About the store
With 20 years of teaching experience, I’ve survived everything from middle school mayhem to high school brainiac moments. I currently wrangle 5th graders in ELA, but I’ve also taught AP World History, international relations, psychology, sociology, and middle school ELA. So, basically, I’ve seen it all and still love the challenge!
Read more
Store categories
All resources
Filters
Grade
Subject
Resource type
Standard
Programs & methods
Short Stories Bundle – Fiction That Captivates 5th & 6th Graders
Short Stories Bundle – Engaging Fiction That Grabs 5th & 6th Graders Imagine walking into class with everything planned—no stress, no scrambling—just meaningful, standards-based reading lessons your students actually enjoy.This Short Stories Bundle does the heavy lifting so you can focus on what really matters: connecting with your students, guiding rich discussions, and enjoying literature together. Every lesson in this bundle is thoughtfully crafted, fully prepped, and classroom-tested. Whe
5th - 7th
Informational Text, Literature, Reading Strategies
Character Conflict Adventure
Character Conflict Adventure – 3 Engaging Lessons + BINGO, Story, Graphic Organizer & Disney Clips! Make teaching character conflict unforgettable with this interactive, standards-aligned resource designed to help students identify and analyze the 5 major types of conflict: Character vs. CharacterCharacter vs. SelfCharacter vs. NatureCharacter vs. TechnologyCharacter vs. SupernaturalPerfect for grades 5–8, this product blends fun, movement, multimedia, and critical thinking in a way that your
5th - 8th
ELA Test Prep, Literature, Reading Strategies
CCSS, TEKS, VA SOL
CCRA.R.1
, CCRA.R.2
, CCRA.R.3
+14
Hero’s Journey Unit Plan | TED-Ed, The Ember Stone, & One Small Step...
Hero’s Journey Unit Plan | TED-Ed, The Ember Stone, & One Small Step | 5th–8th Grade Description:Take your students on a story-driven adventure they’ll never forget!This complete 3–4 day unit dives deep into the Hero’s Journey, using engaging resources like TED-Ed’s “What Makes a Hero?”, the original short story The Ember Stone, and the emotional short film One Small Step by Taiko Studios. As a lifelong fan of Joseph Campbell, I first discovered the Hero’s Journey while writing a college pa
5th - 12th
English Language Arts, Short Stories
CCSS, TEKS, VA SOL
CCRA.R.2
, LA.6.6.A
, LA.7.6.A
+4
Symbolism Made Simple | La Luna Pixar Short + Slides, Notes, Worksheets
Symbolism Made Simple | La Luna Pixar Short + Slides, Notes, Worksheets | 5th–6th Grade ELATeach symbolism in literature in a way students will never forget! This engaging one-lesson bundle uses Pixar’s short film La Luna to introduce literary symbolism with clarity and depth — perfect for upper elementary learners. Students explore symbols through multimedia, guided notes, visual analysis, and creative thinking. Aligned to Common Core ELA standards for Grades 5–6, this is everything you nee
5th - 7th
Balanced Literacy, Reading, Reading Strategies
CCSS, TEKS, VA SOL
CCRA.R.1
, CCRA.R.2
, CCRA.R.3
+12
Foreshadowing in Short Films
Foreshadowing in Short Films | ELA Lesson Plans, Google Slides, Editable PowerPoint, Notes & Quiz Looking for a fun and effective way to teach foreshadowing that actually clicks with students? This complete resource uses two award-winning short films— “The Present” and “Snack Attack”—to bring this powerful literary device to life! With ready-to-teach slides, interactive student notes, and engaging assessments, your students will see, discuss, and understand foreshadowing like never be
5th - 7th
ELA Test Prep, Reading Strategies
CCSS, TEKS, VA SOL
CCRA.R.1
, CCRA.R.2
, CCRA.R.3
+14
Character Traits in Action: Story, Pixar Short, Songs, & Writing
✨ Character Traits in Action – 3-Day Mini Unit | Story, Pixar Short, Songs, & Writing. Grades 5–7✅ Focus Standard: RL.5.3 – Compare & contrast characters and explain how they respond to challenges Engage Students in Meaningful Learning About Character Traits! This 3-day character traits mini-unit helps students dive deep into character development using a powerful blend of original short fiction, a Pixar short film (“Lifted”), and two motivating songs ("The Climb" by Miley Cyrus and "Eye of
5th - 7th
English Language Arts, Literature
CCSS, TEKS, VA SOL
CCRA.R.1
, CCRA.R.3
, CCRA.W.3
+12
Podcast Episode Recap Organizers – The Ultimate Bundle of 10 Graphic Organizers!
