How to Make the Daily 5 Work in Your Fifth-Grade Classroom: Tips for Implementation Success

To be honest, when I switched to fifth grade, I was a bit skeptical about bringing my daily 5 practices with me. Would it be to “elementary” for my fifth-graders? Would I have their buy-in? Utilizing the Daily 5 to structure my literacy block for my fifth graders was the BEST decision I could have made for my students! With a few simple tweaks, the Daily 5 not only boosted my students' independence but also helped me cover the curriculum with ease. Want to know how I made it work? Read on to learn my secrets!

Molly WheatleyNovember 23, 2024Daily 5, Reading Stations, Fifth grade, Literacy stations, Classroom managementComment

How to Incorporate Black History Month into Literacy Centers

February might be a short month, but it is chock full of holidays! Valentine's Day and Groundhog Day each have thier spot on the calendar, but Black History is a month-long celebration of those who have helped shaped our nation. By incorporating Black History Month into your literacy centers, you allow students to explore American history, while still working on those fundamental skills. Today I am sharing with you seven different ways you can let students experience Black History in your literacy block and classroom all month long.

Molly WheatleyFebruary 5, 2023Black History Month, Daily 5, Literacy stations, Reading StationsComment

Transform Your Fifth Grade Classroom with the Daily 5 Framework

Did you know the Daily 5 isn’t just for younger students? When I introduced the Daily 5 in fifth grade, my students loved the balance of independence and choice it gave them, which is exactly what upper elementary classrooms need. The Daily 5 in upper elementary classrooms helps cover all literacy goals while keeping students engaged, organized, and allowing me to run small groups without constant interruptions. Curious about how it works? Check out the full blog!

Molly WheatleyOctober 23, 2022Daily 5, Literacy stations, Elementary teacher, Reading Stations, Guided readingComment

5 Fun Daily 5 Activities That You’re Students Won’t Hate

Students hate not to have choices in their Daily 5 activities. Having a handful of fun activities for students to choose from helps them feel independent and engaged. Let's talk about 5 activities you can use that your students won't hate and will ask for over and over again!

Molly WheatleyJune 19, 2022Daily 5, Literacy stations, Reading Stations, Elementary teacherComment

How to Make Reading Stations More Easy and Efficient

Students hate not to have choices in their Daily 5 activities. Having a handful of fun activities for students to choose from helps them feel independent and engaged. Let's talk about 5 activities you can use that your students won't hate and will ask for over and over again! Making efficient, easy reading stations can be a teacher's saving grace. Having easy, automatic routines that keep students engaged helps to build classroom management and efficiency.

Molly WheatleyJune 12, 2022Daily 5, Reading Stations, Literacy stations, TeachingComment

How to LEVEL UP Your Classroom with Daily 5

Running literacy small groups can be a challenge when students interrupt. Today we are talking about some tips and tricks to level up your classroom with the Daily 5 to help your students become independent during their independent reading time.

Molly WheatleyJune 9, 2022Daily 5, Literacy stations, Reading Stations, Elementary teacherComment

7 Reasons Why Elementary Teachers Should Use the Daily 5

The secret for running a successful literacy block is simple- use the daily five! Today we are exploring why you should use the daily 5 in your classroom and the benefits this teaching strategy can bring!

Molly WheatleyMay 30, 2022Daily 5, Literacy stations, Reading Stations, Guided reading, Elementary teacherComment

5 Tips For Helping Your Struggling Reader

Whether you’re a teacher trying to help a struggling reader at school or a parent helping a struggling reader at home, teaching reading is a big process! There’s a few things that can help the process and keep your student from feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. Keep on reading to find out 5 tips to help your struggling reader.

Molly WheatleyApril 6, 2022Reading Stations, Guided reading, Sight words, Literacy stationsComment

3 Fun And Engaging Sight Word Activities For Kids

These 3 activities are ones I use in my own first grade classroom to help my students practice sight words so they can become better readers and more engaged while they’re practicing sight words. Say goodbye to the flash card method (even though I’m not opposed to it) and hello to fun activities that your students will ask you to do again and again! You’ll be shocked how engaged your students are!

Molly WheatleyMarch 28, 2022Literacy stations, Sight words, Reading StationsComment

Valentine’s Day Classroom Activities That Actually Engage Students During Reading Stations

I’m here to tell you Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be your least favorite holiday as a teacher. If you teach at a school where you’re in charge of planning the party (like I do) then keep on reading because I’m going to give you some zero prep ideas that will keep your students engaged during reading stations. You’ll actually be able to get your reading groups done while your students get to have fun and still sprinkle the holiday of love in.

Molly WheatleyFebruary 2, 2022Teaching, Holidays, Reading Stations, Guided readingComment

Get Involved

Get to Know Us