In order to write an effective constructive response, students need a LOT of practice. Fortunately, students can practice with any nonfiction text – they just need a question to answer. The best constructed response questions are specific to the text students have read and require students to think critically. Coming up with questions like this on your own can be …
Teaching opinion writing to your 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade students soon? Use the sentence starters and paragraph frames below in your lessons to help students structure their writing, use transitional words, stay on topic, and support their opinions. Templates like the examples below are a great way to introduce opinion writing. The hope is that eventually, students will go …
You’ve set up your classroom library and sorted all of your books – now how can you keep it looking great all year long? The tips below will help you keep track of your books, help 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students know how to return them to their proper location, and help keep your classroom library looking clean and …
3rd, 4th, and 5th grade teachers have very strong opinions about the best way to display classroom library books. Some might argue that the best way is use bins, while others think the best way is to show book spines. But there is not simply one best way – it depends on you, your students, and your classroom. And if …
Figuring out how to set up your upper elementary classroom library can feel overwhelming – there is so much to think about! Lessen the overwhelm by starting with first things first – how do you want your books to be sorted and arranged in your 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade classroom? After you have figured out how to arrange your …
Congratulations to the winners of the Teaching Made Practical 2023 Limerick Contest!Thanks to all who participated! I enjoyed reading through all of the thoughtful haiku so much, that I decided to host a limerick contest in the spring of 2023! You can make sure you are notified of any upcoming contests by signing up to my newsletter. You can do …
A change of scenery – especially when it involves learning outside – is a great way to reengage your 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students. Below, find 11 different example activities for taking your classroom outdoors! All of the activities are educational – you will find ideas for taking ELA lessons, math lessons, and science lessons outside. I sometimes recommend …
Are you wanting to celebrate National Poetry Month with your 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade students, but not sure where to start? Check out the 11 ideas below. There are no prep lesson activities, poetry lessons that will take you and your students outside, poetry book suggestions, easy bulletin board display ideas, tips for teaching students to write their own …
Have a poetry writing unit coming up soon? It doesn’t have to be intimidating, to you or your 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade students! Start with a template of one of the short forms of poetry below, and your students will quickly learn to love writing poems!Short Poems Your 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Students Will Love to Write1. CoupletsWith …
Teaching Made Practical is having its first ever limerick writing contest! It’s easy…have your 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade students write their own original limerick, and submit it for it a chance for them to win! 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will all receive a prize – and their teacher will win a prize as well!Limerick Contest Rules Entrants …