When I started dating my husband, I was texting him one night and used the line “Put Me in Coach.” First, he is a coach and second, I love a good pun. I love my husband with all of my heart, but flirty one liners are not always his jam. Even better, I texted my friend that he did not get my line and I was annoyed…. Wait for it…. I actually texted him that. Guess what, we are married and now we laugh about this. Making inferences can sometimes be like pick-up lines that fall flat. 

Inference is a skill that I teach over and over again during my English Language Arts block in my classroom. It is not a one and done skill. We review this skill all year. Making inferences is tough when your brain is used to thinking concretely! But it’s not impossible to get students on the right track.

Teach your students the formula My Life + The Book = An Inference  

You already know what I’m going to say.  The best way to teach inferencing skills is with picture books! 😉

These 3 picture books are my favorite for inference lessons. 

🚲 Drawn Together–  tells the story of a boy and his grandfather who struggle to communicate because they speak different languages. Through drawing and art, they discover a special way to connect and build a strong relationship.

🐠 Paul Meets Bernadette – follows Paul, a fish who only notices ordinary things around him, until he meets Bernadette, who helps him see beauty and wonder in the world. By the end of the story, Paul learns to look at life in a whole new way.

🪀A Bad Case of Stripes–  is about a girl named Camilla who worries so much about fitting in that she develops colorful stripes all over her body. In the end, she learns the importance of being herself and not caring so much about what others think.

Making Inferences with Paul Meets Bernadette

🐠 Model – When you make an inference, you are a detective looking for clues. On the first page of Paul Meets Bernadette, model what making an inference looks like. Ask your students, “How do we know he’s sad? What clues do the text and picture give us?” Then, show them how to make an inference.

🐠 Practice Together – As you continue to read the book, stop at key moments to make inferences together. You might ask, “How can you tell Bernadette helps Pual notice new things around him? What words or pictures help us understand the outside world?” Then work together, out loud, to make an inference.

🐠 Practice Solo – Give students a chance to practice on their own! I have a free Inference resource you can pair with the story to help students apply their inference skills.

Make your inference-unit planning easy by grabbing my Comprehension Vault. There’s no fluff or busy work. Instead, you’ll find engaging ways to practice inference with activities, guiding questions, and games. 

The post Teaching Inference with Picture Books That Actually Work appeared first on Ramona Recommends.

Is there anything more heartbreaking than seeing a student feel isolated because they struggle to read? I remember that feeling vividly. As a fifth grader with dyslexia and an auditory processing disorder, I often sat in the corner with a book two grade levels behind, stuttering through sentences I didn’t understand while my peers raced ahead. It was lonely, but it wasn’t the end of my story.

That girl in the corner grew up to graduate with honors, earn a Master’s in Reading Education, and become a Teacher of the Year. My journey from a struggling reader to a literacy advocate is why I created National Open the Magic Day. Celebrated every year on September 25th, this day is a global invitation to slow down, pick up a picture book, and remind every student—especially those still searching for their reading voice—that they belong in the world of stories.

Why We Celebrate National Open the Magic Day

Picture books are not “just for littles.” They are powerful tools that allow students to see the world through new eyes, build complex vocabulary, and practice deep empathy. For a child who struggles with dense blocks of text, a picture book provides a “confetti moment”—a breakthrough where the story finally clicks, and the magic of reading begins.

Whether you are reading on a classroom rug, in a library, or under a shady tree, National Open the Magic Day is about creating a safe space to explore. It’s a day to honor the “little me” in all of us who once dreamed of finding our place in the world of books.

Featured Reads

Each year, we select “gems” that spark conversation and wonder.

• The Curious Why by Angela DiTerlizzi: This delightful tale follows a young girl who embraces her “whys,” encouraging readers to seek knowledge and stay inquisitive. Check out this resource to help celebrate!
• The Day the Crayons Made Friends by Drew Daywalt: A hilarious adventure where Duncan’s crayons step outside their box to find friendship. It is the perfect catalyst for discussing creativity and how we treat one another. Check out this FREEBIE to use in your class!
• A Dollar’s Grand Dream by Kimberly Wilson: A clever and pun-filled story about a dollar bill with big aspirations. It’s a fantastic way to talk about ambition, worth, and the journey toward reaching our goals.

