3-5 Upper Elementary

These tips make it easier for teachers to host classroom volunteers without adding to their own workload.

At a primary school in the UK, both students and teachers have become more engaged and curious as a result of a shift to a fully play-based approach—and learning has become more joyful for everyone.

Encouraging middle school students to read books of all genres and reading levels can reignite their interest in reading.

When schools make space for free play in a natural environment, students are left to their own devices to build, create, and problem-solve—and the benefits continue once they are back in the classroom.

Sometimes mixing in formative assessments that go a step beyond exit slips and low-stakes quizzes can inject some fun—and creativity—into learning.

Using simple strategies acted out by puppets, students learn social and emotional skills that help them calm themselves, identify their feelings, and connect with others.

Stories can help students recall key math concepts and make the subject more relevant to them.

Guiding upper elementary students with boundaries rather than rules can make for a more harmonious classroom.

Pickleball is an inclusive sport that focuses on strategy and team building and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. This makes it perfect for elementary schools!

Effective classroom design can help elementary students develop skills like organization and task initiation.