One of the best ways to teach characterization and character traits is through mentor texts. In fact, after I teach basic comprehension strategies, I begin teaching story elements. I spend a week on setting, characterization, and plot. You can read my post on teaching setting
Pacing Guides for Literacy and Math
I've worked on A LOT of resource updates this summer, so I wanted to share my corresponding pacing guides with you.
As always, it's important to remember that this is just a guide. I try to never let the pacing guide dictate my instruction. There are times when we need to
Teaching Setting With Mentor Texts
Setting is one of those reading topics that I love to teach. It's relatively easy for students to understand, and there is so much great literature that can be tied into upper elementary setting instruction. My greatest challenge in teaching setting is having students use text
Making Sense of Reading Assessments
Reading assessments can have a tremendous impact on the upper elementary classroom. However, it's imperative to understand what assessments we're giving and the purpose of those assessments. Otherwise, we fall into the trap of over-assessing, which is when we assess for the sake
Using Novel Studies to Teach Reading
I LOVE children’s literature. I love picture books and chapter books, and I’m always torn on which I should use for my mini lessons and small group lessons. When I originally created my reading units, all of the mini lessons were based on picture books, and my guided reading
Teaching Comprehension Strategies
In my first reading unit, the major emphasis is on teaching comprehension strategies. Even though not all of these strategies are specifically mentioned in my standards, they're still an essential component to my reading instruction. It doesn't matter how good of job I do
Introducing Reading Workshop
To introduce reading workshop, it is essential to start the year with procedural lessons, rather than jumping right in to your curriculum. This may initially seem a little time consuming, but this will make reading workshop flow smoothly throughout the year. This post shares my
Upper Elementary Vocabulary Instruction
"Vocabulary is the best single indicator of intellectual ability and an accurate predictor of success at school" - W.B. Ellet.
As a reading teacher, this quote certainly hits home. These are such powerful words concerning the importance of upper elementary vocabulary
Teaching Grammar and Parts of Speech
Grammar appears to be a subject that teachers either love or hate to teach. There are also a lot of polarizing opinions on how to teach grammar. Some say it should only be taught in the context of writing instruction, while others believe in a daily grammar block. The purpose of
Poetry Lessons For Upper Elementary
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Most upper elementary students love learning about poetry. It's new, different, and a genre where all students can find a style of poetry they enjoy.
The easiest place to begin is to simply read poetry to students, whether it is of a silly or serious variety. Don’t worry
