Read, Write, ROAR! Upper Elementary offers engaging videos and activities designed for 4th and 5th graders to enhance their reading and writing skills. Hosted by experienced teachers and educators from across the state, these videos encourage deep thinking about literacy. Students will explore metacognition, decoding strategies, genre identification, figurative language, and media literacy all while about Michigan’s unique history, science, and culture.
Browse segments by category with our Segment Library.
Learn more about the educators from this series on our Meet the Teachers page.
Read, Write, ROAR! is also available for preschool through 3rd grade.
Browse all Read, Write, ROAR! Upper Elementary Lessons
Lesson 115
On Read, Write, ROAR! Explore Michigan’s state tree, the White Pine, through poetry, and learn how to choose the perfect [...]
Lesson 113
On Read, Write, ROAR! Learn how to create a "found poem" by discovering powerful words in existing texts and transforming [...]
Lesson 114
On Read, Write, ROAR! Discover how tiny goldfish can threaten the Great Lakes ecosystem and learn about cause and effect [...]
Lesson 106
Learn about Michigan's 2nd most spoken language, Arabic. Then learn about one of Michigan's first langauges, Anishinaabemowin.
Lesson 108
Travel the scenic Lansing River Trail and create a persuasive pitch to visit its beautiful parks and historical sites. Then, [...]
Lesson 109
Discover Michigan’s lumberjacks and learn how to write a blues poem, blending history and poetry to capture life’s struggles. Then, [...]
Lesson 110
Discover the history of the I-496 freeway and its impact on Lansing’s African American community, exploring the effects of urban [...]
Lesson 111
On Read, Write, ROAR! Discover the beauty of Sleeping Bear Dunes and learn why protecting our national parks is so [...]
Lesson 112
On Read, Write, ROAR! Explore the concept of urban sprawl and its impact on nature by writing powerful haiku that [...]
Lesson 107
Enhance your writing with figurative language as we explore Michigan’s beautiful beaches and dunes.
Lesson 1005
From bridges to roads, rivers to lakes, trains to planes Michiganders need to get from here to there. Learn about how transportation works in Michigan.
Lesson 1004
Learn all about Michigan's tasty pasty and how it fueled miners in the Upper Peninsula. Then, an ode to Detroit's cheesy, crispy pizza.
Lesson 1003
Learn all about Michigan's climate. First, take a look at what causes lake effect snow. Then, what makes windpower work for Michigan?
Lesson 1002
Take a dive into the history of Michigan. First, learn about how Lansing became Michigan's capital city. Then, take a look at how Toledo ended up in Ohio!
Lesson 1001
What makes Michigan's economy run? Learn about Michigan's history with Rosie the Riveter, discover the life of a dairy farmer, and learn about how media is made.
Browse Episode Segments
Browse segments by category with our Segment Library.
Learn how lighting and visual elements set the mood in film. Watch as we explore how media makers use different [...]
Explore how nature inspires art! Join us at the Thomas Township Nature Preserve to see how wildlife and habitats can [...]
Join Ms. Rodgers on an adventure through Michigan's Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore! Learn about the stunning cliffs, forests, and beaches [...]
Learn about the stunning Sleeping Bear Dunes with Mr. Peterson and Ranger Dave! Discover why national parks are important, how [...]
Discover the magic of point of view with Miss Meg! Whether it’s first, second, or third person, each perspective offers [...]
Explore Detroit’s largest art object, the Fisher Building, with Mr. Peterson! Discover its rich history, architecture, and the stories behind [...]
Jeff Kass explains the structure of the blues poem and takes us on a journey through the lives of 19th-century lumberjacks.
Learn how to become a leader by guiding others, making wise choices, and working together.
Hear owls, crackling fires, and more as you create your own camping soundscape.
Using a real-life example about voting ballots in Michigan, we’ll show you how to fact-check claims using reliable sources.
