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.
Oct 02
Students often think comparing texts means looking for stories that seem alike on the surface. Strong readers go much further. They understand that comparing texts in different genres means examining how a poem, a historical article, an animated short, and even a commercial can explore the same universal idea while using completely different structures, styles, …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=17432
Sep 04
Students often say two stories are “the same” because they both have dragons, take place at school, or are funny. But comparing texts goes far beyond noticing surface details. Strong readers compare how different authors develop similar themes, characters, conflicts, and ideas. They notice that two realistic fiction stories can explore friendship in completely different …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=17430
Aug 07
Ever wish your students would stop and say, “Hey! That theme shows up in stories from everywhere!”?Well, wish granted—because this ready-to-teach lesson on RL.4.9 will have your class spotting universal themes and cultural twists faster than you can say folktale from the Philippines. And the best part? The full handout is prepped and waiting, so …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=17448
Apr 03
If you are looking for some high-interest activities, try using animated shorts to teach inference skills. This post features five animated shorts that your students are sure to love. The shorts vary from serious to funny. Select the ones you really like, or show all five videos. In the accompanying handouts, students summarize, infer, and …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=5610
Jan 30
Some Holocaust heroes include Raoul Wallenberg, Giovanni Palatucci, Oskar Schindler, Andre Trocmé, Irena Sendler, Nicholas Winton, Chiune Sugihara, and Varian Fry. All have different stories and backgrounds, but they all share a common thread. All risked their lives to save Jewish people during the Holocaust. People often refer to them as ‘Righteous Among the Nations. …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=175
Apr 13
Let’s be honest—plot development can feel a little abstract when you’re trying to teach it. So, why not turn it into a thrill ride? Literally. That’s right, we’re taking our students on the Plot Development Roller Coaster. No seat belts required, but a pencil might help. The Plot Development Roller Coaster Exposition – The Ride …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=398
Aug 17
Oxymorons are wonderfully weird. They pair opposites, such as jumbo shrimp or deafening silence, to create phrases that are both playful and profound. In this free mini-lesson, upper elementary students explore the definition of oxymoron, examine real-world examples, and dive into creative activities that stretch their vocabulary and imagination. Whether you’re teaching 4th, 5th, or 6th grade, this …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=8425
