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.

Varying Sentences Jazzes Up Persuasive Writing

January 21, 2018

Brenda Kovich

Argumentative Writing, English Language Arts, Writing

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Varying sentences improves style. When kids feel finished with their writing, it’s time to shake things up. First, begin every sentence in a paragraph differently. Second, vary sentence types. For…

Elaboration Strengthens Persuasive Writing

January 14, 2018

Brenda Kovich

Argumentative Writing, English Language Arts, Writing

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Elaboration can really strengthen persuasive writing. Let’s take a look at three ways to teach it. As an easy first step, ask kids to add examples. When they get the…

Word Choice Improves Persuasive Writing

January 7, 2018

Brenda Kovich

Argumentative Writing, English Language Arts, Writing

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Word choice improves persuasive writing! When kids use specialized vocabulary, their writing becomes more credible. How can your students ramp up their persuasive power? Ask them to develop specialized word…

Structure Organizes Persuasive Writing

January 3, 2018

Brenda Kovich

Argumentative Writing, English Language Arts, Writing

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Persuasive writing structure is strong and straightforward. Begin with an opinion. Add three strong, supportive reasons. End with a call to action. When third grade, fourth grade, and fifth grade…

Using a Story Arc to Summarize and Find Theme

July 2, 2017

Brenda Kovich

English Language Arts, Literature

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Using a story arc helps kids understand story elements. That makes it great for summarizing and finding a theme. Furthermore, it establishes a reading-writing connection. Once kids make sense of the arc…

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

Reading Mysteries? Unlock Kids’ Critical Thinking Skills Now!

June 4, 2017

Brenda Kovich

English Language Arts, Genre Studies, Mystery

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

3 Mystery Writing Activities That Your Kids Will Love

May 28, 2017

Brenda Kovich

English Language Arts, Genre Studies, Mystery

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Looking for mystery writing activities for kids? They’ll love writing full-length mapped mysteries. But if you want something a little different – or are running short on time – try…

Fun Mystery Activities – Get Kids to Think Like Detectives!

May 21, 2017

Brenda Kovich

English Language Arts, Genre Studies, Mystery, Mystery Activities

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

How to Choose the Best Mystery Novels for Fourth Graders

May 7, 2017

Brenda Kovich

English Language Arts, Genre Studies, Mystery

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Wondering how to choose the best mystery novels for fourth graders? When making the choice for your class, look for books with clear clues, suspects, red herrings – and, of…

Martin Luther King Resources – ELA Activities You’ll Love

December 29, 2016

Brenda Kovich

Biography, English Language Arts, Genre Studies

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Martin Luther King resources are here! Engage your fourth, fifth, or sixth grade students with text, activities, video, audio, and crafts. (more…)

Teaching Possessive Nouns in Three Days Is Easy

October 23, 2016

Brenda Kovich

English Language Arts, Language

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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

Brenda Kovich

English Language Arts

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Let the Headless Horseman gallop into your classroom for some Halloween reading. His eerie presence will send chills down students’ spines. Who is this creepy character? Why does he show…

Teaching Tips

Varying Sentences Jazzes Up Persuasive Writing

Elaboration Strengthens Persuasive Writing

Word Choice Improves Persuasive Writing

Structure Organizes Persuasive Writing

Using a Story Arc to Summarize and Find Theme

Reading Mysteries? Unlock Kids’ Critical Thinking Skills Now!

3 Mystery Writing Activities That Your Kids Will Love

Fun Mystery Activities – Get Kids to Think Like Detectives!

How to Choose the Best Mystery Novels for Fourth Graders

Martin Luther King Resources – ELA Activities You’ll Love

Teaching Possessive Nouns in Three Days Is Easy

Halloween Reading – The Headless Horseman

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Brenda Kovich

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