adaptable to a variety of learning environments.  Offering engaging online resources from sources that are reliable and interactive.  With digital and printable formats, you can seamlessly integrate these resources into your classroom set up and adjust them to your students' unique learning needs.  

• Support of Differential Instruction:  Understanding that every student learns differently, the bundle includes resources to support differentiated instruction.  From scaffolded activities to advanced challenges, Curriculum Lab365's lesson plans cater to diverse learning styles and abilities, ensuring that all students can thrive.  

• Expertly Developed Content:  Crafted with experience and subject matter expertise, each lesson plan is rooted in pedagogical best practices and the latest educational research.  This ensures the content is not only accurate but also effective in promoting student understanding and retention. 

What's Inside the Bundle?

Here is a sneak peek at what is included in Curriculum Lab365's High School Biology Lesson Plan Bundle:

• Interactive PowerPoint Presentations: Visually appealing slideshows that break down complex concepts into digestible segments.
• Hands-On Lab Activities: Complete with a printable lab journal template, there are creative engaging experiments that bring theoretical knowledge to life, fostering a deeper connection with the subject matter.  
• Worksheets and Assessments:  A variety of printable and digital worksheets to reinforce learning and assess students understanding.  
• Detailed Lesson Plans:  16 weeks of detailed lesson plans that serve as comprehensive guides for teachers/parents, with objectives, materials lists, project and lab instructions, and online tools and resources such as games, videos, and interactive websites.
• Real Life Case Studies: Applications of biological concepts to real-world scenarios, helping students see the relevance of what they learn.

Get Started Today!  Unlock the full potential of your biology classroom with Curriculum Lab365's High School Biology Lesson Plan Bundle.  Transform your teaching, engage your students, and achieve educational excellence.

Contact us at curriculumlab365@gmail.com to order this lesson plan bundle, other pre-made bundles, or a customized bundle tailored just for you and your students' needs.  

This Week's Writing Prompts: Spooky Thanksgiving Stories: Creative Writing Prompts for a Haunted Holiday

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Thanksgiving is a time for family gatherings, delicious feasts, and gratitude. But who says it can't be a little spooky too? If you are a fan of a good scare, this week's writing prompts will create eerie tales that blend the warmth of the season with the chills from Halloween.  Get ready to make reader's shiver with these spooky Thanksgiving stories.  Please share with all of your writer friends, and most of all, ENJOY 😁😁😁

1. The Haunted Harvest:  Imagine a family gathering at an old farmhouse for Thanksgiving. They discover the farm has a dark history involving a corn field.  

2. The Ghostly Dinner Guest:  The family has set the table for their Thanksgiving feast, only to find there is an extra place setting. When they attempt to remove it, strange occurrences start to disrupt their meal.  Who is the ghostly dinner guest and why have they chosen this family?  How do the living and the dead make peace by the end of the dinner?  Or do they?

3. The Secret of the Pilgrim's Doll: While decorating for Thanksgiving, a family finds an antique Pilgrim Doll hidden in the attic.  As the doll is displayed, eerie things begin to happen.  What secret does the family find out about the doll?  

4. The Harvest Moon Curse: A group of friends decides to spend Thanksgiving at a remote cabin in the woods.  On the first night, one of them tells the story of an old legend about the Harvest Moon casting a curse on anyone in the area on the days around Thanksgiving.  When the moon rises, they all begin to experience terrifying supernatural events.  

5. The Lost Pilgrims:  During a Thanksgiving play at school, the students are transported back in time to the first Thanksgiving.  They encounter the ghosts of pilgrims that vanished during the first Thanksgiving celebration.  How do they handle the ghostly encounters?  How do they return to present day, and do they help the spirits of the lost pilgrims move on?  Or are the lost souls left restless?

Share the stories you create from this week's writing prompts!  We would love to hear from all of you!  

Top 10 FREE Online Learning Tools for Homeschooling Families

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Top 10 FREE Online Learning Resources for Homeschooling Families

There are so many resources available online to assist with creating amazing curriculum for your homeschooled children/students.  Curriculum Lab always incorporates online tools in the custom lesson plans they create for teachers and families.  Here is a list of our top 10 FREE resources when creating engaging curriculum that makes an impact on students learning.

