TheWordSmiths
18 Followers
New Hudson, Michigan, United States
About the store
Hi, I’m Emily Smith, a Grade 3-5 IB-PYP teacher who loves helping students grow through literacy and inquiry. At TheWordSmiths, you’ll find resources that combine storytelling, transdisciplinary learning, and engaging literacy activities for curious minds.
Read moreStore categories
All resources
Filters
Grade
Subject
Resource type
Standard
Audience
The Bad Guys Novel Study Bundle: Activities and Comprehension Questions
Dive into The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey with this comprehensive bundle of resources designed to engage students and develop essential reading skills! Perfect for novel studies, guided reading, or independent practice, this bundle includes three detailed resources that explore the text through engaging activities, chapter-based comprehension questions, and skills-focused tasks. What’s Included:1. The Bad Guys Story Elements and Plot Activities:Story elements overview (characters, setting, problem
2nd - 6th
English Language Arts, Literature, Reading
“Each Kindness” Complete SEL Lesson & Activities Bundle
Looking to teach kindness in a deep and lasting way? This Each Kindness bundle has everything you need to spark meaningful conversations, reflection, and action in your classroom. Designed for grades 2–6, this complete resource combines a beautifully structured interactive slide presentation with printable worksheets and writing activities—all inspired by Jacqueline Woodson’s powerful story Each Kindness. This bundle includes: Interactive Read-Aloud Slides Thoughtful story discussion prompts
2nd - 8th
Classroom Community, Reading, Social Emotional Learning
Edit and Improve: 18 Weeks of Bell Ringers for Sentence Correction
Help your fourth-grade students master sentence editing with "Edit and Improve: 18 Weeks of Bell Ringers for Sentence Correction"! This comprehensive resource is perfect for English language learners or any students working on refining their writing skills. Each day, students edit one sentence to correct capitalization, spelling, punctuation, grammar, and usage errors, progressively building their confidence and abilities. What’s Inside:18 weeks of daily bell ringers (90 unique sentences) desi
2nd - 6th
English Language Arts, Grammar, Writing
"Me, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock Ring" Novel Study
This novel study is a great way to dive into Me, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock Ring with your upper elementary or middle school students. It includes everything you need to guide your readers through the story while helping them think deeply about characters, plot, themes, and more. Here’s what’s included: Chapter-by-chapter response pages with space to jot down quick notes or doodle key moments Character analysis worksheets for Paloma, Gael, and Lizzie Setting map organizer to track
4th - 8th
Literature, Novel Studies, Reading
Phrase Expansion: 18 weeks of Bell Ringers for Building Strong Sentences
Help your students take their writing to the next level with Phrase Expansion Bell Ringers for Grades 4–8! This low-prep resource gives students a daily writing challenge to add one type of phrase to a simple sentence, gradually building complex, detailed sentences by the end of the week. Each week, students focus on one phrase type per day: Monday: Noun Phrase – add detail about who or what Tuesday: Prepositional Phrase – show where, when, or how Wednesday: Appositive Phrase – rename a noun
4th - 10th
Creative Writing, Grammar, Writing
The Day You Begin: Complete SEL & Community Building Resource Bundle
Create a classroom environment where every student feels seen, valued, and connected with this all-in-one resource bundle for The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson. This bundle includes both the interactive slide deck and hands-on worksheets, making it perfect for SEL lessons, first-week-of-school activities, or ongoing classroom community building. What’s IncludedInteractive Slide Deck: Read-aloud discussion slides to explore sharing stories, embracing differences, and building connections S
2nd - 8th
Classroom Community, Reading, Social Emotional Learning
Sentence Expansion Bell Ringers | 18 Weeks of Daily Writing Practice
Help students grow stronger sentences step by step with these Sentence Expansion Bell Ringers. This low-prep resource guides students through expanding one simple sentence across the week by adding key details. Each week, students begin with a short base sentence and build it one piece at a time. By Friday, students create a detailed, well-developed sentence using who, where, when, why, and how. This routine supports sentence structure, elaboration, and writing stamina while keeping daily prac
2nd - 8th
Creative Writing, Grammar, Writing
Each Kindness Activities | Ripple Effect of Kindness | SEL & Back-to-School
