Welcome to my index blog page, where I share literacy ideas and teaching materials for upper elementary students. I create various resources to help educators teach multiple reading skills to their students.
My blog includes several series, such as “Teaching Types of Conflicts with Movie Trailers,” “Plot Structures,” “Making Connections,” “Story Elements,” and “Figurative Language.” These series make learning engaging and interactive. I also offer resources to teach literacy skills like vocabulary, comprehension, figurative language, and spelling.
Teaching literacy can be challenging, so I give away many free resources that educators can use in the classroom or at home. I want to provide educators with practical, easy-to-use tools to help their students become confident readers.
I hope my index blog page will inspire and motivate educators to use innovative teaching methods and help their students excel in their literacy skills.
Dec 08
If you love teaching vocabulary through movement, mystery, and laughter, this post is for you. I’ve pulled together 85 quirky vocabulary questions you can use in three ready-to-play vocabulary games for the classroom: Jeopardy, Would You Rather, and trail-style board games. Whether you’re reviewing word meanings, exploring etymology, or just sneaking some joy into your …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=933
Dec 06
Some words don’t just change spelling; they flip their meaning entirely. These time‑twisted vocabulary words fascinate students because they reveal how language evolves. Awful once meant “full of awe.” Silly used to mean “blessed.” Nice was an insult. Language evolves, and students love discovering how. That’s why I created a vocabulary game that works with …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=8514
Dec 01
Some vocabulary words just beg to be spoken out loud. They bounce, twist, and tumble off the tongue like characters in a children’s book. Words like skedaddle, borborygmus, and flibbertigibbet aren’t just fun. They’re silly vocabulary words for students that spark joy, curiosity, and classroom giggles. But once you’ve taught those delightful words, what do …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=7328
Oct 27
Students really enjoy puzzles, and when vocabulary practice feels like a game, they’re more likely to get involved, remember what they’ve learned, and even ask for more. This post shares some fun vocabulary activities for grades 4–6 using games, riddles, and brain teasers to build word skills in an engaging way. Plus, there’s a free …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=5909
Aug 15
If you’re looking for vocabulary activities that actually work in the classroom without adding to your grading pile, digital vocabulary games might be your new best friend. These interactive, self-checking games give students instant feedback, making vocabulary practice more meaningful (and way less time-consuming for you). Whether you’re managing centers, supporting small groups, or keeping …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=27277
Jul 14
Let’s face it—getting students to connect deeply with a text can sometimes feel like trying to get them to connect with their math homework on a Friday afternoon. But when they do make those connections? That’s when reading becomes real, personal, and powerful. In this post, I’m sharing three free lessons that help students make …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=4443
Jun 10
Books are powerful tools for helping students step into another person’s shoes, understand different experiences, and embrace compassion. Whether you’re tackling topics like disability, learning differences, or prejudice, stories can create meaningful conversations that stay with students for life. Below is a collection of impactful books grouped by theme, along with classroom discussion ideas and …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=5981
