Blog

Blog

Articles to Motivate, Educate, and Differentiate

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AMAZON TEACHER FINDS TO ROCK YOUR CLASSROOM

Welcome to my Amazon Teacher Finds, a peek into my Rockin Resources shop on Amazon, a curated space where educators...Read More
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10 STEPS TO BE A ROCKSTAR TEACHER

Rockstars have traits that make them stand out and captivate others. They are passionate, creative, dedicated, inspiring, and fearless. They...Read More
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Easter Egg Hunt for Literacy

Get ready for an engaging, interactive, and educational Easter Egg Hunt that will have your students excited to learn! This...Read More
+ Ideas to for test prep for end of grade test.

Top Ways to Prep for the ELA Test & Boost Confidence

As the school year comes to a close, students have worked hard to master ELA (English Language Arts) skills that...Read More
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What Are Some Simple Music Games for Autistic Students to Boost Coordination?

Music games offer a unique way to engage autistic students while developing essential coordination skills. Interactive rhythm games and musical...Read More
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HOW TO CREATE AN APD-FRIENDLY CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT FOR BETTER LEARNING

Creating a classroom environment that supports students with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) can dramatically improve their learning experience and academic...Read More
+ teacher appreciation ideas for principals

24 Teacher Appreciation Ideas for School Administrators: Lifting Up Teachers

Boost teacher morale and show teacher appreciation during Teacher Appreciation Week and throughout the year! Outstanding leadership isn’t just about...Read More
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5 Key Benefits of Taking Online Dutch Language Lessons: Enhance Fluency and Flexibility

Learning Dutch online can be an exciting opportunity for many people. With easy access to flexible Dutch language classes, students...Read More
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How to Use a Single Mentor Text for All Your Writing Instruction

Finding the perfect mentor text for your writing instruction doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. While teachers often turn...Read More
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8 Ways to Celebrate World Kindness Day in Your Classroom

World Kindness Day, celebrated on November 13th, is a beautiful reminder to spread kindness and compassion in our daily lives....Read More
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Rock the Writing Process

  Writing involves multiple steps. Each step is important and helps you become a better writer. Don’t rush—take your time...Read More
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Make Writing Instruction a Priority!

  Writing instruction should be a priority in education because it is a fundamental skill that impacts students’ academic success,...Read More
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How to Use Grammarly: A Comprehensive Guide

As a writer, content creator, or professional, maintaining clear, error-free writing is crucial. Grammarly, a powerful writing assistant, helps ensure...Read More
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Why I Use Grammarly and You Should Too!

It changed my world! Whether crafting an email, creating educational materials, composing a report, or posting on social media, how...Read More
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10 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Skip Peer Editing

Peer editing is an essential part of the writing process for several reasons. That is why I use it as...Read More
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6 Strategies for Personal Development to Help Academic Growth!

Have you ever wondered why we need to pay attention to both academic growth and personal development? Well, it turns...Read More
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What is the Difference Between Step-by-Step Writing® and Rockstar Writers®?

Many people ask me the difference between my trademarked Step-by-Step Writing® and Rockstar Writers®. It is a simple explanation! Step-by-Step...Read More
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8 Ways to Effectively Utilize Task Cards

USING TASK CARDS Task cards are versatile tools that can be used in various ways to enhance learning in the...Read More
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12 Activities for Read Across America Week

Read Across America Week is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate reading and inspire a love for literature among students. Here...Read More
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10 Teaching Activities for Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month provides an excellent opportunity to explore and celebrate the achievements and contributions of women throughout history. Here...Read More
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WHAT IS A REBUTTAL IN AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY?

In an argumentative essay, a rebuttal is a counterargument or response to an opposing viewpoint. It is a crucial part...Read More
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WHAT IS A WARRANT IN AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY?

In an argumentative essay, a warrant is the underlying assumption that connects the claim and evidence. It explains how or...Read More
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WHAT IS A CREDIBLE SOURCE IN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAYS?

A credible source for argumentative writing provides accurate, reliable, and verifiable information. Here are some characteristics of credible sources:...Read More
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A MASSIVE LIST OF GREEK AND LATIN PREFIXES, ROOT WORDS, AND SUFFIXES

  From the previous blog post, you learned the eight reasons why it is important to teach Greek and Latin...Read More
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8 SURPRISING REASONS TO TEACH GREEK AND LATIN ROOTS AND AFFIXES

Teaching Greek and Latin words is essential for several reasons. Believe it or not, it isn’t just for building a...Read More
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WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF CLAIMS IN AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY?

