Teaching Ideas

English Language Arts, Learn

persuasive paragraph, persuasive writing, writing process

Persuasive paragraph perfection can be achieved. Just teach in four chunks: structure, ideas, sentences, and words. For best results, model the process. Don’t be afraid to write in front of…

Scaffold mystery reading instruction with inference activities, short stories, and novels.

Reading Mysteries Builds Critical Thinking

June 4, 2017

making inferences, mystery stories, reading mysteries

Reading mysteries really boosts comprehension. Why? Kids must read closely and make inferences. Try this scaffolded approach. Get ready with simple inference activities. Next, get set with short stories. Finally, go! Ask kids…

Mystery Writing for Kids: A Case for Reading First

May 28, 2017

mapped mystery, mystery pictures, mystery unit, mystery writing, paper bag mystery

For great mystery writing, read first. As kids explore short passages, explain how to map the clues. Then, put the skill to use. As a culmination to your unit, encourage…

Fun Mystery Unit Activities – Let Your Kids Think Like Detectives!

May 21, 2017

detective activities for kids, fingerprinting, invisible ink, mystery activities, mystery unit, observation games for kids, secret codes

Mystery activities = fun! Let your kids think like detectives. They’ll love cracking codes, experimenting with invisible ink, fingerprinting, making observations, and more! At home or in the classroom, add…

Mystery Novels Improve Comprehension and Critical Thinking

May 7, 2017

mystery novel, mystery novel study, mystery unit, The 39 Clues, The Maze of Bones, The Westing Game

Mystery novels involve many characters and complex plots. Therefore, kids must pay attention to detail, make connections, and infer. These intricate books boost students’ critical thinking and close reading skills.…

Resources for Teaching About Dr. Martin Luther King

December 29, 2016

Martin Luther King Jr., Martin Luther King Junior, Martin Luther King Junior Resources for Kids, Teaching Martin Luther King Junior

Martin Luther King Junior resources are here! Engage your intermediate-grade students with text, activities, video, audio, and crafts. (more…)

Teaching Possessive Nouns in Three Days

October 23, 2016

plural possessive nouns, singular possessive nouns, teaching possessive nouns

Teaching possessive nouns can be a train wreck. But have no fear! Your third, fourth, and fifth grade students can learn this tricky skill in just three days. (more…)

Halloween Reading – The Headless Horseman

October 9, 2016

Halloween Reading, Headless Horseman, literature, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Let the Headless Horseman gallop into your classroom. His eerie presence will send chills down students’ spines. Who is this creepy character? Why does he show up in folklore around…

Halloween Writing – Carving Pumpkins

October 2, 2016

Halloween writing can be a snap! Just ask kids to write about carving pumpkins. Soon they’ll be planning and penning the step-by-step process. This writing activity works well for third and…

Teaching Factors – Arrays, Prime, Composite, Square

September 25, 2016

Engage, Math

4.OA.B.4, factor trees, factors, finding factors

Teaching factors is so underrated! When kids understand relationships between factors and multiples, patterns of mathematics unfold before their eyes. Let’s talk about how to tackle Common Core State Standard 4.OA.B.4: Find all…

Fall Foliage Interdisciplinary Teaching Ideas

September 11, 2016

autumn colors, autumn leaves, changing leaf colors, fall foliage, fall leaves, interdisciplinary teaching, leaf chromatography

Engage, English Language Arts, Math, Science

Fall foliage sets the stage for some great interdisciplinary teaching. Plan a full day or sprinkle activities through the season. Grab your students’ attention with a colorful leaf chromatography experiment. Continue with…

Fables First – Beginning Narrative Writing

August 28, 2016

fables, narrative writing, writing fables