How I Structure My 5th Grade Reading Block
If I could teach reading all day, it would feel like winning the lottery! I love my ELA block—especially this year. Today, I’m going to share EVERYTHING with you. Grab a cup of coffee because this will be a long (but hopefully very helpful!) blog post for anyone passionate about teaching reading.
The When: Our ELA Schedule
I teach reading five days a week. However, we run reading rotations only four days. Our ELA block is from 10:45 AM to 12:35 PM. On Wednesdays, it shortens to 9:30 AM–10:10 AM. During this sacred time, I live my best teacher life, modeling the pure joy of reading for my students.
The What: Structure of Our ELA Block
Each day begins with a grammar lesson (15 minutes), followed by a whole-group reading lesson aligned to 5th-grade standards. Everyone, regardless of reading level, receives the same core instruction. Afterward, we transition into reading groups. These groups are flexible and based on student needs—sometimes ability-based, other times skill-specific depending on the season.
Fun fact: Four years ago, our school moved away from grade-wide leveled groups and into classroom reading rotations. Honestly? I LOVE it.
Special Wednesday Routine: Picture Book Playground
Since our Wednesday block is shorter, I created Picture Book Playground—a 40-minute period where picture books meet fifth-grade standards. More on that below!
The Breakdown: Daily ELA Block Details
Teaching 35 fifth graders is no small feat! Here’s how our block unfolds:
10:45–11:05 AM: Grammar (15 Minutes)
In 5th grade we only have a few grammar standards that we must teach, but it’s essential for strong writing skills. Let’s be real—grammar isn’t everyone’s favorite subject (sorry, Mom!). To keep students engaged, I rotate between three grammar units:
- Week 1: Roots Unit using Lovin’ Lit’s root packets.
- Week 2: Daily Language Review (DLR) from Teacher Thrive. We introduce this in March for better pacing.
- Beginning of Year: Mentor Sentences (Ideas by Jivey or my own creations) and parts of speech reviews.
11:05–11:35 AM: Core Reading Lesson (30 Minutes)
This year, we blended it up! Our curriculum includes:
- 4 Benchmark Universe Units
- 2 Novels
- 1 Figurative Language Week
- 1 Poetry Unit
By the end of the year, we leave space for fun, creative reading activities.
Real Talk:
It’s taken me YEARS to appreciate Benchmark. Now? I’ve made it my own and it works. I rely heavily on Marker and Minions guided reading logs and carefully choose units based on student interests. I also use Save Me a Seat, Wonder, and Out of the Dust as novel studies. Lastly, we also LOVE Shelly Rees’ Poetry Unit and Figurative Language Unit.
Pro tip: Meet with your team and customize your reading plan!
Wednesdays 9:30–10:10 AM: Picture Book Playground
This block is GOLD.
We start with a quick 5–10 minute grammar party. If it’s a roots week, we tackle a crossword puzzle together. Then, I share a powerful picture book under the document camera. Titles are carefully selected to align with skills like main idea, theme, connections, and vocabulary. For example, in May, we read Wild Places by David Attenborough—a biography inspiring students to protect Earth’s natural habitats. After reading, we complete a graphic organizer together, reinforcing comprehension and model “thinking aloud” strategies. Later, during reading rotations, we dig deeper through small-group activities.
11:35 AM–12:35 PM: Reading Rotations
Welcome to my favorite time of the day!
We split into five groups and rotate through four stations—each lasting 11 minutes. And yes, it took about three weeks of slow practice to make rotations run smoothly, but it was worth it! If you start rotations, PLEASE PLEASE take it slowly and practice for students to understand your expectations. If you do this, it will run a lot smoother.
I do not meet with every group each day. When my students are not meeting with me they are doing a technology rotation, silent reading, or their to do list. To make things more fun, I allow my students to start on their two independent activities by flipping a coin at the beginning of rotations. On the rotation board, it will say which activity is heads and which one is tails. They love it! Remember it is all about buy-in.
When my students are with me we are working on skills they need to master. On any given day you would see me working on main idea, key details, inference, and summarizing. I use a plethora of activities from Benchmark Leveled readers, my own reading passages, task cards, or games found on the Florida Reading Center. When making groups, try to make them something kids can relate to. I have done everything from ice cream flavors, fruits, and on high top converse shoes.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Teacher Table: Small group instruction (main idea, inferences, summarizing, etc.).
- Technology: District programs like Lexia for students below benchmark. Podcasts like Mars Patel and some of Teaching with a Mountain’s Podcast episodes. Kids LOVE Mars so much. While they listen, they complete a listening activity.
- To Do List: Students flip a coin to choose between two activities (e.g., finish writing, seasonal projects, AAPI posters).
- Silent Reading: 11 minutes of blissful independent reading with ANY book they love (graphic novels, chapter books, magazines).
Simplify your reading block with this editable Reading Group Names & Rotation Slides resource! Whether you’re launching small group reading for the first time or looking to streamline your current setup, this tool is designed to help you stay organized and keep your students on track.
Quick Tips for Success
- Plan Smart: Keep a dedicated notebook for groups, lessons, and brainstorming ideas.
- Be Flexible: It’s okay to pivot. Some years I change group setups three to five times!
- Build Stamina: Teach independent work expectations early and often.
Final Thoughts
Building a joyful, structured, and flexible ELA block is possible—even with 35 fifth graders! With a little planning, a lot of modeling, and a dash of creativity, reading can become the best part of everyone’s day.
If you’re ready to Open the Magic in your classroom, I hope this breakdown helps you start strong!
