I create reading comprehension resources for upper elementary teachers (Grades 3 - 5). My goal is to save them time while helping them create engaging reading lessons.
Kids struggling with deciding what to read next?
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The first thing I do when I'm deciding between books is look up the reviews and ratings on Goodreads. They give me a quick peek into what people loved, what they hated, and—without spoilers—whether it’s the kind of book I’ll enjoy. That’s why I think it’s so important to teach our students how to write real book reviews. One-pagers and poster-style book reports look nice, but they don’t translate into anything our kids will use as lifelong readers. Don't get me wrong, they have their place, too. We just shouldn't call them a "book review." I mean, you never see a poster or a full book report on Goodreads or in the "Staff Picks" displays at the local bookstore. Instead, let's teach students to write quality book reviews, which will give them a practical skill they can use to share their opinions and engage with reading communities for years to come. That’s exactly what my “Class Picks” book review resource is designed to do. ✅ A how-to guide walks you through teaching the skill step by step. The best part? The finished board doubles as a book recommendation wall where students can browse reviews and find their next read.
It can be intimidating to leave a public review. Especially if it's not something they're used to doing. I'd like to help you train your young readers to write quality reviews now, so they won't be afraid to leave reviews as adult readers. This resource makes it easy for you to teach, meaningful for your students to learn, and fun to share with the whole class. Have a great week!
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Cultivating Critical Readers
I create reading comprehension resources for upper elementary teachers (Grades 3 - 5). My goal is to save them time while helping them create engaging reading lessons.
This week is a balancing act. Kids want fun, you want calm, and everyone just wants to make it to break with smiles still intact. Here are three simple ideas that bring a little structure and joy to the last days of the semester without adding more to your workload. 1. Have a Cozy Reading Day Invite students to bring one item from home that makes them feel cozy. This could be a small pillow, a stuffed animal, or a blanket. Then give them time to curl up with a book for thirty to forty-five...
Tapping pencils, fiddling with the stuff in their desks, and constant picking at name tags. Hate the sounds of this little classroom symphony? Let's give those busy little hands something meaningful to do. That’s where the Reading Interactive Notebook comes in. These notebooks transform restless energy into hands-on learning. Students stay engaged while building lasting skills, and you save valuable time planning lessons that check all the boxes: standards-aligned, engaging, and rigorous....
Vocabulary and language comprehension play a huge role in the reading process. If students don’t understand the words on the page, comprehension breaks down. That’s why daily vocabulary instruction is so important. And the good news is, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Earlier this summer, I shared a simple vocabulary routine you can use with any word. In case you missed it (or can’t remember where you saved it), I’m attaching it again here: 👉 Easy Vocabulary Routine.pdfThis step-by-step...