tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56999492512771410582024-03-28T22:29:38.312-05:00Firstgraderoundup Hey, ya'll! I'm Whitney...a self-proclaimed OCD teacher and math junkie from the South! I blog and create curriculum, organizational tools and teaching resources over at The First Grade Roundup. I stay busy teaching 1st grade in public school, volunteer teach PreK at church and homeschool my 3 year old in between. Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986381982136673388noreply@blogger.comBlogger348125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699949251277141058.post-41741430426366931612024-02-01T10:49:00.001-06:002024-02-01T10:50:59.455-06:00Four Favorite February Activities For First Grade<p>
February is jam packed with holidays and celebrations! From Groundhog
Day, Black History Month, Valentine's Day and President's Day, it's a
lot.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
(And then there was that one year the 100th day of school fell in February
thanks to a bazillion snow days!)
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
For me, all of the celebrations are welcome. After January drags on and
on and on, all the things in February seem to help us move along quickly into
Spring!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Plus, as usual, these holidays provide some really great social studies
content for first graders. So let's get started talking about my four
favorite February activities! (Hint: one of them is technically NOT for
February... but I'm making it fit anyways!)
</p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrx5tU9qdZv5W4it6Lo53geeo2Y2HGOhr6z7C217fKfCsTTOryW9MWiCNxx4rvSGQRw8gy4SnRhUM5QdzmRytNIozHyW5ifw9VI_92qbtUS8eQVNBSolbe6fmuMF-M2TCVcbzcA1MnndxUjxr6ghOpQJGgiLqXho9Nt6YjqORwl59jJsSBB2RlxXOuxw/s462/february%20first%20grade%20activities.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="462" data-pin-description="From Black History Month, President's Day, to Valentine's Day and prepping for Dr. Seuss, February is FULL of fun first grade activities.Read more about our favorite February lessons and activities." height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrx5tU9qdZv5W4it6Lo53geeo2Y2HGOhr6z7C217fKfCsTTOryW9MWiCNxx4rvSGQRw8gy4SnRhUM5QdzmRytNIozHyW5ifw9VI_92qbtUS8eQVNBSolbe6fmuMF-M2TCVcbzcA1MnndxUjxr6ghOpQJGgiLqXho9Nt6YjqORwl59jJsSBB2RlxXOuxw/w640-h426/february%20first%20grade%20activities.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">Black History Month</h1>
<p>
February is black history month. In my classroom, we operate on content
units. We have
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thematic-Units-for-1st-Grade-Science-and-Social-Studies-BUNDLE-2606565?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=February%20Roundup%20-%20CC%20units" target="_blank">6 science or social studies based units</a>
during the year. In January, we kick off our unit on
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Famous-People-Famous-Inventors-Integrated-Unit-Lesson-Plans-for-1st-Grade-312387?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=February%20Roundup%20-%20Famous%20People%20Unit" target="_blank">Famous Americans</a>
with MLK day. And Black History is a huge part of that
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Famous-People-Famous-Inventors-Integrated-Unit-Lesson-Plans-for-1st-Grade-312387?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=February%20Roundup%20-%20Famous%20People%20Unit" target="_blank">Famous People and Inventors unit</a>!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
We research each person and chart them on anchor charts. It's not secret
that I love a good shaped anchor chart. And Black History anchor charts
are some of my very favorite.
</p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbO3fktoFuzk91oTf_ZeZFWSSkH-yd2DSTrGdK76YPuhHi-CqCd22MqZnHJGUKq5OP9BOb6PP5yky_aMBPgovzKC1QSjgwJqndNJxvYq2_8GctfgsHjCVQU9QJhvu0-4qfpC5y9NJFRKivmwYX8bNJoOGrmQBk0aSyq8ivsq6qAwac09O-NLAsQiK97ZA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="1125" data-pin-description="From Black History Month, President's Day, to Valentine's Day and prepping for Dr. Seuss, February is FULL of fun first grade activities.Read more about our favorite February lessons and activities." height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbO3fktoFuzk91oTf_ZeZFWSSkH-yd2DSTrGdK76YPuhHi-CqCd22MqZnHJGUKq5OP9BOb6PP5yky_aMBPgovzKC1QSjgwJqndNJxvYq2_8GctfgsHjCVQU9QJhvu0-4qfpC5y9NJFRKivmwYX8bNJoOGrmQBk0aSyq8ivsq6qAwac09O-NLAsQiK97ZA=w640-h336" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
It is so so important to teach our kids ALL of our history. Like our own
lives, our history is full of highs and lows, light and dark spots, and
studying how people overcome adversity and persevere to make the most of their
life is invaluable to us all...even 6 year olds!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Read this blog post for more about our
<a href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2014/03/black-history-month.html" target="_blank">Black History month activities and routines</a>.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>Valentine's Day + The Wizard of Oz</h1>
<p>
I know what you're thinking... how in the world are these two things
connected??
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Well, Valentine's Day is about the time we start our fifth first grade unit on
weather.
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Wizard-of-Oz-Activities-for-First-Grade-1680738?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=February%20Roundup%20-%20Oz" target="_blank">The Wizard of Oz</a>
is our big class read aloud during this weather and cause and effect unit
(Hello, tornadoes and severe weather!)
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
The year we kicked off this
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Grade-Weather-Lesson-Plans-and-Unit-Activities-on-Cause-and-Effect-531196?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=February%20Roundup%20-%20CC%20Weather" target="_blank">"Winds of Change" weather unit</a>
with a Oz Valentine's Party was the absolute cutest. I mean, Pin the
Heart of Tin Man and all the cute themed snacks.
</p>
<p></p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzA-3ua7C9V9thXn91sNoba_3z2CzoHXqg6F05SCaIs4WnuQT_jU5kHoy_fdOvcVkE2Kc1rzt-w7qxeFV62SIAKg9bw2VlvPwYsISs0OGUqFcGbO4t0WCPt-yi_EumzD4uQkK54wM1I5Z4MQlCY0oMxzi4lRm9cb6woLOTEsBmZJccZB6E5eh3OPxbSus" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="640" data-pin-description="From Black History Month, President's Day, to Valentine's Day and prepping for Dr. Seuss, February is FULL of fun first grade activities.Read more about our favorite February lessons and activities." height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzA-3ua7C9V9thXn91sNoba_3z2CzoHXqg6F05SCaIs4WnuQT_jU5kHoy_fdOvcVkE2Kc1rzt-w7qxeFV62SIAKg9bw2VlvPwYsISs0OGUqFcGbO4t0WCPt-yi_EumzD4uQkK54wM1I5Z4MQlCY0oMxzi4lRm9cb6woLOTEsBmZJccZB6E5eh3OPxbSus=w640-h336" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<br />I mean, y'all. You'll have to see all of the details in this <a href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2015/02/its-oz-valentines-party.html" target="_blank">Wizard of Oz Valentine's Party post</a> to understand just how fun this was for our first graders!
<p></p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>President's Day</h1>
<p>
Another holiday about Famous Americans in February.... see why it's so perfect
to be learning about Famous Americans in January and February?!?
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
We spend some time learning about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln and
comparing and contrasting them. You can read about all the
<a href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2014/02/happy-presidents-week-take-1.html" target="_blank">Washington lessons and activities here</a>
and the
<a href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2014/02/happy-presidents-week-take-2.html" target="_blank">Lincoln lessons and activities here</a>.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Then, these
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Presidents-Day-Craft-and-Social-Studies-Activities-313135?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=February%20Roundup%20-%20president%20craft" target="_blank">President's Day crafts</a>
are easy and adorable February hallway decorations.
</p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcMZ6GeAKgwVkqk2I8S1jzbciejSxQLTeKJZcjuU6iQ1cm0-wmGtIRr6n1P3Fd_Gc74lf9kyXSF3RgCilEArYlhOXUKv0g25_NpB59hjcRBPWPL5gMdrqyyN9qp9acL49ezyMAUbQn9dKpU5yiksFaZTZRRolcf8LDWU1UylT9m3yq2ybIs1qxF8KFDA/s4032/Presidents%20Craft%20closeup.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" data-pin-description="From Black History Month, President's Day, to Valentine's Day and prepping for Dr. Seuss, February is FULL of fun first grade activities.Read more about our favorite February lessons and activities." height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcMZ6GeAKgwVkqk2I8S1jzbciejSxQLTeKJZcjuU6iQ1cm0-wmGtIRr6n1P3Fd_Gc74lf9kyXSF3RgCilEArYlhOXUKv0g25_NpB59hjcRBPWPL5gMdrqyyN9qp9acL49ezyMAUbQn9dKpU5yiksFaZTZRRolcf8LDWU1UylT9m3yq2ybIs1qxF8KFDA/w640-h480/Presidents%20Craft%20closeup.heic" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>Dr. Seuss</h1>
<p>
Yes, I Know that Read Across America is in March. And yes, I know that
Dr. Seuss' birthday is March 2nd. BUT I love to end <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Wacky-Rhymes-and-Poetry-Activities-228367?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=February%20Roundup%20-%20seuss" target="_blank">our mini-study of Dr. Seuss</a> with his birthday. It's a fun birthday celebration after
learning all about him!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
In first grade, our <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Wacky-Rhymes-and-Poetry-Activities-228367?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=February%20Roundup%20-%20seuss" target="_blank">Dr. Seuss mini-unit</a> focuses on poetry. We use his
books as a mentor texts for learning to create rhyming sentences and write
couplets and short poems!
</p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9N25i9T7anhycM15o9aHonM8txTsqUg1ezcLor157MNHmrvDckztqJp56pyCqZ6fl-nNCHB_MsM330BK_0dn_TmqYAXliVu3Ab7XENlO80FhPUCsNRtsOcLJKeDBZCTH4swOqT8Prp6vWLxDK0j239hUOr3MSO7cAjd1Hrtv7JzU32lEPKzZOUMNGHGs/s926/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-01%20at%2010.21.04%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="796" data-pin-description="From Black History Month, President's Day, to Valentine's Day and prepping for Dr. Seuss, February is FULL of fun first grade activities.Read more about our favorite February lessons and activities." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9N25i9T7anhycM15o9aHonM8txTsqUg1ezcLor157MNHmrvDckztqJp56pyCqZ6fl-nNCHB_MsM330BK_0dn_TmqYAXliVu3Ab7XENlO80FhPUCsNRtsOcLJKeDBZCTH4swOqT8Prp6vWLxDK0j239hUOr3MSO7cAjd1Hrtv7JzU32lEPKzZOUMNGHGs/w550-h640/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-01%20at%2010.21.04%20AM.png" width="550" /></a>
</div>
<div><br /></div>
I don't think there's another writing unit that is more engaging for my first
graders that this one! Read all about our
<a href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2016/02/top-3-ways-to-write-like-dr-seuss.html" target="_blank">week long mini-unit on Dr. Seuss in this post</a>!
<div><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZy7qzbUFMQMZC8mDp8Aq2yEGEfYv1G-2sDThIC0jTzwsT4n11mwFSm0FClxL96tdk9ag07QX8rncswxV4CGfUpLntQchvhpKmeslzEP8mNJvx_LfIJ9hjsEJcdEMd4y0nSCRkAhvcuqYly29y_wLc1vt2Hq11dE29mcf1l_inwZTFiCMyM8apHhSQavk/s693/february%20first%20grade%20activities%20PIN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="462" data-pin-description="From Black History Month, President's Day, to Valentine's Day and prepping for Dr. Seuss, February is FULL of fun first grade activities.Read more about our favorite February lessons and activities." height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZy7qzbUFMQMZC8mDp8Aq2yEGEfYv1G-2sDThIC0jTzwsT4n11mwFSm0FClxL96tdk9ag07QX8rncswxV4CGfUpLntQchvhpKmeslzEP8mNJvx_LfIJ9hjsEJcdEMd4y0nSCRkAhvcuqYly29y_wLc1vt2Hq11dE29mcf1l_inwZTFiCMyM8apHhSQavk/w266-h400/february%20first%20grade%20activities%20PIN.jpg" width="266" /></a>
</div>
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<div><br /></div>
Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986381982136673388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699949251277141058.post-3037538470826321912024-01-18T13:11:00.001-06:002024-01-18T13:11:23.077-06:005 Favorite Sunday School Lessons for Kids<p>
I don't know that there is much that I love more than teaching Preschool
Sunday School. Teaching kids about Jesus is beyond rewarding. But
also, preschoolers are the absolute BEST!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
And I learned eons ago when I started teaching PreK Sunday School that my
preschoolers were going to need some hands on engaging activities to help us
all survive and thrive our Sunday School hour! :)
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Here's a look at 5 of my favorite Sunday School lessons for kids. (Yes,
it was HARD to narrow it down. So, if you're like me and want to see the
entire list, download the
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Preschool-to-2nd-Grade-Sunday-School-Unit-Pacing-FREEBIE-4663724" target="_blank">free Sunday School pacing guide</a>
for all of my lessons PreK - 2nd grade)
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoR6buATkpssKQ_K52pvCUPHG0wsYerrpR9oxp1KGYyIGOM_ncejRtmV4bFEOKKZQCS59QdURzT4QWA4g15em7UKPBwtrICpRag60qsuO5ibIjtsbRuugIVE8Zuc-axpq-3ebaWecBDr08LOdILR3Ll48DrErTAH2NLFdlv6FkhNIWAto-lcScGGs_zc/s1265/sunday%20school%20lessons%20BLOG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Preschool Sunday School is my JAM! Read about my 5 favorite Sunday School Bible lessons for kids." height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoR6buATkpssKQ_K52pvCUPHG0wsYerrpR9oxp1KGYyIGOM_ncejRtmV4bFEOKKZQCS59QdURzT4QWA4g15em7UKPBwtrICpRag60qsuO5ibIjtsbRuugIVE8Zuc-axpq-3ebaWecBDr08LOdILR3Ll48DrErTAH2NLFdlv6FkhNIWAto-lcScGGs_zc/w640-h426/sunday%20school%20lessons%20BLOG.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://mailchi.mp/e5615bbf2977/sunday-school-freebie" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="1265" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEecwgeQcZZc6A6c_qcHKJAh5EGejC3n6Ewgluav7l74xsFzz1-3_2FBmB0nrvfDuJ5lOGQCUEFMwMbsZ-WGAbTfhw28tGy0rjQDZbr1HRBgy7M11BQu0-LzjGHataVpMl-pzoiKMYJPLZkdwMUtiZG2gSZmfeXOe6Sqq0kHjsp6Kl3IlPUkC5XRCo36w/w640-h96/SS%20landing%20page%20blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">The 7 Days of Creation</h1>
<div>
Well, if we're making a list, we might as well start at the very beginning!
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
I think I love teaching preschoolers about
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/7-Days-of-Creation-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-1267983" target="_blank">the seven days of creation</a>
because there's so much "preschool stuff" in there. Counting, the world
around us, sequencing...
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
And while I know my main goal is teaching kids about Jesus, if we can work in
some other content with it, my teacher heart calls that a win!
</div>
<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBrflJYf_x1_glspxg_Eyy_RGb40nRRpq8JgZDq5PFU8iuBe50tiJu2jKi5Vmp1OOAZJylvgmh0JxYoyqggSOZd3XOQYeE8MYVyJOr_uaf0hQsftEtCUhSb_E2XEzpg03CUKlDBpT9MQklZR3l67rJHzl0Yjah-1aXlSAy0YIL-zrJnJBtAjE4MwOeSM0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" data-pin-description="Preschool Sunday School is my JAM! Read about my 5 favorite Sunday School Bible lessons for kids." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBrflJYf_x1_glspxg_Eyy_RGb40nRRpq8JgZDq5PFU8iuBe50tiJu2jKi5Vmp1OOAZJylvgmh0JxYoyqggSOZd3XOQYeE8MYVyJOr_uaf0hQsftEtCUhSb_E2XEzpg03CUKlDBpT9MQklZR3l67rJHzl0Yjah-1aXlSAy0YIL-zrJnJBtAjE4MwOeSM0=w640-h640" width="640" /></a>
</div>
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
You can read all of the details about these lessons and activities in this
<a href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2016/07/sunday-school-creation.html" target="_blank">7 days of Creation blog post.</a>
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
<h1>God Gives Family</h1>
<div>
This
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Families-of-the-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-for-Preschool-Kids-1884571" target="_blank">families of the Bible unit</a>
is another one I love because of the extra content we can add in
there. I love teaching these lessons in between Mother's Day and
Father's Day. And any Bible unit that can teach kids more about their
world--like family--is a big win!
</div>
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVyTglWp6_Nw_gkXjOOYfqqVpodE2A4iyzRpCx4h3RrAL05aIL_VIN9g8BX8dVPSOA3bLJJQTAjIAAHzN0eUoLTOwtWELNfTdyulJ_LV_G5nUPX9ir4ikqX-BNcwtTS8XkObvZMMzRGSuU_lQA2CSkkuf02nLR3OsHBl1XyWwJqb6g1v8OBb-A-2l75VM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="581" data-pin-description="Preschool Sunday School is my JAM! Read about my 5 favorite Sunday School Bible lessons for kids." height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVyTglWp6_Nw_gkXjOOYfqqVpodE2A4iyzRpCx4h3RrAL05aIL_VIN9g8BX8dVPSOA3bLJJQTAjIAAHzN0eUoLTOwtWELNfTdyulJ_LV_G5nUPX9ir4ikqX-BNcwtTS8XkObvZMMzRGSuU_lQA2CSkkuf02nLR3OsHBl1XyWwJqb6g1v8OBb-A-2l75VM=w640-h492" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<br />
</div>
<div>
These family units have all of the favorites: family Bible stories, handprint
crafts, and engaging exploration stations. Read more about these
<a href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2018/08/god-gives-family.html" target="_blank">Family Bible lessons in this blog post.</a>
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
<h1>Moses & Manna Games</h1>
<div>
Games are another HUGE hit for my preschoolers. This Manna game during
our
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Miracles-of-the-Bible-Preschool-Sunday-School-Lessons-and-Unit-3267254" target="_blank">Moses unit</a>
goes down as one of the forever favorites for my littles!
</div>
</div>
<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjr-T8qsWiUO5LhLKsNJVahCdUZNwXu4Fp-LJm92h7-SoFoI8BSlNTtta6fmVAEECwLFCMcuuYhSqLFd2yELWno3pt6DEa-tPa7yqWL6m7NqEMJ4s9Kn3txD66mosUAk13cWg5mR2L1Puf7Llr3zXWn5hZf_TrX8Ra6oaPevT_yT6hbBUX81sZ5IdwnYQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="483" data-pin-description="Preschool Sunday School is my JAM! Read about my 5 favorite Sunday School Bible lessons for kids." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjr-T8qsWiUO5LhLKsNJVahCdUZNwXu4Fp-LJm92h7-SoFoI8BSlNTtta6fmVAEECwLFCMcuuYhSqLFd2yELWno3pt6DEa-tPa7yqWL6m7NqEMJ4s9Kn3txD66mosUAk13cWg5mR2L1Puf7Llr3zXWn5hZf_TrX8Ra6oaPevT_yT6hbBUX81sZ5IdwnYQ=w483-h640" width="483" /></a>
</div>
<br />It's super low prep, and has such a huge impact! Find out how to
play in this blog post on the
<a href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2017/10/collect-manna-game.html" target="_blank">Manna game</a>
from our
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Miracles-of-the-Bible-Preschool-Sunday-School-Lessons-and-Unit-3267254" target="_blank">Moses unit.</a>
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
<h1>The Fruit of the Spirit</h1>
<div>
If you can't teach 'em with games, teach 'em with FOOD! This
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fruit-of-the-Spirit-Preschool-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-1647369" target="_blank">Fruit of the Spirit unit</a>
was one of the first Bible units I ever wrote.
</div>
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
I love how well the Fruit of the Spirit goes with character education that we
do so much with younger kids. And adding fresh fruit snacks made it even
better and more engaging!
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuKt5ufl64a9jL-wv26W3jz_Y94T7fTp10pTIpcSDLJXUAujNdBpg-vbDs-2DuQHqlves9Vdi5dEuG1njWofWk7DErpKIYA4xsbO-I1xjsoYp8T0YXFXZGQ9_bLB2zZfi-AJTezj1KAsCd0Y0PXH0tUMxc4Nj4SaX14PCwrmz9TFDnzD-57ESBp_rMaGc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="640" data-pin-description="Preschool Sunday School is my JAM! Read about my 5 favorite Sunday School Bible lessons for kids." height="617" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuKt5ufl64a9jL-wv26W3jz_Y94T7fTp10pTIpcSDLJXUAujNdBpg-vbDs-2DuQHqlves9Vdi5dEuG1njWofWk7DErpKIYA4xsbO-I1xjsoYp8T0YXFXZGQ9_bLB2zZfi-AJTezj1KAsCd0Y0PXH0tUMxc4Nj4SaX14PCwrmz9TFDnzD-57ESBp_rMaGc=w640-h617" width="640" /></a>
</div>
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
This Fruit of the Spirit stamping book is one of my all time favorites and is
sure to have you kids licking their lips and learning how to be more like
Jesus all at the same time! Read our
<a href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2015/09/sunday-school-fruits-of-spirit.html" target="_blank">routines for the stamping Fruit of the Spirit book here</a>.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
<h1>Love One Another</h1>
<div>
Another thing I love to do with Sunday School lessons is connect them with
holidays.
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-2870570" target="_blank">Christmas</a>
and
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christian-Easter-Bible-Story-Sunday-School-Unit-for-Preschool-3054039" target="_blank">Easter</a>
are obvious ones for Sunday School. But I also love making Bible units
for
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thanksgiving-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-2816426" target="_blank">Thanksgiving</a>
and for
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Love-One-Another-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-1683062" target="_blank">Valentine's Day</a>.
</div>
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
Why is Valentine's Day not a more religious holiday? I mean, God's
greatest two commandments are LOVE God and LOVE others.... how have we missed
this opportunity?!? :)
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2OwsgPQDqE1omOCms0W8BPyES7wUSP_XSo9w5vvihKGwhXJBg9eLvEyQqROxcbgqQS72dKga1u5PBr9RoisdiOFH0M7H4MPXbILVioKOpVvK78PT7p0NM0NDoSUMfBMz9DlNp0P2mxBhxWlyGqUOvcgA8kpRJNVQSuiJsvHvujhYLFecBKVH2yTXfPDo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" data-pin-description="Preschool Sunday School is my JAM! Read about my 5 favorite Sunday School Bible lessons for kids." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2OwsgPQDqE1omOCms0W8BPyES7wUSP_XSo9w5vvihKGwhXJBg9eLvEyQqROxcbgqQS72dKga1u5PBr9RoisdiOFH0M7H4MPXbILVioKOpVvK78PT7p0NM0NDoSUMfBMz9DlNp0P2mxBhxWlyGqUOvcgA8kpRJNVQSuiJsvHvujhYLFecBKVH2yTXfPDo=w640-h640" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<br />In Preschool Sunday School, exploration stations are one of our favorite
routines. This is a time for kids to come in to the class and start
playing and exploring with something related to our lesson or unit.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
And this
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Love-One-Another-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-1683062" target="_blank">Love One Another unit</a>
is no different! Read more details about this
<a href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2015/02/love-one-another.html" target="_blank">Love One Another unit here</a>.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>What is your favorite thing to teach in Sunday School?</div>
<div><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUF2CIvptfHke4eEO9TpOuwUmWsYIzpyOo0JsUkwtaOB269mxGe7mBvQNtfC9HjhvyA3wsnQFeYh64C1bgGxM8Ram_GoyRNv26M10s2tgB4WtXqPoiWhIvfYIMQz2Tm1Vk5glF0MZE9M0FttDFqTmu4QBnYtObvBVnStka5NnyXddRVTXkjbEG8dSSwEw/s1898/sunday%20school%20lessons%20PIN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1898" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Preschool Sunday School is my JAM! Read about my 5 favorite Sunday School Bible lessons for kids." height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUF2CIvptfHke4eEO9TpOuwUmWsYIzpyOo0JsUkwtaOB269mxGe7mBvQNtfC9HjhvyA3wsnQFeYh64C1bgGxM8Ram_GoyRNv26M10s2tgB4WtXqPoiWhIvfYIMQz2Tm1Vk5glF0MZE9M0FttDFqTmu4QBnYtObvBVnStka5NnyXddRVTXkjbEG8dSSwEw/w266-h400/sunday%20school%20lessons%20PIN.jpg" width="266" /></a>
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<div><br /></div>
Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986381982136673388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699949251277141058.post-77471293120107561052024-01-04T11:40:00.005-06:002024-01-04T11:40:27.664-06:004 Favorite January Activities for Kindergarten and First Grade<p>
It's the first of January and snow is already in our 5-day forecast.
That's super early for us here in Arkansas. And it's putting me in the
mood for some of my favorite January lesson plans and activities for
kindergarten and first grade.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
So, get your lesson plans out and ready, because I'm giving you 4 of my go to
January activities for kindergarten or first grade.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHLzm8gVPQ4SD191zs9hxUZOema68aLcoPuP6qTrYYClb_heZUWq6ePti0tkhiy8KylE4HAIfpQVuaE9A4iGORxLr06k40k92u0TROg6PS05VJC7Y_uX8_g8ao-qBRFA6wZCcsLiZo4j_hddxtEZia_ay4MpULEkA5kjCFiMyoX20kzXiYysY8BIKIE0/s1265/january%20activities%20BLOG.jpg"
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><img
border="0"
data-original-height="843"
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src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHLzm8gVPQ4SD191zs9hxUZOema68aLcoPuP6qTrYYClb_heZUWq6ePti0tkhiy8KylE4HAIfpQVuaE9A4iGORxLr06k40k92u0TROg6PS05VJC7Y_uX8_g8ao-qBRFA6wZCcsLiZo4j_hddxtEZia_ay4MpULEkA5kjCFiMyoX20kzXiYysY8BIKIE0/w640-h426/january%20activities%20BLOG.jpg"
data-pin-description="Get your New Year lesson plans ready! I'm rounding up my favorite January activities and crafts for kindergarten and first grade." width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">New Year's Writing Craft</h1>
<p>
This is my go to activity to start off the new year in the classroom. We
spend time talking about what goals are and I chart key words we brainstorm
when talking about our goals.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Then, I model choosing one word as my classroom goal for the year. Kids
also choose their own one word goal for our classroom for the remainder of the
year. They write about their word, why they chose it and how they are
going to work on that goal.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Once their writing is finished, we make the
<a
href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/New-Years-Resolution-Craft-and-Writing-Activity-for-New-Years-Bulletin-Board-2273684"
target="_blank"
>craft</a
>! This is always a kid favorite and they look so so cute in the hallway
during January. To learn more, read the details on this
<a
href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2015/01/new-years-one-word.html"
target="_blank"
>January New Year's writing craftivity</a
>.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XKC_tfxPL8pGt_SH3IU0lLNIHCP2Y-4nI5ngKPDUO6__eB7bU5A23cNCrvyqiZTavJNEUtWbwjGQlYGU4x9D_KufCZWk8GngTqzeabdo4_mYPbiwt_ym70ywBzGEsEr1qkCNew4QU8h8VSJy2ugycqiS7AWXQmlXE8KqGNWDpqpPTADWOh5GRVyU0Z4/s1265/new%20years%20edited.jpg"
imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="1265"
data-original-width="1265"
height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XKC_tfxPL8pGt_SH3IU0lLNIHCP2Y-4nI5ngKPDUO6__eB7bU5A23cNCrvyqiZTavJNEUtWbwjGQlYGU4x9D_KufCZWk8GngTqzeabdo4_mYPbiwt_ym70ywBzGEsEr1qkCNew4QU8h8VSJy2ugycqiS7AWXQmlXE8KqGNWDpqpPTADWOh5GRVyU0Z4/w640-h640/new%20years%20edited.jpg"
data-pin-description="Get your New Year lesson plans ready! I'm rounding up my favorite January activities and crafts for kindergarten and first grade." width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>Martin Luther King, Jr. Writing Craft</h1>
<p>
Once we get through the New Year, we jump right into MLK. We spend
January and February learning about famous people in history. Martin Luther
King, Jr. is the first one on that list!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
We read and research and read and research a LOT! :) We chart our
learning.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWVvJ27uv1bPEKw3ANWnSt_MUAcP_uRd98xo-v2piOXjbluusGx6vOqmjMbfmpNZ1QjdQ1ss6XpU1wAn-xFxxi2ohJ9Tt3v5b3cS5cpoguaBA1e-jNRYkuYIXDZ8aB_Gx-ey2n6NpkH2u1Birclcluv7fK9uoGUhJKcL95WXaddd2hm1__SSDRkTOtR4/s3872/MLK%20chart.jpg"
imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3872"
data-original-width="2592"
height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWVvJ27uv1bPEKw3ANWnSt_MUAcP_uRd98xo-v2piOXjbluusGx6vOqmjMbfmpNZ1QjdQ1ss6XpU1wAn-xFxxi2ohJ9Tt3v5b3cS5cpoguaBA1e-jNRYkuYIXDZ8aB_Gx-ey2n6NpkH2u1Birclcluv7fK9uoGUhJKcL95WXaddd2hm1__SSDRkTOtR4/w428-h640/MLK%20chart.jpg"
data-pin-description="Get your New Year lesson plans ready! I'm rounding up my favorite January activities and crafts for kindergarten and first grade." width="428"
/></a>
</div>
<br />
<p>
We talk about sifting through all of the facts to
<a
href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2016/01/bright-ideas-mlk.html"
target="_blank"
>find the important facts</a
>.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Finally, we are ready to write about what makes Martin Luther King, Jr. so
important in our history.
</p>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Martin-Luther-King-Jr-Lessons-and-Activities-for-Black-History-Month-2300506"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
target="_blank"
><img
alt=""
data-original-height="640"
data-original-width="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYJvczrKvnQ-AcGqpfhvIxS_TeZgv47EgP9S_F5PLgHtMNu9y_HKFWyxNm6UR070rvxAs7oeZDIpgyJd0_VYJjL1fFzpBWK9vFMLErMFgfhizetonbNdSuj3pwyQ9kOT8X8ePkRwOOKkQhnSXUDTKE7Q8UBp-sqfyB9MFcb_BAgxTE8lilSvgOiw6tDGk=s16000"
/></a>
</div>
<p></p>
<p><span> </span><br /></p>
<p>
Click to read all the details about our
<a
href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2016/01/bright-ideas-mlk.html"
target="_blank"
>Martin Luther King, Jr. lessons</a
>.
</p>
<h1>Snowman Independent Craft</h1>
<p>
When I taught kindergarten for a maternity leave, independent crafts were a
big part of our literacy stations! In our creation station, we posted an
example of the craft with all of the materials and templates they
needed.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
The kids LOVED making their crafts each month (I did two crafts a month and
two directed drawings in this station)! I was nervous about how well
they would handle this station, but it was one of the most well-behaved,
on-task stations we had.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
This
<a
href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/January-Craftivity-Directed-Drawing-Creation-Station-for-Kindergarten-5106511"
target="_blank"
>snowman craft</a
>
is my favorite winter craft that we did. And who doesn't love painting with
q-tips?!?
</p>
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href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicq9QE0FM0adOGJU6slQxiuWhbrkw7QOAsLZvCjWfvdIIxxVVh42x4cIVt8JM4rATE5DM0T3QbCcmc84MbSA4q12B6-DDwSVb0Bi7-pUhjY32xY7XyNctEhyphenhyphen_LcM6FuHyL6zLylHw9q1ZYWUn0pQ9WXTNMjm-i7PmTygIHjJBvW70LPru4hHnYQ5JcUHU/s1075/snowman.png"
imageanchor="1"
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><img
border="0"
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height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicq9QE0FM0adOGJU6slQxiuWhbrkw7QOAsLZvCjWfvdIIxxVVh42x4cIVt8JM4rATE5DM0T3QbCcmc84MbSA4q12B6-DDwSVb0Bi7-pUhjY32xY7XyNctEhyphenhyphen_LcM6FuHyL6zLylHw9q1ZYWUn0pQ9WXTNMjm-i7PmTygIHjJBvW70LPru4hHnYQ5JcUHU/w490-h640/snowman.png"
data-pin-description="Get your New Year lesson plans ready! I'm rounding up my favorite January activities and crafts for kindergarten and first grade." width="490"
/></a>
</div>
<br />
<p>
As each kid finished their craft, we posted it on the wall by the station for
more examples of our crafts!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
For my first grade friends... I had a creation station in first grade too, but
with the added requirement that they write about their creation when they
finished. Kinders could easily do this during the second semester as
well.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
You can find this snowman craft in these
<a
href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/January-Craftivity-Directed-Drawing-Creation-Station-for-Kindergarten-5106511"
target="_blank"
>January Creation Stations</a
>
or the whole
<a
href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindergarten-Craftivity-and-Kindergarten-Directed-Drawing-BUNDLE-4590730"
target="_blank"
>year of craft station ideas here</a
>.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>Text Evidence Lessons</h1>
<p>
Last, but not least, text evidence lessons are a HUGE part of the second half
of first grade. We spend time modeling this before Christmas as well,
but the focus shifts to text evidence during the second semester.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
We talk about going back to the text to answer questions about the text.