In argumentative writing, different types of claims serve specific purposes and require distinct approaches to persuade the audience effectively. Here’s...Read More
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WHAT IS A CLAIM IN AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY?

In an argumentative essay, a claim is the central point or thesis statement you are making and attempting to persuade...Read More
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TOP TIPS TO DIFFERENTIATE YOUR WRITING INSTRUCTION

Children learn and express themselves differently. So how can we ensure they get the best writing instruction to become effective...Read More
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HELPING STUDENTS WITH ANXIOUS MOMENTS

Did you say anxious moments? So many times teachers and students alike experience stress in at school and home. Thankfully,...Read More
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17 Activities, Games, and Strategies to Teach Vocabulary

Long vocabulary lists can appear daunting and unlearnable at first glance, but they don’t have to be perceived in such...Read More
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20 BELOVED BUT BANNED BOOKS

The censorship of ideas and beliefs is nothing new to the 21st Century. Since at least 213 BCE,  books have...Read More
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The Best (and Easiest) Way to Teach American History

WOW! A lot has happened in our American History! There’s so much to cover in each era! With such a...Read More
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Language Arts Lesson Plans for January!

The first week back after a holiday break can feel like the first week back after summer vacation. Having lesson...Read More
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5 Classroom Tips to Rock the New Year!

In most schools, January indicates a new semester with half of the school year completed. This is a perfect time...Read More
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10 Simile Mentor Texts That Will Make You Laugh Like a Hyena

Similes are an important literary element used to add color and spark to one’s writing. This type of figurative language...Read More
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5 Different Types of Rubrics

Rubrics are wonderful tools for specific assessments. They are easily customizable, offer a chance for student reflection, and have sliding...Read More
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Differentiation in Trauma-Informed Teaching | Social and Emotional Learning in the Classroom | SEL

Do you LOVE horror movies?  Romances? Action flicks? For every genre you love, there is someone in your circle of...Read More
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What is Trauma-Informed Teaching?

Trauma-informed teaching is a necessary part of your toolkit, but what exactly is trauma-informed teaching? Trauma-informed teaching focuses on awareness...Read More
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TEACHER TIPS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE LAST TWO WEEKS OF SCHOOL

Summer is just around the corner—so close you can almost taste it! BUT you must finish the school year, and...Read More
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How to Teach Similes Like a Rockstar

Are you looking for ways to teach similes like a Rockstar? You’ve come to the right place! Students will be...Read More
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What is Earth Day?

Are you looking to celebrate Earth Day in your classroom this year? This post shares Earth Day facts, provides classroom...Read More
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10 SIZZLING MENTOR TEXTS FOR TEACHING ONOMATOPOEIAS

Teaching onomatopoeias just got more fun with these mentor texts that feature a variety of human-made and natural sounds. From...Read More
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Have Fun Teaching Figurative Language

Don’t inflate the cow? What??? Idioms are just one of many types of figurative language that grab attention and engage...Read More
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What is Women’s History Month?

In addition to Women’s History Month, International Women’s Day takes place each year on March 8. This holiday has been...Read More
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10 LUCKY ST. PATRICK’S DAY MENTOR TEXT WITH TEACHER TIPS

Get lucky with these 10 St. Patrick’s Day texts that can be used to explain the meaning of the green-themed...Read More
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What is the Meaning Behind St. Patrick’s Day?

Top o’ the mornin’ to ya’!  Not morning?  Well, then, ‘top o’ the evenin’ to ya’.  No matter the time,...Read More
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THE PROS AND CONS OF READING RESPONSE JOURNALS

A READING RESPONSE JOURNAL is a journal where students are asked to record their interactions with reading. This can be...Read More
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Who was George Washington?

Are you looking for information on George Washington to a Revolutionary War unit or President’s Day? I did a little...Read More
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Who was Abe Lincoln?

Celebrating President’s Day? Or maybe you’re teaching the character trait of honesty? Don’t forget to give your kiddos details on...Read More
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What is Valentine’s Day?

I did a little research for you and now you can share some facts along with a free download activity...Read More
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How to Teach Hyperbole and Die Laughing!

