I recently spoke with a teacher who asked me what writing program I use to teach writing. When I told her I didn't use a program, she was a little shocked and wanted to know how I knew what to teach. As I explained to her how I generate my lesson topics, I realized this might be something useful to share on my blog. Keep reading for three types of writing lessons, how I ... Read More
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Playing Spoons in the Classroom {Highly Engaging Review Game}
A few years ago, I was introduced to a highly motivating, fast-paced academic version of the games Spoons. After playing a few rounds and having a lot of fun, I knew this was something I wanted to incorporate as much as possible into my classroom. The academic version of Spoons is a great way to motivate your students to review almost any concept! (If you are not ... Read More
How to Get Students Excited About Writing
My first year teaching third grade, I had a student in my class who had very strong feelings toward writing. He hated it with a passion and wasn't afraid to let others know about how he felt. I am not sure that first year that I made that much of an impact one way or another on his feelings toward writing. To be honest, my first year teaching was kind of a big blur. I ... Read More
Writing Toolkits (Free Writing Resources for Upper Elementary)
Over the summer, I made math toolkits with tons of math charts and resources to help my students during math centers. I knew I wanted something similar for writing and I finally have it ready to share with you. These writing toolkits are full of FREE writing resources and charts that will help your students become independent and confident writers. This post includes ... Read More
5th Grade ELA Pacing Guide {Free}
Last year, I shared my 5th grade math pacing guide and several of you requested an ELA one. In this post, I will share a printable download of my 5th Grade ELA pacing guide using the common core state standards and some general information and rationale. This guide includes how I pace reading standards, language standards, and writing standards. Keep in mind as you view ... Read More
How to Plan and Use Test Prep Centers
One thing I heave learned over the years is that a variety of review is key for many students to be successful or feel successful on their end of year test. Some students thrive with engaging review and competition like games. Others need small group instruction to review or practice previously learned skills. Over the last 7 years, I have been using test prep centers ... Read More
Bean Boozled in the Classroom (Jelly Belly Challenge): Engaging Test Prep
I will have to admit it that I was a bit on the fence when I first heard about teachers using Bean Boozled in the classroom. If you are not familiar with this "game", the players spin a spinner to determine which color jelly bean they will eat. The color could be one of two different flavors: a yummy flavor (peach or berry for example) or a disgusting flavor (barf or ... Read More
Generating Writing Topics Using Lists {Writing Workshop Ideas}
It has been a while since I have shared a writing idea, so I thought I would write about one of my favorite ways to get some super authentic writing topics for your students. This post is all about generating writing topics using lists in a writer's notebook. To read about generating writing topics using heart maps, click here. To read another method for generating ... Read More
Field Trip Activities {Free Field Trip Resources}
I have a love/hate relationship with field trips. Some years they are great, and some I just want to sleep for twelve hours after the field trip and never speak of it again (surely I am not the only one, right?). Field trips can fun and super educational, though. It is nice to take the students out into the "real world," to expose them to new experiences, and teach them ... Read More
Free Word Study Activity for Upper Elementary
A few years ago, I wrote a blog post about how I used a variation of Daily Three in my reading classroom. Since writing that post, I have gotten several questions about a word study activity I mentioned in the post. As an upper grades teacher, I have always struggled with finding word study activities that are appropriate for my students. To be honest, I still struggle ... Read More
Engaging Ways to Review
One of my biggest struggles as a teacher has always been students helping students all the skills they are learning in all the subjects. I have to be very purposeful about spiraling skills consistently so the students don't forget what was learned at the beginning of the year. Read more details about how I use spiral review in all subjects (and not just morning work) ... Read More
Amazing Race { Fun Test Prep Review }
As demanding and time consuming as our curriculum is, I have found that I always need to pause my pacing and spend some of my time reviewing after a long break from school. Today, I want to share with you a fun test prep review or "after a long break" review that my students loved last year. Here is the basic rundown of this fun test prep activity review: Students ... Read More
