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.
In this detective-themed video, Ms. Meg helps you crack the mystery of idioms!
Did you know Michigan and Ohio once fought over the Toledo Strip? Let’s get started with a timeline and some exciting history facts!
Why did Michigan's state capital move from Detroit to Lansing? Join Mrs. Mask as she dives into the fascinating history behind this change and explains how Lansing was chosen.
Join naturalist Paul Roose as he teaches you how to be a citizen scientist by observing birds, collecting data, and recording your findings.
Join Ms. Meg for an interactive lesson and game that will take your writing to the next level!
Imagine honking horns, chirping birds, and bustling streets as you bring your urban environment to life through sound and movement.
Learn how to observe birds in your backyard and record their size, shape, color, and habitat like a true scientist. No fancy notebook required – just your curiosity and a love for nature!
Ms. Audra guides you through the sounds of flutes, violins, bells, and more. Let your imagination soar as you use your voice and body to make music. Breathe, move, and create a beautiful symphony with us!
We’ll show you how filmmakers use different techniques to create compelling digital stories, all while exploring a garden and talking about the importance of soil!
Lateral Lunge Workout: Boost your energy with Ms. AP’s 2-minute snack focused on lateral lunges. Start with a warm-up, lunge side to side, and cool down with deep breaths to keep your brain sharp.