Do you want your students to learn about hyperbole? They embellish reality in a fun and exciting way to engage...Read More
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10 VALENTINE’S DAY TEXTS TO SPREAD THE LOVE

Oftentimes, we mistake Valentine’s Day for a holiday to express romantic interest in others when it is truly about much...Read More
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Hyperbole Texts with Examples that Exaggerate and Excite

We all have inner drama queens and kings inside us that pop up from time to time as we sigh,...Read More
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Who was Martin Luther King, Jr.?

When teaching about people in our history, I like to give students an overview of their accomplishments and look at...Read More
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20 MENTOR TEXTS AND TEACHING TIPS TO CELEBRATE HOLIDAYS AROUND THE WORLD

Although we all have our unique traditions that are special to our own culture and religious backgrounds, there are so...Read More
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How to Write a Cereal Box Biography

Cereal Box Biographies are the perfect book reports to assign when studying biographies or autobiographies. This activity combines knowledge from...Read More
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15 TYPES OF GENRES WITH TEACHING ACTIVITIES

There are so many different genres to choose from, which means there is something out there for everyone. No matter...Read More
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10 Mentor Text and Myth Activities to Use in the Classroom

I love the quote from Rick Riordan, the author of The Mark of Athena. He says, “Being a hero doesn’t...Read More
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11 Mentor Texts for Teaching Mysteries

The children’s mystery genre has always seemed to be the unofficial antidote for any student’s allergy to reading. Suspense, thrills,...Read More
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11 Activities for Teaching a Mystery Unit

A mystery unit is perfect for a classroom of curious kids! There’s excitement in the suspense, significance in every detail…....Read More
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HOW TO INCORPORATE POSITIVE THINKING IN THE CLASSROOM

Have you ever felt like there’s a tornado of thoughts, emotions, and ideas whipping around in your head and you...Read More
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What is Informative Writing?

Hey Rockstars! Do you LOVE writing? I do! We’ve been talking about the three different types of writing: Narrative, Opinion,...Read More
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What is Opinion Writing?

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What is Narrative Writing?

If you’re here, you’re probably wondering, “What is narrative writing?” You’re just in luck, because I LOVE writing! Writing is my...Read More
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10 Ideas for Back-to-School Treat Bags (Non-food ideas included!)

3-2-1! HAPPY NEW SCHOOL YEAR! Yes, it’s already here. Can you believe it? Summer flew by, but we’re so excited...Read More
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Back to School – First Week of School Lesson Plans and Activities

The countdown is on! Teachers, it’s almost time for you and your students to go BACK TO SCHOOL! Are you...Read More
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HUGE LIST OF ENGAGING READING RESPONSE ACTIVITIES BASED ON LEARNING STYLES

In terms of writing, this may be where many parents find themselves really butting heads with their students. Many kids...Read More
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Huge List of Easy Ways to Avoid the Summer Slide

When most people hear the term summer slide, their heads probably fill with images of water parks or lazy days...Read More
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Building Friendships in the Classroom Using Lyrics

Make new friends,  But keep the old,  One is silver and the other gold.  In the 1970s, thousands of Girl...Read More
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20 Mentor Texts that Reveal the Power of Positive Thinking

“You do not find the happy life. YOU MAKE IT.” – Camilla Eyring Kimball Deadlines, bills, relationships, work, and loss...Read More
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How to use Lyrics for Conflict Resolution

Google ‘The gangs fight in the street, West Side Story’ and you’ll see 7 ‘gangsters’ dancing their way into battle....Read More
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5 EASY WAYS TO TEACH ACADEMIC VOCABULARY FOR MASTERY

Have you decided to focus on academic vocabulary instruction? Let us convince you with “3 Reasons Why You Should Teach...Read More
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Long List of Song Lyrics For Classroom Management

Everybody clap your hands…clap, clap, clap, clap. Have you ever tried a lyric to get your students’ attention? Developing rules...Read More
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3 Reasons Why You Should Teach Academic Vocabulary

Vocabulary instruction is something that many teachers struggle to include in their busy schedules. Best practices require many repetitions and...Read More
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Top 20 Lyrical Mentor Text To Teach Literacy – You got the beat!

