Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Novel Study

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Who doesn’t love Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone? With likable characters, magical events, scary moments, and humor, the novel is a hit. In fact, it has sold over 120 million copies making it one of the best sellers of all time! Summary Shortly before Harry’s eleventh birthday, letters begin flooding into the Dursley’s home addressed …

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Distance Learning with Google Apps

Distance Learning with Google Apps

OVERWHELMED…FRUSTRATED…READY TO SIT DOWN AND CRY…These are just a few of the emotions teachers are feeling. With distance learning, teachers don’t have to learn one new program but dozens. To help, I will answer questions I repeatedly see about Distance Learning with Google Apps, including Google Slides, Docs, and Forms. For each question, I will …

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The Bridge Home Teaching Ideas

The Bridge Home

Are you looking for a great novel to read with your students? The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman is a great choice. This heartwarming novel will take you on a journey of hope as you witness the unbreakable bond between siblings. The story follows the adventures of two sisters, Viji and Rukku. They run away from their …

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Hatchet by Gary Paulsen Teaching Ideas

Hatchet

If you’re looking for Hatchet teaching ideas, Gary Paulsen’s survival novel is one of the most engaging and impactful books you can use with upper elementary and middle school students. Year after year, Hatchet ranks at the top of my students’ favorite‑novel lists. Its fast pacing, vivid imagery, and step‑by‑step survival details make it unforgettable. …

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Allusion Definitions, Examples, and Activities

Allusions

Allusions are the secret handshakes of language. They quietly connect stories, history, and culture, often in just a few words. Whether it’s a reference to Achilles’ heel or Uncle Sam, teaching allusions helps students unlock deeper meaning in literature and everyday conversation. This free mini-lesson introduces 4th–6th graders to mythical, biblical, literary, and historical allusions …

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Strategies for Higher-Order Thinking Skills

Higher Order Thinking Skills

Educational trends change almost yearly. One year ‘this method’ is the best thing ever invented. The following year ‘this method’ has lost its appeal, and a new idea is a must-try. However, the one trend that has remained constant year after year is higher-order thinking skills (HOTS). HOTS encourages learners to go far beyond the …

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Teaching Genres in Upper Elementary

Recognizing Genres

Raise your hand if you’ve ever asked a student what genre they’re reading and gotten a confident: “Umm… chapter book?” Yep. Been there. That’s why I like to start the year by teaching genres. It gives students the vocabulary and framework to actually talk about books. Genres are more than just labels. They help kids …

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