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Using Reading Assessments to Guide Instruction in 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade

Using Reading Assessments to Guide Instruction

Before testing, teachers set a big goal for their students—mastering reading comprehension skills! Using reading assessments is one way to do this. Honestly, comprehending reading is a massive part of being a successful reader. However, this can put a ton of pressure on teachers as they try to ensure each student receives the individualized instruction they need before end-of-the-year testing. Since every student has a different reading comprehension level, Reading Quick Checks are here to help!

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March 19, 2023
Ideas for Teaching Fables in Upper Elementary

Easy Sub Plans Using Aesop’s Fables

As 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade teachers, finding engaging learning activities can be tough. A high-interest lesson plan that lasts longer than a day is always needed! Look no further than teaching fables! This collection of classic Aesop’s Fables, with often humorous tales, can provide great opportunities to practice literacy skills with your students while also allowing them creative expression through discussion and writing activities. These easy lesson plans focus on learning life lessons through timeless stories while students are still practicing necessary skills

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March 8, 2023
This is a title graphic for a blog post with the title "How to Teach Making Inferences" across the top and a photograph of activity pages for making inferences below the title.

How to Teach Making Inferences

Teaching your students how to make inferences is essential to unlocking their reading potential. This challenging skill requires sharp critical thinking and the ability for readers to understand more than just what’s written on paper. Inferencing is a concept often referred to as “reading between the lines.” If you are having difficulty teaching this important lesson, here are some helpful tips. These 5 steps will take your students from struggling with inferencing skills to becoming masters!

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February 28, 2023
This is a blog post title graphic that says "5 Strategies for Teaching Nonfiction Text Features" with a photograph of a nonfiction text features activity for upper elementary grades.

Teaching Nonfiction Text Features – 5 Strategies That Work!

Nonfiction text features are essential to reading comprehension and help students better understand the topics they’re studying. Teaching nonfiction text features in the classroom is a great way to engage students, build their understanding, and improve their overall literacy skills.

In this blog post, we will explore five simple strategies teachers can use to teach nonfiction text features in the classroom. With these strategies, you will be able to provide your students with the knowledge and skills they need to interact effectively with any nonfiction material they encounter. Let’s get started!

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February 10, 2023
Free Spelling Activities for Upper Elementary

Free Spelling and Vocabulary Activities Students Love

Spell check or no spell check, teaching spelling is an important part of language arts instruction in the elementary classroom. It’s a skill our students will use for the rest of their lives. But teaching spelling can be tough with all the rules and all the exceptions to the rules. That’s why being intentional and having a solid spelling plan are so important.

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January 11, 2023
4 Simple Strategies for Teaching Close Reading

4 Simple Strategies for Teaching Close Reading

Are you looking for a strategic and intentional way to teach those important reading comprehension skills and strategies? I used to teach them one at a time. They seemed so disconnected and independent, and I knew my students weren’t getting all they could. Then I found close reading! As I started researching and learning more about this style of reading instruction, I knew I had found a gem. I began using close reading in my classroom and was amazed at my students’ growth and progress.

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January 2, 2023
5 Quick Wins for Teaching Point of View

5 Quick Wins for Teaching Point of View

Students love to be detectives, right? Well, if you are teaching point of view in the upper elementary classroom, now is the perfect time to get your student’s magnifying glasses out! Here, I will show you some tips on how to engage your students in learning all about point of view.

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February 9, 2022
Strategies for Building Multiplication Fluency

Why You Need Multiplication Fluency in Your Classroom

We hear a lot about fluency in the ELA world. We want our students to be fluent readers and writers in order to be successful. But what about math fluency? It’s just as important as reading fluency. It begins with addition and subtraction facts and continues to multiplication and division. Some students have trouble becoming fluent in mathematical concepts. Let’s talk all about why you need multiplication fluency in your classroom.

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September 15, 2021
September Ideas for the Classroom

Fun September Activities for Upper Elementary

It’s back to school time! Maybe you’ve already started your year, or maybe you are just gearing up to head back to your classroom. Either way, this time of year is full of transitions and excitement for all. It is bittersweet to end another beautiful summer and begin a new year of adventure. September is filled with opportunities to get to know our students and form lasting relationships. I can’t wait to share some fun September activities for upper elementary classrooms.

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September 2, 2021
Stress Free Back to School Ideas

6 Ways to Start the New School Year Stress Free

Can you believe it’s already that time of year again? It’s always bittersweet to end those carefree days of summer and begin a new school year. There is so much to think about and plan for before going back to school. It can quickly become overwhelming, even for veteran teachers. Not to mention all of the added responsibilities because of the current state of the world. Here are 6 ways to start the new school year stress-free.

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August 29, 2021
Strategies for Teaching Growth Mindset to Kids

Teaching a Growth Mindset in the Classroom

As teachers, we all know our students have the ability to learn, and we are their biggest cheerleaders. But, how do you get your students to believe in themselves? Helping kids develop a growth mindset will help them face challenges with optimism and excitement instead of dread and resistance. Having a growth mindset can have a huge effect on students. Just by helping them change their thinking, you can help them change their lives. I am so excited to share some tips on how to help kids develop a growth mindset!

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August 22, 2021
Morning Work for Students

Morning Work That Works ONE FREE WEEK

Mornings in the classroom can be full of chaos and excitement. You might find yourself being pulled in multiple directions. Add to that the morning administrative tasks, and it can be a not so calm start to your day. But . . . they don’t have to be that way. With some morning work ideas that get kids ready for their day, you will be able to find a little extra time to take care of all those morning tasks. Adding morning work to your student’s daily routine takes very little or no prep and helps students develop important independence skills! I am so excited to share how you can set the tone for the day with engaging morning work. With purposeful morning work and a routine you can commit to, you will be well on your way to a successful year with your students.

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August 17, 2021

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