Close Reading Strategies: How to Help Students Take a Closer …
Having students tackle challenging texts can feel like an overwhelming task, but close reading is the perfect way to get students to dive into texts…
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…