tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83333023659495539872024-03-19T03:15:37.174-07:00Think Grow GiggleThink Grow Giggle blog shares upper elementary reading, writing, and math strategies to help motivate, engage, and challenge students. Lesson ideas, activities, and tips help busy teachers plan lesson plans and stay organized. Reading workshop, writing workshop, and tips to help students master reading strategies make teaching upper elementary a snap! Third Grade Giggleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18234338835946741807noreply@blogger.comBlogger171125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333302365949553987.post-43378882902152210102024-03-18T04:00:00.000-07:002024-03-18T04:00:00.250-07:00Teaching Text Structure: A Simple Routine for Upper Elementary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Text-Structure-Passages-Worksheet-Practice-Informational-Chart-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-10489763" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2443" data-original-width="3580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXW4vQJOuJXEyi0PpN4uGHPPj-jjtL0KtlT4rMq6nWtzr-vTnrNfcakIpDDz2MpC7oE6dGxHo_pMi7BZenZHlAz6OGgcdSMdguRpMpVXAiGl8UC6N14jJPlqypMIlE5opKqIGkhA5PFBM_hh6CdZ7uu0tlBgPMWVhW2d_KVR1pvhXG0jBY3k9gZt3nlPi/s16000/teaching%20text%20structure_practice%20for%20upper%20elementary%20with%20simple%20routine_header.jpg" /></a></div><p>As upper elementary teachers, we are always looking for ways to help our students increase their <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/09/what-are-effective-reading.html" target="_blank">reading comprehension skills</a>, especially when it comes to <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/03/nonfiction-teaching-ideas-and.html" target="_blank">reading nonfiction informational texts</a>. We can help our students better understand the nonfiction passages and materials they read by helping them understand and <b>differentiate between different text structures. </b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>👉 <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Text-Structure-Passages-Worksheet-Practice-Informational-Chart-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-10489763" target="_blank">5 Text Structures</a> Upper Elementary Students Face as Readers:</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #0d0d0d;"><i>cause and effect</i></span></li><li><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #0d0d0d;"><i>sequence</i></span></li><li><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #0d0d0d;"><i>description</i></span></li><li><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #0d0d0d;"><i>compare
and contrast</i></span></li><li><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #0d0d0d;"><i>problem and solution</i></span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2024/03/teaching-text-structure-upper-elementary.html" target="_blank">Text structure refers to how content in a text is organized</a> to help readers understand the content they are reading. </b>Understanding the five different text structures helps readers dive deep into the text to understand important ideas, identify the main idea, infer, and monitor comprehension.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Research tells us that <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2024/03/teaching-text-structure-upper-elementary.html" target="_blank">understanding text structure</a> is a guiding force for comprehension</b> and guides students in understanding how the information is laid out, ultimately understanding the purpose of the piece. Teaching students how to differentiate between text structures empowers them with the tools to comprehend, analyze, and communicate the information they are reading effectively.<b> It also helps them identify bias as they read more complex nonfiction texts.</b></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">How to teach text structure to upper elementary students...</h3><h4 style="text-align: left;">1. Explain, Teach, and Give Visuals</h4><div>When it comes to getting started, be sure to explain these three things: <b>why each text structure is used, keywords that help identify each text structure, and showing/modeling with coordinating text structure graphic organizers.</b> Spend time explaining the differences between each text structure. Create anchor charts that show these three pieces of information. <i>Grab a free ancho chart at the bottom of this post to get started!</i></div><div><br /></div><div>👉 Read more about teaching text structure and tips HERE.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Text-Structure-Posters-Anchor-Charts-Graphic-Organizers-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-10581214" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2L_BENAzWjL_qXFZicHrLZlEdKXI0Af266erUNFbjyHUQoO4kOSTl_iJM68fIPW0O2sfC7ZGLK1sba-JFsjhpZEAp6EkWY_ikCLpkdY6BZxLpfD-kz7WdU2z24x00lBlHmhZW56yf97X57WLeAPL3HsmQ-forZzmGMqO_YzKet5r6n5G2V4U3CooFIcH/w640-h640/teaching%20text%20structure%20upper%20elementary%20students%20anchor%20charts%20key%20points.png.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">2. Read a Picture Book to Bring Text Structure to Life</h4><div><div>A great way to show students different text structures is to read different picture books, at least one from each text structure. This is a great way to bring in a visual and a real-world connection to this tricky concept. Don't worry; you do not have to scour the internet to find the best text structure picture books for upper elementary, I already have a list made for you broken down by text structure!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>👉 Read about my favorite text structure picture books HERE.</b></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdk_EszWcUNpzF6tgK54OMsYVbqd5IwPeh1L-QXQfVIg1_aKiMrKAMLufFlnNq_oQ7K_kiAcsh40EbEDJY81C59Y7_WjZEDPEakaOnQ_21BUMlhk54buqli_-izjyKEgY9L467NmR5_VcAcbheXJeN4reIuBBcYWUMiNiU1YdrK1LJtuxKtMh2cH8BSMTB/s3300/teaching%20text%20structure%20mentor%20texts%20upper%20elementary%20students.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="3300" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdk_EszWcUNpzF6tgK54OMsYVbqd5IwPeh1L-QXQfVIg1_aKiMrKAMLufFlnNq_oQ7K_kiAcsh40EbEDJY81C59Y7_WjZEDPEakaOnQ_21BUMlhk54buqli_-izjyKEgY9L467NmR5_VcAcbheXJeN4reIuBBcYWUMiNiU1YdrK1LJtuxKtMh2cH8BSMTB/w640-h480/teaching%20text%20structure%20mentor%20texts%20upper%20elementary%20students.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">3. Get Into a Routine</h4><p>Provide students multiple opportunities and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Text-Structure-Practice-Passages-Posters-Worksheets-Nonfiction-3rd-4th-Grade-10376063" target="_blank">exposure to different text structures</a> to help them build their comprehension toolbox for nonfiction texts. One way you can do that is through daily practice. I have <b>created a daily routine that provides students with many opportunities to read a variety of informational topics written in different text structures. </b>It is simple to use and of high interest to students! Plus it goes beyond just practicing text structure, it also provides vocabulary, critical thinking, and written response practice.</p><p><br /></p><p>By reading and working with all <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Space-Reading-Comprehension-Solar-System-Text-Structure-Practice-Passages-11098851" target="_blank">five text structures on the same topic</a>, students can identify the different characteristics of each structure more simply. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Text-Structure-Passages-Worksheet-Practice-Informational-Chart-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-10489763" target="_blank">This format</a> takes a tricky concept and makes it manageable for our students, especially when they are just learning about text structures.</p><p><br /></p><p>This routine uses the Text Structure Comprehension Foldables. Simply print back to back and fold. Everything you need to teach and practice text structure daily is included.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Text-Structure-Practice-Passages-Posters-Worksheets-Nonfiction-3rd-4th-Grade-10376063" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="3000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja10dRKnC1DXJx168yeHwcGeBfaUa4UPYx7gBPLURWi3GXjKLhaBj9-iVo9n5C4s4jHKacHYXYaqBR4tN_bDqX7aaW0bguTb3V-W4ylAdRIYywf7pWGOvmyTdk1ZkBwI5m_PfaFv1zg9OL-gIZqGn68INMNstP9bgCj6m42fBmPpsSIoO5eq3bQrNTCYGH/w640-h480/text%20structure_daily%20practice%20routine_upper%20elementary.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>Take a look at how to use these foldables to teach text structure for upper elementary students!</b></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TDesEpqTZIw" width="320" youtube-src-id="TDesEpqTZIw"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Try this schedule to add to your morning work routine to provide daily opportunities for your students to engage with different text structures.</b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Text-Structure-Passages-Worksheet-Practice-Informational-Chart-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-10489763" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2714" data-original-width="3580" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGI1DsITkWVs1m5Hmc7WBNOacbn1MTG9jDrjtkZwdlwkVkJH2-hw85_nWgmWvPYdv3a-6oyn4IIxz2vk2WJpqeFOlzVbq1YeCZ6KxhwSeZDd_ZjtCGuTVEStWW-pof4B8ZThfHoPaZZFXzZ8GlUrM-l44RV5rf5tzs0TNpeNwogPrSnKLfDkSGmbftrFX/w640-h486/teaching%20text%20structure%20upper%20elementary%20students%20practice%20routine.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>If completing these text structure activities each morning is not an option, <b>you can add these Text Structure Foldables to a center, use them during small group instruction, or sprinkle them into any time you have</b>. Since these packs have five different passages in five different text structures, all on the same topic, students can truly differentiate between the different structures. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Get started with teaching text structure with this <b>FREE text structure starter kit!</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><script async="" data-uid="583706b7a5" src="https://think-grow-giggle.ck.page/583706b7a5/index.js"></script></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>The more time <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2024/03/teaching-text-structure-upper-elementary.html" target="_blank">students spend reflecting on the text structure</a> of nonfiction reading materials, the more they can identify the text structure in their own independent and real-world reading. </b>By understanding the text structure, students are better able to pull out the important information, make inferences, and understand the topic at a deeper level. <b>So why not give this routine a try today!? </b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">You will also love to read:</h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/11/using-reading-strategies-to-help.html" target="_blank">Using Reading Strategies to Help Readers Grow</a></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2018/09/teaching-students-how-to-successfully.html" target="_blank">Teaching Students Summarize</a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/11/4-quick-tips-to-effectively.html" target="_blank">Quick Tip to Differentiate Summarizing Instruction</a> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/03/a-simple-way-to-teach-students-to-make.html" target="_blank">Must Try Inferencing Lesson for Upper Elementary</a></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">Check out these <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Text-Structure-Passages-Worksheet-Practice-Informational-Chart-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-10489763" target="_blank">Text Structure activities HERE</a>. </h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">Like <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Text-Structure-Passages-Anchor-Chart-Close-Reading-Biographies-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-10886766" target="_blank">these Text Structure Foldables</a></b> to just add to your daily routine!</div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Text-Structure-Passages-Anchor-Chart-Close-Reading-Biographies-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-10886766" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="3300" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6bkl7OfvaHxwm9fUCVb8m6B_oyN_rjbHKNK4hNmIMtaM68-mRNjwOWgKtbEdEpamA0q5GrO6BtyrtobxnIpSnbRQhI_ghdovnzmgqCGevSSUG44QvtpMU19vg-UOe3rlOEgkYaa3LjAXggWBGKlXcG-3R6EWzPR7ReQmdvvhcBSnyA7mhztwihb0IxMM/w640-h480/teaching%20text%20structure_practice%20for%20upper%20elementary%20with%20simple%20routine_foldables.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><o:p><br /></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">LOVE these ideas? Pin to save!</h3><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Text-Structure-Passages-Worksheet-Practice-Informational-Chart-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-10489763" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="3375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfX4ZY27jOE-RyoHm7Ua2mW6oq-Y3J3K_DRnfZelY98ZApePsI39Gyy66ydxo83M2jjcOlLAEGsVp1IrOXGhON6z09XTyLHnBl9EjsETZCCQMC1R8HcmRM2LqadtlleFFRk1dMPrLdQxjZd04bx7v6kn0ReZoLZcF2Kxipp7PoaNZX435I7m_lJO23fiu/s16000/teaching%20text%20structure_practice%20for%20upper%20elementary%20with%20simple%20routine_pin.jpg" /></a></div><br /><o:p><br /></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 14.95px;">*<b>affiliate links: </b></span><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">“Think Grow Giggle is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.” (source: </span><a href="https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/operating/agreement" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="background-color: white; color: #25c1aa; font-family: raleway, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Section 5</a><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">)</span></o:p></p>Third Grade Giggleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18234338835946741807noreply@blogger.comNew York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972812.402541463821152 -109.1622228 69.023009136178842 -38.849722799999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333302365949553987.post-34038643431965827002024-03-13T04:00:00.000-07:002024-03-13T12:48:27.532-07:007 Solar Eclipse Activities for Upper Elementary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Solar-Eclipse-2024-Sun-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Page-Solar-System-3256292" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="7 Solar Eclipse Activities for Upper Elementary" border="0" data-original-height="2458" data-original-width="3560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4IRNG_21wAQIBFlWMXc710DfqJz8LdUpOvUYuoYKesgb6BVV5sLwkQtIfVsQZqJOF0mzIoUJXEusC6VA7NTZtLMaHpxmFZMYR3pnZUV1112SxdOkhgGljAUpPJM_LCbEB4FtuZgz5VSM13yPzCZwt16kSFtzLpO9tFvVTV31yolrl6Y41sK0c-s1H1grx/s16000/solar%20eclipse%20activities%20for%20upper%20elementary%20students_header.jpg" title="solar and lunar eclipse 3rd 4th 5th graders" /></a></div><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Ready for the 2024 solar eclipse in your upper
elementary classroom?</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">When learning about phenomena, upper elementary
students dive right in! <b>Their curiosity lends itself to conversations that help them understand tricky concepts like <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Solar-Eclipse-2024-Phases-of-the-Moon-Sun-Nonfiction-Close-Reading-Passages-8710928" target="_blank">solar and lunar eclipses</a>. </b>That is
why I love bringing current events into the classroom! <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">What is a solar eclipse?</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>A <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Solar-Eclipse-2024-Sun-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Page-Solar-System-3256292" target="_blank">solar eclipse</a> occurs when the moon positions itself and
passes between the sun and Earth, casting a shadow that either partially or
completely conceals the sun's rays.</b> This is considered a rare and extraordinary
event because the moon does not orbit in the exact same path as the sun and Earth
do.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Teaching about Solar Eclipses</h3><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Since solar eclipses are rare, bringing them into the
classroom is a great way to make learning authentic and harness your students’
excitement into <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Nonfiction-Reading-Passages-Comprehension-Questions-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-7738468" target="_blank">meaningful activities</a>.</b> Not sure how to get started teaching
about solar eclipses? Try these ideas! From hands-on experiments to creative and art-inspired tasks, each activity is designed to not only ignite your students'
curiosity but also deepen their comprehension of the upcoming solar eclipse. <o:p></o:p></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. Read a Picture Book About the Solar Eclipse</h3><p><b>I love turning to <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/06/must-have-picture-books-to-build-your.html" target="_blank">picture books</a> when kicking off any new unit, especially tricky science concepts!</b> Since solar eclipses are rare, I can feel confident that the books I select to share with students will be new to them and help them visualize and see eclipses through the books' illustrations before the big event occurs! <b><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/06/must-have-picture-books-to-build-your.html" target="_blank">Reading picture books aloud to upper elementary</a> students helps build background knowledge</b>, allowing all students to have some understanding of the concept or phenomenon before our learning begins.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>👉Here are three of my favorites for upper elementary...</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3Tilgl8" target="_blank">How the 1919 Solar Eclipse Proved Einstein's Theory of Relativity by Darcy Pattison</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3PjAPI6" target="_blank">Total Solar Eclipse by Jayme Sandberg</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/49O3SMl" target="_blank">A Few Beautiful Minutes by Kate Allen Fox</a></li></ul><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/4cfbvgc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Solar Eclipse Books for Upper Elementary" border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiya7YKLg-Xpu95QsmrHKiHyJq4cMqlVvwn2mwywiFs76ae5OreuMNefsYhVrN0Ca8jZpo9IO_tCd5o-a9NDFvyR2dal56Tt3RSI_1iBrkybbMjHnqqxgXPygAmBZIgkG9DxRISGoC8gYqBuXzobFLnpGVhB-AXR4P2KlHwoZyVFr2KoyhjkXQ2nDvNyHuu/w640-h360/solar%20eclipse%20read%20aloud%20picture%20books%20for%20upper%20elementary.jpg" title="7 Solar Eclipse Activities for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 14.95px; text-align: center;">*<b>affiliate links: </b></span><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">“Think Grow Giggle is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Purchasing does not cost extra for you and recommendations are real</span><p></p><p><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;">2. Compare and Contrast Solar and Lunar Eclipses</h3><p><b>Bringing <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/03/nonfiction-teaching-ideas-and.html" target="_blank">nonfiction reading</a> passages to your science lessons is a great way to connect content with informational reading skills. </b>When I taught fifth-grade science, I saw firsthand the disconnect students had with using <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/03/nonfiction-teaching-ideas-and.html" target="_blank">different nonfiction reading strategies </a>they had learned throughout the years with science content materials they were resading. Since then, I always find ways to bring nonfiction reading skills into science class. One easy way to do that is to <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Solar-Eclipse-2024-Sun-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Page-Solar-System-3256292" target="_blank">use informational passages</a> to help students understand eclipses</b>.</p><p><br /></p><p><i><b>Want to give it a try?</b></i> One way you can try <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2024/03/teaching-text-structure-upper-elementary.html" target="_blank">using nonfiction strategies</a> like a study of <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2024/03/teaching-text-structure-upper-elementary.html" target="_blank">text structure</a> during your solar eclipse study is to have students <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2024/03/teaching-text-structure-upper-elementary.html" target="_blank">focus on comparing and contrasting</a> solar and lunar eclipses. This one idea will have your students comparing, contrasting, critical thinking, and most importantly, understanding the differences between the two. </p><p><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">💡Follow these three steps to compare solar & lunar eclipses:</h4><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Read <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Solar-Eclipse-2024-Sun-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Page-Solar-System-3256292" target="_blank">nonfiction passages</a> </b>about both lunar and solar eclipses.</li><li>Have students <b>interact with the text by highlighting important information about each eclipse in a different color</b>. This will help them complete a Venn diagram easily about the two different eclipses.</li><li>Sketch! <b>Bring out the colored pencils and have students create sketch illustrations with pictures to show the difference between these eclipses</b>. Go one step further and have students include labels and captions for their illustrations.</li></ol><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Solar-Eclipse-2024-Sun-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Page-Solar-System-3256292" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="solar eclipse printable reading passages upper elementary kids" border="0" data-original-height="2476" data-original-width="3564" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQ1127AGuT07mbOF3vc15UH7B5XUoEChQ7RYGTTqajsvP6zePOO1v_J_PNf9bT9Dscc_JiskbNw2yAnGDprI0DLLEQcUmVBF4G66Kb3Har3E3x6x2CD0AewGdJJPZX3K0y43XRrOXmupII_UGhyphenhyphenkmnawHFLRgyAFqxKexQuqcSxQVFahVLHiDqgD_n6Rh/w640-h444/solar%20eclipse%20reading%20activities%20for%20upper%20elementary%20students.jpg" title="7 Solar Eclipse Activities for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">3. Watch a Video About Solar Eclipses to Visualize</h3><p><b>Lunar and solar eclipses are tricky concepts!</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Help your students see eclipses in action by weaving kid-friendly videos about lunar and solar eclipses into your unit. You can easily show these before any lesson, during snack, or after recess. <b>Go one step further by having students write on sticky notes four important concepts from the videos</b>. Collect all the students' sticky notes when the video ends and add them to a chart paper. Share the ideas that the students recorded, looking for patterns or repeated information. This will help you zoom in on the important concepts from the videos.</p><p><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Try one of these lunar and solar eclipse videos:</h4><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pz9aGDKZ_94" target="_blank">Getting Ready for the Eclipse!</a> (SciShowKids) about 13 minutes</li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rzb3M8e1AUI" target="_blank">What Will Happen During the Solar Eclipse?</a> (SciShowKids) about 4 minutes</li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cca5DaNs98w" target="_blank">Eclipses for Kids: Solar and Lunar </a>(Smile and Learn) about 3 minutes</li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6OtLfszaVI" target="_blank">Solar Eclipse</a> (Dr. Binocs) about 3 minutes</li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyf5JF_VxwM" target="_blank">What is a Solar Eclipse? </a>(NASSA) about 2 minutes</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p><i><b>Kindly note: </b>As with any video you show your students please preview the video to ensure they are appropriate for your cohort of students!</i></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">4. Map Out the Totality</h3><p>Discuss the path of the 2024 eclipse using a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Solar-Eclipse-2024-Sun-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Page-Solar-System-3256292" target="_blank">United States map to track it, discussing its totality</a>. <b>Totality is a rare and captivating occurrence that occurs only in specific locations along the eclipse path.</b></p><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Totality refers to the brief and spectacular phase of a
solar eclipse when the moon completely covers the sun, casting a shadow on
Earth and sending the immediate surroundings into darkness. During totality,
the sun's bright disk is entirely covered, revealing the solar corona—a halo
of hot, ionized gas surrounding the sun. This unique and awe-inspiring moment
allows observers within the path of totality to witness the sun's outer
atmosphere, experience a temporary twilight-like atmosphere, and marvel at the
celestial alignment of the moon and the sun. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">How to dive into the totality:</h4><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Have students create the path on a United States Map <i>(grab a free template below)</i></li><li><a href="https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/skywatching/eclipses/new-nasa-map-details-2023-and-2024-solar-eclipses-in-the-us/" target="_blank">Refer to this → NASA site for the 2024 eclipse path</a></li><li>Heading outside to view the eclipse? Provide these <a href="https://amzn.to/3TyZzim" target="_blank">safety glasses for students</a>!</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Solar-Eclipse-2024-Sun-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Page-Solar-System-3256292" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="map of solar eclipse free printable for upper elementary kids" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="3300" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkx2ep7cBSCyI1hHbVOeepNpUAGIRgMa8FfBl21DJPSnjTIvLhyG319e0U0TIDFd9r_pf49sjR2FJVIYWog9JDjpFpl9UVQ7cGO0PEdly9Fj2hB0quFTKkN5OWdQw4qDC6wP9acDum8P7tQ__w3etKJSgDgrFTEN499Cb1IqguZTEV9z6L93Y5rbOIrn2j/w640-h480/solar%20eclipse%20mapping%20totality%20activities%20for%20upper%20elementary%20students.jpg" title="7 Solar Eclipse Activities for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Grab the FREE solar eclipse mini pack here:</b></p><p><script async="" data-uid="1478316f3e" src="https://think-grow-giggle.ck.page/1478316f3e/index.js"></script></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">5. Get Up and Moving with a Simple Experiment</h3><p>What better way to explore science concepts than with <b>hands-on science experiences! </b></p><p><br /></p><p><b>💡Try this idea:</b></p><p><b>Simulate the phases of a solar eclipse using the students as models.</b> Have each group of three students color and create a sun, moon, and earth using different size paper plates. The <a href="https://amzn.to/4cabytU" target="_blank">largest paper plate</a> is the sun,<a href="https://amzn.to/4c92vJF" target="_blank"> the smallest paper plate</a> is the moon, and <a href="https://amzn.to/3PkW0tA" target="_blank">the middle plate</a> is the earth. Students can use construction paper or markers to decorate each plate. Once each plate is created, have students hold them over their heads and demonstrate how the moon blocks the sun's light during the eclipse, ensuring that all three students stand in the right positions. Have them sketch how they stood to show the solar eclipse in action!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">6. Solar Eclipse Writing Prompts</h3><p><b>Learning about any topic during science certainly lends itself to <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Informative-Writing-Opinion-Persuasive-Procedural-How-To-Test-Prep-3rd-4th-10595941" target="_blank">writing informational pieces</a>.</b> Students can write informative writing pieces to show or explain what they learned, share their opinions, and explain how something works. <b>You can also get more creative with writing projects during science. </b>Have your students go outside the box and write and create acrostic poems, descriptive paragraphs, and narrative pieces that weave in facts they learned. </p><p><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b>Try some of these prompts during your solar eclipse unit, and don't forget to grab the free solar eclipse acrostic poem template and these prompts above.</b></h4><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Imagine you are an astronaut exploring outer space. <b>Write a
journal entry</b> about the solar eclipse you witnessed from your spaceship.</li><li>Pretend you are a scientist studying the solar system. <b>Write
a report explaining</b> why solar eclipses happen and how they affect Earth.</li><li>If you could travel to the moon during a solar eclipse, what
would you see and experience? <b>Describe your lunar adventure in detail.</b></li><li><b>Create a dialogue</b> between the sun and the moon during a
solar eclipse. What do they say to each other? How do they feel about this rare
event?</li><li><b>Write a free-form poem</b> inspired by the beauty and mystery of a solar
eclipse. Use descriptive language to capture the emotions and atmosphere.</li><li><b>Draw a picture</b> of a solar eclipse and write a short
paragraph explaining the different phases. What happens during each stage?</li><li>Pretend you are a news reporter covering the solar eclipse
for a kids' newspaper. <b>Write an article</b> detailing the important facts and
interesting aspects of the event.</li><li>If you were a superhero with powers related to the sun and
moon, how would you use them during a solar eclipse? <b>Create a superhero comic </b>featuring yourself as the hero.</li><li><b>Write a persuasive essay</b> convincing your classmates that
everyone should take a break from their regular activities to observe a solar
eclipse. What makes it a special and educational experience?</li><li><b>Write a letter</b> to an alien pen pal explaining the concept
of a solar eclipse on Earth. How would you describe the event to someone from
another planet?</li></ol><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">7. Get Creative with Solar Eclipse Art Projects</h3><p>I love to have students use creative thinking and their art skills to show what they learned! Wrap up your unit on the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Solar-Eclipse-2024-Phases-of-the-Moon-Sun-Nonfiction-Close-Reading-Passages-8710928" target="_blank">solar eclipse</a> with one of these ideas to help synthesize their learning.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Solar-Eclipse-2024-Sun-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Page-Solar-System-3256292" target="_blank">Design a Poster</a></li><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Solar-Eclipse-2024-Sun-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Page-Solar-System-3256292" target="_blank">Doodle Thinkers</a></li><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Solar-Eclipse-2024-Sun-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Page-Solar-System-3256292" target="_blank">Create a Handout to Teach Others</a></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hERFdFv3hrE" target="_blank">Try a Solar Eclipse Directed Drawing</a></li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Solar-Eclipse-2024-Sun-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Page-Solar-System-3256292" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="solar eclipse creative art activities 3rd 4th 5th grade" border="0" data-original-height="3525" data-original-width="3520" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjae1ODU6BoOYDGLIpUAlwNO_FaSNiOOIGiZgG4hMzs-zmx6GJqTjPkFcPCsal6oUv8VycwVQ-TR8e6fZzUw9Jn56ylXav-Mij-tUIK9G-6JyBHlR-L623WFNRUJarAzejMZmsVXthNS57ehlFJal2bTR24teVT1vpOpnDUT-dsGytw35kaZTXnAw7l_rO_/w640-h640/solar%20eclipse%20creative%20art%20activities%20for%20upper%20elementary%20students.jpg" title="7 Solar Eclipse Activities for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>The <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Solar-Eclipse-2024-Sun-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Page-Solar-System-3256292" target="_blank">world of solar eclipses</a> is fascinating
and mysterious, especially for our upper elementary students! </b> Whether your students are aspiring astronauts, budding scientists, or someone who loves a good adventure, witnessing a solar eclipse is a memorable experience and one we should support as educators. Add different hands-on activities, art-inspired tasks, and outside-of-the-box writing projects to your solar eclipse lesson plans to help inspire students! <b>Mark your calendars for the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Solar-Eclipse-2024-Sun-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Page-Solar-System-3256292" target="_blank">April 2024</a> eclipse, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Solar-Eclipse-2024-Sun-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Page-Solar-System-3256292" target="_blank">try some of these activities</a>, and watch your students be inspired to learn as much as possible!</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Happy teaching! : )</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">You will also love reading:</h3><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2024/01/5-leap-year-activities-and-ideas-for.html" target="_blank">Let's Learn About Leap Year</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/03/a-simple-way-to-teach-students-to-make.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">A Simple Way to Teach Inferring</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/08/must-try-tip-to-encourage-students-to.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Engaging Students to Read a Variety of Genres</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/07/7-picture-books-to-celebrate-reading.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">7 Picture Books to Celebrate Reading</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">Check out these <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Solar-Eclipse-2024-Sun-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Page-Solar-System-3256292" target="_blank">solar eclipse activities HERE</a>.</h3><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Solar-Eclipse-2024-Sun-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Page-Solar-System-3256292" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="solar eclipse reading passages lesson ideas 3rd 4th 5th grade" border="0" data-original-height="1791" data-original-width="1987" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eRoRIj4JtMPj9BIQ0NZlI7iLL966fArZUy5ZWYNCF0yxI8KUOkL7w9wsQcgilNTjnZOu_QOW86KNfhS2pNwW3L4ve71iOFtqY99iRrgcZKkJm3Y9dXOVn-LuuFRFyoCQIVQkg9UeEETeWCYnwywsaeAmPYbrDMcw8fFtBVjDqbmDrUB5uLvKTxG-9dSx/w640-h576/solar%20eclipse%20activities%20for%20upper%20elementary%20students.jpg" title="7 Solar Eclipse Activities for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">LOVE <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Solar-Eclipse-2024-Sun-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Page-Solar-System-3256292" target="_blank">these ideas</a>? Pin to save!</h3><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Solar-Eclipse-2024-Sun-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Page-Solar-System-3256292" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="teaching solar eclipse for 3rd 4th 5th graders" border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="3375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fQiljDZuaXzzZiebtBS0xUvEZ3cckaQHMMMJh34ycx2xeoOTuHOuwQ454tQ3z_zjzOUfn0bZNOa-IKvbtMDGNV934u9bsKK5DEN6c2onlquixm5T7PQHLLqRbpKdPXcxU2PtqPKI6xKKs_NA-35G-y9krsMQy1HBzzTmu7-jtIqJGE79BJAgj_5nCPFF/s16000/solar%20eclipse%20activities%20for%20upper%20elementary%20students_pin.jpg" title="7 Solar Eclipse Activities for Upper Elementary" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 14.95px; text-align: center;">*<b>affiliate links: </b></span><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">“Think Grow Giggle is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.” (source: </span><a href="https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/operating/agreement" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="background-color: white; color: #25c1aa; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Segoe UI", Segoe, "Helvetica Neue", Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Section 5</a><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">)</span></p>Third Grade Giggleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18234338835946741807noreply@blogger.comNew York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972812.402541463821152 -109.1622228 69.023009136178842 -38.849722799999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333302365949553987.post-32445993099829958802024-03-11T04:00:00.000-07:002024-03-11T06:45:07.474-07:00Teaching Text Structure Upper Elementary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Text-Structure-Passages-Worksheet-Practice-Informational-Chart-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-10489763" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Teaching Text Structure Upper Elementary" border="0" data-original-height="2371" data-original-width="3405" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxy1GcZFDygpHP4vAJ_t9_N3kWBHSWAXKPGXoMEjGTQ6MR5cEwZFMYJCfvF20QGwSvITw-miG6jnOrGKWVdX7HW5viF-XMTZRCVfHYVzyeG8mIt5nF9QrttcHTXuzINo2B1qQh8J0oRmjfhm3neB0iKXm2AK5-GIdFJGCW7VvBrkzYP8Y087xIT6RHNbt/s16000/Teaching%20Text%20Structure%20Upper%20Elementary_header.jpg" title="text structure teaching tips for 3rd 4th 5th grade" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b>When it comes to <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/03/nonfiction-teaching-ideas-and.html" target="_blank">reading nonfiction</a> material, students can
never get enough practice!</b> While many students enjoy reading nonfiction and
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Nonfiction-Close-Reading-Passages-Strategies-Anchor-Charts-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-9673260" target="_blank">informational articles</a>, they often focus on the cool or new facts they learn. While that is a great way to get students engaged and excited to
<a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/03/nonfiction-teaching-ideas-and.html" target="_blank">read nonfiction</a>, we must ensure our upper elementary
students are <b>diving deep into the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Text-Structure-Passages-Worksheet-Practice-Informational-Chart-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-10489763" target="_blank">structure of informational text</a> to help build their comprehension skills.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">What is Text Structure?</h3><b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Text-Structure-Passages-Worksheet-Practice-Informational-Chart-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-10489763" target="_blank">Text structures</a> refer to the way authors organize
information in a text</b>. Mastery of these structures allows students to
comprehend and analyze nonfiction texts more effectively and deeply. <b>The five key
text structures our upper elementary students face</b> are <i><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Text-Structure-Posters-Anchor-Charts-Graphic-Organizers-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-10581214" target="_blank">cause and effect, description, sequence, compare and contrast, and problem-solution.</a></i><br /><br /><b>Understanding text structures matters! </b>Research shows that understanding text structure is a guiding force for comprehension.
According to findings from educational psychologists <i>(e.g., Pressley &
Afflerbach, 1995)</i>,<b> explicit instruction on text structure significantly
enhances students' ability to grasp the relationships between ideas and the
overall comprehension of the text.</b> It is like providing students with a roadmap
showing them the way to understand the nonfiction text that they are reading.<br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Why Teach Text Structure?</h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are so many benefits that come along with
<b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Text-Structure-Posters-Anchor-Charts-Graphic-Organizers-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-10581214" target="_blank">understanding text structure</a></b> as readers. <b>When you engage your students in
nonfiction studies focused on understanding text structure, you will see...</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></p>
<div style="text-align: left;">âś…<b>Enhanced comprehension</b> - Understanding text structures helps
students make sense of information by recognizing patterns and relationships
between ideas.</div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">âś…<b>Improved critical thinking</b> -
Analyzing different text structures encourages critical thinking as
students learn to evaluate and compare information in various ways.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">âś… <b>Increase in communication skills</b> - <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Text-Structure-Passages-Worksheet-Practice-Informational-Chart-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-10489763" target="_blank">Mastery of text structures support</a>s students in expressing ideas clearly, both in writing and
verbal communication.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">âś… <b>Sharpened skills for success</b> - <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Text-Structure-Posters-Anchor-Charts-Graphic-Organizers-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-10581214" target="_blank">Proficiency in text structure</a> is a
foundational skill that prepares students for more complex reading and writing
tasks in higher grades.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">âś… <b>Real-world Application</b> -
Recognizing text structures is not just an academic skill; it is a
practical skill that students will use in different aspects of their lives, from
reading news articles to understanding procedural manuals.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Pa5-rOE-CSI" width="320" youtube-src-id="Pa5-rOE-CSI"></iframe></div><br /><o:p><br /></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><h3><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Text-Structure-Passages-Worksheet-Practice-Informational-Chart-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-10489763" target="_blank">How to Teach Text Structure</a></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Teaching nonfiction text structures is an important step in developing strong reading comprehension skills in upper elementary students. </b>Try these go-to ideas for teaching text structure in your upper elementary classroom!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. Teach Each Text Structure
in Isolation</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Use <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Text-Structure-Posters-Anchor-Charts-Graphic-Organizers-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-10581214" target="_blank">anchor charts to help teach</a> this tricky concept!</b> Begin
by introducing each text structure separately. This ensures that students grasp
the unique characteristics of each before moving on to more complex tasks and critical thinking about text s.
Three things to make sure that you include in your anchor charts and
introductions are:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">âś…Why each text structure is used<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">âś… Keywords that signal each text structure<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">âś… A visual {graphic organizer} to connect to each text
structure<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Text-Structure-Posters-Anchor-Charts-Graphic-Organizers-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-10581214" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Teaching Text Structure Anchor Charts for Teachers" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2476" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFYVMwhX2fJpwaYLFF00I-Hd8hYni1lXZfjiz_XIi3xWo8nG9ZlPyLLkb-xba4o8kd9S-o8n0iZyvjANUI6R0l7fUc48o6kbJPJOxZ9bfDYHtwFOHH2TO1nHR0ofzPgI4ZIbTdG3CkUUpfPXmjc6ECwF0rWkyDR3aQLFqJu5228xX4WmzKDrJwhDkG6hO/w640-h640/Teaching%20Text%20Structure%20with%20Anchor%20Charts%20Upper%20Elementary.jpg" title="Teaching Text Structure Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><o:p><br /></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Grab the FREE Text Structure Starter Kit right here!</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><script async="" data-uid="583706b7a5" src="https://think-grow-giggle.ck.page/583706b7a5/index.js"></script></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">2. Utilize <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Text-Structure-Posters-Anchor-Charts-Graphic-Organizers-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-10581214" target="_blank">Graphic Organizers as Readers and Writers</a></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Using visual aids like graphic organizers is a great way to
help students organize information and visually <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Text-Structure-Posters-Anchor-Charts-Graphic-Organizers-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-10581214" target="_blank">differentiate between the different text structures</a>. These tools provide a clear visual representation of
how information is structured in a text and helps them collect important
information. <b>When students complete the graphic organizer about a specific
text, they are collecting information that will help them prove which text
structure they are reading.</b> Doing this helps them better communicate with others about their reading and convey the author's purpose and message.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Space-Reading-Comprehension-Solar-System-Text-Structure-Practice-Passages-11098851" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Teaching Text Structure Graphic Organizers" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJJiatmRG2fofKhvo94l9LCzu_gHkRErYwdskS4nuWFASgv_wIhC5KsVmTDhLn9wYZykVySxhuEdjp0Se1S595Ya1qFmYjxO6Ljj4tA4cY7ueOreKDBJDRG6E0kjUk_muvaDDBf9cl9JsHROsWvttdqqFe5Dt8cOIQ-tpHxhUTiMuXJeUtsPobgKKwfKy/w640-h640/Teaching%20Text%20Structure%20Lessons%20Ideas%20Upper%20Elementary.jpg" title="Teaching Text Structure Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">3. Read Multiple Texts on the Same Topic</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">To deepen understanding, <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Space-Reading-Comprehension-Solar-System-Text-Structure-Practice-Passages-11098851" target="_blank">have students read five short texts on the same topic</a></b>, each utilizing a different text structure. This activity
enables them to compare and contrast how information is presented and identify
the distinctive features of each structure. Students will collect a lot of information about one topic and show students that the longer informational books and passages they read can have more than one text structure within them.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>đź’ˇTeacher Tip</b>: Go one step further and have students respond to a prompt and write about what they learned about the given topic to synthesize their learning!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Space-Reading-Comprehension-Solar-System-Text-Structure-Practice-Passages-11098851" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Teaching Text Structure Reading Passages Nonfiction" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6o8hJk2X7tcgpB3Xxw67jOWqGVd_rkPHXAQQbun-bSW0H0bqUvo9XoLNLqtUdegQGwG5dE_S_k4uzhEWAZLHIDqrzsRM0BBnuMpN2eoNazk782VSmw5xst0M7UF5kBytCEo4wCvK-BcCHWNvYitVxZGCrD8qby_-1llprX_Lmo6_LCIZwC6cwevFBL1OT/w640-h640/Teaching%20Text%20Structure%20with%20Nonfiction%20Passages%20Upper%20Elementary.jpg" title="Teaching Text Structure Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">4. Real-World Sorting Activity</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>This is a fun way to kick off a text structure unit or wrap
one up</b>! </p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Encourage students to collect reading materials from the real world,
such as newspaper articles, brochures, directions, ads, informational pamphlets, and really anything! I always have a stash ready to show students how to sort the reading material. I use hula hoops to sort each text
structure, but you can use chart paper or just a table to group the reading materials.<b> The concept is simple,
just label each hula hoop with each text structure.</b> Then, share reading material like directions to a game. Have students decide which text structure
it was written in through discussion and debate. Then, select a student to put the
directions read into the matching hula hoop! <b>This hands-on activity
connects classroom learning with real-world reading, and the kids love it!</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">5. Create Collaborative Projects</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Foster collaborative learning by assigning projects where
students work together to create a presentation or report using a specific text
structure. <b>This not only reinforces individual understanding but also promotes
teamwork and communication skills. </b>We have done collaborative class projects
for text structure on one topic, such as <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Earth-Day-Activities-Reading-Writing-Math-April-Reduce-Reuse-Recycle-Pollution-2484472" target="_blank">Earth Day</a>. Each group was assigned a
text structure. Then, they worked together to develop a presentation for the class on an Earth Day-related topic in the assigned structure. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Here is what the kids came up with: </b></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Compare and Contrast: <i>Solar Energy VS Electricity </i></li><li>Sequence Order: <i>The Process of Recycling </i></li><li>Description: <i>Enjoy Visiting a National Park on Earth Day</i></li><li>Problem and Solution: <i>Reduce, Reuse, Recycle</i></li><li>Cause and Effect: <i>Save the Mountain Gorillas from
Extinction</i></li></ul><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Text-Structure-Passages-Worksheet-Practice-Informational-Chart-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-10489763" target="_blank">Teaching nonfiction text structures</a> is a fundamental step in
developing strong reading and comprehension skills in upper elementary students.</b> By
focusing on cause and effect, description, sequence, compare and contrast, and
problem-solution structures, we can help strengthen our students' understanding of informational texts. Implementing these tips will make the learning process engaging and empower students with essential skills
for academic and real-world success. <b>Plus, research shows that understanding <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Text-Structure-Passages-Worksheet-Practice-Informational-Chart-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-10489763" target="_blank">text structure</a> helps students succeed as readers of nonfiction texts, so get started with some of these ideas today!</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">You will also love to read:</h3><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/09/what-are-effective-reading.html" target="_blank">What are Effective Reading Comprehension Strategies?</a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/11/using-reading-strategies-to-help.html" target="_blank">Using Reading Strategies to Help Readers Grow</a></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/03/nonfiction-teaching-ideas-and.html" target="_blank">Nonfiction Teaching Ideas and Strategies to Hook Upper Elementary Readers</a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/03/a-simple-way-to-teach-students-to-make.html" target="_blank">Must Try Inferencing Lesson for Upper Elementary</a></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">Check out my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Text-Structure-Passages-Worksheet-Practice-Informational-Chart-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-10489763" target="_blank">favorite Text Structure activities HERE</a>. </h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">Like <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Text-Structure-Passages-Worksheet-Practice-Informational-Chart-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-10489763" target="_blank">these Text Structure Foldables</a></b> to just add to your daily routine!</div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Text-Structure-Practice-Passages-Posters-Worksheets-Nonfiction-3rd-4th-Grade-10376063" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Teaching Nonfiction Text Structure 3rd 4th 5th Grade" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbyif52w3oGO4GoH2NJZOT1RxK1Hx57tHtP_vJGUxZIenGOm__CqFdMd7CyZZGn6qoC4YVpKXBfSHf9VEVtxhWDuV2v_buX-psSXVeaTcibPbU0Hcns13I0OVUwosufMWPjq3GmoA9g4kp_cebpGymLrFtH0-5y_1rHQQNws_c7Pu_Zs2goJnrv3griE9/w640-h640/text%20structure%20passages%20and%20activities%20upper%20elementary.jpg" title="Teaching Text Structure Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><o:p><br /></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">LOVE these ideas? Pin to save!</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Text-Structure-Passages-Worksheet-Practice-Informational-Chart-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-10489763" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Teaching Text Structure ideas for Teachers" border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="3375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNtM-fz0mVnSLyRyPAYrIozZLKDLacz3BcOHo8qRywrh8a2NtKhUV3XHGzxyfAwz6nSwmx6QrX9lMNJL771f0ltIqeX_UZckMnwLfP_2ZmVN7GlMNgwlt1T_jak6I71KWfcseuiDbGNzCwjBQi5XV7aPBtZiMQ5PdAoljne2Be1DCuPbLHWlLzvhLW1XJ/s16000/Teaching%20Text%20Structure%20Upper%20Elementary_longpin1.jpg" title="Teaching Text Structure Upper Elementary" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 14.95px;">*<b>affiliate links: </b></span><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">“Think Grow Giggle is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.” (source: </span><a href="https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/operating/agreement" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="background-color: white; color: #25c1aa; font-family: raleway, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Section 5</a><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">)</span></o:p></p>Third Grade Giggleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18234338835946741807noreply@blogger.comNew York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972812.402541463821152 -109.1622228 69.023009136178842 -38.849722799999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333302365949553987.post-14326678123917797902024-01-29T04:00:00.000-08:002024-01-29T06:48:07.059-08:00Valentine's Day Activities for Upper Elementary Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Think-Grow-Giggle/Category/127823-Holiday-Valentines-Day-325497" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Valentine's Day Activities for Upper Elementary Kids" border="0" data-original-height="2356" data-original-width="3614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8gyf8Bfmnr3nZTwMwp1Cfkh1OVfW9gG7CPMuoRpH0hWY23JHJoA2peBmU8Vn04Q6LgUR3feluCXvwBvCx8vLfMuuuDs07DJWjtb7JB0lIZsAsuGLTBZUmDShwG8d6uLVQ1ZTWRnAlq0S05bD6CMe7Rr56a0WRE7ZapsF1-zlC_eb8sh1-ukwAWpcScf8/s16000/valentines%20day%20activities%20for%20upper%20elementary%20.jpg" title="Valentine's Day ideas for 3rd 4th 5th Grade" /></a></div><br /><p>Celebrating <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/01/6-valentines-day-classroom-party-ideas.html" target="_blank">Valentine's Day</a> each February is unavoidable for teachers! Am I right? And since this holiday is always on the mind of our upper elementary students as soon as the calendar flips to February, why not harness all of that excitement into <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/01/6-valentines-day-classroom-party-ideas.html" target="_blank">meaningful learning experiences</a>!?</p><p><br /></p><p>By now, you know that I just LOVE <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/06/3-simple-ways-to-engage-students-by.html" target="_blank">celebrating the holidays and seasons</a> in my upper elementary classroom. But when February comes around, every minute of this short month is accounted for because of ALL the holidays, like...</p><p><br /></p><p>✅ <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/01/4-groundhog-activities-for-upper.html" target="_blank">Groundhog Day</a></p><p>✅ <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2023/01/5-ideas-and-activities-to-celebrate.html" target="_blank">100th Day of School</a></p><p>✅ <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2024/01/5-chinese-lunar-new-year-activities-for.html" target="_blank">Lunar New Year</a></p><p>✅ <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2023/02/3-must-try-president-day-activities-for.html" target="_blank">Presidents Day</a></p><p>✅ <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2024/01/5-leap-year-activities-and-ideas-for.html" target="_blank">Leap Year</a></p><p>✅ <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Football-Reading-Comprehension-Passages-Fun-for-Super-Bowl-February-Close-Read-3592801" target="_blank">Football's Big Game/Bowl</a></p><p>✅ <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/11/teaching-kindness-in-classroom.html" target="_blank">Random Acts of Kindness Week</a></p><p><br /></p><p>It can feel overwhelming to try to get in all of the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Think-Grow-Giggle/Search:february" target="_blank">February holidays</a>, special events, and the standards and even <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Testing-Motivation-Notes-Coloring-Pages-Bulletin-Board-Student-Encouragement-5222135" target="_blank">test prep </a>depending on when your standardized tests begin!</p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>Need help planning for <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Think-Grow-Giggle/Category/127823-Holiday-Valentines-Day-325497" target="_blank">Valentine's Day</a>? </i></b>I can help! <b>I am sharing five must do and meaningful activities that are the perfect blend for any upper elementary classroom looking to celebrate Valentine's Day! </b>From age-appropriate picture book read-alouds to community building fun, this list includes<b> something for every upper elementary teacher to try out this February!</b></p><p><br /></p><p>And the best part? These activities do more than celebrate <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Activities-Reading-Writing-Math-Somebody-Loves-You-Mr-Hatch-2316097" target="_blank"><b>Valentine's Day</b></a>! </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. Create a Kind Environment with Valentine's Day Decor</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLQuzn7qAsibPZ86poVDUBeDA44NicFj4yX7a4JsqTb4Q99yADCzb2rG2zEdax9U_6IZ14tkQ0xYYBmF1FtgQHcfR7MIWoMg4nlgVoi_0gTzWP0DtVBcMYw2p44laiEkc7Savsc1Q08xXQYL5GZ1eX8Ui5vIiUvEHDr2NV3kI1g8X9f9XlATYnH-VheeM/s5360/valentines%20day%20bulletin%20board%20kindness%20posters%20for%20upper%20elementary.