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
Browse the archives below for even more great ideas
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
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
Spring Read Alouds for Upper Elementary
One of the best parts about teaching upper elementary students is taking picture books and using them as mentor texts for reading instruction. I love when my students come to our community area (a giant rug) and we listen to and discuss a short, engaging picture book. Click here to see all of my mentor texts and picture books for 4th and 5th grade. I also love taking ... Read More
St. Patrick’s Day Activities for Upper Elementary
St. Patrick's Day is not a big holiday but it is one of my favorites. I love all the themes that come with this holiday: sneaky leprechauns, pots of gold, and luck galore. This makes it perfect for themed math centers and fun writing prompts. I want to share with you my favorite St. Patrick's Day activities for upper elementary students that are engaging and aligned with ... Read More
Valentine’s Day Activities for Upper Elementary
Valentine's Day is one of my favorite classroom holidays. I love promoting kindness even more than usual this month through the class party, read alouds, and discussions. In addition to promoting kindness in the month of February, I love having my students complete Valentine's Day themed activities. Today I want to share some of my favorite Valentine's Day activities for ... Read More
Free Groundhog Day Activities {Printable and Digital}
Groundhog Day isn’t the first holiday I generally think of when the month of February rolls around. However, I welcome any chance I can get to engage my students and spice up my classroom activities to give my students a break from our day-to-day routine (especially in the winter months). Whether or not Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, these free Groundhog Day ... Read More
Winter Activities for Upper Elementary
Winter time in the classroom, specifically December to March, can be quite stressful as upper elementary teachers finish pacing guides, start test prep, and some even administer state tests this early. It is CRAZY! However, I always like to bring some winter fun into my classroom through seasonal activities that are specifically for 4th and 5th grade students. I want to ... Read More
Winter Break Packet Ideas for Upper Elementary {Freebie Included}
Each year, I seem to go back and forth about whether or not to send a winter break packet with my students over winter break. Ultimately, I always decide to send something for a few reasons: 1.) I always have a handful of students who specifically ask for a packet and 2.) The majority of my students do not go on vacation and most don't have things to occupy their time. ... Read More
Christmas Activities for Upper Elementary
I love all things Christmas and have been fortunate to teach in schools where including Christmas in the classroom activities is permitted. We are always aware of different celebrations and incorporate other culture's traditions a lot, especially since I teach a diverse population of students. They love sharing about their holiday traditions. In addition to learning about ... Read More
Christmas Read Alouds for Upper Elementary {Free Activities}
One of my favorite parts of teaching has always been when I read aloud to my students. It doesn't matter that they are fifth graders and many have the "too cool for school" attitude, they still love to be read to on a regular basis. And I love reading to them. I have so many read alouds that I love, but I wanted to share my favorite Christmas read alouds for upper ... Read More
Behavior Management Ideas for Surviving the Holiday Months
Behavior management can always be a little tricky during the month of December and other holiday months. The students are ready for break, the teachers are ready for break, and everyone is a little excited by all the different activities that happen during December. I always like to have a some special behavior management ideas in my bag of tricks to keep the students ... Read More
