There are differences between teaching upper elementary and lower elementary students. Lower elementary students need more scaffolds to help with learning new skills. They really depend on you to be clear when you are explaining what they are learning each day. Having posters to help reinforce the learning is very helpful. The students also rely heavily on word walls for math and sound walls that teach students what sounds look like when you say them. Upper elementary students are more independent and don't need as much explanation when learning something new. They are usually good at working in groups and can explain what their thoughts are.