About the store
Welcome to the Summer Sweetness, your go-to destination for high-quality teaching resources crafted by Tara, a passionate educator. Tara is a highly accomplished teacher, author, professional development coach, and curriculum writer specializing in crafting comprehensive writing curricula for upper elementary grades. Drawing from her multi-subject expertise, Tara is on a mission to revolutionize writing instruction and empower teachers with meticulously designed curriculum and insightful teaching resources.
Summer Sweetness caters to upper elementary and middle school educators, providing a collection of resources designed to enhance your teaching experience. With a focus on developing writing curricula specifically tailored to students in 3rd to 5th grade, Tara expertly designs methods, lessons, and activities that enable teachers to effectively teach writing skills. Her versatile approach extends to creating various teaching resources to support educators across different subjects and grade levels.
With a deep passion for teaching and an unwavering dedication to enhancing educational experiences, Tara draws from her experience teaching 4th and 7th grade. This allows her to possess a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that arise in the classroom, making her resources invaluable to educators looking to improve their teaching strategies. Join the Summer Sweetness community and enhance your classroom with resources that make a difference, transforming your teaching and helping your students excel!
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Paragraph Writing BUNDLE |Hook & Closing Sentences, Intro & Conclusion Paragraph
Take the stress out of teaching paragraph writing with this Paragraph Writing BUNDLE — a complete, ready-to-use resource that helps students write stronger, more organized paragraphs from start to finish. Each activity builds essential paragraph-writing skills: ✨ Hook & Closing Sentences: Teach students how to grab attention and end powerfully. ✨ 11-Sentence Paragraph Example: Show what a complete paragraph looks like with a visual, color-coded model. ✨ How to Write an Introductory P
3rd - 8th
Writing, Writing-Essays, Writing-Expository
CCSS
W.3.4
, W.3.5
, W.3.10
+50
Making Inferences Assessment | 4th Grade RI.4.1 | Text Evidence Practice
Give your 4th graders the focused practice they need to master making inferences and supporting answers with text evidence. This resource includes three RI.4.1 assessments designed to mirror state-test style questions, helping you check mastery quickly and confidently. Perfect for ELA test prep, small groups, interventions, or benchmark assessments, each passage is high-interest and designed to strengthen inferencing skills without adding to your workload. What’s Inside Teacher instructio
4th
English Language Arts, Informational Text
CCSS
RI.4.1
, CCRA.R.1
Also included in: English Language Arts Assessments BUNDLE
Point of View Assessment | 4th Grade RL.4.6 | Perspective & Narrator
Assess your students’ understanding of point of view, narrator perspective, and character viewpoints with these two RL.4.6-aligned assessments. Each assessment mirrors the structure of state tests, giving you reliable data without hours of prep. Great for ELA test prep, small groups, intervention, or quick checks after your point-of-view unit. What’s Inside Teacher instructions 2 point of view assessments Answer keys Students will practice: identifying the narrator contrasting points of v
4th
English Language Arts, Literature
CCSS
RL.4.6
, CCRA.R.6
Also included in: English Language Arts Assessments BUNDLE
Theme & Summary Assessments | 4th Grade RL.4.2 | Reading Test Prep
Give your students clear, targeted practice with theme and summarizing using this set of three RL.4.2 assessments. Each assessment includes two formats (with and without point values), making it simple to differentiate or gather pre- and post-assessment data. Students will practice determining theme, identifying key details, and writing accurate summaries—all essential skills for state testing and reading comprehension success. What’s Inside Teacher instructions 3 theme and summary assessm
4th
English Language Arts, Literature
CCSS
RL.4.2
, CCRA.R.2
Also included in: English Language Arts Assessments BUNDLE
I Am Thankful Writing | Thanksgiving 5-Paragraph Essay | No-Prep Fall Writing
Keep your students focused and grateful before Thanksgiving break with this no-prep "I Am Thankful" Writing Activity! Students brainstorm, plan, and write a 5-paragraph essay about what they’re thankful for using outlines and writing frames that guide them every step of the way. This resource turns holiday excitement into meaningful writing time. Students will: 🧠 Brainstorm 3 things they’re thankful for 📝 Complete a paragraph outline 🖊 Write a 5-paragraph essay using writing frames or
3rd - 5th
English Language Arts, Writing, Writing-Essays
CCSS
W.3.3
, W.3.4
, W.3.5
+29
Native American Indians of Ohio BUNDLE
This BUNDLED resource contains four products related to the Native American Indian Tribes of Ohio. Three products are hands-on activities and the fourth product is a study guide and test to wrap up your American Indians unit. I hope your students love these activities as much as mine do! Ohio Grade 4 Common Core History StrandHERITAGE Content Statement: 3. Various groups of people have lived in Ohio over time including American Indians, migrating settlers and immigrants. Inter
4th
Native Americans, Social Studies
Introduction Paragraph Writing | Hooks & Thesis Practice | 4th Grade