Clap along if you know what happiness is to you…                    ...Read More
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The Best Ways to Prepare Students for Standardized Tests

Many students experience anxiety when taking tests, especially standardized assessments. The best ways to ease this stress are through preparation,...Read More
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Amazing Books and Collections for Women’s History

“The work of today is the history of tomorrow and we are its makers.”  Juliette Gordon Low  ——– ‘No’ was...Read More
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Effective Mentor Texts to Help Students See Proper Punctuation

Let’s Eat Grandma!  What??! So, so sorry, dear reader. Please pardon my mistake. I wasn’t actually suggesting we eat kind,...Read More
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How to Effectively Use Mentor Texts in the Classroom

Mentor texts have made my life as a teacher so much easier! They provide skillful, nuanced examples for students to...Read More
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DO YOU NEED VIBRANT MENTOR TEXT TO TEACH WORD CHOICE?

Teaching students how to use Word Choice in their writing can be difficult. Often times they use simple words in...Read More
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How to Help Students With SMART Goals

Do you know what fraction of people keep their New Year’s resolutions? According to various studies, it’s less than 8%...Read More
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How to Keep Students Engaged During the Holidays

Have you ever called on students and they look at you like a deer in headlights? It is getting more...Read More
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5 Fun Ideas for a Virtual Holiday Party

Having a holiday party with your class might be looking a little challenging right now. Perhaps you’ve already exhausted a...Read More
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What You NEED to Know About Student Learning (Part Three)

In the previous two parts of this series, we talked about getting to know your students as individuals and exploring...Read More
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What You NEED to Know About Student Learning (Part Two)

Knowing your students is a large part of establishing how you can best teach them. In PART ONE of What...Read More
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What You NEED to Know About Student Learning

Although being a master of your subject area is crucial for effective teaching, knowing how your students learn is equally...Read More
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5 Tips to Make Teaching Easier with Google Classroom

Google Classroom is an awesome teaching tool that can help you deliver remote or in-person instruction effectively. The service is...Read More
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Getting Started with Google Classroom: The Teacher Basics

Are you nervous about the direction digital or remote learning is going? Perhaps it’s because you don’t feel that confident...Read More
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Revising and Editing: What is the Difference?

Revise or Edit?  Potayto, Potahto? “You like potayto, I like potahto; you like tomayto, I like tomahto; potayto, potahto, tomayto,...Read More
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How To Teach Writing Remotely

Some teachers find writing a difficult subject to teach. Now throw digital learning into the mix. Don’t panic! You don’t...Read More
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Email Etiquette for Elementary Students

You’ve Got E-Mail! Now that school has moved online for the foreseeable future, it is important to teach students how...Read More
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How to Boost Student Morale

Students today are experiencing higher rates of anxiety and stress than any other generation. There is more emphasis on high-stakes...Read More
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Black Lives Matter: Ways to Educate Yourself and Your Students

I’m not going to lie. I am no expert. There are many people out there who have a world of...Read More
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Top 10 Things Teachers Need to Know for Distance Learning

This blog post is more than suggestions for how to teach long-distance, which is fast becoming everyone’s forte! It’s about...Read More
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Comparing FREE PDF Editors for Education

With distance learning and 1:1 technology, teachers and homeschool parents are scrambling to find ways to help children learn with...Read More
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How Students Can Write on a PDF Using DocHub

There are so many amazing educational resources that are in PDF format, not in Google or PowerPoint. Although I offer...Read More
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How To Assign Pages from a PDF

Say you have a large PDF and you don’t want to send the whole document to your students. You only...Read More
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How To Really Be Successful With Online Teaching

Whether you’re looking to be more tech-savvy in your regular classroom because your students love to explore technology or you’re...Read More
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How to Make the Most Useful Workspace for Homeschool

Whether your children are taking a part-time online class or they are full-time homeschool students, an efficient workspace is needed...Read More
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How to Support Digital Learning with Quality Resources

With many school districts offering online classes, the Coronavirus and flu forcing students to stay home, and homeschool becoming more...Read More
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How to Effectively Scaffold Your Instruction

In this blog post, we’ll look at how to effectively scaffold your instruction and help students build increasingly sophisticated skills....Read More
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Never Again…. It’s Time to Scaffold Instruction

Learning is lifelong and students need support as they gather knowledge and skills. This can be done through scaffolding instruction....Read More
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What Happens When You Don’t Differentiate

Differentiation may seem like a lot of work, which initially scares some teachers away from implementing it in their classrooms....Read More
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How to Incorporate Chocolate Into Your Classroom

I don’t know about you, but I was always looking for ways to keep my students’ motivated, yet keep up...Read More
+ reading comprehension

What Are Reading Comprehension Passages with Step-by-Step Questions?

