7 Creative Ways to Motivate Middle Grade Readers

Motivating middle grade students to read can sometimes feel like a challenge. With so many distractions competing for their attention, books don’t always make the top of their list. But with the right strategies, you can help students rediscover the joy of reading. Here are 7 engaging ways to motivate your middle grade readers!

1. Reading Buddies

Pair up students so they can share stories together. Buddies can take turns reading aloud, summarize chapters for each other, or even quiz one another on details. The social aspect makes reading feel more like a shared adventure.

2. Guest Readers

Invite parents, other teachers, or even community members to come in and read a favorite book or short story. Middle graders love seeing familiar adults in a new light—and it’s always fun when the principal shows up with a silly picture book!

3. Author Visits

Nothing excites young readers more than meeting the creator behind their favorite stories. Whether in person or virtual, author visits give students the chance to ask questions, learn about the writing process, and see that authors are real people just like them.

4. Book Clubs

Give students a voice in choosing books for small reading groups. Book clubs create accountability, encourage discussion, and help students discover new genres. You can make it extra fun by providing snacks, cozy seating, or themed activities related to the book.

5. Reading Challenges

Turn reading into a game! Create punch card bookmarks, track books in a class jar, or set up milestone prizes for completed books. A little gamification can go a long way with middle graders.

6. Choice & Ownership

Let students pick their own books whenever possible. Graphic novels, biographies, magazines, and audiobooks all count as reading. When students feel ownership over what they’re reading, their motivation naturally increases.

7. Special Reading Events

Host a Flashlight Friday, a classroom reading picnic, or even build a cardboard “reading clubhouse” where students can read inside for a few minutes at a time. Simple changes in the routine make reading feel exciting again.

Teacher Corner: Start a Teacher Book Club 📖

If we want our students to be lifelong readers, it helps for them to see us modeling a love of books. One fun way to do this is to start a teacher book club at your school! Not only will you stay motivated as a reader yourself, but you’ll also build community with your colleagues.

Here are 3 ideas to get your teacher book club started:

Genre Rotation – Rotate genres each month (mystery, historical fiction, memoir, etc.) so everyone gets a chance to explore something new.

Snack & Story Night – Combine your meeting with a potluck snack night for a cozy, bookish get-together.

Lunch or Winery Meetings – Host your book club at a favorite lunch spot (inservice days may work well), or plan an evening gathering at a local winery for a relaxing, grown-up twist.

How I Afford My Teacher Book Club Books 💡

I use the Ibotta app to earn cash back on my everyday grocery shopping, and then I use that money to purchase my teacher book club books with Amazon gift cards. It’s a fun way to treat myself guilt-free!

👉 Check out Ibotta here – my affiliate link

After I finish the books, I sell them through Sell Your Books, which gives me a little extra money to put toward the book club meeting. 🍷😋

👉 Check out Sell Your Books here – Not an affiliate link

With the right mix of creativity, social connection, and ownership, middle grade readers can develop a lifelong love of books—and you might find yourself more inspired to read right alongside them!

🎒 5 Must-Dos and 5 May-Dos Before Heading Back to School

Whether you're sipping your final iced coffee of summer or already knee-deep in laminating, the back-to-school season has a way of sneaking up fast! Here's a simple list of 5 must-dos and 5 may-dos — to help you focus on what really matters and start the year feeling confident and calm.

✏️ 5 Must-Dos Before Back to School

These are the non-negotiables. Taking care of these will make your first week go smoother and set the tone for a strong school year.

1. Prep Your First Week Plans

You don’t need to plan the whole semester, but having your first few days mapped out allows you to focus on building relationships, teaching routines, and setting expectations.

2. Set Up Your Classroom Basics

Get the essentials in place: bulletin boards, student name tags, seating, supply areas. This helps students feel welcome and ready to learn on day one.

3. Review IEPs, 504s, & Class Lists

Take time to understand your students’ needs ahead of time so you can start supporting them right away.

