Teaching Resources
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
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
“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. Today, I want to share some Teacher Tips to… Read More
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
Did someone say book clubs? Getting started with book clubs in upper elementary classroom can benefit all of your students, from the reluctant reader to the one that lives in the library. 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… Read More
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 Reluctant Readers in your classroom. Start at their level or a… Read More
Do you teach research and writing biographies in your classroom? I love sharing some of my favorite biographies that are perfect for kids in upper elementary. These biographies are perfect to teach research and informational writing. I love using high interest biographies and autobiographies with my students. Letting them explore figures from past to present in books that use text… Read More
Often research has high emphasis in secondary grades, but the importance of teaching research writing in upper elementary cannot be overlooked. Teaching research in elementary school helps students develop higher level questioning skills, understand how to take notes, paraphrase, and focuses on communicating ideas through the written word. I have put together some helpful resources for you to use in your classroom today and also some… Read More
Have you ever wanted to know what the Top Amazon Teacher Must Have Resources are? I am so excited to share with you the best resources and tools to make your life as a teacher easier! I am often asked by new teachers and friends what are things that I would want to have in my classroom. I was asked… Read More
Digital Classroom for The Paperless Google Classroom- Are you ready to go DIGITAL with the Paperless Classroom? Google Classroom is taking over many schools and classrooms. It is important to start learning about the 21st century Paperless Classroom. Many classrooms have been converting to 1:1 with technology and many are starting a little at a time. It is our responsibility as educators to… Read More
As an educator, one of the most important lessons you will ever teach is about diversity. Teaching your students about the Importance of Celebrating Different Cultures and Diversity in the Classroom will help your students tremendously. Did you know that being culturally aware can have a significant affect on your student’s success? “Diverse classrooms promote creativity, high level thinking, and collaboration.”… Read More
It is the time of the year we are looking for motivation to help us have a successful End of School Year. We reflect on all the things we have learned, taught and still want to teach our students. It always seems shocking how quickly the year actually flies by. So, as you start to prepare for the last few… Read More
Did you mention teaching Poetry Writing? Introducing and teaching poetry writing is possibly one of my favorite genres to teach. I adore seeing how my students grow as poets during our time learning and writing poetry. Have you been looking for fun ways to incorporate and learning some fun ideas to help in teaching poetry into your curriculum? You can… Read More
Spring is in the air and all we want to do is be outside and enjoy this beautiful weather, right? Well, I know how you feel so I wanted to stop by and share some Spring Literacy Ideas, Books and Ideas for Your Classroom that I have found to be helpful this time of the year! The weather is wonderful… Read More
Teaching writing in elementary is so exciting and I know as a teacher I love seeing my students grow as writers. The biggest thing sometimes is how do we get started? Today I wanted to share 5 Tips for Teaching Writing in Your Classroom. My goal as a teacher is always researching and thinking of ways to get my kids… Read More