If you're feeling overwhelmed by all that needs to be done, you're not alone. But with a little planning and a few strategic steps, you can wrap up the year in a way that sets you up for success next fall.

In this post, I’m sharing six classroom organization tips to help you close out your year smoothly—plus a free printable checklist you can use to stay on track.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a small amount should you make a purchase using one of the links at no extra cost to you. The earnings help cover the cost of this site.

Why End-of-Year Organization Matters

A cluttered classroom can leave you feeling drained and disorganized. But more than that, skipping thoughtful year-end cleanup means walking into chaos in August.

By taking a few purposeful steps now, you’re saving future-you a whole lot of stress and time.

End-of-year organization isn't about perfection.

It’s about creating systems that make the transition out—and back into—your classroom more manageable. When your space is clear, your mind will be too.

Step 1: Purge with Purpose

Let’s start with the most freeing step: the purge. I say this often, but it’s worth repeating—stop storing things “just in case.”

As you sort through your materials, ask yourself:

• Did I use this resource this year?

• Did it bring value to my students?

• Would I honestly use it again?

That untouched stack of foam letters? Those dusty seasonal worksheets from five years ago? If they didn’t serve your classroom this year, chances are they won’t next year either.

Free up your space—and your mental energy—by releasing anything that doesn’t support student growth, creativity, or independence.

Step 2: Organize What You’re Keeping

Once you’ve purged the extras, organize what remains. Choose clear bins whenever possible so you can see what’s inside without digging. Use labels or color tabs to group like items together (manipulatives, read-alouds, center materials, etc.).

These are my favorites:

• This set is perfect for collecting unit materials

• This set is ideal for center materials

• These are perfect for organizing inside recess games

• I stored extra student supplies in these containers

• I used these to store extra arts and craft supplies

Now’s also the time to take inventory.

What do you have plenty of? What do you consistently run out of? Make a list so you can shop intentionally during back-to-school sales. Trust me—future-you will thank you.

Step 3: Photograph Your Current Setup

Save yourself the headache of trying to remember how you had things arranged by taking photos before you tear anything down.

Snap shots of:

• Your classroom library and book bins

• Center layouts

• Wall displays and bulletin boards

• Desk arrangements

Upload the photos to a digital folder and include notes if there are things you want to tweak next year. This simple step will save time and decision fatigue in August.

Step 4: Reflect on the Year

You’ve spent nearly 180 days building a classroom community—don’t let the insights you’ve gained fade away.

Keep a notepad or printable reflection page on your desk for those last few weeks. Jot down thoughts like:

• What classroom routines worked well?

• Which ones didn’t?

• What would I like to try differently next year?

It doesn’t have to be formal. Just give yourself the space to reflect while it’s fresh.

Want a comprehensive Reflection Journal? Find one perfect for summer for free in The Treasury.

Step 5: Prep Back-to-School Materials Now

I know—you’re barely closing out this year. But here’s the secret: prepping just a few basics now makes the start of school feel 10x easier.

Here are some things you can copy or prep in advance:

• Welcome packets for students and parents

• Open House materials (sign-in sheets, surveys, classroom info)

• Daily agenda slides or small group slides

• “Get to know you” activities

• Morning work, homework logs, and first-week lessons

• Beginning-of-year assessments (phonics, fluency, writing samples)

• Spelling dictionaries or frequently used tools

• Labels for desks, cubbies, or mailboxes (leave names blank for now)

Store everything in one labeled bin labeled, “OPEN FIRST” and place it where it’s easy to find when you return.

Step 6: Involve Students Without Losing Control

Your students can help—but timing is everything. Keep your classroom intact until the very end to maintain focus and structure.

In the final days, invite students to help with:

• Wiping down desks, chairs, and cubbies

• Organizing classroom library bins

• Sorting center materials and supplies

• Removing name tags and personal labels

• Sharpening pencils or cleaning whiteboards

These tasks give students a sense of ownership and help you lighten the load.

How to Actually Get It All Done

You don’t need to do everything at once. Spread the work across your final month of school.

• Come in early once a week to use the copier without a line

• Stay late just one or two afternoons to organize or prep

• Focus on one main task each week (purge, organize, prep, etc.)

These small time blocks can add up to big progress—without adding burnout.

On The Last Day Of School:

• Collect students’ personal items from cubbies, lockers, and desks to send home. I stock up on grocery bags the last month of school so I have plenty for students to carry home all of their extra belongings.

• Send home summer review packs, books, and other “extra” items such as leftover copies of lesson pages and books. Find ready to go resources here.

• Stack chairs and move to one corner of the room along with desks and other seating options.

Download Your Free End-of-Year Checklist

Want a step-by-step version of everything in this post?

You can find the printable end-of-year checklist inside The Treasury, my free resource library. It breaks down each task into manageable steps and includes room to make it your own.

Grab it here. Don’t have access to The Treasury? It’s easy - just sign up here.

Want a Full System for Getting Organized?

If you love a good checklist but know you need a little more structure, you're not alone.

That's why I created Organized Just So™—a complete framework to help teachers get (and stay) organized.

It’s not just about decluttering.

It’s about creating efficient systems that save you time, reduce decision fatigue, and free up space for what really matters.

Click here to learn more and see if it’s the right fit for you.

Wrapping It Up…

You don’t have to organize everything. You just have to start. Choose one step this week and build from there.

You’ll walk into next year calmer, more prepared, and way more confident.

Don't forget to download your free checklist—and let me know which tip helped you most!

FAQs

What should I prioritize during end-of-year cleanup?

Start with purging and organizing. Clearing unused items and labeling what you’re keeping makes everything else easier.

What’s the best way to prep for back-to-school early?

Copy essentials like welcome packets, Open House forms, and center materials before you leave for summer. Store them in a labeled bin.

How do I keep students engaged while organizing?

Keep routines intact until the last couple of days. Then give students specific, purposeful cleanup jobs that make them feel involved.

Where can I find the free checklist?

It’s available inside The Treasury, my free resource library for newsletter subscribers.

What is Organized Just So™ and how does it help?

It’s my guided system for organizing your classroom, routines, and workload—designed to help teachers save time, space, and energy all year long.

pin these ideas for later:

more helpful tips:

One way to mark this meaningful moment?

Small, heartfelt gifts that show appreciation without draining your wallet or adding to your already full plate. In this post, you’ll find practical, low-cost ideas to honor students, parents, staff, and volunteers.

Gift Ideas for Students

1. Personalized Notes from the Teacher

There’s nothing more powerful than a note written by someone who truly sees you. Even a few sentences about a student’s growth, humor, or effort can leave a lasting impact. Try using your end-of-year writing block to draft quick, individualized notes. 

Bonus tip: You can download free “O-Fish-Ally Summer” tags to turn those notes into a fun summer send-off. Find them in The Treasury.

2. Summer Fun Kits

Fill a small gift bag with budget-friendly items: bubbles, sidewalk chalk, pencils, stickers, or even a packet of lemonade mix. Top it off with a printable gift tag—like the "It’s O-Fish-Ally Summer" tags—and you have a low-cost gift that feels special.

Let students decorate their own tags during morning work or centers to save you prep time and increase their buy-in.

3. Digital Memory Slideshows

Use tools like Google Slides or Canva to create a simple slideshow with classroom photos, quotes, and fun memories. Share via email or classroom platforms like Seesaw.

You don’t need anything fancy—just a few meaningful moments to help your students look back on the year with pride and gratitude.

4. Summer Reading Book with Bookmark

If your school or classroom has access to gently used books, consider letting each student choose one to keep for summer reading. Thrift shops, used book sales, and Scholastic bulk packs are great sources. Then, personalize the gift by adding a printable bookmark

Free resource: You can find a set created just for an end of the year send off in The Treasury!

Gift Ideas for Parent Volunteers

5. Digital Scrapbooks

One of the most appreciated gifts I ever gave was a simple digital scrapbook for a parent volunteer. I asked a few students to write short thank-you notes and then combined their messages with photos of that parent helping out in class.

The final result was personal, meaningful, and easy to create. Use Google Slides, Canva, or even a simple PDF format to compile your pages and email it to them with a thank-you message.

More ideas? See this blog post where I explain all the ways I used scrapbooks in my classroom.

6. Classroom-Inspired Thank You Notes

Not all parents love the spotlight, but every volunteer loves to feel appreciated. Have your students help write or decorate thank-you cards that reflect the role parents play. Acknowledging the support goes a long way, whether it’s organizing folders or reading to small groups.

For a ready-to-use option, use these printable Thank You Notes for Staff. I also have a digital version, if you need it.

7. Personalized Classroom Supply Kit

If your volunteer is also a parent or caregiver, consider putting together a mini classroom-inspired gift. A small tote bag with sticky notes, flair pens, and a notepad (bonus if it’s customized with your class’s name!) can be a practical and personal way to say thanks. Add a tag that reads: "Thanks for being part of our team this year!"

Gift Ideas for School Support Staff

8. Group Thank You Cards from Students

Support staff—from cafeteria teams and office assistants to custodians and specials teachers—often don’t get the recognition they deserve.

Have students write short thank-you notes or draw pictures, then collect and compile them into a big card or small booklet. Display it in the staff lounge or hand-deliver it as a class.

To make it easier, try the ready-made Thank You Notes for Staff—they're printable (or digital!) and designed with each support role in mind.

9. Gratitude Wall in the Staff Lounge

Turn a blank bulletin board or hallway wall into a space filled with appreciation. Have your students write short thank-you notes, draw pictures, or complete sentence starters like:

• “Our school is better because you…”

• “You helped me when…”

• “Thank you for always…”

Mount the messages on colorful paper or sticky notes and arrange them in the shape of a heart, sun, or simply as a vibrant collage. Title it something like “You Make Our School Shine!” and invite support staff to visit during the final week of school.

It’s heartfelt, inclusive, and costs virtually nothing—while making a big emotional impact.

10. Gift Card Trees or Grab Bags

Want to make your support staff feel seen and celebrated?

Coordinate with teammates to collect small gift cards—think $5 to local coffee shops or places like Target—and attach them to a mini “tree” (a poster board, faux plant, or ribbon display works great).

You can also create grab bags in which each staff member chooses a surprise card. For even more meaning, add student drawings or notes.

Gift Ideas for Teaching Teams and Colleagues

11. DIY Teacher Survival Kit

Create a simple kit filled with everyday teacher lifesavers: lip balm, hand sanitizer, fun pens, sticky notes, mints, or chocolate. Toss them in a cute pouch or dollar-store container and include a note like “You survived the year—now here’s something for YOU!”

12. Starbucks Run or Coffee Bar Cart

Pool a few dollars from your grade-level team and surprise your hallway with a Starbucks delivery—or set up a DIY coffee cart with creamers, syrups, and a Keurig station. A little caffeine goes a long way this time of year!

13. Teacher Superlatives or Awards

Add a dose of humor and celebration by making superlatives for your colleagues: “Most Likely to Be Laminating at 7 AM” or “Most Creative Bulletin Board.” Use Canva to design them or print onto bright cardstock. It’s a fun way to end the year with laughter and connection.

Free & Low-Cost Gift Tips

Whatever route you choose, remember: meaningful doesn’t have to mean expensive. Here are a few tips to help you stay thoughtful and budget-conscious:

• Set a budget: Stick to what feels manageable. Even a $1 gift, when personalized, can go a long way.

• Reuse what you have: Leftover craft supplies, books from your sub tub, or extra classroom materials are great for student kits or support staff gifts.

• Team up: Partner with another teacher or a room parent to gather items or share prep tasks. Divide and conquer!

How to Organize It All Without Extra Stress

By this point in the school year, energy is low and the checklist is long. So how do we make these gift ideas happen without feeling like they’re just one more thing to do?

1. Batch Your Prep Work

Choose one block of time—during your planning period, a quiet lunch, or after dismissal—to prep all your student materials in one go. Lay out the bookmarks, tag templates, or bags assembly-line style. You’ll be surprised how quickly it goes when you’re not switching gears constantly.

2. Involve Your Students

Give students ownership by letting them decorate their own gift tags, write their thank-you notes, or pack items into bags. This turns the process into a memory-making activity and checks a task off your list.

3. Use Ready-to-Print Resources

Lean on what’s already done for you. From the free “O-Fish-Ally Summer” tags to the printable bookmarks and ready-made Thank You Notes for Staff, using pre-designed resources saves time and ensures your gifts feel intentional—not rushed.