Fun Ways to Bring the Magic to Your Classroom

Ready to join the movement on September 25th? You can stretch the celebration across a day, a week, or the entire month! Here is my “easy-peasy” plan for making the day memorable:

1. The “Pink Confetti” Breakfast: In my classroom, we eat pink confetti donuts while listening to the read-aloud. It sets a festive, joyful tone from the very first bell.
2. Invite a Guest: Bring in a surprise guest speaker or a mystery reader to share their favorite picture book with the class.
3. Creative Independence: Set aside dedicated time for independent reading where only picture books are allowed. Watch how even your most advanced readers get sucked into the illustrations.
4. The “No-Mess” Activity: Use our free guide to facilitate morning meetings, vocabulary handouts, and a creative activity that requires absolutely no actual confetti (you’re welcome!).

Pro Tip: Capture the joy! Snap a photo of your celebration and post it with #OpenTheMagicDay so our global community of educators can celebrate with you.

The post Discover the Joy of National Open the Magic Day appeared first on Ramona Recommends.

Story Elements Come Alive

Every strong comprehension lesson starts with the basics—story elements. In A Bad Case of Stripes, students can clearly identify the characters, setting, problem, and solution while noticing how these pieces work together to create a meaningful story.

Start by reading the book aloud and discussing each element as you go. Ask questions like:

• Who is the main character, and what does she want?
• What problem does she face?
• How is that problem finally solved?

Try this: Use my free story elements printable to help students organize their thoughts as they listen. They can fill in boxes, draw illustrations, and color each section in Camilla’s vibrant hues. When finished, you’ll have a visual map of the story—and a hallway display that truly pops with color!

Character Change and Growth

Camilla Cream is more than just a girl who breaks out in stripes—she’s a character who changes from uncertain to unapologetically herself. This makes her story perfect for exploring character change and personal growth.

Ask guiding questions to get students thinking deeply:

• What caused Camilla’s stripes to appear?
• How did she feel about herself at the beginning of the story?
• What changes by the end?

Writing Connection: Have students create a short reflection called My Own Case of Stripes. Encourage them to describe a time they felt pressure to fit in—and what they learned about being themselves. This personal writing moment helps connect literature to life, making comprehension more meaningful.

Theme: Be True to You

Every memorable story has a heartbeat—and in this one, it’s all about self-acceptance. Teaching theme through A Bad Case of Stripes encourages students to think beyond the events and ask why the story matters.

Pose open-ended questions such as:

• What is the author trying to teach us about being ourselves?
• How does Camilla’s journey show that lesson?

Group Challenge: Divide your class into small groups and ask them to find three pieces of text evidence that reveal the story’s theme. You’ll love hearing how their interpretations differ—and how their confidence grows when they can justify their thinking with evidence from the text.

Making Connections and Inferring Feelings

David Shannon’s bold illustrations do more than decorate—they communicate. Each color, pattern, and facial expression reveals how Camilla feels inside. This makes the book a powerful tool for practicing making inferences.

Give students sentence stems such as:

• “Camilla felt ____ when ____.”
• “The author shows Camilla’s emotions through ____.”

Then, discuss how her appearance changes alongside her emotions. For example, what do her rainbow stripes say about her feelings? How does she look different when she finally eats the lima beans again? These visual clues guide students to connect emotion with action—a key skill in understanding character motivation.

Creative Classroom Extensions

Make your comprehension lesson even more colorful with activities that combine art, writing, and self-expression:

🎨 Art Connection: Invite students to design their own “stripes” using patterns or colors that represent their personalities and interests. Display them with a banner titled Be True to You!

🧠 SEL Tie-In: Create a class book called A Bad Case of Being Me, where each student adds a page about something that makes them unique. It’s a beautiful reminder that our quirks are what make us shine.

📖 Vocabulary Practice: Highlight words like unique, authentic, and identity from the story. Use them for context clue practice or add them to your class word wall.

Turning Stripes into Strengths

A Bad Case of Stripes is more than a read-aloud—it’s an invitation to celebrate individuality. By weaving comprehension skills with lessons about self-acceptance, you’ll create a classroom where students feel seen, valued, and empowered to show their true colors.

