You’ve got a fresh new class of 3rd graders who are eagerly waiting for you to introduce multiplication, but how do you start? Basic multiplication is a cornerstone of math understanding. It consumes a good chunk of time in the 3rd grade curriculum calendar, and mastering multiplication facts sets students
In an age where imagination often competes with digital distractions, cultivating a love for reading among upper elementary students starts with helping them see more than just words on a page. That’s where visualizing reading comes in—a powerful strategy that transforms text into vibrant mental movies. In this blog post,
It’s time to tackle numbers in expanded form with your class, and you need a few ideas to help you get started…no problem, that’s what I’m here for. Today, I’m walking you through the lessons and fun activities I use to teach numbers in expanded form. I actually break this
Let’s be honest—when upper elementary kids hear “make a prediction,” their first instinct is often to toss out a wild guess and hope for the best. But there’s a lot more going on under the surface. Teaching students to make predictions while reading isn’t just a fun mental exercise—it’s one
Understanding place value is a critical part of math literacy—and with this engaging, interactive lesson, your 4th graders will be confidently reading and writing numbers all the way to the millions place. What is the Place Value Chart? Understanding the Basics The place value chart helps students visualize how
“They’re just sentences, do we really need to have complicated words like subjects and predicates to understand them?” If you’re teaching subjects and predicates and anything like this sounds familiar, you’re in the right place! I’ve got a few ideas up my sleeve to make this basic grammar lesson a
Let me guess? You’re starting your year-long journey through 4th grade math with a short place value unit. Place value to millions is usually the first unit of the year for a good reason. It is a cornerstone of math understanding and sets students up for greater understanding and success
If you’re looking for the perfect upper elementary read-aloud or class novel study to kick off the school year, Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea is one of my top recommendations. This book has it all—humor, heart, and a whole lot of moments that spark deep conversations and bring
Teaching multiplication in 3rd grade is a big deal…it’s a milestone that 3rd graders look forward to, and it’s downright fun to teach! This is the year students really work on those multiplication facts and start seeing the why behind the numbers. But before we get into flashcards, timed drills,
Why You’ll Love Using Daily Language Reviews in Your Upper Elementary Classroom Teaching ELA can feel like a bit of a juggling act. You’ve got grammar, spelling, vocabulary, reading comprehension, writing structure, punctuation—the list goes on! You’re tossing all these skills into the air, trying to keep them moving while
