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Roanoke & Plymouth Inquiry Bundle | CER Evidence & Historical Reasoning 5th, 8th
Why did some early colonies survive while others failed?This flagship inquiry bundle challenges students to analyze evidence, compare outcomes, and defend explanations using Claim–Evidence–Reasoning (CER). Instead of memorizing events, students explain why the outcomes of Roanoke and Plymouth differed. These lessons are designed as thinking tasks, not content lessons. Students are not discovering what happened — they are explaining why it happened. 🧠 WHAT STUDENTS WILL DO Across both inqu
5th - 8th
U.S. History, Writing
Lost Colony of Roanoke | Evidence Sort + CER Writing Bundle 5th 6th 7th 8th
This Roanoke mini-bundle helps students analyze historical evidence and explain their reasoning using a structured Claim–Evidence–Reasoning (CER) approach. Students begin by sorting evidence related to the Lost Colony of Roanoke into fact, theory, and mystery. This process builds critical thinking and prepares students to evaluate which evidence best supports different interpretations. Students then apply their analysis by writing a full CER response explaining what most likely happened to the L
4th - 6th
U.S. History, Writing
Plymouth Colony Inquiry | CER Writing & Roanoke Comparison 5th 6th 7th 8th
Why did Plymouth Colony succeed where Roanoke failed?In this inquiry-based social studies lesson, students analyze historical evidence, compare Plymouth and Roanoke, and defend a claim using CER (Claim–Evidence–Reasoning). This is not a content lesson or reading passage. Students are not discovering what happened — they are explaining why outcomes differed. Designed as a thinking task, this lesson emphasizes: evidence evaluation cause-and-effect reasoning prioritizing explanations defending
5th - 8th
U.S. History, Writing
CCSS
RI.5.8
, CCRA.R.1
, CCRA.R.7
+3
Lost Colony of Roanoke CER | Evidence & Reasoning 5th 6th 7th 8th
Guide students through historical thinking and evidence-based writing with this Roanoke CER writing task, focused on the enduring mystery of the Lost Colony. In this structured Claim–Evidence–Reasoning (CER) activity, students develop a clear claim about what they believe most likely happened to the Roanoke colonists, support that claim with historical evidence, and explain their reasoning. Students are encouraged to acknowledge uncertainty and think like historians rather than search for a sin
4th - 8th
Reading, U.S. History, Writing
Rights and Responsibilities Unit | Civics Lessons 4th 5th 6th
Make Civics Real, Relevant & Engaging Bring civic learning to life with this interactive 2-day unit on Rights and Responsibilities—perfect for upper elementary social studies or civics lessons. Through videos, guided notes, hands-on sorting activities, real-world scenarios, and a creative poster project, students develop a deep understanding of what it means to be an informed, responsible member of a community. This ready-to-use resource builds critical thinking, communication, and civic awa
5th - 8th
Character Education, Civics, Other (Social Studies)
CCSS
RI.5.2
, SL.5.1
, SL.5.2
+1
French and Indian War Unit 5th Grade | Perspectives, Debate, Writing
Bring the French and Indian War to life with this 5th grade social studies and ELA unit focused on historical perspectives, debate, and historical writing. Students explore the conflict through the viewpoints of a British colonist, French trader, Native American leader, and British soldier as they read, annotate, compare perspectives, debate land claims, and write a first-person historical journal entry. Instead of simply memorizing dates and names, students investigate why the Ohio River Va
5th - 7th
Close Reading, U.S. History, Writing
Lost Colony of Roanoke Evidence Sort | Fact & Theory 5th 6th 7th 8th
Help students think like historians with this Roanoke Evidence Sort, a low-prep, high-thinking activity that asks students to analyze historical statements and determine whether each one is confirmed evidence, a reasonable theory, or still a mystery. Using the mystery of the Lost Colony of Roanoke, students practice historical reasoning, evidence analysis, and justification—essential skills for upper elementary and middle school social studies. This activity works especially well as a pre-wr
4th - 6th
U.S. History
CCSS
RI.5.7
, RI.5.8
, CCRA.R.1
+1
Veterans Day Lesson: Inquiry Stations + Reflection Writing 4th 5th 6th
A one-day Veterans Day inquiry lesson using The Wall by Eve Bunting. Students rotate through silent inquiry stations to explore how we remember and honor veterans, then complete a guided reflection writing task.This lesson prioritizes presence, curiosity, and reflection — rather than memorizing facts — and helps students consider how communities remember and honor sacrifice. What’s Included Teacher Guide (facilitation tips + timing 4 Silent Inquiry Stations Student Reflection Page Anchor Cha
4th - 6th
Character Education, Other (Social Studies), U.S. History
Student Goal Setting & Accountability | SEL Reflection System 4th 5th 6th Grade
Help students grow into confident, reflective leaders with this coaching toolkit designed for grades 4–6. Using the powerful GPA framework— Growth, Positivity, and Accountability—this resource gives you the tools to hold meaningful behavior conferences, track student progress, and build classroom leadership. Perfect for individual student coaching, whole-class SEL lessons, or tiered behavior support, this kit helps you shift from reacting to redirecting—and from managing behavior to coaching l
4th - 6th
Character Education, Classroom Community, Government
Also included in: Student Leadership Toolkit | SEL Roles & Goal Setting 4th 5th 6th
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About the store
Experience
30 + years of teaching experience
Kindergarten- Sixth Grade
Teaching style
Activity-based
Constructivist
Student-centered
Inquiry-based
Awards & shining teacher moments
Disney Teacheriffic Award Winner
2 Time Teacher of the Year
Additional biographical information
Welcome! I design upper elementary lessons that build student voice, leadership, and thoughtful academic dialogue. You’ll find:
• **SEL Check-Ins & Reflection** – quick prompts, surveys, and routines to help students notice their thinking, emotions, and learning progress.
• **Student Leadership & Goal Setting** – classroom jobs systems, leadership coaching, and student-led reflection tools that build ownership.
• **Back-to-School & Classroom Community** – engaging movement-based icebreakers, welcome stations, and first-week routines that create a warm, connected classroom.
• **Reading & Writing Lessons** – fluency routines, reading behavior strategy tools, morpheme study, and writing response supports.
• **U.S. History & Civics Inquiry Units** – respectful, discussion-centered lessons that use primary sources and inquiry stations to explore perspective and remembrance.
• **SEL Identity & Character Education** – identity projects, character strengths work, and reflection activities that help students understand who they are and who they want to become.
• **Creative Thinking & Collaboration Challenges** – team STEM tasks, critical thinking design challenges, and problem-solving prompts that build communication and collaboration skills.
My resources are calm, respectful, and academically rigorous—designed to support student growth without rushing or pressure.
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