Free reading can be a joy for many upper elementary students, but for others, it can be a time of fake reading or fear. For reluctant and struggling readers, time to read in class is neither inspirational nor enjoyable. However, there are books that even the most reluctant readers can find themselves drawn to. In fact, finding the book that… Read More
Motivating Books to Inspire Reluctant Readers in Upper Elementary
Winter Creative Writing: Bulletin Board Ideas and Winter Read Alouds
It is the most wonderful time of the year, the excitement is all over. One thing I always do is keep my students engaged with thematic units of learning. I love having this Winter Creative Writing Bulletin Board and incorporating Winter Read Alouds for the season. Engaging your students will come easy when they see the fun in the lessons. I… Read More
Meet Jacqueline from The Little Ladybug Shop, Texas
Creating my website and teacher shop have been a creative blessing for me the past 3.5 years. Today, I am excited to share that I am recognized in a Voyage Houston Magazine. Here is a snippet of the article, Meet Jacqueline, that I would love for you to check out. Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqueline Ortiz. So,… Read More
Literacy Free Resources for Elementary Teachers and Homeschoolers
Planning engaging lessons for your students should not be a headache. As a teacher my goal is to make life easy for myself and others. My goal is also to offer ideas to new teachers, tips that work for me, and offer literacy free resources for elementary teachers that you can use that are a no hassle! When I started… Read More
Favorite Fall Learning Bulletin Boards, Books and Fall Poetry Writing
Fall is such a fun time with the weather changing and so many special events during the season. I love planning special activities for my students to do from fun Fall Learning Bulletin Boards, to great Autumn and Fall Books. Also, we love writing and creating poetry and displaying it for students to enjoy! Let the fall learning fun begin… Read More
Hispanic Heritage Month Ideas and Activities
Building awareness of all the different cultures and diversity is such an important part of every classroom. A celebration that many recognize early in the school year is Hispanic Heritage Month. We celebrate the Latino culture from September 15th to October 15th. It is a great time to recognize the influential leaders and read books that will help students and families… Read More
Classroom Organization Tips for Teachers
It never fails. Each school year, I have a goal to get organized for the upcoming year. Once the kids enter the classroom, it’s easy to get bogged down with assignments and paperwork. These classroom organization tips for teachers can help you stay focused and keep on track all year long! Classroom Organization Tip 1: Declutter and Digitize You know… Read More
Teaching Growth Mindset Activities and Growth Mindset Ideas
Growth mindset may seem like the latest catch phrase in education, but it’s changing the way my students think about learning and their own self worth in the classroom. Teaching growth mindset to elementary students can help them change from a fixed mindset of “I can’t” to a positive self confident “I can” attitude. Positive Language Teaching Growth mindset is… Read More
Back to School Chapter Books for Upper Elementary
Kids are heading back to school, and it’s time to stock your shelves with independent texts as well as read alouds. Our favorite Back to School Chapter Books for Upper Elementary involve strong characters to help demonstrate voice. Check out these chapter books you’ll love to share with your students. Here are my Top Back to School Chapter Books for Upper Elementary… Read More
Surviving Being a Teacher and Mom at Back to School Time
You’ve spent the summer with your kids, and now it’s time to put your teacher hat back on. Guilt may set in. Your life will be consumed by getting your classroom ready, planning lessons, grading papers, and meeting with colleagues and parents. Never fear! Here’s to surviving being a teacher and mom at back to school time! I have been… Read More
Teacher Back to School Tips and Activities for the 1st Week of School
So is it me, or did summer just fly by? I wanted to share some Teacher Back to School Tips and Activities for the 1st Week of School. I know many are headed back or already in the classroom mode. Back to school is so hectic and sometimes we forget some of the small details, or need ideas for what… Read More
Teaching Writing Using Mentor Texts
Good writers are first and foremost good readers. Teachers often use mentor texts (or anchor texts) in writing instructions. These pieces of writing are examples of excellent work either from students or published writers. Mentor texts help upper elementary students improve writing in all areas. Here are some ways you can start using mentor texts for writing instruction in your… Read More
Tips for Teaching Spelling and Word Work Activities
Old school memorization of spelling words and regurgitation on spelling tests is no longer the only way spelling is taught in schools. Teaching students the why and practicing word work and spelling in different ways to keep them engaged will help them develop stronger vocabulary and reading comprehension skills. I believe strongly in keeping the students engaged and having fun word… Read More
Teacher Summer Planning Tips to Reignite and Refuel for a New School Year
“I Never Start Thinking of School or Start Planning During the Summer,” Said No Teacher Ever. We are almost there… this is the time where we become anxious and excited for the summer months to recharge and relax. I start seeing the summer countdowns in classrooms and all across social media. I love the idea that the excitement of summer is… Read More
Mentor Texts to Teach Comprehension Strategies
Have you been searching for a quick reference of texts to support you in teaching comprehension skills? I have researched and gathered some of my top Mentor Texts to Teach Comprehension Strategies. These texts can be used to teach skills such as: Main Idea, Summary, Context Clues, Character Traits, Setting, Plot, Cause and Effect, Inference, Drawing Conclusions, Predictions, Timeline of… Read More
End of Year Bulletin Board Ideas & Fiesta Classroom Celebration Time
Did someone say an End of Year Bulletin Board? Yes! I did.. so why on earth would you want to create an end of the year bulletin board when you should be packing up your classroom and prepping for summer. There are several reasons I believe having a bulletin board up at the end of the year is so important,… Read More
