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
Strategies For Teaching Vocabulary
This post shares some of my favorite strategies for teaching vocabulary. As a reading teacher, the quote below certainly hits home. These are such powerful words concerning the importance of upper elementary vocabulary instruction, which is often neglected in today's
Grammar Worksheets & Activities
Grammar worksheets and activities don't have to be miserable and boring for students-or for you! Teaching grammar appears to be a something teachers either love or hate. There are a lot of polarizing opinions on how to teach grammar, punctuation, and parts of speech. Some say it
Teaching Poetry Ideas
Teaching poetry can be a rewarding experience! 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 teaching poetry is to simply read poetry to students,
Nonfiction Text Structure Lessons
Teaching nonfiction text structure can be a bit of a challenge to make interesting for students. Nonfiction text structures can also be a difficult concept for students to completely grasp and apply. However, it's an important part of reading comprehension, especially with
Guided Reading Groups
Guided reading groups are one of the most complex areas of planning and instruction. I still remember when I first started teaching thinking, "Okay, I have my groups. Now what do I do?" Hopefully, this post will be helpful to anyone who has experienced that same thought or
Independent Reading For Upper Elementary
Independent reading plays an important role in the upper elementary classroom. My entire teaching career, I've known nothing but reading workshop and guided reading. I've never had a reading series to use, so I've spent an absurd amount of time researching and testing various
Guide To Teaching Reading
Teaching reading can be overwhelming with today's instant access to curriculum, resources, and pictures on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram. This post shares the ins and outs of teaching reading through reading workshop, guided reading, and literature circles and how you can use
Engagement With Book Talks
Book talks are an amazing way for you and your students to share books you love with each other and increase reading engagement. Book talks are informal presentations designed to inspire others to read a book you enjoyed.
The purpose of a book talk is to "sell" a book.
Favorite Chapter Books
I was hesitant to write this blog post on my top ten favorite chapter books to read aloud, because I know that we are all very passionate about our favorite chapter books. I know that without a doubt I've left some amazing books out...maybe I should make a top 50 list! For this