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 … [Read More...]
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Why Writing Projects are a BIG YES in Upper Elementary!
Why using writing projects will benefit your students 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 … [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 … [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 … [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 … [Read More...]

My 90 Minute ELA Block in 5th Grade
Here’s the true story of what happens during my literacy block. I have a detailed post on this exact topic which I wrote pre-pandemic (2019) and you can read it HERE. Since then, I’ve changed a few … [Read More...]
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Popular Posts

Christmas in the Classroom
If you celebrate Christmas in your classroom, here are two of my favorite resources and my most loved book for those last few weeks before break. Enjoy! A Home for the … [Read More...]

Great Classroom Finds
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, this means I may earn a small amount from your purchase at no additional cost to you. Back to school season can … [Read More...]

First Day of School Tips for New Teachers
So, you just landed your first teaching job. Yay! Now what? Here are 10 tips to help you succeed on the first day of school. I wish I knew these things when I started … [Read More...]

Stop! Before you buy your first pair of Rothy’s, read this!
Referral Link I may have a few pairs of Rothy’s… Okay, I do have a few pairs of Rothy’s, but I really do love to be comfortable while I’m teaching all day and these shoes … [Read More...]
Holiday Resources
Big kids want to have fun too! Perfect for the Christmas season, I’ve created high interest activities that are aligned to our teaching standards. Writing activities to … [Read More...]

Motivational Reading Posters
Shop Now Available Now on TpT … [Read More...]