✨Podcast Episode Recap Organizers – The Ultimate Bundle of 10 Graphic Organizers!✨ STOP ✋ the post-podcast scramble!This bundle is your new secret weapon for making podcast listening fun, purposeful, and zero extra prep.Whether you teach fiction, nonfiction, ELA, science, or social studies — this pack has you covered. What It Is: 10 creative, quirky, student-approved graphic organizers built for individual podcast episodes — not the whole series. Perfect for classroom favorites like The Unex
3rd - 8th
English Language Arts, Other (ELA)
CCSS, TEKS, VA SOL
CCRA.R.1
, CCRA.R.2
, CCRA.R.3
+21
“The Fun They Had” by Isaac Asimov
The Fun They Had by Isaac Asimov – Reading Lesson & Google Slides Blast into the future of learning with this ready-to-use lesson plan for Isaac Asimov’s short story “The Fun They Had.” Perfect for 5th- 7th grade classrooms, this engaging science fiction story invites students to compare futuristic education with their own, while building key reading, comprehension, and writing skills. Story Summary:Set in the year 2157, The Fun They Had follows two children, Margie and Tommy, who discove
5th - 7th
Balanced Literacy, Creative Writing, Reading
CCSS, TEKS, VA SOL
CCRA.R.1
, CCRA.R.2
, CCRA.R.3
+17
Engage Students with a Meaningful Author Study They'll Actually Love!
Engage Students with a Meaningful Author Study They'll Actually Love! Looking for an author study that goes beyond the boring book report? This complete Author Study Resource helps your students think deeply, make personal connections, and analyze literature in a way that’s creative, rigorous, and relevant. Perfect for Grades 5–8, this author study is aligned to Common Core standards and includes everything you need: ✅ A full lesson plan with objectives and pacing✅ A Kwame Alexander model
5th - 8th
English Language Arts, Reading Strategies
CCSS, TEKS, VA SOL
CCRA.R.1
, CCRA.R.2
, CCRA.W.2
+7
Charles by Shirley Jackson
“Charles” by Shirley Jackson – Complete 4-Lesson ELA Unit (PDF + Google Slides + Vocabulary PowerPoint)Story Summary:In Shirley Jackson’s humorous and ironic short story “Charles,” a young boy named Laurie starts kindergarten and begins telling his parents wild stories about a misbehaving classmate named Charles. As the tales become more outrageous, Laurie’s parents grow increasingly curious—until a surprising twist at the end reveals the truth about Charles’s identity. This story explores th
5th - 8th
English Language Arts, Short Stories
CCSS, TEKS, VA SOL
CCRA.R.1
, CCRA.R.3
, CCRA.W.3
+27
Also included in: Short Stories Bundle – Fiction That Captivates 5th & 6th Graders
FREE Symbolism Choice Board | Symbolism Activities | Print & Google Slides
Make symbolism fun, accessible, and meaningful with this FREE Symbolism Choice Board, designed especially for 5th grade ELA but versatile enough for grades 5–8 and beyond! This flexible, no-prep resource gives students choice while helping them understand how authors use symbols to add deeper meaning to texts. With 9 ready-to-use activities—organized into three categories: Analyze • Create • Connect—your students will practice close reading, creative thinking, and real-world connecti
5th - 8th
Literature, Novel Studies, Poetry
CCSS, TEKS, VA SOL
L.5.5
, CCRA.R.1
, CCRA.R.2
+15
A FULL YEAR OF ELA BELL RINGERS – FUN. DONE. READY TO RUN.