What are reading comprehension passages with step-by-step questions? They are high-interest differentiated passages developed with two sets of questions. Both...Read More
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How to Offer Differentiation in the Classroom

Differentiation is a hot topic in education. Most teachers are determined to meet the diverse needs of their students, but...Read More
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Teachers, How to REALLY Balance Work and Life

Work/life balance has become a hot topic for every profession. It seems adults are losing their ability to leave work...Read More
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How to Rock Your Writing Instruction

Are you looking for ways to ROCK your writing instruction? You’ve found the right person to help! Pam knows what...Read More
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Mystery Book List for Upper Elementary

Are you looking for great literature to introduce your upper elementary students to mysteries? I’ve used many of these books...Read More
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Danger: What Happens When You Don’t Teach Writing

You decide to skip over writing instruction. You squeeze in some writing prompts or writing responses here and there and...Read More
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5 Habits of an Effective Teacher

An effective teacher is someone who makes a positive impact on his or her students. These students will carry the...Read More
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Self-Care Tips that Support Selfless Teachers

It is no secret that you (teachers) are in one of the most caring professions in the world. Each day,...Read More
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7 POWERFUL STEPS TO BE AN OUTSTANDING TEACHER

Are you ready to rock your teaching? You are in the right place! I am going to share the 7...Read More
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5 Ways to Motivate Students in the Classroom

If you are looking for 5 ways to motivate your students in the classroom, you are in the right place!...Read More
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PROMISING STRATEGIES THAT ACTUALLY SUPPORT DYSLEXIA

  UNDERSTANDING DYSLEXIA Myth- Letter reversals is the main sign of dyslexia. Truth- Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability. Dyslexia...Read More
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How to Improve Student Writing With Writing Checklists

Checklists are used for many academic tasks, and writing is a common one. Are they really effective? Absolutely! This post...Read More
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6 Successful Strategies for Teaching Colonization

Do you need ideas for teaching colonization? Here you will find book suggestions, comprehension ideas, projects, crafts, activities, and more....Read More
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5 Essential Things Every Writing Center Needs

When setting up a classroom or homeschool writing center, there are FIVE things that I found useful for writing success....Read More
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How to Teach Theme

Are your students having trouble identifying theme within a story? This step-by-step process scaffolds through several reading comprehension skills to...Read More
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A Series of Step-By-Step Writing® Mini Lessons

Are you looking for ideas to help your students become successful writers? This post outlines the table of contents for...Read More
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TEACHING THE CHARACTER TRAIT PERSEVERE

Although any time is a good time to teach children how to persevere, I think of this character trait at...Read More
+ art, language arts, communication, stem, steam

Why Language Arts is the Art of Communication

Language arts is one of the most critical components in any youngster’s educational training. It encompasses the various ways that...Read More
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How to Make Poster-Size Anchor Charts from a PDF

Are you lacking the creative skills to draw your own anchor charts? Don’t stress over having a perfectly drawn, colorful...Read More
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17 Ways Kids Can Be Thankful

The holiday season is a time when people reflect on gratitude and giving. In November, many teachers introduce the character trait of thankfulness in their...Read More
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Why Language Arts is Integral to STEM

Every generation has its own idea about how to educate children and prepare them for the future. The newest trend...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #38 on Final Copies

Are your students ready to write a final copy? It is the step following peer reflections in the writing process....Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #37 on Peer Reflections

Do your students particpate in peer reflections? Peer reflection is a step in writing process after revising and editing a...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #36 on Spelling

Are you looking for teaching ideas for proofreading spelling? Students should edit their rough drafts using CUPS (Capitalization, Usage, Punctuation,...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #35 on Punctuation

Are you looking for ideas to teach PUNCTUATION to your students?  This post will review basic punctuation rules needed for...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #33 on Capitalization

Do your students need help learning rules for capitalization and symbols for proofreading in their writing? This post will review...Read More
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An Easy Way to Build Good Character in the Classroom

Building good character in the classroom is essential in today’s society. Many parents are teaching their children how to be...Read More
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A STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH TO TEACHING MYTHOLOGICAL ALLUSIONS