Wrapping it up…

Whether you're celebrating students with a heartfelt note, thanking a dedicated volunteer with a digital scrapbook, or recognizing support staff with a thoughtful printable, end-of-year gifts don’t have to be complicated or expensive to be meaningful.

These small gestures go a long way in strengthening your classroom community, reinforcing appreciation, and sending everyone into summer feeling seen and valued.

And remember—you don’t have to do it all. Choose one or two ideas that feel doable and build from there. What matters most is the thought and gratitude behind the gift.

FAQs

What’s the best low-cost gift for students at the end of the year?

A personal note paired with a free bookmark or a “summer fun” tag is always a hit. Add a small item like bubbles or a pencil for a low-cost but meaningful gift.

How do I thank volunteers without spending a lot?

Digital scrapbooks, photo collages, and handwritten student notes make powerful (and free!) thank-yous. Involve your class to make it extra special.

What are some meaningful ways to thank support staff?

Personalized thank-you notes from students, paired with a small treat or your printable Thank You Notes for Staff set, are simple ways to show appreciation.

How can I organize gifts without overwhelming myself?

Batch prep tasks, involve students, and use pre-made printables to streamline the process. Start early if possible, and keep it simple.

Where can I find the free resources you mentioned?

You can download the free “O-Fish-Ally Summer” tags and printable bookmarks inside The Treasury, my free resource library for newsletter subscribers. If you’re not already a subscriber, you can sign up here. The Thank You Notes for Staff set is available in my shop here.

Pin these ideas for later:

Related posts:

As educators, we know this all too well. The "summer slide" isn't just a clever phrase—it's a reality backed by years of data and classroom experience. But with just a bit of strategy and a few engaging activities, we can empower families to keep the learning going without stress.

In this post, I’ll share practical, teacher-tested ways to help students stay on track while still enjoying their summer break.

And yes—there’s a free resource (or two!) you can grab today to make it even easier!

What Is the Summer Slide?

The “summer slide” refers to the learning loss that many students experience during the summer months when formal education stops. According to the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA), students can lose up to two months of reading and math skills over the summer.

Reading and math are the most commonly impacted areas, especially for elementary-aged learners. And unfortunately, students from underserved communities are disproportionately affected, widening achievement gaps by the time school resumes.

Why Preventing Summer Slide Matters

If you’ve been teaching any length of time, you know how frustrating it is to spend nine months nurturing reading stamina, decoding strategies, and fluency—only to re-teach half of it in September.

But if we proactively equip families with simple, actionable strategies, we not only help prevent regression—we foster a culture of year-round learning.

Even better? We help students return in the fall more confident, capable, and curious.

The Power of Daily Reading

Reading every day may sound like an obvious fix, but it's one of the most powerful ways to combat summer learning loss. Include these tips in your end of year newsletter to help families implement summer reading successfully:

• Keep goals age-appropriate: Encourage younger students (K–2) to read 10–15 minutes a day. Older students (grades 3–5) can stretch to 20–30 minutes.

• Offer a variety of reading materials: Graphic novels, sports magazines, comics, poetry, and audiobooks all count. It’s about building a habit, not forcing a reading log.

• Promote shared reading: Encourage families to take turns reading aloud. This builds fluency, vocabulary, and connection.

Fun and Effective Reading Activities

The ways to practice reading over the summer are endless. Here are three of my favorite ways to keep kids interested in learning all summer long:

• Reading Bingo Boards: Create a board with prompts like “read under a tree” or “read a book with a dog in it.” Students feel like they’re playing a game, not doing homework.

• Family Book Club: Choose a short novel everyone can read and discuss together. Let the kids pick the book to boost buy-in.

• Neighborhood Book Swap: Coordinate with a few parents to rotate books among their kids. New books = new excitement to read!

Want a free, ready-to-go solution?

Check out this free week of summer reading activities in The Treasury—it’s low-prep and high engagement.

Engaging Writing Practice Over the Summer

Writing is often overlooked in summer routines, but it’s a great way to build literacy without a worksheet in sight. Here are three ways students can practice writing without feeling like it’s “work”:

• Summer Journals: Ask students to jot down a daily sentence about their day, their favorite moment, or something they’re wondering about.

• Creative Prompts: Try open-ended starters like “If I had a pet dragon...” or “Describe a summer day on Mars.”

• Letter Writing: Have students write real letters to friends, cousins, or even their next-year teacher. It practices grammar, structure, and empathy.

Want a free, ready-to-go solution?

Be sure to download this free week of summer writing activities in The Treasury. It includes options for maker activities, too!

How Parents Can Support Summer Learning

We often assume families know what to do—but many truly need (and appreciate) specific ideas. Here are a few more tips to include in your end of year newsletter to help implement these ideas:

• Establish a Routine: Suggest a “morning learning block” (even 30 minutes!) before the day’s chaos kicks in.

• Prep a Learning Nook: A small bin with books, pencils, and puzzles gives kids a go-to space to learn.

• Keep It Low-Pressure: Remind families that simple moments—like talking about a book in the car—build comprehension too.

Tips for Teachers: Sending Students Home with Resources

The end of the school year is already packed with things to do. Let’s not add to that list! Here are two ways you can provide summer resources for your students without adding to your never ending to do list:

• Build Summer Kits: Start with class sets of readers you have on hand and won’t use next year. Grab everything out of your sub bin, extra copies bin, or magazine stack that you didn’t use this year. Also think about resources you have in your centers that can’t be reused next year.

• Pro Tip! Involve Students: Set out all the materials you’ve gathered and let them “shop” from tables around they room. Trust me - they will LOVE this!

• Let Me Do the Work For You: Don’t have a lot of “extras” leftover this year? Rather than taking the time to create summer kits for your kids, use the one I created for my own. My Summer Review Kit includes 8 weeks of reading, writing, and maker activities done for you! Just print and send home.

  • Find the print version here.

  • Find the bundle with print and digital versions here.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Families

Besides the resources you send home, families can access tons of free and low-cost materials students can use over the summer. Here are just three:

• Local Libraries: Free summer reading programs with incentives.

• My Treasury: Anyone who subscribes to my newsletter can access the free resources included in The Treasury. Families can sign up here to get access.

• Community Programs: YMCA, parks & rec, and Boys & Girls Clubs often offer weekly or monthly events and activities for students over the summer.

Wrapping it up…

Summer learning loss isn’t inevitable—and with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether it’s five minutes a day or a fun family challenge each week, small, consistent efforts make a big difference.

Don’t forget to get yourself - and your classroom - ready for summer break, too. 

Check out this post where I give you six easy steps to organize your classroom and prepare it for summer vacation, too. You’ll be glad you did! 

FAQs

1. What is summer slide in education? The "summer slide" is the term for academic regression that occurs over summer break, especially in reading and math.

2. How can I prevent summer learning loss? Encourage daily reading, math in real-life contexts, writing journals, and structured screen time.

3. What are good summer learning activities? Scavenger hunts, book clubs, cooking with math, science experiments, and library programs are all great options.

4. How much reading should a child do each week in summer? Aim for 70–140 minutes per week, depending on age and ability—spread out in small daily chunks.

5. Are there free resources available to prevent summer slide? Yes! Check out our free printables in the Treasury to get started right away.

Save these ideas for later:

Related posts:

Test prep. Just the phrase alone can make even the most seasoned teacher cringe.

It’s that necessary evil we all have to deal with. And the usual approach—cramming endless practice tests into an already-packed schedule feels like a disservice to both you and your students. 

No one became a teacher to drill and kill. But standardized tests aren’t going anywhere, so how do we prepare students without making test prep such a dreaded and draining experience?

The key?

Weaving it into what you’re already doing, so students build the skills they need without even realizing they’re “prepping.” 

This shift transforms test prep from an isolated chore into a seamless part of daily instruction. When done right, it enhances learning rather than interrupting it—ensuring that students are prepared without feeling overwhelmed.

Here’s how to make that happen:

Seven Strategies for Integrating ELA Test Prep in Your Upper Elementary Classroom

1. Make Test-Like Questions a Daily Routine

You don’t need a stack of bubble sheets to get students comfortable with test questions. Instead, embed test-like questions into your everyday instruction. 

Reading a novel as a class? Pause and ask, “How would the author’s perspective change if this were written from a different point of view?” 

Reviewing vocabulary? Instead of simple definitions, have students identify word meanings in context, just like they’ll see on the test.

By normalizing these types of questions in casual discussions and assignments, students stop seeing them as “test prep” and start seeing them as part of how we read and think critically.

2. Use High-Quality Passages That Do Double Duty

Your reading materials should work for you, not against you. Whenever possible, choose texts that align with your curriculum and mimic the structure and complexity of standardized test passages.

This way, students get consistent exposure to the types of texts they’ll encounter on test day—without needing to set aside extra time for “test prep.”

For example, if you’re studying historical fiction, use a passage that requires students to analyze point of view or author’s purpose. 

If you’re working on nonfiction, choose a text with text features (charts, subheadings, captions) and ask questions about how they enhance understanding. 

The more practice they get with test-like reading experiences in authentic ways, the less intimidating the actual test will feel.

3. Embed Vocabulary in Meaningful Contexts

Let’s be real—memorizing a list of vocabulary words isn’t going to cut it. Instead, make vocabulary a daily habit by weaving it into everything you do.

• Create a “word of the week” challenge where students try to use the word in their writing and discussions.

• Play quick vocabulary games during transitions (think: “Which of these words best describes the main character’s actions?”).

• Teach test-specific vocabulary (like analyze, infer, evaluate) in real context, not as isolated definitions.

When students consistently encounter and use new words in meaningful ways, they develop a stronger vocabulary—something that pays off on test day and in real-world literacy.

4. Make Writing to Prompts a Regular Practice

Instead of cramming a few weeks of test-writing practice before the big day, make responding to prompts a natural part of your writing instruction.

• Start small. Give students quick, informal prompts that take five minutes to respond to.

• Break it down. Model how to analyze a prompt, plan a response, and support ideas with evidence.

• Peer review with purpose. Have students swap papers and highlight where they see strong evidence, clear explanations, and transitions—skills they’ll need on the test.

The more students engage in structured writing practice throughout the year, the more natural it becomes—making test-day writing feel like just another assignment, not a high-stakes performance.

5. Model and Analyze Strong Responses

Ever noticed how students struggle to answer open-ended questions because they have no idea what a good answer looks like? Fix that by consistently analyzing and deconstructing strong responses together.

Take a sample response and ask:

• What makes this answer effective?

• How does the writer use evidence?

• What transitions help ideas flow?

By dissecting strong examples, students learn how to structure their own responses—and gain the confidence to tackle open-ended questions with clarity and purpose.

6. Use Peer Teaching to Reinforce Skills

Students learn best when they teach each other. Assign small groups a specific test-taking strategy or skill, and have them create a mini-lesson to present to the class. Not only does this deepen their understanding, but it also engages students in a way that traditional test prep never could.

Ideas for peer-led activities:

• Have students create a test-taking tips poster with strategies for different question types.

• Set up a “teaching station” rotation where students move from group to group, learning test skills from their peers.

• Assign paired practice where students take turns explaining their thinking as they answer questions together.

When students take ownership of their learning, it sticks.

7. Make Critical Thinking a Daily Habit

Standardized tests aren’t just about answering questions correctly—they’re about thinking critically. Build these skills into your daily instruction with regular discussions, debates, and analysis activities.

• Instead of asking, What happened in the story?, ask Why do you think the author made that choice?

• Challenge students to back up their opinions with text evidence.

• Create “what would you do?” scenarios where students have to problem-solve using critical thinking.

When students are trained to think deeply and articulate their ideas, they’ll be better prepared for anything the test throws their way.

Resource: Test Prep Integration Checklist

To support you, I’ve created a "Test Prep Integration Checklist"—a simple tool designed to help you identify opportunities to blend test preparation seamlessly into your existing lesson plans.

This checklist will guide you through evaluating your lessons for natural ways to integrate test prep methods, ensuring continuity in every day instruction and success on the test.

Find the resource in The Treasury.

Not a member yet? You can join here.

Final thoughts…

Test prep doesn’t have to be a miserable experience—for you or your students. By embedding test-taking skills into your daily instruction, you eliminate the need for last-minute cramming while ensuring that students feel confident and prepared.

