Jan 29
Let’s be honest: if you’ve ever had a student say, “Pizza is the best vegetable,” you already know the line between fact and opinion is a little blurry in upper elementary. But now more than ever—between clickbait headlines, viral TikToks, and that one kid who swears sloths can outrun cheetahs—it’s crucial to teach students how …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=7365
Jan 22
Let’s face it—student writing can sometimes sound like a list of thoughts scribbled on sticky notes and shuffled around by a squirrel in a hurry. You’ve probably seen it: sentence after sentence with no clear connection. Sometimes student paragraphs read like GPS directions with half the turns missing. That’s where transition words come in. Think …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=4140
Jan 15
“The Day the Music Died” refers to the tragic event that killed three iconic musicians – Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and “The Big Bopper.” As upper elementary teachers, it is important to educate and engage our students in understanding and appreciating the contributions of these legends to the music industry. This blog post provides …
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Jan 08
Discover engaging Loser novel study ideas for upper elementary classrooms. Explore hands-on activities for student learning.
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=22200
Jan 01
Teaching play structure can be a showstopper—especially when students realize scripts aren’t just for theater kids. As part two of our How to Teach Structure Across Literary Genres series, this post dives into the storytelling magic behind plays: from stage directions to scenes, dialogue, and emotional beats. So grab your metaphorical playbill and dim the …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=17633
Dec 11
Are you searching for captivating novel study ideas centered around the historical narrative of Blood on the River by Elisa Carbone? It’s a thrilling story about the first years of the Jamestown Colony in Virginia, told from the perspective of Samuel Collier, a boy who works for Captain John Smith. The book is full of …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=22113
Dec 04
If your students’ stories have ever zigzagged through plot points like a squirrel on espresso—chaotic, charming, but utterly confusing—then this lesson will bring some much-needed narrative order. In the first of our three-part series on teaching story structure, we’ll show you how to help students wrangle their ideas into clear, compelling tales. We’re kicking things …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=17639
