The Blog
The BEST Test-Taking Strategies
State testing season is just around the corner, and we know the pressure it brings… not just for students but for you as their guide and biggest cheerleader. To help make test prep a little easier, we’re sharing the BEST test-taking…
Women’s history month activities for upper elementary
March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the incredible contributions of women throughout history. It’s also an opportunity to encourage thinking about the value these women have brought to our world and the impact they’ve made through discussions…
Gifted and High-Achieving Students: How to Identify and Support These Students
Identifying the differences between gifted and high-achieving students is a conundrum I encounter often in my role as the gifted facilitator at our school. In my current position, I work closely with our primary (grades K-3) gifted students through a…
15 Unexpected Traits of Gifted Students
Supporting gifted students starts with understanding their unique blend of strengths and challenges. While their exceptional academic ability might give the impression that they are “easy” to teach, the reality is far more complex. Gifted students often grapple with unexpected…
Reading Lessons Made Easy
The depth and complexity of reading standards in upper elementary can be daunting. In the upper grades, teachers are tasked with reviewing foundational comprehension skills from earlier grades, extending what students have already learned, and introducing brand-new concepts that require…
The Best Real-World Fraction Lessons
Working with fractions almost always feels like a daunting task, for both students and educators! But I’m here to share the good news… when we step away from worksheets and abstract numbers and allow students to explore fractions through hands-on…
8 Types of Smart Classroom Purchases
As classroom teachers, we’re used to working with small budgets. That’s why we get so excited when we receive community grant money, an opportunity to put together an Amazon wishlist, PTO wishlist items, or general spending money from the school…
Upper Elementary Tips and Free Lesson Plans for After Winter Break
Do you ever panic as winter break draws to a close and the new year begins? I’m always eager to return to the classroom with refreshed energy after break but it can be daunting to dive right back into lesson…
How To Use Fluency Task Cards
One key insight from the Science of Reading is the critical connection between reading fluency and comprehension. When students achieve fluency, they can seamlessly decode words, paving the way for a deeper understanding of text. Even the most adept readers…
Inexpensive Christmas Gifts for Students in Upper Elementary
As the holiday season draws near, there’s nothing quite like the pride students feel when they can make handmade gifts for family and friends. Even upper elementary students will enjoy making these personalized presents that families will cherish for years…
High-Ceiling Math Tasks for Gifted Learners
High-ceiling math tasks are tiered activities that help all students succeed. Unlike traditional “one size fits all” methods, these tasks allow students to explore math concepts within their own understanding. By using high-ceiling math tasks, teachers help students discover their…
Book Recommendations | Christmas | Free | Holidays | Literacy | Novels & Picture Books | Picture Books | Picture Books | Seasonal
Free Rockefeller Christmas Tree Literacy Activities
It’s no secret that I love incorporating paired passages into my seasonal instruction, and this Christmas paired text activity is one of my favorites! Over the past several years, there have been several books written about the Rockefeller Center Christmas…
