Monday, September 30, 2019

An Owl Kept Me Up Last Night...

Since I couldn't sleep with the constant, "Whoooo,"  out my window, I thought of a quick craft project to go along with the Word Families product I've been wanting to make...




Word Families are such an important part of phonics instruction. They help students read familiar patterns of letters quickly and that builds fluency. Once a word pattern is taught, the kids can spell so many more words since they apply the new pattern to their spelling toolbelt!
Word Families Included: (There is an OWL included for each one.)
A: -at, -ad, -ag, -am, -an, -ap
E: -ed, -en, -et
I: -id, -ig, -in, -ip, -it
O: -ob, -od, -og, -op, -ot
U: -ub, -ug, -un, -ut

Maybe a game of Sparkle, Sparkle, Poof can be played after with emphasis on word families?  Count me in!


If I can't sleep tonight, you'll know by my next product!  :)

Enjoy your day!

Saturday, September 28, 2019

A Simple Writing Workshop Tip

BECAUSE is a magic word in Writing Workshop.  Only 3 weeks into Writing Workshop and my First Graders are already adding so many details to their stories with just this simple word.

BECAUSE.



It's such a special word to us that we often sing it (Hold bent arms out low...deep voice...BEEEEEEEEE (straighten arms and lift to sky) high pitched voice...CAUSSSSSSSEEEEE!"

You get the idea!  When they share their stories, you hear this singing and it's the cutest thing ever!  They sing.  I gush at their amazing details.  We're a happy bunch!

I also have them highlight the word because it motivates them to actually use the word.  (She didn't yet highlight in pic.)  Side Note:  What exactly is the fascination with Firsties and highlighters?)

A small tip. But a good one, that is so easy (and fun!) to implement.

Next week, I add a magic phrase...can you guess what it is?  I bet you can!

Here are some of my older writing posts if interested...

Have a great day!

Monday, September 2, 2019

Morning Meeting Activities and Songs

This post was written for those of you who purchased my Morning Meeting Products and needed a link to a few things.  Anyone else who stops by...welcome!  Here is a week of Morning Meeting Activities for free.

As promised...

This first video is Hello, Neighbor!  Love this Morning Meeting song!  This one song can be done a few ways.  Watch!




Here is Going To Kentucky.  I say the words- Shake it, shake....etc. a bit differently here...sorry!  I tend to do this in class too!  Not sure why!  This fast-paced song is fun and since everyone gets to come into the circle, a fan favorite.


Ten Little Snowmen is included in one of my Monthly Poetry packs but I wanted to include it it one of the Morning Meeting months.  You don't need to print out but it's here if you'd like to. Click on the poem to download it now.

If you like this poem and are thinking of starting a poetry binder, click here to see a whole month of poems for free!  A few shown here.  Enjoy!