Do your standards cover mythological allusions? If so, this is the right place for you! I will show you the...Read More
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How to Teach Inference

With the Common Core Standards in place, students are being asked more and more to use critical thinking skills to...Read More
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May Writing Prompts

Are you looking for oodles of writing prompts for the month of May? You came to the right place!  This...Read More
+ Text Dependent Analysis

Strategies to Teach Text-Dependent Analysis (TDA)

Many states have adopted a TDA (Text Dependent Analysis) style assessment for the writing component of their state test.  This...Read More
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APRIL WRITING PROMPTS

Are you looking for some writing prompts that are related to an April theme? You’ve come to the right place!...Read More
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7 Writing Activities for March

Dear Teachers, although the following writing activities for March are resources in my store, I welcome you to use the...Read More
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An Easy Reading Response System for Accountability

Reading Response skills and strategies are important for students to have a better understanding of their reading.  Whether you are...Read More
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THE BEST WAY TO SET UP INTERACTIVE WRITING NOTEBOOKS

Are you looking for an effective way to organize your students’ interactive writing notebooks and folders? I’ve used writing notebooks...Read More
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October Books for Upper Elementary

Are you looking for great literature to introduce to your students in the month of October? You will find some...Read More
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7 Ways to Teach Cause and Effect

Are you looking for ways to teach cause and effect? I love to think outside the box and find ways...Read More
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How to Get Your Students Writing!

Do you want your students writing more? These three ways will get your students writing! 1. Morning Work Place a...Read More
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Classroom Must Haves: Things I Can’t “Picture” Myself Teaching Without

When it comes to organizing and planning a classroom, every teacher has a few items they couldn’t possibly ever go...Read More
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Classroom Supplies I Couldn’t Live Without

These supplies have saved my day over and over again in my classroom.   Although I’m not in the classroom...Read More
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Back to School- End of Year Time Capsules

If you came to this site, you either purchased the time capsule activity and are looking for directions, or want...Read More
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10 Ideas to Teach Deeper Meaning in the Content Areas

If you’re looking for ideas on how to teach deeper meaning in content areas, then you’re in the right place!...Read More
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Civil War Timeline

Are you teaching the Civil War? This Civil War timeline is in chronological order that summarizes 33 events that will...Read More
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How to Know Your Students Are Reading Each Night

How do you know if the students are actually reading each night?  For years, I simply had students record their...Read More
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12 February Ideas for Literacy Centers

Do you want cute ideas for February to use in your literacy centers? Keep reading for 12 February Ideas for...Read More
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How My Students Passed the Writing Test with Flying Colors!

Are your students struggling in writing? Do you want to transform your reluctant writers into ROCKSTAR WRITERS? This easy and...Read More
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8 Engaging Writing Activities for January

Students will be coming back from holiday break and ready to learn! Start planning different types of writing into your...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #34- Usage

Are you looking for ways to help your students with USAGE in their sentence writing? This post was designed to...Read More
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Christmas Around the World Web Quest

WELCOME!  Enjoy the Christmas Around the World Webquest! Teachers and Parents: Please check each of the websites prior to using...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #32- CUPS to Edit

If you are looking for ideas in the editing step of the writing process, you are in the right place!...Read More
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12 Teaching Ideas for the Holidays

Do you need a few more activities to finish off the year? Let’s embrace the children’s excitement with educational, yet...Read More
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Bunnicula Review and Teaching Ideas

What is not to love this time of year?  Cool weather, colorful leaves, and the excitement of Halloween!  My favorite...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #31- Crafting a Title

Now that your students have finished writing a rough draft and made revisions to their narrative writing, it is time...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #30- Jammin Conclusion of a Narrative Essay

Do you need help teaching your students how to revise the end of a narrative story? This post will give...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #29- Variety of Sentences

Do your students use a monotonous tone in their writing? “He did…. He has…. He then did….” Blah blah blah....Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #28- Million Dollar Words- WORD CHOICE

Do your students struggle using strong word choice in their writing? This post is geared towards the upper elementary or...Read More
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Back to School Tips, Freebies and Giveaways- Over $400!