Start your school year with kindness, empathy, and reflection using this Each Kindness activity pack! This engaging resource is the perfect companion to Jacqueline Woodson’s powerful story and helps students reflect on their actions, build a caring classroom community, and take responsibility for their choices. This resource includes four purposeful and ready-to-use activities: My Ripples of Kindness Worksheet – Students write and illustrate how one small act of kindness can create a ripple ef
2nd - 8th
Classroom Community, Reading, Social Emotional Learning
Also included in: “Each Kindness” Complete SEL Lesson & Activities Bundle
Yearlong Vocabulary Bell Ringer Bundle – 36 Weeks of Daily Word Work (Editable C
Keep vocabulary instruction consistent, engaging, and zero-prep all year long with this complete 36-week bundle of daily vocabulary bell ringers! This editable Canva resource provides a full school year of word work activities—organized into four terms—designed to build strong vocabulary skills through short, meaningful daily routines. Each day features a new vocabulary word and a focused task that helps students practice definitions, apply words in context, explore synonyms and antonyms, and m
3rd - 6th
Reading, Vocabulary, Writing
The Day You Begin: Reflection & Activity Worksheets for SEL & Community Building
Encourage students to reflect on their stories, celebrate differences, and connect with classmates through these hands-on worksheets for The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson. Perfect for SEL lessons, classroom community building, or the first week of school. What’s Included “My Story, My Voice” Reflection Page – Students write or draw about what makes them feel special, what has made them feel different, their feelings, and what they want others to know Before & After Sharing My Story Drawin
2nd - 8th
Classroom Community, Reading, Social Emotional Learning
Also included in: The Day You Begin: Complete SEL & Community Building Resource Bundle
The Day You Begin: Sharing Stories Slide Deck for SEL & Community Building
Guide your students through meaningful conversations, self-reflection, and classroom connection with this interactive slide deck for The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson. Perfect for SEL lessons, classroom community building, or the first week of school. What’s Included Read-Aloud Discussion Slides – Guides teachers through talking points on embracing differences, connecting with classmates, and the importance of each story Sharing Stories Slides – Teaches active listening, respectful sharin
2nd - 8th
Classroom Community, Reading, Social Emotional Learning
Also included in: The Day You Begin: Complete SEL & Community Building Resource Bundle
Mastering Complete Sentences: Capital letters, periods, commas in a list
Grade 1-2 Grammar Worksheets: Commas in a ListHelp your students master the essential skill of using commas in a list with this fun and engaging grammar resource! Designed for Grade 1-2 learners, this set of worksheets focuses on: CapitalizationPunctuation (commas and periods)Rewriting sentences to include commas in listsEach worksheet offers students clear and simple sentences to rewrite, making grammar practice easy and effective. These ready-to-print worksheets are perfect for: Morning work
PreK - 2nd
English Language Arts, Grammar, Writing
CCSS
CCRA.L.1
, CCRA.L.2
Editable Vocabulary Building Bell Ringers – 9 Weeks of Daily Word Work *SET 4*
Continue growing your students’ word knowledge with this second 9-week set of editable vocabulary bell ringers! Designed to follow Set 1-3 or stand alone, this resource includes 45 new daily vocabulary activities to help students deepen their understanding of academic language through quick, consistent practice. With editable teacher slides and student pages, each day introduces a new word and engages students in defining, applying, and connecting it—perfect for warm-ups, morning work, or li
3rd - 6th
Reading, Vocabulary, Writing
Sentence of the Day Bell Ringers – 18 Weeks | Grammar, Vocabulary, and Writing
Make every morning count with this comprehensive set of 18 weeks of Sentence of the Day bell ringers — designed to build essential grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills in just 5 minutes a day! Each weekday targets a specific skill to keep students engaged and practicing a variety of language arts tasks: Fix-It Monday: Edit sentences for grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling errors Add-On Tuesday: Expand simple sentences by adding descriptive details Word-Up Wednesday: Upgrade
3rd - 6th
Grammar, Vocabulary, Writing
Editable Vocabulary Building Bell Ringers – 9 Weeks of Daily Word Work *SET 1*
Kickstart each school day with purposeful vocabulary practice—no prep required! This 9-week set of daily vocabulary building bell ringers is fully editable in Canva and designed to help students build word knowledge through short, consistent routines. Teachers receive both a slide deck for instruction and student pages for practice, with a new vocabulary word introduced each day. Tasks include defining words, using them in context, exploring synonyms/antonyms, and making personal connections.