The best part? These strategies don’t just prepare students for a test. They build real literacy skills that empower students far beyond test day.

And that’s the ultimate goal, isn’t it?

FAQs

1. How do I make test prep engaging for reluctant learners?

Incorporate games, student-led activities, and real-world applications to make test prep feel less like a chore and more like a challenge.

2. What’s the best way to help students with test anxiety?

Normalize test-like tasks throughout the year, emphasize growth over perfection, and model positive test-taking mindsets.

3. How often should I incorporate test prep activities?

Instead of setting aside “test prep days,” embed strategies into your daily lessons so that test readiness is ongoing and seamless.

4. What if I have limited time for extra test prep?

Good news—you don’t need extra time! Just tweak your existing instruction to naturally include test-relevant questions, vocabulary, and critical thinking activities.

5. How do I balance test prep with authentic literacy instruction?

Use high-quality texts, meaningful discussions, and integrated writing tasks so that test prep enhances learning rather than detracting from it.

Click to save these ideas for later:

Related posts you might like…

The truth? 

Effective differentiation comes from smart systems, not endless prep. 

After years of trial and error, I found that small, strategic adjustments work better than elaborate plans. The goal isn’t to create more work for yourself—it’s to use efficient strategies that provide maximum support with minimal effort.

Today, I’m sharing 5 practical differentiation techniques that transformed my instruction from overwhelming to manageable. Plus, I’m sharing three additional strategies tested by a few upper elementary teaching friends.

Table of Contents

• Why Quick Differentiation Strategies Matter

• Using Pre-Leveled Reading Passages for Independent Practice

• Scaffold Writing with Sentence Starters

• Quick Vocabulary Activities for Differentiation

• Flexible Grouping for Targeted Support

• Use Technology for Personalized Learning

• Incorporate Choice Into Your Literacy Block

• Tips for Differentiating Summarizing Instruction

• More Ways to Give Students Options

• FAQs

Why Quick Differentiation Strategies Matter

Differentiation Without the Overwhelm

Meeting the needs of diverse learners doesn’t mean rewriting every lesson plan. Instead, small, intentional adjustments ensure all students can access and engage with the content at their level. Classroom teachers who establish a differentiated classroom set students up for success without overwhelming themselves.

Supporting Literacy Growth Across Levels

Whether you teach struggling readers, advanced learners, English language learners, or a mix of both, differentiation helps students develop foundational skills and progress toward complex text comprehension.

Saving Time While Maximizing Impact

These quick, easy strategies integrate seamlessly into your routine while ensuring all students thrive. A variety of strategies allows for flexible implementation based on student needs and available resources.

Strategy #1: Use Pre-Leveled Reading Passages for Independent Practice

Why It Works:

Instead of rewriting texts at multiple levels, use pre-leveled passages that allow students to read at a comfortable level without requiring constant teacher intervention. Providing entry points at different levels ensures that individual students can engage meaningfully with the material.

How to Implement:

• Organize leveled reading passages by topic or skill in color-coded folders for easy access.

• Use paired reading to allow groups of students at different levels to read the same content with different levels of support.

• Assign leveled comprehension questions to scaffold critical thinking.

Strategy #2: Scaffold Writing with Sentence Starters

Why It Works:

Sentence starters give students the structure they need to confidently express their ideas, especially struggling writers who might not know where to begin. This is an effective strategy for addressing individual needs while still promoting independent thinking.

How to Implement:

• Provide differentiated sentence stems for different writing tasks. For example:

  • Basic: “The main idea of this story is…”

  • Intermediate: “One reason the character made this choice is…”

  • Advanced: “If the setting had been different, then…”

• Create a classroom sentence starter board students can reference during independent writing.

• Use tiered sentence stems in reading response journals to scaffold thinking.

Strategy #3: Quick Vocabulary Activities for Differentiation

Why It Works:

Vocabulary instruction is essential, but it doesn’t have to be one-size-fits-all. These quick activities adjust easily to different learning levels, enhancing student achievement by helping students build connections between prior knowledge and new concepts.

How to Implement:

• Use tiered word lists, offering different sets of words based on student proficiency.

• Play vocabulary sorting games, where students categorize words by difficulty or meaning.

• Implement word journaling, where students select words they find challenging and create personalized definitions and examples.

Strategy #4: Flexible Grouping for Targeted Support

Why It Works:

Forget permanent ability groups—flexible grouping allows students to collaborate, peer-teach, and receive targeted support without rigid labels. Small-group instruction ensures that students receive direct instruction in a way that meets their specific reading skills and levels.

How to Implement:

• Group students based on skill gaps, learning styles, or interests rather than fixed levels.

• Rotate reading partners or small groups weekly to keep interactions fresh and dynamic.

• Use quick exit tickets to determine which students need additional support before forming groups.

Strategy #5: Incorporate Technology for Personalized Learning

Why It Works:

Technology provides self-paced practice, immediate feedback, and adaptive support for literacy skills, ensuring that differentiation is accessible and manageable for classroom teachers.

How to Implement:

• Use reading apps like Epic! or Raz-Kids to provide leveled reading practice.

• Assign digital vocabulary games to reinforce new words through interactive play.

• Use Google Forms or digital quizzes for quick, low-prep formative assessments.

3 More Strategies

Hear from three friends who have found success differentiating in their classrooms: 

Differentiation can be doable (and even fun!) by adding student choice to the mix! Once Marianna from Creatively Comprehensive incorporated choice into her literacy block, she never looked back.

Her key to managing it all? Start small, focus on WHAT students need to learn, and HOW they like to learn. She breaks it all down in this post about integrating choice into spelling and word study practice. Read it to grab all Marianna's best tips for using choice as a tool to differentiate!

Struggling to differentiate your centers? Here are her 5 Tips for Year Round Centers.

Teaching students how to summarize is no easy task! It is often the most difficult of all the reading strategies for students to grasp. The concept of gathering all of the important information from the reading and recapping it in a short, yet informative paragraph is a challenge for most upper elementary students.

Jeanine, from Think Grow Giggle, knows that introducing the concept of summaries to students can be taught in a whole group setting, to truly help students master the skill of summarizing differentiated instruction is a must! By doing so, students will not only understand how to summarize, but the why summarize, too.

Read all the tips for differentiating your summarizing instruction here and help your students succeed! 

“Teacher, this is boring!” or “I don’t want to do that!”

Sound familiar?

Even with the most exciting activity planned, there are always a few students who just aren’t interested. And when students aren’t motivated, it’s unlikely they’ll give their best effort. So, how can you overcome this challenge?

One effective strategy is offering choices! Giving students options empowers them and boosts their motivation. In my classroom, students love having a say in what they work on—it transforms their engagement and makes learning more meaningful.

Want to see how Jacqueline from The Little Ladybug Shop incorporates choice into her classroom? Click here to read more!

Wrapping it up…

Differentiation doesn’t have to mean extra work—with smart systems and simple strategies, you can meet your students’ needs without spending hours planning. Try one or two strategies this week and see what works best for your students!

FAQs

1. How can I differentiate literacy instruction without extra planning?

Use leveled passages, sentence starters, and small-group activities to provide targeted support efficiently.

2. What are some quick ways to support students at different reading levels?

Assign leveled reading passages, use flexible grouping, and incorporate digital tools to personalize learning.

3. How do I use sentence starters to scaffold writing for different levels?

Provide tiered sentence stems that offer structure while encouraging independent thought.

4. What’s an easy way to track student progress in differentiated activities?

Use exit tickets, digital assessments, and quick student check-ins to monitor growth with minimal effort.

Click to save for later:

Related posts…

Been there.

After years of post-break chaos (including one memorable January where I couldn’t find my lesson planner for two days), I’ve learned a few strategies for stress-free classroom prep. These time-saving tips for teachers before winter break will set the stage for a smooth January classroom reset.

Table of Contents

• Stress-Free Classroom Prep Systems for January Success

• First-Week Back Teacher Tips for January Success

• FAQs About Post-Break Classroom Success

Stress-Free Classroom Prep Strategies for January Success

You don’t need elaborate systems or hours of prep to start January strong. What you need are focused, high-impact strategies that work for upper elementary classrooms. These practical January classroom strategies will help you create organization without overwhelm.

1. Your Pre-Break Power Hour

These time-saving tips for teachers before winter break will make the biggest difference when you return:

• Create Your Command Center

  • Clear your teacher space of everything except January essentials.

  • Set up one clearly labeled bin for first-week materials.

  • Organize your digital files into a simple "January Launch" folder.

• Prep Your Power Tools

  • Load your first week of Daily Agenda Slides.

  • Print essential handouts for your first three days.

  • Update anchor charts for your first teaching point.

  • Gather materials for your first read-aloud.

2. Empower Your Students Through Classroom Leadership

Student-led classroom organization not only saves you time but also builds ownership and responsibility. Use these upper elementary classroom jobs to involve students effectively:

• Library Champions

  • Assign student teams to organize books by genre and maintain systems for checkout.

  • Review proper book care and organization with a simple reminder session.

• Supply Managers

  • Inventory current supplies and create organized systems for distribution.

  • Set up easy-access stations for frequently used materials.

• Organization Experts

  • Label and organize shared spaces like book bins, supply areas, and homework stations.

  • Guide students in maintaining clean, functional workspaces.
    
    

3. Pre-Plan Your Self-Care

You can’t pour from an empty cup, especially during the first week back to school after break. These teacher self-care tips for January focus on small actions with big impact:

Set Realistic Boundaries

• Choose one afternoon before break to prep materials instead of overloading yourself.

• Plan simple, review-based activities for your first week back.

• Remember: Your students need you refreshed more than they need elaborate lessons.

Create Your Comfort Corner

• Stock your desk with your favorite tea or coffee.

• Keep protein-rich snacks on hand to maintain energy.

• Leave yourself an encouraging note to start the semester with positivity.

A note from Marianna

We all know how it goes. Your last student is dismissed, Winter Break has officially started, and you're ready to do the Run Rudolph Run 100-yard dash to the parking lot!

As tempting as it is to just leave, you'll thank yourself in January if you take care of just a few tasks before stuffing your lanyard into your teacher bag for a few weeks. Marianna from Creatively Comprehensive has a few things she recommends all teachers do the week before break starts.

One is having students clean out their personal storage area, whether it be their desk, cubby, plastic container, or anything else where papers and who knows what else can accumulate! Put on some festive music and give students a moment to declutter and reorganize, so everyone is ready to start fresh in January.

Marianna's other suggestion is to set up your themed bulletin board for January before you leave in December. It's a simple task that you'll be so happy is taken care of once school starts again. Find out how Marianna makes bulletin boards simple and student focused with her Bulletin Boards for Busy Teachers kits!

First-Week Back Teacher Tips for January Success

The first days back set the tone for your entire quarter. Success comes down to mastering how to reset classroom routines after winter break. These simple strategies will help you start strong:

1. Start with Connection, Not Content

• Begin with a meaningful morning meeting to re-establish classroom culture.

• Use Daily Agenda Slides to rebuild predictable routines.

• Save the heavy lifting for week two—focus on one key teaching point per subject.

2. Focus on Predictability and Simplicity

• Reintroduce procedures interactively. For example, turn classroom rules into a fun review game.

• Build engagement with movement breaks or partner work during transitions.

3. Use a Simple Schedule

Here’s an example framework to ease into routines while building structure:

• Day One

  • Morning meeting focused on sharing break experiences.

  • Review of classroom procedures through interactive activities.

  • Simple reading and math review tasks.

  • End-of-day reflection and goal setting.

• Day Two

  • Begin regular routines with extra support and modeling.

  • Use partner work or small groups for skill review.

  • Integrate movement breaks between lessons.

• Day Three

  • Run small group rotations for targeted instruction.

  • Allow independent work time to assess student needs.

  • Host a class meeting to address any questions or concerns.

Your Next Steps for January Classroom Success

January success isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things. Start with your Daily Agenda Slides and one strong morning meeting plan. Build from there, focusing on what matters most: creating a structured, supportive environment where both you and your students can thrive.

Share your favorite post-break success strategies in the comments below. Together, we can make January a month of growth and achievement rather than stress and overwhelm.

FAQs About Post-Break Classroom Success

What should teachers do before winter break?

