Category: Elementary Reading

staar redesign blog post

Breaking Down the STAAR Redesign

Texas teachers are extremely curious about the changes made to the STAAR test for the 2022-2023 school year.  The STAAR redesign includes several parts. Teachers across Texas find the changes to the STAAR test slightly overwhelming.  However, there is no need to be worried.  Understanding the changes will help ease

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Halloween activities for upper elementary

Halloween Activities for Upper Elementary

Every year, I search for Halloween and fall activities for my fourth-grade students.  It can be a challenge to find Halloween activities for upper elementary students.   Especially compared to the numerous activities out there for lower elementary students. Here are a few tried and true Halloween activities that I have

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teach reading using a novel study

Teach Reading Using a Novel Study: Top 5 Reasons

Does your school give you the freedom to teach reading anyway that works for your students?  Or have you ever considered using novels in addition to your reading curriculum?  If so, here are the top 5 reasons you should teach reading using a novel study. Even if you have a

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Author Study for Elementary Students

What better way to wrap up the year than with an author study for elementary students? This unit is not only engaging, but also great way to connect reading and writing. Check out all of the ideas in this post in my Author Study Activities resource. An author study project

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staar reading test taking strategies

STAAR Reading Test Taking Strategies

Taking the STAAR reading test can be completely overwhelming for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students.  However, nerves can be soothed by teaching students STAAR reading test taking strategies. There are a variety of STAAR reading test taking strategies that teachers all over the state use.  Be sure to think

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integrating social studies in reading and language arts

Integrating Social Studies in Reading and Language Arts

Integrating subjects is a more effective way to teach.  Many topics reach across subject areas which makes it easier for teachers to teach and students to learn.  However, many teachers struggle with integrating social studies in reading and language arts. Luckily, social studies topics are discussed in many historical fiction

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poetry activities for upper elementary

Poetry Activities for Upper Elementary Students

Next up on the scope and sequence:  POETRY!  Teachers and students everywhere react two ways.  Yay, I love poetry!  Or  Oh No, I hate poetry!  As you know, people usually have very strong feelings toward poetry.  That’s why creating fun and engaging poetry activities for your upper elementary classroom is

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STAAR reading resource round up

STAAR Reading Resource Round Up

Texas 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade teachers dread the STAAR Reading Test each year.  What if it was easier to prepare your students for the test?  This STAAR Reading resource round up will highlight resources that will help teachers around Texas, so you can be assured that your upper elementary

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