Blog - Your Thrifty Co-Teacher

Winter ELA Activities for Upper Elementary

Winter ELA activities are a fun way to Winter ELA activities are a fun way to change things up in your 3rd, 4th, & 5th grade classroom throughout December, January, and February. By the time this time of year, students are usually ready for something different. However, with so many standards to cover, it's important that our activities still provide meaningful practice. I've gathered some ... Read More about Winter ELA Activities for Upper Elementary

Division Picture Books for Upper Elementary

Whenever I have the opportunity to tie a picture book into a lesson or a new skill, I take it! Picture books are fun, engaging, and a great way to break up the monotony of everyday lessons. That's why I searched for division picture books that would make a sometimes tricky math concept more engaging and easier to understand. Whether you're reviewing division or introducing how to interpret ... Read More about Division Picture Books for Upper Elementary

Thanksgiving Grammar Activities for Upper Elementary

The days leading up to Thanksgiving break can be tricky in an upper elementary classroom. Students are excited, schedules are often interrupted, and keeping everyone focused isn't always easy. Finding Thanksgiving grammar activities that are engaging an d still instructional can make those last few days a little easier. That's when I like to switch things up without putting grammar instruction ... Read More about Thanksgiving Grammar Activities for Upper Elementary

Best Fall Read Alouds for Upper Elementary

Fall read alouds for upper elementary students can bring the season into your classroom while still supporting meaningful reading instruction. Fall picture books about pumpkins, scarecrows, harvests, and changing seasons can be used to teach everything from inference and character change to figurative language and theme. The fall picture books below work especially well with 3rd, 4th, and 5th ... Read More about Best Fall Read Alouds for Upper Elementary

Halloween Grammar Activities for Upper Elementary

If you've taught during Halloween week, you know how difficult it can be to keep students focused. Between the excitement of costumes, candy, and Classroom celebrations, finding Halloween grammar activities that hold their attention can be a challenge. That's when I like to change things up without putting grammar instruction on hold. These activities give 4th and 5th grade students ... Read More about Halloween Grammar Activities for Upper Elementary

Amazon Prime Big Deal Days 2026 for Teachers

Amazon Prime Big Deal Days 2026 for Teachers can be a money saver for items that you use regularly in the classroom. However, not all deals are created equal. I did some research to help you find some of the best deals on things you will actually use. Updated throughout Prime Big Deal Days: I’ll be adding teacher deals as I find prices that are actually worth sharing. (This post may contain ... Read More about Amazon Prime Big Deal Days 2026 for Teachers