Focus on organizing your teaching materials for the first three days back. Don’t overwhelm yourself with monthly planning—prepare for a strong start instead.

How can I prepare my classroom for January?

Begin with time-saving tips for teachers before winter break. Set up a "January Essentials" bin, prepare your Daily Agenda Slides, and organize key materials.

How to organize a classroom after winter break?

Use student-led classroom organization strategies to involve your students. Assign tasks like organizing supplies, setting up stations, and maintaining the library. Find Classroom Job Cards here.

How to reset routines in an elementary classroom?

Focus on how to reset classroom routines after winter break. Start with simple morning meetings, reintroduce procedures interactively, and prioritize predictability.

What are quick morning messages for teachers?

Use Daily Agenda Slides with prompts like “What is one goal you have for this semester?” to re-establish connections and build routines. Find Daily Agenda Slides here.

Click to save for later:

Related posts…

Here are four simple reading strategies that will help you inspire students to reconnect with books after the winter break.

4 Simple Reading Strategies to Engage Students After Winter Break

1. Fresh Start: New Books to Engage Readers After Winter Break

After the winter break, students are often eager for something new. One effective way to engage students in reading is by refreshing your classroom library with high-interest books that connect to their current interests and experiences. This doesn’t have to mean a complete overhaul—adding a few new titles, genres, or creating a “new books” display can breathe new life into your reading environment.

Tips for Implementing New Books:

• Host a Book Tasting: Set up stations with a variety of exciting new titles from different genres—graphic novels, non-fiction, short stories, and novels. Let students “sample” the books by reading a few pages and selecting one for independent reading. This strategy helps rebuild reading routines.

• Cozy Classroom Library: Refresh your classroom reading space to make it more inviting. A cozy corner or new seating can encourage students to see independent reading time as something to look forward to.

• Introduce Student Book Clubs: Organize small groups where students read the same book and discuss it together. Creating a community around shared reading can make it more social and engaging.

2. Reading Challenges to Rebuild Reading Habits After Winter Break

Keeping the momentum going after a break can be tricky, but reading challenges offer a great way to motivate students. Friendly competition and clear reading goals encourage students to reconnect with books and build good reading habits.

Ideas for Creating Fun Reading Challenges:

• Class-Wide Reading Goal: Set a goal for the class to collectively read a certain number of pages or books, such as “Read 2024 Pages in 2024.” Display a tracking chart in your classroom so students can celebrate their progress and milestones together.

• Use Digital Reading Apps: Tools like Epic! or Bookopolis can track reading progress, offer rewards for completion, and allow students to share reviews. Digital platforms add an interactive element to reading that many students find appealing.

• Themed Reading Challenges: Create specific reading tasks that encourage students to explore new genres or topics. For example, challenge them to “Read a book by a new author” or “Finish a book set in winter.” These themed challenges can reignite enthusiasm for reading.

To help make this idea easy to implement, I’ve created a free printable challenge page for you. You can find it, along with dozens of other free resources, in The Treasury. Not a member yet? Sign up for free here.

3. Interactive Read-Alouds to Engage Students After the Holiday Break

Interactive read-alouds are one of the most effective ways to re-engage students in shared reading experiences. Coming back from a break, students benefit from hearing stories read aloud in a way that allows them to actively participate in comprehension, prediction, and discussion.

Strategies for Effective Read-Alouds:

• Select High-Interest Books: Choose books that capture students' attention immediately, whether it’s a mystery, a fantasy adventure, or relatable realistic fiction. This is a great time to introduce a new series that can keep students hooked over time.

• Interactive Tools: Use technology like digital whiteboards or shared documents where students can jot down predictions, reflections, or favorite quotes. These tools allow for instant feedback and engage students in the reading process.

• Engaging Activities: Break up the reading with interactive elements like partner discussions, sketching scenes, or making predictions. This encourages students to stay involved and think more deeply about the text.

I’ve also created a free Read-Aloud Reflection Sheet for you. You can download it inside The Treasury.

4. Group Reading Activities to Boost Student Engagement

Group projects are an excellent way to engage students in reading while fostering collaboration and accountability. These activities encourage students to work together, discuss books, and share their learning in creative ways.

Ideas for Collaborative Reading Activities:

• Create a Book Trailer or Podcast: Have students collaborate in groups to create a book trailer video or a podcast episode discussing a book they read. This allows them to use technology creatively while taking ownership of their reading experience.

• Classroom Debates or Discussions: Organize debates or discussions on themes or characters from a shared reading selection. This deepens students' engagement with the text and helps them form opinions supported by evidence from the book.

• Literature Circles: In small groups, assign each student a role (discussion leader, illustrator, summarizer) to facilitate group reading discussions. This ensures that each student contributes and stays actively engaged with the reading material.

Ready to try this strategy with your students? Find ready-to-use Literature Circle resources here.

Ready to Get Started?

Re-engaging students in reading after winter break can be easy and rewarding with just a few simple strategies. Whether you're introducing fresh new books, creating fun reading challenges, planning interactive read-alouds, or organizing group activities, these ideas will help your students rediscover the joy of reading. The best part? You’re fostering a classroom where reading is fun, collaborative, and something students look forward to every day.

Find these strategies helpful? Share this post with other teachers on your favorite platform! Short on time? Click the image to save these ideas for whenever you're ready.

Click to save for later:

Related posts…

This post contains affiliate links, which if used to purchase an item, provides me with a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Oh, the holidays...

Remember walking into your classroom during the month of December when it was a wonderland of paper snowflakes and cinnamon? As students, we were filled with the excitement of special holiday projects and a long winter break right around the corner.

Now, as educators, it's our turn to create that magical atmosphere for our students.

But with the wonder comes the challenge: how to maintain learning with all the holiday distractions and heightened energy levels.

The solution isn't to banish the holiday spirit but to embrace it thoughtfully. Integrating holiday themes into your ELA curriculum can actually accentuate your lessons - allowing students to experience the joy of the season and you the satisfaction of planning time well spent.

Here are five ways to integrate holiday festivities into your English Language Arts curriculum.

Quick Engagement Boosters: Holiday-Themed ELA Challenges

Incorporating quick, holiday-themed activities keeps lessons lively and engaging. These exercises are designed to be easily integrated into the curriculum, offering a festive twist to regular classroom activities.

1. Vocabulary Voyage

Introduce a word-building relay. Students could take 'winter' and build related words like 'twine', 'intern', 'write', boosting both their vocabulary and spelling skills in a competitive team format.

2. Quick-Fire Debates

Launch impromptu debates on topics with depth, such as "Technology enhances the holiday experience," or "Handwritten holiday cards hold more value than digital greetings." These topics encourage students to not only articulate their thoughts clearly, but also respectfully.

3. Literary Device Bingo

Develop a bingo game with a twist, using literary devices like metaphors, similes, personification, and alliteration. Students must identify an example from their current reading or create their own that fits the device to mark their bingo sheet.

Flash Writing Fun: Captivating Quick Writes for the Holidays

Flash writing activities provide students with an opportunity to quickly engage in creative and reflective writing. These prompts are designed to be short yet thought-provoking, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules.

1. Inventive Daily Logs

Stir the imagination with daily prompts that delve deeper, such as "Design your ideal magical holiday village and its unique tradition," or "Compose a journal entry from the perspective of a character experiencing their first snow."

2. Expressive Poetry Sprints

Invite students to turn their holiday feelings into verse. Prompts could include crafting a cinquain about a 'frosty morning,' a haiku capturing the 'silence of snowfall,' or a free verse on 'the dance of holiday lights.'

3. Reflective Snapshots

Provide a platform for reflection with thoughtful prompts. Students can consider "If you had a budget to create a holiday community event, what would it be and why?" or "Write about a time when a small act of kindness during the holidays made a big difference."

Exploring Themes in Literature 

1. Seasonal Literature Circles

Literature circles offer a fantastic way to explore holiday themes. By choosing books that resonate with the season, teachers can encourage students to engage in meaningful discussions while developing their critical thinking and comprehension skills.

• Engage the spirit of gratitude through ‘Front Desk’ by Kelly Yang, by discussing the generous community at the Calivista Motel.

• Unravel themes of selflessness with ‘The Last Stop on Market Street’ by Matt de la Peña.

• Explore the journey of joy and family bonds in ‘The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street’ by Karina Yan Glaser.

Need help getting started with Literature Circles? Find everything you need here. Once you have your materials, learn how to use them here.

2. Character Spotlights

Focusing on characters from seasonal literature allows students to explore diverse perspectives and develop empathy. This approach also helps in understanding character development and motives within a holiday context.

• Investigate the transformation of Stella from ‘Stella by Starlight’ by Sharon M. Draper, as she overcomes her fears in the face of injustice.

• Delve into the resilience and hopeful spirit of Ha from ‘Inside Out & Back Again’ by Thanhha Lai, as she adjusts to life in a new country.

• Explore how Ally’s hidden strengths unfold in ‘Fish in a Tree’ by Lynda Mullaly Hunt, teaching us that everyone has the potential to excel.

3. Festive Debates

Debates on holiday-related themes encourage students to think critically and articulate their thoughts coherently, fostering skills in argumentation and text analysis.

• Spark discussions with prompts like “Can you find happiness in difficult circumstances?”, inspired by the optimism of characters in ‘Crenshaw’ by Katherine Applegate.

• Debate the essence of self-worth versus material wealth as showcased in ‘Amina’s Voice’ by Hena Khan.

• Challenge students to define the ‘holiday spirit’ through the lens of family, community, and giving, as exemplified in ‘The Proudest Blue’ by Ibtihaj Muhammad.

Crafting Stories: Spinning Yarns with Holiday Flair

Engaging students in creative writing with a holiday twist helps develop their imagination and storytelling skills. These activities allow students to express their thoughts creatively while maintaining a focus on the learning objectives.

1. Story Starters with a Seasonal Twist

Encourage imaginative explorations with prompts like:

• "What adventure awaits a lost elf using GPS to get back to the North Pole?"

• "Imagine a snow creature awakens in your local park – what happens next?"

• "A day in the life of a young reindeer experiencing their first snowfall at a new school."

2. Holiday Scenes

Boost sensory details in students’ writing by asking them to:

• describe a family preparing a holiday meal in a futuristic setting

• the inside workings of a snow globe containing a miniature city or

• the other-worldly experience of a starlit ride on a mythical creature

3. Character Creation

Encourage students create their own holiday-inspired character, such as:

• a robot designed to spread festive joy

• an apprentice magician tasked with crafting the perfect winter day

After creating their character, asks students to answer questions like:

• what obstacles might a holiday spirit face in the summer?

• what unique traditions does their character bring to the holiday table?

Cultural Journeys: Embracing Winter Celebrations from Around the World

Exploring global festivities through literature and discussion enhances students' cultural awareness and literacy skills. These activities provide insights into different holiday celebrations, enriching the classroom experience.

1. Enriched Multicultural Read-Alouds

Introduce students to Diwali with ‘Amma, Tell Me About Diwali!’, delve into Kwanzaa through ‘My First Kwanzaa Book’, and journey to Las Posadas with ‘The Night of Las Posadas’.

2. Comparative Celebrations

Analyze and discuss how the Scottish Hogmanay’s ‘first-footing’ is similar or different from New Year's customs in other cultures, such as the American ball drop or Spain’s grape tradition.

3. Interwoven Holiday Themes

Examine the strength and perseverance in The Story of Hanukkah and discuss how these values are represented in various holiday narratives across cultures.

4. Tradition Sharing: Weaving Together Stories of the Season

Foster a classroom community where diverse holiday traditions are shared, valued, and become learning opportunities for all.

5. Interactive Tradition Exchange

Organize a classroom event where students can display and discuss an artifact from their holiday practices, whether it’s a festive garment, a decorative item, or a family photo, and its place in their traditions.

6. Cultural Exhibition Projects

Guide students in creating comprehensive displays that represent different holiday customs, complete with visual aids, descriptive tags, and even interactive elements like QR codes linking to related music or spoken-word explanations.

In each of these activities, you're doing more than just covering ELA standards. You're giving students valuable life lessons within the context of the holiday season, encouraging them to bring their own stories and experiences to the learning process.

Want even more ideas? Download our free “ELA Holiday Engagement Toolkit” filled with additional ideas to begin crafting memorable learning experiences today!

Find it, along with dozens of other free resources inside The Treasury.

