The Blog
A Full Year of Literacy Read-Alouds and Activities
It’s no secret that I love a good picture book for reading aloud or to accompany my current topic of study, even in upper elementary! In this post, I’ll share 12 of my favorite picture books and related literacy activities…
Back to School | Book Recommendations | Free | Homeschool | Literacy | Novels & Picture Books | Professional Development | The Parent Connection
The Best Upper Elementary Books and Free Printable Bookmarks
If your students’ parents are anything like mine, they’re eager for tips and resources to use with their children at home. Most parents are happy to help but aren’t sure where to start. One of my favorite tips for parents…
5 Simple Back-To-School Activities That Make A BIG Impact
The start of a new school year offers numerous possibilities to inspire, engage, and empower our students. It’s a time when the seeds of curiosity and growth are planted, setting the tone for a successful academic year ahead. But where…
The Best First Year Teacher Tips
Fun Fact: Everyone on the Teaching With a Mountain View team is a current or former elementary teacher. Combined, we have almost 50 years of experience in the classroom! But we were all first year teachers at some point and…
Using Picture Books to Build Self-Awareness
Picture books are a great resource for introducing social-emotional learning concepts to children in an accessible and engaging way. Through relatable stories and illustrations, picture books can help children explore their own thoughts, feelings, and emotions. When reading a mentor…
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK 2024 GIVEAWAYS
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! We’re celebrating ALL WEEK LONG with flash freebies, giveaways, and discounts on your favorite Teaching With a Mountain View resources. Here’s a schedule for the week to help you keep track and take advantage of each…
Inexpensive Whole-Class Rewards
Creating a positive classroom environment is an important part of my overall classroom management plan. While I spend a lot of time setting expectations and practicing routines at the beginning of the year, we adjust and review all year long….
Creative and Educational End-of-The-Year Activities for Upper Elementary
If March is all about test prep, then April and May bring a breath of fresh air (and more fun!). I’ve shared my strategies for test prep before, so you know I try to make our test prep activities authentic…
Increase Word Power with Vocabulary Word of the Day
A strong vocabulary isn’t just about knowing “big” words. Instead, it functions as a way for students to unlock understanding and find ways to express ideas precisely. Having a wider knowledge of words helps students tackle complex texts, speak confidently,…
Using Picture Books to Teach Writing
Using picture books to teach writing in your classroom is one of the most effective ways to engage your students AND teach them critical writing skills. I love their ability to teach many in-depth concepts with relatability and simplicity. With…
Observation-Approved Literacy Resources: Tried and True Literacy Teacher Observation Lessons
If you’re looking for literacy teacher observation lessons that will impress your administrator during your next formal observation, then you’re in the right place! If you haven’t read the first post in our series yet, you can find general classroom…
The Importance of Daily Math Word Problems
Daily math word problems play a pivotal role in promoting mathematical understanding and critical thinking skills in upper elementary. Word problems not only test computational abilities but also develop analytical and problem-solving skills. This kind of thinking also encourages students…