4. Check Tech & Logins

Make sure your classroom tech is working and you’re able to access your district platforms, gradebook, and learning management system.

5. Rest & Reset

Don’t underestimate this one! Prioritize rest, movement, sunshine, or whatever fills your cup. A calm, centered teacher is a gift to every classroom.

🌟 5 May-Dos to Start the Year Strong

1. Prep a Go-To Outfit

Laying out your first day outfit takes one decision off your plate — and helps you start the year feeling confident and pulled together.

Still looking for that perfect back-to-school teacher look? Find some great additions to your wardrobe on Poshmark! (affiliate link + sign-up bonus for you and me)

2. Stock Your Teacher Emergency Kit

Tuck away a few personal essentials in your desk or bag — lip balm, hand lotion, deodorant, extra snacks, breath mints, and whatever keeps you feeling human at 2 p.m.

3. Draft a Parent Welcome Letter

This is a great way to introduce yourself, share classroom expectations, and invite parent communication from the start.

4. Treat Yourself to a Back-to-School Read

Choose a motivational PD book or just a fun novel to spark your brain and remind you why you love to learn, too.

5. Schedule a Fun Night Out (or In!)

Celebrate the new year your way — dinner with friends, a solo movie night, or a relaxing evening doing nothing. You’ve earned it.

By taking care of your must-dos and sprinkling in a few may-dos, you’ll feel ready, refreshed, and excited to meet your new students.

With faith and friendship,

5 Meaningful and Easy Ideas for Vacation Bible School (VBS)

Vacation Bible School is such a special time for kids to grow in faith, build friendships, and have fun!

Whether you're planning a weeklong program at church or helping out with activities at home, here are 5 easy and meaningful ideas to bring your VBS theme to life:

1. Prayer Beach Ball

Grab a beach ball and write a prayer prompt on each color section (like “Thank God for something,” “Pray for someone who is sick,” or “Say something you love about Jesus”). Toss it around, and wherever a child’s thumb lands, that’s the prayer prompt they share!

2. Faith Walk Obstacle Course

Set up a simple obstacle course and have kids try it with and without blindfolds. Use this activity to talk about trusting God to guide us—even when we can’t see the whole path. It’s active, memorable, and ties beautifully into Bible stories about faith.

3. Snack with a Scripture

Turn snack time into a learning moment by attaching short Bible verses to juice boxes or snack bags. Kids can read the verse aloud before eating. It’s a simple way to reinforce the daily message.

4. Jesus Saves Craft (TpT Resource)

This easy-to-assemble craft is a great way for kids to remember that Jesus is our Savior. Kids can decorate it with bright colors, add a photo, and keep it as a reminder of their VBS experience. Perfect for ages 6–10 and simple to prep for a group!

5. Fruits of the Spirit Craft (TpT Resource)

This colorful, hands-on activity helps students reflect on the Fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, and more! Great for a small group or individual station, this craft includes simple cut-and-paste pieces and thoughtful writing prompts.

VBS is about more than just fun—it’s about planting seeds of faith. These simple activities can make the experience even more meaningful and memorable for kids of all ages.

Looking for more easy-prep Christian crafts? You can find the Jesus Saves Craft,  the Fruits of the Spirit Craft, and more in my TpT store!

Wishing you a joyful and faith-filled summer! 🌞✝️

With faith and friendship,

7 Free Things Teachers Can Do on TpT This Summer

Summer is a well-earned time to relax, recharge, and maybe even catch up on a few things you didn’t have time for during the school year. If you’re popping onto Teachers Pay Teachers over break, there are plenty of productive things you can do without spending a dime. Here are some free ways to make the most of your TpT time this summer!

1. Leave Feedback to Earn Credits

Before you start buying anything new, check your My Purchases tab and leave feedback on past resources. TpT gives you credits for every review, which you can apply toward future purchases. It's a quick and easy way to save money—plus, you’re helping out fellow teacher-authors by sharing your thoughts!