Click to save for later:

Related posts…

It’s also time to focus on ending this year on a positive note. Make the last memories of this school year good ones for you and your students.

I have some tips and resources that will help you do just that. They are easy to implement, involve little to no prep, and will put smiles on the faces of you and your students.

5 Ways to End the Year on a Positive Note

1. Stay in the moment - no matter how long your to-do list is

I know. Your end of the school year to-do list is filled with need-to-get-dones, want-to-get-dones, and absolutely-have-to-get-dones.

It feels like there’s not enough time to finish everything on your list.

Just remember - your time with this class, with these students, is almost over. Each year has its own personality and your relationship with each student is unique. Don’t be so busy you forget to be present with them as the year comes to a close. 

All the things that have to get done will - the papers will get filed, the classroom will get packed. But there’s only so much time left with those little humans. And many of them are dreading the day they say goodbye to you.

So soak up as much as you can while there’s still time. You’ll be glad you did.

2. Capture memories from the year in Memory books

This is the time for students to remember what they learned and how they’ve grown. To think about their favorite book they read in literature circles, the day they conquered their hesitancy over writing, and that new friend they made.

They’ll love seeing how much they’ve grown as students this year and how much they overcame to do it. While your students are working on their memory books, consider making one of your own.

Want a no-prep memory book resource to use with your students? I have two your students will love. Click here to find both.

3. Recognize (and celebrate) this school year’s accomplishments

Have you taken the time to think about all you accomplished this year? No doubt you faced challenges and obstacles different than in any other year of teaching.

Take a moment to recognize and celebrate what you achieved.

• List five wins you had this year.

• Think of a challenge you faced - and conquered.

• List at least five wins your students had this year because of you.

Celebrate the accomplishments of those people who journeyed through this school year with you.

• Guide students through their own lists of wins and challenges faced.

• Give positive feedback and encouragement to staff members and admin who faced their own challenges this year.

• Thank your team - especially those without whom you can’t imagine teaching without. Download these ready to go note templates to make it as simple as possible.

4. Focus on Kindness

It’s easy for students to spend time thinking about and talking about what went wrong. A slight from a friend, whether real or imagined. A game on the playground that didn’t go their way. A homework assignment forgotten at home.

Instead, help them remember times someone was kind to them. A classmate, a teacher or staff member, a family member. There is kindness to be found in every day.

I love working with students as they remember kindness that was shown to them. They get excited and feel the effects of the kind gesture all over again. And when they thank the person who was kind, that feeling continues. Talk about keeping things positive!

My Kindness Writing Activities are a great, low-prep way to guide students as they remember and recognize kindness that was shown to them in school or in their community. Find monthly kits here.

5. Exchange letters with your students

Some students like to talk.

No kidding, right?

Other students aren’t as comfortable expressing themselves verbally. I’ve used letter writing with students who had behavioral or emotional challenges in the classroom with great results.

The end of the year is another great time to write letters to your students. Take this time to share memories of the year, things they accomplished that made you so proud, challenges they overcame.

And encourage your students to write back, sharing what was special to them about this school year. I bet you’ll be surprised at what you read.

You can use my Letters to My Teacher resource in so many ways throughout the year. Exchanging end of the year letters with your students is just one of them. Find digital and printable versions here.

Final thoughts…

The end of the school year brings stress, exhaustion, and endless to-dos. It can also bring joy and positivity. I hope these tips and strategies will help you end your year on a positive note.

Ending your school year on a positive note has to include organizing your classroom. There’s no getting around it. Getting it ready for summer vacation, but also ready for next year.

Check out this post where I give you six easy steps to follow that will make all the difference.

Click to save for later:

Related posts:

If you're anything like me, you've probably found yourself at the tail end of the school year searching for one last meaningful activity to end the year. 

The end of the year shouldn't just be a slow crawl to summer break but a time to consolidate learning and celebrate growth.

When I began implementing end-of-year projects, it transformed the way I approached those final few weeks. 

Even more, it transformed how students behaved, interacted, and actually enjoyed those last few weeks of school.

Here are eight quick tips for implementing collaborative learning at the end of the year - or any time throughout the school year.

The Power of End-of-Year Projects

End-of-year projects can be the highlight of the school year. They're not just about filling time; they offer students a chance to showcase their learning, work collaboratively, and make connections to the world beyond the classroom.

More than just a review, these projects are a chance for students to take ownership of their learning, applying skills and knowledge in creative, often unexpected ways.

Easy Tips for Implementing Engaging Collaborative Projects

Creating an engaging and meaningful end-of-year project doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are practical tips to ensure these projects are as rewarding for you as they are for your students:

1. Integrate Multiple Disciplines

Encourage projects that touch on several subjects. For instance, a project might combine science with art or history with technology. This interdisciplinary approach helps students see the connections between different areas of knowledge and provides you with a more complete picture of students' understanding.

2. Choose a Core Concept

Start with a key idea or theme from your year's curriculum that resonated with students. Use this as the foundation for your project, ensuring relevance and depth.

3. Include Student Choice

Allowing students to have a say in their project topic or presentation method can significantly boost engagement. When students are invested in their work, the quality and depth of their learning improve.

4. Emphasize Collaboration

Make these projects a collaborative effort. Not only does this mirror real-world scenarios, but it also builds skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.

5. Encourage Creativity

Give students the freedom to express their findings or understandings in formats that resonate with them. Whether it's through art, technology, presentations, or writing, creative projects can ignite a student's passion and interest in a subject.

6. Utilize Technology

From creating digital portfolios to making short films or podcasts, technology can play a central role in end-of-year projects. It not only makes the projects more engaging but also equips students with valuable 21st-century skills.

7. Present to an Audience

Whether it’s a class presentation, a display for parents during an open house, or a video shared with the school community, having an audience for their projects gives students a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

8. Reflect and Celebrate

Incorporate reflection into the project process. Have students think about what they learned, the challenges they faced, and how they overcame them. Celebrate all achievements, big and small, to close the year on a positive note.

Collaborative Project Planning Checklist

To ease the planning process, we’ve created an End-of-Year Project Planning Checklist. It’s designed to help you align your project with curriculum goals and foster student collaboration.

From idea generation to execution, this checklist is your partner in making collaborative projects successful no matter when you decide to implement them.

You can find this checklist inside The Treasury. Not a member yet? No problem - sign up for free here.

Remember, the end of the school year is an opportunity—a chance to solidify learning, inspire reflection, and celebrate achievements.

Projects help make the most of it, for yourself and your students.

Pin these ideas for later:

Related posts:

This is where Adaptive Planning isn't just a nice-to-have; it's your educational snow tires, offering traction when the unexpected happens.

Don't let snow days throw your ELA curriculum off course. Discover five adaptive planning strategies to maintain student engagement and lesson momentum through winter's unpredictable weather.

From quick shifts to emergency kits, this post offers practical tips for upper elementary teachers to keep the pages turning and the learning consistent, even when the weather outside is frightful.

Plus we have a free “Emergency ELA Kit List” for you to download, too!

The Winter Dilemma in Upper Elementary ELA

Let's talk about winter, not the holiday card kind, but the real-life, mess-up-your-teaching-schedule kind. You've seen it happen: just as your class hits their stride with a writing project or delves into a complex character analysis, a weather closure hits and the momentum vanishes. 

In the heart of winter, when unexpected breaks disrupt our lesson plans, it's essential to have strategies in place that keep our students engaged and learning on track.

This is what Adaptive Planning is all about — it's a practical approach to ensure that sudden school closures don't mean a pause in education. Our goal is to maintain a consistent learning experience, where each day builds on the last, regardless of the weather outside.

Adaptive Planning Defined: Your Educational Snow Tires

Adaptive Planning equips you for those unpredictable days when your school schedules change without warning. It's about being prepared to adjust your teaching plans with confidence. It’s about being ready to pivot, not panic.

When unexpected closures or interruptions come up, you're ready to seamlessly shift your approach, ensuring that your students' learning doesn't just press on—it flourishes.

Key Principles of Adaptive Planning

Adaptive Planning is more than tactics; it's a flexible mindset. Here's an overview of its core principles:

• Flexible Lesson Plans: Craft your lesson plans with adaptability in mind. By allowing room for adjustment, you ensure that even if the school day shrinks or stretches, your core objectives are met with consistency and ease.

• Lesson Continuity: Strive for coherence in your lessons, making each one a chapter that logically follows the previous, keeping students engaged and on a clear learning path, no matter where they're learning.

• Preparation is Key: Think of preparation as your lesson's foundation, laid out and ready for any scenario. With resources prepped and plans in place, you're never caught off guard, and learning never hits pause, whatever the circumstances may be.

5 Ways to Implement Adaptive Planning in ELA Lessons

Adaptive Planning in your curriculum means being as dynamic and resilient as the winter season itself. Here's how you can build a flexible teaching framework:

1. Layer Your Lessons

• Plan A (Ideal Scenario): This plan is for your typical in-class session. Include interactive activities, group discussions, and hands-on projects. Focus on fostering a collaborative learning environment.

• Plan B (Adjusted Scenario): This plan caters to shorter periods or minor disruptions (like unexpected assembly). Simplify activities, focus more on individual tasks or shorter group discussions.

• Plan C (Contingency Plan): Designed for remote learning or significant disruptions. Emphasize independent projects, online research, and digital submissions. Incorporate video lectures or instructions for clarity.

While this sounds like a lot of work up front remember two things. First, this strategy is only recommended for times when you anticipate schedule changes - not your day to day planning. Second, While it might be a bit more work upfront, it will save you a great deal of time later.

Want to learn more about Layered Lessons and what they look like for your class? Check out our upcoming mini-session inside PD just so.

2. Tech Integration

• Digital Platforms: Utilize platforms like Google Classroom, Canvas, or Edmodo to create a centralized space for assignments, resources, and discussions.

• Interactive Tools: Integrate tools like Kahoot!, Quizlet, or Padlet to make learning interactive and engaging, even in a remote setting.

• Communication Channels: Use email, school messaging systems, or class blogs to keep open lines of communication with students and parents.

3. Flexible Assessments

• Multiple Assessment Methods: Include a mix of quizzes, essays, project-based evaluations, and oral presentations to accommodate different learning environments.

• Adjustable Deadlines: Be prepared to adjust submission deadlines based on unexpected class cancellations or school closures.

• Online Submissions: Utilize digital platforms for students to submit their work, ensuring that assessments can continue in the classroom or from home.

4. Student Independence

• Self-Directed Learning: Encourage students to take charge of their learning through research projects or inquiry-based learning activities.

• Learning Management Systems (LMS): Train students to use LMS effectively for accessing course materials, submitting assignments, and tracking their progress.

• Peer Learning: Promote peer mentoring or study groups to foster a sense of community and shared responsibility in learning.

5. Community Connection

• Resource Sharing: Develop a shared digital library of resources, lesson plans, and strategies with fellow teachers.

• Professional Learning Communities: Participate in or create PLCs to discuss challenges, share successes, and brainstorm adaptive teaching strategies.

• Parental Involvement: Engage parents in the learning process through regular communication, offering insights into how they can support their child’s learning at home.

By integrating these strategies, your classroom becomes an environment that not only withstands winter's unpredictability but also embraces it.

Tools and Resources for Effective Adaptive Planning

Diversify your teaching toolkit to navigate winter's variable teaching conditions. Here are some essential tools to enhance your Adaptive Planning:

• Digital Classrooms: Platforms like Google Classroom and Canvas act as virtual lifelines, keeping students on track with their learning objectives.

• Lesson Planning Apps: Tools like Trello and Asana help you organize and adjust your teaching plans dynamically, ensuring you're always prepared for a change.

• Self-Paced Learning Tools: Interactive platforms such as Kahoot! and Quizlet can make remote learning engaging and ensure that time at home is well spent on education.

• Mixed Media Resources: Create a mix of printable packets and digital activities, providing students with accessible learning options no matter the circumstances.

With these tools, you're crafting an adaptable learning journey for your students, ensuring that every educational path taken is robust, no matter what winter throws your way.

Your Next Steps with Adaptive Planning

As winter approaches, remember that Adaptive Planning equips you to embrace the unexpected. It ensures that disruptions don't freeze the educational journey but rather add a layer of resilience to it.

