Teaching Tips

Looking for some ideas for teaching ELA, math, or science in upper elementary? You've come to the right place. You can filter by subject, use the search icon above, or just browse.

Teaching Figurative Language – Similes, Metaphors, Onomatopoeia

February 28, 2021

Brenda Kovich

English Language Arts, Language

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Teaching figurative language? First, use clear definitions and examples. Second, add a little practice. Soon your students will be ready to apply what they know. (more…)

Biography Lesson Plans for a Unit You’ll Love

February 21, 2021

Brenda Kovich

Biography, English Language Arts, Genre Studies

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These biography lesson plans can take your unit from blah to outstanding! First, kids read biographies. Then they respond with graphic organizers, templates, and crafts. For the grand finale, students…

Living Wax Museum Research Project Ideas for Your Classroom

February 14, 2021

Brenda Kovich

Biography, English Language Arts, Genre Studies

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Looking for living wax museum research project ideas for your classroom? First, pinpoint a group of people. Second, set guidelines. Third, ask kids to research and select 10 memorable events.…

Teaching Argumentative Writing? How to Do It in Upper Elementary

January 17, 2021

Brenda Kovich

Argumentative Writing, English Language Arts, Writing

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Teaching argumentative writing in upper elementary grades scaffolds from one to five paragraphs. Learn how to use specific structures and strategies to get effective essays from your students. (more…)

Teaching with a Five-Paragraph Essay Example

January 10, 2021

Brenda Kovich

English Language Arts, Writing

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Looking for a five-paragraph essay example? Look and listen in as a fourth grade teacher models this strong writing structure for her students. (more…)

Teaching Persuasive Writing Methods for the Best Paragraphs

January 3, 2021

Brenda Kovich

Argumentative Writing, English Language Arts, Writing

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Teaching persuasive writing methods to third or fourth graders? Begin with a simple graphic organizer. Then elaborate, improve word choice, add transitions, and vary sentences. Before you know it, kids’…

How to Teach Constructed Response Writing – Hamburger Style!

December 28, 2020

Brenda Kovich

Answering Questions, English Language Arts, Literature

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Wondering how to teach constructed response writing? It’s easy to teach with this hamburger craft. First, kids find text evidence. Second, they write it as detail sentences. Then they answer…

Mystery Elements & Terms – Special Detective Vocabulary

December 14, 2020

Brenda Kovich

English Language Arts, Genre Studies, Mystery

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As with other genres, mystery elements include characters, setting, and plot. Let’s take a look at all the detective vocabulary terms kids need to know. (more…)

Logic Puzzles for Kids – Deductive Reasoning & Make Your Own!

December 6, 2020

Brenda Kovich

English Language Arts, Genre Studies, Mystery, Mystery Activities

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Logic puzzles for kids build deductive reasoning – and they’re fun! First, teach kids how to eliminate possibilities. That way, they can uncover solutions. Then show them how to make…

You Need to Do Fingerprinting Activities in Your Classroom

November 29, 2020

Brenda Kovich

English Language Arts, Genre Studies, Mystery, Mystery Activities

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Fingerprinting activities bring fun to the classroom! Kids love studying dactyloscopy, or the science of identifying fingerprints. Recording their own prints, analyzing others, and even some creative art projects will…

Invisible Ink Recipes for Kids – Guaranteed Fun!

November 22, 2020

Brenda Kovich

English Language Arts, Genre Studies, Mystery, Mystery Activities

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Try these invisible ink recipes. Kids love them! They make great additions your mystery or detective unit. (more…)

Cryptograms, Ciphers, and Secret Codes for Kids

November 15, 2020

Brenda Kovich

English Language Arts, Genre Studies, Mystery, Mystery Activities

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Secret codes make kids think like detectives. Add some cryptograms and ciphers to your mystery unit. (Or just do some for fun!) Your upper elementary students will love it. (more…)

Teaching Tips

Teaching Figurative Language – Similes, Metaphors, Onomatopoeia

Biography Lesson Plans for a Unit You’ll Love

Living Wax Museum Research Project Ideas for Your Classroom

Teaching Argumentative Writing? How to Do It in Upper Elementary

Teaching with a Five-Paragraph Essay Example

Teaching Persuasive Writing Methods for the Best Paragraphs

How to Teach Constructed Response Writing – Hamburger Style!

Mystery Elements & Terms – Special Detective Vocabulary

Logic Puzzles for Kids – Deductive Reasoning & Make Your Own!

You Need to Do Fingerprinting Activities in Your Classroom

Invisible Ink Recipes for Kids – Guaranteed Fun!

Cryptograms, Ciphers, and Secret Codes for Kids

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Brenda Kovich

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