Dec 16
Let’s be honest—teaching students to eliminate wordiness isn’t exactly the highlight of a student’s writing journey. Most upper elementary students believe that if they write more words, their story will be better. Meanwhile, you’re reading something like: “I went on a really long, extremely tiring walk across the very big and really wide field.” Good news: teaching concise …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=1990
Nov 18
Did you love Alan Gratz’s novel Refugee? He writes another winner with his newest book Allies. In this book, Gratz tells six separate stories following six different D-Day operations through six different perspectives. If you are looking for a novel your students will love, look no further. Operation Neptune – Dee Sid and Dee arrive at Omaha …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=7999
Oct 24
Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of survival stories, or simply seeking a thrilling read, I Survived the Great Molasses Flood, 1919 is a must-read that will stay with you long after the final page. In January 1919, a massive wave of molasses swept through the streets of Boston, leaving death and destruction in …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=7321
Sep 16
Developing strong writing skills in upper elementary students isn’t just beneficial—it’s game-changing. One important area that helps build clarity and structure in their writing is understanding the active and passive voice. This post will walk you through the difference between these two writing styles, with hands-on activities to boost engagement and confidence. Grab the handout …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=102
Sep 02
Are you looking for innovative ways to display materials in your classroom? Word cards, teaching standards, and student work can quickly clutter your space. These classroom display ideas will help you organize effectively and creatively. Classroom Displays Idea #1: Pocket Charts Turn everyday materials into learning tools! Pocket charts are versatile, easy to create, and …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=6080
Aug 19
Academic vocabulary consists of words not commonly used or frequently encountered in everyday conversation. These words include specialized content vocabulary for subjects such as reading/language art, science, social studies, or math. Academic vocabulary also includes terms found on standardized tests. When students understand testing vocabulary, test scores go up. By teaching test vocabulary and how …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=6139
May 22
Using animated shorts to teach setting is engaging and helps students understand how place shapes mood, conflict, and character decisions. The animated short The Box (by Merve Cirisoglu Cotur) tells a wordless story about a Syrian boy whose cardboard playhouse becomes a symbol of survival during wartime. When paired with Mahmoud’s journey in Alan Gratz’s …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=144