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED!*** Can I get a woo woo?  Upper Elementary Snapshots is on fire!  We have come together...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #27- Revising a Narrative Essay- Exchange- Rockin Beginnings

Are you looking for ways to help your students write a good lead to their narrative essay? This post will...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #26- Revising a Narrative Essay- Rearrange

Are you looking for teaching ideas for revising in writer’s workshop? This lesson is one of several posts on DARE...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #25- Revising a Narrative Essay- Add- Transition Words

Are you looking for ways to help your students revise their narrative essay? This post is one of several mini...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #40- Narrative Writing Homework or Class work

Use a weekly writing guide for students to use when writing on their own. They will need a graphic organizer,...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #24- Revising a Narrative Essay- Delete

Are you looking for ways to help your students revise a narrative essay? This lesson will focus on the first...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #23- Revising a Narrative Essay

Students are finished with their rough drafts and what do they want to do? Immediately write a final copy. NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #22- Writing a Rough Draft for a Narrative Essay

Did your students follow the other writer’s workshop lessons to organize a narrative essay? If so, students’ graphic organizers are...Read More
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10 STEPS TO MAKING CHOCOLATE

10 STEPS TO MAKING CHOCOLATE Prep: Send out notice to parents for ingredients. I like to use www.signupgenius.com. I will...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #21- Writing the Conclusion of a Narrative Essay

Do you need ideas for writing a conclusion for a narrative story?  This post will cover the meaning of a...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #20- Dialogue in a Narrative Essay

Are you looking for ideas to teach students how to write dialogue in a narrative essay? This blog has creative...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #18- Building Suspense and Climax in a Narrative Essay

Are your students writing stories that are blah?  Show them how to build suspense and climax in their narrative writing...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #17- Writing the Body Section of a Narrative Essay

Do your students need help developing the body section of a narrative essay? This post provides ideas for creating a...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #16- Writing an Introduction for a Narrative Essay

If you are looking for ways to teach students how to write an introduction in a narrative story, you are...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #15- Plot

Do you need ideas for teaching plot to a narrative story?  A plot is the events that organize and make...Read More
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Rock and Write

Rock and Write!  Rockin Resources is well known for our writing products.  Pam always liked to write and teach writing....Read More
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Test Prep Tips and Strategies

Test Prep Tips and Strategies I’ve been fortunate to be a part of two upper elementary groups of amazingly talented...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #14- Graphic Organizers for Narrative Writing

Now that the prompt has been introduced and students brainstormed ideas for the prompt, it is time for Writing Mini...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #13- Setting Writing Goals

Before moving on in the writing process, it is a great place to have students create a writing goal.  This...Read More
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Mini Lesson #12- Task, Purpose, Audience for Narrative Writing

This post will give teachers and homeschool parents ideas to help students understand the task at hand, the purpose for...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #11- Prewriting for Narrative Essay

Are you ready to give your students a narrative writing prompt but don’t know where to start? The first step...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #10- 3 Steps to Prepare for Narrative Writing

Are you getting ready to teach narrative writing?  This post will give you 3 steps to prepare for narrative writing...Read More
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Christmas Around the World Web Quest and More!

Coming off of Thanksgiving break and knowing that Christmas is all around us, it is often difficult to keep my...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #9- The Writing Process

What is the writing process? The writing process is a way to promote successful writers. It provides steps for students...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #8- Table of Contents and Progress Grade for Notebooks

Are you looking for ideas for a table of contents for interactive writing notebooks?  These ideas are ideal for any...Read More
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Secret Garden Unit Revised!

I am so stinking excited to teach Secret Garden this year.  I took my old version of the unit activities...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #6- Relevant Details

Do you need ideas for teaching students about RELEVANT DETAILS? This writing mini-lesson will provide ideas for teaching students about...Read More
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HOW TO TEACH PARAGRAPH WRITING

If you are looking for ideas to teach PARAGRAPH WRITING, you are in the right place! It is part of...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #4- Run-On Sentences

Are your students writing run-on sentences? This lesson will focus on how to correct them. These ideas are ideal for...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #3- Fragments

Are your students writing in fragments? Often times students will write an incomplete sentence and it will cause confusion to...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson #2- Complete Sentences

This lesson will focus on writing COMPLETE SENTENCES using subjects and predicates. Writing in complete sentences is the first basic...Read More
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Writing Mini Lesson 1- Brainstorming for Interactive Notebooks

Are you looking for ideas to help your students become successful writers? This post begins a series 30+ writing mini...Read More
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Teaching Techniques for Writing

Techniques for Teaching Writing In order to have an effective writing program, it is important to use a variety of...Read More
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Hall Display to Last through the Year!