Take action now with Adaptive Planning. Start by downloading our "Emergency ELA Kit List" filled with ideas to make your lesson plans as adaptable as they are engaging. Don't let a snow day disrupt your schedule. Be prepared to keep the learning going, whatever the weather.

You can find this free list in The Treasury. Not a member yet? Sign up here.

With these strategies in your pocket, you’re all set to make this winter a season of uninterrupted learning and joyful discovery in your upper elementary ELA classroom.

Related Posts

The first week of school can run smoothly.

Your goals for the first week of school are simple. Build community, establish routines, and get to know your students as people and as learners. But as you know, simple doesn’t mean easy. What if you could make that first week easier on you and more valuable for your students? You can - and I’m here to help with five ready-to-go resources!

5 Ready-to-Go Solutions To Make The First Week Of School Easier On You

1. Build community and practice important skills with a Back to School Activity Pack

Building community in your classroom is one of the most important things you can do to set the tone for a great school year! 

Use this Back to School Activity Pack to build community, collect initial writing samples, and provide meaningful activities for students to work on while you complete essential beginning of year assessments. As a bonus, they’re fun for you and your students!  The pack contains ten “get to know you” and community building activities - enough for the first two weeks of school.

Get to know you activities:

• Friend Detective - Students use their “detective skills” to interview a classmate they don’t know. They use that information to complete a Venn diagram that shows the ways they and their new friend are alike and different and use that information to introduce their new friend to the class. 

• Time Capsule - Learn more about your students and collect their first writing sample. Complete in class or send home for homework. Tip: this is a perfect way to keep students busy with meaningful work while you conduct beginning of the year assessments. 

• Meet and Greet - Break the ice and get your students up and moving. Students walk around the room asking each other questions until they find someone who fits each description. 

• Snowballs - Students write a fact about themselves, then crumple up their papers and throw them across the room. They then run to find a “snowball” near them and read what’s written on it. After they write down the new fact on their recording sheet, it’s off to find another snowball. This continues until each student has ten new facts written down. Warning - this is a sure fire way to warm up a quiet class!

Read aloud activities:

Start reading aloud with your class as soon as possible. Share your love of books and help instill a love of reading in them! Reading aloud presents so many opportunities to discuss important topics, generate new ideas, and grow together. This activity pack includes five read aloud activities that accompany books you likely have in your classroom or building library. I’m going to highlight two of them here. 

• “Those Shoes” by Maribeth Boelts - As a class, discuss ways in which having a friend is better than having anything else. Students identify those things they want most (new video game, special shoes, etc.) and then write how having a friend would be even better than receiving those items. 

• “The Incredible Book Eating Boy” by Oliver Jeffers - As a class, discuss what you love so much you would eat it if possible. Students draw a picture of themselves eating parts of what they love and write several paragraphs describing their drawings.

2. Encourage students to take ownership with Job Cards

When the goal is making your life as a teacher easier, classroom jobs need to be part of the plan. Classroom jobs help students build a sense of ownership in the classroom as well as encourage responsibility for their environment. And best of all, they take things off your plate! 

This resource includes cards with 24 of the most common classroom job titles and descriptions. There is also an editable document if you would like to assign a job that is not listed. 

Rather than assigning jobs to students, use the included job application to allow students to nominate themselves for a job they’d like to perform. This is a great way to get in some persuasive writing practice as students tell you why they’re the best candidate for the job. 

Lessen your workload and watch your classroom run more smoothly (and maybe even stay more organized) when students take ownership of their learning environment.

3. Build community and writing skills with Kindness Writing activities

What if you had a simple activity students could complete month after month with little direction? What if that activity not only built community and positivity within your classroom but also provided valuable writing skills practice? 

Sound too good to be true? 

It’s not! 

Use this resource to teach the interconnected ideas of kindness, mindfulness, and thankfulness simply. Each month, students reflect on how others have shown them kindness. They write about how they felt and then give thanks by writing a note to that person. 

This monthly themed writing bundle includes 10 resources that all follow the same simple procedure - making this a no-prep activity for you that delivers a TON of value. You decide how it works best in your classroom - as a whole class activity, in your writing center, or as an early-finisher activity. 

Read this blog post to learn more about how I introduce kindness writing to students and how to make this a repeatable, valuable part of your classroom culture.

4. Make mornings matter with Morning Work Slides.

Do you have a morning work routine to kick off each day? Do your students know what to do? Are they working their way toward being productive and independent? 

Mornings in your classroom are busy. You are greeting students, taking attendance, answering questions, checking emails, and making last minute preparations for the day. Establishing a morning work routine - one that requires little to no involvement from you - is one way to make mornings easier. Done well, it’s also a way to maximize learning time and minimize messing around time! 

This resource keeps students productive, increases their independence, and reduces your workload. These slides are the perfect low-to-no-prep resource for starting your day. Simply add a few notes and project the slides before students enter your classroom. 

Find a full month of response prompts organized by week. Each week includes five daily prompts focused around a single theme. Each day’s prompt builds on those that came before. 

Remember, the goal is to find ways to make teaching easier, especially during those first weeks of a new school year. Establishing a morning work routine that takes little to no time to prep is a great way to work toward achieving that goal.

5. Establish center and small group routines with Read Aloud Mini-Units.

I’ve talked many times about the importance of systems in your classroom.

Systems save time. They create consistency.

In other words, systems just plain work. The beginning of the year is the best time to establish systems and routines, including those around centers and small group work.

This ready-to-use resource is a simple way to start centers or small group work at the beginning of the year. Using highly engaging texts and requiring little to no prep, use this resource to teach (or review) how to make inferences, draw conclusions, identify character traits, and more. You’ll also cover compare and contrast, summary, and sequencing.

Perfect as a center activity, let this resource help you establish systems and routines your students will follow all year. 

Commit to making the first weeks of school easier on you. Careful planning now will reduce your workload and increase your excitement about starting a new year. I hope you’ll try out some of these resources and let them do a lot of the work for you.

Save these ideas for later…

Related posts…

Close reading asks students to go beyond the surface level of the text where they explore and discuss the author’s intent and the significance of key details in the text. Students benefit by not only gaining confidence as readers but in their ability to express their own interpretations and insights.

Engaging students in close reading activities requires them to be active in their learning. They highlight key ideas, make notes in the margins, ask questions, and interact with their classmates about the text. 

Close reading lessons are more effective when teachers use resources specifically designed for close reading practice. I designed nonfiction close reading resources specifically to allow you to practice important nonfiction reading skills in your upper elementary classroom.

And because I know how precious your time is, I’ve intentionally made these resources low prep. Simply print and go to have a full week of ELA lessons.

These non-fiction seasonal close reading resources allow students to celebrate school holidays while practicing important reading skills. In the rest of this post, I’m going to walk you through my Earth Day close reading resource and how you can put it to use in your upper elementary classroom.

Components of the Close Reading Resource

The Earth Day close reading resource includes five days' worth of close reading, written response, vocabulary, and center activities for third, fourth, or fifth grades. There’s no need for you to dedicate additional prep time to these lessons. 

This comprehensive resource includes:

• Leveled, non-fiction passages to engage your students at their level.

• Close reading practices to provide students with ample opportunities to practice their close reading skills. 

• Writing response prompts that further student understanding of the text and practice crucial writing skills. 

• Bonus materials include story images, vocabulary words, and activity grids.

How You Can Use This Resource with Your Upper Elementary Students

This nonfiction close reading resource can be used in a number of different ways with your students.

1. Practicing close reading skills

This one is obvious. Use this resource with your students to directly and intentionally practice these close reading skills. It can be used for whole group instruction, in small groups to provide remedial support, and in centers and stations for extension and review activities.

2. Emergency sub resource

Life happens. And when it does, you don’t always have sub plans prepared in advance. This resource is a lifesaver! Lesson plans are already included in the resource. Since the units all follow the same format, students will be familiar with the routine and will be able to work independently or in pairs. Instead of being expected to teach new concepts while you’re out, the sub can simply monitor students’ work.

3. Homework or test review

Each unit contains at least one week’s worth of homework. Simply print it and go. This is perfect for students who will be out for an extended period of time due to illness or a family vacation. Each packet covers multiple ELA skills, so you can be confident those students are getting what they need while they’re away from the classroom. These units are also excellent resources for test prep since they’re review work that doesn’t feel like review work!

The Benefits of Using Close Reading Units

I talked about the benefits of close reading and how it can help your students become stronger, more engaged readers. Now let’s talk about the benefits of close reading units and how they can help save you time and deliver more effective ELA instruction. 

Close reading units: 

• Save time and require little to no prep. 

• Are versatile and adaptable.  

• Allow for differentiated instruction, allowing you to meet the needs of all of your students. 

• Provide comprehensive coverage of nonfiction reading and writing skills. 

• Contain engaging and relevant themes students enjoy. 

• Provide a variety of activities and materials. 

• Allow students to become self-starters. Teach one unit and students are able to transfer that learning to the next unit.

Tips for Successful Implementation

I designed these resources, but they’re for you to use in your classroom. So let’s talk about how you can implement them in your classroom in a way that best serves you and your students.

1. Adapt it to suit your students’ needs

You can use the resources exactly as designed, but you don’t have to. After all, you know your students best and you know what they need. You can take a close reading unit and decide to focus on certain skills your students need to spend more time on. Adjust the pacing or modify the activities based on your students’ abilities and interests.

2. Look for opportunities to connect

Connect the unit to other topics or use the materials to supplement or enhance your existing lessons. Using a close reading strategy on a social studies text could encourage students to engage with the material on a deeper level.

3. Encourage collaboration

Close reading encourages students to work together. This can foster a sense of community in your classroom as students develop important teamwork and communication skills. Collaboration makes learning more engaging and enjoyable for students.

4. Assess progress and provide feedback

When you regularly check in with students and discuss their work, you are able to identify areas where they need additional support or guidance.

What Teachers are Saying about the Close Reading Resource

So many teachers have successfully used these close reading units in their upper elementary classrooms. Not only are their students engaged in valuable learning, but they are also spending less time and effort planning! Here’s what some of those teachers had to say. 

“Thank you for the wonderful activity.  It is a ‘MUST HAVE!’" - Kassidy F.

“I really loved the options for the writing activities, my students got so creative while writing!” - Ashley M.

“Love this mini-unit! It was engaging for the students and well mapped out for the teacher.’ - Jennifer B.

“Thank you for making my life easier!!” - Gate H.

“My kids LOVED this! Thank you for such a comprehensive resource!” - Coffee R.

“Fabulous resource that we used in March! It also helped the students to have more "I wonder..." that they could then research.” - Kathryn S.

Your students can celebrate holidays and practice nonfiction reading skills!

This Earth Day close reading unit allows you to celebrate what makes Earth Day special while still providing students with the rigor of instruction they need.

I’ve designed units for other holidays and seasons that you and your students will enjoy:

• Valentine’s Day Close Reading Activities Kit

• St Patrick’s Day Close Reading Activities Kit

• Thanksgiving Close Reading Activities Kit

• Hanukkah Close Reading Activities Kit

• Christmas Close Reading Activities Kit

Save these ideas for later:

Related posts…

Close reading is a powerful instructional strategy that allows students to grow as readers, not only as individuals but as part of our classroom reading communities. Students learn to carefully analyze a text, focusing on understanding its meaning, structure, and language. 

When they are introduced to close reading, some students may feel overwhelmed. However, with direct instruction from us as well as regular practice, they’ll begin to develop their critical thinking, comprehension, and analytical skills. In other words, close reading helps students gain skills that will help them grow as complete learners. 

In this blog post, I’m sharing more about why close reading is so important for our students and practical ways teachers can incorporate close reading into our classrooms.

Why Close Reading is Important for Upper Elementary Students

Upper elementary students are transitioning from the big goal of learning to read to an even bigger goal of reading to learn. This means strengthening not only their comprehension skills but their critical thinking and vocabulary skills in order to become truly strong, effective readers and learners.

During close reading, students are asked to think critically about a text. Students go beyond the surface level of the text where they explore and discover the author’s intent and the significance of key details. When they spend this close reading time analyzing the structure, language, and meaning of a text, students develop analytical thinking skills crucial to overall academic success. Students gain confidence as readers while expressing their own interpretations and insights. 

Close reading requires students to focus on the details of the text being read. This leads to a greater understanding of the text’s meaning and teaches students to not only identify themes and meanings, but to make inferences, draw conclusions, and make connections about what was read. The result? A deeper understanding of the material. 