A Full Year of Daily Writing—Done for You ✨ PowerPoint + Google Slides | Just $8Yes, really. That’s 275 writing prompts across 11 months—engaging, hilarious, thought-provoking, and totally ready to go. No more groans, eye-rolls, or “Do I have to?” This isn’t just writing—it’s imaginative storytelling, self-reflection, and creative problem-solving, disguised as fun. Built for students, loved by teachers, and shockingly easy to implement. What You’ll Get: ✅ 275 daily prompts from August throu
5th - 8th
English Language Arts, Writing
CCSS, TEKS, VA SOL
CCRA.W.1
, CCRA.W.2
, CCRA.W.3
+8
Messaging the Main Character | Creative Reading Response & Writing Activity
Inbox Insight: Messaging the Main Character | Creative Reading Response Graphic Organizer & Lesson Plan✨ Engage your 5th-8th graders with a fresh, FUN, and meaningful way to respond to fiction! ✨ Are your students tired of boring reading assignments? Want to boost their critical thinking, empathy, and writing skills — all while having a blast? Look no further! Inbox Insight: Messaging the Main Character transforms traditional reading responses into an interactive, creative chat experience that
5th - 8th
English Language Arts, Reading Strategies
CCSS, TEKS, VA SOL
CCRA.R.1
, CCRA.R.2
, CCRA.R.3
+19
FREE August Bell Ringers – 25 Creative Prompts + 51 Google Slides
FREE August Bell Ringers – 25 Creative Prompts + 51 Google SlidesStart Your Day with Joy (and Just a Little Chaos)Tired of awkward silences and blank stares at the start of class? Say goodbye to the morning struggle and hello to joyful, imaginative bell ringers your students will actually want to do. ( Yes. Really.) This FREE August pack includes: ✨ 25 out-of-the-box writing prompts to wake up brains and spark creativity 51 ready-to-use Google Slides – includes prompt slides + student resp
5th - 8th
Creative Writing, Short Stories
CCSS, TEKS, VA SOL
CCRA.W.3
, CCRA.W.4
, CCRA.W.10
+2
FREE Book Challenge Tracker – 40 Book Challenge + Editable Letter & Categories!
FREE Book Challenge Tracker – 40 Book Challenge + Editable Letter & Genre Categories! Make reading magical this year with this FREE, student-friendly Book Challenge Tracker — perfect for the 40 Book Challenge or any independent reading program! Whether you're a 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade teacher, this flexible and editable tracker is the perfect way to get your students motivated, organized, and excited about reading all year long. ✅ What’s Included: Book Challenge Tracker – Easy-to-use and visu
4th - 7th
English Language Arts, Reading
CCSS, TEKS, VA SOL
CCRA.R.1
, CCRA.R.10
, LA.5.2.A.i
+1
Showing 1-15 of 15 results
About the store
Experience
With 20 years of teaching experience, I’ve survived everything from middle school mayhem to high school brainiac moments. I currently wrangle 5th graders in ELA, but I’ve also taught AP World History, international relations, psychology, sociology, and middle school ELA. So, basically, I’ve seen it all and still love the challenge!
Teaching style
My mission? To sprinkle a little fairy dust on the classroom, turning the daily grind into a magical adventure that leaves both students and I grinning from ear to ear.
Awards & shining teacher moments
* Led student poetry book We Hear You on Darfur—praised by civil rights leaders, foreword by Maya Angelou, proceeds funded Darfur’s School of Peace.
* Coached National Champions 2025 (Team Electro-Buzz) in Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision STEM competition.
* Guided students to victory in Jason Learning/REMA PSA Contest, 2022–2024, for standout science storytelling.
* Fostered youth voice through art, advocacy, and innovation on national platforms.
My own education history
MST, Master of Science, Teaching, Education, State University of New York
BA, Bachelor of Arts, Theatre, College of Charleston
Education Certification – early to middle grades; middle to higher grades social sciences
Additional biographical information
A 5th-grade ELA teacher who thrives amidst the delightful chaos of teaching. When I'm not refereeing intense four-square matches during recess, I'm orchestrating classroom activities that are part learning, part comedy show. Growing up with a librarian mom, I find immense joy in bringing writing and books to life in the classroom, aiming to ignite a love for reading and storytelling in my students. I believe in making every lesson an adventure, ensuring my students are engaged, enlightened, and occasionally laughing so hard they snort. Join me as I navigate the wonderful whirlwind that is 5th grade, where every day is a new story waiting to be told.
TPT is the largest marketplace for PreK-12 resources, powered by a community of educators.
IXL family of brands