Teaching Resources
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
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 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 Wonder… Read More
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
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
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
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
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
Tips for Teaching Grammar to Elementary Students. Grammar can bring groans and dismissive shrugs from students and teachers. There are so many strategies to teach grammar with some educators in the teaching grammar in connection with writing while others believe grammar should be taught in isolation. Even though grammar may not be a favorite subject to teach, there’s one argument… 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