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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
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
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
“Life in My Shoes” Identity & SEL Project/ Printable Activities 4th 5th 6th
Step Into Someone’s Story — Including Your Own Start your year with empathy, creativity, and connection through this powerful identity-based SEL project! In Life in My Shoes, students design a symbolic shoe that tells their personal story—blending visual art, writing, and self-reflection into one meaningful back-to-school activity. Perfect for Grades 4–6, this engaging resource helps students explore who they are, what they value, and how they connect with others. It’s ideal for building c
4th - 6th
Character Education, Classroom Community, Social Emotional Learning
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 Leadership Toolkit | SEL Roles & Goal Setting 4th 5th 6th
Build a Leadership-Driven Classroom with This 3-in-1 Student Empowerment Bundle!Looking for a way to develop real-world leadership, accountability, and responsibility in your classroom? This Student Leadership System Bundle gives you everything you need to shift ownership to students— all while supporting SEL, behavior, and academic growth. Ideal for grades 4–6, this editable bundle includes: 1. Classroom Jobs System | U.S. Government & Student Leadership Roles Assign meaningful roles inspire
4th - 6th
Character Education, Classroom Community, Social Emotional Learning
Learning Styles Survey + 4 Corners SEL Game 4th 5th 6th
The purpose of this resource is to help teachers identify instructional patterns and gain a deeper understanding of how students learn best. This engaging 4 Corners game and student survey is a powerful way to get to know your students, collect meaningful data, and use that information to impact instruction. The results help you identify classwide trends, small-group clusters, and individual needs, allowing you to plan lessons based on real data rather than guesswork.✨ What’s Included ✅ 20
3rd - 7th
Character Education, For All Subjects
Digital Literacy Unit: Watch to Learn vs Watch for Fun Gr. 4th 5th 6th
How to Watch Videos for Education vs. Entertainment Are your students watching videos just to zone out—or to learn something new? Help them become smart, purposeful viewers with this highly engaging, no-prep unit for grades 4–6. This 5-day unit teaches students to: ü Distinguish between watching for fun and for learningü Apply active viewing strategiesü Set a purpose before pressing playü Use note-taking organizers to stay focusedü Reflect on viewing habits and set personal goalsWhat’s Incl
4th - 6th
For All Subjects, Not Subject Specific
CCSS
RI.K.7
, CCRA.SL.4
, CCRA.SL.5
+1
Movement SEL Icebreaker Game | Morning Meeting Activity 5th 6th
\Bring movement, energy, and genuine connection to your classroom! This Movement SEL Icebreaker Cards set features a lively “Stand If You…” game designed to build community, boost engagement, and strengthen student relationships. Ideal for back-to-school, morning meetings, brain-breaks, or advisory, these community-building games encourage students in Grades 4-8 to move, share, and reflect in powerful and inclusive ways. 💬 What’s Included🃏 48 printable “Stand If You…” cards (6 per page –
4th - 8th
For All Subjects
Introduce Yourself Activity Video Project 4th 5th 6th
Start the Year with Connection, Confidence & Creativity Kick off your school year with a digital icebreaker that builds community, communication, and SEL skills from Day 1! This Introduce Yourself Video Project helps upper-elementary students create short, meaningful videos to share who they are — blending public speaking, technology, and self-expression in one powerful, low-prep activity. Students choose 3–5 meaningful items that represent their identity, script a brief introduction, and re
4th - 6th
Classroom Community, Social Emotional Learning
Creative Thinking Project | Design a Billboard Task 5th 6th 7th 8th
Engage your students in critical thinking, teamwork, and visual communication with this no-prep Academic Spark Challenge!In the Billboard Challenge, teams must design a wordless billboard that visually communicates a big idea or academic concept—without using any words or numbers! Perfect for upper elementary and middle school, this flexible challenge supports ELA, science, social studies, math, and SEL standards. What’s Included: Complete Teacher Guide (materials, setup, facilitation tips,
5th - 8th
For All Subjects
CCSS, NGSS, TEKS, VA SOL
SL.5.1
, SL.5.1c
, CCRA.SL.1
+13
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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