Teaching - Language Arts

Do you use literature circles? I have utilized literature circles for years. Usually, I have started them in the spring once I'm finished with the basal. This year, however, I've been teaching differently. I haven't been using the basal as much and have been teaching using different methods. I use a little bit of Daily 5 mixed with a little bit of Reading Workshop. This year, I feel as if I have been "finding my way" again after so many years of traditional teaching using the basal. It's…

Teach123: Literature Circles

UPDATED FOR DISTANCE LEARNINGThese writing prompts are perfect to use as bell ringers for independent reading or reader's workshop. Each one asks students to reflect on -- or connect to -- some aspect of their reading, such as character, theme, point of view, conflict, or setting. Some prompts ask t...

The mega bundle for literature circles is here! All in one bundle! It's time to collaborate and get your students moving with this literature circles bundle! Teachers love using literature circles for small group reading groups, book clubs, collaborative learning. This digital download includes the ...

Elementary School Counseling

Paragraph writing anchor chart. I've done this before and called it a "Whopper of a good paragraph"

1,101 Likes, 9 Comments - Brittany Wheaton (@thesuperheroteacher) on Instagram: “When I grow up, I’d like to be @theamygroesbeck please!!! 😍😍😍 I mean, she’s creative, SO…”

Main Idea and Details Anchor Chart

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Learn these simple steps for how to teach main idea. Grab your free main idea anchor charts and printables for your students.

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Are you looking for a new an exciting way to have your students work on identifying main idea in nonfiction texts? This is a super low-prep activity that I've had great success with for years! Have extra Time for Kids or Scholastic News pages cluttering your room? I have the perfect activity for you! (and ... Read more

If you are looking for some high interest activities to enhance your main idea and details lessons, try using animated shorts to teach reading skills. This post contains the animated short film…

At our school, we have been limited on the amount of copies that can be made for each class during a monthly period. I began thinking about what we could do to help cut down on paper. I came up with this great idea to create graphic organizers on folders. We laminated the folders and now the students can write on them with Vis-A-Vis markers. We use these when we begin a basal story. The students are allowed to collaborate and put their ideas down on the folder. We then allow each group to…

Kid Who Invented Popsicle, The The Kid Who Invented the Popsicle

Learning about main idea and supporting details is FUN when you use the ice cream cone analogy! This blog post contains a main idea anchor chart activity and a FREE main idea worksheet. Everything you need for one main idea lesson is available here.

Having students analyze the news is a great way to keep them informed as well as build real world reading skills. After a thorough reading of the article students will be asked to write out the following: - WHO is the article about? - WHEN did this event/issue happen? - WHAT are four important facts you found? - WHERE is this event/issue happening? - WHY is this event/issue important? - To review students are asked to construct a relevant based on the article.

This is an engaging activity where your students read an original short story. After they have finished reading, students identify the characters, setting, beginning/problem, middle/events, end/resolution, and theme on the individual pieces of the sundae. Finally, students use their pieces to write a complete summary! $

Who remembers making cootie-catchers as a young student with varying colors, numbers, and fortunes on the inside? Spelling out green, then counting to 5, then to 3, only to read the silly or perhaps outrageous fortune on the inside (aka, YES, your secret crush did return your sentiments!!) and drumroll please for a group of friends shrieking in delight. I was obsessed with these growing up. So I decided to take this tactile activity as my muse and use it as a way to engage students in…

This post is packed with some of the best classroom anchor charts. These anchor charts cover several reading comprehension and writing topics.

In this engaging activity, students will review eight different text message conversations in order to make inferences and draw conclusions. Students are required to cite evidence for each answer. #reading #teacherspayteachers #middleschool

One of my favorite ways to introduce making inferences is through wordless picture books. They are a great first step toward this challenging skill, because it’s something students do on a daily basis. My students don’t necessarily realize that they are making inferences as they look at illustrations, so I guide them through the process […]

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Middle School English, Language Arts