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="valentine's day february bulletin board ideas for the classroom" border="0" data-original-height="3479" data-original-width="5360" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLQuzn7qAsibPZ86poVDUBeDA44NicFj4yX7a4JsqTb4Q99yADCzb2rG2zEdax9U_6IZ14tkQ0xYYBmF1FtgQHcfR7MIWoMg4nlgVoi_0gTzWP0DtVBcMYw2p44laiEkc7Savsc1Q08xXQYL5GZ1eX8Ui5vIiUvEHDr2NV3kI1g8X9f9XlATYnH-VheeM/w640-h416/valentines%20day%20bulletin%20board%20kindness%20posters%20for%20upper%20elementary.jpg" title="Valentine's Day Activities for Upper Elementary Kids" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2023/02/9-valentines-day-picture-books-for.html" target="_blank">Valentine's Day </a>is the perfect time to adorn your walls and bulletin boards with messages about kindness! I love spreading kindness and encouraging random acts of kindness in our classroom, and with <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2017/07/the-beginning-of-school-year-can-be.html" target="_blank">Random Acts of Kindness Week</a> taking place in February, it is the perfect time to spread some <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Reading-Comprehension-Passages-Random-Acts-of-Kindness-February-7658263" target="_blank">kindness</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p>👉You can grab this <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Bulletin-Board-Ideas-Posters-Random-Acts-of-Kindness-Week-7738610" target="_blank">free set of kindness posters</a></b> in my TPT shop Think Grow Giggle <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Bulletin-Board-Ideas-Posters-Random-Acts-of-Kindness-Week-7738610" target="_blank">right HERE</a></b>.</p><p><br /></p><p>Another fun way to celebrate Valentine's Day with <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/February-Bulletin-Board-Ideas-Valentines-Day-Craft-Writing-Activity--3608159" target="_blank">meaningful decor is to have your students write love poetry</a> about something they love! It is a simple writing activity that makes a great bulletin board for the month of February. It also gives students the opportunity to take a short writing piece through the writing process!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/February-Bulletin-Board-Ideas-Valentines-Day-Craft-Writing-Activity--3608159" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Valentine's Day writing activities" border="0" data-original-height="3479" data-original-width="5358" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0noG53KGULnATWchjG65MEaSCYa86X2ZXG-7nvNtxFq2pt0U9kL0GfEkgsYkyuEVBPEQZ3jzcgC9760DhhDrUwd7xali7y-D0gbxY6oF0SRW1GyNyPcprqNFBILt6LfNAJLvvcs_mYeGj9XTMcP5zEBn7IiuJmxrhNENG36eD-g4Ut3buZpHJ27RKo3Y/w640-h416/valentines%20day%20bulletin%20board%20poetry%20writing%20for%20upper%20elementary.jpg" title="Valentine's Day Activities for Upper Elementary Kids" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><i style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Want to add a touch of decor to your classroom this February? You will love these <b><a href="https://amzn.to/3OkcNwq" target="_blank">Valentine's Day Must Haves</a>!</b></i></p><p><i style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/shop/thinkgrowgiggle/list/27A4S7S19E8CQ?ref_=aipsflist_aipsfthinkgrowgiggle" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Valentine's Day decor ideas for the classroom" border="0" data-original-height="2685" data-original-width="4609" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhkvng37xEORmurvhCiPmGRtom-KddK9cSR_PAecDOa23Iy4loeWjPTymoHQgRfzIYLlbJJg2RFUhMQHcqJiSpXZ2k1R-brXKm0j5kuyZ7BX3rxBn1uepAauU7N_MOxzwhOTDCvu3p7RLbrYmAczVHzKrPFMnyyNGqPzN9eLtb3hDxe1ctJEvr1KHF_ZNf/w640-h372/amazon%20valentine%20ideas%20decor%20for%20the%20classroom.png" title="Valentine's Day Activities for Upper Elementary Kids" width="640" /></a></i></div><i style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><br /><b><br /></b></i><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3>2. Read a Valentine's Day Picture Book</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2023/02/9-valentines-day-picture-books-for.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Valentine's Day picture book read alouds for upper elementary classroom" border="0" data-original-height="3479" data-original-width="5449" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDzTwv-6CiG07GI_nRoUWoIF7XGHiGq4_E5RhnLQh0R3RsFE38th1TM8CHGSPlVgsbPRZN1V0ez-9SKy1Gx4Lazi4Cyzj3XjfmTbYV-Xfj13jddWMnA-lk9Z9F2kd8arIfPSsBkNqe2tWsmFD7PDu5H5WmN_qrUKhBd0yPZo7hlt_rINNkK9r7R-MENtY/w640-h408/valentines%20day%20picture%20book%20read%20alouds%20for%20upper%20elementary.jpg" title="Valentine's Day Activities for Upper Elementary Kids" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>When it comes to any special day, holiday, or change of season, I love to dive into a picture book to celebrate! You know that I <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2023/02/9-valentines-day-picture-books-for.html" target="_blank">love reading picture books</a> with upper elementary. There is nothing better than gathering at the carpet, sharing a story through images and words, and discussing the message, theme, and characters with big kids!</div><div><br /></div><div>When it comes to <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Reading-Comprehension-Passages-Random-Acts-of-Kindness-February-7658263" target="_blank">Valentine's Day</a>, I love to read stories with themes of friendship, self-love, kindness, and love...and the kids love listening to them!</div><div><br /></div><div>👉Head to <b><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2023/02/9-valentines-day-picture-books-for.html" target="_blank">this post to read about 9 picture books</a></b> that are perfect to get into the season of Valentine's Day and are just right for your upper elementary students! While you are there, grab the free download of activities to use with some of the book suggestions, too!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3>3. Learn Through Themes and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Reading-Comprehension-Passages-Random-Acts-of-Kindness-February-7658263" target="_blank">Traditions</a></h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Reading-Passages-Comprehension-Random-Acts-of-Kindness-7658263" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Valentine's Day reading passages" border="0" data-original-height="3479" data-original-width="5358" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVh55sFf3jMWVEVJKhIHDkuXtiAFyGE9nmdsVkhbY6gTzoKzNbAdNzGgdtgKRE6IT50uf3p5YT3ISX1NeVW15Ie70SMmGTYOKcPH0zpu3B_IjxwAqM0seXln8MoJNs1ajcw0Afv1q8LVXQZSvEtDnXoLtFHJVOKztKDNHgZnE5egoB6TKGcoWp_yZ1X_hj/w640-h416/valentines%20day%20reading%20activitiess%20traditions%20for%20upper%20elementary.jpg" title="Valentine's Day Activities for Upper Elementary Kids" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Students are instantly engaged when we study the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Traditions-Holiday-Reading-Comprehension-Passages-Leap-Year-7733349" target="_blank">history and traditions</a> of different holidays! They love learning the why behind special days and the traditions that accompany them. When it comes to <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Reading-Comprehension-Passages-Random-Acts-of-Kindness-February-7658263" target="_blank">Valentine's Day, there are many traditions</a> that the kids love to learn about; here are some of the ones that I have found that truly engage the kids...</div><div><br /></div><div>💜<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Heart-Health-Reading-Comprehension-Passage-February-Fun-for-Valentines-Day-4297453" target="_blank">heart health</a></div><div>💜<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Reading-Comprehension-Passages-Random-Acts-of-Kindness-February-7658263" target="_blank">random acts of kindness</a></div><div>💜<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Reading-Comprehension-Passages-Random-Acts-of-Kindness-February-7658263" target="_blank">candy hearts</a></div><div>💜<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Activities-Reading-Writing-Math-Somebody-Loves-You-Mr-Hatch-2316097" target="_blank">Milton Hershey</a></div><div>💜<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Reading-Comprehension-Passages-Random-Acts-of-Kindness-February-7658263" target="_blank">roses</a></div><div>💜<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Reading-Comprehension-Passages-Random-Acts-of-Kindness-February-7658263" target="_blank">cupid </a></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>💡Short on time? Try this teaching tip!</b></div><div>Grab a collection of <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Reading-Comprehension-Passages-Random-Acts-of-Kindness-February-7658263" target="_blank">reading passages about each of these topics</a>. <b>Divide students into small groups. Give each group one of the topics. </b>Have students create short presentations on each topic with a handout to pass out. The kids love creating handouts to pass out to their audience! This gives students a chance to learn about each of the topics for the holiday from their peers in a short amount of time!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h3>4. Community Building Appreciation Letter</h3></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Activities-Reading-Writing-Math-Somebody-Loves-You-Mr-Hatch-2316097" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Valentine's Day community building activities for kids" border="0" data-original-height="3479" data-original-width="5420" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZ68H2w8sTz5N3uuwHNE6MU491vfRICfaQ5_Tk36E0gDZx_sSV9Xlx3lqoDuDYCLRnf6HSYjL_m500a6YkuzVoex4VKoq614MKKIhF6ZDm081AUB2ouDDdsB2zZOkFyX2AzEROc3MK9OBsgNHRwGHjC543RxAopGuPGTimHWD_C-oghh0GLUwqzA23T2g/w640-h410/valentines%20day%20community%20building%20%20for%20upper%20elementary.jpg" title="Valentine's Day Activities for Upper Elementary Kids" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>Using <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Community-Building-Activities-Classroom-Team-Build-7119051" target="_blank">community-building</a> activities throughout the year is important to me!</b> Activities that are specifically designed to strengthen our classroom community and<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindness-Coloring-Pages-Sheets-Fun-for-Random-Acts-of-Kindness-Week-10920661" target="_blank"> spread kindness</a> are a must to do throughout the year and should not just be limited to the first two weeks of school. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Community-Building-Activities-Posters-Classroom-Bulletin-Board-6924857" target="_blank">Community building activities </a>are especially fun when they are tied into holidays like Valentine's Day! Since this holiday focuses on friendship, kindness, and community it is the perfect time to do a little community building in your classroom!</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><div><b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Activities-Reading-Writing-Math-Somebody-Loves-You-Mr-Hatch-2316097" target="_blank">This friendship letter community building activity</a></b> is simple yet powerful and you will want to do an <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Community-Building-Activities-Positive-Affirmation-Notes-Friendly-Letter-Writing-3884669" target="_blank">activity like this</a> each month!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>Here is how we send <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Activities-Reading-Writing-Math-Somebody-Loves-You-Mr-Hatch-2316097" target="_blank">friendship appreciation letters </a>to others to celebrate Valentine's Day:</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><ol><li>Instruct your students to write their names on a small piece of paper and fold it into fourths. Have the kids place the pieces of paper in a basket.</li><li>Have students randomly draw a name from the basket, checking to make sure that they did not pick themselves. If they do pick themselves, have them show you before selecting a new name.</li><li>Students then write an appreciation letter to the student whose name they picked. Their friendship letter should be positive and upbeat and include specific reasons on why they appreciate their friend. Encourage students to use examples from the school year to help them be specific.</li><li>When all students are done creating the letters for their classmates, they deliver them. They really love both giving letters and receiving them!</li></ol></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h3>5. Bust Out the Crayons</h3></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Coloring-Pages-Color-by-Number-February-Morning-Work-Math--9029070" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Valentine's Day coloring activities for 3rd 4th 5th graders" border="0" data-original-height="3479" data-original-width="5358" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbExzizueO1hG6skekBjJz8QkTHs7EQTXoH3IgTbyPsgQNZCNuJy_Imb3ubd7_8P3Vnjje08Tf3VV1TaeCL-naWM73pgUi87Fv7xC2EtmWrvXXm0QSNtLO9-RsVjX3HLq5eNxsVrLlrrJGZH_4a6GAJQNJDmCbbYKOQIFQuLXSPcdhlOW0B4yjt9RX4b_/w640-h416/valentines%20day%20coloring%20activities%20for%20upper%20elementary.jpg" title="Valentine's Day Activities for Upper Elementary Kids" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Lately, I have been talking a lot on social media about how the students that I work with <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Winter-Coloring-Pages-Color-By-Number-Reading-Grammar-Math-February-Morning-Work-8494766" target="_blank">love to color</a>! Coloring activities and direct drawing tasks have become a staple for brain breaks, morning work, indoor recess, and Fun Fridays.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We love using c<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Coloring-Pages-February-Color-by-Number-Sheet-Math-Morning-Work-9029070" target="_blank">olor by code</a> (color by number) review activities to not only bring in coloring and fine motor skill practice, but also to practice important skills like reading comprehension, grammar, word work, and math practice. And when you<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Coloring-Pages-February-Color-by-Number-Sheet-Math-Morning-Work-9029070" target="_blank"> add in Valentine's Day</a>, it makes it extra fun for February!</div><div><br /></div><p>We also love using <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/100th-Day-Coloring-Page-February-Valentines-Groundhog-Leap-Year-Lunar-New-Years--10336009" target="_blank">Doodle Thinkers</a> to celebrate the holidays! <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/100th-Day-Coloring-Page-February-Valentines-Groundhog-Leap-Year-Lunar-New-Years--10336009" target="_blank">Doodle Thinkers </a>are intentionally designed to help upper elementary students brainstorm as they color small doodles. When they are done coloring, they complete list building, word work, and writing tasks. The kids LOVE these!</p><p><br /></p><p><b>One last art-inspired activity that we LOVE to do is to complete this self-love activity</b>. It is simple to do. After reading aloud the book, <b><u><a href="https://amzn.to/3uaGWqW" target="_blank">Be You by Peter H. Reynolds</a></u></b>, each student gets a heart. Then they fill up the heart with everything that they love about themselves. They can write words or draw pictures. You can <b><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2017/07/freebies-from-think-grow-giggle.html" target="_blank">grab the self love hearts for free right here</a></b>! Print them on white paper and have the kids color them or you can print them on different color Astrobrights.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3>6. Join in on the Party!</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Cards-from-Teacher-to-Students-2308882" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="valentine's day cards for students from teachers" border="0" data-original-height="3479" data-original-width="5392" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mpu4gOAnsSoOiaMlYzhgXMv_sztJfh16fvN7BTSTBQMnYH2ZExNaPKTXHkPlQLhCM0iU1CqDZ23TvDq5lR0udC1nanATryIo4usj0NoIMTAjPs3JBLHA0Qt1vXxqvXvHWqZOwAFtbLqhdvXhYFYRIu0ou-HZWYhDGAozzTVKR0hzQs9GdJEsbzwr0Q4Z/w640-h412/valentines%20day%20cards%20from%20teacher%20to%20student%20for%20upper%20elementary%202.jpg" title="Valentine's Day Activities for Upper Elementary Kids" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p>Whether you have a <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/01/6-valentines-day-classroom-party-ideas.html" target="_blank">class Valentine's Day party or not</a>, definitely get into the spirit of the day by passing out your own Valentine's Day cards to your students! I love these because they are easy to print and go, and use year after year! All you have to do is download them, print them, sign your name, and leave on your students' desks. You can also add a personalized note to each student on the back.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Always be ready! Grab these print-and-go Valentine's Day cards to use year after year!</b></p><p>💙 <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Cards-from-Teacher-to-Students-Template-2308882" target="_blank">Bug Themed Cards</a></p><p>💙 <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Cards-from-Teacher-for-Students-Templates-Llama-Themed-6480840" target="_blank">Llama Themed Cards</a></p><p>💙 <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Thank-You-Card-From-Teachers-Template-Random-Act-of-Kindness-Day-4291973" target="_blank">Valentine's Thank You and Kindness Cards</a></p><p><br /></p><p>If you are having a party I have just the tips you need to make Valentine's Day party planning a snap! From playing different meaningful games to writing notes of gratitude, I have some fun ideas that you will love!</p><p><br /></p><p>👉<a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/01/6-valentines-day-classroom-party-ideas.html" target="_blank"><b>Head to this blog post </b></a>to read about the different activities we do during our Valentine's Day party!</p><p><br /></p><p>This Valentine's Day, bring in some meaningful picture books, tradition-focused activities, and community-building tasks that students love! You will find that when you weave Valentine's Day topics into your everyday learning targets and lesson plans, you can easily engage your students AND meet the standards, too! </p><p><br /></p><p>Happy Valentine's Day!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">You will also love to read:</h3><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><div style="color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2023/01/5-ideas-and-activities-to-celebrate.html" target="_blank">100th Day of School Activities for Upper Elementary</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/01/groundhog-day-videos-for-elementary.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Must Watch FREE Groundhog Day Videos for the Classroom</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/01/4-groundhog-activities-for-upper.html" target="_blank">4 Must Do Groundhog Day Activities for Upper Elementary</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/01/6-valentines-day-classroom-party-ideas.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">6 Valentine's Day Party Ideas with a Twist</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2024/01/5-leap-year-activities-and-ideas-for.html" target="_blank">5 Leap Year Activities for Upper Elementary</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></h3><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">Check out my favorite <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Think-Grow-Giggle/Category/127823-Holiday-Valentines-Day-325497" target="_blank">Valentine's Day activities HERE</a>. </h3><div style="color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">Like <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Activities-Reading-Writing-Math-Somebody-Loves-You-Mr-Hatch-2316097" target="_blank">these Valentine's Day NO Prep activities</a></b> to just add to your lesson plans!</div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Activities-Reading-Writing-Math-Somebody-Loves-You-Mr-Hatch-2316097" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Valentine's Day Activities for Upper Elementary Kids" border="0" data-original-height="2041" data-original-width="1776" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfzZozwY_eiI83jgd6a27GJ19Szqi0isa6eo3xtYlpprTPDjcxDRpE0hotZLuqEdr2iGYB-gKU8f2jOmXP6emyEo2IPqt6M3cfyzStPf4T27HeC_V71FDt2dV7H_k9z6pd8HErcqOmIXVBCAFOA9-krrhtzJiwPa9QJVuW7HDOwWXG20xD0XfpHDgartQ/w556-h640/valentines%20day%20activities%20for%20upper%20elementary%202.jpg" title="Valentine's Day for 3rd 4th 5th Grade" width="556" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">LOVE these ideas? Pin to save!</h3><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Think-Grow-Giggle/Category/127823-Holiday-Valentines-Day-325497" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Valentine's Day Activities for Upper Elementary Kids" border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="3375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJahNj6rqNbOeS133fPtZ3W3VdGkFAbrhXGbxf5t8VJu05GhoDOw-tstIhGLPm7ACUBeD7oxX6bHuSUkMTgEpfedbktF60ohsRIoyUol2UFrIUidUFFdDfZdF-FOWHwHxJrgHpBibU1yV5SGKb20czGPyjHvYpANNpDLhZhHw9T1T9rkDqF9oBHTSmgeS/s16000/valentines%20day%20activities%20for%20upper%20elementary_longpin.jpg" title="Valentine's Day activities for 3rd 4th 5th graders" /></a></div><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 14.95px;">*<b>affiliate links: </b></span><span face="raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">“Think Grow Giggle is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.” (source: </span><a href="https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/operating/agreement" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="background-color: white; color: #25c1aa; font-family: raleway, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Section 5</a><span face="raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">)</span></p>Third Grade Giggleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18234338835946741807noreply@blogger.comNew York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972812.402541463821152 -109.1622228 69.023009136178842 -38.849722799999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333302365949553987.post-36029716791628562162024-01-22T04:30:00.000-08:002024-02-17T06:17:12.861-08:005 Chinese Lunar New Year Activities for Upper Elementary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lunar-New-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Chinese-New-Year-of-the-Dragon-Zodiac-3583327" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Lunar New Year Activities for Upper Elementary" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="3820" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUwVFhGtK-h_extIXkL2Rc-ZXR5pM-VzitgRqJTaPlGgj8qyd2eCFkHDK1v9-wRZ5DcpHGC4spgzQ2TajyHLPdSCLJKxWxoJhHe2TmhUEjStKYNik9hcxzPJ2Bnt6qs12OVxufEsRwVK5ASJK8XRMEy4lahOUUFrZejnYJ7jIiXxsZC9IuzCtqOWbev2jf/s16000/chinese%20lunar%20new%20year%20activities%20upper%20elementary_header.jpg" title="Chinese New year Ideas 3rd 4th 5th Grade" /></a></div><br /><p>Celebrating the Chinese {Lunar} New Year is always on my lesson to-do list! I truly believe that it is a great way to explore other <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lunar-New-Year-Reading-2024-Chinese-New-Years-Around-the-World-Activities-8932565" target="_blank">nations, traditions, and holidays</a>. While many of our students do celebrate the Chinese New Year, many do not. By bringing this holiday into your classroom, you are helping students learn about how people worldwide celebrate the New Year!</p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>Not sure how to get started?</i></b> I can help! These five meaningful activities are the perfect blend for any upper elementary classroom looking to <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lunar-New-Year-Reading-2024-Chinese-New-Years-Around-the-World-Activities-8932565" target="_blank">celebrate the Chinese New Year</a>!</p><p><br /></p><p>From captivating picture book read-alouds to hands-on projects, this list includes<b> fun and educational experiences</b>. Discover the significance of <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lunar-New-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Chinese-New-Year-of-the-Dragon-Zodiac-3583327" target="_blank">Chinese Lunar New Year traditions</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lunar-New-Year-Reading-2024-Chinese-New-Years-Around-the-World-Activities-8932565" target="_blank">compare celebrations</a> worldwide, and join in community-building activities to help your students feel connected.<b> </b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Let's make learning about the Lunar New Year a colorful and memorable experience for your students, fostering understanding and a strong sense of community in the classroom. </b></p><p><br /></p><p>Get ready to celebrate and engage your students in meaningful holiday activities through these enjoyable lesson ideas!</p><p><br /></p><p><b>💡<i>Teaching tip: </i></b>While the Lunar New Year is celebrated in China, which is why it is often referred to as the Chinese New Year, it is also celebrated in many different countries worldwide. When engaging students in activities, be sure to include both terms!</p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Let's dive into Chinese New Year learning activities for upper elementary students!</b></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. Chinese New Year Read Alouds</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3Srr1Or" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Lunar New Year Activities for Upper Elementary" border="0" data-original-height="3479" data-original-width="5267" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCTenOS79INpoT5cAZqseLytVUpUqhn2bl2khvhUeDAUwuDXKyqbgq2MT3VOsnMdZv104eOIy-fa_dylJ05vfgYB4g-M_S1NMuCNOKcwlDR5rjuJ5niyy08ZJoIyhTltmpFudjk-QEMBJLA1Q1gdnGF7h3-U0rDQp1Z7cf6w3fJhtRsbF2baJOnhzffO-l/w640-h422/chinese%20new%20year%20read%20alouds%20upper%20elementary_lunar%20new%20year.jpg" title="Chinese New Year Read Aloud Picture Books for Lunar New Year" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><b>Nothing says let's celebrate a holiday than reading amazing picture books with your students!</b> There are so many picture books to read with your kids to kick off lessons about the Chinese New Year.</p><p><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b>Here are some of my favorites for upper elementary:</b></h4><p>✔ <a href="https://amzn.to/3HpROnS" target="_blank">This Next New Year written by Janet S. Wong</a> - </p><p>I love this one! It is filled with all of the traditions and customs of the Lunar New Year...like traditional foods, how to get rid of bad luck, and how to have a fresh new start each New Year!</p><p><br /></p><p>✔ <a href="https://amzn.to/3S9pPxC" target="_blank">Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon written by Kat Zhang</a> - </p><p>This one is part of the Amy Wu series of books. Amy is faced with having to make her own dragon for the upcoming celebrations, and she doesn't know how to create a holiday-worthy dragon until her grandmother helps!</p><p><br /></p><p>✔ <a href="https://amzn.to/3SrqPPe" target="_blank">Ruby's Chinese New Year written by Vickie Lee</a> - This is a fun story that follows the main character, Ruby, as she heads through the forest to her grandmother's house. Along the way she encounters all the animals in the Chinese Zodiac. This book includes fun Chinese New Year craft activities and directions on how to make them!</p><p><br /></p><p>✔ <a href="https://amzn.to/3Srr1Or" target="_blank">A Sweet New Year for Ren written by Michelle Sterling</a> - I love the note from the author and the pure excitement that the main character Ren has for the upcoming holiday celebration with her family!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">2. Learn About the Traditions</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lunar-New-Year-Reading-2024-Chinese-New-Years-Around-the-World-Activities-8932565" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Lunar New Year Activities for Upper Elementary" border="0" data-original-height="3479" data-original-width="5267" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGifIBFe-vUajCOMsdyYbfx0NdMQufwI0IOI0qM6NjAWjVQAjDCsyroGLMRczi-dRq3ldk1DkkYQKulHYjgxovMhi8P6dfYFmeZ70R2w3jhq8wDUMjNS7WWVxfU5UP9wk_w0AHMCTRTlOb927sTioPH3bEwcwDc18d3UFQGj9q5orwqEYjzMcD54DfMgM/w640-h422/chinese%20new%20year%20activities%20about%20traditions%20upper%20elementary_lunar%20new%20year.jpg" title="Chinese New Year Craft Art Writing Activity 3rd 4th 5th Grade" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Learning about the different traditions of holidays and celebrations around the world is a great way to engage students and open up their worlds!</p><p><br /></p><p>One activity that I love to do with students is to create <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lunar-New-Year-Reading-2024-Chinese-New-Years-Around-the-World-Activities-8932565" target="_blank">shape poetry </a></b>about both the Lunar New Year and New Year's Day. For this activity, students must understand a tradition for each holiday and be able to draw a symbol related to it. Once they have drawn the symbol, they create a free verse shape poem to tell or explain about that symbol and tradition for the Chinese New Year! <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lunar-New-Year-Reading-2024-Chinese-New-Years-Around-the-World-Activities-8932565" target="_blank">This is a fun Chinese New Year craft</a> and makes a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lunar-New-Year-Reading-2024-Chinese-New-Years-Around-the-World-Activities-8932565" target="_blank">great bulletin board</a>, too!</p><p><br /></p><p>You will be wowed by the work that your students do with <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lunar-New-Year-Reading-2024-Chinese-New-Years-Around-the-World-Activities-8932565" target="_blank">this shape poetry task</a></b>!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">3. Dive into the Zodiac</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lunar-New-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Chinese-New-Year-of-the-Dragon-Zodiac-3583327" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Chinese New Year Zodiac Activity for Upper elementary" border="0" data-original-height="3479" data-original-width="5267" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQC-_Zgi5bcuBhF1CVua8MbqgCZNS0n7T4DakFpSDD7hgJKa97o6qj_RSk4X9ozQgbHLLGoKh9Q3LYAaWVh9bvQMIe5k6FinmLplFt-4_X_T8qKYRdfThpUCG0HEJDdIjshvzNyYs54yvoeiSX0bi7JiPCFeK8g7Q3ieZD79B4IX5ZsoLHUFixutBP5la/w640-h422/chinese%20new%20year%20chinese%20zodiac%20for%20upper%20elementary_lunar%20new%20year.jpg" title="Lunar New Year Activities for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p>The kids are always fascinated by the Lunar New Year Zodiac! They love seeing which Chinese Zodiac Animal it was for the year they were born and for the upcoming New Lunar Year.</p><p><br /></p><p>Why not harness all that excitement and energy into reading all about it! This will help them understand the Chinese Zodiac, the traditions accompanying each animal, and why this is an important part of the New Lunar Year. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lunar-New-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Chinese-New-Year-of-the-Dragon-Zodiac-3583327" target="_blank">These passages are just perfect</a></b> for our upper elementary students' interests and to help strengthen their nonfiction informational reading comprehension, too! #teacherwin</p><p><br /></p><p><b>💡</b><i style="font-weight: bold;">Teaching tip: </i>Check out <b><a href="https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/celebrations/article/which-chinese-new-year-animal-are-you-like" target="_blank">this page for even more information about Lunar New Year Animals and Zodiac</a></b>!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">4. Compare and Contrast to New Year's Day</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lunar-New-Year-Reading-2024-Chinese-New-Years-Around-the-World-Activities-8932565" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Chinese New year Reading Activities 3rd 4th 5th grade" border="0" data-original-height="3479" data-original-width="5267" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJc-g6B6u9I67Et8J88165xA7H5wvlyhT-Nq9QETch7cFWVCDcHO2O0TbdkqOuXHuKwNzVVzV7exYWsAcUpds1nWmD8osXxD5q7ONQj_NZ1Y5qSyFMepSdzgQGgSH2w23xonCijMB9b7WLbuoawz4I93Yt9kzjggLcCSzanfqxl7-vtuVP2yhn5pQ9SXQi/w640-h422/chinese%20new%20year%20upper%20elementary_lunar%20new%20year.jpg" title="Lunar New Year Activities for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>At the beginning of the school year, we spent much time focusing on comparing and contrasting in October. We <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Dia-de-los-Muertos-Activity-Day-of-the-Dead-History-of-Halloween-Reading-Passage-4933345" target="_blank">compared and contrasted Halloween to the Day of the Dead for that study</a>. The kids loved it! They <b>loved reading about different holidays, traditions, and cultures </b>and truly got the ins and outs of comparing and contrasting different paired passages.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>That is why when the new year came around, I knew we had to <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lunar-New-Year-Reading-2024-Chinese-New-Years-Around-the-World-Activities-8932565" target="_blank">compare New Year's Day to the Lunar New Year</a>! And it was a hit!</b></p><p><br /></p><p>After reading a nonfiction passage about New Year's Day we read a passage about Lunar New Year. The kids actively read, taking notes in the margins and compiling the information that they collected into a Venn diagram. We spent much time comparing the reasons and traditions behind each holiday. <b>The students went one step further and wrote essays that <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Dia-de-los-Muertos-Activity-Day-of-the-Dead-History-of-Halloween-Reading-Passage-4933345" target="_blank">compared and contrasted the two holidays</a></b>. It was a great way to learn about the holidays AND still meet all the standards!</p><p><br /></p><p>As you have students learn about the Lunar New Year and New Year's Day, have them collect important information on graphic organizers. Once collected, students can use the information that they gathered to write short paragraphs or essays about the different holidays that they learned about!</p><p><br /></p><p><b><a href="https://think-grow-giggle.ck.page/02f1ba0570" target="_blank">Grab the FREE graphic organizers right here</a></b>!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">5. Send Good Fortune and Building Classroom Community</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lunar-New-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Chinese-New-Year-of-the-Dragon-Zodiac-3583327" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Lunar New Year Activities for Upper Elementary" border="0" data-original-height="3479" data-original-width="5267" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAVADV2oTmHUlaB1XyKW6EqAxbgbpVDTIPM7c6b8yjVLQMN64E3jQS7K7Jl02l-56HotztnVduT2OMBB_Zf2PLCB5_TL66Q-U79jpj4RxOzJUkQ32gBZJRKpFMEOP4-cLaie2XWyZNOTq9Z6YPx8NDcrHeTAJXgdLV_I3MkTk_clRgK3dE5mg6axkQdEy/w640-h422/chinese%20new%20year%20good%20fortune%20activity%20upper%20elementary_lunar%20new%20year.jpg" title="Chinese New Year activities 3rd 4th 5th grade" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><b>I love using <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Community-Building-Activities-Classroom-Team-Build-7119051" target="_blank">community-building</a> activities throughout the year!</b> Teaching a lesson that focuses on strengthening our classroom culture and atmosphere is a great change of pace. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Community-Building-Activities-Posters-Classroom-Bulletin-Board-6924857" target="_blank">Community building activities </a>are especially fun when tied into holiday activities like <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lunar-New-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Chinese-New-Year-of-the-Dragon-Zodiac-3583327" target="_blank">Lunar New Year</a></b> which falls right in the middle of winter, making it the perfect time to focus on strengthening our classroom family!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><div><b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lunar-New-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Chinese-New-Year-of-the-Dragon-Zodiac-3583327" target="_blank">This activity</a></b> is simple yet powerful and you will want to do an <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Community-Building-Activities-Positive-Affirmation-Notes-Friendly-Letter-Writing-3884669" target="_blank">activity like this</a> each month!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>Here is <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lunar-New-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Chinese-New-Year-of-the-Dragon-Zodiac-3583327" target="_blank">how we send good fortune</a> to others to celebrate Lunar New Year:</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><ol><li>Have students write their names with a pencil on a small piece of paper and fold it into fourths. Now, place all the pieces of paper in a basket.</li><li>Have students randomly draw a name from the basket one at a time, ensuring they did not pick themselves. If they pick themselves, have them show you before selecting a new name.</li><li>Students then create a fortune cookie with good fortune inside to the student whose name they picked. Their good fortune messages should be positive and upbeat and be focused on having a great new year!</li><li>When all students are done creating the fortune cookies for their classmates, they deliver them. They really love both giving letters and receiving them!</li></ol></div></div><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>💡</b>BONUS IDEA: Get Your Art on!</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/100th-Day-Coloring-Page-Sheet-Groundhogs-Leap-Year-Lunar-New-Years-2024-10336009" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Chinese New Year coloring pages 34d 4th 5th grade" border="0" data-original-height="3479" data-original-width="5267" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDQMFyYvzuTfZ3VNaF-uHpiAIcQyYSOuJYJbii1BRYIMz4UaGwiRFNg5Uuru7-f2umvZMju_4vE-3wnjoCfMbRE0_Jmk9zoeZBZQogHYX_CBcZEQMXqXqdEDyS7M_lch4F-aJV2RqhB9arinESHXgdqO6DwEZve7wn50tp8Uq_L7UMyHdFzffDuNAppzK/w640-h422/chinese%20new%20year%20activities%20craft%20art%20activity%20upper%20elementary_lunar%20new%20year.jpg" title="Lunar New Year Activities for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>If you have been following me for a while, you know we have been all about hands-on, coloring, and tech-free activities lately! The kids love creative, art-inspired activities over tech-focused tasks...and I am most definitely here for it! </p><p><br /></p><p>To get creative during our Lunar New Year celebrations, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lunar-New-Year-Reading-2024-Chinese-New-Years-Around-the-World-Activities-8932565" target="_blank">we create the shape poems</a> and do a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/100th-Day-Coloring-Page-Sheet-Groundhogs-Leap-Year-Lunar-New-Years-2024-10336009" target="_blank">Lunar New Year Doodle Thinkers</a>! Both are a great way to have students focus on traditions, symbols, and tie together creativity, art, and learning!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Incorporating the celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year into your classroom is more than just an item on your to-do list; it's an opportunity to explore new traditions and diverse holidays. </p><p><br /></p><p>While some students may already be familiar with the holiday of Chinese New Year, many are not, making it a wonderful opportunity for cultural discovery. <b> As we compare celebrations from around the globe and engage in community-building activities, we create an inclusive environment where students can learn, celebrate, and build connections. </b></p><p><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Happy Lunar New Year!</h4><div><br /></div><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">You will also love to read:</h3><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><div style="color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2024/01/5-leap-year-activities-and-ideas-for.html" target="_blank">5 Leap Year Activities for Upper Elementary</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/01/4-groundhog-activities-for-upper.html" target="_blank">4 Ideas to Celebrate Groundhog Day with Upper Elementary</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/01/6-valentines-day-classroom-party-ideas.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">6 Valentine's Day Party Ideas with a Twist</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/03/teaching-poetry-strategies.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Celebrating National Poetry Month in the Upper Elementary Classroom</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"></div></div></h3><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">Grab the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lunar-New-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Chinese-New-Year-of-the-Dragon-Zodiac-3583327" target="_blank">No Prep Lunar New Year Pack HERE</a>.</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lunar-New-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Chinese-New-Year-of-the-Dragon-Zodiac-3583327" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Lunar New Year Activities for Upper Elementary" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFg5c5Tpk93OS3cAzJXM0O1TUam13sk_1q1bvvTkhQKkCFw4ozl5tL0ixRY4UD2drc9nohMPiCVILBGm1g6nRtTM6kzMF0KW5FbPXFOZHigXdxvSNqC4ru2JriOlUmjzjrjJtk1OvxsIgdU2QnjqLcRb6r7c2bUiiNIwGziRimDQx7KJ1vNl4QFFZYDy3H/w640-h640/chinese%20lunar%20new%20year%20activities%20for%20upper%20elementary_reading1.png" title="Chinese New Year ideas and activities 3rd 4th 5th grade" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; text-align: center;"> LOVE these tips? Pin to save!</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lunar-New-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Chinese-New-Year-of-the-Dragon-Zodiac-3583327" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Chinese New Year Activities 3rd 4th 5th grade" border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="3375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBFuX4I4zQKrqXNDo9sQBngUR6jqehR1cbkX2JE9e4qSz4s52oEtuGydQp_CaPQe0PXNwciNFH-zosmmcHhSmvmBw9SPeNfi7ZeE-PwdPcBmXLkYhxq5UwPTjhkF2hK8-6FUbHySFHV_rkbBZHhnOU2TYHHEVlCdM1OcXa5FqDCZbTj3eFw6Wo88_wdh8/s16000/chinese%20lunar%20new%20year%20activities%20upper%20elementary_longpin.jpg" title="Lunar New Year Activities for Upper Elementary" /></a></div><br /></div><p><i style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: cambria, serif; line-height: 14.95px;">*<b>affiliate links: </b></span>“Think Grow Giggle is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.” (source: <a href="https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/operating/agreement" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #25c1aa; margin: 0px; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Section 5</a>)</span></i></p>Third Grade Giggleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18234338835946741807noreply@blogger.comNew York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972812.402541463821152 -109.1622228 69.023009136178842 -38.849722799999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333302365949553987.post-20902041939105773402024-01-11T08:04:00.000-08:002024-03-11T03:36:48.525-07:00Leap Year 2024 Activities and Ideas for Upper Elementary <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leap-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Pages-Word-Search-5172567" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="5 Leap Year Activities and ideas for Upper Elementary 2024" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="3687" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnXffiVzVBxQyADhjYLDiWjB0MwFNtHRR9CgHJIzLYdONzBxPRApbntkE5VWFZz4AjrLFjemh4YD4FXTA-WnRcHrmo5c_x5TvGTclw_I88s84x1OMTRhcRpnLIfviuRMuzgjCCYzZdd7nkkQCS0xB7qs3PhXm1uSBHL1buuB2Fv2l_d2vOcJSARGV0F01/s16000/leap%20year%20activities%20header_leap%20year%20blog%202024.jpg" title="free leap year activity for kids" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Here we are in 2024, and it is a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leap-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Pages-Word-Search-5172567" target="_blank">Leap Year</a>!</b></div><p><br /></p><p>Leap Year 2024 is so exciting for the kids to learn about, especially our upper elementary students! <b>They are old enough to understand that an extra day in February breaks the calendar rules that they thought they knew!</b> They are also old enough to understand the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leap-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Pages-Word-Search-5172567" target="_blank">science behind this special day</a> that occurs only once every four years...with exceptions!</p><p><br /></p><p>Since you have one chance this year to celebrate and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leap-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Pages-Word-Search-5172567" target="_blank">bring learning about Leap Year</a> into your classroom, try these ideas and grab the free resource, too! <b>They will instantly engage your students and have them critically thinking about this unique global event.</b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>1. Build Background Knowledge!</b></h3><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leap-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Pages-Word-Search-5172567" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="free leap year videos for upper elementary" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFVvpcGroiXTdo6pjOLlxe7Kf3ZPhfff3Eh_Dd_doDs7H7gPnVBEQvTt2Q5sNOA0QkYg7heJgsP5DPkIcZD8ZQC6iDVwAMRRusZXTzvPZwBhVGTGBx9lf4eKwSl-aioAVEhZPcSTTmdRTL1uvLHDIFLAzdVn0DvgEcifUjSqmMPD0S_HV9AiwJaXcWdiZ/w640-h640/leap%20year%20videos%20for%20kids.jpg" title="5 Leap Year Activities and ideas for Upper Elementary 2024" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><p><b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leap-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Pages-Word-Search-5172567" target="_blank">Leap Year </a>is a tricky concept!</b> </p><p><br /></p><p>Kick off your <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leap-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Pages-Word-Search-5172567" target="_blank">Leap Year learning</a> by watching one of these kid-friendly videos to build background knowledge for your students. Of course, watching one video is not enough for students to truly understand why we have Leap Years, but it is a great starting point and easy to sneak in during snack or after recess! Have your students take notes about the video to hold them accountable and to help them easily compare different videos. <b><i><a href="https://think-grow-giggle.ck.page/37d518decf" target="_blank">Grab the free Leap Year notetaking pages HERE</a>.</i></b></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Try one of these</b>:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYXior2j_bI" target="_blank">Leap Year for Kids </a>(about 6 minutes)</li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDmdCr4jAmA" target="_blank">What is a Leap Year?</a> (about 2 minutes)</li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDmdCr4jAmA" target="_blank">Why Do We Have Leap Years? SciShow</a> (about 5 minutes)</li></ul><p></p><p><i>*As with any video that you show your students, please preview these videos to ensure they are appropriate for your cohort of students!</i></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>2. Dive into the History and Science!</b></h3><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leap-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Pages-Word-Search-5172567" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="leap year reading passages for upper elementary" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ME3LfIXpao0cEIzExwpNBUKrebkcQP4rFloHu3rF7OWY41BXqsVuCG-Q7W3CfYjw09ucgI6mkx9hLdmvf8uulFMo_yoSVw_VE2xehOwgXoWHGh-oRbY-4GtzG14UNpmkTizBgLI7ZFfUT6qANOtwGAT3SjYBB_VZ4P-FiTxyyFQ9FwD0MHYOPH8ehRLa/w640-h640/leap%20yar%20reading%20activities.jpg" title="5 Leap Year Activities and ideas for Upper Elementary 2024" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><p>Put your students' reading comprehension skills to work with <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leap-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Pages-Word-Search-5172567" target="_blank">reading about Leap Year</a></b>. These reading passages tie together all of the important reading comprehension skills that students need with the history and science of this special day that occurs every four years!</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Included in this set are <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leap-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Pages-Word-Search-5172567" target="_blank">three passages about Leap Year</a>.</b> Try this! Break your students up into three groups. Have each group read one of the passages, take notes, and create a quick presentation for the class. Engage them by giving them a piece of chart paper and markers to create a visual aid for their presentation. When students are all done, have each group present to the class. Now, each student will learn the information <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leap-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Pages-Word-Search-5172567" target="_blank">from each passage</a></b> through their peers!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>3. Get Creative!</b></h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leap-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Pages-Word-Search-5172567" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="leap year coloring pages for upper elementary" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYOXVsDKYgJ1l2g7NAf1F_bakxy0-Yn5mUDb6TqgSHhoFWYcCmu5iuSKShSMUqdLvvZ0vXjDuB27QSN1ohCiMCk0JYCPDCc0s8_G6qP1_jHzG5G-znkvR5myqB6vhb3pRxJjqscrlIF4GxI2hR4ooj-qL5IailK1FSTBOFp4IYL68iHCW33m52bdBr0Ju/w640-h640/leap%20year%20coloring%20and%20fun%20activities.jpg" title="5 Leap Year Activities and ideas for Upper Elementary 2024" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><p>Lately, the kids are loving creative, art-inspired activities over tech-focused tasks...and I am loving it! Lean into their art and creative interests with activities designed to get them thinking critically!</p><p> </p><p><b>Try this...</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Have your students think about four years into the future</b>! How old will they be? What grade will they be in? What interests will they still have? What types of shows would they like?</li><li><b>Have your students think about four years ago!</b> How old were they? What grade were they in? What interests did they have? What was their favorite show? </li><li>Have your students <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leap-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Pages-Word-Search-5172567" target="_blank">take these ideas and create illustrations and short paragraphs</a> about their Leap Year past and future! <b>They come out adorable and are perfect to display on a Leap Year bulletin board.</b></li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p>You can also use Leap Year themed <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leap-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Pages-Word-Search-5172567" target="_blank">color-by-number pages</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Happy-New-Years-2024-Coloring-Page-Martin-Luther-King-Sheet-Leap-Year-Activity-10336009" target="_blank">doodle thinkers, </a>and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leap-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Pages-Word-Search-5172567" target="_blank">open-ended posters </a>to celebrate Leap Year all week! </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>4. Get Up and Move!</b></h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leap-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Pages-Word-Search-5172567" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="free leap year math activity upper elementary" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsyXcySzbQOLiihOm91MgaIETej0E9HLAyVFhkfuYDz1b23JdqoSoZ3IAKxaCwR90Bz4Fvvo-bZUdzEu1fzRON3iE6ComKOzCPwlTbbb3i3HCsa7kJyRqJgSFMCBOJuaZJtT7WC-RsCvSPXpA_h_NvWKU08STrE7VWM5eByyfC505P5d1MrW9oUMKNs4t/w640-h640/leap%20year%202024%20free%20math%20activity%20upper%20elementary.jpg" title="5 Leap Year Activities and ideas for Upper Elementary 2024" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><p>This activity is a fun one! </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Grab some <a href="https://amzn.to/48vT3xE" target="_blank">measuring sticks or tape</a> and have your students start leaping to see who can leap the furthest in your class! It is easy to do. </b></p><p><br /></p><p>Here is how I have done this activity...</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Mark a starting line</b> for students to jump from. If you are outside, you can <a href="https://amzn.to/4aPiOdZ" target="_blank">use chalk;</a> if you are inside, you can use <a href="https://amzn.to/48vlQ5v" target="_blank">blue painter's tape.</a></li><li><b>Enlist the help of the students to mark off different foot increments</b>. Again, use chalk or blue tape. We have marked up to five feet. So after every foot, leave a mark.</li><li><b>Have students predict </b>how far they think they will jump before they jump.</li><li>Have students <b>work in pairs, taking turns being the jumper and the recorder.</b></li><li>If space allows, you can have each pair of students create their own leaping area to reinforce measuring skills. If not, you can have students rotate through the one leaping area you create.</li><li>You can use the recording sheet <a href="https://think-grow-giggle.ck.page/37d518decf" target="_blank">I use HERE</a>, or just have your students create grids in their notebooks.</li></ul><p></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b><i><a href="https://think-grow-giggle.ck.page/37d518decf" target="_blank">Grab the free Leap Year math leaping page HERE.</a></i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b><i><script async="" data-uid="37d518decf" src="https://think-grow-giggle.ck.page/37d518decf/index.js"></script></i></b></p><p><br /></p><h3><b><br /></b></h3><h3><b>5. Make a Time Capsule!</b></h3><div><b><br /></b></div><p>No fancy paper needed for this one! Grab some lined paper and plain white paper and have your students get writing their their future self.<b> I love keeping this one simple so that students use their own handwriting and their own ideas to create illustrations.</b> When students write their letters, I allow them to include what they want. These will be private letters just for them to open during the next Leap Year. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>If you want to give your students some ideas or prompts, use these ideas...</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>what is going on in your life right now...grade, teacher, friends, hobbies</li><li>one of your favorite memories</li><li>something important to you right now</li><li>advice you would give yourself </li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>No matter how you celebrate, your upper elementary students will love <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leap-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Pages-Word-Search-5172567" target="_blank">learning about Leap Year</a></b>!</p><p><br /></p><p><b>The science and history of this <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leap-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Pages-Word-Search-5172567" target="_blank">rule-breaking day </a>will surely be a true highlight of their learning for 2024. </b>Build background knowledge, get reading, allow creativity, leap down the hall during math, and have your students write that time capsule letter to themselves for 2028. With all of these activities and resources, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leap-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Pages-Word-Search-5172567" target="_blank">Leap Year</a> becomes more than just a rare occurrence - it becomes a memorable educational journey for our upper elementary students that sparks curiosity and critical thinking!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Happy 2024 Leap Year!</h3><p><br /></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">You will also love to read:</h3><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><div style="color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/01/groundhog-day-videos-for-elementary.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Must Watch FREE Groundhog Day Videos for the Classroom</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/01/6-valentines-day-classroom-party-ideas.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">6 Valentine's Day Party Ideas with a Twist</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/03/teaching-poetry-strategies.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Celebrating National Poetry Month in the Upper Elementary Classroom</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/12/winter-descriptive-writing-activity.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Must Teach Winter Writing Lesson</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"></div></div></h3><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">Grab the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leap-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Pages-Word-Search-5172567" target="_blank">No Prep Leap Year Pack</a> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leap-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Pages-Word-Search-5172567" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leap-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Pages-Word-Search-5172567" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="leap year activities 3rd 4th 5th graders" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04RaQOnD8vUZM7acQ_8rrbKUtv8eagFapWMEiccQKwfdTld984fvWs8x7EhGT17qKnCkR6C_OU2vNJeccaiqhdc3POSHTnt2WDyuKLJi0VrPIXthXA61-9vJIaxTxtFr7zB38heA-ILd4au1dgb2ESd9_-1LtRQonLntFc_QyhuRofZ4ZD5aAzQ7qCzBO/w640-h640/leap%20year%20activities%20upper%20elementary_leap%20year%20blog%202024.jpg" title="5 Leap Year Activities and ideas for Upper Elementary 2024" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">Love these ideas? Pin to save!</h3><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leap-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Pages-Word-Search-5172567" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="leap year 2024 fun for 3rd 4th 5th graders" border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="3375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrznaxRQQbIvgCKtXcFfdxUaxNQ2E0WU6hwcO9S8busyMGkgGoEOoXlIEclBw_1HlhdnHDzRNoMBPcF2q3F_kWNgts2SmQMEMgA_hqD_t7GFlhJyc0SWeVMy0gk0ncggUNCSSbY5mgb3ruOIns-R6h9tmTQEhPgYqvmixVcKcNnOs33-nNoIkIEbMN5k7/s16000/leap%20year%20activities%20pin_leap%20year%20blog%202024.jpg" title="5 Leap Year Activities and ideas for Upper Elementary 2024" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leap-Year-2024-Reading-Passages-Activities-Coloring-Pages-Word-Search-5172567" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="2400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBncyRXFBDO48gvuUc-6oj-AFED9ajw0itf5bsC0IjD2JDjWpMvVsjUfK5lJE9Cl32SR6OLNcVKJUq3ZzHfwIVjuSvWoD-DNltWx3Xcg-YHDTRs_Wr8Fup9tCGyf67MzSwxYgYTTIjzr4FOU9BIzCF94Gcc5XDLsUH64iEAcx10gvtUN_UBRYhn7TnVsb/w640-h640/leap%20year_2024_8x8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-8311920803639512122" itemprop="articleBody" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; width: 710px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-family: raleway, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: cambria, serif; line-height: 14.95px;">*<b>affiliate links: </b></span>“Think Grow Giggle is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.” (source: <a href="https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/operating/agreement" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #25c1aa; margin: 0px; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Section 5</a>)</span></i></div></div>Third Grade Giggleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18234338835946741807noreply@blogger.com0New York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972812.402541463821152 -109.1622228 69.023009136178842 -38.849722799999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333302365949553987.post-87681037410968982792023-11-22T04:00:00.000-08:002024-02-24T16:40:53.531-08:00Quick Tip to Strengthen Reading Comprehension Strategies for Upper Elementary <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEity5zUuIBGJlxH5xZDQ3HR0bLefDkxc-_iGIBQrJIve1VQkQLA3OxemWh47W5w46C3hXZ73O1L-2A03V3qx7sd6yik-T9zRFbhc1xn6o5k9btOJgL0ZVOyo4ovCdDgwb5qyCa-prbli-_v__JrT-OS14J1Mw4Z95ldO64pyd4i0_xp5B1Yj0se9yH7f07j/s3568/tip%20to%20boost%20reading%20comprehension_header.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Quick Tip to Strengthen Reading Comprehension in the Upper Elementary Classroom" border="0" data-original-height="2387" data-original-width="3568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEity5zUuIBGJlxH5xZDQ3HR0bLefDkxc-_iGIBQrJIve1VQkQLA3OxemWh47W5w46C3hXZ73O1L-2A03V3qx7sd6yik-T9zRFbhc1xn6o5k9btOJgL0ZVOyo4ovCdDgwb5qyCa-prbli-_v__JrT-OS14J1Mw4Z95ldO64pyd4i0_xp5B1Yj0se9yH7f07j/s16000/tip%20to%20boost%20reading%20comprehension_header.png" title="reading strategy tip for active readers" /></a></div><br /><p><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: large;">Multiple-choice questions are not my thing.</span></p><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Before Connecticut shifted to SBAC testing, teachers wrote the yearly state exams. <b>I was on a team that wrote 3rd-grade reading tests. This included the passages and the questions.</b> So much professional development and non-disclosure agreements went into the multi-day training we were provided to be certified to write those exams. </div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The entire process was extremely eye-opening and helped me learn a lot about what makes a good and fair assessment for students. </b>After all that training, I stopped using multiple-choice questions to assess students in my classroom.</div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>There is a time and place for multiple choice questions. </b>But on a daily basis, when we read stories and passages, I do not use multiple-choice questions as a form of assessment. </div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you have any of the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/National-Parks-Reading-Passages-Comprehension-Activities-Yellowstone-6786828" target="_blank">reading packs</a> from <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Think-Grow-Giggle?ref=unfilter/category" target="_blank">my shop</a>, you know that <b>there are no multiple-choice questions.</b> In fact, I often get asked why there are no multiple-choice questions...well, it is just not something I put a lot of value into when assessing students.</div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Multiple choice for test prep? </b>Absolutely! I do use <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Paired-Passages-Texts-ELA-Reading-and-Writing-Performance-Task-3rd-4th-Grade-9114878" target="_blank">multiple choice questions for test prep</a> so that students know good test-taking strategies, but I do not like to use them with daily reading activities. There are better options to use as teachers to get a pulse of students' understanding of what was read. The more you say no to multiple-choice, and yes to<b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fossils-Reading-Comprehension-Passage-and-Question-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-Paired-Text-3292821" target="_blank"> open ended tasks</a> </b>you give students as they read, the less test prep you will need to do! This is because the students have learned how to think as they read and develop good reading habits.</div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2018/07/5-tips-for-content-area-close-reading.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="active reading tip for 3rd 4th 5th graders" border="0" data-original-height="2742" data-original-width="2741" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOmPwgfEeBliwLufh5j6WQyaHLL9Py0jESdL7Z5RzI-kaegVtn24zmWLvCGHzkl0DaQlYWJjRviS7t4Oc7RyRm1jcZlshAGrJlZ5GYFVBlPw5_hUFqGE4KpYNkO2TADRNi6DFzMO_2BBpqygnlRSLYH_gS4soFR-NwElqlAP8glsZPob3dvCJhskEnZC5/w640-h640/strengthen%20reading%20comp%201.jpg" title="Quick Tip to Strengthen Reading Comprehension in the Upper Elementary Classroom" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><h2 style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><b>I do not like using multiple-choice questions because...</b></h2><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="👎" aria-label="👎" class="an1" data-emoji="👎" loading="lazy" src="https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.0/1f44e/32.png" style="height: 1.2em; vertical-align: middle; width: 1.2em;" /> they try to measure<b> too many objectives </b>or not the right objectives in each question stem</div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="👎" aria-label="👎" class="an1" data-emoji="👎" loading="lazy" src="https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.0/1f44e/32.png" style="height: 1.2em; vertical-align: middle; width: 1.2em;" /> negatives in the question stem and "funny" choice options <b>confuse students</b><br /></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="👎" aria-label="👎" class="an1" data-emoji="👎" loading="lazy" src="https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.0/1f44e/32.png" style="height: 1.2em; vertical-align: middle; width: 1.2em;" /> it is a<b> guessing game </b>that does not tell me if students know the correct answer or guessed the correct answer</div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></div><h2 style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><b>Instead, I use...</b></h2><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="👍" aria-label="👍" class="an1" data-emoji="👍" loading="lazy" src="https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.0/1f44d/32.png" style="height: 1.2em; vertical-align: middle; width: 1.2em;" /> <b>specific tasks</b> that have students highlighting the answer in the text<br /></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="👍" aria-label="👍" class="an1" data-emoji="👍" loading="lazy" src="https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.0/1f44d/32.png" style="height: 1.2em; vertical-align: middle; width: 1.2em;" /> short answer and <b>open-ended response questions</b> that value text evidence and student-reflective opinions<br /></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="👍" aria-label="👍" class="an1" data-emoji="👍" loading="lazy" src="https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.0/1f44d/32.png" style="height: 1.2em; vertical-align: middle; width: 1.2em;" /> <b>classroom discussions</b> around multiple-choice style questions without the choices. </div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Titanic-Activities-Reading-Passages-Comprehension-7881544" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="reading annotation guide for 3rd 4th 5th graders" border="0" data-original-height="2751" data-original-width="2741" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEyv40XG9R99Zlw9rEXDdzzyV7W5BrHnvX85WuDiGVXikd8uWz3XF5sMIX_84XgPcNpkEII03pOe9caum32UKVVj0AVevsd1lW4zmBbOvmgqydFBbO4_3Vc4x_ushEj0ca48j5yLfQwESMVgQkGPuCYN-OIrpAf3q9XIULISm4kTEj4RyRaTlA86DliyMS/w638-h640/strengthen%20reading%20comp%202.jpg" title="Quick Tip to Strengthen Reading Comprehension in the Upper Elementary Classroom" width="638" /></a></div><br /><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you want to begin to shift away from using multiple choice questions,<b> try these simple annotation tips to get started. </b>These <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Animal-Adaptations-Reading-Comprehension-Passages-and-Questions-Paired-Texts-3286901" target="_blank">tips can be used with any text </a>and no fancy tools or resources are needed. </div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Simply write these annotation tasks at the board and have students work!</b></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">✅ <b>Circle a new vocabulary word</b> you learned and write your own meaning in the margin.</div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">✅ <b>Underline a part of the text</b> you found interesting and want to share with the class. </div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">✅ <b>Highlight a part of the text </b>that made you ask a question. Write the question in the margin and a possible answer.</div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">By <b>encouraging students to be active readers </b>who engage with the materials that they read rather than have them focus on picking (or guessing) an answer in a multiple choice question, their reading comprehension will strengthen. </div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>You can get started today using <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Poetry-Close-Reading-Comprehension-Poems-Analysis-Activities-3697547" target="_blank">ANY book, poem, or passage</a> that you have on hand.</b> Simply teach students how to annotate using the suggestions above or your own, and watch them become more engaged and develop their comprehension.</div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Grab the<b> FREE annotation chart and reading passage </b>below to get started!</div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><script async="" data-uid="96fd52b6a4" src="https://think-grow-giggle.ck.page/96fd52b6a4/index.js"></script></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">Looking for more reading comprehension passages and activities? Look <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Think-Grow-Giggle/Category/128214-Close-Reading-Passages-240622" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Titanic-Activities-Reading-Passages-Comprehension-7881544" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="active reading tip using nonfiction reading passages" border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="2400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIun6dRF1N8aH_VRQXeXhRoMyBx5W516VwVuTnIFTqYmQJ4t-vgMGDZK_3FfkumnsVOOyo4Urscr-aE-t37DHPAiH-Wsal588xc6Qvy0S006u-KMx_GwlXUZMA5WiWLlH2GTojznAvb7HkgljeHghw67yQaYL94xTcjLj0_re1wJLEmd6j6hh4NgcgNN3J/w640-h640/titanic%205.jpg" title="Quick Tip to Strengthen Reading Comprehension in the Upper Elementary Classroom" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><h3 style="color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">You will love reading these related articles:</h3></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/09/interactive-read-alouds-one-book-many.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">The Benefits of Using One Book Many Ways</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2023/06/6-benefits-of-using-interactive-read.html" target="_blank">6 Benefits of Using Interactive Read Aouds</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/06/7-must-read-picture-books-for-teaching.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Picture Books for Teaching Inferring</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/09/what-are-effective-reading.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/09/what-are-effective-reading.html" target="_blank">Teaching Effective Reading Strategies</a></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span face="Lato, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"> Love these ideas? Pin to save them!</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7BJTPCdU9OnKVQ4R3i762_dqoZkJqDB-bMennoR6lVsefgvtl4Xen1kmO9kFOz7-TB_VDyTxZOhOBqyIHRAkJfoESpyMas22Ufu7NAFkrvUcckDoW7z2LVerTYHPKssR5M_zRew_IdJdS6GXwu2ub-FpT-Krasik_OWd8HvgLxv4yFSyF7YCCIzcShTM/s6000/reading%20comprehension%20tip_longpin1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Quick Tip to Strengthen Reading Comprehension in the Upper Elementary Classroom" border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="3375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7BJTPCdU9OnKVQ4R3i762_dqoZkJqDB-bMennoR6lVsefgvtl4Xen1kmO9kFOz7-TB_VDyTxZOhOBqyIHRAkJfoESpyMas22Ufu7NAFkrvUcckDoW7z2LVerTYHPKssR5M_zRew_IdJdS6GXwu2ub-FpT-Krasik_OWd8HvgLxv4yFSyF7YCCIzcShTM/s16000/reading%20comprehension%20tip_longpin1.jpg" title="Reading Comprehension Tip for 3rd, 4th, 5th Grade" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div>Third Grade Giggleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18234338835946741807noreply@blogger.comNew York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972812.402541463821152 -109.1622228 69.023009136178842 -38.849722799999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333302365949553987.post-85755656211062186622023-11-06T04:30:00.053-08:002023-11-06T04:30:00.145-08:007 Thanksgiving Picture Book Read Alouds for Upper Elementary Classrooms 3rd, 4th, 5th Grade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thanksgiving-Reading-Comprehension-Passages-Activities-Traditions-Parade-7385473" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="7 Thanksgiving Picture Book Read Alouds for Upper Elementary Classrooms 3rd, 4th, 5th Grade" border="0" data-original-height="1881" data-original-width="2757" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWq6yt2sC4fi3JqbnfLXfgOuir3L7o-qo-DVgLE1x_6kPgkyoXKZtP8h2SJZjpaPdGNaZU_4PZMk459VfDOsqmEZY3CBttasage-kBDaGA4Ogo2axrTM4-VAWcLxZRqk8XIRFRNAypZQWUcBXNimENhjA6mXOTryHHhuvDsSGFi4qHyuHD1KUSeWgwGBP/s16000/thanksgiving%20read%20aloud%20headers.png" title="Thanksgiving activities for upper elementary" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>November always seems like such a short month in the classroom!</b> With both <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thanksgiving-Activities-Reading-Comprehension-Passages-I-am-Thankful-for-Writing-2199196" target="_blank">Thanksgiving</a> and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Parent-Teacher-Conference-Forms-Editable-with-Sign-Up-Sheet-and-Templates-3447759" target="_blank">Parent Teacher Conferences </a>falling in <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/November-Writing-Prompts-Fall-Activities-Journal-Morning-Work-Thanksgiving-2115632" target="_blank">November</a>, it always feels like it ends as quickly as it begins. I never have enough time to read <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/06/must-have-picture-books-to-build-your.html" target="_blank">ALL the books</a> I want to <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2023/09/7-interactive-read-alouds-tips-for.html" target="_blank">read</a> with my upper elementary students. </p><p><br /></p><p>While there are so <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FLASHDEAL-Gratitude-Posters-Reading-and-Writing-Activities-Friendsgiving-10444918" target="_blank">many topics</a> to explore during November and so many different books to read aloud, I have narrowed my favorite read-aloud books for this month to this list of seven must-reads! <b>These books make the cut each year and are always so well-loved by the kids.</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Read on to learn more about each of my favorite books for November and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thanksgiving-Writing-Prompt-Activity-I-Wish-Poetry-Craft-November-Bulletin-Board-3464389" target="_blank">Thanksgiving time</a>, and <b>scoop up some fun and free activities to go along with these picture books</b>. Since I love to use one book in many ways, I have included some suggested reading focuses to help you make the most of these Thanksgiving read-alouds in your upper elementary classroom!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/46VC8DP" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Thanksgiving Read Aloud Native American Heritage Month" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifztUvD0weE4hPQ9Tc62c7iNNbzAuT8mpU_45vWSm_ZQUZqnPN1T1oDv5Mi5Po8KmILfWAXyba0d_2ojPqBsX-En_X-COTkRtXthD5qr7EoOVEtlbfYDgZrz2kN1GQBh7NSTx-qk9rtNC2xgJ9RfJ4xAg-dpORLArIRmfru25TvkebYf3DvpdgVuX3-O0d/w640-h640/keepunumuk.jpg" title="7 Thanksgiving Picture Book Read Alouds for Upper Elementary Classrooms 3rd, 4th, 5th Grade" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. <a href="https://amzn.to/46VC8DP" target="_blank">Keepunumk written by Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, and Alexis Bunten*</a></h3><p><b>Do not let November go by without sharing this Native American story.</b> I love that this book begins with a page filled with important background information and meaningful words for the reader. It truly sets the stage for this read-aloud. This story tells about the first day of thanks or harvest from the perspective of The First People. It is filled with rich information and culture and is truly perfect for November. The back pages are filled with information, recipes, and an author's note that you will want to share, too!</p><p><br /></p><p>A fun follow-up to this read-aloud would be to connect reading and writing with informational research about <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Native-American-Heritage-Month-Reading-Writing-Activity-Indigenous-Peoples-Day-3351576" target="_blank">Native Americans and Indigenous Peoples</a> who once lived in your area. <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Native-American-Heritage-Month-Reading-Activities-Indigenous-Peoples-10260972" target="_blank">More info HERE</a></b>.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>Reading focus</i></b>: Focus on <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Word-of-the-Week-Vocabulary-Building-Activity-Tier-2-Grade-4-Templates-10222580" target="_blank">vocabulary</a> and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Context-Clues-Passages-Worksheets-Anchor-Chart-Task-Cards-Vocabulary--7718255" target="_blank">context clues</a>. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3QIe6Xj" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Balloons over Broadway reading activities" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9pHouFzeFrhAuaUi5MY5GGClh4YZB9ROGsUDniiGSkvVCnv5h-HoZ6NkhR6xzZSrUk5SDUCTooSx3tElklsvGkAEA3vpCnHlWUBaDETVfbCMa4uZ2Rw-jpFceleBsul4qBGeVYtmCNG-bQi18iaMcBQRIRssCMO9K9TsCsd1J7cLrsb-LJ4bvRlDPQrSh/w640-h640/ballons%20over%20broadway.jpg" title="7 Thanksgiving Picture Book Read Alouds for Upper Elementary Classrooms 3rd, 4th, 5th Grade" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">2. <a href="https://amzn.to/3QIe6Xj" target="_blank">Balloons Over Broadway written by Melissa Sweet*</a></h3><p>This book is so much fun to read! <b>It is a welcome break from the typical Thanksgiving stories as it focuses on the life and adventures of Tony Sarg, the man behind the puppets of the iconic Macy's Day Parade. </b>The pages are filled with eye-catching illustrations, diagrams, and a photograph of Tony, quickly holding your students' attention with each page flip. Your students will love to follow along with Tony as he changes and improves his designs, making this the perfect book to discuss STEM and engineering concepts. Remember to read the author's note and bio!</p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>Reading focus</i></b>: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thanksgiving-Reading-Comprehension-Passages-Activities-Traditions-Parade-7385473" target="_blank">Paired text critical thinking with THIS nonfiction reading passage about Thanksgiving Day parades</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/49jUKza" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Thank You Omu reading activities" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2cy63XGJYkY_ygO8sZlEVXRo4doLFa_INbOn9EDytRXUO_C8h6zqltAw8y5z2rWeMR8hdfSY9MxV3lV5mJhzjF4SgT2G0dT3KpgUt_psGXQbHFyIjLrC6ShpxclCR_krHbgzRx_Kcnv5UzeRHmRexw-y5wuonH1p1XSilmaeu9YcUrUTM3oVpbrjnx4s/w640-h640/thank%20you%20omu.jpg" title="7 Thanksgiving Picture Book Read Alouds for Upper Elementary Classrooms 3rd, 4th, 5th Grade" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">3. <a href="https://amzn.to/49jUKza" target="_blank">Thank You, Omu written by Oge Mora*</a></h3><p><b>This <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thank-You-Omu-Thanksgiving-Read-Alouds-Aligned-Picture-Book-Companion-Activities-7424165" target="_blank">one read-aloud</a> has it all!</b> Friends, family, gratitude, appreciation, community, giving, traditions, and so much more! <b>It has become my favorite to read each <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/10/4-thanksgiving-activities-you-never.html" target="_blank">Thanksgiving</a>. </b>The cut-paper collage illustrations are as beautiful as the story, and the children are always surprised by what happens when Omu sits down to enjoy her stew. When the community members join together to help out Omu, she definitely feels the love! <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thank-You-Omu-Thanksgiving-Read-Alouds-Aligned-Picture-Book-Companion-Activities-7424165" target="_blank">This is a must-read</a>! </p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>Reading focus</i></b>: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Text-Structure-Worksheets-Passages-Anchor-Charts-Activities-Nonfiction-Bats-10376063" target="_blank">Text structure analysis</a>: sequencing and problem and solution </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3s9d4dK" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Fry Bread reading activities" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOa0Ov-e4_NKrleUR_aGO539fl1JVgLaiVurznyGZzi-kRW8G0pJVEJX-U9GAWW6mXWSLG-N83_2qDKjObq-UFJf8liXO986VJmBCSPEVT3QjIyA9jBXnad3B7pGCiTYK_-XLNTk0z7fM2wj80rNmjVSl_xyxEL56CXQ0QBtGxmHK5LLHoLT0SE7zTJ4l/w640-h640/Fry%20Bread.jpg" title="7 Thanksgiving Picture Book Read Alouds for Upper Elementary Classrooms 3rd, 4th, 5th Grade" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">4. <a href="https://amzn.to/3s9d4dK" target="_blank">Fry Bread written by Kevin Nobel Maillard*</a></h3><p><u><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fry-Bread-Book-Activities-Native-American-Heritage-Month-Indigenous-Peoples-Day-7408619" target="_blank">Fry Bread</a></u> is jam-packed with so much goodness! <b>It is not only perfect for kicking off discussions of traditions, families, and holiday gatherings but also a must-read to celebrate and honor Native American Heritage Month this November. </b>Written with a metaphor on each page, the reader is reminded of how important fry bread is to Native Americans and Indigenous Peoples. While each page is short and brief, with vivid words and illustrations, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fry-Bread-Book-Activities-Native-American-Heritage-Month-Indigenous-Peoples-Day-7408619" target="_blank">the author's note at the end</a> provides more information about <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fry-Bread-Book-Activities-Native-American-Heritage-Month-Indigenous-Peoples-Day-7408619" target="_blank">Fry Bread </a>and the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Native-American-Heritage-Month-Reading-Activities-Indigenous-Peoples-10260972" target="_blank">culture of Native Americans</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>Reading focus</i></b>: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fry-Bread-Book-Activities-Native-American-Heritage-Month-Indigenous-Peoples-Day-7408619" target="_blank">Reading nonfiction</a> and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Metaphors-Worksheets-Activities-Game-Powerpoint-Figurative-Language-9519586" target="_blank">understanding metaphors</a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/47fkmeE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="free thanksgiving activities for upper elementary kids" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-viK8Jwg7sVHZK6PR55z8UVtTIGV1OjWg_32QR08xCpr1T76OiEtRrb4V5jBmvL_cWeSFsPuxeqWGX9Hh9DJbPl8hlnkfepoZCpj2Gdyh3la62p1CJKQXMXcA9C_eaBUrN47smmaZ1W3kjrohZLPndRrhnQP6DQnt0sfouFbnHiuMxmritJicfseAcJe/w640-h640/gracias%20the%20thanksgiving%20turkey.jpg" title="7 Thanksgiving Picture Book Read Alouds for Upper Elementary Classrooms 3rd, 4th, 5th Grade" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">5. <a href="https://amzn.to/47fkmeE" target="_blank">Gracias the Thanksgiving Turkey written by Joy Cowley</a>*</h3><p><b>This is an oldie but a goodie and always a class favorite!</b> Visit your school library or local library to grab a copy, as this one is hard to find! This book follows the main character, Miguel as he is faced with a huge dilemma...he is gifted with a live turkey meant to be his Thanksgiving dinner. There is one problem, this turkey ends up becoming Miguel's pet and he does not have the heart to turn it into dinner. Your students will be cheering Miguel on, hoping he finds a way to avoid having to give up Gracias. I love the mix of Spanish words and the glossary at the back of this book, making it easy to celebrate different cultures. </p><p><br /></p><p>A fun follow-up would be to have your students write a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Persuasive-Writing-Prompts-Graphic-Organizers-Rubric-Spring-Earth-Day-Project-4867190" target="_blank">persuasive essay</a> persuading people to not eat turkey for Thanksgiving dinner!</p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>Reading focus</i></b>: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Text-Structure-Worksheets-Passages-Anchor-Charts-Activities-Nonfiction-Bats-10376063" target="_blank">Text structure analysis</a>: problem and solution and cause and effect</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3tVExjj" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="gratitude book activities for kids" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25v5RsMZqBw2isgjMQwR8N-RtnroOvNqZ9vaOz5oW8BkOzES8LX9sLxaYyvscLtCoBxDJlMBXPZXLwthqZAi97o4AjLcKGc5OC6yCZiD2Pi5PNOWhwyr1LbgvR_Zw_Q8Zw070SQgBiUYjk7I0WaopfUseVSVv0hvl8Wm4QHXuCRLbuLoJ1WmVE165hBZl/w640-h640/grow%20grateful.jpg" title="7 Thanksgiving Picture Book Read Alouds for Upper Elementary Classrooms 3rd, 4th, 5th Grade" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">6. <a href="https://amzn.to/3tVExjj" target="_blank">Grow Grateful written by Sage Foster-Lasser and Jon Lasser*</a></h3><p><b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1DEAL-Gratitude-Bulletin-Board-Challenge-Activity-Thanksgiving-November-10444791" target="_blank">Gratitude</a> is a concept that we talk about in the classroom year-round, but I always kick it off during the month of November! </b>This book makes it easy to help students understand the concept of gratitude and appreciating all that you have! This book follows the main character, Kiko, as she grows <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FLASHDEAL-Gratitude-Posters-Reading-and-Writing-Activities-Friendsgiving-10444918" target="_blank">grateful </a>throughout the story. She learned to focus on the small things on life instead of focusing on what she does not have. The students always related to Kiko and what she is experiencing! </p><p><br /></p><p>Find even more of my <b><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/11/8-gratitude-picture-books-and-stories.html" target="_blank">favorite gratitude books HERE</a></b>.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>Reading focus</i></b>: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Trait-List-Analysis-Characterization-Reading-Passage-Graphic-Organizer-8995802" target="_blank">Character analysis and changing characters</a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3SJaupJ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Thanksgiving alternative activities for kids" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX18k2ItjQjk5nmzcN0Nn_tsooT1MJ1ZK8uVLuJ-LeYHKBtN-bV7cChbI_zCVbHIUwTgv8tRQ_Yr7HxeIgxR4S2vLk5aUx9ylHcx6F8OYsQtEkDxcSWhzoJaGM20IlVTePJ73O2ZwydYwAaqXmS2Nsh8iBY_oliPqIHHIpulKqcgpIS-2he_g2ZdY5ATyh/w640-h640/apples%20vs%20pumpkins.jpg" title="7 Thanksgiving Picture Book Read Alouds for Upper Elementary Classrooms 3rd, 4th, 5th Grade" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">7. <a href="https://amzn.to/3SJaupJ" target="_blank">Apple VS Pumpkin written by Jefferey Burton</a>*</h3><p><b>Don't let that fact this is a board book stop you from sharing and reading it aloud to your big kids! </b>This book is perfect for the fall and Thanksgiving seasons and a super fun way to introduce debates, persuasion, and opinion writing! This story follows the debate between apple and pumpkin as they spew out supporting details about why each of them is the best treat for the fall. Your kids will love the humor, cute illustrations, and getting in on the fun of debating it out as they cast their vote for apple or pumpkin! </p><p><br /></p><p><b>A fun follow-up to this read-aloud would be to have <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/12/how-to-hold-debates-in-your-classroom.html" target="_blank">your own debate</a>!</b></p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>Reading focus</i></b>: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Text-Structure-Worksheets-Passages-Anchor-Charts-Activities-Nonfiction-Bats-10376063" target="_blank">Text structure analysis</a>: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Compare-and-Contrast-Graphic-Organizers-Passages-Anchor-Charts-Text-Structure-3332194" target="_blank">compare and contrast</a></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Grab all the free activities to use with these books right here!</h3><p><script async="" data-uid="7175aea305" src="https://think-grow-giggle.ck.page/7175aea305/index.js"></script></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Grab one or all of these picture books to share and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fall-November-Read-Aloud-Activities-Picture-Book-Lesson-Plans-Thanksgiving-7408689" target="_blank">read aloud </a>with your upper elementary students this fall, November, and <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/10/4-thanksgiving-activities-you-never.html" target="_blank">Thanksgiving season</a>!</b> They are not just perfect to get into the spirit of giving and gratitude, but they are also great for revisiting with a reader's and writer's lens, too! Which one will you share this November?</p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: center;">Happy Thanksgiving! </h2><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><i style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: cambria, serif; line-height: 14.95px;">*<b>affiliate links: </b></span>“Think Grow Giggle is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.” (source: <a href="https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/operating/agreement" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #25c1aa; margin: 0px; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Section 5</a>)</span></i></p><p><i style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">You will also love reading:</h3><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/10/3-ways-to-use-those-darn-squirrels-read.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Using Those Darn Squirrels in the Classroom</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/08/8-picture-books-to-honor-and-remember.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank"><br /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2023/09/fall-activities-for-kids-5-engaging.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;">5 Must Try Fall Activities with Upper Elementary Students</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/11/8-gratitude-picture-books-and-stories.html" target="_blank">8 Must-Read Gratitude Picture Books</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/11/4-ways-to-bring-gratitude-into-classroom.html" target="_blank">4 Ways to Bring Gratitude into Your Classroom</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/10/4-thanksgiving-activities-you-never.html" target="_blank">4 Thanksgiving Activities You Never Thought to Do</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><h3 style="color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: left;">Check out my favorite <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Think-Grow-Giggle/Category/127823-Holiday-Thanksgiving-413776" target="_blank">Thanksgiving activities HERE</a>. </h3><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Like these <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fall-November-Read-Aloud-Activities-Picture-Book-Lesson-Plans-Thanksgiving-7408689" target="_blank">Thanksgiving read-aloud no-prep activities</a>!</div></div></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thank-You-Omu-Thanksgiving-Read-Alouds-Aligned-Picture-Book-Companion-Activities-7424165" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Thanksgiving read aloud Thank You Omu" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjo3neBsZW-2tvtftQSuGzVvgVcqbqRXB2U28TwD_JWfp3z1CaROOtNAUID93eL0I1Q437tszBGiLcYD5V21GbdPPNqmbNAU7XoiKJ9HrPsbRK4wyFsdWajoMuvSQbBxdfy35Sd7A3RFtiMLR_xdX6yhV5bKMYSqgvMGiGQ5YGA9nMzpLiLoQKCPsG50Wl/w640-h640/thank%20you%20omu%20read%20aloud.png" title="7 Thanksgiving Picture Book Read Alouds for Upper Elementary Classrooms 3rd, 4th, 5th Grade" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">Love these ideas? Pin to save!</h3><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thanksgiving-Reading-Comprehension-Passages-Activities-Traditions-Parade-7385473" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="7 Thanksgiving Picture Book Read Alouds for Upper Elementary Classrooms 3rd, 4th, 5th Grade" border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="3375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9fMffaw1QOLMgaOEGjPkyW5EydKOwxTKf7tauzT_z1tIE5KCRCFQ87tKOubtC-d9DkHFLF6n5WVew7YJDoyJ68AM9ybKcZXkH_s4K5u6JAaTYUJz7JE4HWXIlSR5wjPrav-Aq0XiLpLErQO5uDTklaExk8ruiigOHiIZqTLdXVbMCLGAtSRLqoddM3vX/s16000/thanksgiving%20read%20aloud%20pin.jpg" title="Free Thanksgiving activities for upper elementary kids" /></a></div><br /><p><i style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: cambria, serif; line-height: 14.95px;">*<b>affiliate links: </b></span>“Think Grow Giggle is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.” (source: <a href="https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/operating/agreement" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #25c1aa; margin: 0px; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Section 5</a>)</span></i></p>Third Grade Giggleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18234338835946741807noreply@blogger.comNew York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972812.402541463821152 -109.1622228 69.023009136178842 -38.849722799999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333302365949553987.post-33313005106441265612023-10-16T04:00:00.055-07:002023-10-16T18:07:55.718-07:00Halloween Activities for Kids - 7 Engaging Ideas for Upper Elementary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IU1UXmf-hlAQwiRLNPYTMyidkMjh2YsYMSqOpCaFiQK3mL6vKLsPEaIQ4qdUyta6lUDn3mQT_GSG9xwf1fy8KSOi3AvZcDjz8DLJAGm1Ib9m3l67eqloM3j2hy80EvWqOInyt21KKyDCsxeKBdidc8Tn8iidagTHp2xxOBrGbT731K8M1eWxic2H7pSE/s3210/7%20halloween%20ideas%20and%20activities%20for%20upper%20elementary%20students_header.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Halloween Activities for Kids - 7 Engaging Ideas for Upper Elementary" border="0" data-original-height="2124" data-original-width="3210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IU1UXmf-hlAQwiRLNPYTMyidkMjh2YsYMSqOpCaFiQK3mL6vKLsPEaIQ4qdUyta6lUDn3mQT_GSG9xwf1fy8KSOi3AvZcDjz8DLJAGm1Ib9m3l67eqloM3j2hy80EvWqOInyt21KKyDCsxeKBdidc8Tn8iidagTHp2xxOBrGbT731K8M1eWxic2H7pSE/s16000/7%20halloween%20ideas%20and%20activities%20for%20upper%20elementary%20students_header.jpg" title="Halloween ideas for 3rd 4th 5th graders" /></a></div><br /><p><br /><br /></p><p><b>Nothings excites students more than the thought of Halloween!</b> The candy, the costumes, and all things spooky truly bring out the joy of being a kid. As an 18 year veteran teacher, I know all too well that Halloween can sometimes be a distraction for students. That is why I love to weave Halloween and Halloween topics into the classroom with standards based lessons. By using themes related to Halloween, you can engage and motivate students, while meeting the content standards that you need to teach! </p><p><br /></p><p>These seven ideas and activities are ones that are just the right amount of spookiness for your upper elementary classroom!</p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b><i><u>Kindly note this disclaimer</u>:</i></b> Please be aware of your district's policy when it comes to Halloween. While most schools do celebrate Halloween, many schools do not. I would also encourage you to confirm with the families of your students to make sure that they are allowed to do Halloween activities. <b>If your school does NOT celebrate Halloween, <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/10/4-classroom-alternatives-to-celebrating.html" target="_blank">you will love this list of ideas that are alternatives to Halloween activities.</a></b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3>1. Create a Festive Environment with Purposeful Decor</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRxhrPYEOuXWUZ9NTWhbP1UX2B0tklVwwt-TOs0rN3f1uwOHz5ymepUnNAJn3ey4_IVnLjqLQnrdrFFJhDciQK32oNgg9pEqqeQui2ToJ2Ay-cYYWnd88-LAOmfIx5jFYb3lMGpMiNhM9mR1EIpUHS8K8H-AWoSEc-9RR9hoHaDee_oCp4KiF9vxC_aQY7/s2475/halloween%20kindness%20bulleint%20board%20for%20upper%20elementary.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="halloween bulletin board for the classroom" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRxhrPYEOuXWUZ9NTWhbP1UX2B0tklVwwt-TOs0rN3f1uwOHz5ymepUnNAJn3ey4_IVnLjqLQnrdrFFJhDciQK32oNgg9pEqqeQui2ToJ2Ay-cYYWnd88-LAOmfIx5jFYb3lMGpMiNhM9mR1EIpUHS8K8H-AWoSEc-9RR9hoHaDee_oCp4KiF9vxC_aQY7/w640-h640/halloween%20kindness%20bulleint%20board%20for%20upper%20elementary.png" title="Halloween Activities for Kids - 7 Engaging Ideas for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Spread kindness this October with this easy display! </b>These Halloween themed kindness sayings are a great way to bring attention to the kind behavior you want to see in your classroom. I love displaying kindness posters all year long and these have just a bit of spooky goodness that will grab your students' attention this October.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgay63PNT_e1CSnbF6aYODqWbzYF9v-wQwaow3i6vpVx4_Uhz5ACJviqyCVyviz-fASwYWpLImfTrNMn3sB4GM2KGsGbQ4yS_yoKzKdKqSXMCWatPk6K68uHvNteL1s9vKr42jK0NnMxDhggajb0GIvAg7RqUStRsF81x5ukQpO_o1tlLLh5SCYyiaZVNFn/s2475/halloween%20kindness%20grams%20for%20upper%20elementary.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="halloween kindness grams for kids" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgay63PNT_e1CSnbF6aYODqWbzYF9v-wQwaow3i6vpVx4_Uhz5ACJviqyCVyviz-fASwYWpLImfTrNMn3sB4GM2KGsGbQ4yS_yoKzKdKqSXMCWatPk6K68uHvNteL1s9vKr42jK0NnMxDhggajb0GIvAg7RqUStRsF81x5ukQpO_o1tlLLh5SCYyiaZVNFn/w640-h640/halloween%20kindness%20grams%20for%20upper%20elementary.png" title="Halloween Activities for Kids - 7 Engaging Ideas for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>Go one step further and print these Halloween posters four to a page to create instant kindness grams and notecards</b>. You can spread kindness by sending your students quick notes on these cards, or you can have students send kindness notes to their friends and family. They are a fun and simple way to spread some kindness this Halloween season.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuceVipfaXeOQTD6CpwTwARNI-Yaw5pFMkSQa4-UOKP8M9R8gvtasqDL4dWRyhg9GsrKYudIiuifvl7RhjtOaNlJU4F4lE4OJ7PE6CUJhMGyyyKAaEqG9f6zUUe7_xnciGGg0ryQOPZnBTO-YiLg94sgLie5zMlm8ccHg8cRowdDPV2kBpdkPqGWosvrQd/s2475/halloween%20writing%20activities%20for%20upper%20elementary.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Halloween writing activity and bulletin board display for the classroom" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuceVipfaXeOQTD6CpwTwARNI-Yaw5pFMkSQa4-UOKP8M9R8gvtasqDL4dWRyhg9GsrKYudIiuifvl7RhjtOaNlJU4F4lE4OJ7PE6CUJhMGyyyKAaEqG9f6zUUe7_xnciGGg0ryQOPZnBTO-YiLg94sgLie5zMlm8ccHg8cRowdDPV2kBpdkPqGWosvrQd/w640-h640/halloween%20writing%20activities%20for%20upper%20elementary.png" title="Halloween Activities for Kids - 7 Engaging Ideas for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>I also love to decorate our classroom with students' writing! </b>These haunted haikus are perfect for the beginning of the year. Haikus are a short piece of poetry that follow a specific pattern related to syllables. Just what our upper elementary students need practice with to help them grow as readers, writers, and spellers. Throw in a spooky theme and the kids will be done writing their haikus in no time. Have students write their haikus on pumpkins, cauldrons, and gravestones to create the perfect bulletin board display or banner to string around your room! These haikus are one of my favorite writing projects of the year. The students always ask to write another one!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h3>2. Read a Halloween Picture Book</h3></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseVMhh9e512-SJd6ftFURc_fDqB7eT3zW7t209m_BZiDV2T6trNlLbsEC7qfrN_LdzN8KSDpmAToD4UxatsqcM9TvOpe20uO2P3fdyoX7BvNM-_gBPYDP3Vt0WXFChrhdQC8-f8qtkE5fUyn-zAdYUyCykLDYfPd92ZfNH8wO9B_GSIWUxcBOW31qzXc_/s2475/halloween%20read%20aloud%20picture%20books%20for%20upper%20elementary.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Halloween Read Aloud Picture Books 3rd 4th 5th grade" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseVMhh9e512-SJd6ftFURc_fDqB7eT3zW7t209m_BZiDV2T6trNlLbsEC7qfrN_LdzN8KSDpmAToD4UxatsqcM9TvOpe20uO2P3fdyoX7BvNM-_gBPYDP3Vt0WXFChrhdQC8-f8qtkE5fUyn-zAdYUyCykLDYfPd92ZfNH8wO9B_GSIWUxcBOW31qzXc_/w640-h640/halloween%20read%20aloud%20picture%20books%20for%20upper%20elementary.png" title="Halloween Activities for Kids - 7 Engaging Ideas for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>Each year, my <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/10/9-halloween-picture-books-for-upper.html" target="_blank">Halloween picture book stack</a> gets taller and taller...I just love a good holiday read aloud!</b> While it is fun to read some stories, just to celebrate the holidays, I like to use <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/10/9-halloween-picture-books-for-upper.html" target="_blank">picture books to</a> teach skills, practice reading and writing strategies, and cover objectives that I already need to teach.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Need a good Halloween book suggestion specifically for upper elementary students? </b>Head to this blog post that shares my favorite 9 Halloween read alouds and content-based objectives that I use each to address.</div><div><br /></div><div>👉 <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/10/9-halloween-picture-books-for-upper.html" target="_blank"><b>9 Halloween Read Alouds for Upper Elementary Students </b></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h3>3. Learn Through History</h3></div><div>My students are always asking questions! They love to know the why or how behind something we learn or celebrate...like Halloween! We always dive deep into the history of jack o lanters, candy corn, and the holiday of Halloween. The kids walk away from our lessons feeling like detectives who have figured out the mystery of this spooky day!</div><div><br /></div><div>👉 <b>Want to try out some spooky Halloween activities to engage your students?</b> Grab these FREE Haunted House reading and writing activities below! Click the image to grab them!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://the-little-ladybug-shop.ck.page/172a91052c?fbclid=IwAR1GrSs1c85R5yo1B8LcjLJ-v_OjnNz2jELuWRAk3V-tenXiAr__t6-47bM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="free halloween writing and reading activities for 3rd 4th 5th graders" border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="2400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmGeWsu1y4TMWSO_lsqijDfD9HQiVWDaIEoExXPiuUhK4XmJh5GsH-Bwr8ftGRPRHJXIOozO-mJNXZCyffTRuXnD8L090CXQbEeXT8ibhpPQmFsT2YL0KIj6uFKo-53MurqJDRVBy9uth_mOfL4yClQMjOajDc7T-p-u1geQ1ODRf28DLxOSvyrOLfSN4/w640-h640/Slide3.JPG" title="Halloween Activities for Kids - 7 Engaging Ideas for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h3>4. Get Creative...but with the Standards!</h3></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/What-Should-My-Teacher-Be-for-Halloween-Writing-Prompt-October-Bulletin-Board-4055108" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Halloween writing persuasive project what should my teacher be for halloween" border="0" data-original-height="2275" data-original-width="2270" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQ71h8vuPXIsr4DeEhN81sugpX26cdcmGrapflJ80l841ElkxmsX1JW3599K-NOLggupr987vS8Y07x3KWxwzR5M5wYyuhjR2lrhQBkbGGJpWsxnGUKw_P9fqdsKs0IAWqxaRetv55k-RWnomqtD53zzz101seCUtksgZ37lgIgyoVfWgZhDDbTyiZEEG/w638-h640/halloween%20persuasive%20writing%20project%20for%20upper%20elementary.png" title="Halloween Activities for Kids - 7 Engaging Ideas for Upper Elementary" width="638" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>I love bringing the holidays and seasons into our writing period.</b> You can keep your students engaged the last week of October with this persuasive writing project that they love! Students brainstorm, illustrate and then persuade YOU to wear the Halloween costume that they picked out for you to wear. It is so much fun, and to be honest, I have gotten some good costume ideas from them! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h3>5. Sprinkle in the Fun </h3></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-Coloring-Pages-Color-by-Number-Sheet-Reading-Math-October-Morning-Work-10297488" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Halloween color by code activities for classroom parties" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5ZzI7bxQUV2m-7_w0Sj7aBGNLrXctF0-KYYTnNVxa9UAHEgFa1WWUsFcsV0hh_O6b-GAW1WnaVzyg3TRc7mn0CYP6hareG9UDEtD1APFZ7Gp0monHlxjwGNGXlqk0Jflt276abcHQfAQOESkUAnyzWXCp06S_idRU4X4y0XSq07BX-qa_PxCDa2y5Sc1/w640-h640/halloween%20coloring%20activities%20for%20upper%20elementary.png" title="Halloween Activities for Kids - 7 Engaging Ideas for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Sprinkle in a little bit of fun this October with <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-Coloring-Pages-Color-by-Number-Sheet-Reading-Math-October-Morning-Work-10297488" target="_blank">coloring activities that kids just LOVE</a>!</b> Packed with activities that meet the standards for reading, grammar, word work, and math, your students won't just be coloring, but they will be learning and reviewing important skills, too!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1-DEAL-Holidays-Halloween-Coloring-Pages-Sheets-Morning-Work-October-10336009" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="halloween coloring pages for 3rd 4th 5th grade classrooms" border="0" data-original-height="2640" data-original-width="2640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfCM09pviK0yFre_voNemoVlbyFn0zX_3wFt41uCv2x6G8eYI7TIoWIjibRTqxXjAjlWrb1E_ccL8sU3mStVprAeptM03cAeD3Ni1eX0VrMvOBzEUTo_tXstn3OCm_FEWK6WsGYW7VGYCFla0OzO-vqCp5uGZHDM3gfoehmJfdAgzbMD5_K-AWwubYcJD/w640-h640/halloween%20doodle%20thinkers.png" title="Halloween Activities for Kids - 7 Engaging Ideas for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1-DEAL-Holidays-Halloween-Coloring-Pages-Sheets-Morning-Work-October-10336009" target="_blank"> Holiday Doodle Thinkers </a>are a great way to kick off the day with a calm start and help your students ease into the day. <b>It combines coloring, brainstorming, word review, and writing into one activity that is perfect to last for morning work for the week!</b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-size: 14px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/46F4stX" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Halloween must have ideas and amazon list" border="0" data-original-height="2308" data-original-width="4064" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QeiSp9CN0a8dD0yGoKIJPxMiwChBJaoaLyHUDVk_OGBL4CLVA2EicA0k_DAFYqn1kJBoqaGm6bn3cGGF0AlQAQ8MYMtc-_rkcEQhxd3Cmn0aIKaoc_mCddxTwFcREG_MI1PB6CfXbqPLJ2JkBB4cn8WNwmi7zRV_n2FXxdIC7rhQ7q8rVlNBP-sUy0Dy/w640-h364/halloween%20classroom%20must%20haves.png" title="Halloween Activities for Kids - 7 Engaging Ideas for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: cambria, serif; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 14.95px;">*<b>affiliate links: </b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">“Think Grow Giggle is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.”<br /></span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Other ways that I sprinkle in some fun for the month is by decorating bulletin boards with Halloween writing, using Halloween erasers during math as manipulative, and bringing in some creative tasks like coloring bookmarks, creating sticker characters, and scratch-and-go shapes!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><h3>6. Watch a Story and Summarize</h3></div><div><b>I love treating my students to a quick video or two throughout the week. </b>We love favorite stories from <a href="https://storylineonline.net/" target="_blank">Storyline Online</a> and PIXAR shorts. These are great to watch and dive into reading strategy work like inferring and summarizing. And since we are <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2018/09/teaching-students-how-to-successfully.html" target="_blank">knee-deep in summarizing</a> just around Halloween time, we love to watch <a href="https://storylineonline.net/books/quackenstein/" target="_blank">Quackenstein Hatches a Family</a> and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Summarizing-Activities-How-to-Write-Summary-Graphic-Organizer-3rd-4th-5th-SWBST-2164917" target="_blank">write a summary</a> about it!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><h3>7. Halloween Math Stations</h3></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-Math-Games-Activities-October-Centers-3rd-Grade-Review--7341221" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Halloween math game spinners" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKcIuSPNuxkhXJMXf1iyn2wahb38w3lr05exIywPktjuSGVPRM1mEzazT_bichx1XzzTIbMV3x_5qH0j77qwaUKe7kfuqJFAtCboKr3XnAC0YBReaa-i41cjIdfAtiVoCsOz6CbgH1ppRpMz7AxI3qAequ8R2HuBygkJcFu-DjMGO33BxTU-5Kxygj2Kw/w640-h640/halloween%20math%20games%20for%20upper%20elementary.png" title="Halloween Activities for Kids - 7 Engaging Ideas for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Nothing says <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-Math-Games-Activities-October-Centers-3rd-Grade-Review--7341221" target="_blank">holiday fun like math games</a>! Whether you have fun Friday, math centers, or use it as a party game, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-Math-Games-Activities-October-Centers-3rd-Grade-Review--7341221" target="_blank">Halloween math games</a> are so much fun!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>We love spinner games to practice and review important skills. </b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-Math-Games-Activities-October-Centers-3rd-Grade-Review--7341221" target="_blank">Spinner games</a> are a great tool to have students play with a partner to increase math discourse OR to play alone, to just practice a skill. They are print and go and only require a paperclip and pencil to make the spinner and different color crayons or manipulatives. And since these are interactive with a digital option, you can play as a whole class, too!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>👉 <b>Get started with <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-Math-Games-Centers-for-October-2113138" target="_blank">Halloween math games with these FREE spooky games</a>!</b></div><div><br /></div><div>No matter which Halloween activity you choose, you will see instant engagement, participation, and smiles from your upper elementary students. Bring holiday activities into your reading, writing, and math blocks this month and excite your students. Happy Halloween!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">You will also love reading:</h3><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/10/3-ways-to-use-those-darn-squirrels-read.html" target="_blank">Using Those Darn Squirrels in the Classroom</a></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/08/8-picture-books-to-honor-and-remember.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2023/09/fall-activities-for-kids-5-engaging.html">5 Must Try Fall Activities with Upper Elementary Students</a></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/10/3-easy-to-implement-halloween-writing.html" target="_blank">3 Easy to Implement Halloween Writing Activities</a></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/10/4-classroom-alternatives-to-celebrating.html" target="_blank">4 Classroom Alternatives to Celebrating Halloween in the Classroom</a></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/10/9-halloween-picture-books-for-upper.html" target="_blank">9 Halloween Read Alouds for Upper Elementary </a></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><h3 style="color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative;">Check out my favorite Halloween activities <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Think-Grow-Giggle/Category/127823-Holiday-Halloween-413775" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </h3><div>Like these <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-Reading-Comprehension-Passages-Writing-Math-Activities-2127215" target="_blank">Halloween no-prep activities</a>!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-Reading-Comprehension-Passages-Writing-Math-Activities-2127215" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Halloween print and go no prep activities 3rd 4th 5th grade" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeCUbPIpQTMR99i_RNjCb8yERocS3pwnaIH6dEJ0jtPnMNIxs2re-suE67JUKE1MWd64e2C0UPX2mxCedMXKd_LHkG75YLFhf8PfgZ2UIfGHBGiQRB8RB9ykY_9j3D-TCZagCMR4cUtXEePX0j5zt_Ar4zd-osl5J7z0bv1W85llGoL_x1EbAdbyaeQup/w640-h640/halloween%20no%20prep%20activities%20for%20upper%20elementary%20students.jpg" title="Halloween Activities for Kids - 7 Engaging Ideas for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"> LOVE these ideas? Pin to save!</h3></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tXH5Y9REd2hyphenhypheniu2iw1wAH4x6MQwj3ShSt0Pah8KTQj7La9wDtdfTPOM4qmKcPYu6l0S5ncevwg_U_7lm3NiuIdzwDPwVtCVvrn7XNB1XJBD5gfmXl9ziMmDLSamFW0B6EpI1McE_rKMeLWtRE4aPmg5qYPJ9M5unTHFHj0OGWgsSB6f2Epv8VL9l21GF/s6000/7%20halloween%20ideas%20and%20activities%20for%20upper%20elementary%20students_bloglongpin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Halloween Activities for Kids - 7 Engaging Ideas for Upper Elementary" border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="3375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tXH5Y9REd2hyphenhypheniu2iw1wAH4x6MQwj3ShSt0Pah8KTQj7La9wDtdfTPOM4qmKcPYu6l0S5ncevwg_U_7lm3NiuIdzwDPwVtCVvrn7XNB1XJBD5gfmXl9ziMmDLSamFW0B6EpI1McE_rKMeLWtRE4aPmg5qYPJ9M5unTHFHj0OGWgsSB6f2Epv8VL9l21GF/s16000/7%20halloween%20ideas%20and%20activities%20for%20upper%20elementary%20students_bloglongpin.jpg" title="Halloween ideas for 3rd 4th 5th graders" /></a></div><br /><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #555555; font-family: cambria, serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.95px; text-align: left;">*<b>affiliate links: </b></span><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: italic; text-align: left;">“Think Grow Giggle is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.” <br />(source: </span><a href="https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/operating/agreement" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #25c1aa; font-family: raleway, sans-serif; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Section 5</a><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: italic; text-align: left;">)</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div></div></div><div><br /></div>Third Grade Giggleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18234338835946741807noreply@blogger.comNew York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972812.402541463821152 -109.1622228 69.023009136178842 -38.849722799999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333302365949553987.post-91974978706043338262023-09-25T04:00:00.032-07:002024-02-24T16:41:22.796-08:007 Interactive Read Aloud Tips for Success with Upper Elementary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Think-Grow-Giggle/Category/128214-Interactive-Read-Alouds-543020" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="7 Interactive Read Alouds Tips for Success" border="0" data-original-height="1881" data-original-width="2946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvvHFahEXlRpyirMLA5V32Txr4CthF5w49Tok87DdFVM598KabEYXlU0BkIm-e4yY1lk2Ku3GAstMCY28vMyu4ABv4OmQa3rcUQwVvltoPKFIEzWFiQJm47I5sJQN3i0CGAELZDeRY_LRMqD0GgojlMQLwpC-YDBHCmoXHglI67gCdh2hSujOUKF-nR9E/s16000/interactive%20read%20aloud%20tips_header.jpg" title="read aloud ideas for upper elementary" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Thinking about getting started with interactive read alouds in your classroom? They are a must! Interactive read-alouds are a valuable way for teachers to engage students in meaningful discussions and promote comprehension skills.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><i>So what is an <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2023/06/6-benefits-of-using-interactive-read.html" target="_blank">interactive read-aloud</a>?</i></b></h3><p><br /></p><p><b>An interactive read-aloud is a dynamic and purposeful reading activity that engages students in high-quality literature.</b> During an interactive read-aloud, the students are actively involved in the reading process. This approach goes beyond a simple read-aloud; it encourages students to think critically, ask questions, make connections, and discuss the content. Pausing at strategic points to pose discussion questions, explore vocabulary, and model reading comprehension strategies is an important part of the interactive read-aloud experience. </p><p><br /></p><p>I love using interactive read-alouds because they <b>promote a deeper understanding of the text, provide models for students to engage with their own texts as they independently read, and foster a love of reading. </b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Want to get started using <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2023/06/6-benefits-of-using-interactive-read.html" target="_blank">interactive read-alouds</a> in YOUR upper elementary classroom? </b>These seven must-try tips will help you get started!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. Choose Age-Appropriate and Engaging Text</h3><p>This first step is so important! Be sure to select books or texts that are <b>appropriate for your students' age and reading level and captivating and relevant to their interests</b>. Engaging texts are more likely to hold their attention and spark meaningful discussions.</p><p><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/06/must-have-picture-books-to-build-your.html" target="_blank">Picture Books</a> and chapter books both make amazing interactive read-alouds for students. You can select fiction, nonfiction, and even poetry picture books. Since <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/06/must-have-picture-books-to-build-your.html" target="_blank">picture books</a> are much shorter than chapter books, they are my go-to. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Not sure where to find appropriate picture books for upper elementary?</b> I have some lists of favorites that you and your students will love!</p><p><br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/07/10-best-mentor-texts-to-use-for-reading.html" target="_blank">Mentor Texts to Use for Both Reading and Writing</a></li><li><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/06/must-have-picture-books-to-build-your.html" target="_blank">Favorite Picture Books for Upper Elementary</a></li><li><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/03/8-biography-picture-books-for-upper.html" target="_blank">8 Biography Picture Books </a></li><li><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/06/7-must-read-picture-books-for-teaching.html" target="_blank">7 Must-Read Picture Books for Teaching Inferring</a></li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p><b> <span style="font-size: medium;">➡️Rather start interactive read alouds with a chapter book? </span></b><span style="font-size: medium;">These chapter books are always class favorites!</span></p><p></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"></ul><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/shop/thinkgrowgiggle/list/1UXHXMRH9D3LF?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfthinkgrowgiggle_F9W1PBX294F43G4FDQZT" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="chapter books for upper elementary read alouds" border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="4565" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2niVCgUui_8zln6r1d8P1fstS0AD2fhGSJCky79WAYcUEnju7lSkxCf-4aA0xq8sMY8oDZEyvHkM4EpkXXOB-pix23HgWLwjVf80lenD2iLKChql3HvuLQIjRxi6n5xu1dPPLaRNNPm_auqZfQ-fK_YX4AuPg57khx7lqF0JpwJTUa7v8_qarBgOADXNe/w640-h388/Picture1.png" title="7 Interactive Read Alouds Tips for Success" width="640" /></a></div><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">2. Use the Voices and Make the Sound Effects</h3><p>The best part about the read alouds are different voices and sound effects that you can use to not only hook students, but to show them what fluent reading sounds like! I love to have a box of props next to my read aloud chair that I can use to help me as I read. Items I include are <a href="https://amzn.to/3LAO2dK" target="_blank">bells</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/453hsZ6" target="_blank">clapping hands</a>, and a <a href="https://amzn.to/3tcq9mm" target="_blank">rain shaker</a> or shaker filled with rice. But, you do not need anything fancy! Just your voice, hands, and feet do the trick to bringing the read aloud to life. And yes, <b>if there are silly voices and singing going on in the story, do them! You will make your students smile and love reading.</b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">3. Revisit the Book Again and Again</h3><p><b>Yes, I am going to say it again! Picture books should be read again and again and again!</b></p><p>We read picture books in my <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/09/interactive-read-alouds-one-book-many.html" target="_blank">classroom multiple times,</a> each time with a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Interactive-Read-Aloud-Activities-Picture-Book-Aligned-Reading-Lessons-8153185" target="_blank">different purpose</a>. <b>It does NOT get boring</b>. The kids know we are rereading it with a different lens each time, so their thoughts and discussions change. Plus, since they already know the story, their reflections are more meaningful and are often filled with connections.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>When you <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/09/interactive-read-alouds-one-book-many.html" target="_blank">reread previously</a> read picture books, you help students:</i></b></p><p></p><ul><li>focus on the skill or objective of your read aloud lesson instead of trying to comprehend a new story AND master a new skill</li><li>understand that good readers reread books and texts over and over to learn something new, better understand what was read, or just for enjoyment</li><li>build confidence in their reading comprehension and retell/summarizing skills</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">➡️See how I use one read-aloud picture book in many different ways <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/10/3-ways-to-use-those-darn-squirrels-read.html" target="_blank">right HERE</a>.</span></b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">👉 Grab this <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Interactive-Read-Aloud-Picture-Book-Guide-Back-to-School-8353281" target="_blank">FREE guide</a> with my favorite picture books for interactive read- alouds! </h3><p style="text-align: left;">It includes several different topics that you can use for each book, allowing you to read and re-read each book over and over again.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Interactive-Read-Aloud-Picture-Book-Guide-Back-to-School-8353281" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="free guide for interactive read aloud book suggestions" border="0" data-original-height="1590" data-original-width="1570" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmtLu9xvVydOTThVSvxe6fzM_90kzwT-ug-0yCuZL1o49_9FGH_4PsUi6KqyJ--5yRNKquCyVQARx-dJHH5kOXrN9ry1Fvwe6g2FV5lqGC4IU80Ow8w1u1rUxCSKuSnJo1DcBNcFRJ2wxHIU_cvqVi0mR5_554r-BXeaVrVC9fHudAxKsnbQUmptDicC_/w632-h640/interactive%20read%20aloud%20free%20book%20lists_TGG.jpg" title="7 Interactive Read Alouds Tips for Success" width="632" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">4. Plan Ahead and Annotate the Text</h3><p>Before the read-aloud, read the text in advance and annotate it with key points, questions, and discussion prompts. <b>This will help you guide the conversation and highlight important themes, vocabulary, or literary devices that you want to focus on.</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Prior to reading aloud, I also create <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/01/using-interactive-anchor-charts-to.html" target="_blank">an interactive anchor chart</a> that will be used during the reading. I do not always do this for all read-alouds. However, I have the <b>chart ready to go for more challenging concepts that I will bring up and teach during and after the read-aloud</b>. This works perfectly for topics like <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/09/4-simple-ways-to-teach-students-to-make.html" target="_blank">making predictions</a>, <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/06/7-must-read-picture-books-for-teaching.html" target="_blank">making inferences</a>, and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Traits-List-Analysis-Development-Posters-Reading-Passages-Activities-8995802" target="_blank">understanding character traits</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>When annotating or prepping questions ahead of time, I make sure to have questions for each level of Bloom's taxonomy. </b>Using sticky notes is a great way to do this! Especially because you can use those sticky notes again by leaving them on the pages, ready to go for next year!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Smart-Cookie-Activities-Back-to-School-Read-Aloud-Book--8607785" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="prepping for interactive read aloud annotation questions" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vVvUWu-CWKw0gJieRKc_c3NjeimMRb5dAbKe9GsVKcg65RRTRPqFHXX5F3Spj1WLhrH2Sm8vIMQBPsnAtc1_cJNHi3q0eOp9_yygeouxhT6aTv0PgxhaSV4pSGqquS0wk8-BbFTdANX5G12vAVtP4xmLj-pyMzDbCnNeeDVAAD0nEJTDfEVCsmru9fZL/w640-h640/interactive%20read%20aloud%20annotate%20picture%20book.png" title="7 Interactive Read Alouds Tips for Success" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">5. Encourage Active Participation</h3><p>Using interactive read-alouds helps you to foster an interactive atmosphere by encouraging students to participate actively. As you read, frequently stop and ask the predetermined open-ended questions, ask for predictions, and invite students to share their thoughts, feelings, and connections to the text. Use prompts like, <i>What do you think will happen next? </i>or <i>How would you have reacted in this situation?</i></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Giving students a specific read-aloud buddy or partner sets up the expectation of who they will be speaking to during the read-aloud.</b> As time goes on, students build trust and relationships with their read-aloud buddies, making their conversations deeper and more meaningful.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Keep the conversation going between your students and their partners by creating an <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Partner-Book-Text-Talk-Accountable-Talking-Bulletin-Board-2063593" target="_blank">accountability bulletin board</a></b> that provides appropriate discussion stems that can be used for any read-aloud! These work wonders in my classroom and truly help my students discuss literature in meaningful ways. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Partner-Book-Text-Talk-Accountable-Talking-Bulletin-Board-2063593" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="questions for students for Interactive Read Alouds" border="0" data-original-height="2640" data-original-width="2640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UHNTMVqjOHsxAPmnDAWzQovWyZZ99MURwhp9r_T2eitylCUkqHza_Tjm0Ecm2h4_DP07piDWq7OutaPybO234RPLVUh9G8mbg9il3KrhYT5YmJiiWbBVmVxzSOxJdIcn5DI8TRQNxZMlTkw-RQoFCdDLf_UVFb1YcUaeCkuseAbQmi4WczxjOGfYMnOh/w640-h640/reading%20text%20talk%202.jpg" title="7 Interactive Read Alouds Tips for Success" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">6. Model Comprehension Strategies</h3><p><b>While reading, model <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Comprehension-Strategies-Activities-and-Posters-Great-for-Small-Group-2175794" target="_blank">effective comprehension strategies </a>such as making predictions, <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/10/visualizing-reading-strategy-lesson.html" target="_blank">visualizing</a>, making inferences, and asking questions</b>. Show students how skilled readers think critically about the text and how these strategies enhance understanding. <b>The more you show them, the more they will carry out those strategies as they <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Independent-Reading-Activities-Accountable-Comprehension-Questions-For-Any-Book-2071141" target="_blank">read independently</a>. </b></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">7. Build Classroom Community</h3><p><b>The best part of using interactive <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2018/05/3-community-building-picture-books-to.html" target="_blank">read alouds</a> in your classroom is that it <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2018/06/8-strategies-to-build-strong-classroom.html" target="_blank">builds classroom community</a>!</b> </p><p><br /></p><p>Kids, even our big kids, love to gather as a class and get cozy listening to the soothing sounds of their teacher reading aloud. <b>Use your read-aloud time as a way to remind, practice, and instill the idea that your classroom is a safe and respectful space where students should feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions.</b> Emphasize that there are no wrong answers and that listening to and respecting others' viewpoints is essential during the discussion. <b>Reading aloud to the whole class provides a sense of togetherness and allows<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Community-Building-Activities-Posters-Bulletin-Board-6924857" target="_blank"> true community bonding</a> to take place!</b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Incorporating interactive read-alouds in upper elementary classrooms can transform reading sessions into thought provoking and enjoyable learning experiences, </b>enhancing both literacy skills and a love for reading. While these tips will get you started, remember to tailor your approach to your students' specific needs and interests while keeping the conversation lively and engaging.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">Looking for more <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/09/interactive-read-alouds-one-book-many.html" target="_blank">read-aloud companions</a>?<br />Look <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Think-Grow-Giggle/Category/128214-Interactive-Read-Alouds-543020" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</h3><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Read-Aloud-Books-Bundle-and-Activities-Picture-Book-First-Week--7146062" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="interactive read aloud book ideas for upper elementary" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluCPWcc6JwdmkszMe3x6VPH1e2yhzZRr4BbZvFbMMcDmTQWF3WvfhsWF81pCZTQjyN9mGtEF2zpxzPRxKxw_fhsFjrp5nHnHpg4RleqaZSq1U2Qx_i9gkTppH-8dZ0AJMFusoGdes_bt18Vvq7wB0D4cjqon60EHfNOzWF3NLrOANmWU8mvKzE04srupb/w640-h640/back%20to%20school%20read%20aloud,%20same%20but%20different.png" title="7 Interactive Read Alouds Tips for Success" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><h3 style="color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">You will love reading these related articles:</h3></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/09/interactive-read-alouds-one-book-many.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">The Benefits of Using One Book Many Ways</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/10/3-ways-to-use-those-darn-squirrels-read.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/10/3-ways-to-use-those-darn-squirrels-read.html" target="_blank">3 Ways to Use the Book Those Darn Squirrels</a></div></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/06/7-must-read-picture-books-for-teaching.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Picture Books for Teaching Inferring</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/03/7-opinion-writing-mentor-texts-for.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/03/7-opinion-writing-mentor-texts-for.html" target="_blank">Mentor Text for Opinion Writing</a></div></div></div></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">Love these ideas? Pin to save them!</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Think-Grow-Giggle/Category/128214-Interactive-Read-Alouds-543020" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="7 Interactive Read Alouds Tips for Success" border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="3375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9b5k6hWXAdAyfqcjfnLkjTYR2LmxR0HDWqewJxsyZ6ant1gsjiZ9B0CW4UNv0vcaMr20Bjde1e-nPiNopYMd_xYCr7_hRDOpy92QFE8F2t4OdFwe9QqGLb_IjA-YqAqGbxfYzwqN2j0eDYoIYcUPkALfWL2S8_eIZvW4cxyO3xglGGJ6M2mdeMEE41m0u/s16000/interactive%20read%20aloud%20tips_pinlongblog.jpg" title="Read aloud ideas for upper elementary students" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-6205206069475844989" itemprop="articleBody" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; text-align: start; width: 710px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.95px; text-align: center;"><b>affiliate links: </b></span><span face="raleway, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; text-align: center;">“Think Grow Giggle is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.” (source: </span><a href="https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/operating/agreement" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #25c1aa; font-family: raleway, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Section 5</a><span face="raleway, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; text-align: center;">)</span></div></div><div style="clear: both; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;" /></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Third Grade Giggleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18234338835946741807noreply@blogger.comNew York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972812.402541463821152 -109.1622228 69.023009136178842 -38.849722799999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333302365949553987.post-10779083221073078512023-09-18T04:00:00.268-07:002023-11-02T05:08:43.890-07:00Fall Activities for Kids - 5 Engaging Ideas for Upper Elementary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Think-Grow-Giggle/Category/127823-Seasonal-AutumnFall-269936" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Fall Lesson Ideas for 3rd 4th 5th Grade Students" border="0" data-original-height="2777" data-original-width="4218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqTyP3w96nAcKDzOjqZULXvVZ01oJbqvdp4_JN1fVfPKbwtVXjDsZaYws7WNk6n-8pZ_1S8oQfY0e3RJZ4pIEbZX-ymMK6YWpPgkVz5bN06t-ODqsg4avOuDx94QKUIoCXUoiUHpzE9d5MUuc684S8nd4CVDJLzGpb9HEzz-9E30_nNbOMzYaYOBYXqIZ/s16000/fall%20activities%20for%20upper%20elementary.jpg" title="Fall Activities for Kids - 5 Engaging Ideas for Upper Elementary" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>There is nothing more exciting for students, even our upper elementary students, than the change of seasons! </p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">That is why welcoming the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Day-of-Fall-Activities-Reading-Writing-Prompt-Math-September-Autumn-Tasks-7254589" target="_blank">season of fall</a> into my classroom is a must!</span></b></p><p><br /></p><p>Our big kids still love <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Nonfiction-Reading-Comprehension-Passages-Close-Reading-Strategies-Fall-6829765" target="_blank">learning about the seasons</a></b>, holidays, and what is happening outside of the classroom. Infusing seasonal themes and topics with content and standards you already have to teach will ignite engagement and increase student participation.</p><p><br /></p><p>Bringing the seasons into the classroom goes beyond a quick fall craft to display. Using seasonal activities does not mean you have to give up rigor, critical thinking, or grade-level standards.</p><p><br /></p><p>Instead, it is the opposite!</p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">When you use seasonally themed activities to enhance tasks you already have to do in the classroom, you will notice:</span></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>an increase in student interest and motivation</li><li>an increase in student participation</li><li>an increase in the quality of student discourse</li><li>students making connections</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Does this sound too good to be true? It is not!</p><p><br /></p><p>You and <b>your students can reap the benefits from <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/10/4-classroom-alternatives-to-celebrating.html" target="_blank">seasonal learning this fall</a></b><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/10/4-classroom-alternatives-to-celebrating.html" target="_blank"> </a>with these simple yet meaningful tips to welcome the season of fall into your upper elementary classroom.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. Create a Fall Environment with Purposeful Decor</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fall-Bulletin-Board-Kindness-Quotes-Posters-September-October-November-7091402" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Fall Bulletin Board 3rd 4th 5th Grade SEL Kindness" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9U8l7uMR5ypTofaEMiIvWOcd5oSpSHFoLzagYDXumrTcGY1xnsltTYq6uXYdYa6F8TfWEBoxGw7Lbpy4YKQ8mDg8N6Z6DBi3z_YflYdBO5OKFf3zz0Oi3-9PuTINgpvT9cOgi_DgK_0VmdcsA0Ivnlht1tuB-TgzGZ-IjnifPNZH5PIG1s7-x40t3lrgB/w640-h640/fall%20bulletin%20board%20SEL%20Kindness%20for%20the%20classroom.jpg" title="Fall Activities for Kids - 5 Engaging Ideas for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><b>Transform your classroom into a cozy, inviting, fall-themed space using meaningful decor like student work and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fall-Bulletin-Board-Kindness-Quotes-Posters-September-October-November-7091402" target="_blank">fall-themed kindness posters</a>.</b> Displaying student work is highly motivating for students. It also provides a deadline for students, helping them complete their fall writing pieces on time! </p><p><br /></p><p>I love to use student fall-themed writing projects to decorate the walls of my classroom. When displaying student writing, be sure to have students create colorful illustrations to accompany their writing. </p><p><br /></p><p>Want to display YOUR students' amazing writing? <b>Try these writing projects:</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/All-About-Me-Apple-Craft-Back-to-School-Writing-September-Bulletin-Board-3828391" target="_blank">Apple Acrostics</a></li><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Day-of-Fall-Writing-Prompt-Descriptive-Narrative-September-Bulletin-Board-7254495" target="_blank">Fall Descriptive Writing</a></li><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Day-of-Fall-Writing-Activities-Opinion-Prompts-for-September-October-2508048" target="_blank">Fall Opinion Writing</a></li><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/How-to-Carve-a-Pumpkin-Writing-Prompt-October-Fall-Bulletin-Board--4865444" target="_blank">How to Carve a Pumpkin</a></li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p>No matter the season, I always display inspirational kindness posters <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindness-Class-Rules-Posters-Back-to-School-Bulletin-Board-September-Ideas--7091428" target="_blank">like these</a>. I love using <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fall-Bulletin-Board-Kindness-Quotes-Posters-September-October-November-7091402" target="_blank">simple fall kindness posters</a> with a positive message to display all season long! And since they are NOT holiday-specific, it is inclusive for all students in your classroom!</p><p><br /></p><p><i>Want to add a touch of fall to your classroom with decor? You will love these <a href="https://amzn.to/3EMnKRT" target="_blank"><b>FALL GOODIES!</b></a></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3EMnKRT" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2666" data-original-width="4644" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNRSVwegGXch7j4ZJL95JziwZ77N2nQg96nzLcpn8Ui9rr2bAMpK3heJO1LXZaUZkbLuEB4p--iRVorWbKTj2rjKhKXTnVxmUZvFDjSNDKfhu4cO2zsytj-CW0WIrPfmeqCdnFpOa8NVOZpDka1U19-MbdM3m_ZispieFzL08_tyn0G2J1v0COpx0v4ZM/w640-h368/Picture2.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">2. Read a Fall Themed Picture Book</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2018/09/6-autumn-picture-books-for-upper.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="fall read alouds for 3rd 4th 5th grade" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4J_rABoi-buApKuGc2CNpMAVmKp-ed-o9UnvMVZXoHQnl-F0vYL-7_052eKCXhjevv0EjOhEK_7ePYdx2mFN9o8NU9EmweaQj9a8IrLeE0YBGWuUz_wpgyEEydz5yZDj-BTcEKGwpSxdG1eWPBt026gwRC4WCvPeZhzJs5DYkCfVa0APzaQOMmjCIKrr/w640-h640/fall%20read%20aloud%20books%20for%20upper%20elementary.jpg" title="Fall Activities for Kids - 5 Engaging Ideas for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p><b>If you know me, you know I LOVE read alouds!</b> I truly can <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Interactive-Read-Aloud-Activities-Picture-Book-Aligned-Reading-Lessons-8153185" target="_blank">find a read-aloud</a> for every holiday, season, special event, historical moment, or topic that needs to be addressed in the classroom. Display autumn-themed picture books, poetry, and nonfiction books about leaves and pumpkins around your room. This not only serves as a way to engage and motivate students to read, but it also adds a pop of color and fall decor to your room!</p><p><br /></p><p>You can use picture books to engage students throughout the season, changing focus each month. It is a great way to weave in different reading and writing standards and serve as mentor texts for your ELA lessons.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Read about my favorite read-alouds for each part of the fall season:</b></p><p><br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2018/09/6-autumn-picture-books-for-upper.html" target="_blank">6 Autumn Themed Read Alouds for Upper Elementary</a></li><li><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/10/3-ways-to-use-those-darn-squirrels-read.html" target="_blank">3 Ways to Use Those Darn Squirrels</a></li><li><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/11/8-gratitude-picture-books-and-stories.html" target="_blank">8 Gratitude Read Alouds for Upper Elementary</a></li><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fall-Read-Aloud-and-Activities-Picture-Book-Reading-Lesson-Plans-7278680" target="_blank">Fall Read Alouds for October</a></li><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fall-Read-Aloud-Activities-Picture-Book-Reading-Lesson-Plans-Thanksgiving-7408689" target="_blank">Fall Read Alouds for November</a></li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Upper elementary students <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/06/must-have-picture-books-to-build-your.html" target="_blank">love read-alouds</a>. Use the above books during your <b><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2023/06/6-benefits-of-using-interactive-read.html" target="_blank">interactive read-aloud time</a></b> to help enrich students' day with valuable modeling of what readers do as they read!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">3. Learn Through Themes</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Johnny-Appleseed-Reading-Activities-for-September-Apple-Life-Cycle-8377303" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Fall themed activities for kids Johnny Appleseed" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFnNLwKT6DUqUAe7g53nCrS0yvUoUBlwRCMY4okdyYETyYATG_HCALyqNryKQkzT_-SLjhbiwXf_Xv6aTZqvaI4xRA2dWhzqcP7rSfMJI4Wx8s853e8E_mi3-xD_qj2KIDbpESWHchnGfjnwFMSDKdt1Unnk8RcNl_Fub6GOIaw8rVaqu82E-5W3JkmWl/w640-h640/fall%20themed%20activities%20for%20upper%20elementary.jpg" title="Fall Activities for Kids - 5 Engaging Ideas for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p><b>Infuse your curriculum with fall-themed lessons and activities</b>! So many seasonal topics and fun holidays during fall relate to the standards you already need to teach, making it easy to get creative with fall themes. Some of my favorites include:</p><p><br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Johnny-Appleseed-Reading-Activities-for-September-Apple-Life-Cycle-8377303" target="_blank">Apples and Johnny Appleseed</a></li><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Day-of-Fall-Equinox-Reading-Comprehension-Passages-Pumpkin-Life-Cycle-Owls-7217033" target="_blank">Pumpkins</a></li><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Day-of-Fall-Equinox-Reading-Comprehension-Passages-Pumpkin-Life-Cycle-Owls-7217033" target="_blank">Autumn Equinox</a></li><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Day-of-Fall-Reading-Passages-Comprehension-Why-Do-Leaves-Change-Color-6140342" target="_blank">Why Leaves Change Color</a></li><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Talk-Like-a-Pirate-Day-Reading-Activities-for-September--8549263" target="_blank">Talk Like a Pirate Day</a></li><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Phases-of-the-Moon-Activity-Lunar-and-Solar-Eclipses-Reading-Passages-3254404" target="_blank">Phases of the Moon</a></li><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Dia-de-los-Muertos-Activities-Day-of-the-Dead-History-of-Halloween-Close-Reading-4933345" target="_blank">Day of the Dead</a></li><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Football-Reading-Passages-Sports-Fall-Close-Read-Activities-3592801" target="_blank">Football</a></li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p>By simply using fall topics during reading, your students will be more engaged and make connections to what is happening outside the classroom...all while increasing their reading comprehension skills.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">4. Take Learning Outside</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Day-of-Fall-Writing-Prompt-Descriptive-Narrative-September-Bulletin-Board-7254495" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Fall Bulletin Board 3rd 4th 5th Grade" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgch1BV-j7wEe7Nyveq2kvx9DxaVcjxQpoPmyan98VxhVaTf2cSGaApZosEog5tXpWJBOYQk4vugG1w1tQcLlKiLmb37Yx_UWJJ2KZIzYJAq-HrQbewm6AuJi89x1RhVKzhIMBSGrxZWffntFXd551nMia184M1jSn78J7ARqRTpVkJrIUCuLrGWdckN35N/w640-h640/get%20lost%20in%20fall.jpg" title="Fall Activities for Kids - 5 Engaging Ideas for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p><b>Take advantage of the pleasant fall weather by getting outside with your students!</b> Organize nature walks to observe and collect fall leaves, acorns, and pinecones. Use these items for art projects like leaf rubbings or science investigations.</p><p><br /></p><p>One writing activity I love to do with students each fall is going on an autumn walk! As we walk, we notice and make observations using our five senses. Students <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Day-of-Fall-Writing-Prompt-Descriptive-Narrative-September-Bulletin-Board-7254495" target="_blank">record their observations</a> and use them to create a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Day-of-Fall-Writing-Prompt-Descriptive-Narrative-September-Bulletin-Board-7254495" target="_blank">descriptive writing piece</a> about a fall setting. After writing, students create a colorful fall setting illustration to match. These make an <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Day-of-Fall-Writing-Prompt-Descriptive-Narrative-September-Bulletin-Board-7254495" target="_blank">adorable bulletin board</a> that you can leave up all season long!</p><p><br /></p><p>The best part about doing<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Day-of-Fall-Writing-Prompt-Descriptive-Narrative-September-Bulletin-Board-7254495" target="_blank"> this activity in the fall</a> is that the descriptive writing skills that the students learn during this project carry over into future writing pieces that they create! </p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>Grab a free fall activity, perfect for outdoor exploration this fall!</i></b></p><p><script async="" data-uid="a06e90e7aa" src="https://think-grow-giggle.ck.page/a06e90e7aa/index.js"></script></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;">5. Sprinkle in the Fun</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fall-Coloring-Pages-First-Day-of-Autumn-Sheets--10108413" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Fall Fun Ideas for Kids" border="0" data-original-height="2476" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9iAUDz8mKheGEWi7xOdilD6Hw_M8AuPNkmqWq_WVA98zp0U_O9-i4HQgutHk3541Ha8YwE74FIilh8zJf7bavrxBSEg6sU-7AKn_9UVn9q8U5BdjlfSzvGIsFJZK9pLwgaCPw8gvhxL6QxvpAecUtZ8x28Hn-9elx3EL5YASaEMR4-DZ_ZLEisQA5D1l/w640-h640/fall%20fun%20activities%20for%20upper%20elementary.jpg" title="Fall Activities for Kids - 5 Engaging Ideas for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p><b>Who doesn't love to have fun, especially in the fall? </b>Fall is a time to have fun and enjoy the changing leaves, weather, and season! I love to infuse meaningful coloring activities to practice skills and keep students critically thinking.</p><p><br /></p><p>These coloring activities are perfect to use as morning work, indoor recess tasks, end-of-day calm down, centers, sub work, or any way YOU want! Try these...</p><p><br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fall-Coloring-Pages-Color-by-Number-Sheets-Reading-Math-September-Morning-Work-8494632" target="_blank">Fall Color by Code</a></li><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fall-Coloring-Pages-First-Day-of-Autumn-Sheets--10108413" target="_blank">Fall Doodle Thinkers</a></li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p>By incorporating these tips, you can create a warm and inviting learning environment that not only welcomes the season of fall but also provides opportunities for students to explore and appreciate the unique aspects of this time of year. <b>These ideas will increase student motivation, participation, and learning. Happy fall!</b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">You will also love reading:</h3><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/10/3-ways-to-use-those-darn-squirrels-read.html" target="_blank">Using Those Darn Squirrels in the Classroom</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/08/8-picture-books-to-honor-and-remember.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/08/8-picture-books-to-honor-and-remember.html" target="_blank">8 Picture Books to Honor September 11th</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/10/3-easy-to-implement-halloween-writing.html" target="_blank">3 Easy to Implement Halloween Writing Activities</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/10/4-classroom-alternatives-to-celebrating.html" target="_blank">4 Classroom Alternatives to Celebrating Halloween in the Classroom</a></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><h3 style="color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">Check out my favorite fall activities <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Think-Grow-Giggle/Category/127823-Seasonal-AutumnFall-269936" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </h3><div style="text-align: center;">Like these <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Day-of-Fall-Reading-Passages-Comprehension-Why-Do-Leaves-Change-Color-6140342" target="_blank">fall-themed reading activities</a>!</div><h3 style="color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;"> </h3></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Day-of-Fall-Reading-Passages-Comprehension-Why-Do-Leaves-Change-Color-6140342" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Fall Reading Activities for Kids" border="0" data-original-height="2339" data-original-width="2475" height="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHD0NygMLkoMvk2MyNFbnUyysHTeZWFS7MuJtMcRcd3pXO8IlKFY8LDVMpOn7izq3HkhxR_U-P7SPPYpxHxst1OgiuqqiXKqmisP1Y7qTvTKg9-VoKCePxxuYSmKWfbjVPdilOXKR3DYH3SB0UhWID2pM6uiB9HiAAO5Bhh9JgH11iIrnWrbWCraFR4EI/w640-h604/fall%20reading%20activities%20for%20upper%20elementary.jpg" title="Fall Activities for Kids - 5 Engaging Ideas for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">LOVE these ideas? Pin to save!</h3><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Think-Grow-Giggle/Category/127823-Seasonal-AutumnFall-269936" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Fall autumn lesson ideas for 3rd 4th 5th grade students" border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="3375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2X5n-EaReeF5lBMcIG-Uo54-ZTU1uBQ5mmbRh0JNNHX9bSHquW2GS7pozkpzx63uhQowWdpfe_93TcX-4l6z96KMz3-g5XFXPurppwJqGVxvy6NzF6J5j3LHi2DNB8OkI0VopPqBhP7FHdIKfgSBJ8ou3u447PnFuCpCknnBbs8rSQdhBV7vvwqnX54Hf/s16000/fall%20activities%20for%20upper%20elementary_longpin.jpg" title="Fall Activities for Kids - 5 Engaging Ideas for Upper Elementary" /></a></div><br /><div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 14.95px;">*<b>affiliate links: </b></span><span face="raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">“Think Grow Giggle is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.” (source: </span><a href="https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/operating/agreement" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="background-color: white; color: #25c1aa; font-family: raleway, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Section 5</a><span face="raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">)</span></div></div>Third Grade Giggleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18234338835946741807noreply@blogger.comNew York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972812.402541463821152 -109.1622228 69.023009136178842 -38.849722799999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333302365949553987.post-91424393565594849842023-08-06T05:00:00.002-07:002023-08-06T05:00:59.683-07:007 Ice Breakers for the First Day of School in the Upper Elementary Classroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJn-M_IBvxOtvska6E3wqTLcz2TEOe5MRwsWctnjZzIlQ7XGHV4ftFhmDsRAmMj38kkNEeQhI4pTAVJXSjcoC1zAR2uamTDjGGKJei-c7N4qrJfMrW5-E-rOhJzl6s9KaBz09cTxyPJ4YahpCix99zAC6G56ACKNllY2XJtDnbhp9JNLWq98Nf-SKOEWp/s3342/Simple%20Icebreakers%20for%20Upper%20Elementary%20Students_Header.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="7 Ice Breakers for the First Day of School in the Upper Elementary Classroom" border="0" data-original-height="2221" data-original-width="3342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJn-M_IBvxOtvska6E3wqTLcz2TEOe5MRwsWctnjZzIlQ7XGHV4ftFhmDsRAmMj38kkNEeQhI4pTAVJXSjcoC1zAR2uamTDjGGKJei-c7N4qrJfMrW5-E-rOhJzl6s9KaBz09cTxyPJ4YahpCix99zAC6G56ACKNllY2XJtDnbhp9JNLWq98Nf-SKOEWp/s16000/Simple%20Icebreakers%20for%20Upper%20Elementary%20Students_Header.png" title="back to school icebreakers 5th grade" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p><b>There is so much to plan during back-to-school season. </b></p><p><br /></p><p>From curriculum to meet the teacher night and everything in between. That is why I love to use these tried and true simple icebreakers with my upper elementary students. Not only are they fun and engaging, but they are unique, so chances are your students have not done them before! </p><p><br /></p><p><b>There are many benefits to using<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Ice-Breakers-First-Day-Activities-All-About-Me-Word-Search-1970585" target="_blank"> icebreakers in the classroom</a>. </b></p><p><br /></p><p>Icebreaker activities can help create a positive classroom environment, foster connections, and build a sense of community among students. Some benefits include...</p><p><br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Students immediately begin to feel comfortable in the classroom</li><li>You get to know and build relationships with students from day one</li><li>Students get to know each other quickly</li><li>Your classroom community is beginning to form</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Read on to learn about <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/About-Me-Worksheet-Bag-Activity-Back-to-School-Classroom-Community-Building-9927108" target="_blank">5 simple icebreakers</a> that you can use in your upper elementary classroom this back-to-school season! </b>These activities are designed to encourage participation, develop communication skills, and make the transition back to school smooth and enjoyable.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. Four Corners</h3><p class="MsoNormal">Four Corners is a fun icebreaker game to help elementary
students get to know each other better. It's a simple and interactive activity
that promotes movement and social interaction in the classroom.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Before starting the game, assign each of the four corners of
the classroom a number (1, 2, 3, 4). You can use 4 pieces of colorful construction paper with each number 1-4 to display the numbers clearly in each corner.</li><li>Have all the students gather in the center of the classroom.</li><li>Display a getting to know you question on your smartboard or simply read aloud a question to strengthen listening skills.</li><li>Pick simple questions on topics that the kids love to talk about, like favorite season, favorite sport, favorite drink...just topics to get the kids chatting in the corners!</li><li>Display four choices, each matching a number 1-4. (what is your favorite season 1= winter, 2 = fall, 3 = spring, 4= summer)</li><li>Students answer the question in their heads and go to the corner with the number matching the selected answer.</li><li>Repeat the process for each new question you ask!</li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Four Corners is a fantastic icebreaker game that will help
energize the classroom </b>and create a friendly atmosphere, helping students to see all they have in common with their new classmates.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">2. What is Your Name? What is your initial?</h3><p>I LOVE completing a variety of <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/About-Me-Worksheet-Bag-Activity-Back-to-School-Classroom-Community-Building-9927108" target="_blank">name activities at the beginning of the year</a>, even in upper elementary classrooms. I love to read the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Name-Jar-Back-to-School-Read-Aloud-Book-and-Activities--7147760" target="_blank">Name Jar and complete name reflection activities</a>. <b><i>Grab the free name activity <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/07/celebrating-students-during-back-to.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></b></p><p><br /></p><p>A fun twist on name activities that you can use to decorate your room is the My Name is activity. For this activity, simply...</p><p><br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Go around the room and have the students say, My name is ____, it starts with the letter ___, and the letter ____ is for____.</li><li>Example: My name is Jeaning, it starts with the letter J, and J is for jumpy!</li><li>Whatever word they select should represent a bit about them. It is a jumping-off point before the next activity.</li><li>Once all students share, pass out big bubble letters, giving each student the letter that their first name starts with.</li><li>Students then decorate the letter with pictures, words, phrases, magazine clippings, and crayons to represent them. Have them cut them out and then proudly display them around your room.</li><li>This is a fun in class or at home project for the first month of school</li></ul><div><br /></div><div>Go one step further and have each student share their letter and explain different elements that they used to decorate it.</div><p></p><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Grab free bubble letters to try out this activity!</b></p><p><br /></p><p><script async="" data-uid="2542a14468" src="https://think-grow-giggle.ck.page/2542a14468/index.js"></script> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4iDscg7Mtp0AGGQ8ZkIJmTXcBnh9QrT2qj_6eVC3Ad7K_eMQfOpaTp8oI-NiWGgTD7pU_XGkKgGGydPH1kLjmY7bU2DJdKjG3uyCc4DhRrEPHgHxFEE43lQ7nayQ5GsmHCNC_63GsfcFdo644m1VT8g1KEpOViwGMJ4Z6beuO5M3JOxrU35OWl2-mRtLS/s2475/back%20to%20school%20read%20aloud,%20same%20but%20different.png" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="back to school read aloud upper elementary" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4iDscg7Mtp0AGGQ8ZkIJmTXcBnh9QrT2qj_6eVC3Ad7K_eMQfOpaTp8oI-NiWGgTD7pU_XGkKgGGydPH1kLjmY7bU2DJdKjG3uyCc4DhRrEPHgHxFEE43lQ7nayQ5GsmHCNC_63GsfcFdo644m1VT8g1KEpOViwGMJ4Z6beuO5M3JOxrU35OWl2-mRtLS/w640-h640/back%20to%20school%20read%20aloud,%20same%20but%20different.png" title="7 Ice Breakers for the First Day of School in the Upper Elementary Classroom" width="640" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">3. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Read-Aloud-Book-and-Activities-Same-Same-But-Different-7145108" target="_blank">Same, Same, But Different Read Aloud</a></h3><p>Bust out the Venn diagrams for a <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Read-Aloud-Book-and-Activities-Same-Same-But-Different-7145108" target="_blank">fun and interactive reading of this picture book</a></b>! This book follows two young pen pals, one lives in America and the other lives India as they learn about each other and realize how they are the same, but different. This book perfectly celebrates recognizing each others' differences and similarities...que the Venn diagram!</p><p><br /></p><p>Have a big stack of Venns copied and ready to go for some "Speed Venn Diagramming." Circulate the kids around the room until they can complete a Venn diagram for every new classmate. </p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Go<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Read-Aloud-Book-and-Activities-Same-Same-But-Different-7145108" target="_blank"> one step further and reread this book</a> for reading, writing, and word work lessons on: </b></p><p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">✅ </span><b>Reading: </b>Comparing and Contrasting</p><p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">✅ </span><b>Writing:</b> Personification</p><p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">✅ </span><b>Word Work:</b> Decoding Multi-Syllabic Words</p><p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">✅ </span><b>Back to School Focus</b>: Building Friendships</p><p><b><i>Take a look a the interactive read-aloud pack <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Read-Aloud-Book-and-Activities-Same-Same-But-Different-7145108" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</i></b></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Ice-Breakers-First-Day-Activities-All-About-Me-Word-Search-1970585" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="first day of school activity teacher quiz" border="0" data-original-height="2742" data-original-width="2741" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqJpV6gjIE0IXC70Lz2D4MBqIgiUboTn79XZETnyc7ciOuaiJCrz0m1E7xY2wm0gqOQ1lN2jq97k-Tqf3Qgtq2jsDXZPW88MvhfnfdKdO59Rje-JofPDY0ysKBD315k0IimQ4OxlDgP8Ykca0T_TEekYUs9PJgoKcAiiYearKUTG0rnp8yLCIVdBRVzxR/w640-h640/back%20to%20school%20about%20the%20techer%20quiz.png" title="7 Ice Breakers for the First Day of School in the Upper Elementary Classroom" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">4. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Ice-Breakers-All-About-Me-Worksheet-Word-Search-1970585" target="_blank">Teacher Quiz</a></h3><p>The kids get a kick out of <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Ice-Breakers-All-About-Me-Worksheet-Word-Search-1970585" target="_blank"><b>having their "first test"</b></a> on the first day of school when that test is all about their teacher! It is fun, easy, and the kids love it!</p><p><br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Create a T/F quiz about yourself with a mix of interesting tidbits that the kids can relate to.</li><li>I use about ten questions. (see the template here)</li><li>Have the kids take the quiz and then go over all the questions.</li><li>Engage the kids in discussions about your facts to see if you share anything in common with them! </li><li>Go one step further and have the kids write a sentence about themselves on the back and then ask YOU if you think it is true or false.</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p>The kids love learning about what they have in common with their new favorite teacher!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">5. Two Truths and a Lie</h3><p>"Two Truths and a Lie" is a classic icebreaker activity that encourages students to share interesting facts about themselves while trying to trick their peers. <b>Here's how to implement it:</b></p><p><br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Divide the class into small groups or pairs.</li><li> Instruct each student to think of two true statements and one false statement about themselves.</li><li>One by one, students share their three statements with their group without revealing which statement is false.</li><li>The group discusses and tries to identify the false statement for each student.</li><li>After a few rounds, encourage students to share the false statement and explain the truths to get to know one another better.</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p>This activity helps students get acquainted with their classmates and develop critical thinking and listening skills.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Ice-Breakers-First-Day-Activities-All-About-Me-Word-Search-1970585" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="find someone who activity first week of school" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOwCSgc1p4bIyipO1rrhHZ8o4ONzGGj0JF6FwAbsKO64Uex6J8EVjbaayY_1PXuL7fowOiBqjwYVHU1uGG-ve1EAVsRKvbl8RImYuL00W1aP1VMr93TzRpqFl1WvqDKIgnvs1Ebo9cLSMZLCWGYLpW3lNKeMOobRrcBzwqPYY_yy2DMRrLdJRafnRyqgp/w640-h640/find%20someone%20who%20activity%20first%20day%20of%20school.png" title="7 Ice Breakers for the First Day of School in the Upper Elementary Classroom" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">6. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Ice-Breakers-All-About-Me-Worksheet-Word-Search-1970585" target="_blank">Find Someone Who</a></h3><p><b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Ice-Breakers-All-About-Me-Worksheet-Word-Search-1970585" target="_blank">"Find Someone Who" </a></b>is an interactive icebreaker activity that encourages students to communicate, mingle, and discover commonalities among their peers. Here's how to use this idea:</p><p><br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Distribute a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Ice-Breakers-All-About-Me-Worksheet-Word-Search-1970585" target="_blank">"Find Someone Who"</a> worksheet or create a grid on the board.</li><li>Provide a list of statements or characteristics, such as "Find someone who has a pet" or "Find someone who enjoys reading."</li><li>Instruct students to walk around the classroom and find classmates matching the criteria.</li><li>Students can ask questions and discuss whether their peers meet the criteria.</li><li>Once students find someone who fits the statement, they can sign or write their name in the corresponding box on the worksheet or board.</li><li>When students complete all the boxes, they are done! Bonus points for those who finish first!</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p>This activity promotes active participation, communication, and collaboration while encouraging students to find shared interests or experiences among their peers.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/About-Me-Worksheet-Bag-Activity-Back-to-School-Classroom-Community-Building-9927108" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="about me bag for the first day of school activity" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJW6W7twUp4el8hLiC3rnBTGV7tCNfL4lacMdc4cjS6yKomEJsyH9RDd9qbK-NEA7ipYiD2mB8He1K2iRo7v33usIruhYPIsaePqzzqqYSBlyyS2xrKNy8mIEWYc3Nlp-BudZshdpVrmg2c8duHBDIKuijCggC1bpf4V-aL4vKkvplI3FKNVvQKbyYxiP/w640-h640/about%20me%20bag.png" title="7 Ice Breakers for the First Day of School in the Upper Elementary Classroom" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">7. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/50-off-About-Me-Worksheet-and-Bag-Back-to-School-Classroom-Community-Building-9927108" target="_blank">About Me Bag</a></h3><p>The "<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/50-off-About-Me-Worksheet-and-Bag-Back-to-School-Classroom-Community-Building-9927108" target="_blank">About Me Bag</a>" activity allows students to express their individuality, interests, and aspirations through a creative and visual project. Here's how to give it a try:</p><p><br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Provide each student with a picture of a brown paper bag or an actual lunch bag</li><li>Instruct students to create a collage using magazine cutouts, drawings, and written descriptions that represent themselves, or you can have the students fill the bag with three items that represent themselves.</li><li>Encourage students to include elements such as their favorite hobbies, aspirations, favorite books, or places they have visited.</li><li>Once the bags are complete, allow each student to share their collage with the class, explaining the meaning behind their chosen elements.</li><li>Hang the collages around the classroom as a visual representation of the diverse personalities and interests within the class.</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p><b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/50-off-About-Me-Worksheet-and-Bag-Back-to-School-Classroom-Community-Building-9927108" target="_blank">This activity</a> </b>not only allows students to express themselves creatively but also provides an opportunity for their peers to learn more about each other.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Ice-Breakers-First-Week-Community-Building-First-Week-Activities-5926157" target="_blank">Icebreaker activitie</a>s are valuable tools for establishing a positive and inclusive classroom environment at the beginning of the school year.</b> By implementing these simple icebreakers, you can help upper elementary students connect with their peers, develop communication skills, and create a welcoming classroom community. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Ice-Breakers-First-Day-Activities-All-About-Me-Word-Search-1970585" target="_blank">These activities</a> set a positive tone for the year ahead, laying the foundation for a successful and engaging academic journey.</b></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">You will also love reading:</h3><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/07/celebrating-students-during-back-to.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Celebrate Students and Their Names with This MUST DO Activity</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/07/back-to-school-picture-books-perfect-to.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Back to School Read Alouds to Create an Inclusive Classroom</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2018/06/8-strategies-to-build-strong-classroom.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Community Building Activities to Kick off the Year</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2018/05/3-community-building-picture-books-to.html?showComment=1554977728108" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Community Building Read Alouds You Will Love</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/07/back-to-school-message-all-students-are.html" target="_blank">All Students Are Welcome Back to School Activities</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2023/07/9-classroom-birthday-celebration-ideas.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2023/07/9-classroom-birthday-celebration-ideas.html" target="_blank">9 Ways to Celebrate Birthdays with Upper Elementary Students</a></div></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">Check out my favorite back-to-school activities <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Think-Grow-Giggle/Category/-127822-Back-to-School-221229" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </h3><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">Like <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Community-Building-Back-to-School-Icebreakers-Reading-Writing-Math-First-Week-5926157" target="_blank">this one filled with community building</a> and getting to you know activities that kids love! </h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='436' height='363' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzW4Hmw-T2begBUC2Qs6hwGE0CAOVBgqlFs9RyHUQ2gxC4PNjMLsvc8nC6Uka4kUrKeMp0ZTc7p6J-ApJ1u4g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><br /></h3><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><br /></h3><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">LOVE these ideas? Pin to save!</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBp_E1mku0IPvr3olWd41L7cPbdeW76dx-8hQeuRS1lmf8wt6Mvgv88w8tgF69s5yD-m29QPufProJVLAC1TJTYi-KE_RNNVblB2iKzkzxEnn9O9UGot2XZgykiKWPExAIQ7_pEwRZFwFRJ4GYmpCp9TpQ0rZhs50FyAgtDinG85oHar9gporMYTp-v0c/s6000/Simple%20Icebreakers%20for%20Upper%20Elementary%20Students_Longpin.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="7 Ice Breakers for the First Day of School in the Upper Elementary Classroom" border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="3375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBp_E1mku0IPvr3olWd41L7cPbdeW76dx-8hQeuRS1lmf8wt6Mvgv88w8tgF69s5yD-m29QPufProJVLAC1TJTYi-KE_RNNVblB2iKzkzxEnn9O9UGot2XZgykiKWPExAIQ7_pEwRZFwFRJ4GYmpCp9TpQ0rZhs50FyAgtDinG85oHar9gporMYTp-v0c/s16000/Simple%20Icebreakers%20for%20Upper%20Elementary%20Students_Longpin.png" title="get to know you activities 3rd 4th 5th grade middle school" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div></div>Third Grade Giggleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18234338835946741807noreply@blogger.comNew York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972812.402541463821152 -109.1622228 69.023009136178842 -38.849722799999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333302365949553987.post-15069126442463543432023-07-03T04:00:00.049-07:002023-07-03T04:00:00.135-07:009 Classroom Birthday Celebration Ideas for Upper Elementary Teachers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnQ0qYL7V_Sf-X2aVbZOkKcMrrB7C5ZFkJiRkhKELaQ9HKuV1C64B8K4QMgI3FzGF8BqX_UYgDZfG1nCg9mtDIalN9Xl1b7ExUZUeX7Ci0LijhAimeVfvXznFi_Y2DUXjtx845MsYxVgYicpbEnbAyQ9qw3Re5CHyJeYoO8ts_ZrX3yVryd8r8loIsxrO/s3436/birthday%20celebrations%20in%20the%20classroom%20header.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="9 Classroom Birthday Celebration Ideas for Upper Elementary Teachers" border="0" data-original-height="2298" data-original-width="3436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnQ0qYL7V_Sf-X2aVbZOkKcMrrB7C5ZFkJiRkhKELaQ9HKuV1C64B8K4QMgI3FzGF8BqX_UYgDZfG1nCg9mtDIalN9Xl1b7ExUZUeX7Ci0LijhAimeVfvXznFi_Y2DUXjtx845MsYxVgYicpbEnbAyQ9qw3Re5CHyJeYoO8ts_ZrX3yVryd8r8loIsxrO/s16000/birthday%20celebrations%20in%20the%20classroom%20header.png" title="birthday ideas for teachers to students" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>When it comes to celebrating birthdays in the classroom, I love to go all out! <b>Making a big deal of a student's birthday goes a long way to helping you build relationships with your students.</b> When you include the rest of the class in the celebration, it helps strengthen your classroom community.</p><p><br /></p><p>Even our "big kids" in upper elementary love to be recognized on their <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2-flash-deal-Birthday-Bulletin-Board-Display-Cards-Activities-Word-Search-9748807" target="_blank">special day</a>. By doing the following, you will be helping to make your kids' birthdays one they will always remember. <b>Prep for all of your students' birthdays this<a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/06/back-to-school-must-haves-to-kick-off.html" target="_blank"> back-to-school season</a> with these easy-to-implement ideas.</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Try all these or any combination to make <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2-flash-deal-Birthday-Bulletin-Board-Display-Cards-Activities-Word-Search-9748807" target="_blank">birthday celebrations</a> in your classroom the best days of the school year.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2-flash-deal-Birthday-Bulletin-Board-Display-Cards-Activities-Word-Search-9748807" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Birthday Bulletin Board Display" border="0" data-original-height="2025" data-original-width="2685" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLnWNs7g-ycc2Sg8YWx8J_6SE0D-_Li4Q71ECmHNfZRSd1ZEGF8esDT5a2ovuPRwzJj7v1jJxjOi70VVAxu4KNolBzVIMNNDLIYzNhb0sQhqsZGmQsnyPfBe0KPYl1tfJ2dNIE21lBG4fkjUB6t3JkRl3Ie_2bAigXeLv3okrw7wc8f1MnCQLNwl7jcJYe/w640-h482/birthday%20bulletin%20board%20display%20for%20elementary%20classrooms.png" title="9 Classroom Birthday Celebration Ideas for Upper Elementary Teachers" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. Celebrate with a Display</h3><p><b>Who doesn't love to see their name displayed</b>? A <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2-flash-deal-Birthday-Bulletin-Board-Display-Cards-Activities-Word-Search-9748807" target="_blank">birthday display</a> is a great way to show your students your interest in them and their special day. It also serves as an important reminder of the birthdays that will occur during the year. We all know how hectic the teacher life can be, so any visual reminder to help me remember important days is welcomed!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">2. 10 Minutes of Fame</h3><p>I love the 10 minutes of fame concept that we do for each student's birthday. <b>It is super simple, but it always makes the birthday child smile! </b> Just ask the birthday student what they want to do with the class for 10 minutes of fame in honor of them and their special day. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>These are the choices I give my students:</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Play a class game of hangman, four corners, or seven up</li><li>Have 10 minutes of free time</li><li>Watch an educational video for 10 minutes</li></ul><div>You can add anything to this list that your students like!</div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3>3. Make a Goodie Bag</h3><p><b>I love prepping goodie bags for students' birthdays before school even starts</b>. Over the summer, I grab different fun items I see at the dollar store, Target, or Amazon. By the time the week before school arrives, I have a collection of fun little goodies for the kids to put into goodie bags. I make enough for the class and keep them in my closet. When each special day arrives, I simply pull out a bag and am good to go!</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Here are some examples of things I use to create student birthday goodie bags:</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3NW32Ex" target="_blank">goodie bags</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/436Paf9" target="_blank">birthday pencils</a> (or any fun style pencil)</li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3PzZnh7" target="_blank">eraser friends</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3PDNGWA" target="_blank">surprise toy</a></li><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2-flash-deal-Birthday-Bulletin-Board-Display-Cards-Activities-Word-Search-9748807" target="_blank">birthday bookmark</a></li></ul><div><br /></div><div>I wrap them up with <a href="https://amzn.to/3pEuu0e" target="_blank">colorful string</a> and attach a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2-flash-deal-Birthday-Bulletin-Board-Display-Cards-Activities-Word-Search-9748807" target="_blank">quick note</a> from myself.</div><div><br /></div><p></p><p>I avoid food or candy in the bags for a few reasons. I make the bags beforehand, so I do not want food in the closet all year. Also, our school has a food wellness policy, and candy is prohibited. Additionally, as a mama of a child with a severe food allergy, staying away from unneeded food in the classroom is the best way to include all children.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2-flash-deal-Birthday-Bulletin-Board-Display-Cards-Activities-Word-Search-9748807" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Birthday card for student from teacher and from class" border="0" data-original-height="2363" data-original-width="2688" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzceV7QaB6nDwu9q9zXKunbQUVTgaGa4Z5Xkyqv7QA323mIvnQjfJBsv3Yi8gjehxYOPEb4R7c8rPtib2ejNO-vPg8U_lg0bq0sGLyTRlmQH1JNHQNbmRBdt7WxUERTm038Xe0uM4mXgGpEkypNAToxh2wUA54Rx6uase7SqQC52gxCT8QB9F50hG_T9Tt/w640-h562/birthday%20cards%20and%20printables%20%20for%20elementary.png" title="9 Classroom Birthday Celebration Ideas for Upper Elementary Teachers" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3>4. Send a Card</h3><p>Don't overlook sending a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2-flash-deal-Birthday-Bulletin-Board-Display-Cards-Activities-Word-Search-9748807" target="_blank">birthday card</a> to your students! They can take it home from school and always cherish it, especially when you include the rest of the class.</p><p><br /></p><p>I love to write out special birthday cards, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2-flash-deal-Birthday-Bulletin-Board-Display-Cards-Activities-Word-Search-9748807" target="_blank">like these</a>, for each student on their birthday. Just print, cut, and fold, and you have a "real" card for your students from you!</p><p><br /></p><p>I also use a full-page card, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2-flash-deal-Birthday-Bulletin-Board-Display-Cards-Activities-Word-Search-9748807" target="_blank">like this one</a>, for the birthday child from the whole class. Simply print it and keep it on the back table. Have the kids come up one at a time to write a quick, positive birthday message for the birthday child. The last student to sign it delivers it to the birthday child. These are always a hit with my students.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2-flash-deal-Birthday-Bulletin-Board-Display-Cards-Activities-Word-Search-9748807" target="_blank">The handwritten notes </a>go a long way in making the birthday child feel special!</b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">5. Read a Special Book</h3><p>A few years ago, my school moved away from birthday celebrations in the classroom, which included parents/family bringing in cupcakes and sweet treats. Instead, one family member is invited to read a book the class. I love this new tradition!<b> We love having family in the classroom, especially in the upper grades, to celebrate the children. </b>If parents are not permitted in your school or simply cannot take the time off from work to come and read, invite the child's family to send in a book to be read in the child's honor. You can read the book, or the birthday child can read the book. <b>This makes for a nice, relaxing, and calm way to celebrate!</b></p><p><br /></p><p><i>Need some read-aloud suggestions? Try <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/06/must-have-picture-books-to-build-your.html" target="_blank"><b>these</b></a>!</i></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2-flash-deal-Birthday-Bulletin-Board-Display-Cards-Activities-Word-Search-9748807" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="birthday word search and fun student packet from the teacher" border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2640" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gkjmMfoF_rf_Ae_pBmfPk66vuSnMaFMcp-0nNyK_r3o-envl3uH9mV-pd-fw6RU9BBMNzNsOplyjtdt95N2QhU_dNwVqd_jbAjx6emBIWdE0VSOX8aYLdI4woV7cpuimYUP1Wfsm26tqw61KwMAv9VAOvEYuZjTOje52cfmvXf_SB_oQU27nb-q1ZgaR/w640-h594/birthday%20activity%20pack%20booklet%20for%20elementary.png" title="9 Classroom Birthday Celebration Ideas for Upper Elementary Teachers" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3>6. Student Activities: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2-flash-deal-Birthday-Bulletin-Board-Display-Cards-Activities-Word-Search-9748807" target="_blank">Fun Book and Birthday Poster</a></h3><p>On a student's birthday in my classroom, they are excused from completing morning work. Instead, they complete the <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2-flash-deal-Birthday-Bulletin-Board-Display-Cards-Activities-Word-Search-9748807" target="_blank">birthday fun pack</a></b>! They absolutely love it! To create this, I simply copy the following pages and staple them into a booklet:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Birthday coloring page (I use as the cover)</li><li>Birthday word search</li><li>Birthday Doodle Thinkers Activity</li><li>Birthday About Me Poster</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p>The birthday child works on <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2-flash-deal-Birthday-Bulletin-Board-Display-Cards-Activities-Word-Search-9748807" target="_blank">this booklet </a>throughout morning work. <b>By the end of the day, they share their completed birthday about me poster.</b> It is a simple way to make the birthday child feel extra special!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">7. Sing!</h3><p>My students always call my singing time embarrassment time! I get a good laugh every time they say it!<b> I make a big deal of singing to each child. </b>The birthday child is called to the front of the room, they sit on the stool, state if they want cha-chas or no cha-chas, and we get to belting out a class sing-along of Happy Birthday. It is so much fun, and we all laugh. Don't skip singing; even in fifth grade, my students love it!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">8. Decorate Student Desk, Cubby, or Locker</h3><p><b>Nothing says Happy Birthday like some decorations! </b>Grab some <a href="https://amzn.to/3JI6MXY" target="_blank">streamers </a>and get decorating! I love to decorate the birthday child's chair with <a href="https://amzn.to/3JI6MXY" target="_blank">streamers</a>. It is simple, fun, and easy to clean up! Other options include wrapping the child's desktop with <a href="https://amzn.to/3CXhKFe" target="_blank">birthday wrapping paper</a>, or decorating their cubby or locker with notes and streamers. These little touches make a big difference.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">9. Summer Birthdays? No problem!</h3><p>As a summer birthday myself, <b>I know how important it is to be recognized and celebrated by your peers on your special day.</b> For summer birthdays, we celebrate each child on their own day during the last two weeks of school. I like to celebrate as close as possible to their actual birthday.</p><p><br /></p><p>Another option I know many teachers do is to celebrate half-birthdays. The choice is yours, but please include summer birthday celebrations before the school year ends. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Birthdays are an important part of the year.</b> Not just for kids but for all of us! Just because your students are getting older does not mean they do not want to celebrate. In fact, it is the opposite. Once the year's first birthday is celebrated, the rest of the kids can not wait to have their birthday celebrated in class, too! <b>Enjoy your students and their special days with these simple ideas that leave a lasting, positive impression.</b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><h3 style="color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">You would also love to read:</h3></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/07/back-to-school-picture-books-perfect-to.html" target="_blank">Back to School Picture Books</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/07/celebrating-students-during-back-to.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/07/celebrating-students-during-back-to.html" target="_blank">Celebrating Students' Names: Back to School Idea</a></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/07/4-classroom-library-must-haves.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank"><br /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/07/4-classroom-library-must-haves.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">4 Classroom Library Must-Haves</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/06/back-to-school-must-haves-to-kick-off.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Back to School Must-Haves to Kick off the School Year</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">Looking for classroom decor to kick off your school year? See more <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Think-Grow-Giggle/Category/127822-Classroom-DECOR-249212" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</h3><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Class-Rules-Posters-Classroom-Expectations-Powerpoint-Back-to-School-Bulletin-5704962" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="back to school classroom decor" border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="2400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4Ov2lqNsYdmGxIdyyL2akPWL8_HOvog0uF4dQKQtPwIstCkdhtmHZvu3b7yDW8dOZrKmdoGNxnSVzShbPL-zuG16WlNOLdRl7yhU5thbdjBVqfGXO-MdnF-f_R19QtdHlJkfGXZgOcmCx5zarmVZAlcWAzLR9zlFaFDNfRmTqzNG0J2L4qDj-55NElG9/w640-h640/classroom%20rules%20new%20bulletin%20board%20image.jpg" title="9 Classroom Birthday Celebration Ideas for Upper Elementary Teachers" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; text-align: center;"> <b> LOVE these ideas? Pin to save!</b></span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QrLm0i7qM9NgrJ-YYvBXuK9siPuoDoBN1x7xOhKxz16eJw8ZF3hSsjULZt-05ijkb-1ef0dJ2nlhD-iFdEbA-f_IwJnnkP551goTsj0Au25x_9KDEvpUpepbJmMia6v2eI4wAJ8HK7baKn8nu5cmZmJ_xAelAkhDFQcqT7f_RfB7dQbZBgNzybCHApSc/s6000/birthday%20celebrations%20in%20the%20classroom%20_%20longpin.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="9 Classroom Birthday Celebration Ideas for Upper Elementary Teachers" border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="3375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QrLm0i7qM9NgrJ-YYvBXuK9siPuoDoBN1x7xOhKxz16eJw8ZF3hSsjULZt-05ijkb-1ef0dJ2nlhD-iFdEbA-f_IwJnnkP551goTsj0Au25x_9KDEvpUpepbJmMia6v2eI4wAJ8HK7baKn8nu5cmZmJ_xAelAkhDFQcqT7f_RfB7dQbZBgNzybCHApSc/s16000/birthday%20celebrations%20in%20the%20classroom%20_%20longpin.png" title="birthday ideas for teachers to celebrate students" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><script async="" data-uid="02f1ba0570" src="https://think-grow-giggle.ck.page/02f1ba0570/index.js"></script></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 14.95px; text-align: center;"><b>*affiliate links: </b></span><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">“Think Grow Giggle is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.” (source: </span><a href="https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/operating/agreement" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="background-color: white; color: #25c1aa; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Segoe UI", Segoe, "Helvetica Neue", Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Section 5</a><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">)</span></p>Third Grade Giggleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18234338835946741807noreply@blogger.comNew York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972812.402541463821152 -109.1622228 69.023009136178842 -38.849722799999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333302365949553987.post-19133901226045456922023-06-12T04:00:00.083-07:002023-09-22T05:19:42.241-07:006 Benefits of Interactive Read Alouds with Upper Elementary <p><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Interactive-Read-Aloud-Activities-Picture-Book-Aligned-Reading-Lessons-8153185" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="6 Benefits of Using Interactive Read Alouds in Upper Elementary Classroom" border="0" data-original-height="2301" data-original-width="3311" height="445" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtL6a3trj0zq89oySQdEKBuD1y0kqM0uzZleSpTNPuoTjbNFKwWAbLwNOpUQbbyIMXlbx_cZifnKrySHpL_EgjXhMdnitDlTtXO8oheZagPZ1P4NKy8AaOlnWKUlUr7bhWEOHCDQqHvxZ2g8_iP88cmKRJUDHtxCx1G6MIk8EVE6hID5StwGa9N6yl6A/w640-h445/benefits%20of%20interactive%20read%20alouds_header.jpg" title="IRA tips and strategies 3rd 4th 5th grade" width="640" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>If you have <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thinkgrowgiggle/" target="_blank">followed me</a> for any amount of time, you know that reading picture books with my upper elementary students is totally my thing! <b>There is just something about gathering together and listening to a powerful story told through rich vocabulary and beautiful illustrations that truly makes the day brighter!</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Interactive Read Alouds (IRAs) are a powerful instructional strategy that can bring literature to life and engage students in meaningful discussions. While commonly used in early elementary classrooms, <b>IRAs offer numerous benefits when implemented in upper elementary classrooms. </b></p><p><br /></p><p>I know you will love using Interactive Read Alouds with your students as much as I do, so grab the <b>FREE pack below!</b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://think-grow-giggle.ck.page/794cb1db70" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="6 Benefits of Using Interactive Read Alouds in Upper Elementary Classroom" border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="4123" height="84" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DhZfjsLpvua0akpTMAK0wXW7_7Dmlr-Z3SVAbXzXUv44Eql2JTlTNhZilcSLpwt52W7cLtXKXi3t2SXpwVgM2n6uZgVtrjUPoOPLC6t9aLux7K1wOQSOtVat6Q10f0K2-sTPr2qyRKee2sW7mmPdAgLSemcd79CCDjIAWQm2DEWJUNzAxLg21iRtLg/w760-h84/interactive%20read%20aloud.jpg" title="IRA activities for big kids" width="760" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Now read on to find out the top <b>6 benefits of using interactive read-alouds with students in your upper elementary classroom!</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. Enhanced Comprehension Skills</h3><p><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Think-Grow-Giggle/Category/128214-Interactive-Read-Alouds-543020/Search:great+kapok" target="_blank">Interactive Read Alouds </a>provide a unique opportunity for teachers to model and reinforce essential <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/09/what-are-effective-reading.html" target="_blank">comprehension skills.</a> By strategically pausing during the reading to <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Asking-Questions-Ask-and-Answer-Reading-Strategy-Graphic-Organizers-Activities-2136533" target="_blank">ask open-ended questions,</a> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Making-Predictions-Activities-Graphic-Organizers-Predicting-Task-Cards-2123718" target="_blank">make predictions</a>, or <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Traits-List-Analysis-Development-Posters-Reading-Passages-Activities-8995802" target="_blank">analyze characters'</a> motivations and feelings</b>, teachers can guide students toward a deeper understanding of the text. These discussions allow students to make connections,<a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/03/a-simple-way-to-teach-students-to-make.html" target="_blank"> infer meaning</a>, and develop critical thinking skills, leading to improved comprehension and analytical abilities.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">2. Increased <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Word-of-the-Week-Vocabulary-Building-Activity-Tier-2-Template-Graphic-Organizer-10075398" target="_blank">Vocabulary</a> Development</h3><p><b>One of the main benefits of interactive read-aloud is the exposure to rich and diverse vocabulary.</b> Upper elementary students are at a crucial stage in their language development, and by reading aloud <b><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/06/must-have-picture-books-to-build-your.html" target="_blank">high-quality texts</a></b>, YOU can expose them to sophisticated vocabulary beyond their current reading level. Through discussions and context clues provided during IRAs, students can expand their word knowledge and improve their overall language skills, which will significantly benefit their reading and writing abilities. <b>The more they listen to books with <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Word-of-the-Week-Vocabulary-Building-Activity-Tier-2-Template-Graphic-Organizer-10075398" target="_blank">rich language</a>, the more those words trickle down into their writing pieces!</b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Interactive-Read-Aloud-Activities-Picture-Book-Aligned-Reading-Lessons-8153185" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="IRA tips and strategies 3rd grade 4th grade 5th grade" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="1856" height="694" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMbzco5L5fnLlhCcIXoejMctoQ3yH7g501NghLwFR-M--Eq1ntZw9HRfVn1gfDk5jLSuE2CM5okFTUcZQ_2weIJxYDPI4HUQlfnYNk00hoBJCw3G1Uxxp4hCU4H_dOHCF4IwB9wUkjIAvT2i8cIsZDWPQoAnhXmelYUF3h8vcKRyPgym4kf0zThuYJA/w521-h694/benefits%20of%20interactive%20read%20alouds_one%20book%20many%20ways%202.jpg" title="6 Benefits of Using Interactive Read Alouds in Upper Elementary Classroom" width="521" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">3. Fostering a Love for Reading</h3><p>Interactive read-alouds create a positive reading experience for students and help foster a love for literature. By selecting <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/06/must-have-picture-books-to-build-your.html" target="_blank">captivating texts</a> and utilizing engaging reading strategies, you can captivate students' interest and make reading something that your students look forward to doing each day. It can help students build relationships with the characters that they meet, helping them realize that they are not along in many of the thoughts and feelings that they experience themselves. <b>Sharing their enthusiasm for books during interactive read-alouds can inspire students to explore new genres, authors, and topics independently, cultivating a lifelong love for reading.</b></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">4. Development of Listening and Speaking Skills</h3><p>Interactive read-alouds provide an ideal platform for students to develop their listening and speaking skills, which is so important! By actively participating in discussions, asking and answering questions, and <b><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/07/3-tips-to-promote-powerful-reading.html" target="_blank">engaging in dialogue with peers</a></b>, students learn to express their thoughts and opinions effectively and appropriately. They learn how to engage in <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Partner-Book-Text-Talk-Accountable-Talking-Stems-Thinking-2063593" target="_blank">one on one discussions with a reading partner</a> and learn how to <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/07/3-tips-to-promote-powerful-reading.html" target="_blank">build off of someone else's ideas</a>. <b>This process enhances their oral communication skills, encourages active listening, and promotes respectful and thoughtful interactions within the classroom community.</b></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">5. Save Valuable Classroom Instructional Time</h3><p>We are always looking for more time in our teaching day, am I right? If you are like me, you can't wait to pull out a new picture book and share it with your students! But...instead of always reading a new picture book, <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Interactive-Read-Aloud-Activities-Picture-Book-Aligned-Reading-Lessons-8153185" target="_blank">reread a previously read picture book</a></b> again and again, each time revisiting the book with a new lens: <i>read as readers, read as writers, and read as word-smiths.</i></p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>When you reread previously read picture books, you help students:</i></b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>focus on the skill or objective of your lesson instead of trying to comprehend a new story AND master a new skill</li><li>understand that good readers reread books and texts over and over to learn something new, better understand what was read, or just for enjoyment</li><li>build confidence in their reading comprehension and retell/summarizing skills</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Interactive-Read-Aloud-Activities-Picture-Book-Aligned-Reading-Lessons-8153185" target="_blank">Revisiting books </a>is not just fun and beneficial for students; it saves YOU classroom time!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-5Jr2lEworGUqV9l4S0FXrsoU7BUqhYDzZjkNfnkD7FNqDUQaZ_8tOZw8Pe3Ly9wdJNIR36kMGPugkfy9TM6o0DqVor0p_bW7JZ_O5NdiFraYu087OcHt1Yg8AEigdpHMbIw8xN73HMEMdLDsozypeqUEv-ur13I8tpVNtrQUNBdA7SpAtBbdfRjaw/s2750/previously%20read%20basket.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="IRA for older kids" border="0" data-original-height="2750" data-original-width="2750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-5Jr2lEworGUqV9l4S0FXrsoU7BUqhYDzZjkNfnkD7FNqDUQaZ_8tOZw8Pe3Ly9wdJNIR36kMGPugkfy9TM6o0DqVor0p_bW7JZ_O5NdiFraYu087OcHt1Yg8AEigdpHMbIw8xN73HMEMdLDsozypeqUEv-ur13I8tpVNtrQUNBdA7SpAtBbdfRjaw/w640-h640/previously%20read%20basket.jpg" title="6 Benefits of Using Interactive Read Alouds in Upper Elementary Classroom" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">6. Social-Emotional Growth</h3><p>Literature often provides a gateway to explore social and emotional themes, and interactive read-alouds can serve as a valuable tool for addressing these topics. <b>By selecting books that depict diverse characters and tackle relevant issues, you can initiate meaningful conversations about <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Empathy-Posters-Reflection-Activity-Bulletin-Board-SEL-Social-Emotional-Learning-3424512" target="_blank">empathy</a>, <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/11/teaching-kindness-in-classroom.html" target="_blank">kindness</a>, resilience, friendship, and so much more. </b>These discussions not only promote social-emotional growth but also create a safe and inclusive classroom environment where students feel understood, valued, and connected. We all want more time in our teaching day to get in social emotional topics, and picture books truly help us bring more than just reading into our day.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><i><b>Not sure what books to use with your upper elementary students?</b> Grab<b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Interactive-Read-Aloud-Picture-Book-Guide-8353281" target="_blank"> this FREE list </a></b>of my favorites with the skills that we focus on for each book! </i></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/09/interactive-read-alouds-one-book-many.html" target="_blank">Interactive read-alouds</a> have the power to transform upper elementary classrooms by fostering comprehension skills, expanding vocabulary, nurturing a love for reading, developing communication abilities, and promoting social-emotional growth.</b> By implementing this instructional strategy effectively, teachers can engage students in meaningful conversations, create memorable reading experiences, and equip them with the necessary skills to become lifelong learners. As educators, let us embrace the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Interactive-Read-Aloud-Activities-Picture-Book-Aligned-Reading-Lessons-8153185" target="_blank"><b>power of interactive read-alouds</b></a> to inspire, motivate, and empower our upper elementary students on their educational journey.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">Looking for more <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/09/interactive-read-alouds-one-book-many.html" target="_blank">read-aloud companions</a>?<br />Look <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Think-Grow-Giggle/Category/128214-Interactive-Read-Alouds-543020" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Great-Kapok-Tree-Activities-Earth-Day-and-Spring-Read-Aloud-Reading-Lesson-7988116" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="IRA teaching tips and strategies" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZQA3YfQPV9msi8UuVCw_UHi3luHE9R3zPiIRdUze2hkI6fnAe6o2lBb_LLuc-o0D5C3wDcoHTziJ7ExNCAv7scC1y3Y1txam6w_hgPw4qu06PA7ZMPDpO3HOCG2MdCxKRtm-WsnReeqVN5xBFSFTWHv5FilVfGHurKvWMPYalrzaObozhBJSiSfZQw/w640-h640/benefits%20of%20interactive%20read%20alouds_great%20kapok%20tree%20read%20aloud%20reading%20activities.jpg" title="6 Benefits of Using Interactive Read Alouds in Upper Elementary Classroom" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><h3 style="color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">You will love reading these related articles:</h3></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/09/interactive-read-alouds-one-book-many.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">The Benefits of Using One Book Many Ways</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/10/3-ways-to-use-those-darn-squirrels-read.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/10/3-ways-to-use-those-darn-squirrels-read.html" target="_blank">3 Ways to Use the Book Those Darn Squirrels</a></div></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/06/7-must-read-picture-books-for-teaching.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Picture Books for Teaching Inferring</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/03/7-opinion-writing-mentor-texts-for.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/03/7-opinion-writing-mentor-texts-for.html" target="_blank">Mentor Text for Opinion Writing</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><h3 style="color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"> Love these ideas? Pin to save them!</h3></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Interactive-Read-Aloud-Activities-Picture-Book-Aligned-Reading-Lessons-8153185" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="IRA teacher tips for effective use" border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="3375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjbaIgHEGlEJZY85ioRpUPwkdBTLyxOV8VC3ST9HW1Okk_rqc5h9mQ2tt3cqUXVWmYCC9juDpllge-pDgunqe_yer8IZYkdFp1PemY_dRaMBRXJ0DGCxEkW-MBJ3JNm-zuRKGsCqZeV4rAChpXJo2LEvORbxSd7IU1ReVWUH82j26sPHT0g9_D75FzQ/s16000/benefits%20of%20interactive%20read%20alouds_pin%20image.jpg" title="6 Benefits of Using Interactive Read Alouds in Upper Elementary Classroom" /></a></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-6205206069475844989" itemprop="articleBody" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; text-align: start; width: 710px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.95px; text-align: center;"><b>affiliate links: </b></span><span face="raleway, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; text-align: center;">“Think Grow Giggle is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.” (source: </span><a href="https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/operating/agreement" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #25c1aa; font-family: raleway, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Section 5</a><span face="raleway, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; text-align: center;">)</span></div></div><div style="clear: both; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;" /></div>Third Grade Giggleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18234338835946741807noreply@blogger.comNew York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972812.402541463821152 -109.1622228 69.023009136178842 -38.849722799999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333302365949553987.post-16705994871623678582023-06-05T04:00:00.128-07:002024-03-08T06:06:04.751-08:005 Tips for Teaching Figurative Language for Upper Elementary <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3KY4yKjB1k9-Tk8P2CM5rqwmrUlovL7s5Fb18ELAE3s_cbKaobIaJBhkn--3zzocAM49NHC9Akdrv8i1SIhzEb1xtdLV0DvhryHdtxxSlqULNR6NxFObUxNJdr9v9BdInUv8kogr8Mu5WsQ_iQr-hvjg1gsE-kvr_p5WmThW5m-EVZRAB8-JZRfvwA/s3306/tips%20for%20teaching%20figurative%20language_header.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="5 Tips for Teaching Figurative Language to 3rd 4th 5th Graders" border="0" data-original-height="2194" data-original-width="3306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3KY4yKjB1k9-Tk8P2CM5rqwmrUlovL7s5Fb18ELAE3s_cbKaobIaJBhkn--3zzocAM49NHC9Akdrv8i1SIhzEb1xtdLV0DvhryHdtxxSlqULNR6NxFObUxNJdr9v9BdInUv8kogr8Mu5WsQ_iQr-hvjg1gsE-kvr_p5WmThW5m-EVZRAB8-JZRfvwA/s16000/tips%20for%20teaching%20figurative%20language_header.png" title="Figurative Language Activities Upper elementary" /></a><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">I love teaching figurative language! </p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>I love teaching all
different forms of figurative language, even ones that are not “addressed” in
the grade level standards.</b> Teaching students about the different forms of figurative language helps students both as readers and writers. Simply put, when students understand all the nuances of figurative language, they are better able to comprehend as readers and craft stories as writers.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">While I love <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Figurative-Language-Worksheets-Anchor-Chart-Games-Simile-Metaphor-Worksheets-9439872" target="_blank">figurative language,</a> I know that there is only
so much time in a day! <b>Once figurative language has been introduced, it is easy
to come back to frequently and naturally as you read aloud books that are filled with amazing examples!</b><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">In addition to pulling out examples from the books you read, these quick tips will help you and your upper elementary students dive deep into <b>figurative language.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. Create a Reference Bulletin Board Display </h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Figurative-Language-Posters-Anchor-Charts-Bulletin-Board-with-Activities-9337537" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Figurative Language Bulletin Board for the Classroom" border="0" data-original-height="2357" data-original-width="3145" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxXzvcROY_EeeayhSk_1YoP0t3HXLKcRdDgd-JKUSp4O_0Z2dpZ4sNoRU5jm_LgBxEmpmvH_DANMPzFDvLXCEkQXtZsiKBbJopzPj2HaSbqW9axO0yFl6BB0a7g7qLSbUKXM6QtAD-26atxIATvMvqIzwSYQD5r6-uOIFuzR8wCGzbmgYXl9PSk_Kxw/w640-h480/Figurative%20Language%20Bulletin%20Board.png" title="5 Tips for Teaching Figurative Language to 3rd 4th 5th Graders" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p>Help students see <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Figurative-Language-Posters-Anchor-Charts-Bulletin-Board-with-Activities-9337537" target="_blank">different forms of figurative language</a> visually by creating a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Figurative-Language-Posters-Anchor-Charts-Bulletin-Board-with-Activities-9337537" target="_blank">bulletin board</a> or chart paper display and leaving it up all year long as a reference tool. Having a dedicated area to showcase different forms of figurative language is helpful to refer to when examples come up in the books that you read. <b>It is also inspirational and helpful to students as writers to refer to when writing and revising their written pieces.</b></p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>Teacher Tip:</i></b> Don't wait to hang up a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Figurative-Language-Posters-Anchor-Charts-Bulletin-Board-with-Activities-9337537" target="_blank">figurative language display</a> until after you teach it! Having a display ignites student curiosity and interest, helping them to learn at a deeper level, even independently!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">2. Reading as Writers</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Figurative-Language-Posters-Anchor-Charts-Bulletin-Board-with-Activities-9337537" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Creative Figurative Language Idea for the Classroom" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kdXrGdE-pLWPUH2ALxhqnHCGRVyYsbSAvToTa9l12_uo3m9SgfktemwjbNf9b2Aa481oRKsH-_XOn8SwyL7DXHGfXdqNOTHjpysxOVmgGrMIrVnPlPsaRHfwpvq1qv2NDoo06KA1ZZAIaYLDUQVWpW3DJkSKvwAiw9nuttYTQB69HpIAsl8MJHhHzw/w640-h640/Figurative%20Language%20%20Activities.png" title="5 Tips for Teaching Figurative Language to 3rd 4th 5th Graders" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p><b>When we learn about figurative language, we use the term “reading as writers” to help us focus on finding figurative language in the books that we read. </b>As readers, we can better understand the author's language and message using figurative language. As writers, we can create stories that will hold our readers' attention. </p><p><br /></p><p>We use these <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Figurative-Language-Posters-Anchor-Charts-Bulletin-Board-with-Activities-9337537">"Frequent Figurative Language" punch cards</a> to find different examples of <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Figurative-Language-Posters-Anchor-Charts-Bulletin-Board-with-Activities-9337537" target="_blank">figurative language</a> as we read. This holds students accountable as readers, and it also holds them accountable for now including that form of figurative language in their writing! It is a fun and easy way to help students engage with the texts that they read!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">3. Hands On Figurative Language </h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1-Deal-Hyperboles-Worksheets-Activities-Poems-Game-PowerPoint-3rd-4th-Grade-9638878" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="hyperbole activities for kids" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1JzPUp1ZVopGhM1fUQmuXuo2cIkKmICDGjMbH7kBUUOlngoY791IyJGIu21Q3Evv57pEe9mbxeTUS-dTG1gQDj3TTv3t36-Dtt0XuETh5MF1vWEiGhyIfH2IB15CIc9Y2cAaQaJFrvWJ2X1KToW8INRGElnDOh1TpCtKSEa5QRLR5pNol58xYjS3iZw/w640-h640/hyperbole%20Sort_Figurative%20Language%20%20Activities.png" title="5 Tips for Teaching Figurative Language to 3rd 4th 5th Graders" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><b>Sorts are such a great "hands on" way to help students differentiate between the many different forms of figurative language that they learn about as readers and writers. </b>To create a sort, simply write out different examples of <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Figurative-Language-Posters-Anchor-Charts-Bulletin-Board-with-Activities-9337537" target="_blank">figurative language </a>that you found with students and have them sort them! </p><p><br /></p><p>You can have your students sort the examples based on what type of <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Figurative-Language-Worksheets-Anchor-Chart-Games-Simile-Metaphor-Worksheets-9439872" target="_blank">figurative language</a> the example is, or you can focus on one form of figurative language. If you focus on one type of figurative language, have two headers for students to sort under. For example, if you are focusing on similes, your headers would be "similes" and "not similes." Sorts are great to use with any form of figurative language at any point during your figurative language unit and all year long!</p><p><br /></p><p>Figurative language games are also always a hit with my students! The students love to play again and again and will always pull out these games during indoor recess and bus dismissal time! Grab print and go figurative language games in <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Figurative-Language-Worksheets-Anchor-Chart-Games-Simile-Metaphor-Worksheets-9439872" target="_blank">THIS SET.</a></b></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Teacher Tip:</b> Try this<b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Tongue-Twisters-and-Alliteration-Activities-Figurative-Language--2452657" target="_blank"> FREE hands-on activity</a></b> to get kids giggling and learning about alliteration and tongue twisters at the same time!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">4. Have High Expectations</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Similes-Worksheets-Game-Activities-Figurative-Language-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-9439832" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Helping Kids Write with Figurative Language" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzibqKiQ3GkFfY3Ndnlpol2zFVd_vDRUrPuHBq7u8v3wVsdVfLSPK4tPoPbm1ePSh1AvQcIoTOGvtrGmQKZmIMmIqOxbIqAcv6XqNvN5r4XV5iF6dEk-t1d7a3QPshD10C8asxcbZJvWcGV9Xa-RjmxkynQWD4OqduglX5CCJSCqZKjDlaDiiQHhY2LA/w640-h640/Figurative%20Language_Writing%20%20Activities.png" title="5 Tips for Teaching Figurative Language to 3rd 4th 5th Graders" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p>This is a simple tip but very powerful. Have high expectations of your students, both as readers and writers, when it comes to <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Figurative-Language-Worksheets-Anchor-Chart-Games-Simile-Metaphor-Worksheets-9439872" target="_blank">figurative language</a>. <b>Hold them accountable for including different forms of figurative language in their writing pieces. Try giving them specific goals before they write, like "Be sure to include two similes in your writing today." </b>You can also give them task specific editing and revising tasks, like, <b>"As you revise your writing today, find a spot to add a metaphor."</b> These specific and direct task holds students accountable, and they will work to complete the challenge!</p><p><br /></p><p>Another way to hold students accountable for including <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Figurative-Language-Worksheets-Anchor-Chart-Games-Simile-Metaphor-Worksheets-9439872" target="_blank">figurative language</a> in their writing is by having figurative language student author shares. These can be quick shares. Students select only one portion of their writing to share with the class. The class listens for their example of figurative language, identifying it in the writing and stating which form of figurative language it is. Go one step further and have the students explain what they visualized as they heard that form of figurative language.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>Teacher Tip</u></b>: If you use a writing checklist, include <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Figurative-Language-Worksheets-Anchor-Chart-Games-Simile-Metaphor-Worksheets-9439872" target="_blank">figurative language</a> on the checklist as an extra reminder. Including a variety of figurative language in their writing is not out of reach for students, they can do it! </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">5. Picture Book Read Alouds</h3><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDcaVy9a8rNhH5pw4NB64FutjDbZK_RckqhKveegI-CUW6DX-CAqAWRywf6tABPZSc25AGa6NS7wa6iZE80mk8k_qWaVEJbH7wdbacdhcIQtuBUK83Z7OPwmpnw6B_j2RgeKOfeuEspOqmCIPiAEQsgkR0lbYi6Y76sIBio8OxwXxni5Wid4Y2MQXbA/s2475/Picture%20book%20read%20alouds_Figurative%20Language%20%20Activities.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Picture Books that have Figurative Language for Kids" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDcaVy9a8rNhH5pw4NB64FutjDbZK_RckqhKveegI-CUW6DX-CAqAWRywf6tABPZSc25AGa6NS7wa6iZE80mk8k_qWaVEJbH7wdbacdhcIQtuBUK83Z7OPwmpnw6B_j2RgeKOfeuEspOqmCIPiAEQsgkR0lbYi6Y76sIBio8OxwXxni5Wid4Y2MQXbA/w640-h640/Picture%20book%20read%20alouds_Figurative%20Language%20%20Activities.png" title="5 Tips for Teaching Figurative Language to 3rd 4th 5th Graders" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p>If you are an upper elementary teacher, you probably read all different chapter books throughout the year. And yes, chapter books have figurative language woven throughout, I have found that picture books with illustrations offer that visual support that students need to help them make sense of tricky figurative language examples!</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Need some ideas for read-alouds to help you focus on figurative language? </b>Try this list! (list coming soon!)</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='487' height='405' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyu7RzT8n_907FdVpXNLkKPagEswthrB5LQMB9V9P7EdkORabvnk03swfLbhQhxBruCiKCTgJs-nQpkwoRJYw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>When you teach <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Figurative-Language-Worksheets-Anchor-Chart-Games-Simile-Metaphor-Worksheets-9439872" target="_blank">figurative language</a> to your upper elementary students, be sure to present it as an important part of BOTH their reading and writing lives.</b> The more they find and discuss figurative language in the books that they read, the more they will include it in the stories that they write! Try these tips to help students truly understand, differentiate, and use figurative language!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">You would also love to read:</h3><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2018/06/6-alternative-ways-to-use-writing.html" target="_blank">6 Alternate Ways to Use Writing Prompts</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/02/3-easy-to-implement-tips-to-teach.html" target="_blank">3 Tips for Teaching Procedural Writing</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/12/winter-descriptive-writing-activity.html" target="_blank">Must Try Descriptive Writing Activity</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">Looking for more figurative language activities that kids love? See more <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Think-Grow-Giggle/Category/999965039-Figurative-Language-714111" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</h3></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Idioms-Activities-Game-Powerpoint-Figurative-Language-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-9439843" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Idiom Figurative Language Game for Upper Elementary Kids" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-kgXWKZJG9NrRgXioSiMg1W3iMLfZZIgQ1IqjaP0viGQ2wksGyfuBNy1-ReuPy7Z03puSmyxAdvgPnNhCmB9tzwOuUN1PxC3KgfTJN0aK8j7ZEqzWBJ1yHNfN1fCJaBPJT0v8Ko7JeXKgVOtzCtPsG3bpR274zYafHcHaTcDyFTJt8H9XWSzCvSCzqw/w640-h640/Idiom_Match%20Up%20Game_Figurative%20Language%20%20Activities.png" title="5 Tips for Teaching Figurative Language to 3rd 4th 5th Graders" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">Love these ideas? Pin to save!</h3></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTQAi_0waxIqDJ2g8SBQilqXjq2aY0P4sb3FoP3k03jW05nLe0hEIDKwg-GGyKsBUrBYyDfAPLo3r80CUVudtUIFeljQjAGuu96jDyS5E6DRh1RaoWNTQVYyrrx-q9p6MTdlTHqlK_D-b-J0Au6Idfc2wwolti1FBj5M1N8aVDxBZ8B_UEjLr3CshjA/s6000/tips%20for%20teaching%20figurative%20language_pin.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="5 Tips for Teaching Figurative Language to 3rd 4th 5th Graders" border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="3375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTQAi_0waxIqDJ2g8SBQilqXjq2aY0P4sb3FoP3k03jW05nLe0hEIDKwg-GGyKsBUrBYyDfAPLo3r80CUVudtUIFeljQjAGuu96jDyS5E6DRh1RaoWNTQVYyrrx-q9p6MTdlTHqlK_D-b-J0Au6Idfc2wwolti1FBj5M1N8aVDxBZ8B_UEjLr3CshjA/s16000/tips%20for%20teaching%20figurative%20language_pin.png" title="Engaging Figurative Language Teaching Ideas" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 14.95px; text-align: center;">*<b>affiliate links: </b></span><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">“Think Grow Giggle is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.” (source: </span><a href="https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/operating/agreement" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="background-color: white; color: #25c1aa; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Segoe UI", Segoe, "Helvetica Neue", Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Section 5</a><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">)</span></div>Third Grade Giggleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18234338835946741807noreply@blogger.comNew York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972812.402541463821152 -109.1622228 69.023009136178842 -38.849722799999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333302365949553987.post-86663258687248227822023-05-18T04:30:00.002-07:002023-05-24T18:35:02.542-07:005 Ways to End the School Year Celebrating Friendships<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwE7pKKYoUFUG28WvudtT4hPWY_4KFovVf7dQezgrowi0mwb11zMh8l36iX_SAuovVXUAjTWZ2LTw-OyBeOimCE5sXH_3_E2clgNPJoF7QGuqVv5XpneuryaldEID56Lbk2KGA3Tdcx-CnCHOEN5afDf7INjdziXRm2-ougyjsoPu8P8o_ISpvwkTRQ/s3540/end%20of%20the%20year%20friendship%20activities%20countdown%20upper%20elementary.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2374" data-original-width="3540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwE7pKKYoUFUG28WvudtT4hPWY_4KFovVf7dQezgrowi0mwb11zMh8l36iX_SAuovVXUAjTWZ2LTw-OyBeOimCE5sXH_3_E2clgNPJoF7QGuqVv5XpneuryaldEID56Lbk2KGA3Tdcx-CnCHOEN5afDf7INjdziXRm2-ougyjsoPu8P8o_ISpvwkTRQ/s16000/end%20of%20the%20year%20friendship%20activities%20countdown%20upper%20elementary.png" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>After spending the entire school year building and fostering a strong classroom community</b>,<b> I love to end the school year by celebrating all the friendships that were made during the year.</b></p><p><br /></p><p>The <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/03/easy-and-fun-end-of-year-projects-for.html" target="_blank">end of the school year season</a> can be hard on students. Some students are not looking forward to the summer or leaving the community that you have built. By weaving friendship tasks into your end-of-the-year routine, you give students a little something fun to look forward to each day and remind them that they are still a part of the <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2018/05/3-community-building-picture-books-to.html" target="_blank">community</a>!</p><p><br /></p><p><b>You will want to add these<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1-Deal-End-of-the-Year-Scavenger-Hunt-Friendship-Countdown-Activities-9508475" target="_blank"> five friendship activities</a> to your end-of-the-year toolbox to keep students engaged</b>, feeling like an important part of your <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2018/06/8-strategies-to-build-strong-classroom.html">classroom community,</a> and excited about the future with the friendships that they made in the class.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3>1. The countdown is on!</h3><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="2. Friendship Task Cards" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycmJoxcEAGbEpn_XTL0hGZZcihtZ7aUoHIOSpzggkKvbjgGf_jUlqmACL9cNX-h-qG9B6y__58z3w6rQQZ7DKsqaYmWJR3Zep_4FRdn_FchxNn3dAif_q6Hu0Fqx3Mb6MnDx0fvF_EtBJQnEjVjaxBIJ_fdMv8aHpUwfZw-1oQ97i9f3eCWbHntCElw/w640-h640/end%20of%20the%20year%20countdown%20friendship%20calendar.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>I love countdowns because you can use any amount of days that you want as you countdown to the last day of school, AND you can focus on any topic you think is important for your students...like friendships!</p><p><br /></p><p>For our <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1-Deal-End-of-the-Year-Scavenger-Hunt-Friendship-Countdown-Activities-9508475" target="_blank">friendship countdown</a>, we use 20 days. Each day is filled with a friendship-focused task to celebrate the good friends that we made this year! <b>I love that the activities for each day include simple things that require no prep, like "Eat lunch with someone you never ate lunch with this year!"</b> The kids LOVE that they get to spend a little extra time with someone from class each day!</p><p><br /></p><p>You can encourage your students to work together with a friend from class while they complete this <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-of-Year-Projects-Writing-Prompt-Math-Game-Free-Activities-2547476" target="_blank">FREE end of the year </a>project</b>. For an extra twist, team up with another class and have students make a new friend while they <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-of-Year-Projects-Writing-Prompt-Math-Game-Free-Activities-2547476" target="_blank">complete this project</a></b> together.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">2. Try Some Friendship Task Cards</h3><p> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1-Deal-End-of-the-Year-Scavenger-Hunt-Friendship-Countdown-Activities-9508475" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQo7V70wUMeCK9ifKwfuw8nJBIy1nEATwBlYD_PsrtI52k7h95nNOOhXsv23cc53LRzgIpkURekCNoyJOZ53Jzrv-d1G4Z4GLyUiNWhVC5zHIT4lfjBvbM9ElrdcdKUlItY56VRRKcJYnxPSCOA031-2jCfz5bDlrXVorcVDC9W4Lj4IUAAwEAQ3atWw/w640-h640/friendship%20day%20task%20cards%20for%20the%20end%20of%20the%20school%20year.png" width="640" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Students need help to remember the good times of the school year! </b>So many times when we brainstorm our favorite memories, the kids always say, "I forgot about that!" These friendship task cards have a focus for students to reflect upon. I love the discussions and writing that come from this activity! Just print, go, and hang these task cards around the room!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">3. Spread Positivity </h3><p> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-of-Year-Thank-You-Notes-Printable-Cards-Templates-For-Students-From-Teacher-4432562" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2463" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuw8izTSrZf9W3ep15AuhsHau63nFcpcmGyv2fNIPRAEbbpVR_NrcOwsHIiSnVvY7A7j8Dw9HGqn6ZRCS2YrFuSU_08GsSUrzEPDqzPG_qH_XoH8lEE2Kg-YWW-RFx3-8n6H74ob-BeAQItpVL9uHlHQMfxNAXAOvnSpxBXqZO7Tewh2Gun5JF8WO9wg/w637-h640/end%20of%20the%20year%20notes%20for%20kids.png" width="637" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Writing <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/04/tips-and-ideas-for-teaching-students-to.html" target="_blank">thank-you notes in my classroom</a> is a staple! </b>We love to write thank you notes to special staff members, parent volunteers, after special programs, and just about any time we are feeling grateful! Feeling grateful for friends and writing them <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-of-Year-Thank-You-Notes-Printable-Cards-Templates-For-Students-From-Teacher-4432562" target="_blank">thank-you notes at the end of the year</a> is always a hit with my students!</p><p><br /></p><p>Make sure each student gets a thank you note by having a student of the day that all students write to or by having students randomly select names from a basket. <b>A quick note and picture on the inside mean a lot to students, especially at the end of the year when they are feeling down and not quite ready to leave the classroom community! </b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">4. Read a Friendship Book</h3><p> <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/05/last-week-of-school-picture-book-read.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMP-7TrXnhLWNDM_7of5tEzrDs8qm66h0yeV5sOvxeBh-eOGVZWOEk5RXKLzcZ9Bej4obqdDTEzEu_XI_A7y2kHEixXxjSJJJP-IbGr7JeUj0VzLjsWHlSASrRdbgoWbOlYKjtFuIK4kfMpt9gVFhUQhFNCfCilde7pqmQUWG8TRPSvBm29d1O3v5XA/w640-h640/mouthful%20of%20minnows%20read%20aloud%20for%20the%20end%20of%20the%20year.png" width="640" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Got a few spare minutes at the end of the year in between all the festivities planned? </b>Read a Friendship Book! </p><p><br /></p><p>Try one of these favorites that are sure to get your students chatting about fond friendship memories of the school year! These are also the p<b>erfect read-aloud to share with students when those end-of-the-year friendship issues start to show up!</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3BnlQph" target="_blank">Snail Crossing</a> written by Corey Tabor</li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3I8v50a" target="_blank">Out of Nowhere</a> written by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros</li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/42Nc7US" target="_blank">Memory Jar </a>written by Vera Brosgol</li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3MohhRS" target="_blank">Me and You in a Book For Two</a> written by Jean Reidy</li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3W0RC4Y" target="_blank">Bravo, Avocado </a>written by Chana Stiefel</li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3VXI0rL" target="_blank">A Mouthful of Minnows</a> written by John Hare</li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3IchCVh" target="_blank">Friends</a> written by Daniela Sosa</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p>As a no-prep followup, have students take a plain piece of paper, fold it into fourths, and use all four spaces to create illustrations or paragraphs (or both) of favorite friendship memories of the year!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">5. Write a Community Building Letter </h3><p> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1-Deal-End-of-the-Year-Scavenger-Hunt-Friendship-Countdown-Activities-9508475" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZlPV5sNzR-b-K7DUtZMatCC2sZOG79q_ntyG1dmm60Wr3qbbC4lNZ-ARr1v_hd1CGitsRj-BTyUiqTSJ-4juzsowbRvNzf4TnCHKLxoR6fJnh2xujvL6raTmAeXR28GmTXe6Z8CBNtF9Rw3MyLNd9lOJ9AtiFW00Q_t_n19jhZX-ZNehH_cvdMeObQ/w640-h640/end%20of%20the%20year%20friendship%20day%20for%20kids.png" width="640" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>If you have followed me for a while, you know that<b> <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2018/06/8-strategies-to-build-strong-classroom.html" target="_blank">building community</a> is an important part of my entire school year</b>! Community building should not just be done in the first two weeks of school.</p><p><br /></p><p>One activity I love to do with students to <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Community-Building-Activities-Positive-Affirmation-Notes-Friendly-Letter-Writing-3884669" target="_blank">build community all year long is to write letters</a> to different students each month. The kids love writing them and receiving them! It is something that kids look forward to each month.</p><p><br /></p><p>At the end of the year, we write longer letters and create scrapbook pages about each student. It is a great keepsake of the year and the friendships that were made!</p><p><br /></p><p>Again, make sure each student gets a thank you note by having a student of the day that all students write to or by having students randomly select names from a basket. <b>A quick note and picture on the inside mean a lot to students, especially at the end of the year when they are feeling down and not quite ready to leave the classroom community! </b></p><p><br /></p><p>These 5 friendship celebration ideas for the end of the year are easy to implement and require little to no prep! They are also loved by students and will surely end your year on a positive note.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">You would also love to read:</h3><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><div style="color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/05/7-ways-to-celebrate-end-of-year.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">7 Ways to Celebrate the End of the School Year</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/03/easy-and-fun-end-of-year-projects-for.html" target="_blank">10 Easy and Fun End of the Year Celebration Ideas</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/04/tips-and-ideas-for-teaching-students-to.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">End of the Year Tips for Writing Thank You Cards</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/05/last-week-of-school-picture-book-read.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Countdown to the Last Week of School with These Books</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/04/end-of-year-project-ideas-and-tips.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">End of the Year Project Tips</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/04/how-to-kick-off-summer-reading-in-your.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Kicking off Summer Reading in the Classroom</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/04/6-field-day-classroom-management-hacks.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Field Day Management Hacks Every Teacher Needs</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></h3><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><br /></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><o:p></o:p></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">Looking for more end-of-the-school-year activities that kids love? See more <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Think-Grow-Giggle/Category/-127822-End-of-the-School-Year-247025" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</h3><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-of-the-Year-Activities-Countdown-to-Last-Day-of-School-Reading-Writing-Math-6832712" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbWwXqC_xYMJeVVnIFYL9XOe5XXP5w4F8jSqBBTCb2lyseOsnlgHY8imgoeqJmPOjimNxVpAPZvZG_5pLSWF7HzVnPxAShSQihmn0yEKgsu3nWMEub5LjDY3NJcWY8i-WNjqNTT64FTdYrf6ZAc2a9F7o6fObafLS__j58aryxCGXNW0OAFaI2puHMQ/w640-h640/savingPNG(25).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"> LOVE these ideas? Pin to save!</span></div><div><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPLxZg-amKBXMqEOqgmefgeOFxnuNxk6SOvCoAwus-yFKDPh_bOmK8I6iWCe6YlvIkQDTuUqfhU8u7rPDG1y0m3OeYg1XRXbW2E4DGZrepMWdZe3Ff2s5fc0zuul9dMAIuZ-pTRVl54kzFL2rH92oPrqffWEpHBIWy-bSV9RLVzMl_1OXsIYKe68sSQ/s6000/end%20of%20the%20year%20friendship%20activities%20countdown%20upper%20elementary_longpin.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="3375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPLxZg-amKBXMqEOqgmefgeOFxnuNxk6SOvCoAwus-yFKDPh_bOmK8I6iWCe6YlvIkQDTuUqfhU8u7rPDG1y0m3OeYg1XRXbW2E4DGZrepMWdZe3Ff2s5fc0zuul9dMAIuZ-pTRVl54kzFL2rH92oPrqffWEpHBIWy-bSV9RLVzMl_1OXsIYKe68sSQ/s16000/end%20of%20the%20year%20friendship%20activities%20countdown%20upper%20elementary_longpin.png" /></a></div><br /><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><p style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-6897613933580999242" itemprop="articleBody" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; width: 710px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.95px; text-align: center;">*<b>affiliate links: </b></span><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; text-align: center;">“Think Grow Giggle is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.” (source: </span><a href="https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/operating/agreement" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #25c1aa; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Segoe UI", Segoe, "Helvetica Neue", Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Section 5</a><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; text-align: center;">)</span></p></div></div></div>Third Grade Giggleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18234338835946741807noreply@blogger.comNew York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972812.402541463821152 -109.1622228 69.023009136178842 -38.849722799999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333302365949553987.post-79166550295670587802023-05-01T04:16:00.019-07:002023-05-01T04:32:58.712-07:00End of Year Projects for Upper Elementary<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAygAfX1FYD0yNnqXtPB9Wu4d-oxjg4nF6YxX8DWdwMFc_syzgAp3ROA-ert-kfAnR6X8TDYWamH5vMs9oEW9lAAIoKEZTcfdkSmMCMjW3XUlEcbslQk11UIL8Ic-_DMPzeZnAwnnc0HiXrnAChCYvB8GnoH9NngOIDfxSg6lMipuLjB7DOvI6u6cWw/s3551/end%20of%20year%20project%20ideas%20for%20upper%20elementary_header.jpg" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="End of Year Projects for Upper Elementary" border="0" data-original-height="2417" data-original-width="3551" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAygAfX1FYD0yNnqXtPB9Wu4d-oxjg4nF6YxX8DWdwMFc_syzgAp3ROA-ert-kfAnR6X8TDYWamH5vMs9oEW9lAAIoKEZTcfdkSmMCMjW3XUlEcbslQk11UIL8Ic-_DMPzeZnAwnnc0HiXrnAChCYvB8GnoH9NngOIDfxSg6lMipuLjB7DOvI6u6cWw/s16000/end%20of%20year%20project%20ideas%20for%20upper%20elementary_header.jpg" title="independent project ideas 3rd 4th 5th graders" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">When the school year ends, upper elementary students are ready to tackle their own learning independently! That is why I love providing students with independent projects that allow them to shine, take control of their learning, and show what they can do!</p><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Projects are so important for students to complete</b>. <span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">They are essential to student development
and achievement and are not busy work.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Well-planned projects help students with the following:</b></div><ul style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 1.4; list-style: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">time management and organization</li><li style="list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">independence</li><li style="list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">collaboration and teamwork</li><li style="list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">time to synthesize all of the amazing skills and strategies that you taught them all year long</li></ul><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">When we complete independent projects in the classroom, the kids are always engaged, excited to work on their assignments, and <b>can't wait to share everything that they are learning</b>! </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">This is always a HUGE teacher win any time of the year, but especially when school is winding down.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>These research projects have everything you need to help your students succeed independently and engage with their learning, even at the end of the year!</b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>anchor chart</li><li>nonfiction passage to serve as a model</li><li>step-by-step tasks for each day broken down</li><li>high-interest topics</li><li>graphic organizers</li><li>going further tasks</li><li>scoring rubrics</li><li>creative extensions</li></ul></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><h2 style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 31px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">Which project will you do with your students?</div></h2><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/National-Parks-Research-Writing-Prompt-Activities-Project-for-End-of-the-Year-6790093" target="_blank">National Parks Research Project</a></b></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Biography-Research-Project-Poster-Graphic-Organizer-Rubric-for-End-of-the-Year-2475727" target="_blank">Biography Research Project</a></b></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ocean-Animal-Research-Project-Report-Writing-End-of-Year-Independent-Activity-5566091" target="_blank">Ocean Animal Research Project</a></b></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Endangered-Animals-Species-Research-Report-Poster-Fun-End-of-the-Year-Project-2498215" target="_blank">Endangered Animal Research Project</a></b></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Inventor-Research-Writing-Project-Template-Poster-and-Graphic-Organizers-9059581" target="_blank">Inventor Research Project</a></b></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div><h3 style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;"></h3><h4 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><b>See what teachers like you are saying below! </b></h4><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/National-Parks-Research-Writing-Prompt-Activities-Project-for-End-of-the-Year-6790093" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="National Park Project for 3rd 4th 5th Grade Middle School" border="0" data-original-height="2528" data-original-width="4384" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg939zYbv5TI68vKFYYYqIARuoHFOO3OkcTwAT51_8QChUtvH8lRVBB_g2wPguD-P7_9qKcl9QFz7mkDko7To70FQ3g261sz8liGjtA70YngFywXlga9CqoghFn4KKIHABN_5INSRKyaTqIpc2J7a4T51i4hP5FzgCKJ5IGSFciXwqTspNUWnrmUm8K1w/w640-h370/national%20park.png" title="End of Year Projects for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><i>"</i><em style="background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; font-family: Graphik, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;"><b>This is a fantastic resource!</b> I love that this project is different than a typical state research project but allows them to explore different areas of the US. The <b>project is clearly laid out with manageable steps for kids. Great project</b>!</em><i><span face=""Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>-Stephanie</i></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Endangered-Animals-Species-Research-Report-Poster-Fun-End-of-the-Year-Project-2498215" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="independent animal project for last week of school" border="0" data-original-height="2528" data-original-width="4434" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBMVY3jXztJgYxh53N6OQjI-KalrIpyjOYkjd6FF4fgHTHo0WjJJaKHgGXZNtfptePkxYos-HgINvfVFrwqZaoh9cnsuhcq_2M8ba1Tl8HYC2EMiVSZqkvDHGNFI4yUtIBqKc_hF6LDA8k5SI-PoRKvwDGVNutS70mqSip_nXQNdlcXlwuY7xmNDB5w/w640-h364/endangered.png" title="End of Year Projects for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #555555; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; white-space: normal;"><i>"</i><span face="Graphik, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; white-space: pre-wrap;">This was a <b>fantastic way to keep my students learning and engaged! </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #555555; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; white-space: normal;"><span face="Graphik, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; white-space: pre-wrap;">The students loved it, and they were able to work independently because everything was provided for them to complete this activity</span><i><span face=""Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">."</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #555555; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; white-space: normal;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>-Melissa</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #555555; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; white-space: normal;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #555555; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; white-space: normal;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #555555; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; white-space: normal;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #555555; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; white-space: normal;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Biography-Research-Project-Poster-Graphic-Organizer-Rubric-for-End-of-the-Year-2475727" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="independent research biography project for 3rd 4th 5th grade" border="0" data-original-height="2528" data-original-width="4420" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokhtIb_CpX6B6gHLRu_6ZytcsyOQRnAHW-nCknf591gj_fch1zHyFtFekbyguR-qtWlslHhxbIn2mYsk3IzeTzggcm6ojni0uLCE0cO33BCphX1_q1B39QAJntgsSYRKibHlnK-cvZYSSdX1ngIb5ikfBVtyyRIyxTozO4W3h7S5_PSjFdrl7zQ_Rfg/w640-h366/biography.png" title="End of Year Projects for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #555555; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; white-space: normal;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #555555; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; white-space: normal;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #555555; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; white-space: normal;"><span face="Graphik, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;">"I do a biography project each year with my third graders. They used the note pages this year while reading. <b>Our papers are the best in years</b>!"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #555555; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; white-space: normal;">"<span face="Graphik, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Wow!</b> This product really takes the students through biographies one step at a time. <b>So very easy to help them gather information and report</b>!</span><span face=""Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #555555; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; white-space: normal;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>-Louise</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #555555; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; white-space: normal;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #555555; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; white-space: normal;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #555555; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; white-space: normal;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #555555; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; white-space: normal;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ocean-Animal-Research-Project-Report-Writing-End-of-Year-Independent-Activity-5566091" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="summer ocean animal independent research project for 3rd 4th 5th graders" border="0" data-original-height="2528" data-original-width="4384" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqAqtwm1pPdmuZASClKVnl8Jw7cnjuXvBK8SPWTDpUY90UBPzj-x0SEWNnjFM2BgEeejdseMGvwi-spbJr_IfIGGytfP4vIDcaiMZfzDULrBG0UQ4YSAtvwQGdQh7eq0_pWZmiP5ebdqfQG__heQU6ArG38yLlLMynkYkxKQIAsZnRbbzQ64Kn9_WQA/w640-h370/animal.png" title="End of Year Projects for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #555555; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; white-space: normal;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #555555; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; white-space: normal;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #555555; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; white-space: normal;"><i>"<span face="Graphik, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is an <b>EXTRAORDINARY resource</b> - it is <b>so thoughtfully designed</b>! Each step is clear, and the organization is exceptional for students! They LOVE this research project!"</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #555555; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; white-space: normal;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>-Jessa</i></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Inventor-Research-Writing-Project-Template-Poster-and-Graphic-Organizers-9059581" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="independent research project for 3rd 4th 5th graders" border="0" data-original-height="2528" data-original-width="4384" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3wHJtnBBL3qEcpIUV206obhiFXghkInsvqT8WK4_85oynRd8ZjxvH5QBvHPnXUMRbxNPToqAzO6rPWZtf4FemBsIkczQwBQ-ZZ8p3xOTSTGYC3CgL1KXTGR_6rIwFStRpoA7KvZeu0tXoOKqEhq-wTI8RVTPyp_nokjWpns_r0a3YfeOR_xjpt5lRw/w640-h370/inventor.png" title="End of Year Projects for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><i>"<span face="Graphik, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>This is fantastic!</b> I already owned your inventor close read and love it! This is a perfect addition! Thanks for all your hard work!</span><span face=""Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>-Abby</i></span></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Not sure how to get started with independent research projects this end-of-the-year season? I can help!</b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i>Click the image below to read my best tips for getting started with projects in your classroom!</i></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/04/end-of-year-project-ideas-and-tips.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1046" data-original-width="1589" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9gwmnkb9xhOiDqyDe8Tz__PYLCkkzLUxBjnt4v-h7RlatgbsGZl7S8lgqEFxfKjepfGtJpAYb7C4l5aqZFjuAO1rpkuUdI0zFkZ-SQb7L8PP7h2xkw2pPH5HVc9VftpVmqXPg0o3lumNmfAd74UdVkwZhlqiXTc1zlrjZ-Y8qtDmckoz-WzNiKRSdg/w640-h422/project%20time%20header.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Third Grade Giggleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18234338835946741807noreply@blogger.comNew York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972812.402541463821152 -109.1622228 69.023009136178842 -38.849722799999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333302365949553987.post-75466514943354270132023-04-24T04:01:00.106-07:002023-04-24T04:01:00.181-07:0012 Picture Books to Teach Character Understanding Analysis and Traits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnM5rJOnLH87QvHuXyKPHC4w2NmamZNacPtoORCtyqZwxKg0_VqaOY1vW185lfONo56DkU5G3TcChud1x0iRZYylYLBf2VtYHq6x2C056BUFdmnliJYJO1zflaMgPImnCREP4-OyGQ9z6Qh72lhpH_2GCifSV6KsQrcSVyPtxrgmVxv7iOCMiLWQitjw/s3560/12picture%20books%20to%20teach%20character%20analysis.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="12 Picture Books to Teach Character Understanding Analysis and Traits" border="0" data-original-height="2372" data-original-width="3560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnM5rJOnLH87QvHuXyKPHC4w2NmamZNacPtoORCtyqZwxKg0_VqaOY1vW185lfONo56DkU5G3TcChud1x0iRZYylYLBf2VtYHq6x2C056BUFdmnliJYJO1zflaMgPImnCREP4-OyGQ9z6Qh72lhpH_2GCifSV6KsQrcSVyPtxrgmVxv7iOCMiLWQitjw/s16000/12picture%20books%20to%20teach%20character%20analysis.png" title="Character Activities for Kids" /></a><br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">When it comes to diving deep into <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2023/04/3-tips-to-get-started-with-teaching.html" target="_blank">analyzing characters,</a> I found the <b>best way to get started is with picture books! </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Reading a variety of picture books gives students a chance to meet a wide range of characters with a variety of different character traits and emotions. <b>Picture books also serve as a visual support of character traits, emotions, showing us how characters often change throughout stories.</b> Character illustrations also help students analyze characters and differentiate between inside and outside character traits.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">I love using previously read picture books to help us dive into <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Traits-List-Analysis-Development-Posters-Reading-Passages-Activities-8995802" target="_blank">character understanding.</a> When you use previously read books, students can <b>focus on the character since the story was already discussed </b>and digested. As the character unit continues, we begin to read new stories and chapter books analyzing the new characters that we meet.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Over the years I have found that the following picture books work best when it comes to analyzing characters. The <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2023/04/3-tips-to-get-started-with-teaching.html" target="_blank">characters</a> in these books give students a lot to think about as they read. <b>Here are my favorites for character understanding with upper elementary students.</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>Read about my best tips for helping students analyze characters <b><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2023/04/3-tips-to-get-started-with-teaching.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_U8FczwjvSpp9CQX7ISYVQD9gcad3kH7iyEetGsh0n4X3M11pTf8WlYG6yPB6vzHI09t0tJPpM1iM9R70jXQBJs74qo6BuDNfD8O1mMt7PBpgIOiLR8kPmF7HhdNlGfy0Oud6_7KvTgnJamV_GAbZT3TUZ4WKc4Dq2_bpFpfgWau3VLHAhafRTSMzmg/s3657/picture%20books%20to%20teach%20character%20analysis_badcaseofthestripes.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Activities for Bad Case of the Stripes" border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="3657" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_U8FczwjvSpp9CQX7ISYVQD9gcad3kH7iyEetGsh0n4X3M11pTf8WlYG6yPB6vzHI09t0tJPpM1iM9R70jXQBJs74qo6BuDNfD8O1mMt7PBpgIOiLR8kPmF7HhdNlGfy0Oud6_7KvTgnJamV_GAbZT3TUZ4WKc4Dq2_bpFpfgWau3VLHAhafRTSMzmg/w640-h426/picture%20books%20to%20teach%20character%20analysis_badcaseofthestripes.png" title="12 Picture Books to Teach Character Understanding Analysis and Traits" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. <a href="https://amzn.to/3GgYogf" target="_blank"><u>A Bad Case of Stripes</u> by David Shannon </a></h3><p style="text-align: left;"><b>This book is<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Use-with-A-Bad-Case-of-the-Stripes-Read-Aloud-Character-Trait-List-Analysis-7146027" target="_blank"> the best picture book </a>to introduce students to the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Traits-List-Analysis-Development-Posters-Reading-Passages-Activities-8995802" target="_blank">terms inside and outside character traits</a>.</b> (or internal or external traits) This story follows the main character Camilla Cream. On the inside she loves lima beans, but on the outside she does not act like she likes them. Because she keeps her true self a secret, her outside traits change each day. This is a fun read with a strong author's message to be yourself. It works perfectly for <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Use-with-A-Bad-Case-of-the-Stripes-Read-Aloud-Character-Trait-List-Analysis-7146027" target="_blank">introducing character traits</a> to your students.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>Grab the free character analysis starter kit at the bottom of this post.</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6pOJeqoAhn5V2u3fFiectPOakdDilrV8nRPITQvNI4Rq5D5IhPqc59tOMatHKXbNNUNb0oF0ZYVg4dVK5xXwBVTe9_H4ogtVsG5yTB5cCEAi08Us16MEIaWZmdh9aAUEme6i4xKw4FbG19nMxuPsiKpbViD9V9kxC0ZozIzti47GlvZjaqAOqf1r9w/s3657/picture%20books%20to%20teach%20character%20analysis_brave%20irene.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Character ideas for Brave Irene" border="0" data-original-height="2444" data-original-width="3657" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6pOJeqoAhn5V2u3fFiectPOakdDilrV8nRPITQvNI4Rq5D5IhPqc59tOMatHKXbNNUNb0oF0ZYVg4dVK5xXwBVTe9_H4ogtVsG5yTB5cCEAi08Us16MEIaWZmdh9aAUEme6i4xKw4FbG19nMxuPsiKpbViD9V9kxC0ZozIzti47GlvZjaqAOqf1r9w/w640-h428/picture%20books%20to%20teach%20character%20analysis_brave%20irene.png" title="12 Picture Books to Teach Character Understanding Analysis and Traits" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">2. <a href="https://amzn.to/3zySbZb" target="_blank"><u>Brave Irene</u> by William Steig</a> </h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I love this story! This story is a great read-aloud to discuss character traits and emotions. The main character, Irene, is brave, and the author gives many supporting details to help students agree that she is brave. <b>But Irene also has many feelings and emotions throughout the story.</b> From feeling helpful to feeling frustrated, she has felt them all. Your students will cheer Irene on as they listen to this story. With all the supporting details in the story, <b>this one is a great read aloud to also practice <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Traits-List-Analysis-Development-Posters-Reading-Passages-Activities-8995802" target="_blank">written responses</a> about character traits and supporting text evidence.</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDRfuBLj-6LCtnmj83Li4-3Mpj0_5807Os1tjNTSN637w9RuvgE8NCyThfooisMR3k7AMdh8KSL8NAtzFb4hACwxKWWPX7xs9y5s-sQwAFnewxNnZDbCYbvYNnMqV6DBSWqXGi9Hv4DSiKdMz3SkQbR0AF4BUNt63xvepUSCPhe2n7Z2UNCKBv5OLcg/s3657/picture%20books%20to%20teach%20character%20analysis_the%20raft.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Character activities upper elementary" border="0" data-original-height="2435" data-original-width="3657" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDRfuBLj-6LCtnmj83Li4-3Mpj0_5807Os1tjNTSN637w9RuvgE8NCyThfooisMR3k7AMdh8KSL8NAtzFb4hACwxKWWPX7xs9y5s-sQwAFnewxNnZDbCYbvYNnMqV6DBSWqXGi9Hv4DSiKdMz3SkQbR0AF4BUNt63xvepUSCPhe2n7Z2UNCKBv5OLcg/w640-h426/picture%20books%20to%20teach%20character%20analysis_the%20raft.png" title="12 Picture Books to Teach Character Understanding Analysis and Traits" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">3. <a href="https://amzn.to/40Z7bLV" target="_blank"><u>The Raft</u> by Jim LaMarche</a> </h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>This is one of my favorite picture books!</b> I love using this one for <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Teaching-Theme-Literature-Activities-Anchor-Charts-Task-Cards-Passages-2389328" target="_blank">understanding theme</a>, end of the year read alouds and of course <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Traits-List-Analysis-Development-Posters-Reading-Passages-Activities-8995802" target="_blank">character understanding</a>. This one is perfect for your lesson on changing characters. The main character in the story is mad when he finds out that he has to spend the entire summer with his grandmother at her cabin without technology. But by the time the summer ends, he has definitely changed. Create a class three column T-chart to use during a read aloud of this book to keep track of the character's traits and feelings at the beginning, during the middle, and then at the end. <b>This will help students identify how the character has changed.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7RKgTHBAPVy6iVSWPu2RyjpEMpOFdi0F-E_fRwNjrY55qdhblZh73tXcMA9zGVa3HnevubYJEZs3Ctc6U7UlLdgtcGWLQeZDjgB1x7DiZcYS6i5TRe3LqNe5MM0mPTPWG9VPDhF8mC1FLPoJlj9TvcoyA8qrh5mIPFvxN_5bPbPaa5qJUsOrX33PtSQ/s3714/picture%20books%20to%20teach%20character%20analysis_knots%20on%20a%20counting%20rope.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="character trait lesson upper elementary" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="3714" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7RKgTHBAPVy6iVSWPu2RyjpEMpOFdi0F-E_fRwNjrY55qdhblZh73tXcMA9zGVa3HnevubYJEZs3Ctc6U7UlLdgtcGWLQeZDjgB1x7DiZcYS6i5TRe3LqNe5MM0mPTPWG9VPDhF8mC1FLPoJlj9TvcoyA8qrh5mIPFvxN_5bPbPaa5qJUsOrX33PtSQ/w640-h426/picture%20books%20to%20teach%20character%20analysis_knots%20on%20a%20counting%20rope.png" title="12 Picture Books to Teach Character Understanding Analysis and Traits" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>4. <a href="https://amzn.to/3K8qLOH" target="_blank"><u>Knots on a Counting Rope</u> by Bill Martin, Jr</a></b></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I love this book, and so do the kids. <b>The ending always surprises them when they find out the main character is blind.</b> Rereading it a second time, knowing that he is blind, helps us to dive deep into character analysis. This one is also perfect for building vocabulary, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Context-Clues-Anchor-Chart-Passages-Vocabulary-Activities-ELA-Test-Prep-3rd-4th-7718255" target="_blank">using context clues</a>, and <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/03/a-simple-way-to-teach-students-to-make.html" target="_blank">inferring as readers.</a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i>Grab the free character analysis starter kit at the bottom of this post.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Dgn1hZEJwqUN8IYyQwi49l-VEaY-ByzvEu3aeggxkRAp9Qt7DQJBc6UkjQlL1SKEJgPoMpjRgr17mNmCNJVTKhnKSXdC6WkXSYy0eOy0HkjJFaqOXQu2HJz6mTG7wLHENTLV4J1qb-ffndKcPHzJm3V7Q7sQiHFq_NhbvqtauKyQa9Pm6Kgw_7-apw/s3657/picture%20books%20to%20teach%20character%20analysis_chair%20for%20my%20mother.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="character trait activites 3rd 4th grade" border="0" data-original-height="2435" data-original-width="3657" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Dgn1hZEJwqUN8IYyQwi49l-VEaY-ByzvEu3aeggxkRAp9Qt7DQJBc6UkjQlL1SKEJgPoMpjRgr17mNmCNJVTKhnKSXdC6WkXSYy0eOy0HkjJFaqOXQu2HJz6mTG7wLHENTLV4J1qb-ffndKcPHzJm3V7Q7sQiHFq_NhbvqtauKyQa9Pm6Kgw_7-apw/w640-h426/picture%20books%20to%20teach%20character%20analysis_chair%20for%20my%20mother.png" title="12 Picture Books to Teach Character Understanding Analysis and Traits" width="640" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">5. <a href="https://amzn.to/3zpa90q" target="_blank"><u>A Chair for My Mother</u> by Vera Williams</a></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>This is a popular book with a simple yet powerful story!</b> This book follows a family of women who lose everything they own and their home in a fire. Throughout the book, we learn about the characters' determination, caring and loving attitude toward each other, and helpful neighbors who all pitch in to help. There are so many <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2023/04/3-tips-to-get-started-with-teaching.html" target="_blank">great character traits</a> and emotions to address with this one book!</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerDTS7j7u386aXWO9ZvH16NQlLfRwiux59X_Ajib7ErWwRBjMMULQveEwzin09nsulCZ0aVBFBneMv2bx4b4-7Ym10jeMk1YhvOZb_rH-aql978VewmI2ULJEw0oq-1KOa_CJA-DCAtFnakCpxMJzvt8kHQU_vsGhL_umt4rGIkcwnEERghYnMVSR-Q/s3657/picture%20books%20to%20teach%20character%20analysis_junkyard%20wonders.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="looking at characters lessons upper elementary" border="0" data-original-height="2435" data-original-width="3657" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerDTS7j7u386aXWO9ZvH16NQlLfRwiux59X_Ajib7ErWwRBjMMULQveEwzin09nsulCZ0aVBFBneMv2bx4b4-7Ym10jeMk1YhvOZb_rH-aql978VewmI2ULJEw0oq-1KOa_CJA-DCAtFnakCpxMJzvt8kHQU_vsGhL_umt4rGIkcwnEERghYnMVSR-Q/w640-h426/picture%20books%20to%20teach%20character%20analysis_junkyard%20wonders.png" title="12 Picture Books to Teach Character Understanding Analysis and Traits" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">6. <o:p></o:p><a href="https://amzn.to/3K73xsp" target="_blank"><u>The Junkyard Wonders</u> by Patricia Polacco</a></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>So many of <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Use-with-Thunder-Cake-Spring-Read-Aloud-Activities--8120726" target="_blank">Patricia Polacco's books</a> are just perfect for character analysis, especially this one! </b>This is a longer story that you should read over a few days. Doing so will give you the opportunity to revisit the text to discuss the main character and her character traits and emotions. This story follows Trisha who attends a new school and becomes called "the junkyard" a name designed to tease and mock her. Once she meets her teacher, things begin to change. Keep track of the Trish and her teacher's character traits, discussing each one and discovering how they both change. This is also a great book to lead to discussions about <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Traits-List-Analysis-Development-Posters-Reading-Passages-Activities-8995802" target="_blank">main characters and secondary characters</a>.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFkV1UMR22vNyjg8KV6LaedGKre2Wv5NK2zf9jC3Zy1qW97iKdS91BvcQY4ZcN_wJheDBRIndQTagX2hBfulcafsaz7iFr8nh8fLn_mxL0KV8HAGiOpxmTopCcwPaB0kaWmH-Kd2-VtnkTUh4s_R-b5FUcmcnB-fAxSVGEgM6zHug479XWGbF8W7rXg/s3657/picture%20books%20to%20teach%20character%20analysis_thank%20you%20omu.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Thank You Omu lesson activities character traits" border="0" data-original-height="2444" data-original-width="3657" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFkV1UMR22vNyjg8KV6LaedGKre2Wv5NK2zf9jC3Zy1qW97iKdS91BvcQY4ZcN_wJheDBRIndQTagX2hBfulcafsaz7iFr8nh8fLn_mxL0KV8HAGiOpxmTopCcwPaB0kaWmH-Kd2-VtnkTUh4s_R-b5FUcmcnB-fAxSVGEgM6zHug479XWGbF8W7rXg/w640-h428/picture%20books%20to%20teach%20character%20analysis_thank%20you%20omu.png" title="12 Picture Books to Teach Character Understanding Analysis and Traits" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>7. <a href="https://amzn.to/3M8ttXi" target="_blank"><u>Thank You, Omu</u> by Oge Mora</a></b></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">This <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Use-with-Thank-You-Omu-Picture-Book-Aligned-Companion-Read-Aloud-Activities-7424165" target="_blank">one is a new favorite for me</a>! While this one has a <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/11/8-gratitude-picture-books-and-stories.html" target="_blank">gratitude them</a>e and is often read around Thanksgiving, it is also perfect to revisit for character analysis. This book follows the day of Omu who spends the afternoon cooking. She can not help but share all of her soup with her community, leaving none for herself. Her selfless act inspires the community to help her in return. <b>So much goodness and positivity in this book that you will want to read it again and again!</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpBeqxsCfmxlfhAhtesMonE7Wgey46KReIQHqEUnphH9XWz3lQ1XdgKGsQ_IcAYE5G6GLp2v4d1c1NKSLa2LMc-xSZFwNiGJV5YlUG9J6KMyIajvsrTcioul4Ws1u1KZqfXCmswyHAiC4yi8iXmINYM3rnjAFfIOe9xGl7qu6JwI8wDqE7A71BaPg5Q/s3657/picture%20books%20to%20teach%20character%20analysis_nobody%20hugs.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="character lessons 3rd 4th graders" border="0" data-original-height="2435" data-original-width="3657" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpBeqxsCfmxlfhAhtesMonE7Wgey46KReIQHqEUnphH9XWz3lQ1XdgKGsQ_IcAYE5G6GLp2v4d1c1NKSLa2LMc-xSZFwNiGJV5YlUG9J6KMyIajvsrTcioul4Ws1u1KZqfXCmswyHAiC4yi8iXmINYM3rnjAFfIOe9xGl7qu6JwI8wDqE7A71BaPg5Q/w640-h426/picture%20books%20to%20teach%20character%20analysis_nobody%20hugs.png" title="12 Picture Books to Teach Character Understanding Analysis and Traits" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>8. <a href="https://amzn.to/40X3Sol" target="_blank"><u>Nobody Hugs a Cactus</u> by Carter Goodrich</a> </b></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">While this story can be read any time of the year, it is a <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2023/02/9-valentines-day-picture-books-for.html" target="_blank">great pair with Valentine's Day</a> because of the nature of a loving cactus who wants a hug. Hank, the main character, is a cactus that no one wants to hug. As the story goes on, Hank begins to change from being a loner to wanting a friend and companion. This story is great for learning about how and why characters change. The illustrations support Hank's feelings and emotions throughout the book, <b>making it great for visual and auditory learners.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFdRK8Zs8uqmPleJTSSohpvOvMDVjbXuU6fEgnHt8hUCFEYrQlcyB-NgJCxFMh7C_tfnxJryt9WRJVosiUdmoImVOoomLCxuhL24EDuZlzRPJ8a5tOLS9Zu8nyWKiViNiXSUDTfQ7opPcHV4_YIAkfVpyvCYAoYhHf0M3Akgz2akGNAcb4XM5YyN8TQ/s3657/picture%20books%20to%20teach%20character%20analysis_enemy%20pie.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Enemy Pie character lessons" border="0" data-original-height="2445" data-original-width="3657" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFdRK8Zs8uqmPleJTSSohpvOvMDVjbXuU6fEgnHt8hUCFEYrQlcyB-NgJCxFMh7C_tfnxJryt9WRJVosiUdmoImVOoomLCxuhL24EDuZlzRPJ8a5tOLS9Zu8nyWKiViNiXSUDTfQ7opPcHV4_YIAkfVpyvCYAoYhHf0M3Akgz2akGNAcb4XM5YyN8TQ/w640-h428/picture%20books%20to%20teach%20character%20analysis_enemy%20pie.png" title="12 Picture Books to Teach Character Understanding Analysis and Traits" width="640" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>9. <a href="https://amzn.to/3K4x1Hm" target="_blank"><u>Enemy Pie</u> by Derek Munson</a> </b></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>This classic teacher favorite is <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/01/9-books-to-promote-kindness-in-upper.html" target="_blank">perfect for teaching</a> your students to predict and analyze how a character responds to a problem</b>. This book follows the <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2023/04/3-tips-to-get-started-with-teaching.html" target="_blank">main character </a>(not named) who begins to feel jealous when a new boy moves into town. the main character experiences different feelings and emotions, chats about them with his dad, and ends up changing by the last page. The kids LOVE this one and it is so easy to relate to. You can <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Enemy-Pie-Activities-Read-Aloud-Plot-Structure-Lesson-8416862" target="_blank">read and reread this book</a> for different lessons including plot, climax, story structure, and making predictions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">10. CHAPTER BOOK Suggestion: <a href="https://amzn.to/3zqks4g" target="_blank">Ramona Quimby, Age 8</a></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">If you are looking for a chapter book, perfect to discuss character traits and emotions, try Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary. <b>Each chapter is filled with antics and fun to help the reader get to truly get to know the main character, Ramona.</b> A fun activity to go along with a read aloud of this book, is to have the kids keep a journal as Ramona. It is a great way for the kids to have to figure out how the character is feeling and then write from her perspective. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhID-zplZZmRh2oUjt_gQ0HAr2QwgV8HbeKPl33oQEfmuRY23yzZ-JHbrb1rlM16sN5EYyOaxJI7ZFmRDHpH6EBhLd-BmCNyxT-YtbMIN0-BERUMsprlwAeqTAIx-Klu4zAfE1AsRrIFIX-B-LlyxUoen28UrYv-6Ig34r5ynTGyImkCpVCnBSVm7EGSQ/s3664/picture%20books%20to%20teach%20character%20analysis_paperbag.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="character lessons 3rd 4th graders" border="0" data-original-height="2435" data-original-width="3664" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhID-zplZZmRh2oUjt_gQ0HAr2QwgV8HbeKPl33oQEfmuRY23yzZ-JHbrb1rlM16sN5EYyOaxJI7ZFmRDHpH6EBhLd-BmCNyxT-YtbMIN0-BERUMsprlwAeqTAIx-Klu4zAfE1AsRrIFIX-B-LlyxUoen28UrYv-6Ig34r5ynTGyImkCpVCnBSVm7EGSQ/w640-h426/picture%20books%20to%20teach%20character%20analysis_paperbag.png" title="12 Picture Books to Teach Character Understanding Analysis and Traits" width="640" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b><b>Grab the FREE Character Analysis Starter Kit!</b></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><script async="" data-uid="1125fd510e" src="https://think-grow-giggle.ck.page/1125fd510e/index.js"></script></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Need even more picture book suggestions? Try one of these:</i></b></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>11. <a href="https://amzn.to/40HyvhR" target="_blank"><u>The Paper Bag Princess</u> by Robert Munsch</a></li><li>12. <a href="https://amzn.to/3GaZgmF" target="_blank"><u>Ada Twist, Scientist</u> by Andrea Beaty</a></li><li>13. <a href="https://amzn.to/3Mb50Au" target="_blank"><u>Boundless Grace</u> by Mary Hoffman</a></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>Before you begin your next character study grab a stack of picture books with interesting characters to help you dive deep into character analysis. </b>Use a mix of previously read books and some new books, too! The groundwork you lay for character analysis with picture books will help your students carefully reflect and think about the characters that they meet in the books that they read.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Lato, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Lato, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Lato, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"> You will also love reading:</span></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/09/teaching-grammar-with-picture-books-for.html" target="_blank">9 Picture Books to Help Teach Grammar</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/03/a-simple-way-to-teach-students-to-make.html" target="_blank">A Simple Way to Teach Inferring</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/06/7-must-read-picture-books-for-teaching.html" target="_blank">7 Picture Books to Teach Inferring</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/07/7-picture-books-to-celebrate-reading.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">7 Picture Books to Celebrate Reading</a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><h3 style="color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"> Check out my favorite character activities <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Traits-List-Passages-Posters-Worksheets-Reading-Activities-8995802" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Traits-List-Passages-Posters-Worksheets-Reading-Activities-8995802" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="character analysis activities rubric lessons" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CVNpeCk4EyKwP4MVcyhmXEoKsbGYhVke3XL5eZBGZLGvgJoZcaMGzMKwRZ78PWUZnR3p2SF9gBGtAIVY_Lu8y6snVeBqNCxU8EbqqRTvscUt3CX4P2doQLNy3Y8ev6IC_CcT5PeOfe527vgVUoTiiS5emw9jWYoKycNz6xx163MGX__dnIVoehJbSQ/w640-h640/character%20unit.png" title="12 Picture Books to Teach Character Understanding Analysis and Traits" width="640" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><br /></h3><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"> LOVE these ideas? Pin to save!</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDEQMMPzU6wpi73pOB3UrbIKkIu29FRna7a6CHKDNxz5jhYKiNIfA8eTnHeHyGCezCjDq7sCGz64QzBHAbb0sXumSqjpicB12sG9LitkgXaqRN8oBUBqg28Y4pFXgtX8r-RNKKV9h5MPH7uxinEk2k6GTo-5_urXrinHHQTV14kp_h0SlJsNhZmc6pw/s6000/12picture%20books%20to%20teach%20character%20analysis_blogpin.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="12 Picture Books to Teach Character Understanding Analysis and Traits" border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="3375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDEQMMPzU6wpi73pOB3UrbIKkIu29FRna7a6CHKDNxz5jhYKiNIfA8eTnHeHyGCezCjDq7sCGz64QzBHAbb0sXumSqjpicB12sG9LitkgXaqRN8oBUBqg28Y4pFXgtX8r-RNKKV9h5MPH7uxinEk2k6GTo-5_urXrinHHQTV14kp_h0SlJsNhZmc6pw/s16000/12picture%20books%20to%20teach%20character%20analysis_blogpin.png" title="Understanding characters beyond the worksheet" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 14.95px;">*<b>affiliate links: </b></span><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">“Think Grow Giggle is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.” (source: </span><a href="https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/operating/agreement" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="background-color: white; color: #25c1aa; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Segoe UI", Segoe, "Helvetica Neue", Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Section 5</a><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">)</span> </o:p></p></div>Third Grade Giggleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18234338835946741807noreply@blogger.comNew York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972829.3777038387946 -109.1622228 52.047846761205392 -38.849722799999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333302365949553987.post-48066634285830913602023-04-03T04:00:00.079-07:002024-03-13T04:42:54.553-07:003 Tips for Teaching Character Traits Analysis Upper Elementary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5uXJvDLkx4QY5zEi_Ev68ydWBV3INESzqhKdxoYpbMLJuNT84BD6dQ6gjW8AvRgk2Szv119N9TmKMX5avLWHAjUk67-WvIdif59fg-F7B0NkWLvOWrs-gYFAfyS8_EWXcJm6LxM0uITflKfUdu6tEFnYryod_saqzGfXoVVt5l_8NG2-7Zd4lioyOcA/s3571/ideas%20to%20teach%20character%20analysis%20header.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="3 Tips for Teaching Character Traits Upper Elementary" border="0" data-original-height="2369" data-original-width="3571" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5uXJvDLkx4QY5zEi_Ev68ydWBV3INESzqhKdxoYpbMLJuNT84BD6dQ6gjW8AvRgk2Szv119N9TmKMX5avLWHAjUk67-WvIdif59fg-F7B0NkWLvOWrs-gYFAfyS8_EWXcJm6LxM0uITflKfUdu6tEFnYryod_saqzGfXoVVt5l_8NG2-7Zd4lioyOcA/s16000/ideas%20to%20teach%20character%20analysis%20header.png" title="character analysis and understanding activities" /></a></div><p>As the school year progresses and your students begin to read more challenging, complex chapter books, <b>helping them to understand the characters they meet becomes a critical part of their <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/09/what-are-effective-reading.html" target="_blank">reading comprehension</a>.</b></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Students must understand the characters that they meet to help them better understand the story and theme of the book.</b> I want my students to truly <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Traits-List-Analysis-Development-Posters-Reading-Passages-Activities-8995802" target="_blank">understand character traits and emotions</a>, be able to differentiate between the two, and how those traits and emotions play a part in the choices that the characters make in the story.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>That is a whole lot for young readers!</b> But, without truly understanding the characters, the students will not be able to <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/09/4-simple-ways-to-teach-students-to-make.html" target="_blank">predict</a>, connect, or <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/03/a-simple-way-to-teach-students-to-make.html" target="_blank">infer</a> as they read.</p><p><br /></p><p>That is why character development is an important unit that I love to teach each year. It is not an easy topic to dive into with upper elementary students, but I can help! <b>Try these tips to make your next character development unit that you teach a big success!</b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">1. Differentiate Between Character Traits and Character Emotions</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Traits-List-Analysis-Development-Posters-Reading-Passages-Activities-8995802" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="character emotions lessons for 3rd 4th 5th graders" border="0" data-original-height="2594" data-original-width="4683" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqv6bIrZjSN-GSLuWexxtwmJ7kXyGV0OtYsts_aqBw7WxruxMsbVRD_BD_RayZl2uWYycEEGHMTAG9L4PIApLo1CPQPEkvT4mzvYM2hw0yMSSMMOn5D_uM88qW61ikwDU9SkZpx3HHPJfSrasqyRBOUserfNARMLOxp4O3s6cxv-CCEAGuIGSjitfwA/w640-h354/teaching%20character%20traits%20and%20emotions%20with%20anchor%20charts%20and%20lists.png" title="3 Tips to Get Started with Teaching Character Traits Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p><b>This is such an important step!</b> Students must learn the difference between a character trait and a character's feelings and emotions. <b>Traits and emotions are very different</b>. We discuss how character traits reflect the character's personality and emotions are how the character is feeling. While character traits can change throughout a story, the feelings and emotions of characters change quite frequently.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>The first lesson that I do when it comes to differentiating between character traits and character emotions is with the book <a href="https://amzn.to/3zrbT9y" target="_blank">The Raft </a>by Jim LaMarche. </b>This story tells about a young boy who is upset that he has to spend the summer with his grandmother. By the end of the story, we learn how his feelings and emotions have changed, but his character traits have stayed the same. I love this book and highly recommend it as a read-aloud during your character unit.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Don't forget to decide on which term you will use when discussing character traits</b>: outside or external traits to discuss a character's physical traits and inside or internal to discuss personality traits.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>Grab the free activities to start your first lesson about character traits VS character emotions!</i></b></p><p><script async="" data-uid="1125fd510e" src="https://think-grow-giggle.ck.page/1125fd510e/index.js"></script></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">2. Practice Character Reflections with Note-Taking</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Traits-List-Analysis-Development-Posters-Reading-Passages-Activities-8995802" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="3 Tips for Teaching Character Traits Analysis Upper Elementary" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="3765" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTW8-QEmaPLN02PlfU5FB5jLb4OjKrEsj5WBqtRSRU0YAZe4xqpomfLbEb_BfqeCiUWk63VDO8XIC8_neLz65FcBzpmcsTT2OoO24-tY4wpMUiM_-k7RtIe7zzHYsv2tYLFilAWXaTiuEDsih7YwN5bVVjnypqT1gp7A5igZ96k1sneUsnl6DtghAG6g/w640-h420/teaching%20character%20traits%20with%20graphic%20organizers.png" title="3 Tips to Get Started with Teaching Character Traits Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p>Hold students accountable for practicing character note-taking with graphic organizers that help them focus on a <b>specific character reflection task and strengthen their character understanding skills</b>. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>We use character graphic organizers that focus on:</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>what the character thinks</li><li>what the character says</li><li>what the character does</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p><b>These three prompts help the students to reflect on what information the author gives about the character and then use the information to infer a character trait. </b>When we first begin our character unit, we work as a class to brainstorm different character traits and emotions that characters may be and feel. We leave an anchor chart up in the classroom for easy access, but I also give students a small size of the character trait list for their reading notebooks.</p><p><br /></p><p>The first lesson that I do with character note-taking is always done with a picture that I have previously read.<b> I love to use previously read books for a new mini-lesson because it allows the students to focus on the skill at hand with a book that they already heard, discussed, and understand.</b> It allows them to be much more successful with the character analysis objective at hand. You can find any book that you have already read to your students to try this out. I love to reread <a href="https://amzn.to/42Yi4PE" target="_blank">The Curious Garden</a> for this activity.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">3. Discuss How Characters Change</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Traits-List-Analysis-Development-Posters-Reading-Passages-Activities-8995802" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="changing characters activities organizers 3rd 4th 5th grade" border="0" data-original-height="2245" data-original-width="3339" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNu8v43Z2hjLwd_dyNNMkPXsaMI48ckJM3yGk2oIIri7J2ck6pBp7k5Wu9TGxsai5H1Sn5tuWJrvp_h4CMks6pIuRWMseRr7CiooTUsOjRjug33aBxamiQqM4KzTpIIJP3uORwe6tAyBiaqnvIlP6yb5tHw2Qza0hevkL8mreqpBSehZHcFyPsFklDDw/w640-h430/changing%20characters%20lessons.png" title="3 Tips to Get Started with Teaching Character Traits Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p><b>Focusing on how characters change truly helps the students better understand the character and the story. </b>It allows them to make better <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Making-Predictions-Activities-Graphic-Organizers-Predicting-Task-Cards-2123718" target="_blank">predictions </a>and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Making-Inferences-Reading-Activities-Anchor-Charts-Inferring-Task-Cards-2175637" target="_blank">inferences </a>as they read, too. </p><p><br /></p><p>To practice this, we collect evidence to show how a character felt at the beginning of the book, and how they felt at the end of the book. <b>Collecting text evidence is an important step to prove how the character has changed</b>. I love to tie in <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/10/visualizing-reading-strategy-lesson.html" target="_blank">visualizing during this activity</a>. Students create sketches to show the different emotions and feelings of the character throughout the story. We revisit <a href="https://amzn.to/3zrbT9y" target="_blank">The Raft </a>by Jim LaMarche to discuss changing characters. Another favorite to discuss changing characters is <a href="https://amzn.to/3U4m7px" target="_blank">Enemy Pie</a> by Derek Munson.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><i><u>Teacher tip</u></i></b>: I love to give students specific before, during, and after reading tasks that focus in on gathering text evidence about how characters change. This helps students focus and read with purpose.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Our Character Understanding unit lasts for weeks. By the time it ends, the kids are bummed. <b>They love reading and reflecting on all of the characters that they meet while reading independently and those we met during our read-aloud time. </b>I know that the time I invest in helping students to critically analyze a character is well worth it! It not only helps them understand the characters that they meet, but also<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Comprehension-Strategies-Activities-and-Posters-2175794" target="_blank"> understand the overall story </a>and plot, theme, and make connections as readers.</p><p style="border: none; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #373f45; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><br /></p><p style="border: none; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #373f45; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><br /></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">Grab everything you need to teach a <br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Traits-List-Analysis-Development-Posters-Reading-Passages-Activities-8995802" target="_blank">Character Study Unit</a> right <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Traits-List-Analysis-Development-Posters-Reading-Passages-Activities-8995802" target="_blank">here</a>:</h3><p style="border: none; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #373f45; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Traits-List-Analysis-Development-Posters-Reading-Passages-Activities-8995802" style="border-color: rgb(207, 212, 217); border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><img alt="3 Tips for Teaching Character Traits Analysis Upper Elementary" data-verified="redactor" rel="display: block; margin: auto; width: 606px; height: 348px;" src="https://embed.filekitcdn.com/e/7QuBqxj6aa3WD2ekJ8QwUe/SBB3bgZfCGuTj6hSqsWx5?w=800&fit=max" style="border-color: rgb(207, 212, 217); border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 348px; margin: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: 606px;" title="3 Tips to Get Started with Teaching Character Traits Upper Elementary" /></a></p><ul style="border: none; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #373f45; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em;"></ul><p style="border: none; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #373f45; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><br /></p><p style="border: none; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #373f45; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><span data-redactor-tag="strong" style="border-color: rgb(207, 212, 217); border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"></span></p><p style="border: none; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #373f45; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><br /></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">You will also love reading:</h3><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/09/what-are-effective-reading.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Reading Strategies To Grow Strong Readers</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/03/a-simple-way-to-teach-students-to-make.html" target="_blank">A Simple Way to Teach Inferring</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/08/must-try-tip-to-encourage-students-to.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Engaging Students to Read a Variety of Genres</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/07/7-picture-books-to-celebrate-reading.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">7 Picture Books to Celebrate Reading</a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">Check out my favorite character activities <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Traits-List-Passages-Posters-Worksheets-Reading-Activities-8995802" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</h3><h3 style="color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><br /></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Traits-List-Passages-Posters-Worksheets-Reading-Activities-8995802" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="character understanding and analysis activities" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjntMzjmECdw4rQL4_gUBMIiQ_hNyziJD06IS5IDfNw1fvEuUs_JDN5kJ4pHhtndfl-_DLvRYtJ5qTp9EIBk0Qd_r1FVSCtWbzpBFIB-0Mn7FkDs0wi9_6t_1xoYrZK5JVV6tIct3wG5DXktbNf8LU2I7mqeNcNxtCpq_-_BdgV192_zezCoWrRjP03g/w640-h640/character%20unit%202.png" title="3 Tips to Get Started with Teaching Character Traits Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Trait-List-Analysis-Reading-Passages-Anchor-Charts-Task-Cards-Activity-8995802" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2300" data-original-width="3252" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_S_o1TGWKxYrvRtlxkRVhzQ6skwW4iZtF3D4ZpMnNhrjZDC-GBG56coKPhTymx59zZ_uk4rIH_cpCEJ33XKKeF0SfUU1z9eAChVv-L27iSWIrv3AxNzEXH69z2gC1Ll-rH5IbEw-AbI7QRQJ8RqH5WWz-0xwPoEGeLN1cEJ-7Ny9gH9FRfclUwgX6y3R/w640-h452/character%20analysis%20ideas%20for%20upper%20elementary.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">LOVE these ideas? Pin to save!</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0774x5F-J-hEilWiKU-Dp80dvEMe86twmmKpFKPbyqGHWsgnOAGWAj07iBO7C0jzIk07bCtbZ0vaE6Z3aNUuhCrPFDP6r5W4VdowaRCDi6C9De0KjvAyjAZXQDY2w9yCPlHsj2zLHkhDCTnQxvRtr_XkCcDOOQYz_KoAWUujQx5oXAlLqNMOF2tzhQw/s6000/ideas%20to%20teach%20character%20analysis_blogpin.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="3 Tips to Get Started with Teaching Character Traits Upper Elementary" border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="3375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0774x5F-J-hEilWiKU-Dp80dvEMe86twmmKpFKPbyqGHWsgnOAGWAj07iBO7C0jzIk07bCtbZ0vaE6Z3aNUuhCrPFDP6r5W4VdowaRCDi6C9De0KjvAyjAZXQDY2w9yCPlHsj2zLHkhDCTnQxvRtr_XkCcDOOQYz_KoAWUujQx5oXAlLqNMOF2tzhQw/s16000/ideas%20to%20teach%20character%20analysis_blogpin.png" title="character trait activities 3rd 4th 5th grade" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 14.95px; text-align: center;">*<b>affiliate links: </b></span><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">“Think Grow Giggle is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.” (source: </span><a href="https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/operating/agreement" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="background-color: white; color: #25c1aa; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Segoe UI", Segoe, "Helvetica Neue", Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Section 5</a><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">)</span></p>Third Grade Giggleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18234338835946741807noreply@blogger.comNew York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972812.402541463821152 -109.1622228 69.023009136178842 -38.849722799999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333302365949553987.post-46569478992259222962023-03-27T04:00:00.028-07:002023-03-27T04:00:00.182-07:004 Quick Tips to Engage Struggling Readers Upper Elementary<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSlfEk1Fkc3WKydJon-QGYYYhVVLU4Doj2m7F4GYCFCRka4ZvowjrTPXz0xkkwYeIpsFJUGCG1NrBUVCQ5-EP9rMTUxv6dySZbh0cqdyuoPgExsXplyqVTIjggHKXmbVaXtMxrHaCjme1HMdJYR4tD9QqoIs8CrfCjdmozt7nMgH5M4zw_FFpd3FPUnw/s3595/struggling%20reader%20tips%20header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="4 Quick Tips to Engage Struggling Readers Upper Elementary" border="0" data-original-height="2335" data-original-width="3595" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSlfEk1Fkc3WKydJon-QGYYYhVVLU4Doj2m7F4GYCFCRka4ZvowjrTPXz0xkkwYeIpsFJUGCG1NrBUVCQ5-EP9rMTUxv6dySZbh0cqdyuoPgExsXplyqVTIjggHKXmbVaXtMxrHaCjme1HMdJYR4tD9QqoIs8CrfCjdmozt7nMgH5M4zw_FFpd3FPUnw/s16000/struggling%20reader%20tips%20header.png" title="strategies that work for struggling readers" /></a></p><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Whether you have struggling readers or reluctant readers in your upper elementary classroom, <b>these quick and easy-to-implement tips will help you to engage them and give them some strategies to build their comprehension toolkits.</b></p><p><br /></p><p>When it comes to building readers, there are five components that help readers: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. The ideas I am sharing below <b>will help you to strengthen the comprehension of not just struggling readers, but all readers! </b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Visualizing-Anchor-Charts-Passages-Activities-Reading-Strategies-3rd-4th-2142327" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="comprehension tip for struggling readers" border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtOSTqZCRWr1vpt3rfl8gRjGofnfrZB0iB6sx73vr-anBXTWZ53IkjLLz9zEQ5O48zsdEwTBp6hXow99694IL3f-OI0O_rUH2H4r1xtVxynf787nsOGGxl39TGz1jY67S8HVyJmGBHOjuK04rZjMu65GFzHfdp8kPD3uSxAaBB2NeiZBgg5P7F26u0g/w400-h400/struggling%20readers%202.jpg" title="4 Quick Tips to Engage Struggling Readers Upper Elementary" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p></p><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>Teach your students how to make quick sketches of the important parts of the stories they read: character and their reactions to problems, the setting, and important events. <b>These<a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/10/visualizing-reading-strategy-lesson.html" target="_blank"> visualization sketches</a> are especially helpful as students begin to read longer and more complex texts</b>. You can simply take a piece of paper folded into fourths which would allow for 8 <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Visualizing-Anchor-Charts-Passages-Activities-Reading-Strategies-3rd-4th-2142327" target="_blank">sketches</a> from the book or chapter. After students create their quick sketch, have them jot down what is happening with quick notes and the page number.<div><br /><div><br /><p></p><p><b><i>Want to try this out? Grab the FREE visualizing activity!</i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><script async="" data-uid="fa55f49cd4" src="https://think-grow-giggle.ck.page/fa55f49cd4/index.js"></script></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHe2V4BAW47IwlyReS5mHd-iyilfYfWhaNfWW8VAHN9zXt-pwre88BGKGEDHeF031AiwWWyPaF459PNtHPztOHbbSq95OntUAozXIafZMnFVfsUJWijj90Skz5RpFc9syVB2o67ZCrdZlHlCPl48O0O3ZAVBW7atOUmu5eL5uisiuTOIT_9gc68BZ1Rg/s3000/struggling%20readers%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="reading ideas to help struggling readers" border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHe2V4BAW47IwlyReS5mHd-iyilfYfWhaNfWW8VAHN9zXt-pwre88BGKGEDHeF031AiwWWyPaF459PNtHPztOHbbSq95OntUAozXIafZMnFVfsUJWijj90Skz5RpFc9syVB2o67ZCrdZlHlCPl48O0O3ZAVBW7atOUmu5eL5uisiuTOIT_9gc68BZ1Rg/w320-h320/struggling%20readers%203.jpg" title="4 Quick Tips to Engage Struggling Readers Upper Elementary" width="320" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><div><br /></div><p><b>When it comes to text length for struggling or reluctant readers, the shorter, the better!</b> Using shorter texts helps students to feel like they accomplished a full reading activity in a short amount of time. When a text is too long, it is overwhelming for struggling readers. Using typed text is one way to use short text, but I like to use authentic reading material. That is why I use anthologies,<a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/02/8-poetry-read-aloud-books-for-upper.html" target="_blank"> poetry,</a> and books of short stories. </p><p><br /></p><p>Try these out to get started with short, authentic texts:</p><p><br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3lJ53sG" target="_blank">Every Living Thing by Cynthia Rylant </a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3FUkEfQ" target="_blank">Kidstory: 50 Kids Who Changed the World by Tom Adams</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3LUiGjk" target="_blank">Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein</a></li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHE6blfEf-xLgERBjwjXo802LcWpwJqSM0qytN4LxAwnr82KCId7NikxFMxdpSxDr7EEbj0sdcXpTc7EB2NlfJaQLJmTYegYH19Wsj-Y-ueuGfgpHuGE2L5SRVK58K5BVkdqfoI9ksMcQE9ygW1P45Px3ttuRUEQyoRD9mTRLa-yZY76OPKAFy5Xi-g/s3000/struggling%20readers%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="build vocabulary with struggling readers" border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHE6blfEf-xLgERBjwjXo802LcWpwJqSM0qytN4LxAwnr82KCId7NikxFMxdpSxDr7EEbj0sdcXpTc7EB2NlfJaQLJmTYegYH19Wsj-Y-ueuGfgpHuGE2L5SRVK58K5BVkdqfoI9ksMcQE9ygW1P45Px3ttuRUEQyoRD9mTRLa-yZY76OPKAFy5Xi-g/w320-h320/struggling%20readers%204.jpg" title="4 Quick Tips to Engage Struggling Readers Upper Elementary" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Build vocabulary by focusing on important words before reading</b>. Previewing important words will help students' fluency and comprehension. You can even use important <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Context-Clues-Anchor-Chart-Passages-Vocabulary-Activities-ELA-Test-Prep-3rd-4th--7718255" target="_blank">context clues strategies</a> when the words come up during the reading. After reading, reinforce the words from the text with visualization sketches to really help students understand and use the new words, building their vocabulary.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWsuucGe2PLglckT7UQ6oOXoOH3dh9PrKL--E71WxN1k3udmp836z3Vum7xGsUf7KfPWplfXwlIlad6d67aZ805OwVjyePpPJZEfVfhvK0vo2jmNyUPurL6zbRUFI0tD2WdS1X0aqzqE2TwrauYuGPj7mj4KF2pqkH2INzaSFpAXeQApVjj5GjDpi9Q/s3000/struggling%20readers%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="reading strategies that work" border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWsuucGe2PLglckT7UQ6oOXoOH3dh9PrKL--E71WxN1k3udmp836z3Vum7xGsUf7KfPWplfXwlIlad6d67aZ805OwVjyePpPJZEfVfhvK0vo2jmNyUPurL6zbRUFI0tD2WdS1X0aqzqE2TwrauYuGPj7mj4KF2pqkH2INzaSFpAXeQApVjj5GjDpi9Q/w320-h320/struggling%20readers%205.jpg" title="4 Quick Tips to Engage Struggling Readers Upper Elementary" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>This tip is a game-changer for struggling readers!</b> Using previously read books makes a big impact on helping students grow as readers and to learn new reading strategies. When you use a book that you have previously read with your class for a new mini-lesson, students can focus on the new skill you are teaching instead of having to figure out and understand the book AND the new skill you are teaching. This tip truly helps alleviate stress and confusion in struggling readers who will feel overwhelmed with new books. <b>Plus, this tip truly shows students that <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/09/interactive-read-alouds-one-book-many.html" target="_blank">one book can be read many times</a>, and each time they are read with a new lens! </b></p><p><br /></p><p><b>When it comes to re-engaging struggling or reluctant readers, these tips will help!</b> I have seen them work and ignite a love of reading in my own students, and I know that they will work for you and your students, too!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">You will also love reading:</h3><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/09/what-are-effective-reading.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Reading Strategies To Grow Strong Readers</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/05/highly-effective-strategies-for.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Highly Effective Strategies to Kick off Reading Workshop</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/08/must-try-tip-to-encourage-students-to.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Engaging Students to Read a Variety of Genres</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/07/7-picture-books-to-celebrate-reading.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">7 Picture Books to Celebrate Reading</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><p style="border: none; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #373f45; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><span class="redactor-invisible-space" data-redactor-class="redactor-invisible-space" data-redactor-tag="span" data-verified="redactor" style="border-color: rgb(207, 212, 217); border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;"><span data-redactor-tag="strong" style="border-color: rgb(207, 212, 217); border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"></span></span></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><h3 style="color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">Check out my favorite reading strategy packs <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Think-Grow-Giggle/Category/-128214-Reading-Strategies-Fiction-397764" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</h3><h3 style="color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">Like these <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Making-Inferences-Reading-Activities-Anchor-Charts-Inferring-Task-Cards-2175637" target="_blank">inferring activities</a>:</h3><h3 style="color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><br /></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Making-Inferences-Reading-Activities-Anchor-Charts-Inferring-Task-Cards-2175637" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Inferring Activities for 3rd 4th 5th Graders" border="0" data-original-height="1099" data-original-width="1200" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6HSDYL1eEMlW26LKoxB88XjLCB6mbOFrNElpN1tdSRH3Pf85WhKqoZqyasz1dkWMZZqjhHK2TYWgjNwhW9kJEmqARQooo_iXy2zcgUND3Xpcygmwbkp7F3CjEc4kv0Ed6bo7QWrwmqTSvo2UdS5TwYMnXre10jbQZ5W-0ExbPeLzMbiBIe4vv9Pn-PQ/w640-h586/making%20inferences%203.jpg" title="4 Quick Tips to Engage Struggling Readers Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><h3 style="color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">LOVE these ideas? Pin to save!</h3></div></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdA1yeY864VOwS776LVBSUUkcsI99dtry-dynUFKghNmoOKW4rA6iA3pxn2NAqJuN9mkxAbuUCtptm492iQf6jVzHjtRRss5pk3N9JQwZjeNDDCPBWyUftgrDtNDZURY3S_NsCFMebT33-9ZCMiQCCsH0P62Sd6MG4cPl8Hov_rgMZ3oAfec8ws-0Tw/s6000/struggling%20readers%20tips%20pin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="4 Quick Tips to Engage Struggling Readers Upper Elementary" border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="3375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdA1yeY864VOwS776LVBSUUkcsI99dtry-dynUFKghNmoOKW4rA6iA3pxn2NAqJuN9mkxAbuUCtptm492iQf6jVzHjtRRss5pk3N9JQwZjeNDDCPBWyUftgrDtNDZURY3S_NsCFMebT33-9ZCMiQCCsH0P62Sd6MG4cPl8Hov_rgMZ3oAfec8ws-0Tw/s16000/struggling%20readers%20tips%20pin.jpg" title="Reading Ideas for low readers" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 14.95px; text-align: center;"><b>affiliate links: </b></span><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">“Think Grow Giggle is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.” (source: </span><a href="https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/operating/agreement" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="background-color: white; color: #25c1aa; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Segoe UI", Segoe, "Helvetica Neue", Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Section 5</a><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">)</span></p></div></div>Third Grade Giggleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18234338835946741807noreply@blogger.comNew York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972812.402541463821152 -109.1622228 69.023009136178842 -38.849722799999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333302365949553987.post-23176983657392012602023-02-27T06:43:00.002-08:002024-03-11T03:38:04.185-07:007 Ideas to Celebrate Reading Week with Upper Elementary <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwDUfXgf5t195YZm0TMv4Qb-Gr246um1oolfAcQvrUazywpyfkxZZ-fKOvJ5w-xyst9plPa0BUoL5OoRo19jvo2YmIFRkjlRgHoqSzSPeQ8W2YsGFJVeGCKvvh_AFQmdl-nn_wVZsFUCgvPgBHUX8c-JogTf93-I3nQ86QKhe-_j4TJHEBvkrX1Eub5w/s3548/reading%20week%20ideas_blogheader.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="7 Ideas to Celebrate Reading Week with Upper Elementary" border="0" data-original-height="2438" data-original-width="3548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwDUfXgf5t195YZm0TMv4Qb-Gr246um1oolfAcQvrUazywpyfkxZZ-fKOvJ5w-xyst9plPa0BUoL5OoRo19jvo2YmIFRkjlRgHoqSzSPeQ8W2YsGFJVeGCKvvh_AFQmdl-nn_wVZsFUCgvPgBHUX8c-JogTf93-I3nQ86QKhe-_j4TJHEBvkrX1Eub5w/s16000/reading%20week%20ideas_blogheader.png" title="Reading activities for 3rd 4th 5th graders" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>When March rolls around, it means one thing...<b>time to celebrate all things reading!</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Whether you celebrate <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Bulletin-Board-Classroom-Library-Display-for-Reading-Month-of-March-5741291" target="_blank">Reading Day</a>, Read Across America Day, or Reading month at your school, I have some <b>simple and fun ways to make celebrating reading with your upper elementary students a week to remember!</b></p><p><br /></p><p>By March, my students definitely have come to learn how much I love reading aloud, <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/06/must-have-picture-books-to-build-your.html" target="_blank">sharing my favorite books</a>, and how much value I place on reading and <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/09/what-are-effective-reading.html" target="_blank">reading instruction</a>. Even though reading is always an important part of our day,<b> I love to set aside classroom time for special books, projects, and activities</b> during our Reading Week.</p><p><br /></p><p>Here are <b>7 easy-to-implement ideas that will make a BIG impact on your students</b> as they reflect on themselves as readers during your reading celebrations.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif" style="color: #373f45; font-size: 16px;"> </span>1. Celebrate your students' favorite books with a poster!</h3><div><span data-redactor-style="font-size: 16px;" data-redactor-tag="span" data-verified="redactor" rel="font-size: 16px;" style="border-color: rgb(207, 212, 217); border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #373f45;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span data-redactor-style="font-size: 16px;" data-redactor-tag="span" data-verified="redactor" rel="font-size: 16px;" style="border-color: rgb(207, 212, 217); border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-20-Days-Workshop-Celebrate-Reading-Day-Read-and-Literacy-Week-7036840" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="free reading poster for read across america day" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyfyJbEBrdR1nvlrqVpxBJh3LXo0f1boI0CB1xLpqsRggyBSeP7Ja9HGTSIAkZpzJXqkT_XrA1ac0IMwOe-rAn2NXuoVYbz-mCNxUPMXq-N-o9ttgSpUNVZ3QqhdnQQqLnI3qXnqrJRWWWHrXI07Ic9vR9_by_XmLX2HQ_Nny2qJz1G2S8LU13A9WEw/w640-h640/reading%20week%20book%20poster%20for%20kids.png" title="7 Ideas to Celebrate Reading Week with Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #373f45;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span data-redactor-style="font-size: 16px;" data-redactor-tag="span" data-verified="redactor" rel="font-size: 16px;" style="border-color: rgb(207, 212, 217); border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>I love sharing my favorite books, heck I share a favorite picture book each week, but when do your students get to celebrate their favorite books?</b> Grab <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-20-Days-Workshop-Celebrate-Reading-Day-Read-and-Literacy-Week-7036840" target="_blank">this FREE download</a></b> and have your students reflect on their favorite book that they just loved! It can be a book they just finished reading or one they read last year that they still think about. Use this free book share page to allow students to get creative about their all-time favorite book. These also make a great bulletin board display for the hallway so that your students can inspire other readers in your school!</span></span></div><div><span data-redactor-style="font-size: 16px;" data-redactor-tag="span" data-verified="redactor" rel="font-size: 16px;" style="border-color: rgb(207, 212, 217); border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span data-redactor-style="font-size: 16px;" data-redactor-tag="span" data-verified="redactor" rel="font-size: 16px;" style="border-color: rgb(207, 212, 217); border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span data-redactor-style="font-size: 16px;" data-redactor-tag="span" data-verified="redactor" rel="font-size: 16px;" style="border-color: rgb(207, 212, 217); border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And don't forget to share about your favorite book, too! It can be from your own childhood, something you are currently reading, a book handed down from a family member, a cookbook, or a chapter book you love to read each year with your students. <b>This allows your students to get a peek into your own reading life, too and they just love it!</b></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3>2. Share your favorite read-aloud book about...READING!</h3><p style="border: none; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #373f45; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08OAIlPdXPP9F-d9l2IuOxCFL9INqAb22PduumarWOUJQFyRHCqelbseiXnZDRRatMKYDKagKV8YasMGfnf6hy_nFnjuqDAluqDft62_s4xppAEbUAHuOX3tX2SCHVlAHHyj3OJNGM0-O-FzJAMffIH6CXQAJTYSdR7Me3GWw1su6ZRe3CNu5-Vx5vQ/s2475/picture%20boks%20to%20celebrate%20reading.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="picture books about reading and readers" border="0" data-original-height="2432" data-original-width="2475" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08OAIlPdXPP9F-d9l2IuOxCFL9INqAb22PduumarWOUJQFyRHCqelbseiXnZDRRatMKYDKagKV8YasMGfnf6hy_nFnjuqDAluqDft62_s4xppAEbUAHuOX3tX2SCHVlAHHyj3OJNGM0-O-FzJAMffIH6CXQAJTYSdR7Me3GWw1su6ZRe3CNu5-Vx5vQ/w640-h628/picture%20boks%20to%20celebrate%20reading.png" title="7 Ideas to Celebrate Reading Week with Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="border: none; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #373f45; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><br /></p><div><span data-redactor-style="font-size: 16px;" data-redactor-tag="span" data-verified="redactor" rel="font-size: 16px;" style="border-color: rgb(207, 212, 217); border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #373f45;"><b>What is more fun than reading a book about reading!?</b> Especially during reading week! Read about my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Interactive-Read-Aloud-Activities-Picture-Book-Aligned-Reading-Lessons-8153185" target="_blank">favorite picture books</a> that celebrate reading and readers. These picture books are great kick-offs to discussions about the kinds of books your students like, where they like to read, and how important picking the perfect book really is! </span></span></div><div><span data-redactor-style="font-size: 16px;" data-redactor-tag="span" data-verified="redactor" rel="font-size: 16px;" style="border-color: rgb(207, 212, 217); border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #373f45;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span data-redactor-style="font-size: 16px;" data-redactor-tag="span" data-verified="redactor" rel="font-size: 16px;" style="border-color: rgb(207, 212, 217); border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #373f45; font-size: medium;"><b>Read the blog post</b>: <b><i><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/07/7-picture-books-to-celebrate-reading.html" target="_blank">7 Must Read Picture Books to Celebrate Reading and Readers</a></i></b></span></span></div><p style="border: none; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #373f45; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><br /></p><p style="border: none; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #373f45; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><br /></p><h3>3. Have a reading challenge this month!</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwVhLqcDhF6xDtRyI7LntfFzrr6hixWAgl9ZSEYJVbzO63qbBTHLuozWbQTq4RNTv1uClfvxZkjhFd57f8iMVtBK9iITfNzigGkz4lRcKwNFwKvFINMoUtXICecm5pqlEnuI5mkhjRUKJ1oUU9URJtmrdHdkmYoHWfb6nDE--e6bAnD4ulbRZOMmIVg/s2475/reading%20week%20challenge%20for%20%20kids.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwVhLqcDhF6xDtRyI7LntfFzrr6hixWAgl9ZSEYJVbzO63qbBTHLuozWbQTq4RNTv1uClfvxZkjhFd57f8iMVtBK9iITfNzigGkz4lRcKwNFwKvFINMoUtXICecm5pqlEnuI5mkhjRUKJ1oUU9URJtmrdHdkmYoHWfb6nDE--e6bAnD4ulbRZOMmIVg/w640-h640/reading%20week%20challenge%20for%20%20kids.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #373f45; font-size: 16px;"><b>I love individual reading challenges! They are so motivating for the students! </b>Use <b>this<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JvWwvRMAQYDXDJhszBRSIpt2YSMc1Si5/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"> FREE reading challenge</a></b> to hold your students responsible for reading a certain amount of books or pages this month to celebrate reading! Your students will LOVE keeping track of what they read and coloring in the books on the shelf. These are perfect for school or as an at-home connection activity. <b>Since it is easy to manage it is a win-win for both students and teachers! </b></span></div><p style="border: none; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #373f45; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><span class="redactor-invisible-space" data-redactor-class="redactor-invisible-space" data-redactor-tag="span" data-verified="redactor" style="border-color: rgb(207, 212, 217); border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="border: none; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 15px; text-align: left;"><br /></h3><div><br /></div><h3 style="border: none; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 15px; text-align: left;"><span class="redactor-invisible-space" data-redactor-class="redactor-invisible-space" data-redactor-tag="span" data-verified="redactor" style="border-color: rgb(207, 212, 217); border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;"><span data-redactor-tag="strong" style="border-color: rgb(207, 212, 217); border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><span data-redactor-style="font-size: 16px;" data-redactor-tag="span" data-verified="redactor" rel="font-size: 16px;" style="border-color: rgb(207, 212, 217); border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span data-redactor-style="color: rgb(111, 46, 209);" data-redactor-tag="span" data-verified="redactor" rel="color: rgb(111, 46, 209);" style="border-color: rgb(207, 212, 217); border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;"></span></span></span></span></h3><h3>4. Create <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Me-As-a-Reader-Poster-Reading-Across-America-Activities-Book-Week-Project-3732083" target="_blank">Student Reader Cards</a></h3><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7Ugbn5rEkZObYT23r9WPmmaQhsEq0hQ3kbDLwHaML8pElJH7Qsw5U0wlrcyV4QeKm6gDLkJYYBnxggoPWVDnfGfe8i4_7-PmNvnWzd7Pn_1PDNK22R2wlxsHAvvrSqS_mwjmNaVU5JofEiHP2nvVyA-UC-FiPV3qbN7j6YA0g-3wNFNzueAX3CZOPw/s2477/reading%20week%20reader%20trading%20cards.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="celebrate reading reader card project" border="0" data-original-height="2477" data-original-width="2383" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7Ugbn5rEkZObYT23r9WPmmaQhsEq0hQ3kbDLwHaML8pElJH7Qsw5U0wlrcyV4QeKm6gDLkJYYBnxggoPWVDnfGfe8i4_7-PmNvnWzd7Pn_1PDNK22R2wlxsHAvvrSqS_mwjmNaVU5JofEiHP2nvVyA-UC-FiPV3qbN7j6YA0g-3wNFNzueAX3CZOPw/w616-h640/reading%20week%20reader%20trading%20cards.png" title="7 Ideas to Celebrate Reading Week with Upper Elementary" width="616" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #373f45; font-size: 16px;">My students always wow me with their work when completing this<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Me-As-a-Reader-Poster-Reading-Across-America-Activities-Book-Week-Project-3732083" target="_blank"> reader card project!</a> Students create a self-portrait, complete their reading stats, work on reading goals, and then recommend a book! <b>I love how these turn out when displayed on our bulletin board and it always ends up being my kids' <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Me-As-a-Reader-Poster-Reading-Across-America-Activities-Book-Week-Project-3732083" target="_blank">favorite project of the year</a>!</b></span></div><div><span style="color: #373f45; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h3>5. Watch a book and dive deep into the plot!</h3></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #373f45; font-size: 16px;"><b>I love reading a good picture book to students, but sometimes changing things up</b> a bit to hold students' attention spans is a must! That is why when I need a change, but still want to share a meaningful book, I head on over to <a href="https://storylineonline.net/" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Storyline Online</a><b> and we </b><i>watch a book</i>! I love posing a question before pressing play to give students a focus as they watch and listen. During the video, they jot down ideas that they have that correlate with the question so that they are prepared for the discussion we have after the video. Because there are so many books to pick from on this free site, you can pick the book and question that meets the needs of your own students and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Comprehension-Strategies-Activities-and-Posters-2175794" target="_blank">relates to what you are learning as readers</a>.</span></div><div><span style="color: #373f45; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p style="border: none; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #373f45; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><span class="redactor-invisible-space" data-redactor-class="redactor-invisible-space" data-redactor-tag="span" data-verified="redactor" style="border-color: rgb(207, 212, 217); border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;"></span></p><h3>6. Get weekly book talks going! </h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Book-Review-Report-Template-for-Any-Book-6348249" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="book talk activities for kids" border="0" data-original-height="2333" data-original-width="2620" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOOQgFeCiQD35Bhvke5tkDoDpPcb-p62RX-kZNhResIbs2xVw633JnIEwtv2oBTyrxvh5Y2FJjQPe36_KB3xcXLAO7wFNeo-_d2yQNOVSOzBDhqT4-GiSs85LGkl21yLBJ4zXwMj1FkJrIr8_GU_N4B7JGOT41cfVcW2qcDLkR05aqzB5TqnIpOmEZw/w640-h570/reading%20week%20book%20talk%20presentation%20for%20kids.png" title="7 Ideas to Celebrate Reading Week with Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #373f45; font-size: 16px;"><b>I love going beyond just sharing students' favorite books with <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Book-Reviews-Talks-Report-Templates-Simple-Reading-Activity-Use-with-Any-Book-5941989" target="_blank">book talks</a>! </b>These persuasive speech activities are just what your students need to practice their reading, persuasive writing, and speaking skills.</span></div><div><span style="color: #373f45; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #373f45; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div>There are <b>so many benefits of holding weekly book talks in your classroom</b> and they are perfect for all year long, not just during Book Week celebrations! </div><div><br /></div><div><b>By bringing book talks into your classroom you are encouraging your students to:</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Read a variety of books, genres, and authors</li><li>Recommend books to their peers</li><li>Engage in meaningful discourse about books</li><li>Practice persuasive writing skills</li><li>Strengthen speaking and listening skills</li><li>Participate in group discussions regularly and appropriately</li><li>Prepare, practice, and deliver a presentation</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><b style="color: #373f45; font-size: large;">Read the blog post about book talks here</b><span style="color: #373f45; font-size: large;">: </span><b style="color: #373f45; font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/01/simple-tips-for-starting-book-talks-in.html" target="_blank">Get Started with Book Talks</a></i></b></div><div><p style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h3>7. Share words of wisdom to inspire readers!</h3></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Bulletin-Board-Classroom-Library-Display-for-Reading-Month-of-March-5741291" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="reading bulletin board of inspirational reading quotes" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilYiyyZYeXHLSBysOSYv4WvDRHYCD6olOWkZ3MMN-yhMptAnt0_gngA8Bg8gdAAcqnrg0BwbcFkDw9S-5aUG2BkP1G1QOA4mXAf9Qer9C_By2YFxsoPXp3FdBDmKkTvE7AE2dAryrpDCjWdYqWoUqdNXE5WIP50KON2dof6Iapcz9XX-M-2MQBdql2A/w640-h640/reading%20poster%20new%204.jpg" title="7 Ideas to Celebrate Reading Week with Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #373f45; font-size: 16px;"><b>Nothing is more powerful than <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Bulletin-Board-Classroom-Library-Display-for-Reading-Month-of-March-5741291" target="_blank">words of wisdom</a> for young readers that they can take with them that will motivate them even when you are not around</b>! I love displaying reading quotes all year long in our reading corner to motivate and inspire my budding readers. </span></div><div><span style="color: #373f45; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #373f45; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #373f45;">To give students an extra dose of motivation, I print <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Bulletin-Board-Classroom-Library-Display-for-Reading-Month-of-March-5741291" target="_blank">these reading posters</a> four to a page to create instant note cards. I use these cards to celebrate students during reading and motivate those who may need a little push. These cards are perfect to share out during Reading Day or Week.</span></div><div><span style="color: #373f45; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #373f45; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #373f45; font-size: 16px;"><b>When it comes to celebrating reading this month or anytime, make it BIG!</b> The bigger the better! Better memories you make with your students about reading and the bigger impact you have on how important reading each day really is! Remember, grab YOUR favorite book, celebrate your students' favorite books, and create an inspirational display to celebrate reading and motivate your students! </span></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #373f45; font-size: 16px;">Happy Reading Week!</span></h3><h3 style="border: none; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #373f45; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 15px; text-align: left;"><br /></h3><p style="border: none; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #373f45; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><span class="redactor-invisible-space" data-redactor-class="redactor-invisible-space" data-redactor-tag="span" data-verified="redactor" style="border-color: rgb(207, 212, 217); border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;"><span data-redactor-tag="strong" style="border-color: rgb(207, 212, 217); border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></span></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">You will also love reading:</h3><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/09/what-are-effective-reading.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Reading Strategies To Grow Strong Readers</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/05/highly-effective-strategies-for.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Highly Effective Strategies to Kick off Reading Workshop</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/08/must-try-tip-to-encourage-students-to.html" target="_blank">Engaging Students to Read a Variety of Genres</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/07/7-picture-books-to-celebrate-reading.html" target="_blank">7 Picture Books to Celebrate Reading</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><p style="border: none; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #373f45; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><span class="redactor-invisible-space" data-redactor-class="redactor-invisible-space" data-redactor-tag="span" data-verified="redactor" style="border-color: rgb(207, 212, 217); border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;"><span data-redactor-tag="strong" style="border-color: rgb(207, 212, 217); border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"></span></span></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><h3 style="color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">Check out my favorite reading activities <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Think-Grow-Giggle/Category/Reading-Strategies-All-228122" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</h3><h3 style="color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">and be sure to display these</h3><h3 style="color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Quotes-Bulletin-Board-Posters-Summer-Reading-Note-Cards-5741291" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Motivational Reading Posters</a>:</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Bulletin-Board-Classroom-Library-Display-for-Reading-Month-of-March-5741291" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="reading quotes on bulletin board for any classroom" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vL556AfwzZbvsyJjba2c3vXwFeM_2-8YFjQVKQakL7Qg-VV6ppee45utqGat1PXDSZMVk_IcwGzOrDAOGuw8_L66FiPIPhtgndEmCrVbE8EnVpSRVH7ttB5OphFERT6ZcmOoUYwpKL2FjhAP_jTg7HfC8pFx1XCHNtLPfFAUSAwPRHIQBo5zelee_A/w640-h640/reading%20posters%204.jpg" title="7 Ideas to Celebrate Reading Week with Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><p style="border: none; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #373f45; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><span class="redactor-invisible-space" data-redactor-class="redactor-invisible-space" data-redactor-tag="span" data-verified="redactor" style="border-color: rgb(207, 212, 217); border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;"><span data-redactor-tag="strong" style="border-color: rgb(207, 212, 217); border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="border: none; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #373f45; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><span class="redactor-invisible-space" data-redactor-class="redactor-invisible-space" data-redactor-tag="span" data-verified="redactor" style="border-color: rgb(207, 212, 217); border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;"><span data-redactor-tag="strong" style="border-color: rgb(207, 212, 217); border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"></span></span></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">LOVE these ideas? Pin to save!</h3><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jiCxlSM_kXat96iNrJV8_LhChLTxoZyX94u22XSoPoKnrfWznv3wNvbbFDL460kbtuHjj-mUQajtGXNFLUBbOPEMW_ZZAhR1e6uXNnIZ5p_Bg1VRt4MMOPomBBTZ4ryHVj7rGOExwLCCwt32C9ePsfx__FCF063jgTQXhvhSk_pLFP10oZEeWwuV6A/s6000/reading%20week%20ideas_bloglongpin.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="7 Ideas to Celebrate Reading Week with Upper Elementary" border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="3375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jiCxlSM_kXat96iNrJV8_LhChLTxoZyX94u22XSoPoKnrfWznv3wNvbbFDL460kbtuHjj-mUQajtGXNFLUBbOPEMW_ZZAhR1e6uXNnIZ5p_Bg1VRt4MMOPomBBTZ4ryHVj7rGOExwLCCwt32C9ePsfx__FCF063jgTQXhvhSk_pLFP10oZEeWwuV6A/s16000/reading%20week%20ideas_bloglongpin.png" title="reading activities for read across america day" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpiXaheBISlVI9V8ogkB-PuibxQviPCT7mtfsfm4J25YIE8Dt9VVOHtcur0qOoeD-upFrIbioOBxp3EpHUVG88DWN8127HX0a8nBIty7hjhxDXYlHJqzeTuNkAEA9jolHyp8JYigJJpWtzZZ4hCZr1KhHewSrZ_a0dPrZO90HgQgjxIb-yO_abf-Vfnn0X/s4937/READING%20WEEK.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3262" data-original-width="4937" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpiXaheBISlVI9V8ogkB-PuibxQviPCT7mtfsfm4J25YIE8Dt9VVOHtcur0qOoeD-upFrIbioOBxp3EpHUVG88DWN8127HX0a8nBIty7hjhxDXYlHJqzeTuNkAEA9jolHyp8JYigJJpWtzZZ4hCZr1KhHewSrZ_a0dPrZO90HgQgjxIb-yO_abf-Vfnn0X/w640-h422/READING%20WEEK.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 14.95px; text-align: center;">*<b>affiliate links: </b></span><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">“Think Grow Giggle is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.” (source: </span><a href="https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/operating/agreement" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="background-color: white; color: #25c1aa; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Segoe UI", Segoe, "Helvetica Neue", Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Section 5</a><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">)</span></div>Third Grade Giggleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18234338835946741807noreply@blogger.comNew York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972812.402541463821152 -109.1622228 69.023009136178842 -38.849722799999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333302365949553987.post-56330221387068147922023-02-13T04:00:00.061-08:002024-02-28T18:23:34.182-08:00Presidents Day Activities for Upper Elementary Students<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4E4y3kcDIALnK_CZfJmgeNA4hJuAk2LckUA-Eq3PIWjg7pWVEhkLQGJf_Paa1ddLXauOjksFBMlmaJCxqDkoxFPsVpDeDy6dpEPWC2QX5FmhuUbSzuCpmJP5e6jIRiEP7-9ZDo6dzAQRl0gZJOOm6TOgHyHrEmlIZs1gNKSk9nJcftdqkas551xAXA/s3421/presidents%20day%20activities_blogheader.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="3 Must Try President Day Activities for Upper Elementary Students" border="0" data-original-height="2281" data-original-width="3421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4E4y3kcDIALnK_CZfJmgeNA4hJuAk2LckUA-Eq3PIWjg7pWVEhkLQGJf_Paa1ddLXauOjksFBMlmaJCxqDkoxFPsVpDeDy6dpEPWC2QX5FmhuUbSzuCpmJP5e6jIRiEP7-9ZDo6dzAQRl0gZJOOm6TOgHyHrEmlIZs1gNKSk9nJcftdqkas551xAXA/s16000/presidents%20day%20activities_blogheader.png" title="President's Day activities for students" /></a><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>I love taking time each February to celebrate <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Presidents-Day-Reading-Passages-Writing-Math-Washington-Lincoln-Biography-2369218" target="_blank">Presidents' Day</a>!</b> It gives us the opportunity to get in some Social Studies activities, which are oftentimes cut out of our day due to time constraints. </p><p><br /></p><p>Celebrating Presidents' Day not only gives the students an opportunity to learn about the past, but to also celebrate the current President in office, and think about the future, too.<b> One of our country's future Presidents is sitting in your classroom right now!</b></p><p><br /></p><p>While I know that holidays do not always make the cut in everyone's lesson plans, teaching lessons that incorporate the <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/06/3-simple-ways-to-engage-students-by.html" target="_blank">holidays and seasons</a> is totally my thing! <b>Here are three activities that I love to do to celebrate Presidents' Day in the upper elementary classroom. </b>And since they are all reading and writing based, they are the perfect way to weave the holidays and social studies into your ELA lesson plans!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. Compare and Contrast Washington and Lincoln </h3><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Presidents-Day-Reading-Passages-Writing-Math-Washington-Lincoln-Biography-2369218" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="how to teach about presidents day compare and contrast Washington and LIncoln" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3Pf6MOeXpQFTBoFxz0uzxJI6oRo-ZZgdq437tgJmbvqR4qHzMVmCXjYEDbpZ4oEUi1gJuwU5bK4tBk8etkY5KyTmHFwg2vz9ILQ7eOpwftJuvDbydpkTPi0mRvMb7CLHbeQ3FKTCDTTbGB0AIyTJFJVjlNCppEmX3dqpifU7OznVmDosUZZfxlN4CA/w640-h640/presidents%20day_compare%20lincoln%20and%20washington.png" title="3 Must Try President Day Activities for Upper Elementary Students" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><p>Reading and analyzing paired passages and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Compare-and-Contrast-Reading-Activities-Organizers-Nonfiction-Text-Structure-3332194" target="_blank">comparing and contrasting</a> informational passages are two activities that we do anyway, so bringing in <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Presidents-Day-Reading-Passages-Writing-Math-Washington-Lincoln-Biography-2369218" target="_blank">President Washington and President Lincoln</a> to compare and contrast is easy and effective</b>!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Presidents-Day-Reading-Comprehension-Writing-Washington-Lincoln-Activities-2369218" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHljqyBjsdr-ziHrDjGYipHUSLr5Iex1g26pvDjIy7Ih1kZKTJG6niiPSosyMcwqmg8v2pjUMsYi6IJxul1WoNJ0iLW5h5XBSxGV1PSbTdEUM_1Hfm0sPI4DqX0RpH53z5ngV9PATJ2ioy6dXxk1eGisde_MsLD_RBEL52E359bXQy_7Zm1Aobumohyphenhyphen8uS/w640-h640/presidents%20day%20activities%20for%20upper%20elementary.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Get started by having students watch these quick videos, take notes with the FREE organizers below, and then put their close reading strategies to work by reading and comparing the paired passages about Washington and Lincoln.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><i><b>Kindly Note</b>: Please preview the videos to make sure they are just right for your class!</i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3lXnfitSoYw" width="320" youtube-src-id="3lXnfitSoYw"></iframe></div><br /><i><br /></i><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fTjYG1Tyaos" width="320" youtube-src-id="fTjYG1Tyaos"></iframe></div><i><br /></i><p></p><p><i><br /></i></p><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lXnfitSoYw" target="_blank">George Washington Video</a> (about 4 minutes)</li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTjYG1Tyaos" target="_blank">Abraham Lincoln Vi</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTjYG1Tyaos" target="_blank">deo</a> (about 4 minutes)</li><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Presidents-Day-Reading-Passages-Writing-Math-Washington-Lincoln-Biography-2369218" target="_blank">Washington and Lincoln Paired Passages</a><br /><br /></li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p><script async="" data-uid="00ec095b35" src="https://think-grow-giggle.ck.page/00ec095b35/index.js"></script></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;">2. Studying the Past and the Present</h3><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/50-off-US-Presidents-Reading-Passages-and-Writing-Research-Project-9111500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Teach Presidents Day with Research Biography Projects and Close Readings" border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="2400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tIDStSV4LlaMC1M0TbUqCinD3sCNiap-MxDVghcz7qPNYsWDjW6uCpifsO3kV_iDdxlFZ56P_csHjAdC5KRSzYVNNyPkzWbfWLrWB1r4fm4je4O_aSiZDn2lpUOKZ0z3-NkFK6KlYUGqIXYUjXUsAFK3cLaSc0YfSWcxzbYIcd8WzL-TnbMzUjRqVg/w640-h640/presidents%20day_president%20research.jpg" title="3 Must Try President Day Activities for Upper Elementary Students" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>When Presidents' Day rolls around in February, we are <b>knee-deep in nonfiction and informational text studies during both reading and writing</b>. We focus on <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Presidents-Day-Reading-Passages-Writing-Research-Project-February-Activities-9111500" target="_blank">nonfiction structure and biographies</a>. Studying both United States Presidents of the past and present is a great way to study both history and current events while supporting both reading and writing standards.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>When it comes to research and <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/01/3-ideas-for-student-biography-research.html" target="_blank">writing biography reports</a>, I make sure to:</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>have students brainstorm who they want to study </li><li>approve who each <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/50-off-US-President-Research-Writing-Project-Template-Presidents-Day-Activity-9111456" target="_blank">student researches</a> to avoid duplicates in class</li><li>breakdown what needs to be in a biography research project (see tips <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/01/3-ideas-for-student-biography-research.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>)</li><li>give students specific tasks each day so that they are focused and organized</li><li>have students present projects, creative tasks, or speeches about their research</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p><i><b>Teacher Tip</b></i>: Use the current President in Office to write a class biography to serve as a model for student work. This helps students learn about who is currently in office and see a model in action before beginning their own research project. We also take this time to make sure that we know the difference between <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fact-and-Opinion-Worksheets-Activities-Anchor-Charts-and-Task-Cards-3710239" target="_blank">fact and opinion</a></b> so that our research projects can be factual!</p><p><br /></p><p>We also take our informational reading skills and use them to read, annotate, and reflect on a wide range of U.S. Presidents from the past.</p><p><br /></p><p>Try these<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/50-off-US-President-Biography-Reading-Passages-Presidents-Day-Activities-9111416" target="_blank"><b> U.S. Presidents reading passages</b></a> to use as models of informative writing for students!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">3. When I Am President...A Look Into the Future!</h3><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Presidents-Day-Reading-Passages-Writing-Math-Washington-Lincoln-Biography-2369218" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Presidents' Day Class Presidents When I am President Activity" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7F9BDOsr19N3v1nu8ssjbPp5pKnAfGUKNO2twZXspBLMDOxs19O381UfdqC-fTVtJA9Jpl3YRAFTgiaIJ_tpbKel_L330cDutEEzFaKKQTnMtCkpTyWvAGheQsjlUvz-xOyKIn2ctzqM9NuyxuEbbV0mxqgi2lA6wgECJ6-syaqAClopFmoetFSEW7g/w640-h640/presidents%20day_when%20i%20am%20president.png" title="3 Must Try President Day Activities for Upper Elementary Students" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Presidents' Day is a great day to spend learning about Presidents of the past. After all, the holiday of Presidents' Day came from the original holiday of Washington's Birthday. <b>However, after we study the U.S. Presidents of the past and the present, we look ahead to the future!</b></p><p><br /></p><p>What better way to look into the future than to see what the current generation thinks about how they would run the country! My students always love to learn about the responsibilities of the United States President and then <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Presidents-Day-Reading-Passages-Writing-Math-Washington-Lincoln-Biography-2369218" target="_blank">reflect on what they would do as the President of the United States</a>. This is such a high-interest activity for the kids and it makes a great bulletin board display, too! #teacherwin</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3>4. Get Your Doodle On or Make a Poster</h3><div>Lately, the kids are obsessed with coloring! I love using these <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/100th-Day-Coloring-Page-February-Presidents-Day-Leap-Year-Lunar-New-Year-10336009" target="_blank">Doodle Thinkers throughout the year</a></b> to get them focused, relaxed, and brainstorming before they complete word work and a writing task!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/100th-Day-Coloring-Page-February-Presidents-Day-Leap-Year-Lunar-New-Year-10336009" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="presidents day activities for upper elementary" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWi89dYdsFOVpix6ZTWMxZFRyYm1yZuPcjN37y_ZArRoPrijLkiNqxBSq-XCJqISRs6A8Jdlw0h94kn-Ej_pYi0niS29XgKauwIWDcdH90Bdcfb6cW5s3QqSR0dJaABNAJqMB5KjVCG8at5jKNclTJBhvxGLBw37qnHFdRYqat1yB3pYzHUBtWzm4dQ_L/w640-h640/presidents%20day%20coloring%20writing%20activity%20for%20upper%20elementary.png" title="presidents day coloring and writing upper elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p>If you are working on nonfiction, informative writing, then have your kids do a little research and create their own <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Presidents-Day-Research-Posters-February-Writing-Prompt-Bulletin-Board-Ideas-9111456" target="_blank">informative writing report, essay, or poster</a></b>! These are <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Presidents-Day-Reading-Comprehension-Writing-Washington-Lincoln-Activities-2369218" target="_blank">posters are great</a></b> to tie together history, holiday learning, and nonfiction writing! </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Presidents-Day-Reading-Comprehension-Writing-Washington-Lincoln-Activities-2369218" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="presidents day activities for upper elementary" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFRM5zBqTAEPGZWssn7GKey-eftp59Oqu1nakvIBtHCF85tJaQ4Yx-QUG_83G2NbwqG5iB5M_eLYnnSIbjSk94TQCs5ZRAjfG2GRj0dKnUyN_UOuAvjG7AQWtxQOxCW57M-z3dCPvJYujEDIpQzA8wDkGcBHabo689DT27dEbIZR_2nt2TTWRWNwTMYDX/w640-h640/presidents%20day%20activities%20for%20upper%20elementary.png" title="presidents day reading and writing 3rd 4th 5th grade" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3>Bonus Idea: Read a book!</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/48kp7DK" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="presidents day activities for upper elementary" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnBDSCaCAjBuZbPGllZdARlw2j44Yk76QNAfTdFPNxgzdDTE7Qq5tDx2muxWkgomi_NV6PuGPJbD-oV8NTXkQWhJo8rKLAaHjXj0ktHpILXtVgmspqaQMGBDpFLPjARIgnNrDH1Q8Jr6qeHMmLP4H_XiFex8TMPtpXWZFJE1sU3C943MENaZkRRlyvKt4/w640-h640/presidents%20day%20read%20aloud%20for%20upper%20elementary.png" title="presidents day read aloud picture books upper elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>You know I love reading a good picture book any chance I get! <b>These are my favorites to share with students as we dive deep into Presidents Day learning!</b></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://amzn.to/48kp7DK" target="_blank">Abe Lincoln Remembers </a>by Ann Turner</li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/42CSNLn" target="_blank"><u>So You Want To Be President?</u> </a>By Judith St. George</li><li><u><a href="https://amzn.to/3SGAb8v" target="_blank">If I Ran For President </a></u>By Catherine Stier</li><li><u><a href="https://amzn.to/49UgHED" target="_blank">A Picture Book of Abraham Lincoln </a></u>By David A. Adler</li><li><u><a href="https://amzn.to/3wit7aJ" target="_blank">Mr. Lincoln’s Whiskers</a> </u>By Karen Winnick <i>(my
favorite)</i></li><li><u><a href="https://amzn.to/3wh4uLr" target="_blank">A Picture Book of George Washington </a></u>By David A. Adler</li><li><u><a href="https://amzn.to/3ULa1UL" target="_blank">Take the Lead George Washington </a></u>By Judith St. George</li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3ULa1UL" target="_blank">US Presidents Encyclopedia Reference Book</a></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><div><br /></div><p><b>When it comes to celebrating Presidents' Day in your upper elementary classroom, tie your studying into your ELA lesson plans simply and seamlessly!</b> Focus on reading, research, writing, and projects. Your students will love to learn about the past, present, and future of the United States Presidency with these engaging activities!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/12/winter-descriptive-writing-activity.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank"><br /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><h3 style="color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative;">You will love reading these related posts:</h3><h3 style="color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div style="color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/01/6-valentines-day-classroom-party-ideas.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">6 Valentine's Day Party Ideas with a Twist</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/02/st-patricks-day-fun-activities-for-your.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">St. Patrick's Day Ideas you Never Thought Of!</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/03/teaching-poetry-strategies.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Celebrating National Poetry Month in the Upper Elementary Classroom</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/01/3-ideas-for-student-biography-research.html" target="_blank">3 Ideas for Biography Research Projects</a></div></div></h3></div></div><p><br style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;" /></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">Grab highly engaging President activities<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/50-off-US-Presidents-Reading-Passages-and-Writing-Research-Project-9111500" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/50-off-US-President-Biography-Reading-Passages-Presidents-Day-Activities-9111416" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="3 Must Try President Day Activities for Upper Elementary Students" border="0" data-original-height="2007" data-original-width="1972" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WEthjYRyBqWGHFo3R5UJp-c85m8xpFqONucZ_KnMnlmnoyeFgmGGWSQxqNGH2NVM37GPmDw_5mJJoxIpW9vJLD5OK6EZzR16dAsU_wS09RDgS5wssNJvicAGydHtbVRCpG4uXhBOOYNmdCoECGl08LFkHyF2GN--2KN1Kt5HqznxSRse_KgKrscBNQ/w628-h640/presidents%20day_president%20close%20reading.png" title="Presidents' Day Activities 3rd 4th 5th grade students" width="628" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"> <b> LOVE these ideas? Pin to save!</b></span></div><div><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOf9ISH1N1Wf8_0sVXCOt8LFTJp_0FWiG8eJTgG1UnKrd2ODsNOyH83X7I3c5rFnHyjY8cElcf5QB8Qli1nrAAE7Xgya2IMcwEsfDztDRq6WlFhI1qxYbUHRNcqeYMUu-afQblACEx94LMhPMdEFEQSbW6LD4sSO81x2ssyyXm5_zrDARt5dLg8hq3PA/s6000/presidents%20day%20activities_longpinblog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Teaching About Presidents Day for 3rd 4th 5th Grade students" border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="3375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOf9ISH1N1Wf8_0sVXCOt8LFTJp_0FWiG8eJTgG1UnKrd2ODsNOyH83X7I3c5rFnHyjY8cElcf5QB8Qli1nrAAE7Xgya2IMcwEsfDztDRq6WlFhI1qxYbUHRNcqeYMUu-afQblACEx94LMhPMdEFEQSbW6LD4sSO81x2ssyyXm5_zrDARt5dLg8hq3PA/s16000/presidents%20day%20activities_longpinblog.jpg" title="3 Must Try President Day Activities for Upper Elementary Students" /></a></div><br /><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOmlZtaYwGVVK9NVdgiImeI0sAFoJ3aX6nacT4T7RZV9vrbgPCO1Zdf0BVhMgot7W8X8Cfi7SWOpNlcJfq7jQEYbi5dIOeimPeSGBWsxCUgZKnBeZks8-zbbViPr0VVYZ1dRbLdcWZL71OxNA1O5z-3QXnYOz34P5c6BjXb-XOt3Sm_XtmdvH79T3Lq7Qw/s5305/presdients%20day.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="presidents day activities for upper elementary" border="0" data-original-height="3285" data-original-width="5305" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOmlZtaYwGVVK9NVdgiImeI0sAFoJ3aX6nacT4T7RZV9vrbgPCO1Zdf0BVhMgot7W8X8Cfi7SWOpNlcJfq7jQEYbi5dIOeimPeSGBWsxCUgZKnBeZks8-zbbViPr0VVYZ1dRbLdcWZL71OxNA1O5z-3QXnYOz34P5c6BjXb-XOt3Sm_XtmdvH79T3Lq7Qw/w640-h396/presdients%20day.png" title="presidents day activities 3rd 4th 5th grade" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><i style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: cambria, serif; line-height: 14.95px;">*<b>affiliate links: </b></span>“Think Grow Giggle is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.” (source: <a href="https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/operating/agreement" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #25c1aa; margin: 0px; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Section 5</a>)</span></i></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Third Grade Giggleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18234338835946741807noreply@blogger.comNew York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972812.402541463821152 -109.1622228 69.023009136178842 -38.849722799999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333302365949553987.post-36308440547724416642023-02-02T04:30:00.128-08:002024-02-17T06:13:15.895-08:009 Valentine's Day Picture Books for Upper Elementary<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP43I1cSS_RB2djVJU0peUJN2ED2fvQeH8aazUmDRLbg8LizGgdiJ_nbHYLv9gvxkJRjQvFFYmTTyPcp7KPynX65oGsV9DGlfTzPI2SMoFDF_qoPHicxKN_wq2X0FnXrs63q_rT6lR_9VYZUospCm46ehmeyhQTEYuvQLftI3bPTLJfalavunrSiN1uw/s3550/valentines%20day%20picture%20books%20upper%20elementary_header.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="9 Valentine's Day Picture Books for Upper Elementary" border="0" data-original-height="2313" data-original-width="3550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP43I1cSS_RB2djVJU0peUJN2ED2fvQeH8aazUmDRLbg8LizGgdiJ_nbHYLv9gvxkJRjQvFFYmTTyPcp7KPynX65oGsV9DGlfTzPI2SMoFDF_qoPHicxKN_wq2X0FnXrs63q_rT6lR_9VYZUospCm46ehmeyhQTEYuvQLftI3bPTLJfalavunrSiN1uw/s16000/valentines%20day%20picture%20books%20upper%20elementary_header.jpg" title="February Read Aloud Ideas and Activities 3rd 4th 5th Graders" /></a><br /><br /></p><p>When it comes to February in the classroom, especially the <b>upper elementary classroom, love is definitely in the air!</b></p><p><br /></p><p>That is why I like to<b> fill the month of February with love, kindness, and friendship-themed read aloud</b>s that are just perfect to bring <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/01/6-valentines-day-classroom-party-ideas.html" target="_blank">Valentine's Day into the classroom</a>. It is the perfect time to introduce or review <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Teaching-Theme-Literature-Activities-Anchor-Charts-Task-Cards-Passages-2389328" target="_blank">themes in literature</a> while reading a variety of books. These books can be used to celebrate Valentine's Day, discuss themes and other<a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/09/what-are-effective-reading.html" target="_blank"> reading strategies</a>, and engage students in meaningful <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/01/simple-tips-for-starting-book-talks-in.html" target="_blank">book talks</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Read this list of my favorite picture books that I love reading in February</b> with my upper elementary students. Plus, grab the <b>free printables</b> at the bottom of this post that go along with these books!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3H53MTk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="February read aloud for kids" border="0" data-original-height="2403" data-original-width="3630" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbNk3v-GvkbxSku0fdfJs4z00f83JXzsPfZzpo4Goom9f5zHEAFWZnTXs2UThjjc59HDLxApciqX8p6nNN23_vy-QQ-S3rQ4seT2dG7esZiuVPc-zkF1cnein3mq2JafVJ-32oIQe3dO42uUPR6FRxOcqRh8YKhpkYf0BGvRaOPPC7-hi4waCQhl_NQ/w640-h424/yuck%20a%20love%20story%20Valentines%20Day%20picture%20books%20upper%20elementary.png" title="9 Valentine's Day Picture Books for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. <a href="https://amzn.to/3H53MTk" target="_blank">Yuck, A Love Story</a> by Don Gillmore</h3><p><b>This is my favorite story to read during February! <br /></b><br />I love the specific details included in this book which make it perfect for <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/10/visualizing-reading-strategy-lesson.html" target="_blank">visualizing lessons</a>. This story follows two young friends as they develop a friendship, one going out of the way to give his new neighbor the moon. In the classroom, I read this story one time through without sharing the illustrations. Instead, I have students draw quick sketches of what they visualized every few pages. Then we reread the story, this time I share the illustrations, and the students compare what they <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Visualizing-Anchor-Charts-Passages-Activities-Reading-Strategies-3rd-4th-2142327" target="_blank">visualized</a> to the illustrations. <b>It is a great lesson to encourage students to visualize as they read to increase their reading comprehension.</b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3JzRcyv" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="February read aloud 3rd 4th 5th graders" border="0" data-original-height="2221" data-original-width="3370" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_4u5peL0zAgDYsMDCr2vtrD5d6Y3EXswtFQZtKEwFdtm_uYPM-WND6lE1ra7EjlU4BnKpA-uqE5yQaTEIEF7iZcLSeKNaIN8b_lzdhu8hUKcT4rs9jBXQA-Rc1xIBdMjCqP53lLyingt6CbDNeAlZizfiNQWxsia2LIaCKeLL8KtY87HcoNuU4Trmw/w640-h422/porcupining%20Valentines%20Day%20picture%20books%20upper%20elementary.png" title="9 Valentine's Day Picture Books for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">2. <a href="https://amzn.to/3JzRcyv" target="_blank">Porcupining</a> by Lisa Wheeler</h3><p>This story is a fun read as the <b>author enjoys using a play on words. </b>Before reading this story, discuss what the word pining means as it comes up throughout the story and is one part of the play on words as the Porcupine is <i>porocupining</i> for a wife. Throughout the story, the Porcupine sings a song with a rhyming pattern. <b>A fun follow-up activity would be to have your students write their own <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Bulletin-Board-Poetry-Writing-February-Poem-Activity-3608159" target="_blank">Valentine's Day poem</a> using the same pattern.</b></p><p>This story follows the same theme as found in the book, <u>Nobody Hugs a Cactus</u> (number 9 on this list) making it perfect for <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Teaching-Theme-Literature-Activities-Anchor-Charts-Task-Cards-Passages-2389328" target="_blank">comparing and contrasting themes</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Traits-Graphic-Organizers-Reading-Passages-Inside-Outside-Traits-8995802" target="_blank">characters</a>, and basic <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Literary-Essay-Organizers-Examples-Analysis-Activities-Writing-About-Reading-4091817" target="_blank">literary essay writing</a> pieces.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3JiT7HA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="february read aloud picture book" border="0" data-original-height="2399" data-original-width="3630" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcF8ZXY0HgvtDuD4oU2FF9FZ-tB8CJJ09OAUyn5ECFdt3OodJ7hjfgONeraYNjqJQtpTQ-DgaBajcTcscfpBcWMERGvtkcM44guTu2gqruZIayDiL4MgYc0s11951_dsbcoonpON40rEiKVeeS9ZcPHummTyUOPk6p_CewLy-jf844j7hFagF3t3yaWg/w640-h422/plant%20a%20kiss%20Valentines%20Day%20picture%20books%20upper%20elementary.png" title="9 Valentine's Day Picture Books for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">3. <a href="https://amzn.to/3JiT7HA" target="_blank">Plant a Kiss</a> by Amy Krouse Rosenthal</h3><p>I love this sweet simple story and how the kiss is a metaphor for kindness! Kindness can and should be shared everywhere. This is a fun one to read and then brainstorm with students all the ways that they can spread kindness in the classroom, around the school, and around their community. Get started with this <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindness-Challenge-Activities-Random-Acts-Calendar-FREE-2970994" target="_blank">free kindness calendar</a></b>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/403EZHZ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="milton hershey read aloud for kids" border="0" data-original-height="2416" data-original-width="3630" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2zVo1xeQlOi_07JHJG9VWe2TQzINlDx1BlVxSMEF8PbMcPtJks1wKNBOogIIsfaWi5xLSM-bbEdB14IQ4yAVxUtM6BmDlgN16F9WUZK__74o-5rNoIiIcLxADqDw9hPdLfGRMfhOr9r4LNuXx-M1Xc-fA_bcuBQTTdv4lkApcSoWyNBJWl4Koy9Shw/w640-h426/milton%20hershey%20chocolate%20Valentines%20Day%20picture%20books%20upper%20elementary.png" title="9 Valentine's Day Picture Books for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">4. <a href="https://amzn.to/403EZHZ" target="_blank">On the Corner of Chocolate Avenue</a> by Tziporah Cohen</h3><p><b>We cannot go through February without a little discussion on chocolate and what better person to read about than <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Activities-Reading-Writing-Math-Somebody-Loves-You-Mr-Hatch-2316097" target="_blank">Milton Hershey</a>! </b>I love reading this book, as it is the perfect mix of nonfiction and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Biography-Project-Template-Research-Poster-and-Graphic-Organizer-2475727" target="_blank">biography</a> with a main idea and topic perfect for Valentine's Day...chocolate! The best part about this book is about Milton himself and what a philanthropist he was. This leads to wonderful classroom discussions about doing good things for others, <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/07/4-kindness-bulletin-board-ideas-upper.html" target="_blank">kindness</a>, and showing your love and how much you care, again <b>perfect timing for February!</b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3DfLRIk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="valentine's day read alouds" border="0" data-original-height="2399" data-original-width="3630" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLSNXg2fYqGK_3EzZ8g6P9T754nbNxEBQjqwk3D4aiO5PRJH-z3MhXjr8GGBqJ6NuksUvlUMZD500u5sae_2TNAkIMpRnGntiI86HuZOG2gZAdu-6ZfTf_L5o3s4rLIj8n0SFvgedhv3E5ekoIwu0K_R6X7dRTsdKie3eczVJ3HZgtxsnUFFOGcuS4g/w640-h422/hug%20machine%20Valentines%20Day%20picture%20books%20upper%20elementary.png" title="9 Valentine's Day Picture Books for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">5. <a href="https://amzn.to/3DfLRIk" target="_blank">Hug Machine</a> by Scott Campbell</h3><p>This is a quick and <b>fun read-aloud that truly encompasses the theme of love</b>, perfect for Valentine's Day and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/February-Writing-Prompts-Centers-Choice-Board-Activities-Journal-Morning-Work-2306493" target="_blank">February</a>. This quick story is the perfect opportunity to introduce, practice, or review <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Traits-Graphic-Organizers-Reading-Passages-Inside-Outside-Traits-8995802" target="_blank">character analysis</a>. Be sure to show your students the checklist found on the inside cover and the completed checklist on the backside cover, the kids love checking it by revisiting the story. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3XxF30Z" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="february read aloud for 3rd 4th 5th graders" border="0" data-original-height="2399" data-original-width="3630" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZ4P_zZAbzWCA7EqCNqoRoOpFntpdHMql7yELG7DCcBnNBlC3v1piGAEGOX5K0nMX_soyTXlUUEIXIizgRtel-3iPBVSRkaGbre-dPk6iFieYmzTrTqusxMg_ld9jK1yXQ6pr6wn_N_7al9togqhxOm7PxVxl1W5PocqMYbG50eBSxZvYW09hhGmHMg/w640-h422/be%20you%20Valentines%20Day%20picture%20books%20upper%20elementary.png" title="9 Valentine's Day Picture Books for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">6. <a href="https://amzn.to/3XxF30Z" target="_blank">Be You!</a> by Peter H. Reynolds</h3><p><b>Want to get in a little <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindness-Posters-Bulletin-Board-Decor-Be-Kind-Motivational-Quotes--2621778" target="_blank">social-emotional learning</a> this month? </b>Read this book and have a discussion about self-love! My students LOVE this activity! This book is written in a fun format, each page filled with phrases and illustrations encouraging the reader to just be themselves...an important message we want our kids to hear again and again. Follow up a read-aloud of this book with a little self-love activity to display to remind your students how awesome they are! Print out the heart and have the students fill it with all the things that they LOVE about themselves. <i>Grab the free activity that goes along with this book at the bottom of this post.</i></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3JcKJt0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="read alouds for february for 3rd 4th 5th graders" border="0" data-original-height="2399" data-original-width="3630" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji636SKHLjVzm7ijaLyYUnGWgXyPr-W6cF8EF2kZIlBWGe9kwDv0RtGwRpCUwz_bpxi2P5dR9IeH8tgWQrWak45CMLy0tixtUAJ4lZ3uleJjrRzps5AnEZRLz05tG7votH5XCVR77vXLb6NbYg_B7zz70HSvpgRV9R10xMPaC28IGEVXcgWBqL7EkEnQ/w640-h422/nobody%20hugs%20a%20cactus%20Valentines%20Day%20picture%20books%20upper%20elementary.png" title="9 Valentine's Day Picture Books for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">7. <a href="https://amzn.to/3JcKJt0" target="_blank">Nobody Hugs a Cactus</a> by Carter Goodrich</h3><p>This <b>sweet story tells the story of Hank</b>, a cactus that no one wants to hug. If you are reading this one alongside a read-aloud of <u>Porcupining</u>, you can compare and contrast the two story's story elements, characters, and each main character's feelings and emotions. The<b> illustrations in this book provide great support when discussing <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Traits-Graphic-Organizers-Reading-Passages-Inside-Outside-Traits-8995802" target="_blank">character feelings and emotions</a> and how feelings and emotions can change</b> throughout a story.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3kzmMBJ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="valentine's day reading books 3rd 4th 5th graders" border="0" data-original-height="2399" data-original-width="3630" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajpG-KrYCDDGEVkQSF9b7akQ_J3pDsbG9DTO8QA1I5PLRw0WqjTOVQxhqhe1fuCC94P005kgxilIvL7S055i9_oEu2_Jx5GMsPmNb3evQSfKRNeJS5mI7Pct5fRe8Bop5h6CVHDYSYX2jX-xZQkPzVZM2ZmloOwhDPfapmOnn-FXnXUtvHhX2DS63pw/w640-h422/love%20z%20Valentines%20Day%20picture%20books%20upper%20elementary.png" title="9 Valentine's Day Picture Books for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">8. <a href="https://amzn.to/3kzmMBJ" target="_blank">Love, Z</a> by Jessie Sima</h3><p>This unique book tells the story of Z, a robot out on a mission to find out what love really is. Throughout the robot's journey many things are learned and many people are met, but by the end Z realizes home is where he or she needs to be! <b>I love this classic story with a fun twist.</b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3DjlcKZ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="somebody loves you mr hatch reading activities" border="0" data-original-height="2399" data-original-width="3630" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigU_YWJf2AKeTryRJLaTV--CeQnG0bX8WllXRItJGZBJLJrbTynBZisQBNue6YDxO9BBu_vuhdUZ4z9u0Uaq7wl6y37zcRv5gT2pupCN6o-GWqM_ze09K9gHTbBpE1oGx18ojNip29nPGxS5pN5vh15MhSoctZAo4LG11_L0fjkTD9JjQH9RbdPBGT5Q/w640-h422/somebody%20loves%20you%20mrhatch%20Valentines%20Day%20picture%20books%20upper%20elementary.png" title="9 Valentine's Day Picture Books for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">9. <a href="https://amzn.to/3DjlcKZ" target="_blank">Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch</a> by Eileen Spinelli</h3><p><b>February cannot come and go without at least one reading of the book, <u>Somebody Loves You Mr. Hatch</u>.</b> This is one of my all-time favorites! It is perfect for discussing <b><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/11/4-ways-to-bring-gratitude-into-classroom.html" target="_blank">gratitude</a>, <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2018/05/3-community-building-picture-books-to.html" target="_blank">friendship</a>, and feelings of loneliness.</b> This touching story tells about Mr. Hatch who feels alone and sad until the day he thinks that is loved when he gets a large box of chocolates. Unfortunately, it was delivered to him in error, but with a theme of friendship and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindness-Class-Rules-Poster-Classroom-Expectations-Bulletin-Board-Kind-Challenge-7091428" target="_blank">kindness</a>, it all works out for Mr. Hatch. this story is also perfect to analyze characters and discuss how characters change throughout the story. <b>This is a must-read!</b> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3JkcKyO" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="valentine's day read aloud" border="0" data-original-height="2399" data-original-width="3630" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpFJ7AcbECtRSeDas0E_sD6P2fZljCYA7v0BWPIH0ad16S3Utd_iZislGK0SMIuVtlOFeXIZqvlv1i-OkLDhCxGvUj0gAKI_LiJGabgYbpEnSVG4qBPqiniqCvqhgSSitDzQxkrilsmO0wG2UJSrTx8Jsmj0Spc1u3IhDJCyzlmqVcOls0oBK43HbaA/w640-h422/crayons%20Valentines%20Day%20picture%20books%20upper%20elementary.png" title="9 Valentine's Day Picture Books for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">BONUS Valentine's Day Read Aloud: <a href="https://amzn.to/3JkcKyO" target="_blank">Love from the Crayons</a> by Drew Daywalt</h3><p>If you are looking for <b>a book to review or practice figurative language, this is it! </b>This book is filled with similes and metaphors for the different colors in the crayon box...all representing love for a different reason. Before reading this book, have the students make predictions about how each color represents love. After reading the book, come up with different colors that are not in the box and have students work with a partner to write similes and metaphors about those colors.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><script async="" data-uid="f28358d4a1" src="https://think-grow-giggle.ck.page/f28358d4a1/index.js"></script></p><p><br /></p><p>When it comes to <b>celebrating Valentine's Day in your upper elementary classroom books that go beyond just Valentine's Day is a must for February!</b> The books in this list are filled with themes that you will want to bring into the classroom and continue discussing throughout the year!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">You will love reading these related posts:</h3><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><div style="color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/01/4-groundhog-activities-for-upper.html" target="_blank">4 Groundhog Activities for Upper Elementary</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/01/6-valentines-day-classroom-party-ideas.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">6 Valentine's Day Party Ideas with a Twist</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/02/st-patricks-day-fun-activities-for-your.html" target="_blank">St. Patrick's Day Ideas you Never Thought Of!</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/03/teaching-poetry-strategies.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Celebrating National Poetry Month in the Upper Elementary Classroom</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"></div></div></h3><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">Looking for more high-interest <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/February-Writing-Prompts-Activities-Centers-Choice-Board-Journal-Topics-2306493" target="_blank">February</a> activities? Click the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Think-Grow-Giggle/Category/-127823-Holiday-Valentine-s-Day-325497" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</h3><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/February-Reading-Comprehension-Passages-Random-Acts-Kindness-Day-Valentine-7658263" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Valentine's Day activities for 3rd 4th 5th graders" border="0" data-original-height="2640" data-original-width="2668" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzMsDfWsWxAgXTcJikhrTplJ4S900mV-_KpvIh9S74XlgZlrt4Iib73iMhmg74S_okXRevsapBGk3KcIiW52nbvW2akeXnWdEBXEFdEx7SmSMJuGvx2yyuwA6owUIWyDdkq2ouHPcz7ijS6r05Ph5a7AFLizoT15G1doqxMEJ6xbYzjMfat4A3EmGuQ/w640-h634/valdaycloseread1.jpg" title="9 Valentine's Day Picture Books for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"> LOVE these tips? Pin to save!</span></div><div><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMQ20EG5elYXQwI0ZbK_HFMaWEG-M9VtJEphmaPnniDhOOBMBu7KPahlzkJC7-095zMhVIZRfj7bYyoK5IDbaTYzwxqYtblrNkgphY9LXLFT8V8xyddX48BytZbw43vpiFiw6o0h7mR7yCcnKJD7pTi0-zWUTaOn2Jw_a4k8nqsdca99xLNrecd4XEA/s6000/valentines%20day%20picture%20books%20upper%20elementary_blogpin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="9 Valentine's Day Picture Books for Upper Elementary" border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="3375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMQ20EG5elYXQwI0ZbK_HFMaWEG-M9VtJEphmaPnniDhOOBMBu7KPahlzkJC7-095zMhVIZRfj7bYyoK5IDbaTYzwxqYtblrNkgphY9LXLFT8V8xyddX48BytZbw43vpiFiw6o0h7mR7yCcnKJD7pTi0-zWUTaOn2Jw_a4k8nqsdca99xLNrecd4XEA/s16000/valentines%20day%20picture%20books%20upper%20elementary_blogpin.jpg" title="Read Alouds for Valentine's Day" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><i style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: cambria, serif; line-height: 14.95px;">*<b>affiliate links: </b></span>“Think Grow Giggle is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.” (source: <a href="https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/operating/agreement" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #25c1aa; margin: 0px; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Section 5</a>)</span></i></div>Third Grade Giggleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18234338835946741807noreply@blogger.comNew York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972812.402541463821152 -109.1622228 69.023009136178842 -38.849722799999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333302365949553987.post-41465420497657439352023-01-19T04:21:00.001-08:002024-02-28T18:23:51.892-08:00100th Day of School Ideas and Activities for Upper Elementary <p><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/100th-Day-of-School-Activities-Reading-Writing-Math-3rd-4th-Grade-5180776" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="Activities to Celebrate the 100th Day of School for Upper Elementary" border="0" data-original-height="2278" data-original-width="3467" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPLwnnRNQWqlsKOQGKnSZmRSHymPTNB6Q9FUHnBzCUv_32U3LwCNpk7NUSwQHFtfqlORYhyvwlwidiUHnIIGH5i1xrt6gWtYr9XIFsiSWp2qltX0ct1_qbE5wpha9AdBsTmccPDmfTKym1wvl6JPhbIS1w0kHbNRsuzkdDaKyeLEgfUs4ZmlfYbSUMA/s16000/100th%20day%20of%20school%20for%20upper%20elementary_header.png" title="100th day of school fro 3rd, 4th and 5th graders" /></a><br /><b><br /></b></p><p><b><i>100th Day of School activities for upper elementary made simple!</i></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Being an upper elementary teacher is hard! </b>There is always the struggle between the fun of wanting to celebrate the <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/06/3-simple-ways-to-engage-students-by.html" target="_blank">holidays and seasons</a> in the classroom and making sure you get in the challenging expectations and standards of your grade level.</p><p><br /></p><p>Kids are kids no matter how old they are and they love celebrations of any kind! I have found that my <b>upper elementary students LOVE to celebrate every holiday throughout the year...even the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/100th-Day-of-School-Activities-Reading-Writing-Math-3rd-4th-Grade-5180776" target="_blank">100th Day of School</a>! </b>The holidays are a great way to increase participation and engagement from your upper elementary students.</p><p><br /></p><p>You may gloss over the 100th Day of School, thinking it is a day for the primary grades, but don't! <b>Celebrating the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/100th-Day-of-School-Math-Activities-for-Big-Kids-Decimals-Game-5th-6th-Grade-3609090" target="_blank">100th Day of School</a> is an instant motivator for your upper elementary students and a great way to engage</b> students in the middle of winter, just when they need a little boost!</p><p><br /></p><p>Of course, when it comes to celebrating the holidays in my classroom <b>I always infuse critical thinking, and rigorous activities that get students thinking...not just celebrating!</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Here are my favorite ways to celebrate the 100th Day of School with my "big kids" who love celebrating as much as any other kid!</p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="text-align: center;">1. Start with a Read Aloud!</h3></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3QC3sQe" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="100th day of school read aloud upper elementary" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillypVwAW0faDn1DM157ZCAVlU1B_P-hvU1ayuB2RpFT_gJfV4vgag7aigePOI3mws_Ik15SuD4yAj8AmnimkAdS40sws-hqfgRWm80ZJHwsni0jvKPYNHUErzhHESSUtqXJA5Jg6_tpx-n69Kmx8s8Rb6joWjXbfwZKtjgMw2-maa4plpRIpLlrK7Kg/w640-h640/100th%20day%20of%20school%20read%20aloud%20for%20upper%20elementary%20kids.png" title="Activities to Celebrate the 100th Day of School for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p><b>The <a href="https://amzn.to/3QC3sQe" target="_blank">Hundredth Day Disaster</a> is a perfect read-aloud for upper elementary classrooms!</b> It is super fun to read since it is written in rhyme. It is easily relatable too, as the teacher miscounts and does not have 100 days of school on her chart. The kids band together to help their teacher figure out how she miscounted. (Spoiler alert, don't blame the teacher, our days are quite hectic!) <b>With larger vocabulary words included and a theme of a <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2018/06/8-strategies-to-build-strong-classroom.html" target="_blank">strong community</a>, this story is one that I definitely feel is a good fit for upper elementary classrooms!</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Since it is written in rhyme, challenge your students to create a list of 100 rhyming words!</b><i><b> </b>Grab the free printable below.</i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Other Fun 100th Day of School Reading Ideas:</b></h3><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Challenge to <b>read silently for 100 minutes</b> on the 100th Day of School (or during the 100th Day week)</li><li><b>Word Challenge</b>: Give a specific direction and challenge kids to brainstorm as many as they can in a small group or with a partner. Combine all student ideas to see if you reach 100. For example: Let's list 100 compound words.</li><li><b>Sentence Challenge</b>: Give a specific topic and challenge students to write one hundred sentences about that topic. This is a perfect tie-in to any <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/03/nonfiction-teaching-ideas-and.html" target="_blank">nonfiction topic</a> you are studying.</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">2. Play up 100!</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/100th-Day-of-School-Activities-Reading-Writing-Math-3rd-4th-Grade-5180776" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="100th day of school reading activities for big kids" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkInkvEWyzzHuj_9nVzMQunnpePCC25BRJTQ-VLQFCaDr9VMqMRySMV33S5grEjmihBmzWInLMYrD4lIZbhIYk6G5uhnQc10b3RXQ4x07nGAs4LQ_7cx0SFLQn6g3n2_8RBMzIRryXbexDjlt3UyZ4x8wXEqGJ5XDr7ISCdqPvjnqwDqcFwHGVdpZg0g/w640-h640/100th%20day%20of%20school%20readin%20activity%20for%20upper%20elementary%20kids.png" title="Activities to Celebrate the 100th Day of School for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p>When it comes to the <b>100th Day of School</b>, you can do more than just count 100 things! Leave that for first graders. Go beyond the counting of 100, and dive deep into learning about things that are related to 100. My two favorite "play on 100" topics to <b>learn about are <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Famous-Inventors-Scientists-Biography-Reading-Passages-Comprehension-Activities--8138321" target="_blank">inventions</a> that took place 100 years ago and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/100th-Day-of-School-Activities-Reading-Writing-Math-3rd-4th-Grade-5180776" target="_blank">Benjamin Franklin</a>, who appears of course on the $100 bill! </b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>By taking the number 100 and relating it to the last century, upper elementary students can take part in exciting 100th Day of School lessons.</b></p><p><br /></p><h3><b>Try these "Big Kid" 100 Ideas:</b></h3><p></p><ul><li>Have students research and write a persuasive piece about which invention they think is the most important one that was invented in the last 100 years</li><li>Have students create a list of 100 <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Endangered-Animals-Reading-and-Research-Project-Earth-Day-Activities-6656587" target="_blank">endangered or extinct animals</a> and create a presentation on one of them</li><li>Bring 100 into their world by having students work with a partner to create a list of 100 different ways to do something that directly relates to their world, like <i>100 Different Ways to Practice Multiplication Facts</i></li><li>Have students count out 100 days and find the date. Have students <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/100th-Day-of-School-Activities-Reading-Writing-Math-3rd-4th-Grade-5180776" target="_blank">write a letter to the teacher</a> explaining what they hope to learn and experience in the next 100 days of learning.</li></ul><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">3. 100 Acts of Kindness Challenge</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/100th-Day-of-School-Activities-Reading-Writing-Math-3rd-4th-Grade-5180776" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="100 random acts of kindness challenge for kids" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-fjbyzawycef4FTiENIqhim7HwJFO__4-6fUnVlRA6RlHHRMsVAnQoBHMYBDKUPE-ygwfNpggBhC2Lt-4CxDAWhwmEwKcNZ6-sQE4bg7BjKhumPQAA_SSWeGdh095qOyO6Z7In_U41-T7cD3LwJHqiDdRKD21Z2cJK83FA0rC_ghk2A5kSs9YoB5S8A/w640-h640/100th%20day%20of%20school%20kindness%20activity%20for%20upper%20elementary%20kids.png" title="Activities to Celebrate the 100th Day of School for Upper Elementary" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b>In my school, the 100th Day of School falls in February.</b> And let's face it, February is one of those months that has SO MANY THINGS TO CELEBRATE...like:<div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Groundhog-Day-Activities-Reading-Comprehension-Passages-Writing-Math-3rd-4th-5th-2298238" target="_blank">Groundhog Day</a></li><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Activities-Reading-Writing-Math-Somebody-Loves-You-Mr-Hatch-2316097" target="_blank">Valentine's Day</a></li><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Presidents-Day-Reading-Passages-Writing-Math-Activities-Washington-Lincoln-2369218" target="_blank">President's Day</a></li><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Great-Kindness-Challenge-Activities-Be-Kind-Writing-with-Kindness-Grams-6217063" target="_blank">Random Acts of Kindness Week</a></li><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lunar-New-Year-2023-Reading-Passages-Chinese-New-Year-of-the-Rabbit-Zodiac-3583327" target="_blank">Lunar New Year </a>(depending on the lunar calendar)</li></ul></div><div><div><br /></div><div>So why not <b>do a little double-dipping and tie the 100th Day of School into another special day</b> that you celebrate! I love using the 100th Day alongside <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2017/07/the-beginning-of-school-year-can-be.html" target="_blank">Random Acts of Kindness Week </a>and challenging the students to complete 100 random acts of kindness around the school. They love this challenge! Year after year I love to watch my students come together as a class to meet this goal. It truly is inspiring!</div><div><br /></div><div><h3><b>Try these 100th Day + Other Holiday Ideas:</b></h3><p></p><ul><li>Have students <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/US-Presidents-Reading-Passages-and-Informative-Writing-Research-Project-9111500" target="_blank">create a list of the United States Presidents that held office in the last 100 years</a>. Go further and have groups of students <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/01/3-ideas-for-student-biography-research.html" target="_blank">research and present information </a>about one of those US Presidents.</li><li>Have students as a class write out <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Cards-from-Teacher-for-Students-with-Digital-Version-2308882" target="_blank">100 Valentine's Day cards </a>and leave them around the school</li><li>Have students research and list 100 different places where groundhogs live</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">4. Community Building </h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/100th-Day-of-School-Activities-Reading-Writing-Math-3rd-4th-Grade-5180776" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="100th day of school community building activities" border="0" data-original-height="2484" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PzrL6aMvBQAzFUXxaQD03JAa9mzDVHz6Nqc1ag42fBAk2prSyS8g1sEniRMOyHnRjLr6tRP_Ia_7PHCIhPEVK1u4kb66BFd__nVaIOlt3bJxPgnoQsHGLpHEm5yFwiWYz5kIKp-MTSEBa2Gf74Q3tzWXcQyjo9-Ww8plByd22OEt89oyS2oLN-xAhw/w638-h640/100th%20day%20of%20school%20community%20building%20activity%20for%20upper%20elementary%20kids.png" title="Activities to Celebrate the 100th Day of School for Upper Elementary" width="638" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>There is nothing I love more than completing <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Community-Building-Activities-Classroom-Team-Build-7119051" target="_blank">community-building</a> activities throughout the year!</b> It is a welcome change of pace when the lesson focuses on strengthening our classroom culture and atmosphere. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Community-Building-Activities-Posters-Classroom-Bulletin-Board-6924857" target="_blank">Community building activities </a>are especially fun when it is tied into the 100th Day of School right in the middle of winter, just when we need a little refocus on our classroom family!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><div>This activity is simple yet powerful and you will find you will want to do an <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Community-Building-Activities-Positive-Affirmation-Notes-Friendly-Letter-Writing-3884669" target="_blank">activity like this</a> each month!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>Here is how we <a href="https://www.teachwriting.org/blog/2019/7/28/how-to-use-writing-to-build-classroom-community" target="_blank">write our community-building letters</a>:</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><ol><li>Have students write their names with a pencil on a small piece of paper and fold it into fourths. Place all the names in a bucket or bowl.</li><li>Have students one at a time randomly draw a name from the bucket or bowl, making sure that they did not pick themselves. If they pick themselves, have them show you before selecting a new name.</li><li>Students then write a letter to the student whose name they picket. Their letters should be positive, upbeat, and include specific examples of why they are happy to be that person's friend and classmate.</li><li>For the 100th Day of School, we use the theme...100 Words to Describe YOU! The kids love it! They write a letter for their classmate AND fill a "100" with positive words about their classmate.</li><li>When all students are all done creating the cards for their classmates, they deliver them. They really love both giving letters and receiving them!</li></ol></div><div><br /></div></div><h3><b>Try these community-building ideas:</b></h3><p></p><ul><li>Work as a class to create a list of your favorite 100 memories, lessons, and activities that you have completed this school year</li><li>Try something from this list: <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2018/06/8-strategies-to-build-strong-classroom.html" target="_blank">8 Strategies for Building Classroom Community</a></li></ul><h3 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h3><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">5. Math Fun with 100...of course!</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/100th-Day-of-School-Activities-Reading-Writing-Math-3rd-4th-Grade-5180776" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="100th day of school math for 3rd, 4th, 5th graders" border="0" data-original-height="2484" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvdu8UupXTxh_ES-s_QFL9MuEdHKxn14g0oNxzmqdQiU2n9akdQB5G7M2OuA_y5eZG3LUHBABE3MTKLigJ4-z92onTiA_7wNPv-tJXR8hQ5zmao8oowJ75DlP3LQUMbFk0Y_6FujZN3ZIpY1WbQM2Xe3ggxpNYn4eiGerTvqiPwm6kTiRbYyPS_5Gmw/w638-h640/100th%20day%20of%20school%20math%20activity%20for%20upper%20elementary%20kids.png" title="Activities to Celebrate the 100th Day of School for Upper Elementary" width="638" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>What is the 100th Day of School without a little, or a lot of <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/100th-Day-of-School-Math-Activities-for-Big-Kids-Decimals-Game-5th-6th-Grade-3609090" target="_blank">math fun</a>? </b>When I taught fifth grade, I had to get creative on how to celebrate the 100th Day that went beyond the number 100. So, instead of focusing on the number 100, we focused on <b>math activities around "hundredths."</b> The kids loved it! We use these spinners and practice adding and subtraction decimals. Before students add or subtract, they must round the decimal to the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Place-Value-Chart-Posters-with-Decimal-Bulletin-Board-Math-Worksheet-Activities--8186992" target="_blank">nearest hundredth</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>We also did activities like these:</i></b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/100th-Day-of-School-Math-Activities-for-Big-Kids-Decimals-Game-5th-Grade-3609090" target="_blank">R</a><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/100th-Day-of-School-Math-Activities-for-Big-Kids-Decimals-Game-5th-Grade-3609090" target="_blank">ace to one hundredth math game</a></li><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/100th-Day-of-School-Math-Activities-for-Big-Kids-Decimals-Game-5th-Grade-3609090" target="_blank">Greater than or less than one hundredth</a></li><li>How big is one hundredth?</li></ul></div><p><br /></p><p>If you teach third grade or fourth grade, you can do these <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/100th-Day-of-School-Activities-Reading-Writing-Math-3rd-4th-Grade-5180776" target="_blank">same spinner games</a> and activities but focus on 100.</p><p><br /></p><h3><b>Try these 100th Day Math Ideas:</b></h3><p></p><ul><li>Have students figure out different ways that 100 days can be measured. How many hours is it? How many minutes? How many seconds?</li><li>Give students the probability challenge of flipping a coin 100 times, will it be 50 heads and 50 tails? Have them predict, flip a coin, gather their findings, and be ready to share with a mini presentation.</li><li>Have students work backward from the number 100 and write a word problem where the answer is 100. Students can write addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and two step word problems. Have students create an illustration to match their problems. This is always a class favorite! </li></ul><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><script async="" data-uid="13102fb217" src="https://think-grow-giggle.ck.page/13102fb217/index.js"></script></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>When it comes to celebrating the holidays and seasons in your upper elementary classroom, <b>don't leave the 100th Day of School out</b>! It is the perfect opportunity to get in some fun, community building, critical thinking, and rigor in the midst of winter. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">You will love reading these related posts:</h3><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><div style="color: #555555; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/01/groundhog-day-videos-for-elementary.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Must Watch FREE Groundhog Day Videos for the Classroom</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/01/4-groundhog-activities-for-upper.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/01/4-groundhog-activities-for-upper.html" target="_blank">4 Groundhog Activities for Upper Elementary</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/01/6-valentines-day-classroom-party-ideas.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">6 Valentine's Day Party Ideas with a Twist</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/03/teaching-poetry-strategies.html" style="color: #25c1aa; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Celebrating National Poetry Month in the Upper Elementary Classroom</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"></div></div></h3><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">Looking for print-and-go 100th Day of School activities? Click the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/100th-Day-of-School-Activities-Reading-Writing-Math-3rd-4th-Grade-5180776" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</h3><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/100th-Day-of-School-Activities-Reading-Writing-Math-3rd-4th-Grade-5180776" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Activities to Celebrate the 100th Day of School for Upper Elementary" border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="2400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfr3oWn7E4QGA0QxDG_S-S7yzcMS3xIe_6CfH-OxFznt-V21jh6OIAq-30dIME6CufG_ezvov-8Ibq7n1tHw6s9QR9t_aSZbKLu-VGouFWrHZ3zZwr0a8FS7e0LsJcFJEA4gyqy79Fodf9g0T1indfQas2WOiZUhJQpBhGmLpvtVRVYJYzOceCyWvNA/w640-h640/100th%20day%20of%20school%2001.jpg" title="100th day of school ideas for big kids" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"> LOVE these tips? Pin to save!</span></div><div><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUSHkWIOK4iv8QKRhwrHMqUKfc1AZRjdWxskJE8BtL7dms2FeuMCg9HzH3bOTLn4eonDBZlaDcVjoDrYJitKtIj7-Prz0UuPBPBisjVnrmU_UYRq_DaQ9NH0lIcS0l0gKAtMXzi01o00mMThxfSJmqrIDPod-j3aIYsKcLWseN7ClfXt4eh9A6Omk9A/s6000/100th%20day%20of%20school%20for%20upper%20elementary_blog%20pin.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Activities to Celebrate the 100th Day of School for Upper Elementary" border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="3375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUSHkWIOK4iv8QKRhwrHMqUKfc1AZRjdWxskJE8BtL7dms2FeuMCg9HzH3bOTLn4eonDBZlaDcVjoDrYJitKtIj7-Prz0UuPBPBisjVnrmU_UYRq_DaQ9NH0lIcS0l0gKAtMXzi01o00mMThxfSJmqrIDPod-j3aIYsKcLWseN7ClfXt4eh9A6Omk9A/s16000/100th%20day%20of%20school%20for%20upper%20elementary_blog%20pin.png" title="celebrating 100th day of school with big kids" /></a></div><br /><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><i style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: cambria, serif; line-height: 14.95px;">*<b>affiliate links: </b></span>“Think Grow Giggle is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.” (source: <a href="https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/operating/agreement" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #25c1aa; margin: 0px; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Section 5</a>)</span></i></div><div><i style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/100th-Day-of-School-Activities-Reading-Writing-Math-Coloring-Pages-3rd-4th-Grade-5180776" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="3285" data-original-width="4907" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5SAZwxXJkXIglhZbdJG9dd_Ywgdkc5upHFv9QxhCA2WnZUIUIEX9qP6kP6dwRQDNJ_9ophGdSMfTf3JqMYdtiKRpjfAp3NEL6ZGDEmlhJbX6GRLOoLyV_wBQJtXPhYx0r5lmFYnTuvbP7QzKRAUu8TcIKQn2fD4fTJPlc0b-wpKXRO03PgzDfTtOVXQL/s16000/100th%20day%20of%20school%20activities%20for%20upper%20elementary.png" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div></div>Third Grade Giggleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18234338835946741807noreply@blogger.comNew York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972812.402541463821152 -109.1622228 69.023009136178842 -38.849722799999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333302365949553987.post-6697480229159242842022-12-10T04:00:00.005-08:002023-12-27T08:49:52.086-08:00December Holiday Read Alouds for Upper Elementary Classrooms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjksyRzQNnRFq3gMQoheeu0l8fDIbcHZqMBu1khamsVZxvxJ4FiuAHzU2G9jheYiOKxTSMxIkYWS7Au1EKO1x3btPm8Z-byYyt8l7sxGzb7ZesYD6pDib62j6rSAOLdqE9UO0h6RL-EoRCXLvVvkaGrp5Vqi_dzTr1pWii9MY9BCxGLcerA4mFBVx8bw/s3552/december%20read%20alouds_header%20blog.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="December Holiday Read Alouds for Upper Elementary Classrooms" border="0" data-original-height="2367" data-original-width="3552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjksyRzQNnRFq3gMQoheeu0l8fDIbcHZqMBu1khamsVZxvxJ4FiuAHzU2G9jheYiOKxTSMxIkYWS7Au1EKO1x3btPm8Z-byYyt8l7sxGzb7ZesYD6pDib62j6rSAOLdqE9UO0h6RL-EoRCXLvVvkaGrp5Vqi_dzTr1pWii9MY9BCxGLcerA4mFBVx8bw/s16000/december%20read%20alouds_header%20blog.png" title="Christmas Hanukkah Kwanzaa December Picture books for kids" /></a></div><br /><div><b>December in the classroom is a magical time!</b> The air is filled with excitement, the children are all smiles, and as the weather gets a bit cooler, it is the perfect time to gather together in the reading area for a good book!</div><div><br /></div><div>But how do you pick the perfect December read-aloud that all of the students in your class can connect with? It is definitely tricky! <b>That is why I love to make sure that my December picture book stack is well balanced to represent different holidays and traditions, especially some that my students may not have heard of before</b>!</div><div><br /></div><div>This list of suggested December <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/01/5-winter-picture-books-for-upper.html" target="_blank">picture books</a> for upper elementary classrooms is a great place to get started when it comes to <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/12/4-christmas-alternative-activities-for.html" target="_blank">going beyond just the Christmas read-aloud</a>. These books have all been read in my classroom and enjoyed by all students, no matter what holiday they celebrate, or don't celebrate.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Don't forget to grab the free printable activities </b>that go alongside some of these <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/01/5-winter-picture-books-for-upper.html" target="_blank">picture </a><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>books,</u></span> just perfect to add to your December lesson plans.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. <a href="https://amzn.to/3uhOZyv" target="_blank">The Little Owl and the Big Tree</a> written by Jonah Winter</h3><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3uhOZyv" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="christmas read aloud for kids" border="0" data-original-height="2416" data-original-width="3684" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkIOwVbVL3174JFAq6uuv6Oqo9e7fdLd_RVgguxTpE7xC6QtCz1d9NMUeytWF41P6URdOT4W8Vqcp6DlT4Nwzw4bpk3RTrr1LNlbfBNOorM_1ySU2LwGWTYp3XQVaEYJALwxLYgqyyiiHL_Ks9z7pC-TFm0xkAKMIn56lbQ1HzDubgYVf2MfjaU4sRA/w640-h421/little%20owl.png" title="December Holiday Read Alouds for Upper Elementary Classrooms" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>This sweet tale tells the story of Rockefeller, the small owl that stayed in his large evergreen tree even after it was cut down to be the main Christmas tree attraction in Rockefeller Center in New York City.</b> This tiny Northern Saw-whet Owl stayed buried in his hole, afraid to come out even after the tree he lived in traveled for hours to get to NYC. This book tells how this little owl was found, nursed back to health, and released back into the wild. I love this one for December because it is not Christmas focused and is a real story that the kids love! I love to read this book and then dive deep into a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Reading-Comprehension-Holiday-Traditions-Design-an-Ugly-Sweater-7479958" target="_blank">nonfiction article</a> about this book as a<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Reading-Comprehension-Holiday-Traditions-Design-an-Ugly-Sweater-7479958" target="_blank"> paired passage reading activity</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">2. <a href="https://amzn.to/3VwCfjF" target="_blank">How Santa Got His Job</a> written by Stephen Krensky</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3VwCfjF" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Santa read aloud for kids" border="0" data-original-height="2429" data-original-width="3652" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStULDLeXliqoC9VfJZsG6LURmEbypBjN8utJoWirkGhMAfqow0ZTS7-y0xcPog3sUoKhMJH3DNKNLPLhNyigSJMzA-OEQH8IH-OyfpVGaBDkIMbVN0YcN0f9jmgpA6lHS-BQ7E0ZUS_NOiq-bc74sNUA4D9ozuMAYdYVuYiRsnj1M3I075i568dNLZg/w640-h426/how%20santa%20got%20his%20job.png" title="December Holiday Read Alouds for Upper Elementary Classrooms" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>This fun read follows Santa as he takes and leaves different jobs, until finding the right fit!</b> Each job he takes has a problem that leads him to quit or get fired and take a new job. But each job he leaves provides him with an important skill that will help him do his job as the Santa Claus that we all know! The kids will love seeing Santa in different jobs and roles. A fun follow-up activity would be to <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Writing-Activities-Persuasive-Letters-to-Santa-December-Prompt-7473504" target="_blank">write persuasive letters</a> to Santa, telling him to take the year off after working all these jobs!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">3. <a href="https://amzn.to/3immA7O" target="_blank">Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree</a> written by Robert Barry</h3><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3immA7O" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Christmas read aloud for kids" border="0" data-original-height="2429" data-original-width="3652" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyW-6NMCZl9lKeM7V1z7a5GQqrdcnufM7XBNSJJszHrNBtq60HUz7I5JrIbI2AXx1X5jE7XfEmo6EerBiX6VLPYreznU_ZsIDKV9QoEyJO2tFci43bYL7DRQspOoSUubKkAHzDt3VqsjCUT7Jb9c4e1b-SxonQnmC6u-hFt0QRfzbqGjnzVvC0Wnd9Tg/w640-h426/mr%20willoby.png" title="December Holiday Read Alouds for Upper Elementary Classrooms" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>I have read this book for years, and it is always one of my holiday favorites to read aloud each <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/12/christmas-holiday-december-activities.html" target="_blank">December</a>! </b>Written in prose and chock full of good word choice and vocabulary, this story follows the small pieces of one big Christmas tree as it is passed on to others. I love that this book can be used to illustrate how one action can have many different effects, which lends itself to lessons on <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Winter-Bulletin-Board-Kindness-Posters-Activity-December-January-February-7410452" target="_blank">kindness</a> and the power of one kind deed. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">4. <a href="https://amzn.to/3VLgxrX" target="_blank">The Polar Express</a> written by Chris Van Allsburg</h3><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3VLgxrX" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Christmas read aloud for kids" border="0" data-original-height="2562" data-original-width="3651" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4hDaqX6EJe2It_qzepk6fiCZ4RRx8aczaeVHfc9arGn3fBSfEZbeYThXyMns8MNJZjyUg6XXXMDpH-D8gmeGU5C2FY207TTPkksKWKf8gpD9klIAK1LTeHXZEaOxQsayPYb4xjxOU_lsfN08N_VIn7JoTfecDIYL8aXyBQxaAxzQDLCxWcePPBcyCg/w640-h450/polar%20express.png" title="December Holiday Read Alouds for Upper Elementary Classrooms" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>No December read-aloud list is complete without The Polar Express! </b>A truly classic tale, this story follows the adventures of a young boy on the way to the North Pole on the polar express. The adventure comes at the perfect time as the young boy is beginning to wonder about Santa's existence. As with all of Chris Van Allsburg's books, this one is cleverly written, includes beautiful illustrations, and will have the students at the end of their seats as they predict, infer, and connect as each page is read!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">5. <a href="https://amzn.to/3XKRWFz" target="_blank">The Broken Ornament</a> written by Tony DiTerlizzi</h3><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3XKRWFz" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Christmas read aloud for kids" border="0" data-original-height="2416" data-original-width="3652" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzans2c8aZiBNrLeevnLc-Dxr1z1U8ooaUIVGGkHmAXU2hc262NUhHfWcQpHIvHRJ2A77I5rMyN05LnVVJSwCgdtRh7YIhfiSGulL99_rbOu6-wpab1UclZ1iyuP3dUXX-SFw57-jq6_VkBDM_v6EoqoqDoYhOPDZ7sDx9sbHyn5NpUfvFUTB1QQ9Q0A/w640-h424/broken%20ornament.png" title="December Holiday Read Alouds for Upper Elementary Classrooms" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><u>The Broken Ornament</u> tells the story of a young boy named Jack who gets caught up in the Christmas rush and breaks his mom's special ornament. Throughout the story, he finds out why the ornament was so special to her and learns the real meaning of Christmas...the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Bulletin-Board-December-Holiday-Posters-with-Kindness-Challenge-7487080" target="_blank">value of kindness and giving</a>. After being visited by a Christmas fairy, Jack decides on a special way to try to make it up to his mom. <b>This book is a perfect read-aloud to springboard into discussions about the students' family holiday traditions.</b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">6. <a href="https://amzn.to/3iqTowt" target="_blank">The Nutcracker</a> written by Valeria Docampo</h3><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3iqTowt" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="The Nutcracker book for kids" border="0" data-original-height="2416" data-original-width="3656" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCf6XDUnBcPqqG4J_wgHMNQhyKXl9hOMPvzBQMh3LhwOtoG3O6mebaQmrV-ZBXDoJ9hO2kH_165QCHd1rVM5ajN6GZ3-lI6Fl3vkhr3a-d2ltwGAADjruLuGr19M3XpzEZnerZyo6k4dlX_85GAZwuRM0yyZFbJ9hjZJFN5M8hnFPwoT-eqyxecXqGBw/w640-h422/nutcracker.png" title="December Holiday Read Alouds for Upper Elementary Classrooms" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><b>This beautifully illustrated version of the classic Nutcracker is one your students will love, especially if they have not heard this story.</b> Not familiar with this story? It is about a young girl who is gifted with a nutcracker on Christmas Eve. She falls asleep and dreams of a magical land with candy and sweets and is protected by her Nutcracker who has come to life! I love to read this book before diving deep into a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Reading-Comprehension-Holiday-Traditions-Design-an-Ugly-Sweater-7479958" target="_blank">nonfiction article</a> about this ballet as a<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Reading-Comprehension-Holiday-Traditions-Design-an-Ugly-Sweater-7479958" target="_blank"> paired passage reading activity</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">7. <a href="https://amzn.to/3OUKGTj" target="_blank">Night of Las Posadas</a> written by Tomie DePaolo</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3OUKGTj" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Christmas tradition read aloud for kids" border="0" data-original-height="2429" data-original-width="3652" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjlPcUGMXetny6j78uZsgAH7kpQegyk3u9UKBg3s_TpbPU7KQBWL_keCL7lhdwvYYWnwXhumT1bQCQaq-yvhlXyzNtlK-wVoskYdlQWhMHVlxvjX917YdJB_RZ306GgupU5D9M1abUi4EwIWAxdaTHqkJeecqMKq6T2qb5tZdjGcJstt6fZWCztIQfAA/w640-h426/night%20of%20las.png" title="December Holiday Read Alouds for Upper Elementary Classrooms" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>This book is a religious story that tells about the tradition of <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Winter-Holidays-Around-the-World-December-Reading-Passages-Christmas-Hanukkah--2247006" target="_blank">Las Posadas</a>. </b>The tradition of Las Posadas is one that takes place in Mexico and lasts for nine days. It is a procession that re-enacts the story of Mary and Joseph looking for a place to rest and have Jesus. This story is definitely one for classrooms and families that <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/12/christmas-holiday-december-activities.html" target="_blank">celebrate Christmas</a> and offers a twist at the end that will have students critically thinking!</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Learning about different winter holidays around the world? You will love <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Winter-Holidays-Around-the-World-December-Reading-Passages-Christmas-Hanukkah--2247006" target="_blank">these activities.</a></i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">8. <a href="https://amzn.to/3VuZue6" target="_blank">The Legend of the Red Poinsettia</a> written by Tomie DePaolo</h3></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3VuZue6" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Christmas tradition book for kids Poinsettia" border="0" data-original-height="2429" data-original-width="3652" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOkgyyhUFMIhho1AC6eJtEBK7sh89yzcG7I2p3V4zXI-nnMD08FKoCOZHKfPzGDS5fLiVamAKuVhxhMn-KY2oejRlGSod-wyXaj1lmbXn8rqZfEzQzfFpEoDzjN9dBuWTLg8zu-G7fG5U716iR_AFkdTfpLdhh7wyQ9tBL-_gYM_nWj7FDYw9_icMrw/w640-h426/legend%20of%20the.png" title="December Holiday Read Alouds for Upper Elementary Classrooms" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>Have you ever wondered why Poinsettias are commonly called the Christmas flower? </b>This story, retold and illustrated by Tomie dePaola, tells about the legend that explains why Poinsettias are associated with Christmas. A young girl has nothing to bring to church to celebrate Baby Jesus so she brings weeds. Once inside the church, the weeds blossom into beautiful and shining red and green flowers. I love the legend and the special author's note at the end, too!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">9. <a href="https://amzn.to/3EUlc3T" target="_blank">All of a Kind Family</a> written by Emily Jenkins and Paul O. Zelinsky</h3><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3EUlc3T" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Hanukkah story for kids" border="0" data-original-height="2416" data-original-width="3652" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NtIuEkD7QbSc6h1jehY01Nv6mFpVJzLtvcZcf11ysu72D0QT4z62_85ebaULMe8aaLr4D72NnQoNAK9ZqZo3T9oXR0yqmA0osjCeH38zq11IMusyLLWcDBLwFmHJhH6kKzgeJ7DF9osgdEZPT1xJV6o7j0jo9_axX52yasaXaMhbdehc68pP7qjqGg/w640-h424/all%20of%20a%20kind%20family.png" title="December Holiday Read Alouds for Upper Elementary Classrooms" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>This is a must-add to your December collection!</b> This book takes place in New York City in 1912. It follows one family who celebrates the first night of Hanukkah by making latkes. I love how each page is filled with traditions this family celebrates and holds close to their hearts. No matter what holiday you and your students celebrate, everyone will instantly want to share one of their own <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/12/4-christmas-alternative-activities-for.html" target="_blank">family holiday traditions</a> following a read-aloud of this story!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">10. <a href="https://amzn.to/3FmQpya" target="_blank">Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins</a> written by Eric A. Kimmel</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3FmQpya" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Hanukkah story for kids" border="0" data-original-height="2429" data-original-width="3652" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8GXp_hEUACj5hemNZE0JadvqHw1mdBl-06ZPqjV4VGHwOJj4qLtHdLZ4MoO8cgQzaDRifIPAj9xAhyor-ujIVvDpN-fw6nM5N7nD0Vi_LxDCkNUGjtpNXJvRpedLRFkSe5zQ61uXX7BrXAfX5rfSOai0Pxd_qMffb11kiIdgWlfN9rKFLUdJbC7mHg/w640-h426/hershel%20and%20the.png" title="December Holiday Read Alouds for Upper Elementary Classrooms" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>I love this story! <b>It is so engaging and always has students at the edge of their seats, cheering Hershel on as he attempts to save Hanukkah from the goblins</b>. This original story, complete with unique and beautiful illustrations tells the story of one man as he tries to save <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Winter-Holidays-Around-the-World-December-Reading-Passages-Christmas-Hanukkah--2247006" target="_blank">Hanukkah</a> from pesky goblins who try to stop the holiday from taking place. The author's note offers insight into how this story was created and why it was written. Definitely a must-add to your collection!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">11. <a href="https://amzn.to/3uhNXTt" target="_blank">Oskar and the Eight Blessings</a> written by Tanya Simon</h3><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3uhNXTt" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Hanukkah story for kids" border="0" data-original-height="2429" data-original-width="3652" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnolCJrBauQ0hG6EMkrAkkPyZNZ4RM2Ej3Bl3uXSl3xead9ZU-HJTQvoevOz9WvHzm30Qn3fm4GVqr3HNvn4ZL0wBXZJdXQmKHubi4ohAxqNQ1Ug2MjCHod_zIgrH1dqOwA0K9UnSfwTtGXVBhvqM_AgLEvDxAK776HNvid-BKGUk-8M3gIpKSNRRHkw/w640-h426/oskar.png" title="December Holiday Read Alouds for Upper Elementary Classrooms" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>This is my favorite Hanukkah story to share. </b>This one <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/11/teaching-kindness-in-classroom.html" target="_blank">focuses on kindnes</a>s and blessings and helps students to appreciate the small things in life. This story takes place in Manhattan on Christmas Eve and the 7th day of Hanukkah. The year is 1938 and Oskar, a young refugee from Nazi Germany is in NYC looking for his aunt whom he has never met. As he travels the city and streets of Manhattan he meets 8 strangers, each offering one <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/11/teaching-kindness-in-classroom.html" target="_blank">small act of kindness</a>. I love the discussions that take place around a reading of this book!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">12. <a href="https://amzn.to/3H1CyP6" target="_blank">Together for Kwanzaa</a> written by Juwanda G. Ford</h3><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3H1CyP6" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="kwanza story for kids" border="0" data-original-height="2429" data-original-width="3652" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQE-vGBQ3aJaUwN_sm3vCfj1iJ-d5gCSHzFsB0o0TlSFFlzAUYOcJzRuvsQaAWlFvE6JfukDs6JGytFmVxZFUhAQbvtaxtTf7O5VO51uF_5nC1NmU9YObXvdt29F12EIa6JXJukfJwByMCL58CtPtK8Giyag6xfPb8-0-oOdegJh0vkH_h5KMA5PDkuw/w640-h426/kwanzza%201.png" title="December Holiday Read Alouds for Upper Elementary Classrooms" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>This story focuses on one family who celebrates <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Winter-Holidays-Around-the-World-December-Reading-Passages-Christmas-Hanukkah--2247006" target="_blank">Kwanzaa</a>.</b> Filled with traditions and practices of this winter holiday, your students will learn just how important this holiday is! The youngest of the family is worried that her brother will not make it home in time for Kwanzaa celebrations. As they prepare for the holiday the family all comes together, making this year's celebration extra special.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">13. <a href="https://amzn.to/3ui9fAb" target="_blank">Seven Spools of Thread - Kwanzaa</a> Angela Shelf Medearis</h3><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3ui9fAb" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Seven Spools of thread Kwanzaa story" border="0" data-original-height="2429" data-original-width="3652" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6YCVEPHeICSQ1YBoWgLCcEHP5t7IaYIpJ8ZJJR_7-W5LjAa-EXX2UXazrB4XvtFhcbCwhqyVWIOe-Z0BkO2UB_HtlY8bjz8w5BLB1e9hndZ083OTyLKtTOM4GKWXAZyXqMmqu0t_7FUsaCDmollwTmlT4mWFAoqKFw_EBdSwLgV-NKWuraSRkvKwsA/w640-h426/kwanzaa%202.png" title="December Holiday Read Alouds for Upper Elementary Classrooms" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>This book is perfect to introduce students to the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Winter-Holidays-Around-the-World-December-Reading-Passages-Christmas-Hanukkah--2247006" target="_blank">holiday of Kwanzaa</a> during the month of December, but its message is perfect for any time of the year!</b> This story has so many positive messages and follows the theme of family, community, and working together. In this story, seven brothers most put their differences aside and work together to complete a mission their father set out for them. The powerful tale perfectly illustrates the value kindness and teamwork. The introduction to the story is a must-read as it explains the history of Kwanzaa and goes over each of the guiding 7 principles. I love reading this one each year!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h4 style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><b>Grab these free coordinating book activities:</b></h4><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><script async data-uid="1c25b59183" src="https://think-grow-giggle.ck.page/1c25b59183/index.js"></script></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div><b>When it comes to sharing <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/01/5-winter-picture-books-for-upper.html" target="_blank">favorite read-alouds</a> in December, remember to share books with a wide range of holidays, traditions, and cultures.</b> The kids love learning about <a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/12/4-christmas-alternative-activities-for.html" target="_blank">different holidays</a>, their origins, and the traditions associated with them. This list is a great way to get started, they are all student approved! Happy Holidays!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">Looking for more meaningful holiday activities</span><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Reading-Comprehension-Holiday-Traditions-Design-an-Ugly-Sweater-7479958" target="_blank">like these</a>? See more <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Think-Grow-Giggle/Category/-127823-Holiday-December-407266" target="_blank">here</a></span><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">. </span></div><div><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Reading-Comprehension-Holiday-Traditions-Design-an-Ugly-Sweater-7479958" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="christmas and holiday nonfiction reading activities for kids" border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="2475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4jGS4Sk-UTKkU2vWei1UDokkxETFJ0899oF4b980i5vZotRNueS4MjEgIdZq9rKAOyjATgvlPjkcjxtLVZ2y95IdpFLJC2RF1TpchLykJMxsvK8IZmbbxih3kxfqGTfJukyEw0lhNQYcuKv2p9SzjkGNeFJ3Y5JGYHXLteQiOgNMdIltlwny1c9sOg/w640-h640/holiday%20traditions%20close%20reading%20for%20upper%20elementary.png" title="December Holiday Read Alouds for Upper Elementary Classrooms" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #272f64; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"><p style="color: #555555; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;"><br /></p><p style="color: #555555; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;"><b><br /></b></p><div style="color: #555555; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><h3 style="color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">You will love reading these related articles:</h3></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2021/12/winter-descriptive-writing-activity.html" target="_blank">Winter Descriptive Writing Project Kids LOVE</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2020/12/4-christmas-alternative-activities-for.html" target="_blank">4 Christmas Alternative Activities for the Classroom</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/01/5-winter-picture-books-for-upper.html" target="_blank">6 Winter Picture Books for Upper Elementary</a></div></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2022/01/4-groundhog-activities-for-upper.html" target="_blank">4 Groundhog Activities for Upper Elementary</a></div></div><div style="color: #555555; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="color: #555555; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #555555; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"></span></p><div style="color: #555555; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;"><h3 style="color: #272f64; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">Love these ideas? Pin to save them!</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCl226__-bVY51sb0g4pi-_SHk8m25r0V9ay1Bmbkj_DjPyiz0O-wkQt2M01Xfy-EjJ0KdcchUObfFtN53rmuJn0Rhqj9nPVOiB9X9vUakKYDTxjF2Zyf_BroIzw_s2335LOBi1smod3xhJf4ELl0D8N_0N7i_H9mgYz3RuOlkePVHtn5tywjmNJx8Qg/s6000/december%20read%20alouds_long%20pin%20blog.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="December Holiday Read Alouds for Upper Elementary Classrooms" border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="3375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCl226__-bVY51sb0g4pi-_SHk8m25r0V9ay1Bmbkj_DjPyiz0O-wkQt2M01Xfy-EjJ0KdcchUObfFtN53rmuJn0Rhqj9nPVOiB9X9vUakKYDTxjF2Zyf_BroIzw_s2335LOBi1smod3xhJf4ELl0D8N_0N7i_H9mgYz3RuOlkePVHtn5tywjmNJx8Qg/s16000/december%20read%20alouds_long%20pin%20blog.png" title="christmas hanukkah and kwanzaa books for kids" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-family: raleway, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: cambria, serif; line-height: 14.95px;">*<b>affiliate links: </b></span>“Think Grow Giggle is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.” (source: <a href="https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/operating/agreement" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #25c1aa; margin: 0px; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Section 5</a>)</span></i></div></div></div></span></div></div>Third Grade Giggleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18234338835946741807noreply@blogger.comNew York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972812.402541463821152 -109.1622228 69.023009136178842 -38.849722799999995