Before you go, don’t forget to download your free story elements printable! It’s the perfect tool to help students analyze the book while keeping the fun and color of Camilla Cream’s world alive.So go ahead—bring A Bad Case of Stripes into your classroom, and watch as your students turn their stripes into strengths.

The post Colorful Comprehension Magic: Teaching with A Bad Case of Stripes appeared first on Ramona Recommends.

And before we hit the books… If you love weaving meaningful conversations into your read-alouds, you’ll want to check out my Social Emotional Learning Picture Book Guide! This ready-to-use resource takes the guesswork out of teaching SEL—it’s not “one more thing,” it’s something that fits right into what you already do. With 60+ carefully chosen picture books, printable teacher guides, student cards, and five thoughtful discussion questions for each title, you’ll have everything you need to foster self-awareness, build relationships, and encourage responsible decision-making through story.

It’s perfect for morning meetings, class discussions, or anytime your class needs a refresh.

Now, let’s explore five picture books that help students discover theme—each one rich with emotional depth and classroom connection.

5 Picture Books That Help Students Discover Theme

1. Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts

A relatable story about wanting what others have and learning that generosity matters more than possessions.
Teaching Tip: After reading, ask students: What lesson did Jeremy learn about kindness and friendship?

2. The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig

A moving story about feeling unseen and the power of including others.
Theme Focus: Acceptance and compassion.
Classroom Idea: Have students find one piece of evidence from the text or illustrations that supports this theme.

3. The Bad Seed by Jory John

A humorous yet heartfelt look at growth, mistakes, and second chances.
Theme Focus: Change and redemption.
Activity Idea: Ask students to identify moments when the seed chooses to change—what lesson does this show?

4. The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld

An emotional story about empathy and the importance of listening when someone is hurting.
Theme Focus: Emotional awareness and compassion.
Extension: Pair with a SEL mini lesson on how to be a supportive friend.

5. Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson

A story that leaves a lasting impact about missed opportunities for kindness.
Theme Focus: Regret and the lasting power of our actions.
Discussion Idea: Use this text to explore how theme connects to students’ real-life choices.

Understanding theme helps students connect literature to life — and picture books are the perfect gateway. Each of these stories sparks a Confetti Moment where readers feel the heart of the message. Try reading one a week and creating a classroom “Theme Wall” where students write the life lessons they discover from each story.

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Why Teaching Parts of Speech Matters

Nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, and pronouns may sound like simple terms, but they’re the foundation of all writing. Without them, students struggle to express ideas clearly. By practicing parts of speech, kids not only become better writers but also sharper readers who can decode meaning and recognize patterns. In short, when students master these essential language pieces, every other literacy skill gets stronger.

A Mad Lib–Style Resource for Grammar Fun

To make grammar stick (and to make it fun), I created a Mad Lib–style resource that combines posters, practice, and play:

• Colorful posters for each part of speech (noun, verb, adjective, adverb, pronoun)
• 9 fill-in-the-blank passages across 3 themes for silly, creative practice
• Engagement built-in—kids laugh while learning, and teachers reinforce key concepts
  

The beauty of Mad Lib–style activities is how seamlessly they blend humor with grammar instruction. Students hardly realize they’re practicing grammar because they’re too busy creating wacky, memorable stories.

3 Ways to Use This Resource in Your Classroom

1. Morning Warm-Up or Centers
   Use the passages as quick grammar practice during morning work or in a literacy center. Students can rotate and complete different themes throughout the week.
2. Partner and Small Group Fun
   Encourage collaboration by having students fill in the blanks together. Then, let them read aloud their creations with dramatic expression—it’s a guaranteed laughter moment!
   Grammar to Writing Bridge
   After completing a passage, challenge students to write a short paragraph of their own using the same parts of speech. This helps them transfer playful practice into authentic writing.
   

Confetti Moments Through Grammar

Teaching parts of speech in the elementary classroom doesn’t have to feel like memorizing rules. When teachers combine creativity, humor, and a sense of play, grammar transforms from something intimidating into something exciting. With resources like this Mad Lib–style activity, you’ll not only see skills improve—you’ll also create Confetti Moments where students fall in love with language.

