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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
Getting Literature Circles & Book Clubs Started in Your Classroom
Did someone say book club? Few things excite me more than having motivated readers in my classroom that want to gather and talk about what they’re reading. Don’t think book clubs are just for your overachieving bookworms, however. Getting book clubs started in your classroom can benefit all of your students, from the reluctant reader […]
Strategies to Help Motivate Reading in Your Classroom
It’s a classic conundrum. Children who don’t enjoy reading often resist books because reading is hard for them. Because reading is so hard for them, it becomes more difficult to make reading enjoyable and accessible. Hesitant readers can become eager participants with some of these Strategies to Help Motivate Reading in Your Classroom. Start at […]
