Best practices for teaching upper elementary students online

A free guide for grades 3-5 on creating structured, engaging virtual classrooms

Teaching upper elementary students online comes with a unique mix of opportunities and challenges. At this age, learners are developing digital independence but still need structure, connection, and a supportive learning environment.

This downloadable guide offers practical, easy-to-implement strategies to help you create well-managed virtual classrooms for grades 3–5 - whether you’re new to online teaching or not!

Upper Elementary Guide-1

What you’ll learn

Discover real strategies used by experienced educators to help upper elementary students stay on task, collaborate with peers, and feel confident participating in virtual settings. From routines that build student independence to simple tactics that make transitions smoother, this resource focuses on practical methods that work in real classrooms - online or hybrid.

Inside, you’ll find:

  • Tips for setting clear routines and participation expectations
  • How to introduce new tools without overwhelming students
  • Techniques for peer collaboration and structured group work
  • Ideas for gamifying your lessons and rewarding engagement
  • Suggestions for one-on-one support and personalized feedback
  • Strategies for building classroom community from a distance
  • How to help your students develop digital communication skills

Who it’s for:

This guide is for teachers supporting students in grades 3 through 5 in any virtual or tech-enhanced setting. Whether you're leading a fully online classroom or using digital tools to supplement in-person instruction, the strategies inside are meant to help you create more structure, build stronger connections, and keep students engaged without overcomplicating your day. If you're looking for practical ways to make your lessons more interactive and manageable, this resource is for you.

Each tip is rooted in developmental needs and teacher feedback, and includes simple setup instructions so you can get started right away.

 

Download the guide

Get practical ideas you can start using right away to support your students online.