Main Idea can be difficult to teach, especially in the upper elementary grades where the texts are more complex. It isn't always easy to ascertain what the author is mainly trying to tell the audience. Now, as teachers, we may see the main idea as obvious, but to a child it's not … [Read more...]
Why Writing Projects are a BIG YES in Upper Elementary!
Why should you be using writing projects with your class? Let's dig into this a bit and see how you can support developing writers and have fun doing it! First of all, what is a writing project? Well, to me a writing project goes beyond your typical writing activity and … [Read more...]
Have you heard? ELA Next Generation Learning Standards are Here!
Change is inevitable in education. However, it often seems the changes we want are slow to come and the changes we can do without are numerous and frequent. Am I right? If you're a teacher in New York State you're probably aware of the changes being made to our learning … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Engage Students in the Narrative Writing Process
Graphic Organizers Narrative writing is probably the most fun we have in fifth grade ELA class! Not surprising, right? Kids love to write stories and they are full of imaginative ideas just waiting to take flight. Well, some kids are and some need a nudge, or two. All About … [Read more...]
The Great Sticky Note Challenge: Improving reading comprehension, one sticky note at a time!
Engaging with text is a goal of many ELA lessons. The last thing any teacher wants to hear are moans and groans when a new passage is handed out or a new reading assigned. After all, if they are turned off from the very beginning, students will unlikely engage in any meaningful … [Read more...]
Effective Classroom Management Tips for Teachers
Classroom management can make or break you. Yes, I said it! One of the most valuable things I've learned over the years is that the little things matter a lot! Small routines that remain consistent, little reminders, and quiet acknowledgments are the simple things that make the … [Read more...]
Building Better Readers Through Writing Instruction
Here's My Take... Walk into any upper elementary classroom—grades 3 through 6—and you’re likely to see students sitting in small groups with a text in front of them, being asked to “analyze the author’s purpose,” “infer meaning,” or “cite text evidence.” These are valuable … [Read more...]
The Most Comfortable Teacher Shoes!
Looking for the most comfortable pair of teacher shoes for a full day of teaching? I've got you! If you want to read all about my top picks, you can click here, but I do have an absolute favorite to share with you right now. These are the shoes I reach for when my feet are tired, … [Read more...]
Donors Choose Works!
Thinking about creating your first project on Donors Choose? Please don't be afraid to jump in and go for it! Submit your first project and you'll see how fun and easy it is! Donors Choose is constantly improving and streamlining the process, so if you're reading this, GO FOR IT! … [Read more...]
Helping Struggling Writers
This past year was particularly challenging. If you are currently in the classroom, you know what I mean! Two areas where my students struggled were grammar and writing mechanics. I found that I had to backtrack and review some writing basics before I could expect them to dig … [Read more...]
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