3-5 Upper Elementary

Explore and share tips, strategies, and resources for helping students develop in elementary school grades 3-5.

Communication Skills
More Talking in Class, Please
Strategies for facilitating small group and whole class conversations with students in grades 3 to 12.
Literacy
Reading Buddies
Pairing older elementary students with younger ones for community reading time has benefits for both groups.
Brain-Based Learning
When the Social Brain Misfires
Sometimes our powerful urge to belong can hurt us. We look at how stereotypes undermine learning.
STEM
Sparking Curiosity About STEM
A monthly after-school activity guides students to have fun exploring science, technology, engineering, and math.
Literacy
Double-Duty Writing Instruction
Writing lessons that foster social and emotional skills at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
The Research Is In
Are We Doing Recess Right? A New Tool Can Help
An analysis of nearly 500 playgrounds finds that recess can be optimized to build social skills and relationships.
Character Education
Getting Their Hands Dirty
Experiential learning—like making incense sticks in factory conditions—teaches kids about real social issues.
Design Thinking
Designed for Engagement
A school district uses monthly missions in its design studios to increase student and teacher engagement and foster self-directed learning.
Literacy
Beyond the Weekly Word List
Differentiating spelling instruction using evidence-based approaches helps students develop a skill that is vital to their reading ability.
Curriculum Planning
Building a Sense of Community With Music
How a music program can fortify peer relationships and increase parent engagement and community involvement.