Do your students freeze when starting essays? This introduction paragraph writing resource gives them step-by-step support to write a strong hook sentence and thesis statement with confidence. Designed for 4th–7th grade writing, this resource makes expectations clear while keeping instruction focused, structured, and easy to teach. With this easy-to-use introduction paragraph practice, students will learn: ✅ How to write engaging hook sentences ✅ How to write a clear thesis statement ✅ Th
4th - 7th
English Language Arts, Writing, Writing-Essays
CCSS
W.5.1a
, W.5.2a
, W.5.3a
+16
Main Idea and Details Assessment | Summarizing Assessment | 4th Grade
Are you looking for a way to assess your students' knowledge of main idea and details in 4th grade? If so, this main ideas, key details, and summarizing pre-assessment addressing learning standard R.I. 4.2 a & b is just for you! Assessing learning is a necessary component of teaching. Let this pre-assessment make teaching, assessing, and grading easier for you. This short, but comprehensive assessment addresses Common Core English Language Arts R.I 4.2 a & b main ideas, key
4th
English Language Arts, Informational Text
CCSS
RI.4.2
Also included in: English Language Arts Assessments BUNDLE
Ohio Mound Builders - American Indians of Ohio
Hands-on? That's right...this resource is hands-on, fun, and engaging! This hands-on lesson guides students to build a mound from one of the mound building American Indian tribes of Ohio; Adena, Hopewell, or Fort Ancient. Then, the students take on the role of archaeologists to dig another group's mound and identify which mound builders built the mound. Ohio Grade 4 Common Core History StrandHERITAGE Content Statement 3. Various groups of people have lived in Ohio over time incl
4th
Native Americans, Social Studies
Also included in: Native American Indians of Ohio BUNDLE
Regions of the United States in the 1800s
If you teach 4th grade Social Studies in Ohio, then this is the activity for you! This is a hands-on, concrete lesson that teaches about the North, South, and West regions in the United States in the 1800s. Students will learn about the three regions while writing facts on their maps. Includes: 1. Lesson AND PowerPoint 2. Picture and video examples of final products 3. Learning target vocabulary sheet 4. Vocabulary Definitions 5. Map of the United States in 1800 – bl
4th
Geography, Social Studies, U.S. History
Greek Mythology Allusions Assessment | 4th Grade ELA Test Prep
Are your students expected to understand Greek mythology allusions in reading passages? This Greek mythology allusions assessment checks student comprehension of common allusions drawn from Greek myths. Designed for 4th grade ELA, this assessment aligns with Common Core RL.4.4 and supports ELA test prep with built-in differentiation. With this easy-to-use assessment, students will: ✅ Identify allusions from Greek mythology ✅ Connect mythological references to meaning ✅ Strengthen vocabul
4th
English Language Arts, Literature
CCSS
RL.4.4
Also included in: English Language Arts Assessments BUNDLE
Writing Hooks & Closing Sentences Practice | 4th Grade Paragraph Writing
Do your students struggle to start and end paragraphs strong? This writing hooks and closing sentences practice resource gives 4th graders clear, simple support for writing better paragraphs without overwhelming them. Designed for 4th grade writing instruction and test prep, this resource helps students understand the purpose of hooks and closing sentences and apply them immediately. With this resource, students will learn: ✅ How to write attention-grabbing hooks ✅ How to write strong closin
4th
Writing, Writing-Essays
CCSS
W.3.5
, W.4.5
, W.5.5
+5
Suspense Writing Practice Passages | Identify Elements of Suspense in Text
What does suspense look like on the page? These passages help 8th grade ELA students practice writing by identifying elements of suspense within meaningful text. Students will: Read suspenseful passages and mark techniques like pacing, foreshadowing, tension Analyze how authors craft suspense through word choice and structure Prepare to use those techniques in their own writing This pairs beautifully with my Elements of Suspense Guided Notes and Suspense Writing Rubric (also in my store)
7th - 9th
Creative Writing, English Language Arts, Writing
CCSS
RL.8.6
, RL.9-10.5
, W.7.3
+3
Also included in: Suspense Writing BUNDLE | Guided Notes + Practice Passages + Rubrics
Drama Poetry and Prose Assessment | 4th Grade
Are you ready to assess your fourth grade students on their knowledge of the ELA R.L 4.5 standard Drama, Poetry, and Prose? If so, look no further! Assessing learning is a necessary component of teaching. Let this assessment, created for busy teachers like you, make teaching, assessing, and grading easier for you. This comprehensive assessment addresses the Common Core English Language Arts R.L 3.5 and 4.5 Drama, Poetry, and Prose. Don't miss out on this essential assessment tool that
4th
English Language Arts, Literature
CCSS
RL.3.5
, RL.4.5
, RL.5.5
+1
Also included in: English Language Arts Assessments BUNDLE
Perimeter, Area, and Volume Activity
Are you looking for an engaging, hands-on activity? This perimeter, area, and volume activity might be just right for your students. The activity is hands-on and allows for the students to be actively involved in creating a structure made of marshmallows. Students will have the opportunity to practice calculating the perimeter, area and volume of their structures. Additionally, there is an exit slip included for to use for assessing student learning. INCLUDESTeacher informationStudent
3rd - 5th
Math, Measurement
CCSS
3.MD.C.5
, 3.MD.C.5b
, 3.MD.C.6
+10
Ohio Resources Social Studies 10 Economic Development
You are teaching all about Ohio in 4th grade...let's dive into CCSS 10! This resources breaks down the learning target into student-friendly language. Then, the vocabulary from the learning target is taught with the help of pictures. Next, students discover some of Ohio's agriculture, industry and natural resources. The students learn how Ohio's agriculture, industry, and natural resources had an effect on the United States economic development. This resource addresses the Common Cor