And we get out HIGHLIGHTERS! Which is a huge hit for 6 and 7 year olds!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
I model this when we are doing whole group lessons, like reading about Martin
Luther King, Jr. in January like we talked about earlier. When I ask a
question about the text, we go back to the text and highlight how we know that
to be the correct answer.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Is small groups, I start introducing
<a
href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/New-Years-Reading-Comprehension-Passages-and-Questions-for-January-3508747"
target="_blank"
>reading comprehension passages with questions</a
>
and we practice highlighting our answers in the text together. They LOVE
passage days in small groups!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUg7Cy3lv1s64ApQ1Y_1r9UZJKwjWHhpiQE7sXdf3COL6VOrUGqyTThzkMPHH1R3jQ0QvGiBFmLxcmAzUYsvTdsjYIXkjdz7PqyPiKdGlnvUC3slRube0c8zXHrVSqmRLOeufxaOADqAqKHk_nn6j0-_jNT4UOi-nkye0N3oTkxtd1eBFsnLccP9mLQDI/s4032/new%20years%20reading.HEIC"
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height="480"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUg7Cy3lv1s64ApQ1Y_1r9UZJKwjWHhpiQE7sXdf3COL6VOrUGqyTThzkMPHH1R3jQ0QvGiBFmLxcmAzUYsvTdsjYIXkjdz7PqyPiKdGlnvUC3slRube0c8zXHrVSqmRLOeufxaOADqAqKHk_nn6j0-_jNT4UOi-nkye0N3oTkxtd1eBFsnLccP9mLQDI/w640-h480/new%20years%20reading.HEIC"
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/></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
You can read here to learn more about our
<a
href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2017/05/using-highlighters-to-find-text-evidence.html"
target="_blank"
>text evidence routines in first grade</a
>.
</p>
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><img
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src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYdmPhQasaF20_lFxGQ4cqXSEmLHDscB7hXsoW_Ty_ZBTqCne5yKNEKidQht4fPQQgKhZ8v106h9rjrMlBXLau-uRjtvyARTTrmxqjy_kzbnlf-xfEUsruzwHzPr33DJWB1GTC1yumkCvy1-428bCc5zBLLrPmEc13tzTf4a8Tk9wS-Di8sfaMKd7Q94/w426-h640/January%20Activities%20PIN.jpg"
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/></a>
</div>
<br />
<p><br /></p>
Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986381982136673388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699949251277141058.post-48145529552024618542023-11-27T12:33:00.002-06:002023-11-27T12:36:49.872-06:00Using Writing Rubrics to Guide Your Writing Lessons<p>
Writing is one of those subjects in lower elementary where there isn't a lot
of guidance other than our writing standards. In the classroom, I'm
constantly trying to figure out the best way to improve my first graders'
writing...without a real district curriculum to follow.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Thanks to the science of reading, we've learned that tying writing to reading
with reading response is best practice.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
But still, when I stare at my first graders' writing all I can see are more
things we need to work on. So, how do you choose what to focus on for
your writing mini-lesson? How do you decide what skill to attack
first? Or what skills are worth your time?
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Let's chat about how I used our
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/K-2-Student-Friendly-Writing-Rubrics-and-Writing-Assessments-Checklists-BUNDLE-2130291?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=using%20writing%20rubrics%20to%20teach" target="_blank">writing rubrics</a>
to guide our writing lesson topics.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bF_zboodb2OIaObPI3s8Ns1-jmQy5cKvj8yBHxQOhw4UP59dpd8yt7kM95m-QEWZx9oqfVd815pzQ91m8zJrPapgnXmE597Hi4bKLpS5s6RKTVaELy995iAAWt-nYPukyIwCZfJHiU7EbcMHWqWMHzC-YXmWxj_PfAhyzScwFeJdFCxVQaw81VMgPFg/s1265/writing%20rubrics%20BLOG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Using writing rubrics in your writing lessons is the perfect way to let kids take ownership of their writing and cover ALL of your writing standards." height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bF_zboodb2OIaObPI3s8Ns1-jmQy5cKvj8yBHxQOhw4UP59dpd8yt7kM95m-QEWZx9oqfVd815pzQ91m8zJrPapgnXmE597Hi4bKLpS5s6RKTVaELy995iAAWt-nYPukyIwCZfJHiU7EbcMHWqWMHzC-YXmWxj_PfAhyzScwFeJdFCxVQaw81VMgPFg/w640-h426/writing%20rubrics%20BLOG.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<p><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">Sequencing Writing Skills</h1>
<p>
I don't have a specific scope and sequence for teaching writing skills because
it really just depends on my kids.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
But, in general, I start the beginning of the year working on mechanics.
We are literally writing one or two sentences over and over and mastering
capitals, punctuation, spacing, handwriting, and sounding out words.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
We make this anchor chart together and do a LOT of
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rainbow-Sentence-Building-Activity-1256793?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=using%20writing%20rubrics%20to%20teach%20-%20silly%20sentences" target="_blank">silly sentence writing</a>!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tJcMknKeTwqAmL8IQyyDobRjBy4N_C_hz13J_2eY-Olf4aGiwwzKBM0Q05Ii5RgGA3xkQ4k19eZdxHnaO3m0C0Nlm7S2XvPCIwoiaFDtN4bsWbHrChFuXI63eQiNmhCz4nLxgNbX03txbkyY74qhZK-Icn42RuOfzzfhiZ-2mU_BiFDiZVzlpUSyAsc/s3499/writers%20checklist%20chart.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3499" data-original-width="3024" data-pin-description="Using writing rubrics in your writing lessons is the perfect way to let kids take ownership of their writing and cover ALL of your writing standards." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tJcMknKeTwqAmL8IQyyDobRjBy4N_C_hz13J_2eY-Olf4aGiwwzKBM0Q05Ii5RgGA3xkQ4k19eZdxHnaO3m0C0Nlm7S2XvPCIwoiaFDtN4bsWbHrChFuXI63eQiNmhCz4nLxgNbX03txbkyY74qhZK-Icn42RuOfzzfhiZ-2mU_BiFDiZVzlpUSyAsc/w554-h640/writers%20checklist%20chart.JPG" width="554" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rainbow-Sentence-Building-Activity-1256793?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=using%20writing%20rubrics%20to%20teach%20-%20silly%20sentences" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1025" data-original-width="1418" data-pin-description="Using writing rubrics in your writing lessons is the perfect way to let kids take ownership of their writing and cover ALL of your writing standards." height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAyyZNw4579wt5PHnZ53ipO6cMQ7jWcYwfaKxE497Y1NaOAftp2E39_nTwgqLNMUYiIN4BYeZIb-SSuqohbaiIyfy-lv8Ykf7W78JQxbVDpaMyorJDa5jvyEAWN82AqVSts9W2iBAKlfiMuI5NIVJsXHMKKMsd6yA8gFU1CTnZHvZeXM_919xgutN5kd4/w640-h462/sentence%20buidling.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<p>
We use our
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/K-2-Student-Friendly-Writing-Rubrics-and-Writing-Assessments-Checklists-BUNDLE-2130291?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=using%20writing%20rubrics%20to%20teach" target="_blank">writing checklist rubrics</a>
for this part so that kids are constantly going back and "editing" to make
sure their mechanics are on grade level with our checklist writing paper.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLnoxMcBHe_2q3jOfkJHaZzSPH0GLmb7kdrxl8-5yJRRoY0ljQau2L4lx4hnQcpPrcMMHOqZJkVBrIpdE4CrAYyvstsLv1j98PgDPB6hZ1mFIwkk86ZEFg5x98wXs-On9hCJENyILpaRAevaNj4x5ObJMEIVNSJrpc0TAd-ccqEdL_cpVL-8uQBtzcSfU/s614/writing%20rubrics%20mechanics%20checklist.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="614" data-pin-description="Using writing rubrics in your writing lessons is the perfect way to let kids take ownership of their writing and cover ALL of your writing standards." height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLnoxMcBHe_2q3jOfkJHaZzSPH0GLmb7kdrxl8-5yJRRoY0ljQau2L4lx4hnQcpPrcMMHOqZJkVBrIpdE4CrAYyvstsLv1j98PgDPB6hZ1mFIwkk86ZEFg5x98wXs-On9hCJENyILpaRAevaNj4x5ObJMEIVNSJrpc0TAd-ccqEdL_cpVL-8uQBtzcSfU/w640-h590/writing%20rubrics%20mechanics%20checklist.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Once we have our mechanics down, we move to different types of writing and
begin using our writing rubrics. Our district tells us which order to
teach writing types in, but most often we start with informative writing.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehMmSnGRe994AoggnSDeU-K15a0qQ3OuinLdZRBPnmDUCsxt2HQ2G2gKRZKVYPVl4Arxk6IHONuGYlbUZ466LZrN_zwFL7E-q_q4Ri7UkKZlYe_UKoIG2GY1wv0wPmp_8z5L15JMVA9mZTAZZlThlRt3KqPNsSeKn2XsfOfJEflIvM4JbJxZyQ23yhYg/s4032/2nd%20writing%20rubrics.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" data-pin-description="Using writing rubrics in your writing lessons is the perfect way to let kids take ownership of their writing and cover ALL of your writing standards." height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehMmSnGRe994AoggnSDeU-K15a0qQ3OuinLdZRBPnmDUCsxt2HQ2G2gKRZKVYPVl4Arxk6IHONuGYlbUZ466LZrN_zwFL7E-q_q4Ri7UkKZlYe_UKoIG2GY1wv0wPmp_8z5L15JMVA9mZTAZZlThlRt3KqPNsSeKn2XsfOfJEflIvM4JbJxZyQ23yhYg/w640-h480/2nd%20writing%20rubrics.heic" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<p>
Again, there is no hard or fast rule on sequence, but I generally work on the
content section of our rubric after our first few weeks of mechanics
work. Then, we work on language and sentence formation as needed.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>Prioritizing Missing Writing Skills</h1>
<p>
Let's get down to the nitty gritty. When I am planning our writing
lessons, I have the
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/K-2-Student-Friendly-Writing-Rubrics-and-Writing-Assessments-Checklists-BUNDLE-2130291?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=using%20writing%20rubrics%20to%20teach" target="_blank">rubric</a>
out for the writing genre we are working on.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXiDKXJwueVNmi5FrE75w2cgDngZFbHa6uYKs5oS2zXDL3WZ_Iahu2z0WzVVN8zxGS83ror7rZtWXOsfbh-LMBbw-l9QK67AEZJ_OQ0Hw-g1-V2ZD4F_PjbS2I_17-KhLMaiZ49oTg7-UPHFxlkcPC0I9aZZhSxUVIFVLzgqLqRn91mkIGQMHXRQ0QH8/s789/informative%20writing%20rubric.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="789" data-pin-description="Using writing rubrics in your writing lessons is the perfect way to let kids take ownership of their writing and cover ALL of your writing standards." height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXiDKXJwueVNmi5FrE75w2cgDngZFbHa6uYKs5oS2zXDL3WZ_Iahu2z0WzVVN8zxGS83ror7rZtWXOsfbh-LMBbw-l9QK67AEZJ_OQ0Hw-g1-V2ZD4F_PjbS2I_17-KhLMaiZ49oTg7-UPHFxlkcPC0I9aZZhSxUVIFVLzgqLqRn91mkIGQMHXRQ0QH8/w640-h580/informative%20writing%20rubric.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<p>
We start working on content so we can learn the characteristics of a
particular writing genre. I literally go through that checklist in the
"3" or on grade level column and make sure we work through that
together.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
So, the first day, I might introduce the entire structure of the
paragraph. Then, another day, we may really focus on introduction
sentences or supporting facts for informative writing.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
At the beginning, I don't show the entire rubric to the kids. I just
show them the area we are working on, like content.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUW1x2CHf4PpN8mbZng12fLxkdBcE3clPrZLhZK0iMFeoKCpkvXyUL4tLkd7sVTebE9omhKhYeSnZxtUeOxIaY6Mo-TpAMmjpo__Pfeiblwyz2VuEY-oBbweSeogj-bfwaxdemYIU2WS9YjnuC0cT98FGC7vcUNWzMDaRRpjwuxG5X74qGEcKb-ChOfFk/s912/narrative%20writing%20rubric%20self%20assessments.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="912" data-pin-description="Using writing rubrics in your writing lessons is the perfect way to let kids take ownership of their writing and cover ALL of your writing standards." height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUW1x2CHf4PpN8mbZng12fLxkdBcE3clPrZLhZK0iMFeoKCpkvXyUL4tLkd7sVTebE9omhKhYeSnZxtUeOxIaY6Mo-TpAMmjpo__Pfeiblwyz2VuEY-oBbweSeogj-bfwaxdemYIU2WS9YjnuC0cT98FGC7vcUNWzMDaRRpjwuxG5X74qGEcKb-ChOfFk/w640-h328/narrative%20writing%20rubric%20self%20assessments.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<p>
These mini-rubrics have the same checklists and wordings as the big rubric,
but they just focus on one area so that it's less overwhelming for the
kids. When we are farther into learning a writing genre, I pull out the
entire rubric so kids are familiar with it and can use it to check their own
writing.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
As I'm planning, I'm thinking about what
<i style="font-weight: bold;">most</i> of my kids are struggling with on
the rubric. And that becomes our focus for writing that day or week.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>Peer Editing</h1>
<p>
As you may have guessed, we use
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/K-2-Student-Friendly-Writing-Rubrics-and-Writing-Assessments-Checklists-BUNDLE-2130291?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=using%20writing%20rubrics%20to%20teach" target="_blank">the small rubrics</a>
for one area to peer edit or self-check the kids' writing. I have the
kids check their own writing alone or with a peer and fill out a mini-rubric
slip to attach to their writing.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Then, I call them back a few at a time to check with them. I fill out
the same slip in a colored pen so that they (and parents) can see the
difference in how the student assessed his/her writing and how I did and if we
agreed or disagreed.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMK9pCt_6bTtitn5JiOQjra0aYQHHrd_CcUrO6CzmjmyNJYNn72zTyowr3NTESzOxOsywrwjq91mHHcGVCJd_cqskpLplDAy7u-e1ahMFcyN5dTUTH9kwi_REI1PgkTrPN3j25bHu5QGNJNlDlkrvFLEUPylwFIjAkR6J-epbEE8-zhyphenhyphenrBM-cOaXBDB_8/s1070/self%20assessment%20writing%20rubric.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="1070" data-pin-description="Using writing rubrics in your writing lessons is the perfect way to let kids take ownership of their writing and cover ALL of your writing standards." height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMK9pCt_6bTtitn5JiOQjra0aYQHHrd_CcUrO6CzmjmyNJYNn72zTyowr3NTESzOxOsywrwjq91mHHcGVCJd_cqskpLplDAy7u-e1ahMFcyN5dTUTH9kwi_REI1PgkTrPN3j25bHu5QGNJNlDlkrvFLEUPylwFIjAkR6J-epbEE8-zhyphenhyphenrBM-cOaXBDB_8/w640-h390/self%20assessment%20writing%20rubric.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<p>
It is SUPER important for kids to be involved in evaluating their writing from
even the first week or school. It helps kids understand expectations,
helps them look for and correct their own mistakes, and it can be a powerful
tool to guide our writing lessons if we let it!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcNSwJ5oYwKZRlcPLtkZF35h87SAkPtC3kpHEPvrg1HMGk-U1G7pjwp1ydH3aKs2sM4IvKnhShNAfFTyYLyo9YhBXz9BOOoT4imZoJfLoIL4KvOm3mLvKlPHJnp1REld9Ovvvwd4FH9BR8nI_KXX2fJWy54nrpPiMqePObRi14m98vCa0y0-5UfU0GKI/s1114/writing%20peer%20editing.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="775" data-original-width="1114" data-pin-description="Using writing rubrics in your writing lessons is the perfect way to let kids take ownership of their writing and cover ALL of your writing standards." height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcNSwJ5oYwKZRlcPLtkZF35h87SAkPtC3kpHEPvrg1HMGk-U1G7pjwp1ydH3aKs2sM4IvKnhShNAfFTyYLyo9YhBXz9BOOoT4imZoJfLoIL4KvOm3mLvKlPHJnp1REld9Ovvvwd4FH9BR8nI_KXX2fJWy54nrpPiMqePObRi14m98vCa0y0-5UfU0GKI/w640-h446/writing%20peer%20editing.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<p>
You can find the writing rubrics I use, including the checklists, writing
paper, and mini-rubrics
<b><u><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/K-2-Student-Friendly-Writing-Rubrics-and-Writing-Assessments-Checklists-BUNDLE-2130291?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=using%20writing%20rubrics%20to%20teach" target="_blank">here</a></u></b>.
</p>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/K-2-Student-Friendly-Writing-Rubrics-and-Writing-Assessments-Checklists-BUNDLE-2130291?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=using%20writing%20rubrics%20to%20teach" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="525" data-pin-description="Using writing rubrics in your writing lessons is the perfect way to let kids take ownership of their writing and cover ALL of your writing standards." height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJnVqTBXYdLSL2UaXrtLgbgwz5s_2gjbFcegLGXNKmiFSFmL2uSf7L2U3osYoyaIlXIz9QWE5RecyTO_4fYU3emYVpz0-IfianCujYCfOeaRb22Igc_RMJFr77np1D7LDXROqP3ewGXdDqfnaQrJk76W6XH9vdvC0BbhuIO67RJ1afmK3hj89hFAeG7ZA=w320-h320" width="320" /></a>
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<p></p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8aknhfKH4i430aEHOapXp3jU8I_UoBXdeJQkCB67wZyL7lmBzay8EEYXDo_Mk64xk0Gd8ShArGhTTowqvbCZDCnC2omW3EPdGiSMx7mtGFxXQrogORrTby_waM5lkjprrygHCnHwmaDUaTQQM675LDdv1CKYNQt0LTPX6rr7TsaLoXFDU9k-kGm2wbw/s1898/writing%20rubrics%20PIN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1898" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Using writing rubrics in your writing lessons is the perfect way to let kids take ownership of their writing and cover ALL of your writing standards." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8aknhfKH4i430aEHOapXp3jU8I_UoBXdeJQkCB67wZyL7lmBzay8EEYXDo_Mk64xk0Gd8ShArGhTTowqvbCZDCnC2omW3EPdGiSMx7mtGFxXQrogORrTby_waM5lkjprrygHCnHwmaDUaTQQM675LDdv1CKYNQt0LTPX6rr7TsaLoXFDU9k-kGm2wbw/w426-h640/writing%20rubrics%20PIN.jpg" width="426" /></a>
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<p><br /></p>
<p><br /></p>
Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986381982136673388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699949251277141058.post-36058273529419497962023-11-13T02:00:00.001-06:002023-11-13T02:00:00.147-06:003 Favorite Classroom Christmas Activities (Religious and Non-Religious)<p>Christmas is my SECOND favorite holiday. (Thanksgiving girl all the way right here, y'all!) And I love learning and celebrating Christmas in the classroom, too! Here are 3 of my favorite ways to learn and celebrate Christmas in the classroom.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0oW2PfcUWdPluLlXTNVr2ODxI-4Cnleg9bNNuMmfhfB6RJFOMPG7UbUyUfBOSwSEG5yZBaEPmol5uu3GdL3k_srgMPEBVg0QbTSF6Yqd38sJvQJHsteLF2Bus0h7wXE2ZuSK3we6skwSDOLMFs0VavOwnD1RGaXbmi2Wma2Ra1Eph5mXxQef0tNXGOg8/s1265/christmas%20activities%20blog%20post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1265" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0oW2PfcUWdPluLlXTNVr2ODxI-4Cnleg9bNNuMmfhfB6RJFOMPG7UbUyUfBOSwSEG5yZBaEPmol5uu3GdL3k_srgMPEBVg0QbTSF6Yqd38sJvQJHsteLF2Bus0h7wXE2ZuSK3we6skwSDOLMFs0VavOwnD1RGaXbmi2Wma2Ra1Eph5mXxQef0tNXGOg8/w640-h426/christmas%20activities%20blog%20post.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><h1 style="text-align: left;">Christmas Around the World</h1><p>I remember when I was an elementary school kid and we learned about Christmas traditions around the world. It's one of my fondest memories as a student and one of my favorite things to teach as a teacher!</p><p><br /></p><p>My favorite way to teach this is with my team. We each take on a country and then rotate our kids through our classrooms. Some years, we did a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Holidays-Around-The-World-Mini-Unit-6328171" target="_blank">"Christmas around the world" rotation</a> every afternoon until we rotated through all of them. Other years, we took 2 days and all we did was rotate through Christmas tradition classrooms. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtA4v612tzxHVh-FjLGz4Ifi3itSGZ3dlGs1KbJqGnuQFqjVT6RI1JTGyToGq_xvCQT0MSTmT6VzrLRzAoXI7GL8HWWeI1m1dGIxuHRtmac07haoURKhdsIV9yzqAaMUaUkaAY6UJGqkYnkZ5E_tKDMmzJq6SDrI5p_5TFn5fSBypmmDhWIn6GNjHhOnU/s1440/Christmas%20World%20Tree%201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtA4v612tzxHVh-FjLGz4Ifi3itSGZ3dlGs1KbJqGnuQFqjVT6RI1JTGyToGq_xvCQT0MSTmT6VzrLRzAoXI7GL8HWWeI1m1dGIxuHRtmac07haoURKhdsIV9yzqAaMUaUkaAY6UJGqkYnkZ5E_tKDMmzJq6SDrI5p_5TFn5fSBypmmDhWIn6GNjHhOnU/w640-h640/Christmas%20World%20Tree%201.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>The kids LOVE learning about how different people celebrate similar holidays differently. And I love helping them see how the United States is really just a melting pot of so many older traditions!</p><p><br /></p><p>The best part about <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Holidays-Around-The-World-Mini-Unit-6328171" target="_blank">Christmas around the world</a> is that it's not fluff. At least in Arkansas, these lessons tie in nicely with our state social studies standards in learning about traditions, holidays, and customs around the world! #winning</p><p><br /></p><p>You can read more about how we do Christmas around the world in <a href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2020/12/christmas-around-worldthe-simple-way.html" target="_blank">this blog post</a>!</p><p><br /></p><h1>Pancakes, Pajamas, & Polar Express</h1><p>It's not Christmas in the classroom without a Christmas (or Winter) party! Our first grade winter party was my favorite all year. And it alliterates which makes it even better!! :) Pancakes, PJs, and Polar Express!</p><p><br /></p><p>If you haven't tried a breakfast party at Christmas, you are missing out. Truth bomb: Kids come to school on party day jacked up and ready for the party at the end of the day. Reigning them in until the party is a next-to-impossible feat.</p><p><br /></p><p>That's why a Christmas breakfast party is so genius. Kids came to school in their pajamas and got to "party" right away. I (and some parent volunteers) made pancakes for our Christmas breakfast party with all the fun toppings. My favorite is building Rudolph pancakes together!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLXrIo4CHoF2oNiEi42_Sb5lV22-DEfE6DD6qYoahkbr0h2FR94Aa9L8KE2-1yRuYYN0s366dTxMHldNySCHV3I-86cdETOzIz19bYE6ca9ue4_G3h3w2oTKJXZSjgE6AkA1-SgNXE8KsY5FHhdxEuosxdaRrEmNg2qS1vKv8EqWXdIy2FEM0RzzHcRc/s1265/reindeer%20pancake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1265" data-original-width="1265" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLXrIo4CHoF2oNiEi42_Sb5lV22-DEfE6DD6qYoahkbr0h2FR94Aa9L8KE2-1yRuYYN0s366dTxMHldNySCHV3I-86cdETOzIz19bYE6ca9ue4_G3h3w2oTKJXZSjgE6AkA1-SgNXE8KsY5FHhdxEuosxdaRrEmNg2qS1vKv8EqWXdIy2FEM0RzzHcRc/w640-h640/reindeer%20pancake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>And while we called this a "breakfast party," we also ended the day with hot chocolate and the Polar Express movie. You can read all the details for this party in <a href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2014/12/pancakes-pjs-and-polar-express.html" target="_blank">this blog post</a>.</p><p><br /></p><h1>The Christmas Story</h1><p>As a Christian teacher, nothing beats being able to teach my kids the REAL meaning of Christmas. Of course, this is a no-no in public schools where I taught for 10 years.</p><p><br /></p><p>But it is an absolute HIGHLIGHT in my preschool Sunday School class. Preschoolers are one of my favorite ages because they are so literal, hilarious, and help remind you that play is the key to learning.</p><p><br /></p><p>Each Christmas, we bring out the kids play nativity set to play and "rehearse" the birth of Jesus Christ. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLherQOW4FP_S1cAzLIzPHtpi3xgoS9mulY5J_amGRErx-Q0KwEF4EujnGdtDhb749rAy8K6ReTkEJ886NKTBcSCBp2HaX-Yy7rq0g57RLaIebaoEb2jZVRihsID9uIaoZQocgeY96svmJAbAOepSPsbJLZA2WX37x-2xBEzjfQjjVLiNlYoPvAqQR_HY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="640" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLherQOW4FP_S1cAzLIzPHtpi3xgoS9mulY5J_amGRErx-Q0KwEF4EujnGdtDhb749rAy8K6ReTkEJ886NKTBcSCBp2HaX-Yy7rq0g57RLaIebaoEb2jZVRihsID9uIaoZQocgeY96svmJAbAOepSPsbJLZA2WX37x-2xBEzjfQjjVLiNlYoPvAqQR_HY=w640-h376" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>We play games. We make Christmas sensory bins. We make ornaments. But most importantly, we talk about Jesus' birth and what it means to us all during our play and exploration. You can find all these activities <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-2870570" target="_blank">here</a> and read more about the lessons in <a href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2016/12/the-christmas-story-with-preschoolers.html" target="_blank">this blog post</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4TS60JolnZP6als0lYSQoKemv3FDsJqNLcCL2P6zjZMTR7NsUan6oysNybl4Kzlxwpu9Tg5ZKdjZ0kD1IVLxQX18SC0IkNfRozQ9YKXw1CTiaUwvTAvnFc58CK-fr2aCxUCWweffTQhH5J-A-SV3QCvkpZ4GN9yGe4Ib1hqZZECBiRdI2dX9b_9s37U/s1898/christmas%20activities%20pin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1898" data-original-width="1265" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4TS60JolnZP6als0lYSQoKemv3FDsJqNLcCL2P6zjZMTR7NsUan6oysNybl4Kzlxwpu9Tg5ZKdjZ0kD1IVLxQX18SC0IkNfRozQ9YKXw1CTiaUwvTAvnFc58CK-fr2aCxUCWweffTQhH5J-A-SV3QCvkpZ4GN9yGe4Ib1hqZZECBiRdI2dX9b_9s37U/w426-h640/christmas%20activities%20pin.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986381982136673388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699949251277141058.post-23572184180460184072023-11-06T09:41:00.000-06:002023-11-06T09:41:47.644-06:003 Easy Christmas Gifts to Make With Kids<p>
Christmas and crafts are almost synonymous. I love making Christmas
crafts with my kids at home and my school babies. But the Christmas
crafts serve a purpose--gifts for parents or gifts for teachers or church
volunteers! Read to find out 3 easy Christmas gifts I make with kids
every year!
</p>
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<p><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">No Bake Gingerbread Ornaments</h1>
<p>
A teacher friend of mine introduced me to no bake gingerbread ornaments years
ago and I've made them every year since.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
In the classroom, we start these a week or two before Christmas break.
They take a few days to dry and make the room smell so super yummy! We
make the dough together and then I call back kids one at a time to cut out
their gingerbread man. Then, I write their name on the wax paper next to
their ornament and we leave them out to dry and fill our room with Christmas
smells!
</p>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<p></p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
We also make these with our kids at home the day after Thanksgiving. And
they make our kitchen smell just as yummy. We've made these at home for
10 years and every year I keep one gingerbread ornament for our kitchen
tree. Even the very first gingerbread ornament we made still smells
delicious a decade later!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
You can read all the detailed steps and get the recipe for these
<a
href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2016/11/no-bake-gingerbread-ornaments.html"
target="_blank"
>in this no bake gingerbread ornaments blog post</a
>.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>Rudolph Ornaments</h1>
<p>
Can I be honest with you? Handprint ornaments are cute, but I'm a sucker
for a craft made with wooden sticks. That's why I love these Rudolph
ornaments so much!
</p>
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<br />
<p>
This one is a piece of cake for my first graders...almost. The pipe
cleaner antlers take some help for some kids with not as strong fine motor
kids. But I always have a handful of kids that are really good at
twisting the antlers and walk around and help the others!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
I also get premade red ribbons for the girls if they want them! :) You
can find the detailed step by step directions on this ornament in
<a
href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2016/11/christmas-ornament-gifts.html"
target="_blank"
>this wooden reindeer ornament blog post</a
>.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>Christmas Potpourri Jars</h1>
<p>
We have about a bazillion and one people to give Christmas gifts to in our
family. Okay, I'm kidding. Kinda.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
But by the time we add up school teachers, OT/PT/ST therapists, church
teachers for all the kids... it adds up! And I don't know about you, but
this momma can't afford a $20 gift basket for each one.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
That's why we make Christmas potpourri jars every year for my own kids'
teachers and volunteers.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
My mom has made this basic Christmas potpourri recipe since I was
little. I don't remember a Christmas without smelling stove top
potpourri. I put some on the stove starting the day after Thanksgiving
when we decorate for Christmas, and every year, without fault, that smell
takes me back to my childhood Christmases. Isn't it amazing how smells
do that?
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
When I was looking for a cheap, but thoughtful Christmas gift to give out in
mass, I knew I needed to find a way to bottle up my Momma's Christmas
potpourri.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
I used her same basic recipe and added a few green twigs of pine or rosemary
to make it prettier and every single year these gifts are a hit! And
with all the homemade Christmas candies that get exchanged each year, I love
being able to give a smell!
</p>
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</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Get the recipe and ideas for how I've packaged it over the years in
<a
href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2016/12/christmas-potpourri-recipe-and-gift-jars.html"
target="_blank"
>this Christmas Potpourri blog post</a
>.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>Painted Presents</h1>
<p>
Last, but definitely not least are painted presents. We started this
family tradition when my oldest was 3 years old and have continued it since
then. I'm not big into buying Christmas cards for everyone, so this is our way
of making "cards" for our family at Christmas.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
I wrap all of our Christmas gifts in brown kraft paper and write names on the
gifts in sharpie. Then, once I have the gifts ready, we spend a family
night painting.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
We brainstorm Christmas pictures that we could paint to help the younger
kids. Then, we grab a box and get to painting. We all paint--even
Mom and Dad! Every year I'm floored with how perfect they turn out.
</p>
<p></p>
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</div>
<p><br /></p>
For my 4 year olds, we are still doing handprint art on their boxes, but they
will hopefully be able to paint on their own in the next year or two.
<p></p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
The grandparents LOVE this so much and keep all of their artwork from each
year. My kids talk about this every year now, and I hope it's a unique
Christmas gift tradition that they always remember! You can see more closeups
of presents we did a few years ago in
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CItBRnYBgf7/" target="_blank"
>this brown paper painted packages post</a
>.<br />
</p>
Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986381982136673388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699949251277141058.post-85575039801934672102023-10-30T10:26:00.000-05:002023-10-30T10:26:43.260-05:00Force and Motion Kindergarten Science Lab: Driving Cars<p>
What preschool or kindergartner doesn't love playing with cars?
Especially boys! My 4 year old preschoolers LOVE driving our hot wheels
All. Over. The. House. So, I knew they would love doing
<a
href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Force-and-Motion-Next-Generation-Science-Unit-3993861?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Driving%20Cars%20Lab%20-%20Force%20Unit"
target="_blank"
>this force and motion kindergarten science lab</a
>
with me this week!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
This is a great science lab for teaching kids about cause and effect, force
and motion, and helping them critically think about what they are doing!
Plus, this kindergarten OR preschool science experiment is the easiest
prep... I'm all about simple right now, so I bet you already have
everything you need to do this lab right away!
</p>
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href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNkJf2VIqLUZkjZsl3SB-dKYn3CTDOFp2zoXxg_atpS15I7SQR6qUtV-f1OuQSkQFnC_A-iFRBIDkwv0hyCoewuAbJnYHrJgHobkf8oisuGQX3p1AiBbJQoC1e59WOOV51C0xn10MSETkh8D008ff-WVidtljobVNd4b2brFyroSHZlYw54fWros6i8Eo/s1265/race%20car%20force%20and%20motion%20science%20lab%20BLOG.jpg"
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><img
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height="426"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNkJf2VIqLUZkjZsl3SB-dKYn3CTDOFp2zoXxg_atpS15I7SQR6qUtV-f1OuQSkQFnC_A-iFRBIDkwv0hyCoewuAbJnYHrJgHobkf8oisuGQX3p1AiBbJQoC1e59WOOV51C0xn10MSETkh8D008ff-WVidtljobVNd4b2brFyroSHZlYw54fWros6i8Eo/w640-h426/race%20car%20force%20and%20motion%20science%20lab%20BLOG.jpg"
data-pin-description="Kids love racing cars! Read how we used that love for cars to learn about force, motion, and push in this preschool or kindergarten science lab." width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<i
><span style="font-size: xx-small;"
>This post may contain affiliate links to outside resources. By
using these affiliate links to purchase your materials, you are supporting
this little corner of cyberspace, my family....and my Diet Dr. Pepper
additction! :)</span
></i
>
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">Materials & Prep</h1>
<p>For this force and motion kindergarten science lab, you will need...</p>
<p></p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>
a few
<a href="https://amzn.to/409G69l" target="_blank">hot wheel cars</a> (or any
cars without batteries)
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://amzn.to/3FryPIL" target="_blank">colored paper</a> in
rainbow colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple
</li>
<li>clear <a href="https://amzn.to/46P4mAo" target="_blank">tape</a></li>
<li>
the force and motion science experiment
<a
href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Force-and-Motion-Next-Generation-Science-Unit-3993861?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Driving%20Cars%20Lab%20-%20Force%20Unit"
target="_blank"
>recording page</a
>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNDeBtVPH6WXsYNwzCnXdFSrhQrRV0Vhu2cpYwSsIUS1ARUmX8wC8Akmo41RMkL_pqKeyF5fwTNlrbtcDV-3yA0iCZW5-YmmcG_RBQzrKZw0dM3s_iT6lVnXVW8XP7xuPI81zNtUH6YvHHqEU1wzKsn0VPXxWoUcLzZY7AsWTvQvL25izF7J6IY4AjCQ/s3738/race%20car%20science%20lab_7335.heic"
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><img
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data-original-height="3738"
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src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNDeBtVPH6WXsYNwzCnXdFSrhQrRV0Vhu2cpYwSsIUS1ARUmX8wC8Akmo41RMkL_pqKeyF5fwTNlrbtcDV-3yA0iCZW5-YmmcG_RBQzrKZw0dM3s_iT6lVnXVW8XP7xuPI81zNtUH6YvHHqEU1wzKsn0VPXxWoUcLzZY7AsWTvQvL25izF7J6IY4AjCQ/w518-h640/race%20car%20science%20lab_7335.heic"
data-pin-description="Kids love racing cars! Read how we used that love for cars to learn about force, motion, and push in this preschool or kindergarten science lab." width="518"
/></a>
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
To prep this kindergarten OR preschool science experiment, you will need to
tape the colored papers together in rainbow order as a race track. I
taped mine together on the short edge to make our track longer.
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgo_4Of_35DE3jWwZR2Pck6WzLP2nbT5YkEolp-l3AMpwMghEQsdNtJToGXhdzvk6EivLhFk7R4DaUszPH3nbBv9sT6cpzsBqnpPvtMF3KyQkak_Y-MCvJ4Jm-hZCDNkmMBy8nGv4u3L5IemIKbSikd7hBXQiBFEQrbD7NE1GPXsg7YmlngD_eSkWbQXM/s3890/race%20car%20science%20lab_7336.heic"
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><img
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height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgo_4Of_35DE3jWwZR2Pck6WzLP2nbT5YkEolp-l3AMpwMghEQsdNtJToGXhdzvk6EivLhFk7R4DaUszPH3nbBv9sT6cpzsBqnpPvtMF3KyQkak_Y-MCvJ4Jm-hZCDNkmMBy8nGv4u3L5IemIKbSikd7hBXQiBFEQrbD7NE1GPXsg7YmlngD_eSkWbQXM/w472-h640/race%20car%20science%20lab_7336.heic"
data-pin-description="Kids love racing cars! Read how we used that love for cars to learn about force, motion, and push in this preschool or kindergarten science lab." width="472"
/></a>
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">Science Lab Steps</h1>
<p>
First, we set out the rainbow race track. My unicorn and rainbow-loving
girl LOVED this part! :)
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5h2qmrNhONMdxtKvCAtNxQ-XS7AeCt0caJCoFUizzkorxojONl6eHxjrBmZ_gO6dqgyKL56pejxJQ4N30y_oUOkiO7D2cuSwcXzZ4oC-rWpO_eVgfe8-nbN1EdYe1RkpCtweS0s0kw5W4DTeJxY5mDYk6eNp4bh4PPqXRECoz_Y6PaaTB9pCKGFOk5k/s3199/race%20car%20science%20lab_7337.heic"
imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3199"
data-original-width="2816"
height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5h2qmrNhONMdxtKvCAtNxQ-XS7AeCt0caJCoFUizzkorxojONl6eHxjrBmZ_gO6dqgyKL56pejxJQ4N30y_oUOkiO7D2cuSwcXzZ4oC-rWpO_eVgfe8-nbN1EdYe1RkpCtweS0s0kw5W4DTeJxY5mDYk6eNp4bh4PPqXRECoz_Y6PaaTB9pCKGFOk5k/w564-h640/race%20car%20science%20lab_7337.heic"
data-pin-description="Kids love racing cars! Read how we used that love for cars to learn about force, motion, and push in this preschool or kindergarten science lab." width="564"
/></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Next, we lined up a car. I asked, "What do we need to do to race our
car?"
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>"PUSH IT!" </p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
I reinforced, "Yes, we have to <u>push</u> the car if we want it to
<u>move</u>." Then, I told one of them to move the car.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuUSJSMJtUxXNxsuKYgYXU9WdnIxun3wugRjt3VYvrhU5lFYDhz9WEwNz2QCGvCKcEkuOuZc4kbphktbGAP_GPGAZqKGspsttLdFwUjvvPF4VS3xw0wSulJMsPwhe2FFtAkq6DDIt4F-zg4LDS4xc7uZTGzVIpg_q18fuAHtnPzqIZD8KAIZHQ-7Yp_c/s3054/race%20car%20science%20lab_7338.heic"
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><img
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data-original-height="2633"
data-original-width="3054"
height="552"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuUSJSMJtUxXNxsuKYgYXU9WdnIxun3wugRjt3VYvrhU5lFYDhz9WEwNz2QCGvCKcEkuOuZc4kbphktbGAP_GPGAZqKGspsttLdFwUjvvPF4VS3xw0wSulJMsPwhe2FFtAkq6DDIt4F-zg4LDS4xc7uZTGzVIpg_q18fuAHtnPzqIZD8KAIZHQ-7Yp_c/w640-h552/race%20car%20science%20lab_7338.heic"
data-pin-description="Kids love racing cars! Read how we used that love for cars to learn about force, motion, and push in this preschool or kindergarten science lab." width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
We cheered for the car and then
<a
href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Force-and-Motion-Next-Generation-Science-Unit-3993861?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Driving%20Cars%20Lab%20-%20Force%20Unit"
target="_blank"
>recorded</a
>
how far our car traveled.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91lWlOdpIrEJp8MKZ86hDTx2YtCvVp-jVY_uEbRlfJW-k6dOSWvObAQqOZubtXtD9RKPY6zfV-buTWqKG-hpQJHmi_XuHh5QW4iu1CzPbOPH7eOJfCg9NLuZxXC0-zxCgkHcdcLg7I0hMzX8cljTSmgGYS5NtTi4X2TnKAWsT3p8DD04lQTjnbOqSiT4/s3850/race%20car%20science%20lab_7343.heic"
imageanchor="1"
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><img
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height="376"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91lWlOdpIrEJp8MKZ86hDTx2YtCvVp-jVY_uEbRlfJW-k6dOSWvObAQqOZubtXtD9RKPY6zfV-buTWqKG-hpQJHmi_XuHh5QW4iu1CzPbOPH7eOJfCg9NLuZxXC0-zxCgkHcdcLg7I0hMzX8cljTSmgGYS5NtTi4X2TnKAWsT3p8DD04lQTjnbOqSiT4/w640-h376/race%20car%20science%20lab_7343.heic"
data-pin-description="Kids love racing cars! Read how we used that love for cars to learn about force, motion, and push in this preschool or kindergarten science lab." width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Then, I let the other twin have a turn. And I asked her the same
questions about how to move the car. We cheered for the car and then
recorded how far our car traveled. (We used the same car for both kids
so there would be no confusion that maybe one car is faster.)
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXwXaVF-264oOHpZi_25sQW5IvhSjDNfZu0UqX4aSfsKzWhGq2wOHUvID4pwRr8W04kRimyYSM8nVHIgPSt4n-lJ7VrZIvSiYcXi7Td1VHBu-fJqJB7LIVXknBHTIc7jjWKaBcFGuWBTDV6LsOTLt4BcFMsSXaG7tg0AXTDlFSCl1_XVRF6xDBG1Cy8k/s4030/race%20car%20science%20lab_7339.heic"
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><img
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data-original-height="2855"
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height="454"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXwXaVF-264oOHpZi_25sQW5IvhSjDNfZu0UqX4aSfsKzWhGq2wOHUvID4pwRr8W04kRimyYSM8nVHIgPSt4n-lJ7VrZIvSiYcXi7Td1VHBu-fJqJB7LIVXknBHTIc7jjWKaBcFGuWBTDV6LsOTLt4BcFMsSXaG7tg0AXTDlFSCl1_XVRF6xDBG1Cy8k/w640-h454/race%20car%20science%20lab_7339.heic"
data-pin-description="Kids love racing cars! Read how we used that love for cars to learn about force, motion, and push in this preschool or kindergarten science lab." width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Again, we cheered for the car and then
<a
href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Force-and-Motion-Next-Generation-Science-Unit-3993861?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Driving%20Cars%20Lab%20-%20Force%20Unit"
target="_blank"
>recorded</a
>
how far our car traveled that time.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZjYWz6kuCabkzmGUk_DWqZEkQiMBKKmad_CJlJgsbkpM1BjYGoRj3ehUY50N-e_BpiXZnZ_A4k23sGcj0kmFxu7q8WSyTgOivP8NjrBc0SKbtxIxIRbdAzH0V4fH4VX0lGmS1gk8lZEmFX-pweRbCmUQws-hiFMlkwSuHUqEhhg0X3Numby84k6DO7s/s3892/race%20car%20science%20lab_7344.heic"
imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="2767"
data-original-width="3892"
height="456"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZjYWz6kuCabkzmGUk_DWqZEkQiMBKKmad_CJlJgsbkpM1BjYGoRj3ehUY50N-e_BpiXZnZ_A4k23sGcj0kmFxu7q8WSyTgOivP8NjrBc0SKbtxIxIRbdAzH0V4fH4VX0lGmS1gk8lZEmFX-pweRbCmUQws-hiFMlkwSuHUqEhhg0X3Numby84k6DO7s/w640-h456/race%20car%20science%20lab_7344.heic"
data-pin-description="Kids love racing cars! Read how we used that love for cars to learn about force, motion, and push in this preschool or kindergarten science lab." width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Then, I asked, "Which car moved the farthest? Why do you think it
did?" I was trying to get them to see that a bigger push moves the car
farther.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Finally, I asked, "What can we do to make this car move even farther?"
We try one more time and
<a
href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Force-and-Motion-Next-Generation-Science-Unit-3993861?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Driving%20Cars%20Lab%20-%20Force%20Unit"
target="_blank"
>record</a
>
how far our car traveled!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46s7gn6_kkctU6pljRrPIJqgWsFICh2VVjuYJwkhdtEyTylMxzcwkzvQqXPxvYX5xASnFRtxosHw-V8xRC0MHQ6SBo34LVidF6J0U07afh2lu2TKwMhlS3rmYkZHcwPUpNEuE7FX2XXMGZuVF3f4WUJo8_Sqitloz1kPI4LVGRKiYPt1Qodi5FrMNnO8/s3372/race%20car%20science%20lab_7341.heic"
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><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3372"
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height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46s7gn6_kkctU6pljRrPIJqgWsFICh2VVjuYJwkhdtEyTylMxzcwkzvQqXPxvYX5xASnFRtxosHw-V8xRC0MHQ6SBo34LVidF6J0U07afh2lu2TKwMhlS3rmYkZHcwPUpNEuE7FX2XXMGZuVF3f4WUJo8_Sqitloz1kPI4LVGRKiYPt1Qodi5FrMNnO8/w544-h640/race%20car%20science%20lab_7341.heic"
data-pin-description="Kids love racing cars! Read how we used that love for cars to learn about force, motion, and push in this preschool or kindergarten science lab." width="544"
/></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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><img
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data-original-height="2969"
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height="558"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAOCBkl9aPh-x3FjPEaa2e-fUrXDkTHrkf6KGxi-JvClCTnr9B1RJg8DTJl7799UjCMoeRARwEyYiMmfJaGGFLTiUePMOFEZ_e_IFeRaXEp2r37F8Zu79nWReOW9NFkx70UK1xa4bk3Aaab6uyoKhd8RvEQMgm2HiJp1bzxZuVnXvK1XNP4werOaJzJQ/w640-h558/race%20car%20science%20lab_7346.heic"
data-pin-description="Kids love racing cars! Read how we used that love for cars to learn about force, motion, and push in this preschool or kindergarten science lab." width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">Teaching Points</h1>
<p>
Once all of the races are finished, we talk together about why are cars moved,
what made them move farther, not as far, etc.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
The main idea I'm trying to get my preschoolers or kindergarteners to
understand is...
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"
><i>An object needs a force in order to move. </i><b><u>OR</u></b
><i> An object cannot move without force.</i></span
>
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
In a kindergarten class,
<a
href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Force-and-Motion-Next-Generation-Science-Unit-3993861?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Driving%20Cars%20Lab%20-%20Force%20Unit"
>this force and motion science experiment</a
>
can be done whole group, or you can start whole group and then have groups
test out races with partners. It's definitely a flexible science
activity for kindergarten or preschool!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3642"
data-original-width="3024"
height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAQ49klYA3lnKriXEkzeF1uP7IdTtqjk6BYNQDCyUEhPi6Eost3ohFwSFXyiMqjszKv9vSu6hXbbhunY6n0ZIKkv8WdkQ_bD_kLZlpno213m6LAG-mCMW4LDtGrVqWalG1tAqUGmaIhErPCS642Ki3PRYVBSqxWNUYY9Y1PUWX16B5hmSq_by6OfpdHo/w532-h640/race%20car%20science%20lab_7348.heic"
data-pin-description="Kids love racing cars! Read how we used that love for cars to learn about force, motion, and push in this preschool or kindergarten science lab." width="532"
/></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
You can find this experiment and much more in this
<a
href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Force-and-Motion-Next-Generation-Science-Unit-3993861?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Driving%20Cars%20Lab%20-%20Force%20Unit"
target="_blank"
>Force and Motion Kindergarten Science unit</a
>
that is aligned with the Next Gen Science Standards!
</p>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Force-and-Motion-Next-Generation-Science-Unit-3993861?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Driving%20Cars%20Lab%20-%20Force%20Unit"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
target="_blank"
><img
alt=""
data-original-height="350"
data-original-width="350"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjN72_4pN1QaNq3XMJTAS3eE-ZZZLFrB3qkalkaLmIC2YcG_MjV_89kojIjilHtiJMTb0RyeDxeW91x9Nu3vZTOvd4PXAW5JrnmBCkyUPpUZF-dW2tGqNXakrtTFRpJ3po3utPYjDIgHAHJpIRT-RZPTZX6-jsC3Bkg-Hd48MM7k4bzUx7GF98NlS31tNQ=s16000"
/></a>
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href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqX3hRr948lwx1GnMz-vrEM-sxX9CnqYZNKN-wYy9qP-CzbBKiSbBtU7rm-syGeVo3hUD2ruo4Zcxr5-yWL2kEwJgDCrXGMSPKU_rjeVSxxppKRBzkgJOaGo8GevFyaSqIdY9g0VN-tJ6fx8i_4hNwLKgluhqK2zJ8e8644kWstNVbgMUU6sBnumj5ys/s1898/race%20car%20force%20and%20motion%20science%20lab%20PIN.jpg"
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data-original-width="1265"
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src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqX3hRr948lwx1GnMz-vrEM-sxX9CnqYZNKN-wYy9qP-CzbBKiSbBtU7rm-syGeVo3hUD2ruo4Zcxr5-yWL2kEwJgDCrXGMSPKU_rjeVSxxppKRBzkgJOaGo8GevFyaSqIdY9g0VN-tJ6fx8i_4hNwLKgluhqK2zJ8e8644kWstNVbgMUU6sBnumj5ys/w426-h640/race%20car%20force%20and%20motion%20science%20lab%20PIN.jpg"
data-pin-description="Kids love racing cars! Read how we used that love for cars to learn about force, motion, and push in this preschool or kindergarten science lab." width="426"
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<p></p>
Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986381982136673388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699949251277141058.post-51854255250500406482023-10-05T09:50:00.002-05:002024-01-18T12:20:36.461-06:00Planning a Small Group Lesson That's Science of Reading Aligned<p>
I get questions and DMs all the time about lesson plans for small
groups. For teachers (like me), that "grew up" teaching small
groups, it's part of our DNA. Yet, we know now that guided reading is
not the way.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Over the last several years, I've dedicated this space to sharing
<a href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2021/07/goodbye-guided-reading.html" target="_blank">why I said goodbye to guided reading</a>. And then, sharing
<a href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2021/07/setting-up-data-driven-reading-groups.html" target="_blank">how I set up small groups</a> that aligned with the science of reading. If you haven't read
those posts, and want more background, go read those now and then come
back! We will wait for ya! :)
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Today, let's talk about what makes a good, research based reading group lesson
plan. From start to finish. We will talk about lesson planning a
decoding-focused small group, choosing materials for the lesson, and what the
actual lesson looks like! And most importantly, it will be familiar
enough for us small group loving teachers, but still aligned to the science of
reading.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1vqLsh-mLFzBuVnrJelTmlG4MZxqvqG1MHU97-54t0xfujpyQmbm_hsvmbEEs8SVfNf3DdmVQWcCNYjSb2qQqxnJjT2XvKjyMxpCsxDGDm1PEfPekfmiI7bjvOn-EmxqzgMiSEyYEv66XHipFhnUGm62-lMILiugeogNtt1PF31Wri0tUnrD_SeXalc/s1265/reading%20group%20lesson%20plans%20BLOG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="'I don't know how to do a small group if it's not guided reading!' If this is you, don't worry! This post will walk you through my small group reading lesson planning process that's fully aligned with the science of reading." height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1vqLsh-mLFzBuVnrJelTmlG4MZxqvqG1MHU97-54t0xfujpyQmbm_hsvmbEEs8SVfNf3DdmVQWcCNYjSb2qQqxnJjT2XvKjyMxpCsxDGDm1PEfPekfmiI7bjvOn-EmxqzgMiSEyYEv66XHipFhnUGm62-lMILiugeogNtt1PF31Wri0tUnrD_SeXalc/w640-h426/reading%20group%20lesson%20plans%20BLOG.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">Assessing and Placing Kids In Small Groups</h1>
<p>
I'm not going to go into lots of detail about how I assess kids since I spill
ALLLLLL the details on that in
<a href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2021/07/setting-up-data-driven-reading-groups.html" target="_blank">this blog post</a>, but I will say that for decoding focused groups, I use
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Phonics-Screener-and-Decoding-Assessments-Based-on-the-Science-of-Reading-8630508?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Decoding%20LPs%20-%20Screeners" target="_blank">these decoding screeners</a>
to help me decide who needs to work on what decoding skill!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Phonics-Screener-and-Decoding-Assessments-Based-on-the-Science-of-Reading-8630508?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Decoding%20LPs%20-%20Screeners" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" data-pin-description="'I don't know how to do a small group if it's not guided
reading!' If this is you, don't worry! This post will walk you through my small
group reading lesson planning process that's fully aligned with the science of
reading." height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHwaEtCL5LoNuYmvu7ihaN7GpIIQe8GzKGB5V-7qqjO3uMmrSCY-Y8FvkCGfWAABInEHZR2WNKV4WSa3vyyoYZKGI7d4Z4MA9qcNueOnsS4FuDbfg5detqGuvBnqglfkviqWUJyM-3xEM0YtSroCYfY08u1WrluS6UqP9e_VWk8603elnu6-9TflfllQ/w640-h480/Decoding%20Screeners.heic" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
When I'm finished assessing decoding levels at the beginning of the year, I
keep
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Small-Group-Reading-Intervention-Data-Binder-for-the-Science-of-Reading-1342884?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Decoding%20LPs%20-%20Small%20Groups" target="_blank">this record</a>
to update throughout the year.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgALMFbKLhCzmyQ4IIyZIvzi3R2DxrI8RhW4nakR6bQjeCOMpLmMnnyFBVwpuUWuS-2YYS1kFmVqj92h_HL40QFOAPcVpd6jl9Xvph16Bt583CHFr7iHpOhTeyhay4cGxZz7986FEoOMF9b7MZ6xq4hIp0O2NsBDi14SfGBNWqqMTD4HUdkKXGttC3NRcc/s1277/Phonics%20Data%20Tracking.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="1277" data-pin-description="'I don't know how to do a small group if it's not guided reading!' If this is you, don't worry! This post will walk you through my small group reading lesson planning process that's fully aligned with the science of reading." height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgALMFbKLhCzmyQ4IIyZIvzi3R2DxrI8RhW4nakR6bQjeCOMpLmMnnyFBVwpuUWuS-2YYS1kFmVqj92h_HL40QFOAPcVpd6jl9Xvph16Bt583CHFr7iHpOhTeyhay4cGxZz7986FEoOMF9b7MZ6xq4hIp0O2NsBDi14SfGBNWqqMTD4HUdkKXGttC3NRcc/w640-h480/Phonics%20Data%20Tracking.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Our decodable reader sets have checkups at the end of each set that I use as
formative assessments in between our benchmark assessments at the beginnning,
middle and end of the year. As kids master a decoding skill, I update our
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Small-Group-Reading-Intervention-Data-Binder-for-the-Science-of-Reading-1342884?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Decoding%20LPs%20-%20Small%20Groups" target="_blank">record sheet</a>.
</p>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIGorw2TxZknZXIbIBPgqBn9g-CUmV4MWg7UJI9i8jUTO601BiW1BoTqlDTfvs6oV3A8a1ZizLkXliwsFssC23WItKTIZHwrpzMSwoQmWQ_STx1wYHJO76p8Nxw-7eSdcwVrmrnf-dQWf3XgT-07yBMHcz5SGjB3cKeLV68RZT7JfwkPpnmO-AawRCpQ/s1277/Decoding%20Checkup.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="1277" data-pin-description="'I don't know how to do a small group if it's not guided reading!' If this is you, don't worry! This post will walk you through my small group reading lesson planning process that's fully aligned with the science of reading." height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIGorw2TxZknZXIbIBPgqBn9g-CUmV4MWg7UJI9i8jUTO601BiW1BoTqlDTfvs6oV3A8a1ZizLkXliwsFssC23WItKTIZHwrpzMSwoQmWQ_STx1wYHJO76p8Nxw-7eSdcwVrmrnf-dQWf3XgT-07yBMHcz5SGjB3cKeLV68RZT7JfwkPpnmO-AawRCpQ/w640-h480/Decoding%20Checkup.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<p></p>
<p>
The record sheet is how I group my kids. I write down the lowest
decoding level for each kid and group them in this folder accordingly.
</p>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgT0ynUM798GVCUIt6loLEH0RDsIlpHikp01J9zUDsBoOVEbfdvhXlJPGIece36g30uRSYzNzcYbm65tSPgLZHF6mnsWlqJRmxftfW1p0YxvTKa1CSmkS97iLnazconI4G8mQ6D0NI_4yNq9NOSaHBw8bg71jh7kinbLUUNkqVHsTLYBXLzqKYWYx9O4/s640/organizing%20small%20groups.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="640" data-pin-description="'I don't know how to do a small group if it's not guided reading!' If this is you, don't worry! This post will walk you through my small group reading lesson planning process that's fully aligned with the science of reading." height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgT0ynUM798GVCUIt6loLEH0RDsIlpHikp01J9zUDsBoOVEbfdvhXlJPGIece36g30uRSYzNzcYbm65tSPgLZHF6mnsWlqJRmxftfW1p0YxvTKa1CSmkS97iLnazconI4G8mQ6D0NI_4yNq9NOSaHBw8bg71jh7kinbLUUNkqVHsTLYBXLzqKYWYx9O4/w640-h510/organizing%20small%20groups.jpeg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<p></p>
<p>
<i>(The teams I've taught with in the past have worked together to combine
groups as needed so that none of us has more than 4-5 groups. For
example, if I only have 2 CVC kids, and my partner teacher has 4, I will
give her my 2 CVC kids and that frees up a group for me to take some extra
CVCe kids or whatever. Maybe I'll blog about that process in the
future.... let me know if you'd be more interested in hearing about all of
this!)</i>
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>Focused Lesson Planning for Small Groups</h1>
<p>
Once we have our groups organized, we are ready to plan the
lessons.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
The first thing I do is write down the focus sound we need to work on and the
title of the book or passage I will be using. In case it's not clear
yet, I do NOT used leveled readers. Period. I only use decodable
texts. These decodable readers to be specific.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdkDFNbirZgundQOj4RrqHnmgGI5MCbauuMN2fWxk-pNBhHT0NwmijkGjOe3AA2kBe6N3vO1c8daU5qlu8sxSRD-WpJOJyTNTfXNon7y_HE5c4htsDZ2TGVmaAxcz4xTcEL2MWcGw1CfPap_uGb_jcUBKTsI4z4mdPSAOkp8uLNnezPtGGHU3OMO9kmY/s4032/decodable%20booklets%202.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1868" data-original-width="4032" data-pin-description="'I don't know how to do a small group if it's not guided reading!' If this is you, don't worry! This post will walk you through my small group reading lesson planning process that's fully aligned with the science of reading." height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdkDFNbirZgundQOj4RrqHnmgGI5MCbauuMN2fWxk-pNBhHT0NwmijkGjOe3AA2kBe6N3vO1c8daU5qlu8sxSRD-WpJOJyTNTfXNon7y_HE5c4htsDZ2TGVmaAxcz4xTcEL2MWcGw1CfPap_uGb_jcUBKTsI4z4mdPSAOkp8uLNnezPtGGHU3OMO9kmY/w640-h296/decodable%20booklets%202.heic" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><u>Warning</u>: Some texts are labeled "decodable" and far from it.
In order to be a true decodable, the majority of words should be words
that are currently or previously have been taught. The scope and
sequence of the decodables should align with the science of reading.
And the books should actually be interesting! That's exactly why I
created these K-2 decodables.</span></i>
</p>
<p>
<i><br /></i>
</p>
<p>
Once I have my decodable text planned, I start honing in on each of the 4
parts of a decoding small group reading lesson plan:
<b>Activate, Preview, Read, and Retell.</b>
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZQFOAzKejFXoWeSOM4NnHwv0OlE2Bt4HuX_G4OmrRr8ICZukEwUyqNEBkKleZijAmae5EAHhqDNW33Yl-7PwW61Xgqxo613YvKmgOBtKKdekxgPTnjYuzQxYN_7InQoNXH82EIWhb73AUhc2mHULcG0q1wkLAeDuCob6pw2nUpZzE8KAt59zyh1EagA/s1277/small%20group%20lesson%20plans.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="1277" data-pin-description="'I don't know how to do a small group if it's not guided reading!' If this is you, don't worry! This post will walk you through my small group reading lesson planning process that's fully aligned with the science of reading." height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZQFOAzKejFXoWeSOM4NnHwv0OlE2Bt4HuX_G4OmrRr8ICZukEwUyqNEBkKleZijAmae5EAHhqDNW33Yl-7PwW61Xgqxo613YvKmgOBtKKdekxgPTnjYuzQxYN_7InQoNXH82EIWhb73AUhc2mHULcG0q1wkLAeDuCob6pw2nUpZzE8KAt59zyh1EagA/w640-h392/small%20group%20lesson%20plans.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Let's take a closer look at each one of them.</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">Decodable Small Group Lesson Plan: Activate</h1>
<p>
The first part of a decoding small group lesson is activate. The purpose
is to review or teach the focus sound of the text. In this kindergarten
reading
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Small-Group-Reading-Intervention-Data-Binder-for-the-Science-of-Reading-1342884?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Decoding%20LPs%20-%20Small%20Groups" target="_blank">lesson plan</a>
example, we are focusing on the
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Letter-Sounds-O-Decodable-Readers-Books-and-Passages-for-Kindergarten-5883915?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Decoding%20LPs%20-%20short%20o%20decodable" target="_blank">short o sound</a>
in CVC words. I chose some words to practice blending. These will
be 3-5 words that come straight from the
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Letter-Sounds-O-Decodable-Readers-Books-and-Passages-for-Kindergarten-5883915?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Decoding%20LPs%20-%20short%20o%20decodable" target="_blank">text</a>
we will read. For this example, I chose the words
<b>pin, cop, top, pot, and pops</b>.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzCpwqHNmSfeX_Jwil_M8OuLsp0sSRqODzwSJbYPKLFfWJpL9HwFH22VOdr_qtRqxmGIvG_tNdPnnRPgD-q5MkJ-xjpj_lOM4q9Fh6nPDRInEkMEISyUOUWDfcKSDQRqQOmDPhIBKf6fQdpLpUcSMo5_RedleqpAo-fDBxWWd67XrYYV4sOBu7122vT4/s1179/small%20group%20lesson%20plan%20activate.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="1179" data-pin-description="'I don't know how to do a small group if it's not guided reading!' If this is you, don't worry! This post will walk you through my small group reading lesson planning process that's fully aligned with the science of reading." height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzCpwqHNmSfeX_Jwil_M8OuLsp0sSRqODzwSJbYPKLFfWJpL9HwFH22VOdr_qtRqxmGIvG_tNdPnnRPgD-q5MkJ-xjpj_lOM4q9Fh6nPDRInEkMEISyUOUWDfcKSDQRqQOmDPhIBKf6fQdpLpUcSMo5_RedleqpAo-fDBxWWd67XrYYV4sOBu7122vT4/w640-h484/small%20group%20lesson%20plan%20activate.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Pin should be a review word because these kids have already mastered short
i. They have already learned the letter sounds for the consonants p, n,
c, t, and s, so the only new sound should be /o/.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
There are all kinds of ways to blend the words, so I will write how I plan to
blend them as well. A few blending practice ideas that I use are...
</p>
<p></p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Use magnetic letters to build and blend each word. </li>
<li>Have students write each word on dry erase boards and blend.</li>
<li>
Write the word on your dry erase board and have students use their arm to
tap and blend the sounds.
</li>
<li>
Use pencil boxes with sand in them to let kids write the word in sand and
blend.
</li>
</ul>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
There are obviously more ways, but these are my favorite and go to
ideas. For this lesson, we will build and blend each word because it
will be one of their first exposures to this new sound. I love using
these word building mats to help us.
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFLRljWPNUlwlOfqsQ_uzB-SDoQFnudYi8zYt2V6-ywwWKTw4XzDn3g1V84taNfS_vsHyY8pjaVDUoY2Gut2oIq8QqZVdmfIk-be_4qjhdmB9jfDvuGDlG0p0_OhIALCJPWyfEv1SdS5S2GxdLTfUGpiVWV9Lw12FHORwxi8SPi05QZMJsbv2meNq690/s1225/making%20words%20short%20o%202.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="1225" data-pin-description="'I don't know how to do a small group if it's not guided reading!' If this is you, don't worry! This post will walk you through my small group reading lesson planning process that's fully aligned with the science of reading." height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFLRljWPNUlwlOfqsQ_uzB-SDoQFnudYi8zYt2V6-ywwWKTw4XzDn3g1V84taNfS_vsHyY8pjaVDUoY2Gut2oIq8QqZVdmfIk-be_4qjhdmB9jfDvuGDlG0p0_OhIALCJPWyfEv1SdS5S2GxdLTfUGpiVWV9Lw12FHORwxi8SPi05QZMJsbv2meNq690/w640-h480/making%20words%20short%20o%202.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div>
The last part of activating is scanning the text for vocabulary words. I
will list out any words I think we need to talk about their meaning. My
kindergarten reading lesson plan example does not have any vocab words so we
will skip this part, but for
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/TCH-Trigraph-and-CH-2nd-Grade-Decodable-Readers-Books-and-Passages-7437051?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Decoding%20LPs%20-%20tch%20decodable" target="_blank">this 2nd grade decodable reader</a>, I wrote down the words <b>fetch and hutch</b>. We will quickly go
over what these mean and I will have a photo of a hutch to help teach that
word!
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIQ5_8SJMkD8rL3TsiE1Xi07Xo8jztrtwiv7tD9wCfSr73htmMJpzEYyJAaI-A6XKvSwaKhYwh-CCrJRMQPickQZsQYMZzvm7SVIn5Xm-xbNqMWU65KuS0VXSKC-8JlkYbWvEyDOsoDXLNKk1QHfbjs0eFlmCVrRcfC0eIqUMm6n2a3eaZUelRwXfzdg/s1245/small%20group%20lesson%20plan%20vocab.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="1245" data-pin-description="'I don't know how to do a small group if it's not guided reading!' If this is you, don't worry! This post will walk you through my small group reading lesson planning process that's fully aligned with the science of reading." height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIQ5_8SJMkD8rL3TsiE1Xi07Xo8jztrtwiv7tD9wCfSr73htmMJpzEYyJAaI-A6XKvSwaKhYwh-CCrJRMQPickQZsQYMZzvm7SVIn5Xm-xbNqMWU65KuS0VXSKC-8JlkYbWvEyDOsoDXLNKk1QHfbjs0eFlmCVrRcfC0eIqUMm6n2a3eaZUelRwXfzdg/w640-h396/small%20group%20lesson%20plan%20vocab.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<div><br /></div>
<div>
The activate section should take about 5-10 minutes depending on the number of
words and how use choose to activate!
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div><br /></div>
<p></p>
<h1>Decodable Small Group Lesson Plan: Preview</h1>
<p>
Back in our guided reading days, this part was called the "Picture
Walk." But previewing is slightly different. In a guided reading
picture walk you are basically giving away the story so that the kids know how
to guess and read based on the pictures.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
A preview is not about guessing. It's about building some background
knowledge to support comprehension of the text.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
In our
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Small-Group-Reading-Intervention-Data-Binder-for-the-Science-of-Reading-1342884?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Decoding%20LPs%20-%20Small%20Groups" target="_blank">kindergarten reading lesson plan</a>
example, I will show kids the cover and say, this book is called,
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Letter-Sounds-O-Decodable-Readers-Books-and-Passages-for-Kindergarten-5883915?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Decoding%20LPs%20-%20short%20o%20decodable">Pop! Pop!</a> It is about things that make a popping sound. What kinds of
things do you know about that can pop?
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYaVhhfm8uhcwRXcnz6mq0HTQtpgMi4IkMR5_pCiyKK51nXJriujKd0JwCIM6FEPJ-L9N810fhC1e531Od_Tb5CzMkNfmPDdLZkwQQ35IXmarzyGDl4Wy6KyPG8xuYLwr-_48uIMqO3zMQYwSttRecCkS8GBY_-mCogMRImWjjlUnqwIKg391wU9Q4-E/s1052/POW%20decodable%20book.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="789" data-pin-description="'I don't know how to do a small group if it's not guided reading!' If this is you, don't worry! This post will walk you through my small group reading lesson planning process that's fully aligned with the science of reading." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYaVhhfm8uhcwRXcnz6mq0HTQtpgMi4IkMR5_pCiyKK51nXJriujKd0JwCIM6FEPJ-L9N810fhC1e531Od_Tb5CzMkNfmPDdLZkwQQ35IXmarzyGDl4Wy6KyPG8xuYLwr-_48uIMqO3zMQYwSttRecCkS8GBY_-mCogMRImWjjlUnqwIKg391wU9Q4-E/w480-h640/POW%20decodable%20book.png" width="480" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
We will list out things that can pop. Then, I will say, "Let's read to
find out what pops in this book." In this way, we have given them a
<b>preview</b> of what's to come in the book without giving it away AND given
them a <b>purpose</b> to read the book.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
This preview and purpose section is VERY short. Like 2-3 minutes.
Max. Don't spend too much time here so that you can get to the real meat
of the lesson...
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://mailchi.mp/thefirstgraderoundup.com/freedecodables" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="1265" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdn0WqmdiDAMzwkqIVV3pIa3w1ihPsUONNA-lO_Fgl2SA1Oi3aPpxwlH8lBFDzCCHIgKubcqI8djvwfown29_2KQeOyubTddA50IxYfFt5_rc5AacWxhEc6YV667J6O5ASp6dVWEh90ybIPYtJWNRm4bgbTjFmVoOOvZ5sgiKbl957_ponrMA1CVCPQd0/w640-h96/Decodable%20landing%20page%20blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>
<h1>Decodable Small Group Lesson Plan: Read</h1>
<p>
Now that we have activated their decoding skills, previewed the book and given
kids a purpose for reading, we are ready to READ!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
This part of the lesson depends on your kids. If it is a review, you may
want them to just read independently and listen in to individual kids to
record how they are reading the decodable book.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
If it is a brand new skill, you may want to read together! However you
choose to read, I like to give us time to read it at least 3 times to give
them rereading practice.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
For my kindergarten
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Small-Group-Reading-Intervention-Data-Binder-for-the-Science-of-Reading-1342884?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Decoding%20LPs%20-%20Small%20Groups" target="_blank">reading lesson plan</a>
example, we will choral read together one time and then I will let them read
independently the next 2 times. For my 2nd grade reading lesson plan
example, they will read it twice independently and then we will read it
together to review.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
As they are reading independently, I like to listen in and record how kids are
reading and decoding. This is just an informal way to check in with
kids, track our interventions for RTI purposes, and share with parents or
other colleagues on how a kid is doing.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IcSoJqqcoOHJLFX-ZBz73rm_W-8z_gyHzTv4errswxTph2UNYdLeoxriWcoy8C3gqxjN1HY3fFwqILa2tFUG-sHU7_P0fHzpz-gdle8ASnmGENMmG4LSuItt8LJ5QqdA9BbrebKr19i43cmgk5Xb6mDZjW0Cwb-5qPq3MK4lTiDvW4IiyxeRPoWtalo/s899/decodable%20running%20record.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="787" data-pin-description="'I don't know how to do a small group if it's not guided reading!' If this is you, don't worry! This post will walk you through my small group reading lesson planning process that's fully aligned with the science of reading." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IcSoJqqcoOHJLFX-ZBz73rm_W-8z_gyHzTv4errswxTph2UNYdLeoxriWcoy8C3gqxjN1HY3fFwqILa2tFUG-sHU7_P0fHzpz-gdle8ASnmGENMmG4LSuItt8LJ5QqdA9BbrebKr19i43cmgk5Xb6mDZjW0Cwb-5qPq3MK4lTiDvW4IiyxeRPoWtalo/w560-h640/decodable%20running%20record.png" width="560" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
The reading part of the lesson can take anywhere from 5-10 minutes depending
on the length of the book.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>Decodable Small Group Lesson Plan: Retell</h1>
<p>
Once we have read the book 3 times, we are ready to focus on
comprehension. Full disclosure, most of the time we stop here for the
day and come back to this part the next day. It just depends on how long
it takes to get through the lesson. I like to keep small group lessons
20 minutes or less. If we are under 20 minutes and I really just want to
quickly do the retelling, we will just orally go through the steps and be
done.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
But, if we've already been working for 20 minutes, I save the retell part for
the next meeting time. At that point, I will have kids jump in and start
independently reading the decodable text right away for 5 minutes or so as a
review and then we will move into retelling.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
I start by planning a language or comprehension goal. For this 2nd grade
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Small-Group-Reading-Intervention-Data-Binder-for-the-Science-of-Reading-1342884?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Decoding%20LPs%20-%20Small%20Groups" target="_blank">reading lesson plan</a>
example, we will be practicing retelling using key details.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Our focus question is, "What key detail is most important from the
beginning/middle/end of the story?"
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
We will use one of the retelling graphic organizers from this small group
planning resource and fill this out together!
</p>
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</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Retelling orally can take 3-5 minutes. But if we work on writing the
retelling with a graphic organizer and go more in depth, it will take 15-20
minutes and need to be done as a follow up lesson.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlSJUqWjDXTVazVk8dSIRlhdxRv2mVfqLpK7k1EwlARcsT_44cwuL0rDKHNhUNuLW3ZPOdWk27IXXCNJ7jWrw6SM1JF9_xFdhQhyphenhyphensO-2M4sweaJwm5mKM1ZriyqCormHpjnRXgkXaVq4buKM_nlJvimTqlPdhjArJk6Ac1CyGmhLnmlI4DXaIsQjit0w/s1052/small%20group%20decoding%20lesson%20plans.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="1004" data-pin-description="'I don't know how to do a small group if it's not guided reading!' If this is you, don't worry! This post will walk you through my small group reading lesson planning process that's fully aligned with the science of reading." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlSJUqWjDXTVazVk8dSIRlhdxRv2mVfqLpK7k1EwlARcsT_44cwuL0rDKHNhUNuLW3ZPOdWk27IXXCNJ7jWrw6SM1JF9_xFdhQhyphenhyphensO-2M4sweaJwm5mKM1ZriyqCormHpjnRXgkXaVq4buKM_nlJvimTqlPdhjArJk6Ac1CyGmhLnmlI4DXaIsQjit0w/w610-h640/small%20group%20decoding%20lesson%20plans.png" width="610" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>A Few Frequently Asked Questions</h1>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Can I use this same reading lesson plan format for whole group reading
lessons?</b>
</h3>
<p>
Yes! This lesson structure works great for whole group when teaching on
grade level decoding skills and texts. It may take a little longer, and
could actually be stretched out across several days, but I have used this very
successfully in kindergarten and first grade. You can read more about my
whole group decodable routines for the week
<b><u><a href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2019/08/how-to-use-decodable-texts.html" target="_blank">here</a></u></b>.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h3><b>Where do you store the materials and plans to stay organized?</b></h3>
<p>The decodable books are stored in tubs with labels for each skill set.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWmKPggjZ34HczSbS7ccq4JtUHAB_L1-PTwCalFNysGcGrcf3JM10hKjHcbv280O1SM9iOiH3MryQX-OOOPixwKgMrLO28kZtf8PJToZssAmJNXYhaEf5yompvIBNNlyJAlATT0cKnDd8ueu_2RQpNvCa8XhBpEk1vpCYftP7MJVWsz3fegY-TyvRQo0/s3024/Book%20tub%20labels%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2693" data-original-width="3024" data-pin-description="'I don't know how to do a small group if it's not guided reading!' If this is you, don't worry! This post will walk you through my small group reading lesson planning process that's fully aligned with the science of reading." height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWmKPggjZ34HczSbS7ccq4JtUHAB_L1-PTwCalFNysGcGrcf3JM10hKjHcbv280O1SM9iOiH3MryQX-OOOPixwKgMrLO28kZtf8PJToZssAmJNXYhaEf5yompvIBNNlyJAlATT0cKnDd8ueu_2RQpNvCa8XhBpEk1vpCYftP7MJVWsz3fegY-TyvRQo0/w640-h570/Book%20tub%20labels%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<p>
I also keep a binder that has the current weeks lesson(s) for each
group. I use these color-coded tabs to correlate with the color group
they are in on my groups folder. In each tab pocket, I keep the lesson plan
and book for that group.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68vCfUgjwPvjHadlfZgaB6080zwbk_XfTW46d78WaCvQSdUMPVx2U5PWOMn1E67m0_4RpphWXP5rHSqXMjcVTWOtWlg4Ej5pKu_7XRDz0_E9FlIbwNfFZlkYq3rO94J9pgZMOtKLZsRN8V_xoXfO2s1WaT4bZqCZj4j1_fuJQn8yRj07FJi1_ekJ4fSk/s1500/small%20group%20binder%20books.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" data-pin-description="'I don't know how to do a small group if it's not guided reading!' If this is you, don't worry! This post will walk you through my small group reading lesson planning process that's fully aligned with the science of reading." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68vCfUgjwPvjHadlfZgaB6080zwbk_XfTW46d78WaCvQSdUMPVx2U5PWOMn1E67m0_4RpphWXP5rHSqXMjcVTWOtWlg4Ej5pKu_7XRDz0_E9FlIbwNfFZlkYq3rO94J9pgZMOtKLZsRN8V_xoXfO2s1WaT4bZqCZj4j1_fuJQn8yRj07FJi1_ekJ4fSk/w640-h640/small%20group%20binder%20books.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<h3>
<b>How do you have time to write multiple lesson plans each week for multiple
groups?</b>
</h3>
<p>
I don't! Ha! It's more work in the beginning, but as you go, you will
reuse the lessons over and over. The key is to keep the lesson plan copy
after you write it and put it in a small group lesson plan folder. Use
tabs to organize them by the skill.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGirbtNsVs-UTPfWJklwyqdKFw-A2PnrtdldMCev_SghOuTettGibisORIBrzW3AIAxvABhczuZj1mHtl66tuw-DHWp2drlRyhj41_dSMw921wzAvFBPe9bkJhi7ux7sPzuVr-G8qs3A89ihuv6UWHm1_EvGX6OfIuddsxi5luUA9gpwSGG93a92UALyw/s4030/small%20group%20lesson%20plan%20folder.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2502" data-original-width="4030" data-pin-description="'I don't know how to do a small group if it's not guided reading!' If this is you, don't worry! This post will walk you through my small group reading lesson planning process that's fully aligned with the science of reading." height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGirbtNsVs-UTPfWJklwyqdKFw-A2PnrtdldMCev_SghOuTettGibisORIBrzW3AIAxvABhczuZj1mHtl66tuw-DHWp2drlRyhj41_dSMw921wzAvFBPe9bkJhi7ux7sPzuVr-G8qs3A89ihuv6UWHm1_EvGX6OfIuddsxi5luUA9gpwSGG93a92UALyw/w640-h398/small%20group%20lesson%20plan%20folder.heic" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjj-iuW6LFLazrNBjQOonNLQuGSxqeS6Qnuc-ake9eqm_XWgHyfIf8oiTPz6bzJv3uT3UrqSgFtO7YSvxk1ixFloxkx0tbBzW7sG5fYoVdemBrMpmzn-E027j9ZpR9fAkf09afsmIh0PhSuU2C9DQkpCTNsCKT1_IbXmlAvkiObWW-wZPDzB95whkF4hY/s4032/small%20group%20lesson%20plan%20folder%20cvc.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" data-pin-description="'I don't know how to do a small group if it's not guided reading!' If this is you, don't worry! This post will walk you through my small group reading lesson planning process that's fully aligned with the science of reading." height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjj-iuW6LFLazrNBjQOonNLQuGSxqeS6Qnuc-ake9eqm_XWgHyfIf8oiTPz6bzJv3uT3UrqSgFtO7YSvxk1ixFloxkx0tbBzW7sG5fYoVdemBrMpmzn-E027j9ZpR9fAkf09afsmIh0PhSuU2C9DQkpCTNsCKT1_IbXmlAvkiObWW-wZPDzB95whkF4hY/w640-h480/small%20group%20lesson%20plan%20folder%20cvc.heic" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>
<p>
The next time you are needing to use that same book or skill, you will already
have a lesson plan ready to go! And if you are blessed like I have been
to work with a great team, you can have a grade level binder of lesson plans
that everyone is filling up and you will be shocked how fast you can get
dozens of small group lessons ready to pull and teach!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h3><b>Where can I find the resources used in these lessons?</b></h3>
<p>
All of the lesson plan templates, teacher organization tools and graphic
organizers are in
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Small-Group-Reading-Intervention-Data-Binder-for-the-Science-of-Reading-1342884?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Decoding%20LPs%20-%20Small%20Groups" target="_blank">this small group planning resource.</a>
</p>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Small-Group-Reading-Intervention-Data-Binder-for-the-Science-of-Reading-1342884?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Decoding%20LPs%20-%20Small%20Groups" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" data-pin-description="'I don't know how to do a small group if it's not guided reading!' If this is you, don't worry! This post will walk you through my small group reading lesson planning process that's fully aligned with the science of reading." height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcSbYcyhEZMFnirelbggfjKev_Zy1xtZbmGsJtNp-JFNMJdEsZg34WskwQ8WEz16FFoYTcDJjs4CascBHyrsLS01PJPzhc8EIK6cSNq042Dam4J4pYJiWBg78XbqVjwh1vBlF-ov3iJ6dJFO4xMiWKBB2lq2GVyyz3XNcIm4_HNj0prZ4Sk9L_Zuwdo8Y" width="240" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<p></p>
<p>
You can shop all of the decodable texts <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-First-Grade-Roundup-By-Whitney-Shaddock/Search:decodable?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Decoding%20LPs%20-%20Shop%20Decodables">here</a>. You can find a decodable reader that focuses on any phonics skill
from kinder to second grade--from letter sounds to greek and latin roots!
</p>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Decodable-Readers-Aligned-With-The-Science-of-Reading-for-K-2-MEGA-BUNDLE-9405720?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Decoding%20LPs%20-%20K2%20decodables" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" data-pin-description="'I don't know how to do a small group if it's not guided reading!' If this is you, don't worry! This post will walk you through my small group reading lesson planning process that's fully aligned with the science of reading." height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCzm1D4edTctSOmcLir2WxO-9Ox3uCczgFLRWeQBBcHeFLDWngDJM1bnMSUevog8a0IRpqy_bUSgPsmPrzZFlJDmDOALKRrBdyNhp3Ta8S8JfRcldjq_RcnRKMbxq3hO-7bd2X61t9-53-KThlsjKdjezesqn5u6xXtC-pqMuebSiqjParIO4xTrH9yBw" width="240" /></a>
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<p></p>
Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986381982136673388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699949251277141058.post-25920759428799140242023-09-18T13:26:00.001-05:002023-09-18T13:31:05.144-05:00My Go To Word Work Game For Nonsense Word Fluency<p>
I used to HATE the nonsense word fluency portion of the DIBELS
assessment. Like HATE it. I thought it was pointless.
Afterall, I didn't care if my kids could read nonsense words.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>I wanted them reading REAL words!</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
But then, my science of reading journey hit me across the forehead
<i>again</i> with another big learning AHA!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
<b>Nonsense words are the building blocks of multisyllabic
words. </b>
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Let me say it a different way: Words with more than one syllable often are
built by putting two or more nonsense one-syllable words together.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Like COMPUTER. This word is built with 3 nonsense words.</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
<b>COM-PU-TER</b>. So, if we want kids reading longer words, they need
lots of practice reading short, nonsense words.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
My absolute favorite way to practice decoding both real and nonsense words is
playing the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Word-Work-Center-Activity-GROWING-BUNDLE-to-Increase-Nonsense-Word-Fluency-9861845?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Word%20Chunks%20-%20bundle" target="_blank">Word Chunks Game.</a></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhre256AlH0aYEhbh0RB4MLV6zmWxov_oWttb5YRrEMSbhwgFI8bBtN4e3iNslVSdQhmpqd5M6rN8bkV08R5WEjnveKSHJWIhe-GmXu4X9hEwFXFfq6xxf6K3J3-Lcy7P0pwkYXhCOhS_OOn75Z3XhkbroWPLPj2IOJRvphW9IggdCLoxcDQtunZ5BKaWs/s1265/word%20word%20game%20BLOG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Do your kids need more word work practice or help with decoding? Read about my favorite word building game for decoding real and nonsense words!" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhre256AlH0aYEhbh0RB4MLV6zmWxov_oWttb5YRrEMSbhwgFI8bBtN4e3iNslVSdQhmpqd5M6rN8bkV08R5WEjnveKSHJWIhe-GmXu4X9hEwFXFfq6xxf6K3J3-Lcy7P0pwkYXhCOhS_OOn75Z3XhkbroWPLPj2IOJRvphW9IggdCLoxcDQtunZ5BKaWs/w640-h426/word%20word%20game%20BLOG.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">What You'll Need</h1>
<p>
This word work game is super low prep. All I need is onset and rime
cards and a way to record the words. This can be as simple as writing
sound chunks you are teaching on sticky notes and using dry erase boards to
record words.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Or, you can use these <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Word-Work-Center-Activity-GROWING-BUNDLE-to-Increase-Nonsense-Word-Fluency-9861845?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Word%20Chunks%20-%20bundle" target="_blank">premade word building cards</a> that include all of the
phonics sounds from short vowels and blends to vowel teams and diphthongs. All
I have to do is laminate the onset and rime cards and store them in a
bag. I love using the different themed word building cards each month to
make the game fresh and new for the kids!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51k7y23P6SeA1sx0ScvH7SQwXY2uunKG-4XTqkLGaLYNEerWlroFHodn_c05rr3dd4VhPDI59ZRSls-889CxY2bqIYS2J468TR94ZanAUQAczMFVsumL4_LV5a59_HTVnSt2RJar2tW-7TsESApMSkhtIkj7k4AEbxIAueiEEG2TyziKYczbjiatQbF4/s1079/October%20Word%20Chunks%20Game%20bag.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="902" data-pin-description="Do your kids need more word work practice or help with decoding? Read about my favorite word building game for decoding real and nonsense words!" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51k7y23P6SeA1sx0ScvH7SQwXY2uunKG-4XTqkLGaLYNEerWlroFHodn_c05rr3dd4VhPDI59ZRSls-889CxY2bqIYS2J468TR94ZanAUQAczMFVsumL4_LV5a59_HTVnSt2RJar2tW-7TsESApMSkhtIkj7k4AEbxIAueiEEG2TyziKYczbjiatQbF4/w536-h640/October%20Word%20Chunks%20Game%20bag.png" width="536" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p><p>Once you have the game prepped, you are ready to play this game with kids no matter what their decoding level! Each of the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Word-Work-Center-Activity-GROWING-BUNDLE-to-Increase-Nonsense-Word-Fluency-9861845?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Word%20Chunks%20-%20bundle" target="_blank">word chunks game sets</a> are differentiated into short vowel words, CVCe and ending blend words, and vowel combo words. All sets include consonants and blends and digraphs as the onsets. </p><p><br /></p><p>Just grab the bag with the skill cards your kids need to work on and you are ready to play!</p><p><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">How To Play The Word Chunks Game</h1>
<p>
Lay out the headers "real" and "wacky" words and talk to kids about what this
means. After decoding each word, they will need to determine if the word
is a real word or not.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Then, make a pile of the onset words and the rime word cards. Kids will
take turns turning over one of each to build the word.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCXvCtO3RVmg_ZXF4kECSk4yF_7U8hsUjXG2D0n-Fxoyz32Gs9lJ7mLZiFBgdFa-mnb9s4-L1t00tDC-ojHmekrtHStzM6cDFuQ2eydW-_uxZkEeknZs7_46O5X2JosDKqHy-sDbQHzeA-e0VF9nTq64ysmyMKSro8etYL_JfG9v29o7KKaTVQmw4F_Y/s902/October%20Word%20Chunks%20Game.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="902" data-pin-description="Do your kids need more word work practice or help with decoding? Read about my favorite word building game for decoding real and nonsense words!" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCXvCtO3RVmg_ZXF4kECSk4yF_7U8hsUjXG2D0n-Fxoyz32Gs9lJ7mLZiFBgdFa-mnb9s4-L1t00tDC-ojHmekrtHStzM6cDFuQ2eydW-_uxZkEeknZs7_46O5X2JosDKqHy-sDbQHzeA-e0VF9nTq64ysmyMKSro8etYL_JfG9v29o7KKaTVQmw4F_Y/w640-h630/October%20Word%20Chunks%20Game.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
<i>(NOTE: I put an orange dot on the back of my rime cards so I could easily
sort the cards into onsets and rimes)</i>
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Once the kid builds the new word, they will decide if the word is real or
wacky and move the word card under the correct header.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Then, they will write their word on the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Word-Work-Center-Activity-GROWING-BUNDLE-to-Increase-Nonsense-Word-Fluency-9861845?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Word%20Chunks%20-%20bundle" target="_blank">recording sheet</a> under the correct
header.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Ux1BRevnNklMUdSDoamud2qKRV9bJMeHbQPhaYJQ-sPC4aO6eR1JUlImo58KEtm9Il__0Xjm2cnBrDz4MCTeIUPewfefjM7OjRc_ngtICRAXK5vMmkZVpAiyLNpBcQl2XTcJIof0Hs3G6WcRnsWNLM07ECxPOJrgpF5LxO4hLoZqYUYcr5Ms35I6fSs/s1265/october%20word%20chunks%20recording%20sheet.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="964" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Do your kids need more word work practice or help with decoding? Read about my favorite word building game for decoding real and nonsense words!" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Ux1BRevnNklMUdSDoamud2qKRV9bJMeHbQPhaYJQ-sPC4aO6eR1JUlImo58KEtm9Il__0Xjm2cnBrDz4MCTeIUPewfefjM7OjRc_ngtICRAXK5vMmkZVpAiyLNpBcQl2XTcJIof0Hs3G6WcRnsWNLM07ECxPOJrgpF5LxO4hLoZqYUYcr5Ms35I6fSs/w640-h488/october%20word%20chunks%20recording%20sheet.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<p>
You play as long or as short as time allows. When time is up, the person
with the most REAL words wins!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">More Word Work Practice</h1>
<p>
If your kids need more word building practice, there are <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Word-Work-Center-Activity-GROWING-BUNDLE-to-Increase-Nonsense-Word-Fluency-9861845?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Word%20Chunks%20-%20bundle" target="_blank">3 premade sorts included in each month</a> of the Word Chunks Game. And they are themed for
the month and match the levels included for each game set!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKYuBC2kMtslA4lCBf6bvLsoSM6vjrOVxLRozL7rAu0k0R3V0YxsZAdenxsDFdG6XL2lo6volx2sW2mOdZefZZtLLxEwLjWOhZYQ4B4I2iOsTKa3hPd9ryP8Zw2lzOXXil997RCtozwkpSDD1NjkjGbWVIKpRdOw0nmyt-lh4fC0Zj-ntW8aT1visAfk/s1275/October%20Word%20Chunks%20Sort.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="1275" data-pin-description="Do your kids need more word work practice or help with decoding? Read about my favorite word building game for decoding real and nonsense words!" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKYuBC2kMtslA4lCBf6bvLsoSM6vjrOVxLRozL7rAu0k0R3V0YxsZAdenxsDFdG6XL2lo6volx2sW2mOdZefZZtLLxEwLjWOhZYQ4B4I2iOsTKa3hPd9ryP8Zw2lzOXXil997RCtozwkpSDD1NjkjGbWVIKpRdOw0nmyt-lh4fC0Zj-ntW8aT1visAfk/w640-h480/October%20Word%20Chunks%20Sort.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<p>
Use the sorts for independent practice, sub plans, morning work, and
more! You can find the October Word Chunks Game <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/October-Word-Work-Center-Activity-Game-to-Increase-Nonsense-Word-Fluency-10196842?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Word%20Chunks%20-%20october" target="_blank">here</a></b> or get the bundle
for a huge discount <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Word-Work-Center-Activity-GROWING-BUNDLE-to-Increase-Nonsense-Word-Fluency-9861845?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Word%20Chunks%20-%20bundle" target="_blank">here</a></b>.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/October-Word-Work-Center-Activity-Game-to-Increase-Nonsense-Word-Fluency-10196842?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Word%20Chunks%20-%20october" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1265" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Do your kids need more word work practice or help with decoding? Read about my favorite word building game for decoding real and nonsense words!" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYF0RopFJW6n_ySyrr9rlQ0jo5HF7NZAI72wVBBcp2v9pTfpi-uCHlhnR4ymUmjOywAP9zWaOFe83E35pVD3w5IzZurDmG8RYdtVOwq13NKBxlt2A3zu1nX_UlrDJ9JRTfrLoP2-vo85MFDVCsctVvKy-Dn7Q2aKQEHoY1nPMdGlXJ-3vRs-jq4X5mPo/w400-h400/october%20word%20chunk%20SQ.jpg" width="400" /></a>
</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIUSJ-_VvYYpVjHR-PCRJHYLZqf8JtILjTeRGgQjvleYHW2zS1WDn1E1riiw86HIACPa7EsRGt1faZ-4CY_NxPfd0UKYGltLmtpkzZd8t7BpQ47dCyj8ysacRHbJqLRSNyrpFUMxonBVuv9E1gpK0IgVZoBQDTpWI36yMH9rxmhdWkbLc-Ap6r44O3qZw/s1898/word%20chunks%20game%20PIN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1898" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Do your kids need more word work practice or help with decoding? Read about my favorite word building game for decoding real and nonsense words!" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIUSJ-_VvYYpVjHR-PCRJHYLZqf8JtILjTeRGgQjvleYHW2zS1WDn1E1riiw86HIACPa7EsRGt1faZ-4CY_NxPfd0UKYGltLmtpkzZd8t7BpQ47dCyj8ysacRHbJqLRSNyrpFUMxonBVuv9E1gpK0IgVZoBQDTpWI36yMH9rxmhdWkbLc-Ap6r44O3qZw/w266-h400/word%20chunks%20game%20PIN.jpg" width="266" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<p><br /></p>
Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986381982136673388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699949251277141058.post-77818429596558627092023-09-11T11:55:00.003-05:002024-01-18T12:21:08.373-06:00Intervention Ideas for Decoding CVC Words<p>
Do you have kids that are struggling decoding CVC words? Do they know
their letters and sounds, but they just can't seem to put it all together to
read words with short vowels?
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Kids must have multiple exposures to words in multiple contexts to map words
and read them with automaticity. So, it's helpful to have multiple
interventions in our toolkit to help kids decode.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Today, we're chatting about my favorite--Science of Reading aligned--ways to
help your kids learn to decode simple CVC short vowel words.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJoNzUM6Zr9EV4cGl5Tv8tBZoaFljH0JEvOZCi6Orf5_5C-A6W4KJkpf7_isiXtvuAkTbSCkY-lYWgRKj83ZMrjC9OZ4OKmAegf6illvERrNira7MKQKx5eVVw7JvQqCVs_KAXrayNPW6VrI4pRUjwWcVrbSidHlC994lByiB43oB43NXzdqDnKebSSGM/s1265/decoding%20cvc%20words%20BLOG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Kids need multiple exposures to words in multiple contexts to read with automaticity. Read about my 5 favorite interventions for decoding CVC words." height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJoNzUM6Zr9EV4cGl5Tv8tBZoaFljH0JEvOZCi6Orf5_5C-A6W4KJkpf7_isiXtvuAkTbSCkY-lYWgRKj83ZMrjC9OZ4OKmAegf6illvERrNira7MKQKx5eVVw7JvQqCVs_KAXrayNPW6VrI4pRUjwWcVrbSidHlC994lByiB43oB43NXzdqDnKebSSGM/w640-h426/decoding%20cvc%20words%20BLOG.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">The Blending Slide</h1>
<p>
Phonemic awareness is the foundation of decoding. Without being able to
blend and segment sounds kids hear, it is next to impossible to blend and
segment even the simplest words.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Let's start with one of my favorites: <b>The Blending Slide</b>. I start
this routine whole group from week 1.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>I chant, </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Slide, slide, slippety slide.</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>I say the sounds.</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>YOU make it glide!</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>/c/ /a/ /t/</i></p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
I touch my shoulder, elbow, and hand as I say each sound. Then, without
saying anything else, I slide my hand down my arm from shoulder to hand and
the kids blend the sound.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipycaqS0aWeE8r2GFqTzimeKSmyhUosthgwv-xBiIwKGkTzpNsGR9BFubBB5yp7Qd_MZJ-DBzqjGPNKiHi4Qvcy5ZNjFdj4uFiKwvK640_divK78OaT8sePthDMpWywaghtTWFhsUcYY7a82_GLxT6cDS_1vgWDpRklaR7GxHlX5rINNmXEGV81amcGjw/s1125/slide%20slide.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1125" data-pin-description="Kids need multiple exposures to words in multiple contexts to read with automaticity. Read about my 5 favorite interventions for decoding CVC words." height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipycaqS0aWeE8r2GFqTzimeKSmyhUosthgwv-xBiIwKGkTzpNsGR9BFubBB5yp7Qd_MZJ-DBzqjGPNKiHi4Qvcy5ZNjFdj4uFiKwvK640_divK78OaT8sePthDMpWywaghtTWFhsUcYY7a82_GLxT6cDS_1vgWDpRklaR7GxHlX5rINNmXEGV81amcGjw/w640-h448/slide%20slide.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
As I'm touching each sound on my arm and blending, they are touching their
arms in the same way at the same time. This Total Physical Response is
crucial to helping kids solidify their learning.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
The sliding arm is MAGIC! We use it for just phonemic awareness (sounds
only). And we use it as we begin reading. And I see those little
arms pop out all the time while they are practicing reading. Especially
for my tactile learners. It is a HUGE built-in manipulative and support
for them. And when they reach automaticity, that arm no longer is
needed!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>Segmenting on Arms</h1>
<p>
At the same time we are working on blending, we are also working on segmenting
with a chant called, "Break It Down."
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
I start this routine whole group from week 1 also. I snap to the beat
and chant,
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Break it down </i>(snap)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Break it down </i>(snap)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Break. It. </i>(snap)<i> Down. </i>(snap)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>I say the word,</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>YOU say the sounds.</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>CAT</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<p>
Then, we all stick our arm out in front of us. We use our other arm to
touch our shoulder, elbow, and hand while saying each of the sounds we hear in
the word CAT.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEika0PfpZtlXVs0V7GqOC-84cedliPDSUpHpoZGYuoho_-1UGwEz_qRMpA8jBCeKbpwY_SIGw7Km2ypiGxxyMU4MpvL_mvPVf6KqSOJJlcl77GfGNzW5GsvRA9gDXnEZ0sd1MfZ8J56JaNu1wIODCFlSWjaNbHG5Mo_KAouxrFtO1s1PNqcfaGupQVauiE/s1282/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-11%20at%2010.34.41%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1282" data-original-width="1110" data-pin-description="Kids need multiple exposures to words in multiple contexts to read with automaticity. Read about my 5 favorite interventions for decoding CVC words." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEika0PfpZtlXVs0V7GqOC-84cedliPDSUpHpoZGYuoho_-1UGwEz_qRMpA8jBCeKbpwY_SIGw7Km2ypiGxxyMU4MpvL_mvPVf6KqSOJJlcl77GfGNzW5GsvRA9gDXnEZ0sd1MfZ8J56JaNu1wIODCFlSWjaNbHG5Mo_KAouxrFtO1s1PNqcfaGupQVauiE/w554-h640/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-11%20at%2010.34.41%20AM.png" width="554" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<p><i>/c/ /a/ /t/, CAT!</i></p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
When we say the word at the end, we slide our hand all the way down our arm as
we blend our word. You can read more about how I use the Break It Down and Slide Chants for reading intervention <b><u><a href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2015/10/free-phonics-fun-strategies-to-use-now.html" target="_blank">here</a></u></b>.</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Don't skip this practice, y'all.</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Let me say it louder for the teachers in the back: <b>DON'T SKIP PHONEMIC AWARENESS.</b>
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Especially for intervention, the Science of Reading tells us it's super important that kids have
opportunities to blend sounds together without having to think about the
letter-sound correlation. Don't worry, we are about to talk about connecting it to letters.... that's the end goal after all, right?</p><p><br /></p>
<h1>Connect It To Letters</h1>
<p>
In addition to manipulating sounds, we know from the science of reading research that kids should also be connecting their
blending and segmenting skills to letters--and as soon as possible! Sometimes, that comes immediately after manipulating sounds by asking, "And what letter makes that sound?" </p><p><br /></p><p>And sometimes it's a stand-alone phonics lesson.</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
This can be as simple as writing a CVC word on the board and having kids hold
out their arms to say and blend the sounds.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pEwJZyIPGX5osJvYdpuBuA5yyIR7A8mBD_JTMhOVzl4wCMSXqXhE-iJUEtRlzVfSqkUdyP_Xj7pokWpKv2G61Ht58FzOvaPNNuR2DcuhSS4qF_MGLTZtbH4w_d8u8oPssvLXJK8RWe0xuO2s6AoUyVMgpkn77lMe5oyTg0xGrFODyknwo9KbiuPHWOE/s1500/spelling%20dry%20erase%202.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" data-pin-description="Kids need multiple exposures to words in multiple contexts to read with automaticity. Read about my 5 favorite interventions for decoding CVC words." height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pEwJZyIPGX5osJvYdpuBuA5yyIR7A8mBD_JTMhOVzl4wCMSXqXhE-iJUEtRlzVfSqkUdyP_Xj7pokWpKv2G61Ht58FzOvaPNNuR2DcuhSS4qF_MGLTZtbH4w_d8u8oPssvLXJK8RWe0xuO2s6AoUyVMgpkn77lMe5oyTg0xGrFODyknwo9KbiuPHWOE/s320/spelling%20dry%20erase%202.png" width="320" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<p>
Another way I like to do this is by using magnetiles. I love this
intervention because I can use it for decoding CVC words all the way up to
multisyllabic words (read those details
<b><u><a href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2022/03/using-magnatile-interventions-for.html" target="_blank">here</a></u></b>).
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG35Sqfw8rjk3t8zY8mcPYR8MWUg6gKfnYQ6UhHQKsnVHf910gAqszUV4gaHqW2YxnA83dK5QpbFrugcD9S29Pt2sNS3tT5jBSKoEsiPBQHbauF8ZzIC7bWrY2hcyUwRYtaBvyRCzuPsflkiw0AhsWxgIJhtm53p-20Re_g4udMTkHvrOQOD19LJ5uo4Y/s1265/decoding%20CVC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Kids need multiple exposures to words in multiple contexts to read with automaticity. Read about my 5 favorite interventions for decoding CVC words." height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG35Sqfw8rjk3t8zY8mcPYR8MWUg6gKfnYQ6UhHQKsnVHf910gAqszUV4gaHqW2YxnA83dK5QpbFrugcD9S29Pt2sNS3tT5jBSKoEsiPBQHbauF8ZzIC7bWrY2hcyUwRYtaBvyRCzuPsflkiw0AhsWxgIJhtm53p-20Re_g4udMTkHvrOQOD19LJ5uo4Y/w640-h426/decoding%20CVC.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
No matter how we connect it to letters, I have found that continuing to use
the arm as a manipulative to blend the sounds helps kids tremendously!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>Making Words</h1>
<p>
Decoding one word at a time using dry erase boards or magnetiles is perfect
for kids starting to decode.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Once kids' decoding skills are increasing and they are in need of LOTS of
decoding repetition, we move to making words.
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Phonics-Word-Work-Lessons-Digital-Mats-Making-Words-BUNDLE-5375943?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=CVC%20Decoding%20RTI%20-%20making%20words%20bundle" target="_blank">Making words</a>
gives us the chance to manipulate and decode more words in a short amount of
time so the focus is on automaticity and fluency!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
If we do this whole group, I use dry erase markers to speed up the gathering
materials process!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
But for intervention groups, I still love using magnetic letters and the
tactile learning it adds.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXVGLGWpbqV0yOewOx3i-MPkcOYXbZsuzkXZgEFfXukZ9z6SPI_Dtg2tKOGOCFtnLh7ErOIF7NBHFSzT_d7ylBaFdl9kLwDI34hXvhOM3eKuumAM8gPly_Tci5VlIOrCJLp0C1QN7swKHYRSjpGA5me3XtafpV455dLmd90YPPSiubkPn0zJRcXnOPsc/s4032/making%20words%20magnetic%20letters%20example.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" data-pin-description="Kids need multiple exposures to words in multiple contexts to read with automaticity. Read about my 5 favorite interventions for decoding CVC words." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXVGLGWpbqV0yOewOx3i-MPkcOYXbZsuzkXZgEFfXukZ9z6SPI_Dtg2tKOGOCFtnLh7ErOIF7NBHFSzT_d7ylBaFdl9kLwDI34hXvhOM3eKuumAM8gPly_Tci5VlIOrCJLp0C1QN7swKHYRSjpGA5me3XtafpV455dLmd90YPPSiubkPn0zJRcXnOPsc/w480-h640/making%20words%20magnetic%20letters%20example.HEIC" width="480" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<p>
Making words is a word building game that makes phonics practice more like a
puzzle so the kids are hooked from the first word! You can read more
about how I use this intervention in
<b><u><a href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2023/02/3-low-prep-ways-to-implement-making.html" target="_blank">this post.</a></u></b>
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
And you can find the premade lessons and mats that I use
<b><u><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Phonics-Word-Work-Lessons-Digital-Mats-Making-Words-BUNDLE-5375943?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=CVC%20Decoding%20RTI%20-%20making%20words%20bundle" target="_blank">here</a></u></b>.
</p>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Phonics-Word-Work-Lessons-Digital-Mats-Making-Words-BUNDLE-5375943?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=CVC%20Decoding%20RTI%20-%20making%20words%20bundle" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" data-pin-description="Kids need multiple exposures to words in multiple contexts to read with automaticity. Read about my 5 favorite interventions for decoding CVC words." height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijlMDclz74FFSKKvIvK-tnAUAYbQ7IVVpPTLGXRYxJ1ofNXiKhFEv4zekFp1lG5Nq9LUbEjO-rv1nrWOqq6it_Kg6Aou3cFe5U47tn8_SAOcDI1RR5W6HsvznsqvXfITO8MjkZF3h7tR9aB_UsWcpLoUQAApTJUnSPKqkwl9l3AagO2H2_L3zIHhWB67E=w400-h400" width="400" /></a>
</div>
<br /><br />
<p></p>
<h1>Decodable Texts</h1>
<p>
Once kids are getting faster and more automatic with making words, they are
ready to read in context. For these kiddos,
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Short-Vowels-CVC-Words-Decodable-Readers-and-Passages-for-First-Grade-BUNDLE-4832864?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=CVC%20Decoding%20RTI%20-%20CVC%20decodables" target="_blank">decodable texts</a>
are the ONLY way to go!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgkMvfpEJaaI_V8G08hLS_UTxGx1j1lmvTbeWOGnVSE-De7itCObP2bukst25JEMLXILboVUucYEoqclyp-YrZVuojRBUDZ5I8kimNXIWiEjq_R6QBtMNoyowmlBSCa1f7iS35KkqfiwSBrWmeZScG0ALNjk4Y3aW69bsnO7ClIpfi5uYdN39xw6FADo/s1967/Slide4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1967" data-original-width="1499" data-pin-description="Kids need multiple exposures to words in multiple contexts to read with automaticity. Read about my 5 favorite interventions for decoding CVC words." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgkMvfpEJaaI_V8G08hLS_UTxGx1j1lmvTbeWOGnVSE-De7itCObP2bukst25JEMLXILboVUucYEoqclyp-YrZVuojRBUDZ5I8kimNXIWiEjq_R6QBtMNoyowmlBSCa1f7iS35KkqfiwSBrWmeZScG0ALNjk4Y3aW69bsnO7ClIpfi5uYdN39xw6FADo/w488-h640/Slide4.jpg" width="488" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<p>
I LOVE giving kids authentic ways to practice decoding as soon as they are
ready!
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Short-Vowels-CVC-Words-Decodable-Readers-and-Passages-for-First-Grade-BUNDLE-4832864?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=CVC%20Decoding%20RTI%20-%20CVC%20decodables" target="_blank">These decodable texts</a>
give kids passages and booklets to practice CVC short vowel words, but with
silly stories that will entertain your kids!
</p><p><br /></p>
<p><a href="https://mailchi.mp/thefirstgraderoundup.com/freedecodables" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="1265" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdn0WqmdiDAMzwkqIVV3pIa3w1ihPsUONNA-lO_Fgl2SA1Oi3aPpxwlH8lBFDzCCHIgKubcqI8djvwfown29_2KQeOyubTddA50IxYfFt5_rc5AacWxhEc6YV667J6O5ASp6dVWEh90ybIPYtJWNRm4bgbTjFmVoOOvZ5sgiKbl957_ponrMA1CVCPQd0/w640-h96/Decodable%20landing%20page%20blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></p>
<p><br /></p><p>
Find decodable word lists, passages, booklets, and checkups for CVC words
<b><u><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Short-Vowels-CVC-Words-Decodable-Readers-and-Passages-for-First-Grade-BUNDLE-4832864?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=CVC%20Decoding%20RTI%20-%20CVC%20decodables" target="_blank">here</a></u></b>!
</p>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Short-Vowels-CVC-Words-Decodable-Readers-and-Passages-for-First-Grade-BUNDLE-4832864?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=CVC%20Decoding%20RTI%20-%20CVC%20decodables" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixPTUTGKUJrkFf56ff885_yos1I7Hcd-N2mxdryiRe5VVuig6k-a8CYpS8BlQsWodTEAzS_ssBW0N10QRiNqxegNtvXpFN6b5mD-AYVwGklmof3GIWLRVFDuVuPtd72nWhasXTNakgrjIl6aWWbWzeqiztrpxBJXz7Jd9lRt2BTMRtXQcy_PMKi6Npk1s=s16000" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguM1GnSfSgkEDqOgG-5-SqWGf4lpTvCZiyuJjm2sg6jOxbjVrcL7BtOwOR5pNDd48J1q4qJPZbfrfY8JUp91I3J9GAcSxS57DK7OIzpKe5618lhN9pDnrPYx45Ih7qRMOyiFU60el-MNHrYEniA417sHE_gnEaJXQpoqr8OIVTYjbxVt6HCrotHgfjF5w/s1898/decoding%20cvc%20words%20PIN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1898" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Kids need multiple exposures to words in multiple contexts to read with automaticity. Read about my 5 favorite interventions for decoding CVC words." height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguM1GnSfSgkEDqOgG-5-SqWGf4lpTvCZiyuJjm2sg6jOxbjVrcL7BtOwOR5pNDd48J1q4qJPZbfrfY8JUp91I3J9GAcSxS57DK7OIzpKe5618lhN9pDnrPYx45Ih7qRMOyiFU60el-MNHrYEniA417sHE_gnEaJXQpoqr8OIVTYjbxVt6HCrotHgfjF5w/w266-h400/decoding%20cvc%20words%20PIN.jpg" width="266" /></a>
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<p></p>
Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986381982136673388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699949251277141058.post-87221034482368326932023-08-24T12:00:00.000-05:002023-08-24T12:00:00.535-05:00Why Students Should Be Setting Reading Goals<p>
Setting Reading Goals is vital to reading success for our kids. And it's
not just about using the district grade level benchmarks as a guide and
praying your kids can be "on grade level" by the end of the year.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
When I first started teaching, I knew all the quarterly benchmarks and
expectations for my first graders. I studied them. I could spout
them off to anyone who would listen. But I never even mentioned it to
the kids I was teaching.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Why? Because I didn't think they needed to be bothered with all of
that.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Instead, I kept teaching and doing small group interventions as my first
graders worked to meet the (secret) goals I had set for them.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
And somewhere during that first year, I decided that was for the birds.
It was time to get some help on reading goal setting...
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>...from the 6 and 7 year olds in my class!</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Yep. I was actually going to let my first graders be active participants
in
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Setting-Reading-Goals-and-Kid-Friendly-Self-Assessment-1581208?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Why%20Goal%20Setting%20-%20thermometers" target="_blank">setting reading goals</a>.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>And the change was POWERFUL!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ce2fJKdGkpZjo5GZ6pVSGf-DvQ_heO6CAsxCsme123aTkoYfBc4iSze9B2VkZE704PeeNp4vTIThm1Jp48ffDVSxethR8LUUCLuelAW_tCd03m6yuAItfhXL7C0xQs0SygW8K9-DemK0UvPRpOgjlSDTyCBXcK0MgLVCwzK2TgSLgRsR7QuJBkVDVYQ/s1265/Setting%20reading%20goals%20BLOG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Setting reading goals is a must in this data driven, Science of reading literacy world. Read 3 reasons kids should be setting their own reading goals!" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ce2fJKdGkpZjo5GZ6pVSGf-DvQ_heO6CAsxCsme123aTkoYfBc4iSze9B2VkZE704PeeNp4vTIThm1Jp48ffDVSxethR8LUUCLuelAW_tCd03m6yuAItfhXL7C0xQs0SygW8K9-DemK0UvPRpOgjlSDTyCBXcK0MgLVCwzK2TgSLgRsR7QuJBkVDVYQ/w640-h426/Setting%20reading%20goals%20BLOG.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">Knowledge Is Power</h1>
<p>Knowing is the first step.</p>
<p>Knowledge is power.</p>
<p>Know better. Do better.</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
It was this idea that propelled me into letting my first graders in on the
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Setting-Reading-Goals-and-Kid-Friendly-Self-Assessment-1581208?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Why%20Goal%20Setting%20-%20thermometers" target="_blank">reading goal setting </a>process.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
And what I found was POWERFUL. Kids THRIVE on knowing
expectations.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Like most humans, working aimlessly is not motivating. But just the
simple shift of having a goal in mind gives us internal motivation--something
to work for!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
We start setting reading goals by telling kids what the end of quarter
expectation is. We do this as a whole class. We talk about our
plans for meeting those expectations. We will do our best work during
independent time. Mrs. Shaddock will do her best to plan lessons and
small group interventions to help them grow. They will listen and give
their best attitude and effort during intervention time.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
And we talk about how many kids are below that expectation now because it's
not the end of the quarter yet. That's okay... it just means we have
work to do.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
We also talk about how some kids are already at or above that expectation, but
that is not a reason to not work. We will also set reasonable goals for them
to continue working towards.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
When it's time for me to individually assess each kid, I discuss how well they
did after I assess them. We color in their
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Setting-Reading-Goals-and-Kid-Friendly-Self-Assessment-1581208?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Why%20Goal%20Setting%20-%20thermometers" target="_blank">thermometer</a>
to where they are at and identify the end of quarter goal OR what their
individual goal should be and star or circle that goal.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNc0tr2ZbUoDBrU_phEtEPfIbYtObph0xjx3JQsP1GvFy5SPbM8CEreQmpq-8PFg72E_g0J6cVmWwFl3V6v2p36X9cd11B_Ie9gBowX-10kmgvFOGUBfQ9BJIGF6QtDvSNi3YpvWBLA12mBn-qE7wOuQfnBxeeMT3HGY6lX_SSXdmydoq5Am4uciRNVHQ/s1052/Decoding%20Student%20Thermometer.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="800" data-pin-description="Setting reading goals is a must in this data driven, Science of reading literacy world. Read 3 reasons kids should be setting their own reading goals!" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNc0tr2ZbUoDBrU_phEtEPfIbYtObph0xjx3JQsP1GvFy5SPbM8CEreQmpq-8PFg72E_g0J6cVmWwFl3V6v2p36X9cd11B_Ie9gBowX-10kmgvFOGUBfQ9BJIGF6QtDvSNi3YpvWBLA12mBn-qE7wOuQfnBxeeMT3HGY6lX_SSXdmydoq5Am4uciRNVHQ/w486-h640/Decoding%20Student%20Thermometer.png" width="486" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQEWMM_JVQUzMEliebqSr0VfQU6roEvdVPumKLXNK1Hzsa_kHM6-N8tb7TFHpc7ieaKo8YhoQnVYaYNn2fXVBl44rxgPw0e-sVidos1o0INIgGwCILSCMBbiBkI5LKBqVxFLRpl5RTRntlC7qWikEGjtTrDsDwIygRdLsgSUs0RkQMA396KiidAJImYc/s1210/Screen%20Shot%202023-08-24%20at%2011.32.22%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1210" data-original-width="970" data-pin-description="Setting reading goals is a must in this data driven, Science of reading literacy world. Read 3 reasons kids should be setting their own reading goals!" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQEWMM_JVQUzMEliebqSr0VfQU6roEvdVPumKLXNK1Hzsa_kHM6-N8tb7TFHpc7ieaKo8YhoQnVYaYNn2fXVBl44rxgPw0e-sVidos1o0INIgGwCILSCMBbiBkI5LKBqVxFLRpl5RTRntlC7qWikEGjtTrDsDwIygRdLsgSUs0RkQMA396KiidAJImYc/w514-h640/Screen%20Shot%202023-08-24%20at%2011.32.22%20AM.png" width="514" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
When we made the switch from guided reading to Science of Reading aligned
skill groups, these thermometers got a makeover and became even more a part of
the goal setting process. Because now our goals were backed by science!
:)
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">Student Ownership Is Key</h1>
<p>
Knowledge is power, but that's not all of it. Students have to buy in
and own their own learning.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
It's not enough for me to just tell them what their goal should be. It's
important for me to ask the kids. And put it on them.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
So, after assessing and coloring in their current level, I look at the kid and
say, "You are reading words with blends really well! By the end of the
quarter, you should at least be reading CVCe words well too. What do you
think your goal should be for the first quarter?"
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Most kids answer with the quarterly goal. Some kids go a little
higher... and that's okay! A few kids will just point to the top of the
thermometer and say that's their goal. And so we have to talk about what
"reasonable goals" are and I may need to guide them a little more.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
But the idea is the same. Help them feel a part of it. And like
this is their goal and their reading progress. The more they feel in
charge, the more pride they will feel in their work and the effort they will
give. And that helps everybody! :)
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Once we agree on our goal, we fill out
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Setting-Reading-Goals-and-Kid-Friendly-Self-Assessment-1581208?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Why%20Goal%20Setting%20-%20thermometers" target="_blank">the goal sheet</a>
together. (We will color in the correct face when I assess them the next
time before moving on to our new goals!)
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARJcmAiJ2CLtdshPpq8TVfbypRQaPsSczUELUlaf5s5BBL-pN2CwpsZw4BSj20NYMNiFWFwEGl9z_7rzHw15oDdWwjq8__nNLOX9JRuWHeJyihvzqWn36tuyDZLUTYsso6Xqem9nAwPdghKp5DJ90L6vFUqAg53Q3O3VOsyw4C-59J-t36x25s2qRFMk/s1660/setting%20reading%20goal%20sheets.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1660" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Setting reading goals is a must in this data driven, Science of reading literacy world. Read 3 reasons kids should be setting their own reading goals!" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARJcmAiJ2CLtdshPpq8TVfbypRQaPsSczUELUlaf5s5BBL-pN2CwpsZw4BSj20NYMNiFWFwEGl9z_7rzHw15oDdWwjq8__nNLOX9JRuWHeJyihvzqWn36tuyDZLUTYsso6Xqem9nAwPdghKp5DJ90L6vFUqAg53Q3O3VOsyw4C-59J-t36x25s2qRFMk/w488-h640/setting%20reading%20goal%20sheets.jpg" width="488" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">Teamwork Makes the Dreamwork</h1>
<p>
Once the goals are set, we are ready to get to work! It's as cheesy as
can be... but it's also true. Teamwork really does make the dreamwork!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Your kids need you and your best interventions. And you need their buy
in and effort. Setting reading goals TOGETHER helps encourage all of
these things and puts the focus on teamwork.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>As one of my friends says a lot, "Everything is better in teams."</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
So, if you haven't given your kids a chance to set their own reading goals and
be active participants in goal setting, this can be the year! You can
find all of
<b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Setting-Reading-Goals-and-Kid-Friendly-Self-Assessment-1581208?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Why%20Goal%20Setting%20-%20thermometers" target="_blank">these goal setting sheets and thermometers that I use for K-2 here</a></b>
if you need an easy way to get started!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Setting-Reading-Goals-and-Kid-Friendly-Self-Assessment-1581208?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Why%20Goal%20Setting%20-%20thermometers" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsKzL4Beb7SuYYH4W6DWubIlN0NjSBHH-TkuVBksBfp-Kz4gJflwrLX9k4APlani0j4shXRzCqX60Kyuon3ZSkcohwb55UjHePS_2DnsVLf7hCriMST7jGWbh5C-bJY59CHBQ118C3MyQC3aPePSQZR4FASiRltc1chOdATZiS6yV8BPoktgwdXagN-Y/s16000/reading%20goal%20setting%20SQ.jpeg" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVykWELhKrL1bSCVQv_imk6LLNMAcA1aQQl6e1qmJTZl14S4CE5ilR0XGoTCsKHDK4Fnxs7pT4oyZS9HJ1_3FeCLNKTop-bcvcacdimCQ0VhX4MoGRYv-e_GP3Ynv35HgVXGoNQAwAruxV724EMN7CLl5h65POk6emOSbJNBEaWMGG71IOU5yy2in-pE/s1898/reading%20goal%20setting%20PIN2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1898" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Setting reading goals is a must in this data driven, Science of reading literacy world. Read 3 reasons kids should be setting their own reading goals!" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVykWELhKrL1bSCVQv_imk6LLNMAcA1aQQl6e1qmJTZl14S4CE5ilR0XGoTCsKHDK4Fnxs7pT4oyZS9HJ1_3FeCLNKTop-bcvcacdimCQ0VhX4MoGRYv-e_GP3Ynv35HgVXGoNQAwAruxV724EMN7CLl5h65POk6emOSbJNBEaWMGG71IOU5yy2in-pE/w266-h400/reading%20goal%20setting%20PIN2.jpg" width="266" /></a>
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</div>
Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986381982136673388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699949251277141058.post-41182092991413058262023-08-08T21:13:00.002-05:002023-08-08T21:22:23.119-05:005 Must Do Back to School Activities for First Graders<p>
The first two weeks of back to school are a unique experience. :) We are
excited, nervous, and spewing rules and procedures in every other
sentence. It's mentally exhausting. And I sometimes I don't have
the head space to plan out fancy activities. So, I go to what
works.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
And my first two weeks look basically the same every year until we can get
rules and procedures established. Ain't nobody got time to reinvent the
wheel those first 10 days. Am I right?
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
So, if your head is spinning too, here are my 5 tried and true back to school
activities for first grade that I ALWAYS include during the first two weeks!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjkmqan4O2QZABdU5FrJ4vfokzoi5J-2TAcoGc5G4BG-E6JuIbzUosNNSqY1jLZ27RvBM8f9d0GlzILNgm5JyECO8ipFrzSXNU2wCQ4gjxV4yucx9GME4rqboSRTj5tpemrtMXDUTHei4ZW4490U6pT1sbOh7MSk6UEGSyVqYl2GVzqyGeICpRk0xNlQ/s1265/back%20to%20school%20activities%20BLOG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="The beginning of the year can be stressful and full of rules and procedures. Here are my top 5 back to school activities I always do with 1st grade." height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjkmqan4O2QZABdU5FrJ4vfokzoi5J-2TAcoGc5G4BG-E6JuIbzUosNNSqY1jLZ27RvBM8f9d0GlzILNgm5JyECO8ipFrzSXNU2wCQ4gjxV4yucx9GME4rqboSRTj5tpemrtMXDUTHei4ZW4490U6pT1sbOh7MSk6UEGSyVqYl2GVzqyGeICpRk0xNlQ/w640-h426/back%20to%20school%20activities%20BLOG.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">Counting Collections</h1>
<p>
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Counting-Collections-for-Primary-Grades-Activities-1117418?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=BTS%20Activities%20-%20CCollex" target="_blank">Counting Collections</a>
is a routine that I use throughout the entire year. And we start it
early. I introduce it during the first 10 days and give kids time to
count collections.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
<b>Why do I love it?</b> Because it's backed by loads of math research
and is a solid math activity that we will continue throughout the year.
And the sooner I start it, the sooner they will become independent so I can
pull math intervention groups! So, I'm happy to put in a little extra effort
on this up front.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
<b>So why start it during the first 10 days?</b> If you've taught first
grade long, you know that independent work is hard to come by during those
first few weeks. But this simple routine for counting collections is
something kids can do independently almost immediately... and all first grade
teachers said, "Amen!"
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
You can read more about our routines and procedures for counting collections
<b><u><a href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2014/06/math-junkie-counting-collections.html" target="_blank">here</a></u></b>.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAs5Ev9NRrvl8hK4sXPkVVLlciSGKDPOuGNqdmo-n9foWwhfCVbDcmbK75jTIVmybiXwOh0DzDLLXj7BJizmiTRdvCtgMEXtSdN5pMgsRitaG8ZD-n26ZheNstQignMpS9BEI-URorGWc8DWqK2-dJtgjSink-2YFAaBDcTRkOCj7lbXS8FHQTNN2P_v4/s4032/counting%20collections.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" data-pin-description="The beginning of the year can be stressful and full of rules and procedures. Here are my top 5 back to school activities I always do with 1st grade." height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAs5Ev9NRrvl8hK4sXPkVVLlciSGKDPOuGNqdmo-n9foWwhfCVbDcmbK75jTIVmybiXwOh0DzDLLXj7BJizmiTRdvCtgMEXtSdN5pMgsRitaG8ZD-n26ZheNstQignMpS9BEI-URorGWc8DWqK2-dJtgjSink-2YFAaBDcTRkOCj7lbXS8FHQTNN2P_v4/w640-h480/counting%20collections.heic" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
And grab the resource
<b><u><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Counting-Collections-for-Primary-Grades-Activities-1117418?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=BTS%20Activities%20-%20CCollex">here</a></u></b>! (Struggling with math at the beginning of the year? I've got all my detailed plans for <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Guided-Math-Workshop-Lesson-Plans-FREEBIE-for-First-Grade-3975459?utm_source=TPT%20Description&utm_campaign=Guided%20Math%20Workshop%20Lesson%20Plans%20for%20First%20Grade-Guided%20Math%20Workshop%20Lesson%20Plans%20FREEBIE%20for%20First%20Grade" target="_blank"><b>the first 10 days for FREE here</b></a>!)</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>Time Capsules</h1>
<p>
First grade is such a fun year for me because the kids grow by leaps and
bounds! It is so amazing to watch how far they come.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
That's exactly why we do
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Time-Capsule-Writing-Activity-1380617?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=BTS%20Activities%20-%20time%20capsule" target="_blank">time capsules</a>! I have themed ours with Olaf and Frozen. So we have a cold tub
that "Olaf" puts our papers in to keep them, "Frozen in Time."
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfNKrt3BCkeu-pGH2ttIgPz_pV5Ag8u8AZFh5uMt_V7YEKL4XFkOf6ZyBDBJbV2LUVNMaFErypI8xmEY3_n-kmYgv10_M_kRI9HaZDQRCgGLrHBLcN7LeW-BlOM5Jzn28fP13BKKej_ZPcfEi4L9InIcCENTIp3j5rRIK8UyVYb6_d8yLrc9NZdgKc8yc/s1575/back%20to%20school%20time%20capsule.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1575" data-original-width="989" data-pin-description="The beginning of the year can be stressful and full of rules and procedures. Here are my top 5 back to school activities I always do with 1st grade." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfNKrt3BCkeu-pGH2ttIgPz_pV5Ag8u8AZFh5uMt_V7YEKL4XFkOf6ZyBDBJbV2LUVNMaFErypI8xmEY3_n-kmYgv10_M_kRI9HaZDQRCgGLrHBLcN7LeW-BlOM5Jzn28fP13BKKej_ZPcfEi4L9InIcCENTIp3j5rRIK8UyVYb6_d8yLrc9NZdgKc8yc/w402-h640/back%20to%20school%20time%20capsule.png" width="402" /></a>
</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Time-Capsule-Writing-Activity-1380617?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=BTS%20Activities%20-%20time%20capsule" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="358" data-original-width="640" data-pin-description="The beginning of the year can be stressful and full of rules and procedures. Here are my top 5 back to school activities I always do with 1st grade." height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7wGmaZ3nnGr36461X8DGkJk8FWjjhxvLGuLkADM-U1qStLHmKt6wTZC5iZdURvdUbQuV4wusq6q1DaGNgFMZu_MvMfbgFwKANIKrCMIzt08ZsS7bVZi3mdn34Uxk0dsymaJP8IKqUQ-GA0HdKV7aAA_iwny8wEj-j9J7YlK3BKk2LPepZ33QRScoMoQ/w640-h358/back%20to%20school%20time%20capsule%20papers.jpeg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
At the end of the year, Olaf delivers our time capsules and we remeasure our
handprints and height and our writing skills! It's the best day because
the kids are always surprised at how far they've come during the year!!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>School, School, What Do You See?</h1>
<p>
One of the the must-dos for the beginning of the year is finding your way
around the school.... learning where to go, who you'll see there, and what is
expected.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
We use the book, <u>Brown Bear, Brown Bear</u>, to do this. We make a
similarly patterned book called,
<u><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Helpers-Anchor-Charts-And-Booklet-313143?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=BTS%20Activities%20-%20school%20helpers" target="_blank">School, School, What Do You See?</a></u> I have it in a digital version that we read together.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Each day, we talk about a new helper in our school and what their job
is. We write about their job and then talk about how we can
help!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXIEkD63at-mEwsdSVOaghCgGcUo2ng2cSxjwlxRhbYMFxk8JLdrmnlKXl25MTBwpfh4Bz0LUIaY0YgBH6CdL9Na0LZN9wPmUTf6UpCeIPeugs7S_Ccaz-wzmg3vFloOT1RPFNmrKZDbMPaqpnG2miv3Qzx0fyObQOnBbiwltwQkpnZMHS50UsClCPgwo/s4032/school%20helpers%20charts.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" data-pin-description="The beginning of the year can be stressful and full of rules and procedures. Here are my top 5 back to school activities I always do with 1st grade." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXIEkD63at-mEwsdSVOaghCgGcUo2ng2cSxjwlxRhbYMFxk8JLdrmnlKXl25MTBwpfh4Bz0LUIaY0YgBH6CdL9Na0LZN9wPmUTf6UpCeIPeugs7S_Ccaz-wzmg3vFloOT1RPFNmrKZDbMPaqpnG2miv3Qzx0fyObQOnBbiwltwQkpnZMHS50UsClCPgwo/w480-h640/school%20helpers%20charts.HEIC" width="480" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Then, the kids make
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Helpers-Anchor-Charts-And-Booklet-313143?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=BTS%20Activities%20-%20school%20helpers" target="_blank">their own paper booklet</a>
as we write and have their own book by the end.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Helpers-Anchor-Charts-And-Booklet-313143?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=BTS%20Activities%20-%20school%20helpers" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" data-pin-description="The beginning of the year can be stressful and full of rules and procedures. Here are my top 5 back to school activities I always do with 1st grade." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh046l6QAPM-_6alz02vGrcVQMSeb6d7poiOa2SlCkUbR2s_b8DL-PuedXgMo8EBci5hAMdHk-fbOcY7pGCHoguYHNpReTTxU07dFMGCwzUkZRVCnd6G1tI-I4mRkZGHI_ZhO1gn-rOWIo0rw24LgQKlE4toif0rwdmVAaxY2tfzCDazke5gJmPpbwmOPA/w480-h640/school%20helpers%20book.heic" width="480" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>How We Go Home Graphs</h1>
<p>
This is a first day of school MUST! One of my biggest fears is not
getting one of my firsties home the right way on day one.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Of course, I always have parents write down how they will get home at Meet the
Teacher night and on the first day of school (looking at you Moms who change
your mind 20 times about how your child will go home)! :)
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
But I like to go over this with the kids on day 1. And day 2, and
literally for the first two weeks. We make a giant pictorial graph using
car, bus, feet, and bike diecuts. And then, if we do
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Graphing-Worksheets-and-Activities-2617458?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=BTS%20Activities%20-%20BTS%20graphs" target="_blank">this independent graph</a>
as well!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Graphing-Worksheets-and-Activities-2617458?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=BTS%20Activities%20-%20BTS%20graphs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="999" data-original-width="1499" data-pin-description="The beginning of the year can be stressful and full of rules and procedures. Here are my top 5 back to school activities I always do with 1st grade." height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqOq3lEoLWQQhtAQuj-HduVo2G-3_iJBxbqsiORqXYNjkXO_aPMNps5Eey6IE59FnyR3jd5RPjb6J0fMCRieJIAF06yjbSUl0ZjO0XPRftyCUiz72GmIYXQF3P2zdqcVIeAsdWABlnhz7BlEk-jJ-mVnWqdOM2RHTv2lyQrrcmj0Evn5WobLiGVzXH6Y/w640-h427/Graphs1.jpeg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Graphs are an amazing beginning of school math activity.
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Graphing-Worksheets-and-Activities-2617458?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=BTS%20Activities%20-%20BTS%20graphs" target="_blank">Here's a set</a>
of all my "get to know you" back to school graphs!
</p>
<h1>Read Alouds</h1>
<p>Books. Books. Books. Just read more books.</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
I always have a stack of back to school books to read during the first two
weeks. There always seems to be an awkward 10 minutes left here and
there during those first few days and weeks as we all figure out our new
schedule and before all the normal routines start.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
I fill that space with books. Most of our read alouds at the beginning
of the year go with our citizenship unit and are all about building classroom
community and good character traits.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
You can read more about all of my favorite back to school read alouds in this
<a href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2017/06/read-alouds-for-building-classroom.html" target="_blank">post</a>!
</p>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2017/06/read-alouds-for-building-classroom.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi778pNzfMkywEYVGesFpBlAH-8XRC8TJqQp3-yS8yMD_NXDr71HXBTWeVfl7J-a7ZyQGtT7hCn36I2VlOutu3mG4j4NQEgoMFvR_QSVmbLxWhLfa8KMk7Dzm539xuROr-NE5_EnD_ZynVjyj6I4au1kc6qDpr1BV70v9ZCG6VCDN712a1_gWFltdeDsLU=s16000" /></a>
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3YlnnifvxftCUkezhWo5fkxqkcj80pl9IotOmliBDGKik3bC6IKMpVfM0LooB3xAptjLOgOErcinTc01y_PsSfhUS5PAoFkryu9AqH3AbmnDkmU58M0FHQBmWUIMId9nXpJ2JYWiEjV4r41itJLCegTDPQFgU5Rrrh-g7C5uKtb7diirYCOWMpNpJJ8/s1898/back%20to%20school%20activities%20PIN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1898" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="The beginning of the year can be stressful and full of rules and procedures. Here are my top 5 back to school activities I always do with 1st grade." height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3YlnnifvxftCUkezhWo5fkxqkcj80pl9IotOmliBDGKik3bC6IKMpVfM0LooB3xAptjLOgOErcinTc01y_PsSfhUS5PAoFkryu9AqH3AbmnDkmU58M0FHQBmWUIMId9nXpJ2JYWiEjV4r41itJLCegTDPQFgU5Rrrh-g7C5uKtb7diirYCOWMpNpJJ8/w266-h400/back%20to%20school%20activities%20PIN.jpg" width="266" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<p></p>
Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986381982136673388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699949251277141058.post-50504960284314643762023-07-27T12:49:00.001-05:002023-07-27T12:49:35.632-05:004 Reasons I Started Teaching Phonics DIGITALLY<p>
Elementary phonics aligned with the science of reading looks like tubs of
manipulatives, sound box cards, pointers, poem posters, and dry erase boards
with markers, and, and, and... :)
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>All. The. Things.</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
And then if you are going to do phonics intervention during small groups, you
either need to have a separate stash, or you need to remember to move all the
things back and forth.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
But it doesn't have to be that way. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1st-Grade-Phonics-Curriculum-Science-of-Reading-Digital-Phonics-Lessons-3028186?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Why%20Digital%20Phonics%20-%201st%20Bundle" target="_blank">Digital phonics</a> changed my life for
this very reason and more. So let's chat about the 4 Reasons I started
teaching phonics DIGITALLY!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoeiuISyl_77U-elVt-8lBDYWjoFTEOMpu3yB0QJnKrR2JLcs51FsWG-ibcNjTe5Ugd4l8DZGMVkWaOSJvGdSo0Wrh6KJqzZvfor1Op4UTqjah_VrdDoxQMjakL1lt3sjrv7W_Hamx8LgZj8zlLbe21HZnLtKRM5G15zZqqqUQCuB3NSS0mA3mGGmIQJY/s1265/digital%20phonics%20BLOG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="What if kids could get hands on Science of Reading aligned phonics, but with the ease of digital? Read 4 reasons why I switched to digital phonics!" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoeiuISyl_77U-elVt-8lBDYWjoFTEOMpu3yB0QJnKrR2JLcs51FsWG-ibcNjTe5Ugd4l8DZGMVkWaOSJvGdSo0Wrh6KJqzZvfor1Op4UTqjah_VrdDoxQMjakL1lt3sjrv7W_Hamx8LgZj8zlLbe21HZnLtKRM5G15zZqqqUQCuB3NSS0mA3mGGmIQJY/w640-h426/digital%20phonics%20BLOG.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">1. Digital Phonics Means <u>No Prep</u></h1>
<p>
Don't get me wrong... I have my stash of phonics materials. But it's
organized neatly in my small group intervention area.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
I never worry about gathering all the things as my kids are rushing to the
carpet. Or rushing to my back table to grab one more thing in the middle
of the lesson!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Can you relate?</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
One of the things I love about <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1st-Grade-Phonics-Curriculum-Science-of-Reading-Digital-Phonics-Lessons-3028186?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Why%20Digital%20Phonics%20-%201st%20Bundle" target="_blank">digital phonics</a> is that all of the
manipulatives and supplies are digital and a part of the powerpoint file.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
By making it digital, I don't have to sacrifice hands-on or the interactive
experience that we know kids need to map words!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>For decoding practice, the slides play one phoneme at a time. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEYBLxIc1NYYr_L_KfI1cHdVdGHrDme4e-_-bI0k3QJKm7Setks_An3dwoWpRCrfV4CsvYqyOM3FO0LvCyvNhxsfbUztmBX1eNrmTC8cIwlcm5_4q9nCP1Eo4BwVuyL7r1EhOoQj8JDZxyWR6s4AjOVtjTupS41jlMAL4yopLxRMOpyIfaG4GB7hEzWJM/s480/decoding.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="480" data-pin-description="What if kids could get hands on Science of Reading aligned phonics, but with the ease of digital? Read 4 reasons why I switched to digital phonics!" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEYBLxIc1NYYr_L_KfI1cHdVdGHrDme4e-_-bI0k3QJKm7Setks_An3dwoWpRCrfV4CsvYqyOM3FO0LvCyvNhxsfbUztmBX1eNrmTC8cIwlcm5_4q9nCP1Eo4BwVuyL7r1EhOoQj8JDZxyWR6s4AjOVtjTupS41jlMAL4yopLxRMOpyIfaG4GB7hEzWJM/w640-h398/decoding.gif" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Elkonin boxes are on the spelling pages.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1st-Grade-Phonics-Curriculum-Science-of-Reading-Digital-Phonics-Lessons-3028186?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Why%20Digital%20Phonics%20-%201st%20Bundle" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="949" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="What if kids could get hands on Science of Reading aligned phonics, but with the ease of digital? Read 4 reasons why I switched to digital phonics!" height="401" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KQkmdDqLJK8Tt6tFeS2FyAkfXH8rdyJRfIXuLJotNzMSKOUY1gFAGPNAf2TxxfufmfO7qr0cC1cdlkZJXF-AzUiBhTjuean_xWIPgXn5rSdZrzvRvpjhlRecCqnENkhDRf0nklz_IQTlL_vwJ1F9iY-9vptolLIwX_NhxVqKHohnGBXP_UKHfzwIFio/w535-h401/digital%20phonics%20spelling%20with%20elkonin%20boxes.jpg" width="535" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>There are plenty of sorts with moveable photos or words.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPtfc5QNnLs4Y31XJog7EOfZyrx7ClwnIMuTyL1OjegKLG_q4sUxNXKT6m9MFziSrNTr20HunbFZ1q2q_8SafzqD00jMWa-kQAT0IXtn2KEVamoWTCMm2XpFXAIHwPUnQjWvt2fVM5ofxRrVKrWx_6euI_jxbKLgyaODfNDq4wA-pQCKCYQwW1mGevMI/s1062/phonics%20digital%20square.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="1062" data-pin-description="What if kids could get hands on Science of Reading aligned phonics, but with the ease of digital? Read 4 reasons why I switched to digital phonics!" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPtfc5QNnLs4Y31XJog7EOfZyrx7ClwnIMuTyL1OjegKLG_q4sUxNXKT6m9MFziSrNTr20HunbFZ1q2q_8SafzqD00jMWa-kQAT0IXtn2KEVamoWTCMm2XpFXAIHwPUnQjWvt2fVM5ofxRrVKrWx_6euI_jxbKLgyaODfNDq4wA-pQCKCYQwW1mGevMI/w640-h640/phonics%20digital%20square.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
And there are plenty more interactive parts of the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1st-Grade-Phonics-Curriculum-Science-of-Reading-Digital-Phonics-Lessons-3028186?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Why%20Digital%20Phonics%20-%201st%20Bundle" target="_blank">digital phonics lessons</a>
that you can see in this
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1st-Grade-Phonics-Curriculum-Model-Lesson-Video-and-Routines-3460274">video</a>.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1st-Grade-Phonics-Curriculum-Model-Lesson-Video-and-Routines-3460274" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="2206" data-pin-description="What if kids could get hands on Science of Reading aligned phonics, but with the ease of digital? Read 4 reasons why I switched to digital phonics!" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaS1c0ipHSDWB98OpBdptFDx0jFfWxDLsZ0t7guU43N6ERoZ2BAVeGsCdgQwrTKSUbc58DwZejmn95jhPGcInYz7i-rsn2m-QMOnmhZHZrtEuowVouDBPe5J6RUox1EQ4boY3HGffV9KKfLJPNpjMsTS_dGskBBy-L2aKifV1k2aQI09LB5556LdxtVBM/w640-h296/Screen%20Shot%202023-07-27%20at%2011.36.09%20AM.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>2. Digital Phonics Means <u>Putting Down Scripts</u></h1>
<p>
If you've been around for a while, you may know my story about getting stuck
in the script and HATING it! I couldn't memorize the script that changed
each day. And I also couldn't read from the script and teach effectively
AND manage my squirrely first graders.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
That's the exact reason I created <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1st-Grade-Phonics-Curriculum-Science-of-Reading-Digital-Phonics-Lessons-3028186?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Why%20Digital%20Phonics%20-%201st%20Bundle" target="_blank">digital phonics</a>. Because I needed to
look up and teach while still being confident that what I was doing was backed by the Science of Reading.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Having prepared slides helped me look up at my kids and focus on teaching them
better.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Each of the slides has a notes section (in normal view) for me to refer to
in case I forget what we are focusing on for that slide.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWz6oRzFOE8yMlUi6PfN8LU57a8ggIRaz2SA9YkGIM6zsqqRa_q_5HXLZhQuGz-xbYcWuswQFXFZUaYk4OnqhSdZNuvTIwYtkN7Nbu_jRpPBohGwsBZvV3cV2Q_Yl5t_ULzYOhGFrtx4NUcs7rGOvxT_phkQYN6an36zwBtWZwPwgOc81fddFz2lt9KGs/s1265/digital%20phonics%20notes%20section.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="What if kids could get hands on Science of Reading aligned phonics, but with the ease of digital? Read 4 reasons why I switched to digital phonics!" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWz6oRzFOE8yMlUi6PfN8LU57a8ggIRaz2SA9YkGIM6zsqqRa_q_5HXLZhQuGz-xbYcWuswQFXFZUaYk4OnqhSdZNuvTIwYtkN7Nbu_jRpPBohGwsBZvV3cV2Q_Yl5t_ULzYOhGFrtx4NUcs7rGOvxT_phkQYN6an36zwBtWZwPwgOc81fddFz2lt9KGs/w640-h360/digital%20phonics%20notes%20section.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
But I rarely had to glance at the notes section after the first week or so
because of reason #3...
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>Digital Phonics Means <u>Consistency</u></h1>
<p>Consistency is HUGE for me.</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
And it's even HUGER for kids (Yes, I know that's not a word.... but it should
be!)
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Consistency in <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1st-Grade-Phonics-Curriculum-Science-of-Reading-Digital-Phonics-Lessons-3028186?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Why%20Digital%20Phonics%20-%201st%20Bundle" target="_blank">digital phonics instruction</a> means that we are doing the same
routine every week, just with a different skill.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Poems will always be introduced on Tuesdays for first graders. And we
will do the same things with them each Tuesday... just with a different poem!
</p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGroVvaMyharmwXs3c8cnuLAHCCzfuZduccy9klsXfqw0QrqHLQZWQMD-eIYYmrArm6lYIdorgeYc8PMccL1SQVFlmfePrtrhZoR7jwGmXlzlQ-nPPm1Mii1cu_ISZ-T_hK3pIwIRsxPrauji5P1s64LIn31WzF0KBFSiTufcg_M1hnswQ6s_eosV5no/s1265/digital%20phonics%20poem%20slide.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="949" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="What if kids could get hands on Science of Reading aligned phonics, but with the ease of digital? Read 4 reasons why I switched to digital phonics!" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGroVvaMyharmwXs3c8cnuLAHCCzfuZduccy9klsXfqw0QrqHLQZWQMD-eIYYmrArm6lYIdorgeYc8PMccL1SQVFlmfePrtrhZoR7jwGmXlzlQ-nPPm1Mii1cu_ISZ-T_hK3pIwIRsxPrauji5P1s64LIn31WzF0KBFSiTufcg_M1hnswQ6s_eosV5no/w522-h391/digital%20phonics%20poem%20slide.jpg" width="522" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
The content changes. The routines do not. And that's where the
magic happens.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Kids have a finite amount of space in their brains to learn. If half of
that space is used up learning new routines every day, then only half of their
brain power is available for actual learning. Actual science of reading
aligned phonics skills.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
<i>Let's pause for a story for a moment. When I interned in
kindergarten, my mentor teacher (whom I LOVED) planned 10 centers every
week. And they were different centers every week. Like we just
found 10 random activities that tied into what we were learning that
week. </i>
</p>
<p>
<i><br /></i>
</p>
<p>
<i>On Mondays before centers began, we spent about 20 minutes showing the kids
how to do all of the centers. And what do you think happened the rest
of the week during centers? We got constant questions on what they
were supposed to do. They couldn't remember. Or it wasn't
blatantly obvious. Or they were absent on Monday. Or they were
spinning circles during directions. Or, or, or... :)</i>
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
That's the problem with inconsistency. And that's exactly why I was
adamant about keeping <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1st-Grade-Phonics-Curriculum-Science-of-Reading-Digital-Phonics-Lessons-3028186?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Why%20Digital%20Phonics%20-%201st%20Bundle" target="_blank">Super Phonics</a> consistent from week to week.
Consistency is one of the things I hear over and over from teachers who use my
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1st-Grade-Phonics-Curriculum-Science-of-Reading-Digital-Phonics-Lessons-3028186?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Why%20Digital%20Phonics%20-%201st%20Bundle" target="_blank">Super Phonics digital curriculum</a>.
</p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthWXbOEcBAhBjrY9CT5d9UrKzgiqIZv3Np99Wj8_wcVbu8JqaemSIgMubPDedJZvnIj5ncuUB20ZceGDJLc9KeTvfgTaeMkpgwV7D-nvrpObN1mIznE8mULcVgCiRbQZKKzB48dvcYla3ogH7snRGv7NQK6BR1Bqc6CACjhNAgnQ_3TGDYGRO3k6OmCY/s1591/digital%20phonics%20feedback.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="1591" data-pin-description="What if kids could get hands on Science of Reading aligned phonics, but with the ease of digital? Read 4 reasons why I switched to digital phonics!" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthWXbOEcBAhBjrY9CT5d9UrKzgiqIZv3Np99Wj8_wcVbu8JqaemSIgMubPDedJZvnIj5ncuUB20ZceGDJLc9KeTvfgTaeMkpgwV7D-nvrpObN1mIznE8mULcVgCiRbQZKKzB48dvcYla3ogH7snRGv7NQK6BR1Bqc6CACjhNAgnQ_3TGDYGRO3k6OmCY/w640-h322/digital%20phonics%20feedback.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>Digital Phonics Means <u>Online Flexibilty</u></h1>
<p>
Anyone heard of a little thing called CoVid? :) Phonics instruction was
unaffected by teachers who were using a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1st-Grade-Phonics-Curriculum-Science-of-Reading-Digital-Phonics-Lessons-3028186?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Why%20Digital%20Phonics%20-%201st%20Bundle">digital phonics curriculum</a>. My
teachers continued to teach Science of Reading aligned phonics over zoom calls and even assigned phonics
lessons for kids to go back and do on their own in Google classroom.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-e4Q0l5e9RU0kP8pXAo3jhwg9N2l1G2iBWxveqnU3Xc51JcK8QxXmBvNLV_IVuPandXaHK9pFB2iTCtpfR8wt--wdslU_kC129-fZB8_5DPr7ZwHII5KVonZcJzQR54CUh-GGMMNWWrwWgPPC-34oCqYRE4zxpc4pSW-005VxjNvc84q_2xTkvqCcR7s/s2866/Screen%20Shot%202023-07-27%20at%2012.15.33%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1494" data-original-width="2866" data-pin-description="What if kids could get hands on Science of Reading aligned phonics, but with the ease of digital? Read 4 reasons why I switched to digital phonics!" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-e4Q0l5e9RU0kP8pXAo3jhwg9N2l1G2iBWxveqnU3Xc51JcK8QxXmBvNLV_IVuPandXaHK9pFB2iTCtpfR8wt--wdslU_kC129-fZB8_5DPr7ZwHII5KVonZcJzQR54CUh-GGMMNWWrwWgPPC-34oCqYRE4zxpc4pSW-005VxjNvc84q_2xTkvqCcR7s/w640-h334/Screen%20Shot%202023-07-27%20at%2012.15.33%20PM.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1st-Grade-Phonics-Curriculum-Science-of-Reading-Digital-Phonics-Lessons-3028186?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Why%20Digital%20Phonics%20-%201st%20Bundle" target="_blank">Super Phonics</a> comes as a PowerPoint download, but it can be uploaded into
Google slides. Some of the automatic timing on the decoding slides is
lost because Google Slides (at the time of this blog post) doesn't yet support
those tools, but it is closely the same.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
If you still aren't sure if digital phonics is the way to go, try it
out! For <b><u><a href="https://mailchi.mp/8e568d2c8f02/freebie" target="_blank">FREE</a></u></b>! Just click the image below to get an entire week of digital phonics
for either kindergarten, first grade or second grade sent straight to your
inbox!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28VcEsB4cxVMZ9qneTFKdzl25P2ydUBbT_aqOPvx3HGzBhPTab-5WjrvFdF-HbKqS_TRIgZSs3tGYhd0EUIO2ZXBTYzxeRJNWuJlDKuGcXo__yHtQZqT7iHbBFQd8bDyNLjizz--SNqOlz87sZIMTyTqCWEauDzJf797hwezrzU9NJRKHQntKbg510_Y/s1455/Email%20Landing%20Page%20Image.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="1455" data-pin-description="What if kids could get hands on Science of Reading aligned phonics, but with the ease of digital? Read 4 reasons why I switched to digital phonics!" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28VcEsB4cxVMZ9qneTFKdzl25P2ydUBbT_aqOPvx3HGzBhPTab-5WjrvFdF-HbKqS_TRIgZSs3tGYhd0EUIO2ZXBTYzxeRJNWuJlDKuGcXo__yHtQZqT7iHbBFQd8bDyNLjizz--SNqOlz87sZIMTyTqCWEauDzJf797hwezrzU9NJRKHQntKbg510_Y/w640-h360/Email%20Landing%20Page%20Image.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Are you confident and ready to jump in with Super Phonics? Grab the
entire year for
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindergarten-Weekly-Phonics-Lessons-and-Digital-Units-for-PowerPoint-BUNDLE-3666043?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Why%20Digital%20Phonics%20-%20K%20Bundle" target="_blank">kindergarten</a>,
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1st-Grade-Phonics-Curriculum-Science-of-Reading-Digital-Phonics-Lessons-3028186?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Why%20Digital%20Phonics%20-%201st%20Bundle" target="_blank">first grade</a>
or
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2nd-Grade-Weekly-Phonics-Lessons-Digital-Units-and-Curriculum-BUNDLE-3741812?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Why%20Digital%20Phonics%20-%202nd%20Bundle" target="_blank">second grade</a>
below.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindergarten-Weekly-Phonics-Lessons-and-Digital-Units-for-PowerPoint-BUNDLE-3666043?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Why%20Digital%20Phonics%20-%20K%20Bundle" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="kindergarten super phonics" border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" data-pin-description="What if kids could get hands on Science of Reading aligned phonics, but with the ease of digital? Read 4 reasons why I switched to digital phonics!" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcm9PUJTMqwwKnsRNidRr3ovgiG96pRS0P6NiiN6EdR2o8Hr7ifVT6ao_qqQx9mlQEjkn1ZIMLmcRTvgZyCpFsfX3q612hbUWv-17AAx4BjjerVAU3oohYBUVVzdBlRbj3pClOtK7h74Cc3rY3M3UwxmdSQ5yKZhj-3FF8_f_vpSlL6yigcNYW2llllY/w320-h320/kindergarten%20digital%20phonics%20SQ.jpeg" title="kindergarten super phonics" width="320" /></a>
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Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986381982136673388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699949251277141058.post-36385059962379024072023-07-20T11:58:00.000-05:002023-07-20T11:58:14.194-05:00What Does a Structured Literacy Block Schedule Look Like?<p>
One of the first things I struggled with when I began my science of reading
journey a few years ago was how to adjust our schedule.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
I knew there were parts of our balanced literacy block that were not science
of reading aligned and had to go. But what should that be replaced
with? My brain works in schedules. I truly believe my brain is one
giant Excel spreadsheet, lol. Spreadsheets are my love language.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Okay, you get it. But seriously. Scheduling is how I make sense of
my day to day world. So, when a big shift happens in how I'm
teaching--hey there, Science of Reading, I go straight to the schedule to
process, and start changing.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Here's a peek at how my literacy block schedule shifted from balanced literacy
to structured literacy.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAemFdOkjHWz2eUi42rNPV9jXYuZM12C8XbIrd9V1aRWWpulbpWVut_hFVlT9mW_zgAjzXTRg8ar0lFkH2SXNmb3cUO8CuF3JwTBPZIjB7AE-bOWhTIwrVuMTiOB-NEwTu7TlE7UVcYr_FDAY5ISloScB2w6D-_2UrQRNKHrd07ZfGv3T8FcM_7DLaWYk/s1265/structured%20literacy%20block%20BLOG.jpg"
imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="843"
data-original-width="1265"
height="426"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAemFdOkjHWz2eUi42rNPV9jXYuZM12C8XbIrd9V1aRWWpulbpWVut_hFVlT9mW_zgAjzXTRg8ar0lFkH2SXNmb3cUO8CuF3JwTBPZIjB7AE-bOWhTIwrVuMTiOB-NEwTu7TlE7UVcYr_FDAY5ISloScB2w6D-_2UrQRNKHrd07ZfGv3T8FcM_7DLaWYk/w640-h426/structured%20literacy%20block%20BLOG.jpg"
data-pin-description="Are you struggling with what structured literacy really looks like? Take a peek at my science of reading aligned literacy block schedule." width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">Goodbye, Familiar Reading</h1>
<p>Hello, morning work!</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
My day always started with familiar reading. Kids came into the
classroom, did their morning chores, and then sat down with their book tubs we
called browsing boxes. It had charts and leveled readers from guided
reading that they would read and reread.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Now, let me be clear. Rereading has it's place. I believe in
it. We still do it. But the problem was that part of what kids
could choose to do when they finished early was read from their browsing
boxes. It was kinda the catch all.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
So our morning time was less quiet reading and more just faking it...or
bopping a friend over the head with an abc chart...
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Instead, we did morning tubs or phonics cut and paste activities for a skill
we learned the day before.
<a
href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Phonics-Sorts-Worksheets-for-First-Grade-7709439?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=SoR%20block%20schedule%20-%20phonics%20sorts"
target="_blank"
>These are my favorite phonics sorts and activities</a
>
for morning work.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCB4mqxSLLSl2Sxx2nvssMLWswT_bHUAGwSVk_kqCIXt-zKtPehUntO5NWbzXrOfA4RBX7ztq2162zRXrxTSPyDCebKmUMO4oPwcWVAlvTe0Dxjn5qL2Hv5tlaTHg8JJ_zTH3fl1Wvae7BRvmI8yQGmmPazIaE6PkKwc_EKfUzrRNmYpYYJDHyhkIsrU/s2689/phonicssort.jpg"
imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="1705"
data-original-width="2689"
height="406"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCB4mqxSLLSl2Sxx2nvssMLWswT_bHUAGwSVk_kqCIXt-zKtPehUntO5NWbzXrOfA4RBX7ztq2162zRXrxTSPyDCebKmUMO4oPwcWVAlvTe0Dxjn5qL2Hv5tlaTHg8JJ_zTH3fl1Wvae7BRvmI8yQGmmPazIaE6PkKwc_EKfUzrRNmYpYYJDHyhkIsrU/w640-h406/phonicssort.jpg"
data-pin-description="Are you struggling with what structured literacy really looks like? Take a peek at my science of reading aligned literacy block schedule." width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<br />
<h1 style="text-align: left;">Goodbye, Calendar</h1>
<p>Hello, Phonemic Awareness and Phonics! </p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Truth time: Calendar wasn't completely gone. When I was in kinder, we
moved the calendar block to our math time. In first grade, it became a
quick morning meeting so we could take about our day and schedule... because,
YES, my firsties had to endure my obsession with schedules! :)
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Phonics wasn't new for me. I had been doing some phonics work in small
groups and a tad at the beginning of the year whole group. But my big
shift was making phonics systematic and a consistent block of time for our
whole group. You can read more about my weekly phonics routine
<b
><a
href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2017/02/weekly-phonics-routine.html"
target="_blank"
>here</a
></b
>
and find the digital curriculum I use
<a
href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1st-Grade-Phonics-Curriculum-Science-of-Reading-Digital-Phonics-Lessons-3028186?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=SoR%20block%20schedule%20-%201st%20phonics"
target="_blank"
><b>here</b></a
>.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1st-Grade-Phonics-Curriculum-Science-of-Reading-Digital-Phonics-Lessons-3028186?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=SoR%20block%20schedule%20-%201st%20phonics"
imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
target="_blank"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="1062"
data-original-width="1062"
height="400"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfimDQ78v8QJtkJiFQwLXGCJqBkhHceeV4LUegtnYH7CerKWwwlURw5ymNCBeRDnyEaeML18nKd4w83Y25rHizB4cmWq6lvxMzq_kN2jFdYs66KSrLFNPqkJeYWZcYKdMqMqN87EQMyOAV38SwXWovK5LiTMuBW5mV5WAGmkZdODZMzxfjGB3VX6_81pE/w400-h400/phonics%20digital%20square.png"
data-pin-description="Are you struggling with what structured literacy really looks like? Take a peek at my science of reading aligned literacy block schedule." width="400"
/></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Phonemic awareness was COMPLETELY new to me. I mean, we learned about it
in college, but I had it in my mind that it was really more prek and
kinder. Not for first grade--and certainly not second grade!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
I use
<a
href="https://heggerty.org/product/primary-phonemic-awareness-curriculum-english-2022-edition/?utm_term=&utm_campaign=pmax&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=8080130874&hsa_cam=11707480065&hsa_grp=&hsa_ad=&hsa_src=x&hsa_tgt=&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gclid=CjwKCAjwtuOlBhBREiwA7agf1vv_kqnH5Si-aKr0wX95Dx-4T1aOAD-LatKytgkBmu_Og81quWLgQhoCECoQAvD_BwE"
target="_blank"
>Heggerty</a
>
for my phonemic awareness curriculum. It's quick. We add TPR and
hand motions to make it fun. It's systematic. And most of all, it
WORKS! So much so, that I've been using it with my 3 year olds to help
with their speech and language delays at home.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbADJU28DAuOKKr_3Vew4ZIFUfNu_Hm75wqvKJkQ8gjk6NqPEReYADJ6jmJ0_E2ErlctnLh1c3_vitF9cUFzp9rs10Z37vhi0-y-WvQnhuQhEdey21iTSK3tEm78H-tVO2qWczNETyGoD4h2dprK_DizD2mNxcFKOnMQy3Xomofu38DR93U6jL9lMsb4/s1410/Screen%20Shot%202023-07-20%20at%2011.16.34%20AM.png"
imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="1404"
data-original-width="1410"
height="399"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbADJU28DAuOKKr_3Vew4ZIFUfNu_Hm75wqvKJkQ8gjk6NqPEReYADJ6jmJ0_E2ErlctnLh1c3_vitF9cUFzp9rs10Z37vhi0-y-WvQnhuQhEdey21iTSK3tEm78H-tVO2qWczNETyGoD4h2dprK_DizD2mNxcFKOnMQy3Xomofu38DR93U6jL9lMsb4/w400-h399/Screen%20Shot%202023-07-20%20at%2011.16.34%20AM.png"
data-pin-description="Are you struggling with what structured literacy really looks like? Take a peek at my science of reading aligned literacy block schedule." width="400"
/></a>
</div>
<br />
<h1 style="text-align: left;">Welcome Back, Read Alouds!</h1>
<p>
The one thing I missed so much is read alouds. Every year, it seemed
like I had less and less time to really read a book to my kids. Sure, we
read a chapter book together at the end of the day. And I squeezed in a
book here and there during transition.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
But a read aloud? A real, genuine, read aloud where we talk about the
book, and work on comprehension together and do some related activies?
That was missing because there just wasn't time.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
And I told myself it was fine because they were getting some of that in guided
reading.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>But y'all, those leveled guided readers were NOT read aloud quality.</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
With structured literacy, we are focusing on oral comprehension in K-2 and
that means READ ALOUDS! I love using the same book for several days or
an entire week with a different focus. One of our focus days was always
Tier 2 vocabulary. You can read about those routines
<a
href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2020/08/tier-2-vocabulary-routines.html"
target="_blank"
><b>here</b></a
>
and find a
<a
href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Tier-2-Vocabulary-FREE-Activities-for-If-You-Give-A-Moose-A-Muffin-6041694?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=SoR%20block%20schedule%20-%20tier%202%20free"
target="_blank"
><b>free sample of the lessons and activities I use here.</b></a
>
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1GpjxD-AUSgcLEdD1Bhmyi4VdMf_0x3G0e36nJXRNK-dGT87Cu6C6yhqBHwNpNc0qS5DxT5gTkBW9FJkVyeus3pUqHUcq1AGdHXRZ0jIrDfL7g1JmW0ycsor7CHQAy21z0cTp91NzdQpWAL4u8C-q9xu1o76nUL_9IjpRmTicqG0E6bgwZ2ksQhx03I/s3024/thunder%20cake.jpg"
imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3024"
data-original-width="3024"
height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1GpjxD-AUSgcLEdD1Bhmyi4VdMf_0x3G0e36nJXRNK-dGT87Cu6C6yhqBHwNpNc0qS5DxT5gTkBW9FJkVyeus3pUqHUcq1AGdHXRZ0jIrDfL7g1JmW0ycsor7CHQAy21z0cTp91NzdQpWAL4u8C-q9xu1o76nUL_9IjpRmTicqG0E6bgwZ2ksQhx03I/w640-h640/thunder%20cake.jpg"
data-pin-description="Are you struggling with what structured literacy really looks like? Take a peek at my science of reading aligned literacy block schedule." width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<br />
<p>
Our writing is now connected with our read aloud and oral comprehension
work. We write about what we read. On vocabulary days, we write
about our vocab words. On retelling days, we write to retell a
story.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
It's so much more connected to our learning and meaningful for our kids.
Not to mention, they know EXACTLY what to write about instead of trying to
constantly come up with an idea to write about. :)
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">Goodbye, Guided Reading</h1>
<p>
This is such a HUGE shift, that it got its own blog post a while back.
So, if you want all the juicy details from an EX guided reading mega fan, the
read here.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
I also, go over in detail what I replaced it with. Because small groups
aren't going anywhere in my classroom. I'm a firm believer in
that. We just had to work hard to figure out what that was going to look
like.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
And it looks more skill based, intervention focused, faster, and wayyyyyy more
flexible.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Yes, I still do centers during small group time.
<b
><a
href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2020/08/tier-2-vocabulary-routines.html"
target="_blank"
>This is the bundle of centers</a
></b
>
I used for kindergarten. (There are plenty of free samples linked in
there for you to try out too!)
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2020/08/tier-2-vocabulary-routines.html"
imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
target="_blank"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="1181"
data-original-width="1575"
height="480"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwbf19UoDqCwU86cNXt8rOav8-bbyiHUvfEcrbCeOASchiW3H2NvjhiilLs7sbPMcOkm4y5452W7TXMrF2_PCH4b4f3VtyEakrVN5OUhCzg0piflNPJiSeT22I65A3PWUcF015JgEnE8LN_gFqQ6s2_fSHxNoSkfgvH65Qv07ofN3Kz-zZecvcF-MhVY/w640-h480/September%20Phonics.png"
data-pin-description="Are you struggling with what structured literacy really looks like? Take a peek at my science of reading aligned literacy block schedule." width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
I pulled small groups during this time, but also during our morning work
time. Because the skill groups are so focused and fast, it's easy to
squeeze in a small group during any part of the day when kids are working
independently.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">The Actual Schedule</h1>
<div>
Here's a look at how it all comes together and what the differences look
like...
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>In a spreadsheet, no less! :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgIfOLVH4aCGkVl5FKMGhZr93Z00fP4hvNxdTp8cRt4MY31lHkQYm_OdPbhQIgc9Wip61DMqi6yZEd4lj66NILnOii9aQahq4W65qqIsdJTm7Vu81RbDHoJla-cx6AsMu1YB24njZVIDYizurVPLVikT7mTOFCBdSaOr6WjziKcEjaAJilfp6n5NyR9w/s1202/Screen%20Shot%202023-07-20%20at%2010.54.53%20AM.png"
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data-pin-description="Are you struggling with what structured literacy really looks like? Take a peek at my science of reading aligned literacy block schedule." width="636"
/></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgks9QgJrZRpv7FDnGiKcPrNvWRzUfj1tnf2KynXBXFaYUld3YFbIwYl_t-hZelKU3zJG7NgUwev6YY0nilLRBzfn58ykw_JnozMewQjoK8T1KzWPX03hOyePoexEMHt0o0KBvITeX3j9QmNLN1i9h9MiQmP-zqJP2bC7xSP90fANUdwsgxMDs7cW9sXlo/s1898/structured%20literacy%20block%20PIN.jpg"
imageanchor="1"
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><img
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data-pin-description="Are you struggling with what structured literacy really looks like? Take a peek at my science of reading aligned literacy block schedule." width="266"
/></a>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986381982136673388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699949251277141058.post-56558586461548321362023-07-13T14:20:00.001-05:002023-07-13T14:20:27.506-05:00How To Plan A Curriculum Unit in 4 Simple Steps with this FREE Template<p>One of my favorite teacher things to do is curriculum unit planning.</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Now, before you roll your eyes, close the tab and go back to Instagram Reels,
don't panic. And listen for just a minute.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
I'm a planner. I'm a control freak. I like to know what's
coming. And I think that's exactly why as soon as I got a teaching job,
I was planning out what curriculum units I might teach during my first year
teaching first grade.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
But it's not just about me. Kids need structure and organization to
their learning. When we just teach a string of random lessons, it's less
effective for kids because they are having to do all of the extra work on how
to process and remember that random information.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
When we organize the lessons into big ideas or units, it serves as a brain
filing system for kids. Now they know exactly how to organize their new
learning and where to find it in their brain when they need it. Think of
it like a learning anchor... similar to anchor charts.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
I know you may still have a racing heart and be ready to bolt, but writing
units doesn't have to be that hard. I have written over 100 units for
Science, math, integrated literacy and content units, and Bible
units.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
And I'm not gonna pretend like it's always a walk in the park, but there are 4
simple steps that I follow every time that makes curriculum unit planning simple,
effective and FUN! I promise you CAN do it.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pWYzbUjDPXRrgftMF3SvSZuuVpfCOwFZUrA5pRybdGsB4eQgLqI2Y1sFux01MpFmC7-LfmZCP_m9RLUyhFsP03w_T7Rb_1xodDR0WgEm5HDrGiL3i3wINm72Sin6f-S_zSTqyuumnCrpz8guyXZeMB5etV_GhlNgRykJ6r5jeA5Uajo8XRSMeGJY9YA/s1265/curriculum%20unit%20planning%20BLOG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Planning a curriculum unit doesn't have to be scary. Use this FREE template to plan your next curriculum unit in 4 simple steps." height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pWYzbUjDPXRrgftMF3SvSZuuVpfCOwFZUrA5pRybdGsB4eQgLqI2Y1sFux01MpFmC7-LfmZCP_m9RLUyhFsP03w_T7Rb_1xodDR0WgEm5HDrGiL3i3wINm72Sin6f-S_zSTqyuumnCrpz8guyXZeMB5etV_GhlNgRykJ6r5jeA5Uajo8XRSMeGJY9YA/w640-h426/curriculum%20unit%20planning%20BLOG.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
<i>(Psst. Feeling stuck with the boring units your district has written
for you or are included in your textbooks? You can totally use this
process to elevate the existing units and make it work even better for you
and your students while still "following" the district outline.)</i>
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">Write Your Big Idea</h1>
<p>The first step is writing your big idea. What's the big idea? </p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
See what I did there? A big idea is the main understanding or take away
that kids must understand by the end of the unit. It's the
umbrella. It's the overarching idea.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqg3QK5MoeOvyYSF95SoiUG6H84t-0pN8NOjoiQHLUxZsrQ1-DLZtU0tamyGzo08Nm7PZ34jr0mJD1Zf4paPtqVf_adrm3unSucaLr8OqHDYxnswoO03x3mV9WijOAj0E_xzy1jUBOzZjsP7dIDTs2vwNYAdqoRbft3bVuMptI7IEtdRLFCYUE36Lu1JA/s1645/Slide1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1645" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Planning a curriculum unit doesn't have to be scary. Use this FREE template to plan your next curriculum unit in 4 simple steps." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqg3QK5MoeOvyYSF95SoiUG6H84t-0pN8NOjoiQHLUxZsrQ1-DLZtU0tamyGzo08Nm7PZ34jr0mJD1Zf4paPtqVf_adrm3unSucaLr8OqHDYxnswoO03x3mV9WijOAj0E_xzy1jUBOzZjsP7dIDTs2vwNYAdqoRbft3bVuMptI7IEtdRLFCYUE36Lu1JA/w492-h640/Slide1.jpeg" width="492" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<p>
It's not just a student objective. Instead of, "The students will be
able to count to 120," it's, <b>"Counting to 120 is useful."</b>
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Instead of, "The students will be able to read and comprehend CVC words,"
it's, <b>"Authors write to tell stories."</b>
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Instead of, "The students will be able to name characteristics of birds,"
it's, <b>"The survival needs of animals determine their characteristics."</b>
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
The big idea zooms out a bit so that it can be connected to multiple topics,
standards, objectives, and even subjects!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Still struggling with writing a big idea? Here are a few tips...</p>
<p></p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>
Don't use TSW (The students will) like you learned in college for writing
objectives.2
</li>
<li>
Write it like you are writing the topic sentence for an expository or
opinion writing essay so that it has multiple supporting points available.
</li>
<li>
Brainstorm and list key words or phrases (like community, rights,
responsibilities). Then write a sentence using as many of those as
possible (Individuals within a community share rights and responsibilities).
</li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Our big idea was posted on a huge bulletin board in my first grade
classroom. This was one of my first bulletin boards I had made when I
started teaching. Because organizing the lessons for my kids was top
priority.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
This is the first big idea board I had (so excuse the ancient picture).
I taught in an IB school so we were required to include some IB lingo with
it. But we made it work for us too! :)
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxMGnQ1c7EeKSjXtLafx2CmouyDszkSfThOmd6S9Df9TNYJ61iUMkmeklVbXAQ9zzPp4Q0vA6r7hzvX7mn6GHhIdNmwwqPZw9LDyaex-YVY0c52REaLhdDNr7JH4Yp-20MAnqbKvHtHatBxtq2KYced0mwFt2KvdcBQtweWFj10p02--HSjDPuRACii8/s1354/big%20idea%20old%20bulletin.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1354" data-original-width="1297" data-pin-description="Planning a curriculum unit doesn't have to be scary. Use this FREE template to plan your next curriculum unit in 4 simple steps." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxMGnQ1c7EeKSjXtLafx2CmouyDszkSfThOmd6S9Df9TNYJ61iUMkmeklVbXAQ9zzPp4Q0vA6r7hzvX7mn6GHhIdNmwwqPZw9LDyaex-YVY0c52REaLhdDNr7JH4Yp-20MAnqbKvHtHatBxtq2KYced0mwFt2KvdcBQtweWFj10p02--HSjDPuRACii8/w614-h640/big%20idea%20old%20bulletin.png" width="614" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<p>
Here is the next big idea board I used in a new school, new classroom.
With wayyyyy less bulletin board space. I used the chalkboard to post
our big idea quote on.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYogSwCPhPQkNyRv7E2bUsR2qoysRg6O5e1wMa-pxmglldTZKeATFxFMOHMKeb0x19hquE5AzfiIQ5_9BrS7hRmi3UShoSneAR-ka-RZv455NucsE1x0nul9xGpVd7xp1pO9BUarKgkGKAR1hIjuUWkj6r6AHPiT45_B5j69r8HAGg2Gv9G8GVFhxMt0/s1504/big%20idea%20board.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1504" data-original-width="1500" data-pin-description="Planning a curriculum unit doesn't have to be scary. Use this FREE template to plan your next curriculum unit in 4 simple steps." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYogSwCPhPQkNyRv7E2bUsR2qoysRg6O5e1wMa-pxmglldTZKeATFxFMOHMKeb0x19hquE5AzfiIQ5_9BrS7hRmi3UShoSneAR-ka-RZv455NucsE1x0nul9xGpVd7xp1pO9BUarKgkGKAR1hIjuUWkj6r6AHPiT45_B5j69r8HAGg2Gv9G8GVFhxMt0/w638-h640/big%20idea%20board.png" width="638" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
And when I homeschooled my second grader, I included our big idea in our
learning space as well so we could constantly refer back to it and make
connections.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAoqHWHG1azuD4XW_Gx7Jc19ma1sRwqlNEvEAVwAO2QAClzgqKBnvsKQGQB-0IBFgu1zpRsa9cdMdNyuRRIeBSILQdx1pyP5V29CDRV96eA2Qi-ElBtOwo7GKrqrbZ_vJEtntwheL5HwIF8L62QzGTOjytWvvuEBiexCJBD1Vr0tXu-tzpBotuycsLAk/s2164/lego%20big%20idea.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1041" data-original-width="2164" data-pin-description="Planning a curriculum unit doesn't have to be scary. Use this FREE template to plan your next curriculum unit in 4 simple steps." height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAoqHWHG1azuD4XW_Gx7Jc19ma1sRwqlNEvEAVwAO2QAClzgqKBnvsKQGQB-0IBFgu1zpRsa9cdMdNyuRRIeBSILQdx1pyP5V29CDRV96eA2Qi-ElBtOwo7GKrqrbZ_vJEtntwheL5HwIF8L62QzGTOjytWvvuEBiexCJBD1Vr0tXu-tzpBotuycsLAk/w640-h308/lego%20big%20idea.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<h1>Plan Your Essential Questions</h1>
<p>
Once you have your big idea, you are ready for your essential questions.
An essential question is just what it sounds like... a goal that is essential
for kids to understand2 the big idea... in question form!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
If we go back to the umbrella strategy, the essential questions (EQ) are the
supports for the umbrella.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11vWT6XFRIEMp-5IONO_RUeBdPVVjYoG-BfmZMer4fTsZFYwDZNBDEgbh2jrwRKVE93hsl2cSYAxk6SwE5eIdLX9_o6YqEJ9v62i3TzU0OtLt8nUSgD-HRdrI8klARFHRitnJrmHguYOeVapARjmFnWKC2dECF329SVOH8BHJHj6hajP9SnHkVKn0hHg/s1645/Slide2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1645" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Planning a curriculum unit doesn't have to be scary. Use this FREE template to plan your next curriculum unit in 4 simple steps." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11vWT6XFRIEMp-5IONO_RUeBdPVVjYoG-BfmZMer4fTsZFYwDZNBDEgbh2jrwRKVE93hsl2cSYAxk6SwE5eIdLX9_o6YqEJ9v62i3TzU0OtLt8nUSgD-HRdrI8klARFHRitnJrmHguYOeVapARjmFnWKC2dECF329SVOH8BHJHj6hajP9SnHkVKn0hHg/w492-h640/Slide2.jpeg" width="492" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<p>
They still are NOT learning goals. They are a little bigger. And
they must connect to the big idea.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
A unit can have anywhere from 2-4 essential questions. They can have
more, but I find that keeping it to 2, 3 or 4 is much easier for the younger
kids to manage.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
If I go back to the big idea example I used from my
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1st-Grade-Back-to-School-Activities-and-Thematic-Unit-on-Good-Citizenship-1253717?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Write%20A%20Unit%20-%20CC%20Unit%201" target="_blank">first integrated unit</a>, the big idea was, "Individuals in a community have rights and
responsibilities."
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>The essential questions for this unit are...</p>
<p></p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>What is a community?</li>
<li>What are my rights and responsibilities?</li>
<li>Who is part of our school community?</li>
<li>What makes our learning community successful?</li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixD-C0X_qc0ISrrTqaFL7ogRXPrkgth0EzNsjA6UdcKgINbikO3jcG7ZTXCpEhZHMAhDOplGhQY7kotud-VBSr8LlAYo103FAYn5fDuXGwOMGhu-v6e_Ru7ElC9Ow85V9OuBxVIzwpTO5epxsMAvQ8v_LlSxSFqHw4g44xl5Ipv2fUX4eYY2_AWXYh7Og/s1645/Big%20Idea%20Umbrella%20Example.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1645" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Planning a curriculum unit doesn't have to be scary. Use this FREE template to plan your next curriculum unit in 4 simple steps." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixD-C0X_qc0ISrrTqaFL7ogRXPrkgth0EzNsjA6UdcKgINbikO3jcG7ZTXCpEhZHMAhDOplGhQY7kotud-VBSr8LlAYo103FAYn5fDuXGwOMGhu-v6e_Ru7ElC9Ow85V9OuBxVIzwpTO5epxsMAvQ8v_LlSxSFqHw4g44xl5Ipv2fUX4eYY2_AWXYh7Og/w492-h640/Big%20Idea%20Umbrella%20Example.jpg" width="492" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Your essential questions need to be smaller in scope than your big idea, but
bigger than an individual lesson. Typically, we work on an essential
question for a week or two.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
And you may notice from the umbrella example above that the essential
questions are listed in the order they will be taught and there is a natural
progression of learning happening.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>Sort Your Standards Into the Essential Questions</h1>
<p>
Now you will want to use your district's pacing guide or your own pacing to
decide which standards fall under which essential question.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
For
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1st-Grade-Back-to-School-Activities-and-Thematic-Unit-on-Good-Citizenship-1253717?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Write%20A%20Unit%20-%20CC%20Unit%201" target="_blank">this integrated social studies and literacy unit</a>, I added the Social Studies standards for each essential question.
Then, I looked through our literacy standards for the first quarter and chose
standards that would support the essential question and help develop those
social studies ideas.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
So, for the essential question, "Who is part of our school community?" I will
add reading and writing standards for informational writing and reading.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Getting the standards set in place first ensures that I have my standards in
mind when I am planning lessons. Instead of just forcing the standards
to fit into lessons I want to teach and possibly leaving out standards.
</p>
<p> </p>
<h1>Set Your Daily Goals and Lessons</h1>
<p>
After writing your big idea, listing your essential questions and sorting your
standards, you are ready for the "fun" part.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Writing your goals, lessons, and activities. When I'm in this initial
unit planning phase, I am just listing the activities or goals or lessons that
will help kids fulling answer and understand the essential question.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>And, of course, tie back to the big idea. </p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
But I'm not writing detailed lesson scripts. It's basically like I'm
jotting notes down to myself so that when I get to that week and start
planning, I'll remember what I was thinking and can elaborate then.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
In our umbrella example, this is the raindrop phase of planning!
:)
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0Z_8Zjp8qXOj4-rhi-gMjdHh5porcwfB7LnyBV8K3jgI2fDY5LV09qj9ps7nmyySkBZ0NlFbv6oGW5_SyQf74Aysp1njYTMiZs8z9WShGAELDhUGyp_LH6SbEmDQpT44OyVvJGfkqmIxSqs3Mun8V3wJMvbN_EYaZqHBPIdLWG37pBoFavNxZx9aPM0/s1645/Slide3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1645" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Planning a curriculum unit doesn't have to be scary. Use this FREE template to plan your next curriculum unit in 4 simple steps." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0Z_8Zjp8qXOj4-rhi-gMjdHh5porcwfB7LnyBV8K3jgI2fDY5LV09qj9ps7nmyySkBZ0NlFbv6oGW5_SyQf74Aysp1njYTMiZs8z9WShGAELDhUGyp_LH6SbEmDQpT44OyVvJGfkqmIxSqs3Mun8V3wJMvbN_EYaZqHBPIdLWG37pBoFavNxZx9aPM0/w492-h640/Slide3.jpeg" width="492" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<p>
And, no, there doesn't have to be exactly 3 activities for each essential
question. I just love symmetry, lol!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
For our
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1st-Grade-Back-to-School-Activities-and-Thematic-Unit-on-Good-Citizenship-1253717?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Write%20A%20Unit%20-%20CC%20Unit%201" target="_blank">beginning of the year integrated unit</a>, it would look some like this...
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPRQt-MPtv1Roynz79RjOrrsTNf27WQQ6Wk2cWoUT7hKo9iUjxwasTECBvBRsSQ0tWnB7xxByeRiUEeMGfNT-AHHTOMogYoCBPTZrEd2DVL6kvewFamwpxkeHRloVpDv93e1eCtYx6W8RYcdF91z4pDFNQ1dGabnrfFaUdpa8FQA6ggqyZXw9mMFKPtQ/s1645/Big%20Idea%20Umbrella%20Example.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1645" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Planning a curriculum unit doesn't have to be scary. Use this FREE template to plan your next curriculum unit in 4 simple steps." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPRQt-MPtv1Roynz79RjOrrsTNf27WQQ6Wk2cWoUT7hKo9iUjxwasTECBvBRsSQ0tWnB7xxByeRiUEeMGfNT-AHHTOMogYoCBPTZrEd2DVL6kvewFamwpxkeHRloVpDv93e1eCtYx6W8RYcdF91z4pDFNQ1dGabnrfFaUdpa8FQA6ggqyZXw9mMFKPtQ/w492-h640/Big%20Idea%20Umbrella%20Example.jpg" width="492" /></a>
</div>
<div><br /></div>
Now, I have my unit at a glance planned and I can add this plan to my lesson
planning file or folder to have handy when I am planning. Here's a
<a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1xGAadHyF7C9tW0836YtbFgEsnqafMVQzDxrwq_etlDw/copy" target="_blank">FREE digital template</a>
in color and black and white for you to use to plan your curriculum unit.
<div><br /></div>
<div>
This unit I used in my example can be found
<b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1st-Grade-Back-to-School-Activities-and-Thematic-Unit-on-Good-Citizenship-1253717?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Write%20A%20Unit%20-%20CC%20Unit%201" target="_blank">here</a></b>
and I've already done the detailed daily planning for you and included all the
print and digital materials you need! :)
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
And if you need help pacing out your standards or just want to take a peek at
what my entire year looks like, check out
<b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Pacing-Guides-For-First-Grade-with-Scope-and-Sequence-Google-Slides-Templates-2318447?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Write%20A%20Unit%20-%20Pacing%20Guide" target="_blank">this first grade pacing guide</a></b>
that also comes with digital templates to make your own!
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Pacing-Guides-For-First-Grade-with-Scope-and-Sequence-Google-Slides-Templates-2318447?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Write%20A%20Unit%20-%20Pacing%20Guide" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" data-pin-description="Planning a curriculum unit doesn't have to be scary. Use this FREE template to plan your next curriculum unit in 4 simple steps." height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVeuXFE5mL90IrahL8PWO-Ed03mRNhlJVXE-IVwb4QeopG6LJf-l1sAN1tReMIAgjs53ZMkkxEkjc2wxYJkY_Z28TFufwBGWSd7dB1DGwYbruxKAG-UQAJSmQxUifecCII-cGmp_4W0hrSXxMIMLvJnmwqJ73X70E0bZygt4IIwEqUoMjSNiOmE6U1Fc/w400-h400/pacing%20guide.jpeg" width="400" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dcfSe_z3BMbDMFS7GmkicX0C0aLyzup3V_EWCr5Ha_i7vgIS8ZGRipZyXs7mGmPTDHDArGauD1pjv-h9YA-tzYaDEjJaLYqZELtAwlPenN-Uuv1IZPy7hd0ErqR_3h5Jcg5kNIVc4mONcJv7xiF2OgrGQjQKWkupH8UplPqedUah2KOIno4a3Y44U14/s1898/curriculum%20unit%20planning%20PIN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1898" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Planning a curriculum unit doesn't have to be scary. Use this FREE template to plan your next curriculum unit in 4 simple steps." height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dcfSe_z3BMbDMFS7GmkicX0C0aLyzup3V_EWCr5Ha_i7vgIS8ZGRipZyXs7mGmPTDHDArGauD1pjv-h9YA-tzYaDEjJaLYqZELtAwlPenN-Uuv1IZPy7hd0ErqR_3h5Jcg5kNIVc4mONcJv7xiF2OgrGQjQKWkupH8UplPqedUah2KOIno4a3Y44U14/w266-h400/curriculum%20unit%20planning%20PIN.jpg" width="266" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986381982136673388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699949251277141058.post-54390656194198470792023-07-07T14:15:00.003-05:002023-07-07T14:15:35.626-05:003 Eye Catching Bulletin Boards For Back To School<p>
I love looking for fresh classroom decor ideas! And a new back to school
bulletin board is one of the easiest ways to make my classroom look new and
fresh without a whole lot of effort.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Here are 3 of my favorite bulletin boards for back to school or any time of
the school year!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRF0jr94Eba2mEY3J0G8Bqz_xvBPAZ_SybPGgIH2_tL1DfAR0D0TJQIbZrb4cKUr2PVHmNpWb7ZYoPzeRdJoh9BiGBpupEHy6ESy00xPO9jzkSvOFv1f0vF37Hw2uvRLbCfe6puBUL8jnjtz9Z7cHr_RHTTSpZluaFtw2Y6Jvx2kv2OyLFbX0FY_j9pU/s1265/back%20to%20school%20bulletin%20boards%20blog.jpg"
imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="843"
data-original-width="1265"
height="426"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRF0jr94Eba2mEY3J0G8Bqz_xvBPAZ_SybPGgIH2_tL1DfAR0D0TJQIbZrb4cKUr2PVHmNpWb7ZYoPzeRdJoh9BiGBpupEHy6ESy00xPO9jzkSvOFv1f0vF37Hw2uvRLbCfe6puBUL8jnjtz9Z7cHr_RHTTSpZluaFtw2Y6Jvx2kv2OyLFbX0FY_j9pU/w640-h426/back%20to%20school%20bulletin%20boards%20blog.jpg"
data-pin-description="I love creating new bulletin boards for back to school. And I'm always looking for ones that are easy, but eye catching! Here are 3 of my favorites!" width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">Lego Bulletin Board</h1>
<p>
When my oldest was in 2nd grade, we homeschooled because....Covid. And
he was (and still is) obsessed with legos.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
So it only made sense to do a lego themed classroom and bulletin board.
This lego bulletin board was quick and easy to make and made a huge visual
impact in our space!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
I covered the bulletin board in black fabric. Then I used Mega blocks
and hot glued them around the edge of the bulletin.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
After that, I used our board to attach all of our anchor charts as we made
them. It made the perfect learning board! You can read more
details about how I created our homeschool space
<b
><a
href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2020/08/lego-classroom-decor.html"
target="_blank"
>here</a
></b
>.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRg94F4IMbcz_iac8hd49uyn_qaV5S4kKoln6od1nfMTKJYTCJQNj0PJ2oGEMWFv1w5nO-70LmUbB0TRV2xrVDslujy-62U0l6WHwKQvXaOyD3Ox_7OsDrA-Nbqv4X0IZAtQE5_HL86nbC-kfEQfVdzwSQRVvmbV1wja7reY2DpecaSf8oMMBwcJNb_rk/s1620/lego%20board%20desk%20space.JPG"
imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="1620"
data-original-width="1080"
height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRg94F4IMbcz_iac8hd49uyn_qaV5S4kKoln6od1nfMTKJYTCJQNj0PJ2oGEMWFv1w5nO-70LmUbB0TRV2xrVDslujy-62U0l6WHwKQvXaOyD3Ox_7OsDrA-Nbqv4X0IZAtQE5_HL86nbC-kfEQfVdzwSQRVvmbV1wja7reY2DpecaSf8oMMBwcJNb_rk/w426-h640/lego%20board%20desk%20space.JPG"
data-pin-description="I love creating new bulletin boards for back to school. And I'm always looking for ones that are easy, but eye catching! Here are 3 of my favorites!" width="426"
/></a>
</div>
<br />
<p>
<b
><a
href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Building-Blocks-Bulletin-Board-Set-with-Bible-Verse-or-General-Wording-5820387?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Bulletin%20Board%20Roundup%20-%20Lego"
>This bulletin board</a
></b
>
also worked great for adding some inspirational quotes as well! Grab
this set to make your own
<b
><a
href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Building-Blocks-Bulletin-Board-Set-with-Bible-Verse-or-General-Wording-5820387?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Bulletin%20Board%20Roundup%20-%20Lego"
target="_blank"
>here</a
></b
>.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Building-Blocks-Bulletin-Board-Set-with-Bible-Verse-or-General-Wording-5820387?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Bulletin%20Board%20Roundup%20-%20Lego"
imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
target="_blank"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="1046"
data-original-width="1170"
height="572"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_ib4NlTWVQ-mW0KaAAKPVKvwrsnNpzAl2gfSNvE6iNIef4aqu18Py7z2q4Scr4_62HKFQ16rUiyKep-hd507q7oNfc57uN2ZnsJE8oRwrT7YFzBhp0poPHt3QWz3vBMnQ8bSAHk3Esb73f7lxqGPOm0NPoTIhEsKnjjNRjkqasp8yn_eGrM-7rKa_Vg/w640-h572/lego%20bulletin%20board.jpeg"
data-pin-description="I love creating new bulletin boards for back to school. And I'm always looking for ones that are easy, but eye catching! Here are 3 of my favorites!" width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>Paintbrush Bulletin Board</h1>
<p>
Another one of my favorite back to school bulletin boards is this paintbrush
bulletin board. I made this bulletin for my preschool Sunday School
class and it stayed up for several years because it looked so stinkin
cute!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>I started with a black fabric background again because....easy! :)</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Then, I got paint swatches for the border. This was back when teachers
were using paint swatches for all the things because they were free and super
cute. I think most paint stores figured out what was happening and don't
offer them like this anymore. But I have
<b><a href="https://amzn.to/3rlhe1i" target="_blank">this border</a></b> that
I've also used that has the same effect!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMPeNklBGTwXzfW9ohmb-j0IJMhvBDEUjx-Js6eQcHO3Tp5_KKac4RVfColqIcSTODWV4w1x4WOpi_ziQmtSlvE-MxKB7gFCXLHFt9ExQyzIXMEU91FUtNJ_WLFXyNrY3j_ctGS2Ejah6DGAIZ9FJv-NKz6Z_1P9rj1CDhHe98v5yGPIJ_1mayBlsXeY/s1967/Slide2.jpg"
imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="1967"
data-original-width="1499"
height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMPeNklBGTwXzfW9ohmb-j0IJMhvBDEUjx-Js6eQcHO3Tp5_KKac4RVfColqIcSTODWV4w1x4WOpi_ziQmtSlvE-MxKB7gFCXLHFt9ExQyzIXMEU91FUtNJ_WLFXyNrY3j_ctGS2Ejah6DGAIZ9FJv-NKz6Z_1P9rj1CDhHe98v5yGPIJ_1mayBlsXeY/w488-h640/Slide2.jpg"
data-pin-description="I love creating new bulletin boards for back to school. And I'm always looking for ones that are easy, but eye catching! Here are 3 of my favorites!" width="488"
/></a>
</div>
<br />
<p>
Then, I made the paintbrush and added the lettering. You can find
detailed directions on how I made the paintbrush
<b
><a
href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2018/07/paintbrush-bulletin-board.html"
target="_blank"
>here</a
></b
>. I love how gigantic it is, but don't be scared. It's really
pretty easy and can be done in about 30 minutes or so.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEQUwDYioc4VQkXVqU-B21m7pUq1-dQmDEogI1LyAneX_4SxjMq7KGs5JETvS8Bj7J_Cq1D8FMg9k_lUAzRlDG-QKaIzFTRgQGMBs6gjJnCQS9TCkMdIMLA2FUpQ45HkLOpadNuht1s5a8F3EnMLvyu7Vrrir0SQNZHy09m3iSTjOntF27g-lGLdRHo0/s1967/Slide1.jpg"
imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="1967"
data-original-width="1499"
height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEQUwDYioc4VQkXVqU-B21m7pUq1-dQmDEogI1LyAneX_4SxjMq7KGs5JETvS8Bj7J_Cq1D8FMg9k_lUAzRlDG-QKaIzFTRgQGMBs6gjJnCQS9TCkMdIMLA2FUpQ45HkLOpadNuht1s5a8F3EnMLvyu7Vrrir0SQNZHy09m3iSTjOntF27g-lGLdRHo0/w488-h640/Slide1.jpg"
data-pin-description="I love creating new bulletin boards for back to school. And I'm always looking for ones that are easy, but eye catching! Here are 3 of my favorites!" width="488"
/></a>
</div>
<br />
<p>
I used this for my Christian education space, but
<a
href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hallway-Bulletin-Board-Letters-with-a-Masterpiece-Paintbrush-Theme-3947206?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Bulletin%20Board%20Roundup%20-%20Masterpiece"
target="_blank"
><b>this set of bulletin board letters</b></a
>
comes with general education wording as well so it can be used in so many
places!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hallway-Bulletin-Board-Letters-with-a-Masterpiece-Paintbrush-Theme-3947206?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Bulletin%20Board%20Roundup%20-%20Masterpiece"
imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3024"
data-original-width="3024"
height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2x2QJO-IZnNkd8Milkx7T1oBb49RtSdkOUf4Iirl-AI28J6FcMlQ6s-7jNByz4FAHaNdddtaDFve1WrmapMn1N349NIruih5kfKR32KXB4Jnh0585J7nJ71AHRvtFuHBNoLf4JCGZzCMuGrinrgMl2yFNc4r8LUbTVfED04pshb_JjwhApi-85RoQ1I/w640-h640/IMG_0467.jpg"
data-pin-description="I love creating new bulletin boards for back to school. And I'm always looking for ones that are easy, but eye catching! Here are 3 of my favorites!" width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>Good Fruits Bulletin Board</h1>
<p>
This last bulletin board is another colorful and eye catching one! It's
another great back to school bulletin board and interactive too!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
I love using this one as a Fruit of the Spirit bulletin board for Sunday
School to encourage those traits. But it also works well in public school for
character education because it comes with apples to add to the tree as kids
are showing that good character trait or fruit.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJatroLfjuUqKZ7C49aewAf8LQRFKOhMvt1TfDXg21i5QFZP65dnxh-lidBD9x1Szlxrdr_fObVujFFYe37F8weY2fD2Bdfy-rIVtBhiwDvcFLbyncTJPow2eAL00rcvE_ASuLZj1QXhF0sOTrx94ykoEmIjcL9G-d8STqeUXqCJtiN-r9e53N4S1-2k/s4032/fruit%20of%20the%20spirit%20upclose%20apple.HEIC"
imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="4032"
data-original-width="3024"
height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJatroLfjuUqKZ7C49aewAf8LQRFKOhMvt1TfDXg21i5QFZP65dnxh-lidBD9x1Szlxrdr_fObVujFFYe37F8weY2fD2Bdfy-rIVtBhiwDvcFLbyncTJPow2eAL00rcvE_ASuLZj1QXhF0sOTrx94ykoEmIjcL9G-d8STqeUXqCJtiN-r9e53N4S1-2k/w480-h640/fruit%20of%20the%20spirit%20upclose%20apple.HEIC"
data-pin-description="I love creating new bulletin boards for back to school. And I'm always looking for ones that are easy, but eye catching! Here are 3 of my favorites!" width="480"
/></a>
</div>
<br />
<p>
You can find the set of bulletin board letters with 26 character traits
included
<b
><a
href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hallway-Bulletin-Board-Set-with-a-Fruits-of-the-Spirit-Theme-8375330?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Bulletin%20Board%20Roundup%20-%20Fruits"
target="_blank"
>here</a
></b
>.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hallway-Bulletin-Board-Set-with-a-Fruits-of-the-Spirit-Theme-8375330?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Bulletin%20Board%20Roundup%20-%20Fruits"
imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
target="_blank"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3024"
data-original-width="4032"
height="480"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9SjZII4YPp9vXEJhIo22n4MDYtXneP1tDwNWyrA8RHYko4LLi5LlnScigbn16vaEQ-vplIy0ACsu5JTqoCy-SbURGopnG-0cI2h331yiQbwPB6GA3VY3pgeuQJa4_ve0DS7sTzpzeSPf2Jp8WmeBGjIQms98i4h3UYVHCgndylSZEE7vicFBn2-kv-U/w640-h480/fruit%20of%20the%20spirit%20full%20with%20apples.heic"
data-pin-description="I love creating new bulletin boards for back to school. And I'm always looking for ones that are easy, but eye catching! Here are 3 of my favorites!" width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
You can get more details on how to make and use this bulletin board
interactively in your classroom
<b
><a
href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2022/08/fruit-of-spirit-bulletin-board-ideas.html"
target="_blank"
>in this post</a
></b
>.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Looking for an entire year of bulletin boards? Check out
<b
><a
href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Monthly-Bulletin-Board-Set-BUNDLE-with-Bible-Verses-or-General-Wording-8329557?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Bulletin%20Board%20Roundup%20-%20Bundle"
target="_blank"
>this money saving bundle of bulletin boards</a
></b
>
for each month. All 3 of the boards featured in this blog are included!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Monthly-Bulletin-Board-Set-BUNDLE-with-Bible-Verses-or-General-Wording-8329557?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Bulletin%20Board%20Roundup%20-%20Bundle"
imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
target="_blank"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="1265"
data-original-width="1265"
height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPsaBvV-zRQ34zAlEABi8Ei1MVYEICYXD4Nc6lRD5XlfXwX7c5_44uc36Z9461G2BWw0wlBC4pvX5c5Ox430W5mS1zCy2st1bDjZd2pV1_HvpmHCX4g1aqCwu1G8YbtiBZ656bL5nU3UWonv_RdGkOi9cu0Fgy-tMnfkMoFNeWhYc9ooqCTmeDvp9Y9Y/w640-h640/bulletin%20bundle%20SQ.jpg"
data-pin-description="I love creating new bulletin boards for back to school. And I'm always looking for ones that are easy, but eye catching! Here are 3 of my favorites!" width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<br />
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<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVdTSn00LxcSM-AAHZarvP0aXX6P19UYA2Vny2LrlIre_vMpD0sqqzbLoq2Zk22B6ZiSwoyzOrC_7-U5tjtZoX6YiHtM6cRnd67X7sEHz1qvhLAc_vJofaww4Q28QlZHYeNV6l3p1oz27TYbAXhuVwlaOh87b4raLLSueb1kLAu4dhtmFZCitJ7lEkgQ/s1898/back%20to%20school%20bulletin%20boards%20pin.jpg"
imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="1898"
data-original-width="1265"
height="400"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVdTSn00LxcSM-AAHZarvP0aXX6P19UYA2Vny2LrlIre_vMpD0sqqzbLoq2Zk22B6ZiSwoyzOrC_7-U5tjtZoX6YiHtM6cRnd67X7sEHz1qvhLAc_vJofaww4Q28QlZHYeNV6l3p1oz27TYbAXhuVwlaOh87b4raLLSueb1kLAu4dhtmFZCitJ7lEkgQ/w266-h400/back%20to%20school%20bulletin%20boards%20pin.jpg"
data-pin-description="I love creating new bulletin boards for back to school. And I'm always looking for ones that are easy, but eye catching! Here are 3 of my favorites!" width="266"
/></a>
</div>
<br />
<p><br /></p>
Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986381982136673388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699949251277141058.post-57965648603643196792023-06-06T15:37:00.002-05:002024-01-18T12:21:30.654-06:00Using Science Decodable Readers in the Classroom<p>
We've talked a lot about the science of reading around here the last few
years. And, specifically about small group instruction that aligns with
the science of reading.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
We've chatted about why we should use decodables in the classroom, how to use
decodables, and how to assess your kids' decoding needs for small group
instruction.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
But what about non-fiction texts? Is there a world where a good,
non-fiction science text can be a decodable text?