Every morning, before your students walk into your classroom, they pass through the hallways of your building. What do the...Read More
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10 Best Organizing Tips for the Classroom

Although I’ve been teaching for a bajillion years, I still find that the littlest organizing tip goes a long way!...Read More
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Second Grade Interactive Notebook

This STEP-BY-STEP INTERACTIVE WRITING NOTEBOOK is a complete Step-By-Step WRITER’S WORKSHOP program with engaging lessons, anchor charts, modeling, mentor text,...Read More
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DIY- Classroom Curtains

DIY- Super Easy Classroom Curtains-  I am not kidding when I tell you it took me 5 minutes to do...Read More
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Get Ready for an Amazing Year of Writing!

Prepare Your Classroom 1.  Writing Process with clothespins 2.  Million Dollar Word Bulletin Board-  I put up the FAAVS (Figurative...Read More
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10 Steps to Prepare for Writing Workshop

Are you ready for writing this year?  This post will take you through ten steps to prepare your classroom for...Read More
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Notice, Think, and Wonder!

Are you looking for a great way to encourage a critical thinking conversation? This activity works well on the smart...Read More
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Keeping a Memory Book of Students

So much has happened since my last day of school a week ago!  Where do I even start?  You would...Read More
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10 Simple Steps to Making Chocolate Bars

Who loves chocolate?  Me me me me me me!!!!!! Did I say me?  Believe it or not but I am...Read More
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Effective Way to Teach Students How to Give Book Report Presentations!

Do you have trouble keeping students’ attention during book report presentations?  Are your students ever so excited to present that...Read More
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Headbandz Social Studies Review

We had so much fun today!  We all needed to get up and moving around, so why not get the...Read More
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Valentine’s Day Sweet Parts of Speech

Here is a cute way to have your students practice parts of speech around Valentine’s Day!  There are 68 words...Read More
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Martin Luther King Jr. Activity

Since we were gone for two weeks and it is a new year, I wanted to put up a new...Read More
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More Writing Lessons for Narrative Writing

Click HERE for an updated Prewriting blog post!  ...Read More
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Guest Post with Rachel Lynette

I am so excited to see my post on Rachel Lynette’s site! Go to Rachel’s website:  Minds In Bloom to learn...Read More
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Topic Sentences and Relevant Details

Click here for an updated post on TOPIC SENTENCES! Click here for an updated post on RELEVANT DETAILS!  ...Read More
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Fragments and Run-ons for Interactive Notebooks

Click here for an updated post on FRAGMENTS! Click here for an updated post on RUN-ONS!  ...Read More
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Archaeology Dig- Fun!!!

Before I tell you about this motivating project, I have to tell you about the amazing woman who planned this...Read More
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Writing Process Using Narrative Writing

Click here for an updated post: WRITING PROCESS!...Read More
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Interactive Notebook for 3rd Grade

This STEP-BY-STEP WRITING® PROGRAM IS A COMPLETE WRITER’S WORKSHOP PROGRAM with engaging lessons (scripted), anchor charts, modeling, mentor text, interactive notebook...Read More
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Ideas for Writing

Click HERE for an updated post!...Read More
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Paragraph Writing

Click here for an updated post on PARAGRAPH WRITING!...Read More
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Graphic Organizer

Click here for an updated post on GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS!...Read More

Reading Bulletin Boards for the Year

Hello!  I am still here!  I had to take a little hiatus and have a big ole shindig for my...Read More
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Weekly Teaching Idea- Prefix, Suffix, Stem

I have been working on a unit because I want to reteach prefixes, suffixes, and stem words next week before...Read More
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Guide Words

Do your students struggle with the concept of finding words on the same page as the guide words?  When I...Read More
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Limericks

This is the perfect time of year to teach limericks!  Leprechauns and St. Patty fun!  Speaking of fun, I have...Read More
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Common Core Reading Log for 3rd Quarter

Do you need a new reading log?  Half-way through last quarter I got tired (or worn slap out as they...Read More
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Santa’s Similes

I can’t believe Christmas is right around the corner!  It is the most exciting time of the year for my...Read More
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Nursery Rhyme Mysteries

These were so stinkin fun!  I started off by telling my fourth graders they were going to read some Nursery...Read More