3rd - 6th
Reading, Vocabulary, Writing
Mastering Compound Sentences: Combining sentences with 'and'
Grade 1-2 Grammar Worksheets: Compound Sentences with 'AND'Help your students take their writing to the next level by mastering compound sentences with this engaging grammar resource! Perfect for Grade 1-2 learners, these worksheets focus on: Using ‘and’ to connect ideasCapitalization and punctuationRewriting simple sentences into compound sentencesEach worksheet is designed to make grammar practice accessible and enjoyable. Whether you’re introducing the concept or providing reinforcement, th
K - 3rd
English Language Arts, Grammar, Writing
Editable Vocabulary Building Bell Ringers – 9 Weeks of Daily Word Work *SET 3*
Continue growing your students’ word knowledge with this second 9-week set of editable vocabulary bell ringers! Designed to follow Set 1 and 2 or stand alone, this resource includes 45 new daily vocabulary activities to help students deepen their understanding of academic language through quick, consistent practice. With editable teacher slides and student pages, each day introduces a new word and engages students in defining, applying, and connecting it—perfect for warm-ups, morning work, o
3rd - 6th
Reading, Vocabulary, Writing
Editable Vocabulary Building Bell Ringers – 9 Weeks of Daily Word Work *SET 2*
Continue growing your students’ word knowledge with this second 9-week set of editable vocabulary bell ringers! Designed to follow Set 1 or stand alone, this resource includes 45 new daily vocabulary activities to help students deepen their understanding of academic language through quick, consistent practice. With editable teacher slides and student pages, each day introduces a new word and engages students in defining, applying, and connecting it—perfect for warm-ups, morning work, or lite
3rd - 6th
Reading, Vocabulary, Writing
"Each Kindness" Shared Reading and Ripple of Kindness Lesson
Bring Jacqueline Woodson’s powerful story Each Kindness to life with this thoughtfully designed read-aloud and discussion lesson pack. Perfect for grades 2–6, this resource invites students to reflect deeply on empathy, inclusion, and the lasting effects of small acts of kindness. This interactive slide deck and teaching guide include: Read-aloud prompts and discussion questions that foster critical thinking Ripple of Kindness activities to help students visualize impact ✍️ Writing and drawin
2nd - 8th
Classroom Community, Reading, Social Emotional Learning
Also included in: “Each Kindness” Complete SEL Lesson & Activities Bundle
Mastering Complete Sentences: Capital letters and periods
Grade 1-2 Grammar Bundle: Complete Sentences WorksheetsTransform your students into grammar superstars with this engaging bundle of 3 complete sentences worksheets! Designed specifically for Grade 1-2 learners, these activities help students master the basics of sentence structure by focusing on: CapitalizationPunctuation (periods)Rewriting simple sentencesEach worksheet is easy to use, with clear instructions for students to rewrite sentences correctly. Whether you're teaching in the classroo
PreK - 2nd
Grammar, Writing
CCSS, TEKS
CCRA.L.1
, CCRA.L.2
, LA.K.10.D.i
+1
Showing 1-20 of 57 results
About the store
Experience
Hi, I’m Emily Smith, a Grade 3-5 IB-PYP teacher who loves helping students grow through literacy and inquiry. At TheWordSmiths, you’ll find resources that combine storytelling, transdisciplinary learning, and engaging literacy activities for curious minds.
Teaching style
My teaching style centers on inquiry-based learning, where students are encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas, and think critically. I strive to create a classroom environment where curiosity drives learning and students feel empowered to take ownership of their growth. I balance structured literacy instruction with opportunities for creativity, exploration, and meaningful connections to the real world.
My own education history
I started my teaching journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Michigan State University and later earned my Master’s in Secondary and Special Education from Johns Hopkins University. I spent a few years teaching in the Dallas Independent School District, where I loved working with diverse students and learning how to make my lessons engaging for all learners. Now, I’m teaching in IB international schools, where I get to combine my passion for literacy and inquiry-based learning. Teaching has taken me to exciting places, and I’m currently lucky to be working with amazing students in Peru!
TPT is the largest marketplace for PreK-12 resources, powered by a community of educators.
IXL family of brands