The post Teaching Parts of Speech in the Elementary Classroom appeared first on Ramona Recommends.

Why Written Response Strategies Matter

In today’s classrooms, students are asked to do more than answer multiple-choice questions. They must explain their thinking and back it up with text evidence. That’s where strategies like RACE (Restate, Answer, Cite, Explain) and RAPP (Restate, Answer, Prove, Proofread) shine. Both approaches give students a clear framework for crafting organized, complete answers.

Visual Supports That Make a Difference

Anchor charts and graphic organizers turn abstract steps into something concrete. When students can see each part broken down, they’re more likely to remember and apply it. For example, a color-coded RACE chart displayed in the classroom can remind students to cite their text evidence before moving on.

Graphic organizers allow them to jot down ideas and map out responses before writing the full answer.

Teaching Tips to Get Started:

• Gradual Release: I Do, We Do, You Do
• Leveled Passages for All Readers
• Rubrics and Examples to Guide Grading

Bringing It All Together

From anchor charts to rubrics, every piece of this resource supports the ultimate goal: helping students build independence in written responses. With RACE and RAPP strategies, teachers can confidently guide students from modeled practice to independent mastery.

The post Engaging RACE and RAPP Strategies for Stronger Student Responses appeared first on Ramona Recommends.

Story Elements: Building a Strong Foundation

Every good story has a beginning, middle, and end—but students don’t always see the bigger picture without a little guidance. A story elements graphic organizer gives them the space to track characters, setting, problem, and solution as they read. For example, after reading a picture book like The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, students can jot down how the main character changes from beginning to end. With a clear visual, readers see that stories are not just events—they’re journeys.

Point of View: Seeing Through New Lenses

Another way to read with purpose is by noticing who is telling the story. A point of view graphic organizer encourages students to think critically about perspective. After reading Voices in the Park by Anthony Browne, students can compare how each character views the same events differently. With this organizer, they begin to see that stories shift depending on the narrator, and that perspective matters in both books and life.

Making Connections: Text to Self, Text, and World

Connections help stories stick. Using a simple three-column graphic organizer, students can record text-to-self, text-to-text, and text-to-world connections. Picture books like Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña naturally invite personal reflection and broader connections. Writing down their ideas gives students a concrete way to link the story to their own lives and experiences beyond the classroom.

Visualization: Creating Mental Movies

Sometimes comprehension clicks when students can see what they’re reading. A visualization graphic organizer invites them to sketch or describe what the story looks like in their minds. Reading a book like The Barnabus Project by the Fan Brothers becomes even more powerful when students illustrate the secret lab or the creatures they imagine. Visualization turns words into images, making reading both memorable and magical.

The Power of Purposeful Reading

When we equip students with graphic organizers, we empower them to read with purpose. Each organizer—whether for story elements, point of view, connections, or visualization—serves as a stepping stone toward stronger comprehension. Best of all, these tools invite students into a deeper, more joyful relationship with books. And that’s what creates lasting Confetti Moments.

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I am always looking for fresh, creative ways to spark a lifelong love of reading in my students. As a veteran fifth-grade teacher, I’ve learned that the magic happens when kids connect their interests to books. That’s when they start to love school—and that’s where the Interactive Read Aloud calendars come in. Or jump right in with the whole Interactive Read Aloud bundle.

Interactive Calendar Magic

There’s just something about including the students in your day-to-day routines that makes a classroom feel genuinely like a family. This year, I’m focusing on two big things: building essential life skills and helping my students rediscover the joy of learning. And guess what? You can join me! Students can buy-in to these themed books each month, present them to the class with the interactive slides, and build this connection with you all year long.

What’s Inside Each Calendar

The monthly Interactive Read Aloud calendars pair 12 kid-friendly national days for the month with engaging activities, picture book read-alouds, and discussion prompts. They are designed to help you start the year with joy, connection, and kid-approved celebrations. Whether you’re teaching a morning meeting, running a reading block, or simply looking to add a dash of excitement to your day, this calendar has you covered.