Close reading exposes students to new words and new ways to use language, growing and strengthening their own vocabularies. Learning to closely analyze a text allows students to decipher the meanings of unfamiliar words with more confidence and accuracy.  

Any time we can get students to actively engage as learners, they benefit. During close reading, they underline or highlight key ideas, make notes in the margins, and ask questions. All of these activities increase their engagement with and understanding of the text.

Social Emotional Learning Benefits of Close Reading in Upper Elementary  Classrooms

The benefits of close reading go beyond gaining academic skills. Close reading also provides opportunities to practice social-emotional learning in our classroom communities. 

Close reading can be challenging, if not downright difficult for some students. Collaborating with each other helps each student develop their own skills. When they work in groups, students are able to discuss and analyze a text together, sharing their ideas and insights. 

Students learn not only how to become stronger readers, but how to communicate in a group and work as part of a team. 

Choosing close reading texts that expose students to different cultures and experiences gives them the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of perspectives other than their own. Within these texts, students often discover connections to their own lives they never imagined. 

This leads to students growing in empathy and appreciation for diversity inside and outside of our classrooms. Read this blog to discover books I recommend for promoting empathy and kindness. 

As they learn to dig deeply into texts, reading closely and engaging actively, many students will experience texts in a way they never have. This can lead to the development of a new appreciation for reading and sometimes, even a love for it. 

Developing a love for reading as an upper elementary student can lead to a lifelong love of reading. Imagine how many stories our students still have to discover!

Ways to Effectively Incorporate Close Reading in Upper Elementary Classrooms

Now that we’ve talked about all the ways close reading benefits our students as learners, let’s talk about things we can do to get the most out of close reading time in our classrooms. 

1. Have students use graphic organizers

Graphic organizers can be such a powerful tool for students throughout the close reading process. Students can use Venn diagrams, T-charts, and story maps to help them identify key themes, make text connections, analyze the author’s intent, and more. 

2. Choose engaging texts 

It’s so much easier to engage our students when we use engaging texts. When teachers choose texts that are relevant to a student’s experiences and interests, students are more motivated to read and analyze the text closely. Texts that relate to current events, students’ own experiences, or cultural experiences can be especially engaging. 

3. Encourage students to read actively 

Get students thinking and moving as they read. Encourage them to become truly active readers by having them underline or highlight key ideas in the text, make notes in the margins, and ask questions as they read. Take active reading a step further and have students use reading journals to reflect on what they read. 

4. Develop close reading questions to guide students 

Close reading is a learned skill and students will need our guidance throughout the process. One way to help them is by developing a list of close reading questions for them to reflect on and answer while they read. These  questions might ask students to identify key details, make inferences, and draw conclusions. Challenge them to think critically and not be afraid to come up with their own interpretations. 

5. Provide collaborative learning opportunities  

We’ve talked about how active learning benefits close reading and how collaborative learning helps students grow socially and emotionally. When planning close reading lessons for the classroom, look for ways to include collaborative learning.

Closing thoughts

When we incorporate close reading into our upper elementary classrooms, our students will grow as critical thinkers as they strengthen reading comprehension and analytical skills. Not only will students benefit in academic ways, they will also grow socially and in their love for and appreciation of reading. 

Possibly best of all, close reading gives teachers an opportunity to show our students just how fun and engaging reading can be when they get active and truly engage with a story or text.

Save these ideas for later

Related Posts

I hear the same thing from so many teachers, “Planning takes so much time.”

The good news is it doesn’t have to. There are ways to streamline and simplify lesson planning.

More effective, more engaging lessons that take less time to plan?

Yes, it is possible. 

This growing collection of posts will teach you how to lesson plan quickly, how to create an effective lesson planning system, important factors to consider when planning your lessons, and strategies for daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly lesson planning.

4 Ways To Simplify Your Lesson Planning

Simplify your lesson planning process by establishing routines and using a systematic approach. Discover four simple steps to make your planning easier and save you hours of time in this post.

Cut Your Planning Time In Half With These Three Steps

The act of lesson planning will never go away. So why not make a few changes that will streamline the process and save hours of time later? Learn three tips that will help you cut your planning time in half.

Transform Your Teaching with Understanding By Design

Planning backward will radically change what and how you teach. Planning backward will change your planning process and the quality of your instruction dramatically. For the better. Learn more about the benefits of backward planning and Understanding by Design.

How Planning Backward Prevents Common Planning Issues

Not convinced planning backwards is for you? Learn how utilizing this planning strategy will alleviate nearly all common lesson planning problems you face.

Why Searching Pinterest Is Killing Your Lesson Planning

Lesson planning that’s less time-consuming, less stressful, and more effective depends on having a system. An effective lesson planning system starts with saying no to planning “Pinterest-style.” Learn why here.

How To Create A System For Planning Consistently

You know how important consistency is for classroom management. Everything runs more smoothly when you’re consistent with students. The same is true for lesson planning. When you’re consistent with planning, everything about planning runs more smoothly. Learn how to create a consistent system here.

Three Benefits Of Classroom Routines And How To Make Them Stick

One of the best pieces of advice I could give to any teacher is to establish (and stick to) daily classroom routines at the very beginning of the year. Learn my tips on how classroom routines benefit you, the best places to have routines, and advice for sticking to them.

Three Solutions That Will Make Sub Prep Simple

Planning to be out of the classroom is never easy, but scrambling to throw together lesson plans when you weren’t expecting to be out is far worse. There are three things you can do now to make planning for a sub easier.

Interested in learning more about lesson planning? I teach a course that takes you through all the steps of backward planning, resulting in a year-long plan ready for you to implement in your classroom.

Learn more here.

Save these ideas for later:

Related posts…

Have you been looking for ways to keep your students on task and increase their independence? My Editable Daily Agenda Slides are the answer! They’ll keep students on task, help them develop independence and autonomy, and reduce the amount of writing you do each day. 

Give yourself the gift of time back - every day. This resource will save you HOURS of time! A few minutes of prep time editing the slide to reflect the day’s goals and lessons will have you and your students ready for whatever the day brings.

Daily Agenda Slides are perfect to use at the start of the day within your self-contained classroom. If you teach a subject, use the agenda slides at the start of a class period. You choose how they work best in your classroom with your students. 

These slides work perfectly for in-person and virtual instruction. They benefit all students, especially those who need chunking, visual support, or repeated directions.

And if you have students whose parents request (or require) daily updates, these slides provide you with a ready-to-share record of what was worked on that day.

For more about how using Daily Agenda Slides benefits you AND your students, check out this blog post.

To learn how to use these Editable Daily Agenda Slides, here’s a short video and walk through:

Downloading The Daily Agenda Slides

Once you’ve made your purchase, download the resource. If you’ve purchased a bundle, you’ll find a zip file. When you open it up, you’ll find PDFs inside. If you purchased a single month, your download will contain the PDF for that month.  

You’ll find a cover page and resource notes that give you background information about the slides, some tips for using the resource, and information about what’s included. You’ll also see a page on terms of use that also includes information about how to connect with me. 

On this same page, you’ll find a link to the editable version of the resource. When you click on this link, you’ll be prompted to make a copy of the document. Simply make a copy and you’re ready to use the resource. 

What’s Included In The Editable Daily Agenda Slide Files

I have dozens of Daily Agenda Slides sets to fit your needs. There are two main types of sets:

1. The first type features monthly and seasonal themes. Inside those sets, you can find:

• 5 pre-labeled slides featuring a seasonal theme (one for each day of the week). 

• 5 pre-labeled slides featuring a holiday theme (one for each day of the week). 

• You’ll also find blank versions of each. The blank slides allow you to add whatever labels you choose and make as many copies as you need. 

2. The second type features other themes such as floral, animal, and abstract designs. Inside those sets, you can find:

• 10 slides featuring a specific theme. 

• A Google Slides file ready for your info.

The Format Of The Daily Agenda Slides

Each day’s slide includes: 

• An encouragement quote.

• Space to list tasks for students to complete.

• A note to students listing what “you will need.” 

• A note to students “in case you finish early.” 

Simply add the tasks you want your students to complete and the supplies they’ll need. 

Note: To use the same slide more than once (for instance, if there are five Mondays in the month), look to the menu bar. Select slide, then duplicate slide. That’s all there is to it!

If you purchase this resource, or have purchased anything from me in the past, I’d love it if you’d leave feedback. Not only does this help me create new resources or make improvements to existing resources, but it also earns you credits toward future TPT purchases!  

Interested in more support for planning and organization? I have a collection of resources to support you. You can find blog posts here, teaching resources here, and at-home PD here.

Save these ideas for later…

Related posts…

Are you searching for a way to keep your students on task and increase their independence? What if you could accomplish both and save yourself HOURS of time each week? 

You can achieve all of the above by using one simple resource.

My Daily Agenda Slides are designed to be incredibly easy to use and to save you tons of time. This low-to-almost-no prep resource requires you to simply edit the day’s slide and lesson before your students enter the classroom.

And just like that, students are ready to get to work, either virtually or in person. 

You come to this blog for tips and strategies to help you plan more effective lessons and to save time and increase efficiency through organization.

These slides help you do both.

They act as a support to your lessons, as students know what is expected of them and what they need in order to get it done. 

And the use of an editable, digital resource means you are saving space AND saving time. 

Teachers LOVE this resource. I’ve received a lot of great feedback, including this teacher who said:

“Our morning schedule has changed due to Covid restrictions, so our students are now entering our classroom over a 30 minute block of time. These slides have been a LIFESAVER! The format is consistent, so my fourth grade students are able to look and follow the directions easily. The graphics are appealing but not overwhelming. The colors are calming and the format is very clean to look at. I started with the October slides, but loved it so much, that I bought the bundle. My students are in a routine, and I do not every (sic) want to be without this product. It is hands down the BEST morning slide product I have ever purchased. It's worth every penny and more!" - Shelly P.

Daily Agenda Slides Benefit Students And Families, Too

You know how these slides simplify your morning and save you time. But they benefit students and even parents and families, too.

1. All Students

Using Daily Agenda Slides consistently helps students build executive functioning skills. They see exactly what needs to be done each morning. This allows them to self-manage, plan out the time it takes to complete tasks, gather and organize supplies for the day, and more.

2. Students with 504 Plans

Daily Agenda Slides provide additional support to students who need it. You likely have students who require accommodations such as chunking directions, visual supports, and repeated directions. Using these slides makes providing those accommodations easier and more consistent for you and your students.

3. Absent Students

Helping students keep up and managing absent work has never been more challenging. You will continue to have students who are absent for extended periods of time due to illness or quarantine. 

Take a screenshot of the slides and post them to your classroom website so students can keep up with their work while they are out of school.

4. Parents and Families

You know how important a strong home-school connection is to student success. This is especially true of students who may struggle with academic or behavior challenges. 

Daily Agenda Slides are an excellent parent and family communication tool. You may be required or requested to keep some families updated on daily tasks. By simply taking a screenshot of the slides and posting them to your classroom website, families are informed about daily happenings.

5. Teachers Being Evaluated

Have you been asked to show how you utilize technology to improve instruction or benefit your students? These digital slides are a simple way to use technology to meet accommodation needs, teach executive functioning skills, and simplify your job.

Bring The Same Benefits To Small Groups

All the benefits Daily Agenda Slides bring to your mornings? Wouldn’t you like to bring that same efficiency, independence, and organization to your small groups?

My Materials Needed Slides and Literacy Station Rotation Slides are the answer. They: 

• Help students be self-sufficient when working through centers and stations. 

• Allow students to come prepared to meet with you. 

• Save time during centers and stations because students come prepared and know where to go next. 

• Reduce interruptions while teaching small groups because students aren’t coming to you to ask what they should be doing, etc.

Saving time where you can is a must for all teachers. Helping students gain independence and learn to stay on task benefits them now and in the future. And building strong connections with parents makes everything go more smoothly. I hope you’ll find my Daily Agenda Slides help you achieve all these goals. 

Interested in learning more about how organization can save you time and lessen your stress level? My self-paced course Organized Just So guides you through creating structured systems for each part of your day.

You’ll work less hours but get more done. You’ll feel confident and in control rather than defeated and overwhelmed.

