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.
Jan 13
Let’s face it—getting upper elementary students to really understand character traits can feel a bit like trying to explain why your dog needs a Halloween costume. Confusing at first, but oh-so rewarding when it clicks. Once students see how traits shape a character’s choices, relationships, and growth, their reading comprehension and writing skills level up …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=427
Jan 06
Let’s talk about the setting of a story—you know, that part of the story students like to summarize as “It takes place in a house.” But setting is so much more than where and when a story happens. It’s the engine behind the plot, the mood-setter, the character-shaper. In some stories, the setting deserves its …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=405
Aug 19
Let’s talk sound devices. You know—the pop, buzz, and bam that make language come alive. If you’re like me, you’ve probably tried to explain onomatopoeia or alliteration while students stare blankly… until someone blurts out, “Wait—isn’t that like in Batman when it says KAPOW?” Exactly. I decided to go for it and put together some …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=944
Aug 12
Teaching students to understand proverbs and adages improves reading comprehension. These sayings have meanings beyond what can be understood in their individual words. What Are These Sayings Anyway? Adages and proverbs are both forms of traditional sayings that offer wisdom or advice based on common sense or experience. While they are similar, there are subtle …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=6329
Jun 17
Understanding humor devices enhances students’ writing skills, strengthens comprehension, and even helps them navigate social situations more effectively. Definitions This lesson focuses on three humor devices: Understatement – Presenting something with restraint or modesty to create a subtle or ironic effect. Hyperbole – An obvious and deliberate exaggeration meant for effect, not to be …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=3099
Jun 03
“Looking for a fun and engaging way to help your 4th–6th 6th-grade students strengthen their prediction skills?” Look no further than this comprehensive lesson plan! This post shares activities, essential questions, and resources to support your students’ learning. By the end of this lesson, your students will better understand how to predict outcomes and will …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=7244
May 27
For upper elementary students, understanding poetry can be both exciting and challenging. One powerful strategy for uncovering meaning in poetry is using context clues. This post features six engaging activities that help students build vocabulary, strengthen reading comprehension, and develop critical thinking—all while enjoying the richness of poetry. All six activities are included in a …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=1024
