Ready to receive FREE resources and engaging teaching ideas?

Your Thrifty Co-Teacher

A Teaching Blog

Making First Chapter Fridays Work in Your Upper Elementary Classroom

When students start losing interest in independent reading, it’s often a sign they need something new. First Chapter Fridays can help reignite their curiosity. Between test prep, tight schedules, and constant academic pressure, reading can start to feel like just another task for students. But giving your 4th and 5th grade students a taste of a story, even if it’s just one chapter, can be the ... Read More about Making First Chapter Fridays Work in Your Upper Elementary Classroom

Teaching States of Matter in 4th and 5th Grade

What Are the Three States of Matter? Teaching the three states of matter—solid, liquid, and gas—can feel straightforward, but helping students deeply understand the differences and how particles behave in each state often takes repeated exposure and visual support. This post outlines a classroom-tested method that introduces vocabulary, uses anchor visuals, and incorporates simple, hands-on ... Read More about Teaching States of Matter in 4th and 5th Grade

Picture Books About Matter for Upper Elementary

If you’re teaching a unit on matter and looking for ways to bring those abstract science concepts to life, picture books are one of my favorite tools. I love using read-alouds to introduce, reinforce, or review topics like physical properties, states of matter, and how materials change. Even in upper elementary, a well-chosen picture book can spark great conversation and deepen understanding. In ... Read More about Picture Books About Matter for Upper Elementary

Fun Area and Perimeter Activities for Teaching 4th and 5th Grade

Let’s be honest. Teaching area and perimeter can feel like a never-ending cycle of reminders and “Wait, which one is which again?” That’s why fun area and perimeter activities that start simple and build in complexity can make these concepts stick. When students get to manipulate, measure, and do the math, they’re far more likely to remember what it actually means. This post walks through: ... Read More about Fun Area and Perimeter Activities for Teaching 4th and 5th Grade

Red Ribbon Week Activities for Elementary Students

Red Ribbon Week is one of those events that sneaks up on you in the fall—right when you're juggling parent conferences, report cards, and Halloween chaos. If you're looking for quick, engaging, and meaningful Red Ribbon Week activities for upper elementary students, I’ve got you covered. From powerful videos to discussion-worthy read alouds and no-prep classroom activities, this post is packed ... Read More about Red Ribbon Week Activities for Elementary Students

Teaching Powers of Ten: Engaging Activities & Printable Worksheets for Upper Elementary

Teaching powers of ten doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—for you or your students. With a few targeted activities, some smart visuals, and a lot of hands-on practice, you can help your class grasp this important concept with confidence. But before jumping into the activities, let's break it down. What is Powers of Ten? Powers of ten are numbers created by multiplying 10 by itself multiple ... Read More about Teaching Powers of Ten: Engaging Activities & Printable Worksheets for Upper Elementary