BOOK UNITS TEACHER
Resources for Upper Elementary
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!
Recent Blog Posts from Book Units Teacher
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 …
Storytelling techniques are essential tools that help bring narratives to life and captivate readers’ imaginations. By introducing students to these techniques, we …
Check out these great upper elementary compound word activities. You’ll find a detailed word list that shows when to close or hyphenate …
Recent Novel Study Blog Posts from Book Units Teacher
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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About Book Units Teacher
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
What Teachers are Saying…
Jessica speaks about... Teaching with Animated Short Films All in One Reading & Writing MEGA Bundle
This has changed the way I present content. Students are engaged and willing to tackle tough skills as struggling readers with this product. I really appreciate the writing portion along with the other student friendly content worksheets.
This has changed the way I present content. Students are engaged and willing to tackle tough skills as struggling readers with this product. I really appreciate the writing portion along with the other student friendly content worksheets.
Jessica N.
Badda speaks about... Hatchet Novel Study: Digital + Printable Book Unit: activities & quizzes
Absolutely amazing! I teach an adult ESOL class and this study guide is exactly what I needed! The vocabulary was excellent pre-teaching material and the questions were perfect. I had to do nothing! I enjoyed this Hatchet study guide so much that I purchased several other study guides from Gay Miller. Because I like her material so much, she's my first choice for go-to material! THANK YOU!!!!
Absolutely amazing! I teach an adult ESOL class and this study guide is exactly what I needed! The vocabulary was excellent pre-teaching material and the questions were perfect. I had to do nothing! I enjoyed this Hatchet study guide so much that I purchased several other study guides from Gay Miller. Because I like her material so much, she's my first choice for go-to material! THANK YOU!!!!
Badda Bing
Dan speaks about... Interactive Grammar Organizers
This resource is fantastic. I really enjoyed using it because it allowed my students to practice skills with fun and engaging content. I enjoy the ease and appreciate how much thought was put into creating it.
This resource is fantastic. I really enjoyed using it because it allowed my students to practice skills with fun and engaging content. I enjoy the ease and appreciate how much thought was put into creating it.
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