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.
Make the most of those first 10 minutes of class
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The first few minutes of the school day can feel a little... hectic. Between collecting homework, checking folders, managing supplies, and getting students settled, there’s a lot going on. And there's zero time to waste. That’s why having a meaningful, easy-to-follow morning routine makes all the difference. Once you’ve taught your procedures for entering the room, turning in homework, etc., the next step is filling that time between the bell and the actual start of class with something that sets the right tone for the day. Something calm, productive, and valuable. Independent reading and writing are my favorite ways to do just that. Quiet independent reading is always a solid choice. It gives kids time to ease into the day, and it gives you time to handle administrative tasks. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in more reading stamina. But if your students already get time to read later in the day, or if your writing block feels like it’s always getting squeezed, you might want to dedicate your morning work to writing instead. You can do free-writing, but I think you'll get more benefit out of structured writing, revising, and editing practice. It’s built around a simple weekly structure:
You can use it as bell work or as a writing warm-up. No matter how you work it into your routine, you’ll be giving your students consistent, purposeful practice with key writing and language skills. The best part? The whole year is done for you. ✨ Want to try it first? You can grab 4 weeks of it for FREE to see if you like it before purchasing the entire year. A smooth, intentional start to the day makes a big difference (for you and your students). Hope this helps you get one step closer to a calm and confident morning routine! Have a great week!
P.S. Congrats to Kelly M. for winning Friday's giveaway and getting $20 to spend on Amazon!You'll have a separate email from me in your inbox with the gift card, Kelly. And, thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway and played along with us last week!! |
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....
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,...