use this free resource to help your 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students better understand the problem and solution nonfiction text structure

Problem and Solution Text Structure Practice: Free Printable

You can never have too many nonfiction text structure resources!  This skill is incredibly difficult for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students to understand because there are so many different things they have to understand in order to be successful with it.  Students need all the practice they can get.  🙂 This no prep freebie (a printable pdf) can help …

reading picture books - activity ideas and questions while reading with 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students

Before, During, and After Reading Questions and Activity Ideas

In the course of a school year, you will (hopefully) read countless books to and with your 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students.  Check out these questions and activity ideas that you can use before, during, and after reading a text with your class.Before Reading / Pre Reading Questions and ActivitiesThere are several no prep strategies you can use before …

End of year student gift ideas for upper elementary teachers

End of Year Student Gift Ideas for 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade

Looking for some affordable and meaningful end of year gifts for your 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade students?  The 8 ideas below are sure to get your creative juices flowing and help you find the perfect gift – whether you are looking for something personalized, something fun, or something easy!1. The Meaningful Gift of Kind Words and ComplimentsEveryone likes hearing …

Use wordless pictures books to practice different reading, writing, and other literacy skills in the upper elementary classroom. These 20 activities for wordless books will engage your 3rd grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade students while having them practice a variety of skills in a fun way.

20 Activity Ideas for Using Wordless Books in the Upper Elementary Classroom

Wordless books are often overlooked in 3rd grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade classrooms, and understandably so.  We need our students to be reading as much as possible, so taking the time to have students “read” wordless books can feel like a waste of a lesson. However, wordless books can be used effectively in upper elementary to practice a variety …

A Black History Month Research Project for 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade

A Black History Month Research Project is a great way to help your students learn more about and celebrate the impact African Americans have made to the United States.  It’s also a good way to help students learn about obstacles African Americans have had to face in this country.  But having 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade students conduct research and …

Christmas literacy / reading activities for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade

Fun Christmas ELA Activities for 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade

Christmas in the upper elementary classroom often means making Christmas ornaments, watching Polar Express, or throwing a holiday party. However, there are many ways to celebrate Christmas that also allow for student learning. The low prep Christmas ELA activities listed below are ways ways to integrate literacy while at the same time celebrating Christmas.1. Sing Christmas Songs Together (The Entire …

Thanksgiving book ideas for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders - from turkeys to Native Americans to parades

Thanksgiving Books to Read Aloud to 3rd, 4th, and 5th Graders

Turkeys.  Family.  Feasts.  History.  Thankfulness.  Thanksgiving covers so many different themes, and so the best Thanksgiving books for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students also cover a wide variety of topics and themes. Below, find a list of Thanksgiving books that will be engaging for your upper elementary students.  While not every facet of Thanksgiving is covered in the book …

Looking for gift ideas for your 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade child / grandchild? These ideas are educational and encourage creativity

Affordable and Educational Gift Ideas for 3rd, 4th, and 5th Graders

In a world where 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders prefer to spend their time on TV, video games, and social media, gifts that are educational or encourage creativity are much needed! The affordable gift ideas below will stimulate imaginations and inspire children to observe the world around them.  Whether you are looking for Christmas gifts or birthday gifts for 7 …

Thanksgiving Writing Prompt Ideas for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade classrooms

Thanksgiving Writing Prompt Ideas for 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade

Need some low prep activities before Thanksgiving Break?  Providing your students with some engaging Thanksgiving writing prompts is a great way to keep students learning while minimizing your prep. Thanksgiving covers a variety of topics – from turkeys, to thankfulness, to the relationship between Native Americans and the first European settlers.  No matter what your 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade …

Halloween writing prompts, activities, and ideas for upper elementary classrooms

Halloween Writing Prompts and Activities for 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade

Need some low prep Halloween writing activities, prompts, and ideas for your 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade classroom? Halloween covers a variety of topics – from bats, to jack-o-lanterns, to monsters, to spooky stories, to candy, and more.  No matter what your upper elementary students need, one of the 9 Halloween writing prompt ideas below is bound to work for …