Welcome to my blog, designed specifically for upper elementary teachers looking to enhance their literacy instruction and novel studies! My goal is to provide you with a wealth of resources and teaching ideas that will help you engage your students and promote a love of reading and learning. From book lists to reading strategies to novel study guides, I have everything you need to take your classroom to the next level. Thank you for visiting!
Halloween is a magical time of year that sparks students’ imagination, making it the perfect occasion to integrate fun and engaging writing …
October is a fantastic time to explore the world of animals with your students, especially as we celebrate Bat Appreciation Month and …
As we approach Columbus Day, also recognized as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, it’s the perfect time to read the story of Christopher Columbus …
Understanding how to organize information is important for students comprehending nonfiction texts. Teaching them to order information in chronological, sequential, and consecutive …
Teaching students to follow directions can be a real challenge. Below are some procedures and activities to help students understand and know …
This blog post outlines comprehensive lesson plans I created for teaching sound devices to fourth and fifth-grade students. The lessons cover alliteration, …
Teaching students to understand proverbs and adages improves reading comprehension. These sayings have meanings beyond what can be understood in their individual …
Units of study that allow students to choose tasks are a great way to differentiate instruction. Activities are placed on graphic organizers …
Looking to jazz up your main idea and supporting details lessons? Consider adding animated shorts and task cards to your teaching toolkit! …
Understanding humor devices enhances students’ writing skills and comprehension and helps them know how to respond appropriately in social situations. Definitions …
Are you looking for a fun and engaging way to help your 4th, 5th, or 6th-grade students develop their abilities in predicting …
For upper elementary students, understanding poetry can be both exciting and challenging. One powerful tool at our disposal to unravel the layers …
One of the most essential skills for reading comprehension is using context clues, and incorporating context clues anchor charts can be especially …
Guiding students in drawing conclusions feels like performing a magical feat. It’s like providing them with a secret decoder ring, allowing them to unravel the …
Creating an interactive and stimulating learning environment is every teacher’s goal. As educators, we encourage respectful debates and promote the development of …
Are you looking for a fun way to teach grammar? Check out this idea that uses song lyrics. Double negatives, commonly found …
World Turtle Day, celebrated annually on May 23rd, provides a fantastic opportunity for teachers to teach their students about these incredible creatures …
Teaching students the differences between making inferences, drawing conclusions, and predicting outcomes can be challenging. However, it is an essential skill that …
National Find a Rainbow Day is a perfect opportunity to engage your upper elementary students in
Students today are exposed to an overwhelming amount of information from various sources. Whether reading a book, watching a movie, or listening …
We all know that understanding main idea is an essential reading and writing skill, but do you struggle with how to teach …
National Oreo Cookie Day is a delicious occasion that provides an opportunity to engage and excite students in learning while celebrating this …
How can we make poetry more engaging for our upper elementary students? In this blog post, I will share ideas and resources …
In today’s information-driven world, teaching students to differentiate between fact and opinion is more crucial than ever. This skill is tested in …
As teachers, we want our students to communicate clearly and effectively. One way to help them achieve this goal is to teach …
“The Day the Music Died” refers to the tragic event that killed three iconic musicians – Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and …
Welcome to the second part of our story structure series, where we will focus on teaching drama structure to upper elementary students. …
Welcome to the first installment of our three-part series on teaching story structure. The first lesson in the series covers narrative story …
Are you looking for Winnie-the-Pooh Day activities? Winnie-the-Pooh Day is celebrated on January 18th every year, which is the birthday of the …
This post offers a lesson plan for comparing English dialects and their effects on literature. It covers the Common Core State …
With one mini-lesson, most students can grasp the concept of changing how they write or speak depending on whom they are addressing. …
Before students begin their informative essay writing journey, they must learn the necessary skills. One such skill is the art of writing …
Are you ready to bring history to life for your students? Do you want to uncover the secrets of ancient Egypt and …
When it comes to teaching language arts, one essential skill for students to develop is the ability to compare and contrast texts …
Understanding firsthand and secondhand accounts is an essential skill for upper elementary students. It enables them to evaluate credible and accurate information, …
Do you want to celebrate World Smile Day with your students and make them smile? World Smile Day is a special event …
Comparing story elements within the same genre is a crucial skill for students to develop in reading comprehension. This skill is essential …
As an inclusion teacher, I have worked with many teachers. This experience helped me learn many organizational tips from my team teachers. …
Elephant Appreciation Day is a special day to honor and celebrate these amazing animals. Observed on September 22nd each year, this day …
Are you looking for a detailed lesson to teach RL.4.9? You’re in luck. This lesson provides activities, handouts, and a video to …
In Peter Brown’s novel The Wild Robot Protects, readers follow the story of Roz, a compassionate and resourceful robot, as she encounters new challenges …
Have you had a chance to dive into Alan Gratz’s latest novel, Heroes: A Novel of Pearl Harbor? It’s a compelling story that …
If you loved The One and Only Ivan and The One and Only Bob, prepare for another heartwarming adventure with The One and Only Ruby by Katherine …
Discover engaging Loser novel study ideas for upper elementary classrooms. Explore hands-on activities for student learning.