2. Search for High-Quality Freebies

TpT is full of amazing free resources! Take some time to search for freebies that will work all year long. Think graphic organizers, classroom management tools, writing prompts, math games—there are so many gems out there. Bonus tip: Once you find them, save them into organized folders on your device or Google Drive so you can grab them quickly when school starts back up.

3. Follow New Sellers

Summer is a great time to explore! As you're browsing, keep an eye out for sellers who match your grade level, teaching style, or curriculum. When you follow a seller, you’ll get updates when they post new products or sales. Some sellers even offer follower freebies or sneak peeks!

4. Build Your Wishlist

Wishlisting now means quicker shopping during the next big TpT sale. Browse your favorite categories and add resources you might want to grab before the year begins. It's like creating your own personalized teacher shopping guide.

5. Organize Your TpT Resources

If you’re anything like me, you’ve downloaded a ton of amazing resources that you haven’t quite filed yet. Take an hour or two to sort through your TpT files and set up folders by subject, month, or standard. Future you will thank you during the school year!

6. Join a TpT Email List or Facebook Group

Many TpT sellers have free email newsletters or teacher Facebook groups where they share tips, freebies, and classroom ideas. Joining a few of these over the summer can be a fun, low-key way to stay inspired and connect with other teachers.

7. Leave Questions for Sellers

If you’ve downloaded something and aren’t sure how to use it, don’t be shy—ask the seller a question! It’s free, and most sellers are more than happy to help you get the most out of their resources.

Summer is your time—whether you’re diving into professional development or just poking around TpT for inspiration. These ideas can help you save money, stay organized, and be ready for a fresh start in the fall… all without spending a single cent.

10 Fun End-of-the-School-Year Ideas to Celebrate and Reflect

The countdown is on! The final weeks of school are filled with excitement, energy, and a touch of chaos. Whether you're looking to maintain engagement or celebrate your students’ growth, these 10 fun end-of-the-school-year ideas will help you end on a high note.

1. Memory Booklets

Have students reflect on their year with a memory booklet. Include prompts like “My favorite day of school,” “This year I learned…,” and “A funny classroom moment.” Add drawings or photos for a keepsake they’ll treasure.

2. Class Awards Ceremony

Host a fun awards day! Create silly or sweet certificates like “Best Pencil Sharpening Skills,” “Most Likely to Become a Scientist,” or “Future Comedian.” Let students cheer each other on while celebrating everyone's unique contributions.

3. Themed Dress-Up Days

Plan a week of themed days—Pajama Day, Hat Day, Crazy Hair Day, etc. This adds some excitement without needing elaborate preparation and gives students something fun to look forward to each day.

4. Classroom Camp-In

Transform your classroom into a campsite! Turn off the lights, use flashlights, read stories, do camp-themed crafts, and enjoy a snack like s'mores (the safe, no-bake kind). Bonus points for a "campfire" made out of construction paper and tissue flames.

5. Autograph T-Shirts or Yearbook Pages

Have students bring in a plain T-shirt or printed template to collect autographs and positive messages from classmates. It’s a great way to remember friends and wrap up the year with kindness.

6. STEM Challenge Day

Host a day full of fun challenges: build the tallest tower with spaghetti and marshmallows, create a paper airplane that flies the farthest, or design a bridge with straws. It’s hands-on, collaborative, and educational.

7. Write a Letter to Future Students

Have your students write letters to next year’s class. They can share tips, favorite activities, and what to expect. It gives current students a chance to reflect and helps ease nerves for incoming ones.

8. Classroom Clean-Up Bingo

Turn tidying up into a game! Create bingo boards with tasks like “wipe the desks,” “organize the bookshelf,” or “sharpen pencils.” Offer small prizes or privileges for completed rows.

9. Outdoor Learning or Picnic Day

If the weather cooperates, take the learning outside. Read under a tree, do sidewalk chalk math problems, or host a class picnic. It feels like a reward but still keeps students learning and interacting. 