1. IXL Learning: This is one of the best online resources available for lesson planning.  They offer curriculum supplements for literally every subject and grade level.  They offer skills lessons for math, language arts, science, social studies, and Spanish from kindergarten through 12th grade.  The skills include interactive games, quizzes, and lesson plans.  They have a plethora of resources readily available to supplement any lesson plan.  Visit IXL Learning at https://www.ixl.com  

2. Discovery Education:  Discovery education offers amazing resources for students, teachers, and parents that are homeschooling.  They offer virtual field trips which are so valuable in today's technology focused society.  Puzzle makers are another engaging resource that students will love.  Discovery Education has an informative education focused blog, and focuses on subjects such as science, STEM, technology, careers and college readiness, health and wellness, the natural world environment, life skills, sports, literacy, research, agriculture, and social studies.  Students will find Discovery Education immersive, and parent's/teachers will no doubt find it useful and engaging. Visit Discovery Education at Online Learning Platform & Digital Resources | Discovery Education

3. National Geographic Education:  Geography is just so much fun to teach!  It is one of Curriculum Lab's specialties along with science.  National Geographic Education caters to geography, science, and social studies.  It is one of the best tools for your middle or high school lesson plans in one of the mentioned subjects.  You can completely change the way you teach with the learning experiences offered on their website.  They offer live events, free maps, videos, interactive lessons, and so much more.  We just love their map maker feature that engages students in their geography education.  You just have to check them out at Education | National Geographic Society 

4. Britannica: Some of us remember the Encyclopedia Britannica sets that graced our library and home bookshelves.  They were wonderful resources for research projects about certain topics like countries or history.  There is something about the feel of a book, turning the pages, the smell of the print, but now with information technology rapidly growing and changing, it is impossible for printed encyclopedias to keep up with the data that we can process online.  That is why Britannica online is such an important resource when lesson planning.  The resources available on this site are plentiful and range from games, videos, facts, dictionaries, and articles.  The topics covered are also diverse from history and society to arts and culture, and of course animals and nature, and geography and travel.  To start an interactive lesson plan using the resources Britannica has to offer visit them at https://www.britannica.com 

5. World Atlas: For an accurate and interactive map to effectively supplement your middle school geography and social studies lessons check out World Atlas at https://www.worldatlas.com 

6. Bioman: Combines information with gaming for interesting content related to the subject of biology.  A cool supplement for your middle school science lesson plans or for your high school biology lesson plans.  Topics include cells, body systems, ecology, evolution and classification, genetics, life chemistry, respirations and photosynthesis, and the scientific method.  Students can play video games that teach them about the body, life, and biology.  Teachers can plan virtual labs on a variety of science topics, and there are even quizzes to assess what students have learned and what they need to further study.  To take advantage of everything Bioman has to offer and add these unique resources to your child's/student's biology curriculum, visit https://www.biomanbio.com 

7. Khan Academy: Offers learning modules to keep students engaged in the subject and knowledgeable about what they are expected to learn in that specific subject.  Khan Academy allows you to sign up for a free teacher account that has numerous resources to help you manage your classroom or your homeschool environment.  Within your Khan account you can create class newsletters, rubrics and learning objectives, goals, assessments, and so much more!  You can also use their connections tool that connects your lessons to real world scenarios for students to see how what they are learning will be useful in their careers and adult lives.  Khanmigo is their AI tool that will help you generate ideas and lessons.  Many websites are now using AI tools to help navigate their resources or create your own.  For this exciting teaching toolkit visit https://www.khanacademy.org 

8. Education.com:  They offer a ton of free worksheets and games for your students/children to explore creative topics within the subject matter of your lesson plans.  There are also hands-on activities, and printable workbooks.  Visit https://www.education.com  

