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.
Aug 27
Every student dreams big—and stories that follow a ‘Rags to Riches’ arc show characters climbing toward a better life. This plot helps students explore personal growth and what it means to truly succeed. From fairy tales to contemporary fiction, it’s a relatable structure that pairs perfectly with character study. At the beginning of the story, …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=6400
Aug 13
Some stories start with danger—a terrifying villain, a mysterious creature, or even an internal battle the hero must face. This structure, known as ‘Overcoming the Monster,’ gives students a gripping way to explore conflict, courage, and resolution. From folklore to fantasy to realistic fiction, this lesson helps students recognize this powerful plot pattern in action. …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=6390
Aug 06
How many basic plot patterns are there in literature? Depends on whom you ask. Some scholars say three. Others list twenty. Georges Polti charted thirty-six dramatic situations. Kurt Vonnegut famously sketched a single narrative “shape” on a chalkboard. And Christopher Booker, in his epic book The Seven Basic Plots: Why We Tell Stories, organizes all …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=6360
May 06
When I realized that I have a number of resources on ‘Types of Conflict in Literature,’ but they are scattered throughout my website and blog, I decided to create one post with information plus links to help people find the materials. Definitions In a person vs. supernatural conflict, a character battles that which is beyond nature. …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=7386
Oct 26
Raise your hand if your students love a good mystery. ✋ Now imagine turning that curiosity into writing practice with secret messages, spy-level decoding, and real historical connections. Cipher codes are a powerful way to get reluctant writers engaged. Whether you’re teaching vocabulary, logic, or just want to add a little spark to your literacy …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=5914
May 11
In a person vs. supernatural conflict, a character battles that which is beyond nature. It can’t be explained by natural law. This could be witches, vampires, mythical creatures, and so forth. For elementary students, this type of conflict can be explained in simple terms such as “Sometimes, people have problems with things that are not real …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=4282
May 04
In a person vs. person conflict, the conflict is between two forms of like beings. This is often the protagonist versus the antagonist. The conflict may be verbal, physical, or emotional. For elementary students, this type of conflict can be explained in simple terms such as “Sometimes, people have problems with other people. It could be …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=4286
