The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do: Discussing a Growth Mindset
“The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do” by Ashely Spires is a very accurate depiction of what kids go through when they are confronted with something that…
5 Must-Have Anchor Charts to Teach Personal Narratives
Teaching personal narratives is always fun. Kids love to tell stories and putting their stories to paper is exciting, but it can also be challenging.…
Tomorrow Most Likely: Activities That Activate Students’ Imaginations
“Tomorrow Most Likely” by Dave Eggers is an unexpected favorite read-aloud with whimsical pictures and just the right spark of imagination. This book starts with…
11 Favorite Mentor Text to Teach Informational Writing
Informational writing is one of the most common forms of writing that we use in our everyday lives. Before teaching students any form of writing,…
Cloudette: Promoting Perseverance in Your Students
If you have not yet read “Cloudette” by Tom Lichtenheld, you are in for a treat. Cloudette is an adorable little cumulus cloud. While she…
3 Mini-Lessons to Teach Character Traits
Teaching characters to students in upper elementary grades starts to get more complex than the character traits taught in primary grades. We not only think…
Listening with my Heart: Activities about Self-Compassion
“Listening with my Heart” by Gabi Garcia is a beautiful story that touches on kindness, empathy, and self-compassion. Esperenza spreads kindness to others but when…
Test Prep: Upper Elementary Students & Standardized Tests
Let’s talk about test prep….to be honest, I am not a fan of the phrase “test prep.” I think it stresses everyone out! Teachers start…
Activities to Talk about Feelings with “In My Heart: A …
I just want to give this book a big hug…I love it so much, it is one that i find myself pulling out time and…
Teaching Informative Writing
The purpose of expository writing is to inform. It has facts that are supported with reasons and details, stays on topic, helps the reader understand…
I Am Love: Favorite Activities to Promote Compassion
Just as all Peter Reynold and Susan Verde’s collaboration books are, this “I am Love” is really a special one. It celebrates kindness, compassion, self-love,…
The Importance of Silent and Independent Reading
Every time our students pick up a book they pick up new vocabulary, build new connections, are introduced to new words, are presented with new…