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Finding main idea of a nonfiction paragraph is easy with the hamburger analogy. First, teach kids to find the topic sentence and supporting detail sentences. Second, explain that paragraphs may…

Teaching Elements of Drama & Plays for Fourth Grade

August 7, 2022

drama, literature

Elements of drama include cast of characters, dialogue, and stage directions. Each play may also be broken into scenes and acts. When teaching, provide lots of examples – and let…

Teaching Elements of Prose in Fourth Grade

August 3, 2022

fourth grade, literature

Prose is ordinary language. Through it, we express complete thoughts in sentences. Then we group sentences into paragraphs. In longer works, we group paragraphs into chapters of a novel. Read…

Teaching Forms of Poetry with Examples from Famous Poets

July 31, 2022

Kids learn forms of poetry better with examples from famous poets. Read on for ideas for teaching rhyming, limerick, diamante, haiku, cinquain, concrete, and acrostic poems. (more…)

Types of Poetry – Teaching Poems to Kids

July 27, 2022

Types of poetry teach kids about the expressive side of writing. When you include a variety of genres, you can also hit different literature and language skills. My favorites include…

Teaching Diamante – Diamond-Shaped Poems for Kids

July 10, 2022

Diamante poems are seven-lined diamond-shaped poetry. Instead of rhythm and rhyme, they focus on careful word choice. Kids select specific parts of speech that move the audience from one noun…

Teaching Limericks – A Fanciful Form of Poetry for Kids

June 22, 2022

Limericks are silly poems with only five verses. Because they have predictable rhythm and rhyme, they’re perfect for students in fourth and fifth grades. Your kids will love them! (more…)

Teaching Rhyming Poetry for Kids – Rhythm and Rhyme

June 19, 2022

elements of poetry, literature

Engage, English Language Arts, Learn, Literature, Plan

Rhyming poetry is the first type of poem I teach to my kids. Once they understand simple couplets, they can also write their own. After that, we move to more…

How to Teach Photosynthesis to Fourth and Fifth Grade Kids

May 22, 2022

fifth grade science, fourth grade science, life science

Engage, Learn, Life Science, Plan, Science

Yes, you can teach photosynthesis so kids understand it. Keep it macro! First, roots pull in water. Second, leaves take in carbon dioxide. Then energy from the Sun causes a…

How to Teach Plural Possessive Nouns Without Tears

May 18, 2022

language, possessive nouns