Reader: Test-taking is part of teaching upper elementary. There's no getting around it. However, there are different ways to approach those big EOY tests. You know, the ones that tell you everything you need to know about how well you taught and everything your students have learned. /sarcasmfont Maybe it's just me, Reader, but in the long run I don't give two figs about if students can fill in A, B, C, or D correctly. What I DO want is for students to read a text selection and apply skills...
4 months ago • 2 min read
I know how it is, Reader. Students push back when we ask them to write a sentence, let alone an entire narrative essay. To be honest, things weren't that much different when I started teaching upper elementary grades around 15 years ago. Teaching writing has always been a tough sell. The instant-gratification-attention-span-of-a-gnat society we currently live in certainly doesn't make the task any easier. Teaching narrative writing can be particularly frustrating in this day and age. Why?...
4 months ago • 2 min read
Greetings, Reader! Here's some more info about the FREE Cheerful ELA Education Conference I shared with you on Thursday. We have 15 talented and experienced upper elementary ELA teachers, sharing up-to-date, relevant ideas you can quickly implement to engage your students in reading, writing, grammar, spelling, phonics, speaking, and listening. The conference is free to join and you’ll have access to all 15 presentations for 4 days. There will be fun giveaways and live take- action sessions...
4 months ago • 2 min read
Hey there Reader, Have I ever mentioned I'm a big ol' nerd? It's true. When I'm into something, I want to know alllllll about it. Occasionally, this can be a bad thing. Like when I decide to watch one episode of the old Bravo show Ladies of London and end up in a 3 hour unplanned deep dive into Russian money laundering in the UK. ...but most of the time, I use my powers for good, like learning all I can about upper elementary ELA. And that is why I am so excited to announce that I will be...
4 months ago • 2 min read
Spring is in the air, Reader! I know the weather is not cooperating in certain areas of the US (here in South Florida, we're just grateful for a few more weeks of non-melting temperatures). Still, the spring season always ushers in feelings of growth and renewal. But it's not just flowers that bloom this time of year, Reader. Many teachers (myself included) are inspired to try out new lessons or strategies during this time of year. It's the perfect time to plant new seeds for activities that...
7 months ago • 2 min read
Hello friends, new and old! If you're just joining the Creatively Comprehensive club, welcome! i'm so glad to have you. ...and if you've been here awhile, I appreciate you just as much. (don't tell the newbies about the corny jokes yet, okay? give them a minute to get settled.) ANYWAY. There's a good chance that if we've crossed paths on the the ol' interwebs, you've probably tried a scavenger hunt or two of mine. Now, I love all my scavenger hunt babies equally, but this Earth Day version?...
7 months ago • 2 min read
Many blessings to you, Reader! I am exactly 0% Irish, but I love the tradition of celebrating family and friends with an Irish toast... ...and in honor of celebrating friends near and far, today I'm sharing a few lucky deals just for you. Click here to see what's on sale, or read more below! In honor of today's date, you can grab my St. Patrick's Activity Bundle for 50% off: SEE IN MY TPT STORE This is a gift that keeps on giving, Reader, because I'll be tossing every future St. Paddy's item...
7 months ago • 1 min read
It's about that time, Reader, To be honest, I'm not a huge 🏈 fan, and I'd only be interested in the halftime show if Nirvana was playing. (...and, tbh, even the commercials aren't what they used to be- plus, they get leaked early, anyway.) But if today is your jam, Reader, I hope the game is fun, the dips are tasty, and the halftime entertainment is spectacular. ...and to my friends of a certain age bracket- remember the lessons learned a few years back and check up on your supply of...
8 months ago • 1 min read