9. #MetKids:  Let's not forget about Art in the classroom and homeschool setting.  Learning through art can be an unforgettable experience for students, parents, and educators.  #MetKids brings the Metropolitan Museum of Art right to you allowing students to explore history, social studies, and literature through art.  Students can explore a variety of cultures through their artwork such as Roman Art, Islamic Art, and the Art of Africa.  Curriculum resources are available for parents and educators to incorporate art into their curriculum.  Visit this unique learning website at https://www.metmuseum.org 

10. Cool Math:  This is a must have resource for homeschooling parents, especially if they struggle with teaching math to their children.  Cool Math offers interactive lessons in math subjects such as algebra, pre-calculous, and elementary math.  There are also math games and calculators.  Students can test their skills with Cool Math's quizzes.  You can even take advantage of their virtual manipulatives.  Check out this "cool" resources at https://www.coolmath.com 

Have you tried any of our suggested resources either as a parent that homeschools, a student, or a teacher?  Are there any free resources that you love to utilize in your curriculum that we did not list?  Please share by leaving a comment.  We would love to hear from our readers!

Educational Consulting with Curriculum Lab

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Did you know that Curriculum Lab offers comprehensive educational consulting?

What is educational consulting? Educational consulting is a great resource for students looking to explore their academic futures through college admissions to the colleges and universities of their choice.  You can also utilize an educational consultant for career counseling, choosing a major, exploring tutoring options, writing papers and essays, and navigating the financial aid system, or applying for grants and scholarships.  

Unlocking Success: The Power of Educational Consulting for College Admissions: Navigating the complex world of college admissions can be a daunting task for both students and parents. As the stakes get higher, the competition fiercer, and the process more intricate, the need for expert guidance becomes paramount. This is where Curriculum Lab's Educational Consulting Services can help.  We offer tailored support, ensuring that each student can present their best selves and achieve their academic aspirations.

Why Choose Educational Consulting Services?  

Our team comprises experienced educational consultants who have an in-depth understanding of the college admissions landscape.  We provide personalized advice, taking into account each student's unique strengths, interests, and goals. 

Our Services Include:

• Comprehensive College Planning: From selecting the right colleges for each individual, to creating a strategic application plan, we guide students every step of the way.
• Application Review and Feedback: We meticulously review each application component, providing constructive feedback to enhance overall quality.  
• Essay Writing Assistance: Crafting a compelling personal statement can make a significant difference to a college admissions board.  Our consultants help students articulate their stories in a captivating manner
• Interview Preparation:  We conduct mock interviews, equipping students with the skills and confidence they need to excel in college interviews.  We also review video essays and interviews, embracing the growing technology in the education sector. 
• Financial Aid and Scholarship Guidance: Navigating financial aid options can be overwhelming.  We assist families in identifying and applying for scholarships and grants.

The Importance of Educational Consultants for College Admissions and Beyond:

• Expert Knowledge: Academic consultants are well-versed in the latest trends and changes in the admissions process.  They provide up-to-date information and strategic insights that can enhance a student's application.
• Personalized Support: Unlike generic advice found online, academic consultants offer tailored guidance that aligns with each student's unique profile.  This personalized approach increases the likelihood of gaining admissions to top-choice colleges.
• Stress Reduction: The college admissions process can be stressful for both students and parents.  an academic consultant provided clarity and support, reducing anxiety by breaking down the process into manageable steps.
• Maximizing Opportunities: Consultants help students identify opportunities for extracurricular involvement, leadership, and community service that can strengthen their applications. They also assist with positioning these activities effectively within the application.
• Crafting a Compelling Narrative: Every student has a unique story to tell.  Academic consultants help students craft a cohesive and compelling narrative that highlights their achievements, passions, and aspirations. 

Success Stories:

We take pride in our students' success stories.  From gaining admission to Ivy League universities to securing substantial scholarships, our students' accomplishments are a testament to our services. 

Ready to embark on the transformational journey in education?  Contact us today to learn more about our consulting services and how they can assist you in reaching your goals!  When you contact us through our email, we will give you a free consultation and estimate for our services depending on your individual needs. 

curriculumlab365@gmail.com 

Top 10 Resources for College Preparation

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Top 10 Resources for College Preparation

What can be more overwhelming than trying to find the right college, go through the application process, the financial aid, the interviews, and campus tours!      

College preparedness can be difficult for even the most even keeled teenager.  What better to help a student prepare for the hurdle that is getting into college than compiling a list of online resources?  We all know technology has taken over the information infostructure.  Here is a list of top 10 online resources for college prep students:

1. College Board: Provides resources for standardized tests such as SAT, ACT, and AP exams.  The also provide other college planning tools.

2. Niche: This is my personal favorite online resource for college preparation.  Niche offers college rankings for any category you can think of, such as, which colleges have the best college dorms, the most beautiful campuses, the best dining options, or which are the top public or private universities in the U.S.  Niche is a cool tool if you want to know how the universities on your list stack up in various categories and how people that attended these colleges rank them in a variety of categories.  

3. Naviance: A comprehensive college and career readiness platform that helps students plan academic paths. The only thing that I found a hinderance in using Naviance is you need a student sign in through your school. If your school has an account or uses Clever, then you can sign in and use the wonderful tools Naviance has to offer.

4. Khan Academy: This is also a great tool that I use in some of my curriculum and lesson planning.  Khan Academy offers lessons and study tools for a variety of topics including test preparation.  

5. College Raptor:  Offers personalized college recommendations and financial aid information.  College Raptor's articles and scholarship search are also very useful.  

6. College Vine: College Vine is now using an AI powered assistant to help students research and apply for the colleges of their choice.  With AI becoming a part of so many resources and programs I think we will be seeing a lot more sites begin to use these tools.

7. Big Future by The College Board: A free college planning tool that offers personalized college searches, scholarship searches, and financial aid advice.

8. Federal Student Aid (FASFA): This is a must have resource for students applying for college.  The official U.S. government website for student financial aid, providing information on grants, student loans, and work study programs.

9. The Princeton Review: Offers test preparation courses, tutoring, and college admissions advice. I found that the courses can be quite expensive, however you can get free trials on most of the test prep courses for at least 14 days.

10. College Navigator:  A free tool from the National Center of Education Statistics that provides detailed information about colleges and universities.  An excellent resource for comparing your college choices.

We hope you find these online college prep resources helpful!  Curriculum Lab also offers college prep tools and courses such as our College Prep Writing Lab which prepares students for writing the personal statement, conducting research and writing research papers, college vocabulary, writing prompts, and novel studies.  This is a 16-week lesson plan complete with all the tools and resources you need to fulfill the lesson plan.  If you are interested in our College Prep Lesson Plan or any other subjects or lesson plans, please email us at curriculumlab365@gmail.com

Mystery Monday - Writing Prompts

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Happy Monday my writer friends!  

Monday is going to be Mystery Monday where we will post 3 mystery writing prompts that center around a specific theme.  For the first Mystery Monday the theme is "Secrets".  Choose any or all of the writing prompts and post your story!  We would love to read all of the submissions.  When we have enough people posting we will start doing a contest.  Happy writing everyone!

Writing Prompts - Topic "Secrets"

1. The Hidden Diary - You discover an old, dusty, diary hidden behind a false panel in of your new home.  As your curiosity grows, you start to read through it, and you uncover a series of secrets that unravel a past mystery. What are the secrets?  How do these secrets impact the present? 
2. The Enigmatic Neighbor - You have always wondered about your reclusive neighbor that never leaves the house.  One day you accidently receive a package meant for them.  Against your better judgement, you open the package to find a series of clues that change everything you thought you knew about your neighbor.  What do you discover?  What do you do with these new secrets you learn about your neighbor?
3. The Best Friend - You are, and your life long best friends have just become roommates.  One night while they are out of the house, you accidently discover their journal.  Curiosity gets the better of you and you read your best friend/roommate's journal, only to discover something about them you wish you didn't find out.  The more you read, the more you realize you never really new this person, and you just might be in danger living with them.  What are these secrets?  How do you confront your roommate?

We can't wait to read what all the writing lovers out there come up with!  Happy Mystery Monday!