Having a wide vocabulary is a huge part of what helps students to be successful in both reading comprehension and writing. This is why vocabulary is one of the National Reading Panel’s five core elements of reading instruction along with phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, and comprehension. In general, the wider a reader’s vocabulary is, the ...
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Teaching Students to Analyze Character Traits and Characterization (3rd-5th Grade)
Analyzing character traits is a key fiction reading skill that is needed for successful comprehension. In most cases, authors do not just come out and tell readers the traits that a character possesses. By teaching students to take a close look at a character’s thoughts, dialogue, actions and feelings, students can begin to analyze and infer a ...
Using Writing Graphic Organizers with Elementary Students (3rd to 5th Grade)
With so many types and formats of writing that we ask of students, it can be overwhelming for them to know where to start, what kinds of language to use, and what the structure of their writing should look like. This is why it is so important that we provide the necessary models and supports, like writing graphic organizers, for students in order ...
What to Look for in ESL Grammar Worksheets and Activities for Newcomers and Beginning ELs
All too often, grammar worksheets for newcomer and beginner ELs are way too similar in format to grammar worksheets for native speakers. They lack visuals and are just pages filled with language that our ELs may not have yet. Without supports, students just regurgitate a new grammar skill without applying it to exercises that they can actually ...
All About Me Book Templates (1st to 5th Grade)
An All About Me Book is such a great way to learn about your students personally and academically during the first weeks of school. The all about me writing templates are a fun, low prep, meaningful task that also give a glimpse into your students’ hobbies, interests, and goals. Below are 3 All About Me Book formats that will fit your needs ...
3 Ideas for End of Year Memory Books (1st to 5th Grade)
An End of Year Memory Book is such a special keepsake for students to look back on and remember their school year. They are a great way for students to get creative while reflecting on their personal and academic growth and experiences. Below are 3 Memory Book formats that will fit your needs depending on what type you want to use with your ...
Making a Plan for Your Poetry Unit (Grades 3-5)
Starting to plan poetry month? a poetry unit? or prepping ways to sprinkle poetry in throughout the school year? It can be so time consuming to find quality resources for poetry instruction! These low prep resources below cover everything you will need to plan your poetry unit. They include everything from visuals to display and ...
Teaching Creating Sensory Images and Visualizing Reading Strategies
Explicitly teaching and practicing reading strategies is so important to give students tools to better comprehend what they are reading. Some of these powerful strategies include using background knowledge, making predictions, asking questions, making inferences, making connections, visualizing and creating sensory images. WHY SHOULD I ...
Teaching Informational Writing in 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, and 3rd Grade
Informational writing can be a very new type of writing for many elementary students in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade. Primary students are usually used to writing in their daily journal or creating fictional stories. However, informational writing requires a totally different set of writing skills. With narrative writing, students can just write ...
Teaching Narrative Writing in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grade
When teaching narrative writing in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade, there are so many writing skills to cover. They range from creating a sequence of events (beginning, middle, and end) to more difficult skills like building strong characterization. With a class full of students at such varying levels of writing, it can be overwhelming to think of where ...