Here’s what you’ll find inside:

🎈 12 National Days that are fun, unique, and perfect for elementary kids
📖 Digital picture book read-alouds to pair with each celebration
🎤 Turn-and-talk prompts to get students sharing and listening
💡 Fun facts to spark curiosity and conversation
🗓️ Clickable Canva slides to display or share with ease
🖨️ Printable teacher/parent book list for library visits or at-home reading

Why It Works

Celebrating national days creates a sense of excitement and belonging. Students see their interests reflected in the classroom, which helps them feel seen, curious, and engaged. And when that happens? Learning feels less like work and more like an adventure.

So go ahead—grab your August Interactive Read Aloud calendar. And if you love August’s calendar? Don’t stop there—grab the full 12-month bundle and keep the celebrations going all year long! Want to read more about national days? You know I’ve got you covered!

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Looking to breathe new life into your upper elementary writing block? Picture book mentor texts are powerful tools for inspiring young writers. These short but impactful books serve as models of writing craft, structure, and voice—all in ways students can connect with and understand.

Whether you’re teaching narrative, opinion, or informational writing, mentor texts bring your lessons to life. Below, I’m sharing five of my favorite picture book mentor texts, grouped by genre. Each one is packed with classroom ideas you can use right away.

Let’s dive in and Open the Magic!

Narrative Writing Mentor Texts

Come On, Rain! by Karen Hesse

Summary: Tess waits for rain during a sweltering heatwave. When it finally arrives, she and her friends celebrate with a joyful, sensory-filled dance.
Why It Works: Hesse’s use of vivid imagery, inner thinking, and figurative language models how to “show, not tell.”
Classroom Ideas:

• Ask students to locate descriptive language and discuss how it shapes the story.
• Challenge them to rewrite a passage without the descriptive language—what’s missing?
• Have students craft their own personal narratives inspired by weather events.

The Rough Patch by Brian Lies

Summary: After Evan the fox loses his dog, he pours his grief into gardening. Through growth and time, he discovers hope again.
Why It Works: This text layers emotion with a clear problem/solution arc and symbolic imagery, making it perfect for teaching personal narrative structure and emotional depth.
Classroom Ideas:

• Discuss how Evan’s actions reflect his feelings.
• Encourage students to write about a meaningful or challenging moment in their own lives.

🖇️ Extend the Learning: Use my interactive resource to identify narrative elements in Miss Nelson is Missing.

Opinion Writing Mentor Text

I Wanna Iguana by Karen Kaufman Orloff

Summary: Alex writes persuasive letters to convince his mom he should have a pet iguana.
Why It Works: This book is a blueprint for opinion writing! It models letter structure, persuasive tone, and reasons with supporting details.
Classroom Ideas:

• Use it to break down the components of opinion writing: claim, reasons, and conclusion.
• Have students write persuasive letters for something they want—bonus points for creativity!

Informational Writing Mentor Texts

Pink Is for Blobfish by Jess Keating

Summary: Keating introduces readers to quirky pink animals using a lively, voice-filled nonfiction format.
Why It Works: It shows that informational writing can be full of personality! The mix of bold visuals, facts, and fun tone keeps students engaged.
Classroom Ideas:

• Invite students to create their own “color-themed” animal fact books.
• Use it to explore headings, captions, and fun facts in nonfiction writing.

What If You Had Animal Teeth? by Sandra Markle

Summary: What if kids had animal teeth? This playful nonfiction book imagines it—then dives into the science behind each one.
Why It Works: It mixes research and creativity, using text features like bold print, diagrams, and comparisons to teach nonfiction writing.
Classroom Ideas:

• Launch a “What If You Had…” writing project for animal tails, ears, or eyes.
• Highlight nonfiction features like bold vocabulary, sidebars, and comparisons.

Wrapping It All Up

When we give students strong picture book mentor texts, we show them what great writing looks and sounds like. These books spark creativity, model structure, and support skill-building—whether students are crafting stories, sharing opinions, or researching animals.

📚 Teacher Tip: Keep mentor texts visible and accessible in your classroom library. Let your students revisit them for inspiration and guidance throughout the year.

Ready to make writing magic happen in your classroom? Picture book mentor texts are your secret weapon! If you need more of a starting place, check out this Sprinkles on the Ice Cream blog to help kickstart your read alouds!

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