Do you have a difficult time finding activities to keep other students engaged while you are teaching small group reading lessons? If so, you're not alone! Many teachers feel this way. It can be a challenge, but it doesn't have to be! Today, I am sharing reading centers and activities (with lots of free activities) that will keep your other students engaged and reading … [Read more...] about 4th and 5th Grade Reading Centers
What to Expect When Teaching 5th Graders
I have been a teacher for seven years now, and I would have to say without a doubt that my favorite grade to teach is 5th grade. To me, 5th graders are the perfect age to make teaching enjoyable and make it challenging enough to keep it from getting boring. Teaching 5th graders does have its downsides (middle school attitudes at the end of the year is my least … [Read more...] about What to Expect When Teaching 5th Graders
Tips for Standards Based Grading
The first time I taught at a school that used standards based grading, I was a little worried... okay a lot worried. I was so used to giving percentage grades and I worried this would be more difficult and time consuming. However, I quickly realized that that was not the case. In fact, standards based grading has made my job easier. Before standards based grading, I had … [Read more...] about Tips for Standards Based Grading
5th Grade ELA Pacing Guide {Free}
Last year, I shared my 5th grade math pacing guide and several requested an ELA one. On this post, I will share a printable download of my 5th Grade ELA pacing guide using the common core state standards. The post will also include some general information and rationale behind my specific pacing decisions. This guide includes how I pace reading standards, language … [Read more...] about 5th Grade ELA Pacing Guide {Free}
5 Ways to Prevent Summer Slide in Upper Elementary
Any experienced teacher knows that the summer slide is a definite reality for many students. I personally like for my own children to take a break over the summer and be kids; however, I know the importance of ensuring they maintain their reading level and math skills for the next grade level. I want to share with you five ways that you can help prevent summer slide with … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Prevent Summer Slide in Upper Elementary
End of Year Activities to Prepare Students for the Next Grade Level
Each year, I like to spend the last month of school preparing students for the next grade level and getting them excited about the next year. A lot of times, students tend to "check out" after state testing is over. To combat this, I like to mix things up and incorporate some activities that help prepare them for their next grade and also engage them. For more end of the … [Read more...] about End of Year Activities to Prepare Students for the Next Grade Level
End of Year Literacy Activities and Ideas
One of the toughest parts about the end of the year is keeping students engaged in all subjects up into the very end. I have found that it is often the most difficult to keep students engaged in normal literacy activities. They often have more energy and are more talkative at this point in the year. Since I have always taught literacy at the end of the day, and this makes … [Read more...] about End of Year Literacy Activities and Ideas
Front Row: Free Math + ELA Practice for Your Students!
This is a guest post written by a representative from Front Row. Some of the features shared in the post are part of the paid version. When I first chatted with Jennifer last year, I felt immediately inspired by the incredible resources she’s brought to teachers all over the country. I know Jennifer to be a passionate, innovative teacher who has helped her students … [Read more...] about Front Row: Free Math + ELA Practice for Your Students!
End of Year Math Activities and Ideas
Let's keep it real. The end of the year can be rough. Students are excited and ready for summer (with all kinds of energy!). Teachers are often worn out and tired from months of strenuous teaching and prepping. To keep things engaging and content aligned, I like to have my students complete a variety of math activities and projects the last couple months of school. These … [Read more...] about End of Year Math Activities and Ideas
Playing Pie Face Game in the Classroom {Engaging Test Prep}
If you have been following my blog this year, you know that I love engaging test prep review games. I think review is definitely necessary at the end of the year or a longer unit, but it doesn't have to be tedious or boring. I love using high interest games in the classroom to engage my students and get them excited about reviewing. Recently, we played Pie Face Game and … [Read more...] about Playing Pie Face Game in the Classroom {Engaging Test Prep}
The Behavior Management Strategy that Saved My Sanity
I spent my first four years of teaching in an inner city, rough area. The students I taught had dealt with and experienced things that young children (or anyone for that matter) should never experience. With that type of environment often comes major discipline problems. I have never had a problem with classroom management over all, but there were definitely times when I … [Read more...] about The Behavior Management Strategy that Saved My Sanity
Partner Reading in Upper Elementary
I have been using partner reading in my classroom since my first year of teaching. I find that it is really motivating for my more reluctant readers, as well as highly engaging for all of my readers. Today I want to share what I am currently doing for partner reading in my reading intervention classroom. These ideas are very low maintenance on the part of the teacher … [Read more...] about Partner Reading in Upper Elementary