One of the most formative books I've ever read comes from Donalyn Miller and is called, The Book Whisperer.  I can't get enough.  I've re-read it, highlighted it, and several years ago, I even had her SIGN it. She is a gifted reading teacher and coach and is the reason we do the 40 Book ... Read More about 40 Book Challenge

Raise your hand if you had spelling lists as a student. Me! I did! Raise your hand again if you feel like they either didn't help you grow as a speller OR you just generally disliked them. I tend to love all things school-ish (I'm biased) but I do remember memorizing lists of words. What truly ... Read More about Spelling in the Upper Grade Classroom

If you're in a position where distance learning has become your life (temporary life), I'd love to share some resources that are helping ME on this same journey. If you read THIS post, you'll know that I'm currently assigning my students enrichment-based work but I'm also holding daily Google ... Read More about Upper Grade Resources Perfect for Distance Learning

Well, we are in the midst of a global pandemic that caused districts worldwide to abruptly shutter their schools and classrooms. There's a sentence I never dreamed I'd type out! But, here we are and if I've learned anything it's that teachers and students are unbelievably resilient. Over here, ... Read More about Distance Learning in Fifth Grade

When I moved to upper elementary,  I most instantly fell in love with the novels and literature you cover with those "bigger" kids.  I've always loved sharing a good book with a friend (and I frequently make my husband and/or children read ones that I've REALLY loved) so sharing with fifth ... Read More about Novel Studies in the Upper Grades