10. Slideshow or Movie Day

Compile a slideshow of photos from the year or have a movie afternoon with popcorn and cozy blankets. Be sure to add some personal touches, like a goodbye message or photos of memorable moments.

The end of the year is a perfect time to celebrate, reflect, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re looking for low-prep ideas or interactive activities, these suggestions will help you finish strong and send your students off with a smile.

Looking for more ideas? Slime Making is always a huge hit! Check it out: Fractions in Real Life (Slime)

With faith and friendship,

4 Engaging Ways to Teach Fractions as the Sum of Unit Fractions

Understanding fractions can be tricky for students, but breaking them down into unit fractions makes them much more approachable. Unit fractions, where the numerator is always 1, help students grasp the idea that fractions are composed of smaller parts. Here are three engaging ways to teach fractions as the sum of unit fractions in your classroom!

1. Pizza Slice Demonstration

Nothing grabs students’ attention quite like food! For this activity, create a cardboard pizza divided into 8 equal slices, each labeled as 1/8. Start with a whole pizza, then remove four slices and hand them to four students. Ask them to hold their pieces up as the class observes.

Now, guide the students through the thought process:

• “Each of these slices represents 1/8 of the whole pizza.”

• “How many slices are there?” (Students will count and say four.)

• “So we can write this fraction as: 1/8 + 1/8 + 1/8 + 1/8 = 4/8.”

This concrete representation helps students visualize how fractions are built from unit fractions.

2. Fraction Train with Connecting Cubes

Use linking cubes or snap cubes to create a hands-on fraction model. Assign each cube a unit fraction, such as 1/6. Give students six individual cubes and have them connect them together to form a “whole.” Then, ask them to break off four cubes and write the sum:

• “Each cube represents 1/6 of the whole.”

• “If we take four cubes, how can we represent this as a sum?”

• “1/6 + 1/6 + 1/6 + 1/6 = 4/6.”

This activity is great for kinesthetic learners and reinforces how fractions are built from unit fractions.

3. Number Line Hop

Create a large number line from 0 to 1 on the floor using masking tape. Mark unit fractions such as 1/5, 2/5, 3/5, etc. Call on a student to “hop” on the number line, moving one step at a time by 1/5 until they reach 4/5. Afterward, discuss:

• “How did you get to 4/5?”

• “What fraction did you step on first?”

• “Can we write this as a sum? 1/5 + 1/5 + 1/5 + 1/5 = 4/5.”

This movement-based activity helps students make connections between fractions and number lines.

4. Taking it Further

Once students understand how fractions are sums of unit fractions, reinforce their learning with this Unit Fractions Practice Worksheet! This resource is perfect for independent practice, partner work, small groups, or even a quick check for understanding. Check out Sum of Unit Fractions to give your students extra practice with unit fractions!

By using concrete materials, hands-on activities, and movement, students can better grasp the concept of unit fractions and their sums. Which of these activities will you try first?

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With faith and friendship,

Test Prep That Works: Engaging Station Rotations for Review

As testing season approaches, keeping students engaged while reviewing important material can be a challenge. Station rotations provide an interactive and effective way to review, allowing students to move, collaborate, and reinforce their knowledge in a structured setting.

How to Set Up Your Test Prep Stations

To get started, divide your class into small groups and create different review stations. Each station should focus on a key skill. Here are some effective station ideas:

1. Task Card Station

Use task cards with multiple-choice or open-ended questions related to a targeted skill. Students can answer individually or discuss in pairs before checking their responses.

2. Partner Quiz Station

At this station, students take turns quizzing each other with prepared review questions. This peer-to-peer interaction encourages discussion and reinforces understanding.

3. Game-Based Station

Incorporate a fun review game where students must answer questions correctly to advance. Games make learning enjoyable and encourage teamwork.