Are you searching for captivating novel study ideas centered around the historical narrative of Blood on the River by Elisa Carbone? It’s …
Are you looking for Where the Mountain Meets the Moon teaching ideas? You are in the right place. This novel by Grace …
If you’re searching for fun and engaging How to Steal a Dog teaching activities, your quest ends here. Check out these teaching ideas …
One book that fills young minds with imagination, creativity, and mystery is Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery by James Howe. This whimsical …
Are you ready for an adventure that will whisk you into a world of humor, superhero squirrels, and clever wordplay? Look no …
Are you interested in discovering some unique I am Malala teaching ideas that will captivate your students? Check out this list including …
Do you need One Crazy Summer teaching ideas? This article includes 5 entertaining exercises that your students will enjoy. The touching book …
Are you looking for The Outsiders teaching activities? This post has 5 fun ideas your students are sure to love. S. E. …
Are you looking for some fun and interesting Riding Freedom teaching activities? You’ve come to the right place. Read the brief description. …
I’m a huge fan of the Hatchet Series by Gary Paulsen, so when he passed away I decided I wanted to do …
Are you looking for some fun and interesting Stuart Little teaching activities? You’ve come to the right place. Read the brief description. …
Check out Two Degrees novel activities to get some ideas for your book unit study. These teaching resources are sure to be a …
Check out The Christmas Pig novel activities to get some ideas for your book unit study. These teaching resources are sure to …
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus is an incredible book about three middle school students who overcome many obstacles to …
If you haven’t read The Breadwinner novel, then you are in for a rare treat. This heartwarming story follows Parvana who lives in …
Read the touching and hilarious novel Hoot by Carl Hiaasen. Roy Eberhardt teams with Beatrice and her brother, Mullet Fingers. They wish to stop …
The Lightning Thief book tells the story of twelve-year-old Percy Jackson. On the first day of summer, Percy learns that he is half-human, …
The Beatryce Prophecy is the newest novel by author Kate DiCamillo. The story reads like a fairy tale with evil versus good characters. …
Are you looking for a great novel to read with your students? The Tiger Rising is one your students will love. Like all of …
Fever 1793 is a fantastic historical novel. Amazon ranks it as a #1 best seller for teens for the United States Colonial …
If you want a great introduction to graphic novels, try When Stars are Scattered. This remarkable book was co-written by Omar Mohamed, whose …
If you are looking for a book will a likable character that will make you laugh and cry, look no further. Ghost …
Students will love reading From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks. In this realistic fiction, Zoe struggles to free her father, serving …
A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park is based on a true story. This inspiring and heart-wrenching book tells the stories …
Song for a Whale is a terrific novel based on a real whale. The “world’s loneliest whale” sings at an unusual frequency of …
Students have loved My Side of the Mountain for several generations. The story is timeless. Many tweens have wondered what it would be like …
Save Me a Seat centers around two characters that are in the same 5th-grade class at Albert Einstein Elementary School in Hamilton, New …
The Lemonade War features two protagonists in alternating chapters. The Treski siblings have been super close until this summer when a major event …
Dear Mr Henshaw uses a unique storytelling method. The entire book is a series of letters and diary entries. This means the main …
Brian’s Winter tells the story of what would have happened to Brian Robeson if the rescue plane had not come at the end of …
I love books about kids who turn their lives around. That is the main theme of There’s a Boy in the Girls’ Bathroom. Read …
Your students are going to love these Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes activities! You’ll find a novel study sample, an animated …
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing will have your students rolling with laughter. The story tells about Peter Hatcher who lives close to Central …
Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom is a novel about the students in Mrs. Jewls’s class. Her classroom is on the …
