Last fall, we did this super quick (but fun for the kids) fall themed 10 minute activity to review physical and chemical changes. This physical and chemical changes activity is ridiculously easy and cheap but also engaging. All you need is a bag of pumpkin shaped marshmallows (to go with the fall theme, regular marshmallows would work if you do this at any other … [Read more...] about Easy No Prep Physical and Chemical Changes Activity for Fall
Managing Student Behavior During Math Centers
It is no secret that managing student behavior during math centers can be daunting, especially when you are trying to focus on your small group instruction. However, if you take the time to establish clear expectations and procedures, as well as utilize positive reinforcement, it is possible to maximize learning for all students and keep them on task and learning. In this … [Read more...] about Managing Student Behavior During Math Centers
5th Grade Math Pacing Guide {Free}
Since I started blogging, I have received many questions about my 5th grade math pacing guide. I finally decided to type up a shareable copy with my rationale and reasons. This pacing guide is aligned with 5th grade math common core standards. You can find my 5th grade literacy pacing guide by clicking here. About the 5th Grade Math Pacing Guide In the pacing guide, … [Read more...] about 5th Grade Math Pacing Guide {Free}
Fall Activities for Upper Elementary Classrooms
Fall is one of my favorite times of the year! I love bringing fall into the classroom with fall-themed activities. I wanted to share with you my favorite fall activities for upper elementary students. Fall Math Activities I always love incorporating seasonal math activities into my guided math classroom. You can read more about my guided math centers by clicking … [Read more...] about Fall Activities for Upper Elementary Classrooms
5 Ways to Hold Students Accountable in Reading
One of the most frustrating aspects of teaching reading can be holding students accountable for their reading. Some times, the stars align and you get a class of readers with only a few reluctant ones. However, what do you do if you have a whole class or majority of reluctant readers? You have to hold them accountable for their reading to get them to become skilled … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Hold Students Accountable in Reading
Independent Reading Conferences {A Guide to Getting Started}
One of my favorite parts of Reading Workshop is doing independent reading conferences. I am an avid reader, so I love getting the chance to talk with students about what they are reading. However, I do remember struggling with when and how to go about doing independent reading conferences in the busy day. I wanted to share some ideas with you about how to get started with … [Read more...] about Independent Reading Conferences {A Guide to Getting Started}
The Widow’s Broom: A Halloween Read Aloud for Upper Grades
Most students love reading super scary stories during October, and I must admit that I have given in and read some "school-approved" scary stories. However, I recently found this really great book, The Widow's Broom by Chris Van Allsburg. This book fits right into the Halloween season but also has some powerful lessons to teach the students about bullying and acceptance. … [Read more...] about The Widow’s Broom: A Halloween Read Aloud for Upper Grades
Student Created Newsletters (FREE Classroom Newsletter Templates)
I am going to be perfectly honest with you and say that sending classroom newsletters has never been a strength of mine. This is mainly because I have always taught at schools were the majority of the parents speak Spanish. So that means each note I send home has to be translated to Spanish. I could never seem to get my act together to get the classroom newsletter ready … [Read more...] about Student Created Newsletters (FREE Classroom Newsletter Templates)
Columbus Day Activity for Upper Grades
Columbus Day can be extremely controversial. Most of the time, students are taught that Christopher Columbus is a hero. However, in 5th grade, I like to present differing perspectives and let my students make their own opinion based on the information. One way that I do that is through this Columbus Day Activity for Upper Grades using the book Encounter by Jane … [Read more...] about Columbus Day Activity for Upper Grades
Halloween Activities and Ideas for Upper Elementary
When I first started teaching fifth grade, I was seriously bummed about the lack of seasonal activities and centers for upper elementary. It was pretty much limited to writing prompts and crossword puzzles/word searches. Upper elementary students can definitely have just as much (if not more!) Halloween fun as the younger students. Here are some of my favorite Halloween … [Read more...] about Halloween Activities and Ideas for Upper Elementary
Candy Corn Activities
I love all things candy corn, so of course I love incorporating candy corn activities into my classroom during the fall and around Halloween time. It is a perfect way to channel the students' excitement about the holiday into something academically based. I wanted to share some of my favorite FREE candy corn activities with you today! Candy Corn Math Activities FREE … [Read more...] about Candy Corn Activities
Teaching Decimals
I don't know if this makes me crazy or not but I really love teaching decimals. Whole numbers in 5th grade are so large and that intimidates the students. Fractions are yucko for obvious reasons. And then there are decimals. They are fun to shade in and count the tenths and hundredths in models. They are easier to relate to because of money. Kids love money, so when you … [Read more...] about Teaching Decimals