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!
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The Medicine Bag
This lesson on The Medicine Bag includes activities like vocabulary guides, comprehension questions, and a symbolism activity to deepen students' understanding of the text. It aligns with CCSS ELA-Literacy standards and provides opportunities for students to analyze the plot and key symbols. Additional activities like a writing prompt and vocabulary word search reinforce learning and encourage creative engagement. The Medicine Bag is a short story about a young Native American boy named Martin,
5th - 8th
English Language Arts, Short Stories, Writing
CCSS
CCRA.R.2
, CCRA.R.3
, CCRA.R.4
+2
Also included in: Short Stories Bundle – Fiction That Captivates 5th & 6th Graders
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
Back-to-School Bundle Grades 5–7 – 50 Fun, No-Prep Activities for Just $5
50 Back-to-School Activities for Just $5?! Yes, Really.Dear Amazing Teacher, I know what it’s like to hit the ground sprinting that first week—running on caffeine, rediscovering routines, and somehow trying to remember your own name while getting the students to remember theirs. Don’t stress—I’ve got you covered. This MEGA bundle of 50 original back-to-school activities (138 pages/slides) is designed to make those first days feel fresh, fun, and actually meaningful. It’s packed with creativ
5th - 8th
Classroom Community, For All Subjects, Social Emotional Learning
CCSS, TEKS, VA SOL
SL.5.1
, CCRA.W.1
, CCRA.W.2
+19
Eleven by Sandra Cisneros
“Eleven” by Sandra Cisneros – 4-Day Reading & Writing Unit with Symbolism, Theme & Creative Response About the StoryIn "Eleven" by Sandra Cisneros, a young girl named Rachel is turning eleven—but she doesn’t feel eleven at all. When her teacher wrongly places an old, worn red sweater on her desk, Rachel struggles to find her voice. The story brilliantly captures the emotional complexity of growing up, using simple yet powerful language that resonates with readers of all ages. What’s Included
5th - 8th
Balanced Literacy, Creative Writing, Social Emotional Learning
CCSS, VA SOL
CCRA.R.1
, CCRA.R.2
, CCRA.R.3
+9
Also included in: Short Stories Bundle – Fiction That Captivates 5th & 6th Graders
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
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
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
Primary Source Analysis: Aristotle & Freedom
This lesson on Primary Source Analysis introduces students to important documents on Aristotle and slavery. It includes a detailed lesson plan, a mini lesson for context, and a video that models the analysis process. Students will use a graphic organizer to examine the primary source documents and develop critical thinking skills by analyzing historical texts. This resource provides a structured approach to understanding primary sources in a meaningful way. Primary Source Analysis, Introducing P
5th - 12th
English Language Arts, Reading Strategies, Social Studies
CCSS
CCRA.R.3
, CCRA.R.5
, CCRA.R.6
+2
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
Because of You: John Lewis – Free Essay Guide & Classroom Resource
Because of You: John Lewis – Free Essay Guide & Classroom ResourceInspire your students with courage, friendship, and the power of standing up for what is right! This free resource is designed to accompany Because of You: John Lewis, the True Story of a Remarkable Friendship. It includes a step-by-step essay guide that helps students explore the themes of courage, resilience, and social justice while building their writing skills. What’s included:A one-page information sheet about the book, ma
5th - 8th
Black History, Writing, Writing-Essays
CCSS, TEKS, VA SOL
CCRA.W.2
, CCRA.W.3
, CCRA.W.8
+2
FREE Reading Survey for Upper Elementary & Middle School
FREE Reading Survey for Upper Elementary & Middle School Because remembering 120+ students' favorite genres shouldn’t require a second brain.Let’s be honest: the first weeks of school are a blur of names, seating charts, and “what’s your favorite color?” icebreakers. When you teach multiple periods or juggle 25+ students at a time, getting to know them deeply can feel like a noble but impossible mission. Enter this FREE Reading Survey — your secret weapon for building genuine connections wi
5th - 8th
English Language Arts, Reading, Reading Strategies
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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.
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