4th
Geography, Social Studies
Paragraph Writing | How to Write a Paragraph
Are your students still struggling with paragraph writing? Use this 11-Sentence Paragraph Example to teach your students how to write a paragraph. This resource will guide the students through dissecting an 11-sentence paragraph and SHOW students visually what should be included in a paragraph. Students will be underlining, drawing, and coloring as a way to identify what belongs in an 11- sentence paragraph. INCLUDES: 1. A color copy of the writing activity 2. A black-and-
3rd - 5th
English Language Arts, Writing, Writing-Essays
CCSS
W.3.4
, W.3.10
, W.4.4
+13
Cirque du Freak Novel Study | No Prep Middle School ELA Literature Unit
Do your students struggle to stay engaged during novel studies or does planning one eat up weeks of your time? This Cirque du Freak novel study gives you a complete, no-prep literature unit that hits reading and language standards while keeping students actively reading and thinking. Designed for elementary or middle school ELA classrooms, this resource makes expectations clear, keeps lessons structured, and eliminates daily planning. Just print, copy, and teach. With this easy-to-use novel
4th - 8th
English Language Arts, Literature, Reading
CCSS
RL.4.1
, RL.4.2
, RL.4.3
+36
Concluding Paragraph Writing | How to Write a Conclusion | 4th Grade
Do your students write one-sentence conclusions that fall flat? This resource gives them the step-by-step support they need to write a complete concluding paragraph with confidence. Designed for 4th–7th grade students, this writing tool helps teachers make expectations crystal clear while keeping lessons simple and engaging. With this easy-to-use resource, students will learn: ✅ How to write a strong concluding statement ✅ The difference between a concluding statement and a closing sent
3rd - 12th
Writing, Writing-Essays, Writing-Expository
CCSS
W.5.2e
, W.5.3e
, W.6.2f
+13
Who vs Whom
Who vs. whom? That is the question! Students need to be able to use who vs. whom correctly while speaking and writing. Let's teach who vs. whom grammar rules explicitly and provide ample practice. The ability to determine whether one should use who or whom will no longer be a mystery after you lead students through the guided notes and practice sheets contained in this resource. INCLUDES 1. Common Core Content Statement 2. Guided Notes – pages 1-2 3. Practice – pages 3-4
3rd - 12th
English Language Arts, Grammar
CCSS
L.3.1
, L.4.1
, L.4.1a
+6
Also included in: Who vs Whom BUNDLE
Showing 1-20 of 202 results
About the store
Experience
Welcome to the Summer Sweetness, your go-to destination for high-quality teaching resources crafted by Tara, a passionate educator. Tara is a highly accomplished teacher, author, professional development coach, and curriculum writer specializing in crafting comprehensive writing curricula for upper elementary grades. Drawing from her multi-subject expertise, Tara is on a mission to revolutionize writing instruction and empower teachers with meticulously designed curriculum and insightful teaching resources.
Summer Sweetness caters to upper elementary and middle school educators, providing a collection of resources designed to enhance your teaching experience. With a focus on developing writing curricula specifically tailored to students in 3rd to 5th grade, Tara expertly designs methods, lessons, and activities that enable teachers to effectively teach writing skills. Her versatile approach extends to creating various teaching resources to support educators across different subjects and grade levels.
With a deep passion for teaching and an unwavering dedication to enhancing educational experiences, Tara draws from her experience teaching 4th and 7th grade. This allows her to possess a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that arise in the classroom, making her resources invaluable to educators looking to improve their teaching strategies. Join the Summer Sweetness community and enhance your classroom with resources that make a difference, transforming your teaching and helping your students excel!
Additional biographical information
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
As a Professional Development Coach, Tara leverages her extensive teaching experience to support and guide fellow educators on their professional journeys. Recognizing that invaluable knowledge often comes from practical experience, she strives to share her expertise acquired throughout her 15-year teaching career. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Middle Childhood Education from Ohio Northern University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Dayton, Tara has honed her skills and developed a unique perspective on effective instruction. Her commitment to excellence has led her to author a book for educators and present at several conferences, including the SDE National Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In addition to her role as an educator and curriculum creator, Tara is a children’s author with a passion for crafting captivating children’s stories. Drawing inspiration from her own childhood love for books and the joy of reading to her children, Tara has self-published one delightful children's book and is actively pursuing publication with a traditional publishing house for her latest work. With an unwavering commitment to sharing imaginative tales that spark young minds and create lasting memories, Tara envisions a future where her enchanting stories grace library shelves, delighting children from all walks of life.
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