Save these ideas for later:

Related posts…

Yes, organization comes more naturally to some teachers. Just like classroom management or highly interactive lessons come more naturally to some teachers. 

If organization isn’t your superpower - yet - that just means you need to get intentional about what’s in your classroom. And where it is in your classroom. 

An organized classroom starts with a purge. I take you through the whats, whys, and hows of a classroom purge in this blog post. 

Don’t skip this step! 

After you’ve purged your classroom of all the supplies, resources, and “stuff” you don’t need, take a moment to celebrate. 

You deserve it. 

But… you’re not done. Simply purging all that is unwanted or unneeded doesn’t leave you with an organized classroom. 

So what’s next? 

It’s time to create digital files.

Your classroom purge likely still left you with a lot of paper that needs to be organized. Before you start creating paper files, I challenge you to turn as much of that paper as possible into digital files. 

I know. Your binders and file folders and stacks of paper have become part of you. But just like your favorite pair of sweats from high school - the ones with the hole in the knee that really don’t fit anymore - it’s time for an upgrade.

It’s time to go digital. Let me tell you why…

Disadvantages Of Using Paper Files

1. Paper Files Continue To Multiply

The longer you are a teacher, the more files and binders you’ll accumulate. You’ll constantly need to reorganize or come up with more and more inventive storage solutions.

2. Storing Paper Files Gets Expensive

Consider the amount of money you’ve spent on binders, labels, tabs, dividers, folders, and more. And the more paper resources you accumulate, the more money you’ll need to spend to organize and store them.

3. Paper Files Stay In One Place

Unless you haul them home and back to school every day (and who wants to do that?) paper files stay in one place. And counting on your end-of-the-day-tired brain to remember exactly which resources you need to take home for lesson planning or grading is a risky strategy.

Benefits Of Using Digital Files

1. Digital Files Take Up Less Space

Digital files require no extra space. No shelves, no filing cabinets, no boxes stored on top of closets and cupboards.

2. Digital Files Are Easier To Organize

Moving files around inside your computer is a LOT easier than rearranging shelves of binders or heavy boxes filled with paper.

3. Digital Files Are Essentially Free To Use

There are no binders, folders, or cabinets to buy to store your digital files. Plus you’ll never run over your monthly paper allowance when using digital files.

4. You can take your digital files anywhere

Anyone who has been caught trying to plan a lesson at home when they left the resource they need in the classroom can appreciate this benefit. Once you have the file on your computer, you can project it, share it with students, or print it out to make copies as needed.

Digital files offer so many benefits to you as you strive to become even more organized and efficient. In addition to saving space and time, they are also invaluable when it comes to unexpected absences. Digital files allow you to access emergency sub plans and get them in the right hands quickly.  

Once you’ve created digital files, organize them into folders on your computer. Schedule an appointment with yourself once a month or once a quarter to go through your digital files and make sure they’re organized in a way that allows you to access them quickly. 

An organized classroom is a type of self-care for teachers. No, not in the same way a pedicure or a massage is self-care. But, an organized classroom provides long-lasting benefits to your health and well-being as a teacher. I am here to support you in your efforts to be more organized.

Learn more about my self-paced, online course, Organized Just So here.

Save these ideas for later:

Related posts…

Have you ever tried to create a good habit? Or break a bad one? 

Of course you have. We all have. 

If you’ve done any reading about creating or breaking habits, there’s one word that comes up a lot. Consistency. It’s simply not possible to truly affect change without being consistent. 

If I want to improve my fitness, I have to exercise consistently. One jog or one yoga class is not going to change my fitness level, no matter how much I wish it did. If I clean my house one time, it’s not going to stay clean on a consistent basis. It takes regular attention with chores completed regularly. And those of you who have children understand the power of consistency and routine when it comes to bedtime! 

Consistency is crucial in so many aspects of teaching. You have to be consistent in managing your classroom and assessing student performance. 

Consistency is just as important when it comes to planning.

If you want to lessen your stress, improve the effectiveness of your lessons, and help your students meet standards and goals, consistent planning is a must.

Four Types Of Planning

It’s important to realize there are four different types of planning. Each has its own purpose and each requires different things from you. All four work together to create a truly consistent planning routine – one that serves you and your students well throughout the school year.

1 | High-level, Year-Long Plans

These are the plans that give you a roadmap for the year. Like any good roadmap, your year-long plans need to work toward a clearly defined destination.

2 | Monthly Planning

Your monthly planning focuses on specific units in support of your year-long plans.

3 | Weekly planning

During weekly planning sessions, you are gathering resources, needed materials, etc. for the upcoming week. The lessons themselves are already planned as part of your monthly unit planning.

4 | Daily planning

Daily planning sessions are reflective in nature and influence the next day’s lesson. Did students struggle with an important concept? Daily planning is when you plan how to reinforce and check for understanding the next day before moving forward. 

Learn more about how to simplify your lesson planning process in this blog post.

Scheduling Planning Into Your Already Packed Schedule

For planning to be consistent, each of the four types of planning needs to be scheduled. They need to be part of your routine. Dates with yourself you don’t break. No matter what. 

Don’t simply place dates on your calendar and hope they’ll work out. Instead, spend time analyzing your monthly and weekly schedules in order to determine what will work best for you. Consider the best place, days, and times for each type of planning. 

Each of the four types of planning has a different purpose. Each also takes a different amount of time and focus. Allow for that when deciding where to place these “planning appointments” on your calendar.

You don’t have to plan at school

Do you feel you’re “supposed” to plan at school? 

If you’re constantly distracted by fellow teachers or staff members who want to chat, planning at school may not work for you. If planning in your classroom means being faced with reminders of all the things on your to-do list, planning at school may not work for you. 

If you’re someone who can close your classroom door, set firm boundaries with colleagues, and stay on task, planning in your classroom may be your best option. 

The point? Know yourself. Recognize how you work best and the impact your surroundings have on you, especially when it’s time to do the deep work of monthly and year-long planning.

You need to do what works for you

When deciding when and where to schedule your planning sessions, take some time for self-reflection. Think about what works best for your personality and work-style, not just your schedule. 

Do you feel obligated to stay late and plan at the end of the day? Is the end of the day also when you feel most drained of energy? Consider scheduling early morning or weekend planning sessions when you’ll feel fresh and able to take on the task with energy and enthusiasm. 

As with all things teaching, you need to find what works best for you. Maybe your colleague’s method for getting her students to line up for dismissal works for her but did NOT work for you when you tried it. In the same way, your method of scheduling planning needs to work for you, even if it doesn’t work for everyone else. 

Finding a system that works for you is the most important step in making consistent planning a habit.

Closing thoughts

Take the time to find a planning schedule that works for you. One that allows for year-long, monthly, weekly, and daily planning. One that lessens stress and maximizes efficiency. After you’ve identified what works best for you, get those planning appointments on your calendar. You’ll be so glad you did! 

Interested in learning more about year-long planning? I teach a course that takes you through all the steps, resulting in a year-long plan ready for you to implement in your classroom.

Learn more here. I also have additional posts and resources for lesson planning. Find additional blog posts here and resources here.

Save these ideas for later...

Related Posts

Classroom teachers have faced challenges over the past two years we truly never could have imagined. Teaching from home, trying to connect with each student through a screen. Coming back into the classroom with new protocols for absolutely everything. Oh, and those students who spent nearly a year learning from home? Some of them forgot what it meant to be in a classroom.

Yes, teaching is still rewarding and wonderful and a calling many of us wouldn’t give up for the world. But the truth is, teachers are weary. Teachers are discouraged. Teachers are tired all the way to their bones. 

All of this can make it difficult to focus on the positive. To do the hard work to establish and maintain a culture of positivity in our classrooms. 

The truth? 

It has never been more important - for teachers and students - to find and focus on the positive. 

I’m reminded of a time when I had one of those classes. You know the ones. Full of clashing personalities, tattling, and even outright bullying. That year, I found myself struggling to see the positive. I felt my attitude suffering right along with my students. 

Something needed to change. My outlook needed to change. I needed to rediscover the joy I felt for teaching. I owed it to my students – especially those who were doing the right thing – because no matter how challenging the class, there are always students working hard to do the right thing. 

I embarked on a mission to get my positive back – and find it for the students, as well. I knew the fix needed to be engaging for students and easy to put into place. In other words, it couldn’t take too much time. 

I also knew that if I could get some of my most difficult students to buy in, our classroom community could change. 

And it did.

Here’s how I implemented this simple, but effective (and free!) tool.

“We Have Positive News”

I cleared a section of a bulletin board in my classroom and made a quick header – “We Have Positive News.” I quickly created a short form, copied it onto colorful paper, stacked them in a bin with some push pins and we were ready to go. 
I started by creating a few posts myself and then modeled the process for the class. 

As we talked about how to spread positive news in our classroom, I was honest about why we needed this. We remembered our bucket filling activities from the beginning of the year and talked about how we had somehow changed from being bucket fillers into bucket dippers. 

Introducing The Form 

I walked my students through the form. I knew it needed to be quick and easy for them to use!

The top part of the form simply asks for the reporting student’s name and the date. 

The rest of the form is where the “news” is reported. Did you spot positive action in the classroom? Report it. Was a classmate particularly kind or helpful to you or another classmate? Report it. 

Students learned that “He was nice” or “She was helpful” doesn’t make a positive news report. Like any good reporter, my students needed to tell the story! 

Our News Reports Needed To Be Specific And FULL Of Descriptive Details

Good reporters explain the “why” and the “how” behind what they’re writing about in order to help readers understand why something is newsworthy. My student reporters learned they needed to do this, too!

Good News or Snooze News?

I wanted to make sure my students understood what made a good Positive News Story. We went through two examples that were “not quite” stories and worked together to make them newsworthy.

Lilly Crosses The Finish Line

Our first example simply read, “Lilly finished her book today.” We all agreed it wasn’t exactly newsworthy. 

Together, we added details and specifics until we had, “Today, Lilly finished her chapter book. She had been working on it for almost two weeks and wasn’t sure she could finish it. She did! I’m so proud of her and can’t wait to hear all about it. If she likes it, I know I’ll like it, too.” 

The first attempt didn’t tell me anything other than the fact that a student finished a book. We all agreed that wasn’t very newsworthy because students finish books in our class all the time. After we added details, the report now shows I’ve been paying attention to Lilly and that I care about her and her goals.

Christopher’s Kindness Multiplies

The other example we used started out as, “I saw Christopher helping Shamea yesterday.” 

We turned that into, “I saw Christopher helping Shamea during math centers yesterday. Shamea was feeling frustrated because she couldn’t remember some multiplication facts, so Christopher reminded her where the multiplication charts are kept and stayed with her until she got the answer to the problem she was working on. Shamea had a big smile on her face when she got the right answer.” 

In this second example, not only did we talk about how Christopher helped a classmate, but gave enough details that another student might be inspired to help a classmate in a similar way. Students are able to be examples to one another and model positive behaviors for each other.

Reporting “Rules” To Follow

At this point, we were almost ready to call ourselves reporters. But first, we needed to go over a couple of “rules.” 

1. Students may only write about others. I explained to my students that our goal was to look for ways others are doing well, not to promote ourselves. If they wanted to see their names on the board, they realized what they needed to do was to model great behavior. That was a sure way to get noticed by their classmates.

2. Choose different people to feature in your “reports.” I challenged my students to write about people other than their best friends, even to write about classmates they don’t know very well. It was important to look for the good in everyone in our class, not a select few.

The First Headlines Appear

The first few posts to appear on our board were written by some of my most difficult students. Even though I had hoped for this result, I admit I was shocked at first! 

Although those first posts were short and lacked the description I was looking for, they showed true thought and consideration. They proved that even these challenging students were looking for the good in others and noticing what was happening in our classroom. 

Instead of focusing on what their posts lacked, I praised these students for noticing the positive and sharing it with our classroom community. It’s important to remember the “rules” I put in place were intended to encourage students to take their reporting responsibilities seriously, not to take away from the spirit of spreading positivity. 

Before long, our board was covered with posts! And that made all of us feel more positive.

Ready to bring more positivity into your classroom? I’m sharing my FREE resource with you - We Have Positive News - available in The Treasury. I hope it brings you and your students as much joy as it brought to our classroom. 

Interested in more support for character education and classroom management? I have developed a number of wonderful resources to support you. Check them out here.

Click the image below to save these tips for later: