Writing Prompts

If you know me or have read my blog for a bit, you know how much I love to teach writing. I suppose it's not a surprise since I'm also a children's author.  My love for writing must be contagious because as much as I love teaching writing, my Fabo Firsties always seem so focused during writing time and love to blow me away with their writing.

How lucky am I? I teach the interactive lesson, put on some writing workshop music and we get down to business right away. We write so much in my class that I'm forever sharpening pencils!

But I can't take all the credit for their enthusiasm! It all starts in Kindergarten and our K teachers rock! They work their magic and by the time they enter my room, it's honestly a rare occasion that I hear, "I don't know what to write about." Many of us use some variation of this quote which connects the dots for our young writers and readers.

We use Lucy Calkins for writing and the kids must generate their own topics all the time. As much as I love that, I also wanted them to be able to respond to a given prompt. Since they use all of the Lucy Calkins strategies during their responses, I feel like it's a win-win situation!

I decided to make my own prompts so I could make sure I had monthly topics that meshed well with our curriculum. BUT, I still wanted to give the students some choice. SOOOOO....Pick-a-Prompts were born!

What are Pick-a-Prompts?

• Writing activities that give your students a choice in what they want to write about. There are 3 prompts on each page and everyone gets to choose the one that interests them the most. They will highlight their chosen prompt and respond. 
• Varied writing opportunities since kids can often pick between stating an opinion, making lists, writing letters, songs, poems, write a How-To, etc. 
• Themes related to the month so the writing naturally supports curriculum topics.

How Do I Use Them In My Class?

• In the beginning of the year, I don't run these two-sided. Once I sense kids need more writing space, I'll print two-sided with the back being the fully lined page that’s included in this packet. I always have extra lined-only pages run off for my voracious writers! I get quite a few two-three page responses in the later part of the year.

• As always, I model, model, and model again several of these before giving them out. We do as a class all throughout September and October. It makes such a huge difference in the quality they produce! The kids know that I won’t accept one word or sentence answers! The more I model and have kids share responses, the better the results are from the whole class.

• I always have some printed ready to go during this time in case a child wants to do one. Usually I have 6-8 kids that opt-in by October.

• If you walk into my room, you'll see several of these hanging up around the room. I also use these worksheets as homework once a week starting in January and the kids partner share responses during morning meeting the next day. Sharing responses allows the children to get to know their classmates a bit better and helps foster a stronger classroom community.

• I also use them for Do-Nows, Free Choice (I can even put same ones out because kids still have two unused options to pick from) and slip them into Fast Finishers folders. They've really come in handy during writing workshop too. I have a rule that during writing, we write. That's it. Finished a story? Write a new one! But I've realized that sometimes kids want to continue writing but starting another How-To or All About with ten minutes left of the period may not be ideal or could feel overwhelming. So, these fit the bill!

What's Included in Each Packet?

• 8 pages of prompts with 3 prompts per page. Students highlight their chosen prompt or simply put an ‘X’ on it and respond to that prompt.
• Two full lined pages to run on the back of the prompt for those students who need more space to write their response.
• All prompts are available with primary and secondary handwriting lines which make these appropriate for Grades 1-4.
• Writing topics for September include: Fall Fun, School Rocks, All About Me, Labor Day, School Rules, Grandparents' Day, Friends, and What If...?

Real Pick-a-Prompt Responses

NOTE: These were from January packet. I'm in the process of tweaking all months a bit: fonts, clip art, and some of the prompts. The changes can be seen in the September and October covers above,

Here is one from one of my Book-It Packets. Each Book-It gives a little support to the books teachers love and use all of the time. They feature the same 3 activities in each one: Pick-a-Prompt, Make-a-Word, and Retellings. Want 3 free Book-Its that you'll love? They are an hour of meaningful work and you'll feel good about leaving them with a substitute. 

Are you ready to give Pick-a-Prompts a try with this FREE packet? I sure hope so. I promise you that you're going to love them and reach for them time and time again! Let me know what you think!

Happy writing!

Making Class Books

My most favorite time of the day (after Morning Meeting!) is when I sing our writing workshop song as the kids gather on the carpet with their writing folders. They are so excited and eager to participate in the lesson and get started. While teaching writing is one of my favorite subjects to teach, I also think it's the hardest subject area to teach. (Feel free to grab the song. It was given to me with no name to give credit to. I just added border/pics.)

If your class is like mine, you have some struggling FRUSTRATED writers.  Only minutes before, they looked as if they were ready to write a novel. But their confidence falters. Even drawing a picture and labeling it seems quite challenging to them.

That's exactly why I like to make CLASS BOOKS! Immediate success for ALL writers! 

Because each page has the same starter sentence or prompt, all students can read the phrase independently within minutes which is a great ego boost for the kids.  (Example: The Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Book for September has Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (Name) is in our room. That's it! A very easy one for all to read. Every child can read the book on the first try! 

Why Make Class Books?

• They allow students to see the writing-reading connection and empower them to think of themselves as authors and illustrators.
• They are repetitive in nature so kids can often read the entire book after the writer has shared his/her page.
• The books help strengthen your classroom community. You learn so much about each other when you read the books.
• It's a "quick win" for the entire class. From start to finish, the whole book can be made/shared in about 30 minutes. The students see their writing published in a book and there is something very  satisfying and powerful about that!

My Method for Making Class Books

• We talk about the theme. This can be in the days leading up to our writing or minutes before. Depends on the topic.
• I pick a name out of my cup to see who gets to color in the cover. (We do so many books that each child will get to color 1-2 covers. NOTE: You can use the COLOR cover that comes with the packet but I have the kids color them. Up to you.

• Kids pick the paper they want to use. You can see how it's differentiated. Choice is important.
• They complete their page.

• We gather back on the carpet. We take turns reading and sharing responses. I collect each one immediately after a child has shared. Within a few minutes, I have all in my hands.
• We then vote on WHO we want to dedicate our book to. Sometimes I give them 3 people in our school to pick from. Other times, I take nominations.  The principal always seems to be the first book we dedicate to.

• I fill out the DEDICATION page.
• I print our a recent class picture and glue it on the last page. The person coloring the cover also gets to add design elements to this page.

• After the cover is done, I staple the book together and put it in a bin for the kids to read and enjoy! It's exciting when they see me put THEIR book in the same space as their favorite authors and illustrators.  "It's because you ARE authors and illustrators!"

• At the end of the year, I put them all into a bag and kids reach in to pick one and take it home. A great memory book for them!  They love to look back and see how much their writing and drawing has improved. 

NOTES

• Next year, I'm going to make sure I add a page to each book too! Why should they have all the fun?
• The books make a cute interactive bulletin board. Kids can grab one to read at any time!
• I have a sign-out sheet for library books in my class. It's simple but effective. 
• The kids are so proud of their book! It's too good not to share so from time to time, I make sure the kids pick a friend or teacher they want to share it with.
• Kids often record each other reading the books and they share with parents on Seesaw.
• The most exciting aspect for me is that by the end of September, we have completed 3-4 books and that means that EVERYONE in my class can read all the words in those books. That's thrilling for my struggling learners.

If you are interested in the September packet, I lowered it to only $2 for the next couple of weeks. That's only 40 cents per book! If you end of making any of the books, please let me know!

If you end of making any of the books, please let me know!

Happy writing!

Wrapping Up the Year

My school year ended on April 5th because I took a terrible fall in school and broke my kneecap, detached my quad muscle, broke a toe and suffered a concussion!  Yep! I was in the hospital for ten nights and had surgery. Did I mention this was all on my NEW custom-made knee replacement knee/leg? Um. Yep.

Crushing.  If you know my story, I had spent the prior 18 months home due to my leg and had a few major surgeries and was even in ICU. It's been a difficult journey for sure. To be in this position again is beyond frustrating. So I've been reading night and day.  Adult- not kid- books.  I'll post some of the books I loved that I've read these last few months at the end of this post.

Over the last week, I've been working on some new products. Trying to fill my days while I'm still in this brace for another six weeks. 

With the uploading of my June Crowns packet above, I finally finished the CROWNS BUNDLE.  I did go back and added additional crowns to all of the individual packets.  I just couldn't resist! There's truly something for everyone!

Do I use all of them in a month? NOPE! But I'm glad I can pick and choose AND I often put a few out during FREETIME so kids can grab if they want.

NOTE: All of he crowns are also offered in COLOR in case teachers want one (or to give to a colleague) but don't want to color in themselves. 

Also made this: May/June Craft & Goals.  SO EASY and an INSTANT bulletin board. 

My newest product? Class Books to make for your classroom library and enhance your print rich environment. These books are a great way to get to know your students and are a fun way to build community in the classroom. Pick from printing out the cover in color OR have a student color it in. (Can pull a name out of jar to decide who is the Lucky Duck!)

Although June's not finished yet, I have September-December ready to go. If you are interested, the price is over 60% off while I add new packets.  Grab it now! The bundle is listed for only $14 but will go up soon. That means if you buy this week, each month would only cost about $1.50.  That's for FIVE books per month!  It would be 50 books in all for $14! I'll add the rest by June 14th. 

Here are 5 September Class Books so you can see whar they're all about.

Books Included in September:

✿ The Apples of Our Eyes
✿ Chicka Chicka Book Boom! Looks Who's In Our Room!
✿ Make Your Mark (Inspired by the book The Dot. Dot Day is September 15th.)
✿ A Beary Fun Classroom (Teddy Bear Day is September 9th)
✿ A Peaceful Class (World Peace Day is September 21st)

These are so easy to make! Pass out the appropriate sheet (primary, secondary or blank space (no writing lines) for kindergarteners or not-yet-ready to write students.) and have them complete prompt and draw a picture. Ten minutes later, another class book to add to your library or display.

I let my kids check them out throughout the year AND at the end of the year, I give out all of the books for the students to keep. We make 40 books a year so kids usually get 2 books!

Last page: I like to take a picture of the class (holding their individual pages) and glue it in the book. If you don't want to include a picture, have each student sign their name or draw a heart or flower and write name on or under it. 

Can use for Writing Workshop, Morning Meeting activity or a Do-Now.

See an OCTOBER Fire Prevention CLASS BOOK.

As promised, here are the covers of some of the books I've read recently  No reviews but if I'm putting cover here, I loved the book!

I'll post more books next time.  Have any recommendations for me? Let me know!

If you're out of school, enjoy your break! If you're still teaching, hang in there! Sand, sun and fun are coming your way soon!

Grab Some March Freebies and Ideas

Hello, Teacher Friends!  

Happy March! I really love teaching in March. Maybe it's leaving winter behind? The welcome of spring and warmer weather? The feeling that summer isn't too far off? For whatever reason, I always feel energized with the kids during March.

Maybe it's the fun Leprechaun Traps the kids make at home and the anticipation of bringing them in to catch a pesky Leprechaun? Feel free to grab freebie and use...

(Here's a video of our traps and what happened when we put them out....FUN!!!)

March means it's time to pull out some March-themed math games. This year, I added this freebie for a  St. Patrick's Day theme .  It's super easy to play! Perfect for K-2.

We always do a quick craft or two for spring to refresh the classroom, too.  Usually it's this:

But this year, as part of my Monthly Goal Product series, I made these instead.  Kids tucked a goal for March underneath.  The best part? These are so easy that from start to finish was 15 minutes for most kids...including the goal writing!

I had kids pick one or the other.  Most picked the lion.  Next year, I'll have them make both so I have lots to decorate with and they'll have a matching pair to bring home. They'll do two goals, too.  I have 25 goals to pick from in the product so that won't be a problem.

Of course we kicked off the month with Read Across America. My kiddos enjoyed making a headband to wear. Isn't it cute?

Here are my March Crowns / headbands if you want to take a peek:

But my favorite activity so far in March? One I just started to implement last week and I'm sure I'll do for years to come EVERY DAY in my classroom! Yep! EVERY DAY.

What is it? Stay-tuned! That will be my next post later this week.  It's late and I've gotta get some sleep!

Thanks for reading!

10 Tips For a More Focused Writing Workshop

Out of everything I teach, I find writing to be the most challenging.  That sounds funny because I'm a children's author and I LOVE to write.  I seriously could write with my kids all day long!  But it's tough isn't it?  Getting all the kids to focus, generate topics, apply all the strategies your teaching and have them be able to produce a variety of genres?  Oh, my!  I've learned some tips and tricks that have worked for me and I hope you can take away a few for yourself. (An IGTV video is posted below if you rather watch it.)

10 Tips for a More Focused Writing Workshop

1. Write for an Audience

Kids are much more engaged and invested during Writing Workshop when they know they're writing for an audience and why they're writing for that person. It can be the class next door.  Their parents.  The principal.  Just like you tweak your teaching when you're getting observed, kids do the same.  I always tell them who we're writing for at the beginning of class and say, "At the end of class, I'll pick three sticks out of the jar who will share/read to the principal, etc."  This give them focus.  They sit up straighter. Their handwriting is a bit better.  Writing is more purposeful.  Editing is more thorough.

2. Play Instrumental Music

When Spotify starts to play, I can see the kids relax and settle in.  A good playlist is a must!  I used to play nothing but classical music but I've been changing it up a lot but keeping it INSTRUMENTAL music.  No words.  I want my kiddos writing.  No time for boppin' along and singin' a song!  Check out a few Spotify playlists that will set the tone for your class.  My favorite?  Rock Lullabies featuring instrumental music of The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, Queen and more! 

3. Stick to Writing...Schedule Your Coloring Time

Let's face it, most of my kids would spend the whole period (or two!) designing and coloring their covers in my current All About Book unit if I let them.  I need them to quickly sketch/plan and then write.  A lot. So in my classroom, the crayons come out when they're ready to publish the book. We call it Fix (edit) and Fancy (color) It Up Day.  Some kids, after story/book is finished, don't like their sketch anymore or decided they have a better idea for the pictures/cover.  No problem.  They simply cut out paper, draw new picture, and glue on top of the old picture.   Saving the coloring to the end of the book allows them to focus on writing...and finishing their stories.

4. Kids Must Make a Plan

We plan for our lessons so it makes sense that kids need to plan for their writing.  Each. And. Every. Day.  I start my session off the same each day: Bring folders to the carpet and sit on them.  I then have my mini lesson and guided practice.  Before sending my kids back to write/incorporate the lesson into their writing, they do the same thing every day: Take out their folders, spend a few minutes sifting through stories and then making THEIR PLAN.  Do they decide to start a new story or continue with the one they are working on?  Are they pulling out a past story to revise and ADD the skill taught into it?  EXAMPLE: A child pulls out an old story and announces, "I'm going to go back and make my characters talk in this story."  (Lesson on adding dialogue.)  Before they get off the carpet, they must SHARE the plan with their writing partner.  There is NO GETTING OFF THE CARPET without a plan.  Seriously, this is a game-changer.  Kids are so focused and know what to do once they return to desks. *Often the plan in the beginning of the year is simply picking what to write about and telling the story across their fingers with partner. 

5. Introduce Magic Words: Because and For Example

Nothing will help your children add destails to their stories faster than teaching them these words.  EARLY in the year.  Check out my earlier post on using BECAUSE.  FOR EXAMPLE is introduced just as early...around October.  We say FOR EXAMPLE in a fancy schmancy voice which the kids, of course, love.  So they enjoy using the words so they can say it all fancy-like as they read their writing.  So a typical story in September in my First Grade writers:  I had a party.  I got so many presents. It was fun. BECOMES: I had a party BECAUSE it was my birthday.  I got so many presents. For example, I got a Barbie, a journal and pencil, pajamas, and books.  It was fun BECAUSE everyone sang to me. So. Much. Better!  And almost effortless!

6. Provide Settle-In Time: Turn YOUR Voice Off

Once when I was observed, my mini-lesson was fine but as soon as they went back to their seats, I spoke non-stop like a voiceover: "Don't forget the date."  "Make sure  you have a sharp pencil."  "Don't forget to start your sentence with a capital letter."  After three minutes, I just felt that I was coming across as annoying and switched gears. After the lesson, I brought it up to her.  Of course she noticed and it made its way into my report.  Her advice:  Give the kids EIGHT minutes to settle in and write BEFORE I even circulate the room or speak.  Yep: She told me to basically shut up and she was spot on.  Eight minutes is a long time and too long for me but I do give them 5-6 minutes and it has made them more focused and and has made me feel less stressed.  It seems more respectful on my part too.  They deserve those minutes to think and get started in peace and quiet!

7. Notice Good Writing When Reading

You read lots of books to your class...be sure to notice and comment on the techniques the author or illustrator uses.  Record them in a notebook.  For example, I recently read Bootsie Barker Bites. Immediately, I admired the title and repeated it slowly several times.  "Doesn't it make your ears tickle?  That's called alliteration.  What a fun technique to add to your stories."  Then I wrote alliteration in the book.  Some kids tried out the technique in their stories the next day.  A few who didn't, pointed out alliteration in another book we read.  Sometimes the kids will notice a technique used in a book and yell out, "That's good writing!  Put it in the book." Ahhh...music to my ears!

8.  Have Them Show What They Know (QUIETLY!)

Each child has a small plastic trophy in their pencil cup.  Whenever they use a technique that they are proud of OR one I request they use, they simply put the trophy on their desk to alert me.  I love this nonverbal tool!  No more yelling out or getting out of their seats to show me their writing and distract others.  One scan of the room and I can see who has a proud moment and I make sure I make my way to see/read/discuss it.  Example: If you find a perfect spot for an ellipses today, use your trophy." Other times, it is something THEY used without prompting. Administrators love this! NOTE: This idea was adapted from Tammy at Forver in First.  Check out her post that inspired me.

9. Have Daily Editing Time 

I used to have them edit for "everything" everyday.  What was I thinking?  Now I pick ONE challenge to edit a day.  Maybe capitalize all Proper Nouns.  Or using Personal Word Walls to check over sight words.  I leave 2-3 minutes at the end of each session to edit and at this time of the year, several kids may even whip out a "finished" story to edit.

10. Share Prior Classes' Books With Your Class

Instant Mentor Texts FOR your class BY your class!  Winner winner chicken dinner! I simply photocopy them (in color) and read/display them for the kids so they can see expectations and reassure them that  they can do the same thing.  While I still model and create a book each year for them, it's so helpful to have a dozen examples as well.  And the kids LOVE seeing kid books! Check out one of the books I'm saving this year.  (Papers available here.)

If you found this post helpful, let me know or share it with a colleague.  I'd appreciate it! Here is the IGTV Video.  It's part of my 10 Under 10 Series: 10 Classroom Tips Under 10 Minutes.

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A post shared by First Grade Teacher (@firstgradebloomabilities) on Feb 15, 2020 at 1:09pm PST