Are you ready for a gripping tale of survival about one of California’s worst disasters? Look no further than I Survived the …
Fans of The One and Only Ivan are going to be thrilled with its sequel. Ivan’s lovable friend narrates the story in The One and …
Who doesn’t love Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone? With likable characters, magical events, scary moments, and humor, the novel is a hit. …
Are you looking for a great novel to read with your students? The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman is a great choice. This heartwarming …
Are you looking for a great novel to read with your students? Hatchet by Gary Paulsen is a winner. At the end …
Did you love Alan Gratz’s novel Refugee? He writes another winner with his newest book Allies. In this book, Gratz tells six separate stories …
Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of survival stories, or simply seeking a thrilling read, I Survived the Great Molasses Flood, …
Are you looking for some fun and interesting Tracker teaching activities? You’ve come to the right place. Read the brief description. Grab …
Are you a fan of chocolate? Do you love the sweet, delicious taste of this decadent treat? If so, then you’re in …
Stargirl starts on the first day of eleventh grade for our narrator, Leo Borlock. The buzz around the school is, “Did you see …
Nan is an eleven-year-old chimney sweep living in Victorian England. She lives with four other chimney sweeps: Roger, Whittles, Shilling-Tom, and Newt. …
I Survived the Battle of D-Day, 1944 is a powerful novel that plunges readers into one of the most important moments in …
Ghost Boys begins with the death of twelve-year-old Jerome Rogers and slowly unfolds through a series of flashbacks. Jerome lives in an improvised …
In How to Eat Fried Worms, Billy makes a bet with his friend Alan that he can eat 15 worms, one each day, for …
Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson is an exceptional book about six students who are placed in an experimental class during their 5th/6th-grade years. …
Are you looking for a heartwarming and humorous coming-of-age story that will make you laugh, cry, and ultimately leave you feeling inspired? …
Are you ready for a heart-pounding adventure in the great outdoors? I Survived the Attack of the Grizzlies, 1967, by Lauren Tarshis, …
Are you ready for a heart-pumping, adrenaline-fueled adventure? Look no further than I Survived the Eruption of Mount St. Helens, 1980. This …
Are you looking for some great Amal Unbound teaching ideas? You’ve come to the right place. Aisha Saeed tells the fascinating story …
I Survived the Hindenburg Disaster, 1937 is a gripping novel that plunges readers into the heart of one of the most notorious …
I Survived the Joplin Tornado, 2011 is a riveting novel that transports readers to the heart of one of the deadliest tornadoes …
I Survived the Great Chicago Fire, 1871 is a gripping novel that transports readers back in time. to one of the most …
The Wild Robot Escapes by Peter Brown combines a science fiction story involving a robot of the future with a fantasy in which …
I Survived the Children’s Blizzard, 1888 is a compelling novel that transports readers back in time to one of the deadliest blizzards …
Alan Gratz is at his best when he writes historical fiction. Prisoner B-3087 is no exception. The novel is a rare treat! Ten-year-old Yanek …
If you’re looking for a thrilling adventure filled with magic, mystery, and danger, then Neil Gaiman’s Coraline is the perfect book for …
Restart by Gordon Korman is one of those novels that students love so much that they pass it around the class. Students will …
Are you looking for a fun and interesting story to read with your students? Lynda Mullaly Hunt tells a fantastic story in …
Step back in time to one of the most important moments in American history with I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg, 1863, …
Fans of The One and Only Ivan and Crenshaw are going to love Katherine Applegate’s newest novel Wishtree. The story is told from the perspective of Red, …
Lauren Tarshis writes the fifteenth book in her popular I Survived Series – I Survived the American Revolution. The series began with I Survived the Sinking …
After seeing a cardinal, close your eyes, spit three times, and make a wish. — You can make a wish if you …
Number the Stars is a phenomenal story of courage. This makes it a great book for students to use as a writing prompt. …