4. Writing/Reflection Station

Provide prompts related to a review skill such as reading comprehension or math problem-solving. Students can explain their thinking, summarize concepts, or practice constructed responses.

5. Teacher-Led Station

This is an opportunity for small-group instruction. Focus on reviewing difficult concepts, answering questions, and providing additional support where needed.

Using station rotations for test prep transforms the process into an engaging and productive experience. Students stay actively involved, gain confidence, and approach testing with a positive mindset. Try it in your classroom and watch your students thrive!

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With faith and friendship,

5 Meaningful + Easy Ways to Appreciate Custodians at School

Custodians are the unsung heroes of every school, ensuring that classrooms, hallways, and common areas remain clean, safe, and welcoming for students and staff. Taking time to show appreciation can make a big difference in their day!

1. Handwritten Thank-You Notes

A heartfelt note can go a long way in making custodians feel valued. Have students write personal thank-you notes expressing their gratitude for the hard work custodians do every day.

2. Custodian Appreciation Bulletin Board

Dedicate a hall bulletin board to celebrating custodians. Encourage students and teachers to contribute messages, drawings, or even photos of custodians in action!

3. Surprise Treats or Snacks

A simple yet thoughtful way to show appreciation is by providing snacks or treats for the custodial staff. Organize a snack basket in the staff lounge or arrange for a small celebration with coffee and pastries.

4. Classroom Cleanup Challenge

Encourage students to take ownership of their learning space by keeping it clean. You can turn it into a fun challenge where students work together to tidy up before the end of the day.

5. Public Recognition

Make sure custodians receive the recognition they deserve by giving them a shoutout during morning announcements, a school assembly, or in the school newsletter.

Showing appreciation for custodians doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. A simple thank-you can mean the world to someone who works tirelessly behind the scenes. Try one of these ideas today and make a custodian’s day a little brighter!

With faith and friendship,

Handling Mid-Year Motivation Slumps in 4th Grade

The holiday magic has faded, and spring break feels miles away. How can we keep students motivated during this challenging stretch? Check out a few ideas to re-energize your classroom today! 

1. Shake Up the Routine

• Why it works: Novelty can spark interest and engagement.

• Ideas:

• Rearrange seating arrangements for a fresh perspective.

• Introduce a new morning routine or daily challenge.

• Try theme days like "Mystery Monday" or "Trivia Tuesday."

2. Revisit Classroom Goals

• Why it works: Students feel ownership when they track their progress.

• Ideas:

  • Reflect on goals set earlier in the year.

  • Celebrate milestones along the way.

  • Collaboratively set new, short-term goals for the next quarter.

3. Incorporate Movement and Brain Breaks

• Why it works: Physical activity boosts focus and morale.

• Ideas:

• Active learning games like quiz-quiz-trade.

• Quick stretch or yoga breaks between lessons.

• Use apps or videos for guided movement breaks (e.g., GoNoodle).

4. Make Lessons Hands-On and Interactive

• Why it works: Engaging activities bring subjects to life.

• Ideas:

• Use manipulatives in math to explore fractions or geometry.

• Incorporate project-based learning, like a group history project.

• Experiment with science labs or engineering challenges.

5. Bring in Seasonal Fun

• Why it works: Seasonal themes add excitement and relevance.

• Ideas:

• Winter writing prompts

• Valentine’s Day kindness challenges or math activities

• Art projects that tie into current lessons

6. Foster Student Choice

• Why it works: Giving students autonomy increases engagement.

• Ideas:

• Let students vote on a class reward or activity.

• Offer choice boards for assignments or projects.

• Create reading menus with diverse genres and themes.

7. Focus on Positivity and Connection

• Why it works: A supportive classroom environment boosts morale.

• Ideas:

• Begin each day with a gratitude or compliment circle.

• Plan team-building activities, like cooperative problem-solving games.

• Write personal notes of encouragement to each student.

Enjoy these mid-year days with your students and remember...Spring is right around the corner!

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With faith and friendship,