Refugee by Alan Gratz is a book your students will beg to keep reading. Three stories are twined together. Told in alternating chapters, …
The Announcement I’m excited to announce that each Monday over the next 27 weeks; The Secret Garden Book Unit will be featured …
In The People of Sparks, the sequel to The City of Ember, the Emberites leave their cave home. After journeying for a couple of …
Echo, written by Pam Muñoz Ryan, is a breathtaking novel that transports readers through time and across continents. The book weaves together …
My Father’s Dragon tells the story of Elmer Elevator. Elmer runs away to a Wild Island to rescue a baby dragon. There, Elmer …
Weasel by Cynthia DeFelice is a historical fiction novel. After the Removal Act of 1830, the U.S. government hires a man, known as …
Newbery Medal winner The Westing Game will keep the reader guessing “who did it” from beginning to end. The story opens with Barney Northrup, …
Will Stanton, the seventh son of a seventh son, learns on his eleventh birthday that he is the last of the ‘Old …
Gregor the Overlander is a captivating novel by Suzanne Collins that will take students on an unforgettable journey through the dark and …
In The Goldfish Boy by Lisa Thompson, twelve-year-old Matthew suffers from OCD. He is afraid to leave his bedroom where he has complete control over …
In The War with Grandpa, ten-year-old Peter learns from his little sister that Grandpa is going to come to live with his family. He …
If you’re looking for a heartwarming and thought-provoking novel about friendship, family, and the power of acceptance, look no further than Rules …
Are you looking for a great novel for students? Check out Scar Island by Dan Gemeinhart. It is the perfect book for reluctant middle …
Are you looking for some fun and interesting Pax teaching activities? You’ve come to the right place. In Sara Pennypacker’s gripping and …
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown combines a science fiction story involving a robot of the future with a fantasy in which animals …
In Among the Hidden, twelve-year-old Luke lives in a future dystonia society where the government has passed a law banning parents from having …
Because of Mr. Terupt is a phenomenal book! Mr. Terupt is the new 5th-grade teacher at Snow Hill School in Connecticut. Among his class are …
Walk Two Moons is a beautiful story of a thirteen-year-old girl, Sal Hiddle, who travels from Ohio to Idaho with her grandparents to …
Written by Gennifer Choldenko, Al Capone Does My Shirts is a captivating and engaging historical fiction novel. It will transport readers back in …
Matilda by Roald Dahl is a fun book to read. Matilda is a super-genius. She lives with parents who neglect her and are …
Out of the Dust, written by Karen Hesse, uses verse to tell the story of Billie Jo Kelby’s life on a farm during the …
Are you looking for some Despereaux teaching ideas to go along with Kate DiCamillo’s terrific book The Tale of Despereaux? These are sure …
Are you looking for a fun novel to use with your students? The Castle in the Attic is both entertaining and educational. Your students …
Prince Horace, nicknamed Prince Brat, constantly creates mischief. But because of the custom of the time, he does not receive punishment. A whipping …
Are you looking for a great novel to study? Students love reading The Cay by Theodore Taylor! Set during World War II, The Cay tells the story …
The city of Ember is dying. Power failures become more frequent and longer. The sky is dark. Outside the city, darkness looms …
Are you looking for a great book to read with your students? Students love reading the novel Shiloh! As Marty walks the …
In The Cricket in Times Square, a cricket named Chester is trapped in a picnic basket. The picnic-goers travel on a commuter train from …
Where the Red Fern Grows tells the story of Billy growing up in the Ozark Mountains during the Great Depression. Billy longs for …
Are you looking for some ideas to use with The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963? This post contains several free teaching resources. Download the …
Are you looking for fun Crash teaching ideas? Check out these discussion questions, writing projects, and playlist ideas. The story follows the …
The Indian in the Cupboard was such a big hit with my students. Imagine fifth-grade boys asking me to help them find the …
Ella Enchanted is a Cinderella story with a twist. When Ella is born, a fairy named Lucinda gives her the gift of obedience. …
Enjoy these five teaching ideas to use with your novel study of The Giver, You'll find novel study samples and a great symbolism activity.
If you’re planning to use Barbara Robinson‘s hilarious book The Best Christmas Pageant Ever with your students this holiday season, check out this collection of teaching …
If you haven’t read The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, you are in for a real treat. The story is told from …
Do you need a Mixed-up Files activity or two to add to your From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. …
I am extremely excited to have M.C. Finotti, author of Paintbrushes & Arrows: A Story of Two Girls in St. Augustine in 1875, …
Out of My Mind book by Sharon Draper is an amazing story about an eleven-year-old girl with cerebral palsy. When Melody is quite …
Are you looking for some Esperanza Rising teaching ideas? This post includes a character trait activity as well as novel unit samples. Esperanza Rising …
Your students will laugh out loud at the humor in The Witches by Roald Dahl. In the story, our narrator visits his grandmother …
Once you read this summary on The Phantom Tollbooth, you are going to want to read this book with your students. The …
Gary Paulsen’s novel is fantastic! Samuel is a thirteen-year-old boy who lives in the wilderness of western Pennsylvania in 1776. He spends …
Are you planning to use Elizabeth Geroge Speare’s wonderful book? Your students are in for a real treat! Enhance your unit with …
Check out these four projects to use with Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. Your students will love the crafts and videos! …
Have you ever felt like an outsider or experienced bullying? If so, then The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes is a book …
I remember sitting in my fourth-grade classroom. My teacher had just finished reading Charlotte’s Web. Several students had tears streaming down their faces. I …
If you haven’t read The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, you are in for a real treat. This heartwarming story follows …
Are you looking for some new ideas to do with your novel study of Fantastic Mr. Fox? Then be sure to grab …
Call It Courage tells the story Mafatu, the son of the chief of Hikueru Island. As a young boy, Mafatu witnesses his mother …
Ten-year-old Sophie spies the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) late one night. The BFG wants to keep his identity a secret, so he …
Do you love reading classics with your students? Then, here is a great book to add to your curriculum. Better yet, check …
James and the Giant Peach is a magical and whimsical story about lonely boy who lives with cruel aunts after his parents …
Sarah, Plain and Tall is a short historical novel by Patricia MacLachlan. It is set in the prairie states during the nineteenth century. …
Do you want to add a little fun to your next novel study? Try reading The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling. Your …
If you are looking for activities for Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick you have come to the right place. For this exceptional book, …
Are you looking for some Mr. Popper’s Penguins Activities? You’ve come to the right place. Mr. Popper’s Penguins is one of those rare classic tales …
Are you looking for some Stone Fox teaching ideas? You’ll find character trait printable booklets, crafts, videos, and more, here. What is …
Do you want some fresh ideas and activities for your Because of Winn-Dixie unit? Check out student projects and book unit samples here. …
If you are looking for Frindle teaching ideas, this is the place to visit. You’ll find printables, lesson plans, and novel study samples. Frindle by …
If you are looking for some Island of the Blue Dolphins activities, you have come to the right place. This post includes novel study …
Are you looking for Tuck Everlasting activities to add to your novel study? This post includes anchor chart ideas along with a constructed response …
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe tells the story of four siblings: Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy. After World War II breaks …
Are you looking for some Bud, Not Buddy Teaching Ideas? You’ve come to the right place. Story Summary Bud, Not Buddy tells the story of …
What a terrific book! My students really enjoyed reading Bridge to Terabithia earlier this year. Check out these teaching ideas to make your novel …
Are you looking to add some fun to your Maniac Magee unit? Check out these Maniac Magee Teaching Ideas. Maniac Magee is a great unit for teaching both …
From anchor charts paired with constructed response questions to compare the novel to the movie, this post provides many A Wrinkle in Time activities …
Your novel study will go from ordinary to extraordinary with these Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Teaching Ideas… Charlie Bucket comes from a poor …
Are you looking for some teaching ideas for Holes by Louis Sachar? You’ll find printable character trait booklets, recipes, and much more in this …
I first read the book Wonder while on vacation at the beach. I just couldn’t put the book down, so I ended up spending a …
In the novel Hatchet, Brian learned how to survive in the wilderness by using the knowledge he learned from watching documentaries on …
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I love teaching! I especially love interactive notebooks, anchor charts, hands-on activities, great books, and making learning fun. Here is the place for me to share some of the things I love.
Learn more about me at my “About Page.”
Gay Miller
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