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
YES! Let's chat about <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Decodable-Science-Passages-and-Booklets-GROWING-BUNDLE-for-K-2-9631472?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Science%20Decodables%20-%20Bundle">decodable science readers</a> and how to use them in
the classroom!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYwDHDAN5TG3VpIiiEQfzTJ-IiFQV9QfcmsLPXb3QtIi-Yu_2hqBKJZthaT4Qmw5Hni1pse1lrUmxE4jhKg3rKS2edbd5e0laPY-VNYBnMwtIkL7UTHXroMlFbXCT7bNmyk_WX1mApy_pGuBn3ITu9jWhyjg6oQpskInEUk5gbK2dvJ6B8gt6TMWw/s1265/science%20decodable%20blog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Help! I need decodable texts on engaging non-fiction topics! Let's chat about how to use science readers in a science of reading aligned classroom." height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYwDHDAN5TG3VpIiiEQfzTJ-IiFQV9QfcmsLPXb3QtIi-Yu_2hqBKJZthaT4Qmw5Hni1pse1lrUmxE4jhKg3rKS2edbd5e0laPY-VNYBnMwtIkL7UTHXroMlFbXCT7bNmyk_WX1mApy_pGuBn3ITu9jWhyjg6oQpskInEUk5gbK2dvJ6B8gt6TMWw/w640-h426/science%20decodable%20blog.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">What Are Decodable Science Readers?</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Decodable-Science-Passages-and-Booklets-GROWING-BUNDLE-for-K-2-9631472?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Science%20Decodables%20-%20Bundle">Decodable science readers</a> are exactly what they sound like. A science
passage or booklet that is also decodable.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
The difference is that science readers often have academic vocabulary words
like force or amphibians and those may not be decodable for the level of kids
we are working with!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
So, decodable science readers include vocabulary words instead of
high-frequency words that show up in the text. And each set of
decodables comes with a vocab word list to practice reading before starting a
text.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWyx-DXDon32kiACvJQnR2VqNoDStZxOLFaS3beK9OLMx29opyBvLPqqhWs4M5qf73dvCXpq39BAjtHhbMpKq6r-uPpYsNdnwIITcrCZD49dBBGoabLNZsLyMwlfeZtLi_dPJk4gQP4G1LBOQGTxnMToyfgdeHRAuPuXTQDDx7RxqoSKrWIU9MiHa/s4032/science%20decodables_5237.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" data-pin-description="Help! I need decodable texts on engaging non-fiction topics! Let's chat about how to use science readers in a science of reading aligned classroom." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWyx-DXDon32kiACvJQnR2VqNoDStZxOLFaS3beK9OLMx29opyBvLPqqhWs4M5qf73dvCXpq39BAjtHhbMpKq6r-uPpYsNdnwIITcrCZD49dBBGoabLNZsLyMwlfeZtLi_dPJk4gQP4G1LBOQGTxnMToyfgdeHRAuPuXTQDDx7RxqoSKrWIU9MiHa/w480-h640/science%20decodables_5237.heic" width="480" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<p><br /></p>
<p><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Decodable-Science-Passages-and-Booklets-GROWING-BUNDLE-for-K-2-9631472?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Science%20Decodables%20-%20Bundle" target="_blank">Decodable science readers</a> are great for integrating literacy into
science...especially during small groups!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Each set of science decodables focuses on a topic from the Next Gen Science
standards for K-2. And whichever grade level the topic is for, the
decodable words are written for that end of year level. For example, the
Force and Motion set of decodables are written on an end of year kindergarten
decoding level because the Force and Motion science standards are part of the
kindergarten Next Gen Science standards.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h2>Routines for Decodable Science Readers</h2>
<p>
Once we have learned our science vocabulary, we are ready to tackle the
science passages or science readers.
</p>
<p><br /></p><p><a href="https://mailchi.mp/thefirstgraderoundup.com/freedecodables" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="1265" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdn0WqmdiDAMzwkqIVV3pIa3w1ihPsUONNA-lO_Fgl2SA1Oi3aPpxwlH8lBFDzCCHIgKubcqI8djvwfown29_2KQeOyubTddA50IxYfFt5_rc5AacWxhEc6YV667J6O5ASp6dVWEh90ybIPYtJWNRm4bgbTjFmVoOOvZ5sgiKbl957_ponrMA1CVCPQd0/w640-h96/Decodable%20landing%20page%20blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><br /></p>
<p>
For kids who struggled with the vocabulary words, I would use the passages
with picture clues first. These are made to give extra support for
reading the vocabulary words.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
They have simple pictures or symbols above the academic vocabulary words to
help support reading fluency.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0Q6d-2baKnUbIg49lDmH2WVqfRpDluhTbskTlzS4O1YoPFousIk6eoVf9Se-ZZQwPaynY1ZzqcmlnOGrGiMavbX3f5xdeoeY_f8lpELjDHxyr7I4O1eHL9W-BTSNP-wjXx25JItehTwctG0O9X7FE0afUp5PNMnal3AfSFWtbFbDftFatpm0EnrI/s3950/science%20decodables_5233.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="3950" data-pin-description="Help! I need decodable texts on engaging non-fiction topics! Let's chat about how to use science readers in a science of reading aligned classroom." height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0Q6d-2baKnUbIg49lDmH2WVqfRpDluhTbskTlzS4O1YoPFousIk6eoVf9Se-ZZQwPaynY1ZzqcmlnOGrGiMavbX3f5xdeoeY_f8lpELjDHxyr7I4O1eHL9W-BTSNP-wjXx25JItehTwctG0O9X7FE0afUp5PNMnal3AfSFWtbFbDftFatpm0EnrI/w640-h458/science%20decodables_5233.heic" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
The kids who are doing well with the vocabulary words can use the passages
without vocab picture clues or the science readers. In these passages
and booklets, the science vocab words are bolded and underlined when they
first appear... just like in a science textbook.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FYF69gdAeWrQrgEFJ83gs6PYvuwHNGR119i-RrysZrXgHVjJn_IK2W4qwfsdKUbZUh0QgyUPwUXltd5qKrKF8c0tIFMf8AAMwh5NpXbGNHJHiAnACgDZN2npfZRXFNNjgkJAkppOqHN6dcQLguZscibjz4dCOC3hxtWP9FOmLDPXumH76rhXRXvx/s4032/science%20decodables_5232.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" data-pin-description="Help! I need decodable texts on engaging non-fiction topics! Let's chat about how to use science readers in a science of reading aligned classroom." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FYF69gdAeWrQrgEFJ83gs6PYvuwHNGR119i-RrysZrXgHVjJn_IK2W4qwfsdKUbZUh0QgyUPwUXltd5qKrKF8c0tIFMf8AAMwh5NpXbGNHJHiAnACgDZN2npfZRXFNNjgkJAkppOqHN6dcQLguZscibjz4dCOC3hxtWP9FOmLDPXumH76rhXRXvx/w480-h640/science%20decodables_5232.heic" width="480" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<p>
After we have read the text in our small group (or as a whole group!), we work
on the comprehension questions. These questions are not necessarily
decodable, but intended to do as a teacher-led discussion!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSoALJRf-sZkvM7q_YXmbeQv8OecCx0sI74A-qKBE7o0ubbCN3iCBIZ5nH9hjiHY80-3NOMrCq8UQpevxQBgVLlQH0EqDILj9WH5s-4d0aLw80b1dHzrN9jJ8XneNvOW5jPHXm3fZYjhjYTl-x3AUrd2Fptb8e7Aa5wtMt6W8FifZ3x75k_mU_RNJ/s4032/science%20decodables_5234.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" data-pin-description="Help! I need decodable texts on engaging non-fiction topics! Let's chat about how to use science readers in a science of reading aligned classroom." height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSoALJRf-sZkvM7q_YXmbeQv8OecCx0sI74A-qKBE7o0ubbCN3iCBIZ5nH9hjiHY80-3NOMrCq8UQpevxQBgVLlQH0EqDILj9WH5s-4d0aLw80b1dHzrN9jJ8XneNvOW5jPHXm3fZYjhjYTl-x3AUrd2Fptb8e7Aa5wtMt6W8FifZ3x75k_mU_RNJ/w640-h480/science%20decodables_5234.heic" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Each set of <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Decodable-Science-Passages-and-Booklets-GROWING-BUNDLE-for-K-2-9631472?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Science%20Decodables%20-%20Bundle" target="_blank">these science of reading aligned decodables</a> includes multiple
books and passages on the same strand of Next Gen Science Standards.
Each book has a matching passage with and without vocabulary symbols.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
You can find the Force and Motion set shown in this post <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Decodable-Science-Passages-and-Booklets-on-Force-and-Motion-for-Kindergarten-9602476?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Science%20Decodables%20-%20Force%20Motion">here</a>. And the
full, <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Decodable-Science-Passages-and-Booklets-GROWING-BUNDLE-for-K-2-9631472?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Science%20Decodables%20-%20Bundle" target="_blank">K-2 bundle here</a></b>.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Decodable-Science-Passages-and-Booklets-on-Force-and-Motion-for-Kindergarten-9602476?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Science%20Decodables%20-%20Force%20Motion" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1265" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Help! I need decodable texts on engaging non-fiction topics! Let's chat about how to use science readers in a science of reading aligned classroom." height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDQobkl1bN3ENgaczcllmERDQk92yM0mNwxuK1_gSjQiPOJZBd37XF59uGaaxNM0Nf1f_L5owt_KTlyfDbKZMkzqV72F3qjwSSyyBqFzVUcIb8i-Mb4ZKEEuwu87HamnKu8hdnL5CndEJBPFspzOMTOibatv-5RbzZWDiZ2m53jBRQj1DblCV0L27/w400-h400/force%20motion%20decodable%20SQ.jpg" width="400" /></a>
</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsR2mODoGXUd-qLCd5ClnCn0Ym9GlxzjHJSvoouFlfDG_41pPz1n5sul4H6A9_LPPJgZjqe3XauFPkbtyELbkrMQououesK3pA0yHTGkQ5-jRQYGeh9nSg7XFiKdUHbxk6Dq7wK2WW_sF4s_dmW__IT3QLzUdIvyz2U467rI7hiuZTVSfGePXS8ac/s1898/science%20decodable%20pin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1898" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Help! I need decodable texts on engaging non-fiction topics! Let's chat about how to use science readers in a science of reading aligned classroom." height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsR2mODoGXUd-qLCd5ClnCn0Ym9GlxzjHJSvoouFlfDG_41pPz1n5sul4H6A9_LPPJgZjqe3XauFPkbtyELbkrMQououesK3pA0yHTGkQ5-jRQYGeh9nSg7XFiKdUHbxk6Dq7wK2WW_sF4s_dmW__IT3QLzUdIvyz2U467rI7hiuZTVSfGePXS8ac/w266-h400/science%20decodable%20pin.jpg" width="266" /></a>
</div>
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<p><br /></p>
Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986381982136673388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699949251277141058.post-75818479394718096662023-04-10T13:49:00.002-05:002023-04-10T13:49:32.617-05:00Teacher Appreciation Gift Idea<p>
Teacher appreciation week is just around the corner! And because it's in
Spring, I love giving flowers of some kind for Teacher appreciation.
Here are two of my favorite ways to gift flowers to teachers!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbAVuVzpHD1SZGd6OY1qQY0sq5q8z9RgUVQbVoipGQd2IPIU5nJtfUP80EAH6hl6AhK-yzpvb3rlnCWQKDtD6EXQCfgY7u5txY3sFiFLanxttzbp8lLH7f5jMYdc1_m1502RiE6y3nJRVqE2GH-erotSF64QXt5-bkmsVjP4iCRItn_vkVDNfUxHi/s1265/teacher%20appreciation%20flowers%20tag%20BLOG.jpg"
imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="843"
data-original-width="1265"
height="426"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbAVuVzpHD1SZGd6OY1qQY0sq5q8z9RgUVQbVoipGQd2IPIU5nJtfUP80EAH6hl6AhK-yzpvb3rlnCWQKDtD6EXQCfgY7u5txY3sFiFLanxttzbp8lLH7f5jMYdc1_m1502RiE6y3nJRVqE2GH-erotSF64QXt5-bkmsVjP4iCRItn_vkVDNfUxHi/w640-h426/teacher%20appreciation%20flowers%20tag%20BLOG.jpg"
data-pin-description="Flowers are the perfect gift during teacher appreciation week. Here are some fun ways to give flowers to your favorite teacher, mentor, or principal!" width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<br />
<h1 style="text-align: left;">Teacher Appreciation Flower Gift</h1>
<p>
Pots of flowers are one of my favorite things to buy for myself in
Spring. And I love buying them for my mom and mother-in-law on Mother's
Day and for teachers during Teacher appreciation week!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
It's so easy you don't even need directions! I just pick out a pot of
flowers and add <a
href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Teacher-Appreciation-Gift-Tags-Thanks-For-Helping-Me-GROW-3676427?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Grow%20Tags"
target="_blank"
>these grow tags</a
>
on a wooden skewer and sign our kid's name on the back. The one in this
photo is also backed on green cardstock.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qEyzUod59Lvpiwq5QfRICVGrtYLdtqAiDI02pRc5_3h2wleVASBgeGGDhq05V7OO4N4gNUFO4Iu8JjgA3ljIViiydqT4g5rurbCzdO35o7_9YwMOyRAdrlsJnr5K4JVdSElwB8DM1s_F3fA7ZWoKqxsf9kybxHSlJGPSOqLKbfm0GyciL-WZDe0l/s4032/Teacher%20Appreciation_3910.heic"
imageanchor="1"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="4032"
data-original-width="3024"
height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qEyzUod59Lvpiwq5QfRICVGrtYLdtqAiDI02pRc5_3h2wleVASBgeGGDhq05V7OO4N4gNUFO4Iu8JjgA3ljIViiydqT4g5rurbCzdO35o7_9YwMOyRAdrlsJnr5K4JVdSElwB8DM1s_F3fA7ZWoKqxsf9kybxHSlJGPSOqLKbfm0GyciL-WZDe0l/w480-h640/Teacher%20Appreciation_3910.heic"
data-pin-description="Flowers are the perfect gift during teacher appreciation week. Here are some fun ways to give flowers to your favorite teacher, mentor, or principal!" width="480"
/></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
These are violas and are great for late fall or early spring in
Arkansas. For Mother's Day and Teacher Appreciation week around here I
love to give pots of geraniums or impatiens because they are just so colorful
and generally easy to take care of.
</p>
<h1>Teacher Appreciation Seeds Gift</h1>
<p>
I usually reserve the nice large pots of flowers for classroom teachers, but
seed packets make a great small gift for teacher aids, specials teachers, or
teammates!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
I grab 3 packs of seeds and tape them to a wooden skewer and put them in a
small pot filled with dirt. Then, I add the
<a
href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Teacher-Appreciation-Gift-Tags-Thanks-For-Helping-Me-GROW-3676427?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Grow%20Tags"
target="_blank"
>grow gift tags</a
>
just like for the others and that's it! This is an under $5 total gift
that looks adorable and well thought out.
</p>
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<a
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data-pin-description="Flowers are the perfect gift during teacher appreciation week. Here are some fun ways to give flowers to your favorite teacher, mentor, or principal!" width="456"
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</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
For seeds, I love to give at least one perennial packet with some
annuals. And I always look for ones that are super easy to start... like
they can just be scattered in the flowerbed or pots and grow just fine.
Zinnias work great in pots and any wildflower mix looks great in larger flower
beds.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Get the
<a
href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Teacher-Appreciation-Gift-Tags-Thanks-For-Helping-Me-GROW-3676427?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Grow%20Tags"
target="_blank"
>grow tags here</a
>
and gift some spring flowers to your favorite teacher!
</p>
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href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Teacher-Appreciation-Gift-Tags-Thanks-For-Helping-Me-GROW-3676427?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Grow%20Tags"
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<br />
<p><br /></p>
Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986381982136673388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699949251277141058.post-85681032754392905172023-04-01T13:59:00.002-05:002023-05-16T21:45:03.805-05:003 Ways To Use Bible Story Booklets In Your Sunday School Lesson<p>
When I was a kid in Sunday School, we had felt pictures to go with our
lessons. Anyone else remember those?? My first few years teaching
preschool, we also used felt pictures, but I was looking for something a
little more up-to-date that we could use over and over. That's when I
started writing
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Isaac-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-7193349?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Using%20Booklets%20-%20Isaac" target="_blank">Bible Story Booklets</a>
to go with our lessons.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Each
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Isaac-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-7193349?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Using%20Booklets%20-%20Isaac" target="_blank">Bible Story Booklet</a>
closely matches the Bible Story script in the lesson plans, but is written in
a little more kid-friendly language depending on what age it is for.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
The kids love listening to the books being read and they pay attention more
too!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
But you may be surprised to learn that reading aloud the Bible story isn't the
only way we use the Bible Story Booklets in the classroom! Let's talk
about 3 ways to use
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Isaac-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-7193349?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Using%20Booklets%20-%20Isaac" target="_blank">Bible Story Booklets</a>
in your Sunday School classroom.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLJDof2gifKhJIzZ4QcSUTOzmKSNPB02u80bM5iWlt_ld0edpkq8htBHzJe7qSCOK-PMnRktvMXxMZwERth7RTcdtIYcqx1QZHLJTnt1sDYT2ziKxLBD-h0XD7uTj_Ke_9n8yd6U1YwHTRtIG1srK2IXY6b8bAYywAuThFhkJcP1Rg35yfQlSnXA3/s1265/bible%20booklets%20BLOG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="A Bible story read aloud isn't the only way to learn the Bible story in Sunday School. Find 3 ways to use Bible Story Booklets in your Bible lesson." height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLJDof2gifKhJIzZ4QcSUTOzmKSNPB02u80bM5iWlt_ld0edpkq8htBHzJe7qSCOK-PMnRktvMXxMZwERth7RTcdtIYcqx1QZHLJTnt1sDYT2ziKxLBD-h0XD7uTj_Ke_9n8yd6U1YwHTRtIG1srK2IXY6b8bAYywAuThFhkJcP1Rg35yfQlSnXA3/w640-h426/bible%20booklets%20BLOG.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">Read Aloud the Bible Story</h1>
<p>
The first one is obvious: We use the
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Isaac-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-7193349?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Using%20Booklets%20-%20Isaac" target="_blank">Bible Story Booklets</a>
to read aloud the Bible story.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
But first, you need to know that I'm a stickler for using the actual Bible
with my preschoolers. I always have a real Bible with us when we sit down to
read a story. You can see in the photo below, that I literally keep a
real Bible right there in our carpet space.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-o_gQ21kvsAinh7LJ9nXo7_TkWW-MS58iES4CWzN9oDaStAr7FUcC-TzhhRJHYlcUKRKDotFIViDm-ULfKIZsJs4BwQX8IQNZN57esxxEe4XosXTodc1qLn2IZm__ACnqHLHuc7m-GjlZAL46c9kfCP-9s8aRiO2u4Sbry1H_0Qj9XWkATOXQzaOj/s4032/SS%20Carpet.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" data-pin-description="A Bible story read aloud isn't the only way to learn the Bible story in Sunday School. Find 3 ways to use Bible Story Booklets in your Bible lesson." height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-o_gQ21kvsAinh7LJ9nXo7_TkWW-MS58iES4CWzN9oDaStAr7FUcC-TzhhRJHYlcUKRKDotFIViDm-ULfKIZsJs4BwQX8IQNZN57esxxEe4XosXTodc1qLn2IZm__ACnqHLHuc7m-GjlZAL46c9kfCP-9s8aRiO2u4Sbry1H_0Qj9XWkATOXQzaOj/w640-h480/SS%20Carpet.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<p>
I have a Bible story script that comes almost word-for-word from scripture
included in our
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Isaac-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-7193349?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Using%20Booklets%20-%20Isaac" target="_blank">lesson plans</a>, but the booklet is a more kid-friendly version of that script. The
booklets are written to whichever age group the unit is for (anywhere from
Preschool to 2nd).
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
When I am reading the booklet, I do add in other details from the script that
I think are important so they are hearing a detailed Bible story.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>Retell the Bible Story</h1>
<p>
At the end of our Sunday School hour, we retell the Bible story if we have
time.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
To do this, we reuse the
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Isaac-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-7193349?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Using%20Booklets%20-%20Isaac">Bible Story booklets</a>. But, we use separate pages so that we can order them.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
No, I don't staple and unstaple and restaple the booklets. We either
make a separate copy of the booklets (sometimes half the size to save
paper).
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Or, you can hole punch the books and add rings so that it's easy to take apart
and put back together.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-qYCRXR3Rrt_8EPr7BAxawzY4-lhT3y2tLCuct-rV5wJpfgCDswea22peCZFe7RfFPvzDo-wENniG1TxmJ4pZ7CeeNJA-bs_oToThD8844YncUf3ETLLMQ84u9MWuqLD-f8uYDjr0-vSm_TsHT_uYp3dWXbpGLVOInBx3uqm9QNXPgY7oQzRXP92/s3756/Isaac%20book%20holepunch.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3756" data-original-width="3024" data-pin-description="A Bible story read aloud isn't the only way to learn the Bible story in Sunday School. Find 3 ways to use Bible Story Booklets in your Bible lesson." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-qYCRXR3Rrt_8EPr7BAxawzY4-lhT3y2tLCuct-rV5wJpfgCDswea22peCZFe7RfFPvzDo-wENniG1TxmJ4pZ7CeeNJA-bs_oToThD8844YncUf3ETLLMQ84u9MWuqLD-f8uYDjr0-vSm_TsHT_uYp3dWXbpGLVOInBx3uqm9QNXPgY7oQzRXP92/w516-h640/Isaac%20book%20holepunch.heic" width="516" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<p>
Once we have the separate pages, we are ready to order the story and retell.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
With my preschoolers, I show them the page and tell them what is happening in
the pictures since they cannot read yet. Then, we lay it out in order
together. It is definitely more teacher-led for younger
preschoolers! But just remember, they are getting another chance to hear
a story from Scripture. :)
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotrdBhUHlcE1raex7wJ18SIxiXdKe-OQ9DnWqSGtabow7xT2wGpuIOjuCOGvI3bmAqv2ZQXycA6fcNboqK02LzKlqWF0jMVvtMVlN-peLKoocShoMd241y3LMYZCQb8gjAOnrGgewGeKyNF1FSiqPmGSW4_Lj_SpFrY7CoXlhrBGYquhZWvr8ahAj/s3080/Isaac%20book%20sequencing.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2932" data-original-width="3080" data-pin-description="A Bible story read aloud isn't the only way to learn the Bible story in Sunday School. Find 3 ways to use Bible Story Booklets in your Bible lesson." height="610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotrdBhUHlcE1raex7wJ18SIxiXdKe-OQ9DnWqSGtabow7xT2wGpuIOjuCOGvI3bmAqv2ZQXycA6fcNboqK02LzKlqWF0jMVvtMVlN-peLKoocShoMd241y3LMYZCQb8gjAOnrGgewGeKyNF1FSiqPmGSW4_Lj_SpFrY7CoXlhrBGYquhZWvr8ahAj/w640-h610/Isaac%20book%20sequencing.heic" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<p>
For older kids, they may be able to read their page on their own and work to
order it and retell.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://mailchi.mp/e5615bbf2977/sunday-school-freebie" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="1265" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezt_y1XVtpNDYJVYcSz0RtGRmkLRKXZieL1zppkaVfhzJ9zn26Dfcn3CtjWQVSDe5TMwomwlsiDZFWUNzSSdsuI2FpnQXQjhCQBmWQqhF3YncLQyWCdkZvAsKo53SNvh_lJaA9tZUioZ-A6KxF9t3r2oQuWGXohor-WRJMosJBJd-J7ynV9NNbFGp/w640-h96/SS%20landing%20page%20blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>
<h1>Classroom Library Exploration Station</h1>
<p>
Just like in my first grade classroom, our Sunday School room has a classroom
library. It's one of the exploration stations I have no matter what unit
we are learning!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrD0qplF2xdL14q36AwnGDBsJB7wXp5D3ujZhonRBWQz7BDzTetF-aTrtWxSYcgxEY_oqtznHUOUWDvHO6Tq7cOvxHEr6pjQgJsxAPYUNRyg0VQylD-nR12nzE1vBN3V0ujxLjnA3c74gfrGqqF6AOa4tfwrQSIVSgFImQ1jmt4F9Apn4UtK8klSF/s1600/classroom%20library%20old.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" data-pin-description="A Bible story read aloud isn't the only way to learn the Bible story in Sunday School. Find 3 ways to use Bible Story Booklets in your Bible lesson." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrD0qplF2xdL14q36AwnGDBsJB7wXp5D3ujZhonRBWQz7BDzTetF-aTrtWxSYcgxEY_oqtznHUOUWDvHO6Tq7cOvxHEr6pjQgJsxAPYUNRyg0VQylD-nR12nzE1vBN3V0ujxLjnA3c74gfrGqqF6AOa4tfwrQSIVSgFImQ1jmt4F9Apn4UtK8klSF/w480-h640/classroom%20library%20old.jpeg" width="480" /></a>
</div>
<div><br /></div>
There are tubs of books--both Bible stories and fiction trade books. On
the top shelf, I usually place the
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Isaac-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-7193349?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Using%20Booklets%20-%20Isaac" target="_blank">booklets from our unit</a>
or any trade books that go with our unit. I add a new booklet to the shelf
after each lesson, so that there are only books out that we have read the Bible
story for.
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xa5E43xDtk7rArpDwqnBFGn_JoBaDSvWWhh_1RMdSMcweF0SD_vqKalozNFN3IcytSN1jlpzAoRtoFSjbWZhC-igl7t2ReaEy-B543k_fRAjjRyWsSM0hbdQIZjoKtdQ9q_jrAeENJQ2rP-4rzHFfWstSYD3laiXR7Rj2ItKvb7xrPlR9qDlZEiP/s1600/classroom%20library%20booklets%20closeup.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" data-pin-description="A Bible story read aloud isn't the only way to learn the Bible story in Sunday School. Find 3 ways to use Bible Story Booklets in your Bible lesson." height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xa5E43xDtk7rArpDwqnBFGn_JoBaDSvWWhh_1RMdSMcweF0SD_vqKalozNFN3IcytSN1jlpzAoRtoFSjbWZhC-igl7t2ReaEy-B543k_fRAjjRyWsSM0hbdQIZjoKtdQ9q_jrAeENJQ2rP-4rzHFfWstSYD3laiXR7Rj2ItKvb7xrPlR9qDlZEiP/w640-h480/classroom%20library%20booklets%20closeup.jpeg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The kids love to grab our unit
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Isaac-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-7193349?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Using%20Booklets%20-%20Isaac" target="_blank">Bible Story booklets</a>, get a stuffie and "read" or orally retell the story in our cozy corner to
their stuffed animal friend. :)
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXaKdqU8pQJNlmO73j1DlPvnUyNKkJWstJkfHqrK_CfftoCnVpLDXXjj8N2zqTqNRnHIhxt4Pvi2eb68tk-K5H9jWirfsdwc-PYphffFs__TnVQ2q4ufp5x6I7vMfzChSOwWoDGQMDgU5de7tKGYWbsHHVnrKoiXmaxOMQ-aVQiMKjNEqKk8dOduk/s1499/classroom.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="1499" data-pin-description="A Bible story read aloud isn't the only way to learn the Bible story in Sunday School. Find 3 ways to use Bible Story Booklets in your Bible lesson." height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXaKdqU8pQJNlmO73j1DlPvnUyNKkJWstJkfHqrK_CfftoCnVpLDXXjj8N2zqTqNRnHIhxt4Pvi2eb68tk-K5H9jWirfsdwc-PYphffFs__TnVQ2q4ufp5x6I7vMfzChSOwWoDGQMDgU5de7tKGYWbsHHVnrKoiXmaxOMQ-aVQiMKjNEqKk8dOduk/w640-h336/classroom.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
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</div>
Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986381982136673388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699949251277141058.post-55708489450930597532023-03-23T11:04:00.004-05:002023-03-23T11:04:59.545-05:00Using 4 Corners to Review Just About Any Skill for Any Subject<p>Have you ever played 4 corners in your classroom?</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
4 Corners review game is one of my favorites because it's low prep, easy to
understand, and you can play it with just about anything.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcx250-4mRusZmtDhbh9-5veThlJAHpervw0Kfhy8ki2-2Fj7KK3A04TKWTCNpGRKJjiFIItYvlk2P37sTeNW7VV-SA8DD2wcaG8sh__d4DFdRU9lCYxvMA_BQTOrlzWnsINUxAbOvr6fkjBked7GsKgR6YnupmbZpFEzPGlDtL0gqE_KunWJ0ZVaA/s1265/four%20corners%20review%20game%20blog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img about="" ages="" all="" an="" any="" border="0" can="" corners="" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="" easy="" for="" game.="" game="" height="426" how="" is="" more="" no="" play="" prep="" read="" review="" skill="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcx250-4mRusZmtDhbh9-5veThlJAHpervw0Kfhy8ki2-2Fj7KK3A04TKWTCNpGRKJjiFIItYvlk2P37sTeNW7VV-SA8DD2wcaG8sh__d4DFdRU9lCYxvMA_BQTOrlzWnsINUxAbOvr6fkjBked7GsKgR6YnupmbZpFEzPGlDtL0gqE_KunWJ0ZVaA/w640-h426/four%20corners%20review%20game%20blog.jpg" subject="" that="" this="" to="" width="640" with="" you="" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">What You Need To Play 4 Corners</h1>
<p>
You're about to see what I mean by low prep. To play 4 corners, you will
need...
</p>
<p></p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>4 corners or clear spots in your room</li>
<li>word or photo labels for each corner</li>
<li>2 or more players</li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Beatitudes-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-6949191?st=41295b0cdbe8dfdf3f76ab3562938495&utm_source=FGR%20blog&utm_campaign=4%20Corners%20-%20Beatitudes" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img about="" ages="" all="" an="" any="" border="0" can="" corners="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" data-pin-description="" easy="" for="" game.="" game="" height="640" how="" is="" more="" no="" play="" prep="" read="" review="" skill="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNX805I6qnjHfMttekkFupbOevcCzTgpyk3FHaoPcKYo_7MRXc8i-S7Hal3pshiPULhqjCbjj_4XTKq8zxk0EO8yby4GJ6u390oleWMAeFepZGvJ1Hb1KxONJRL1zz75zA3vBjLf9yT3tAHzIhmve6i2I4S3oFEPKMlxlD5dnJHSuRQNjW8b7P5Xv3/w480-h640/beatitudes%20review%20set%20up.heic" subject="" that="" this="" to="" width="480" with="" you="" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Okay, that list seems like a joke, doesn't it! But I had to write it
out that way so you could understand just how low prep this review game
is.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
You literally need 4 "corners" or clear spots in your room. You can even
use 5 or 6 or 3 corners depending on your skill or subject area.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
And for the labels, I've been as fancy as printing off pre-made cutesy posters
(like the
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Beatitudes-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-6949191?st=41295b0cdbe8dfdf3f76ab3562938495&utm_source=FGR%20blog&utm_campaign=4%20Corners%20-%20Beatitudes" target="_blank">flowers in the picture above</a>
where we just change out the pictures depending on the lesson or topic) or
just scribbling out labels with the kids on construction paper.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
I've played this game with small intervention groups of 5th graders,
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Esther-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-7268006?utm_source=FGR%20blog&utm_campaign=4%20Corners%20-%20Esther" target="_blank">preschoolers in Sunday School</a>, and a whole group of 25 first graders. It works with any amount of
kids and all ages!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>How To Play 4 Corners</h1>
<p>
4 Corners is a review game. So, you probably wouldn't want to use it to
introduce new material unless you are just trying to assess what they know
about a subject. You want to do it in a lesson after you've introduced
new skills as a review.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
It's the perfect review game for wiggly kids or just kinesthetic learners who
need to move! :)
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
First, you will go over each of the 4 ideas or skills that you will be posting
in each corner. Depending on my skill or subject I do this
differently.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
If we are reviewing a story, I may hold us a picture of a character or part of
the story and have kids tell me what it is. Then, I will post it with
kids in a corner of the room so they can see where it is going.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
If we are reviewing vocabulary words, I would write the word on construction
paper with kids, have them read the word, and then post it in the corner with
them.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Once we have labeled all 4 corners of the room, we are ready to play. We
start by having kids stand up right where they are. I call out a
description of a character, a definition of a word, etc... and the kids move
to the corner of the room that has the answer to my description or question.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJCAe3PnSd0r-pQh6EFUxoNxQjj_pzac_E2nZ56Zufoy_PajJ9Gyh69aCRkg4E3YoTWcdxIEJClhx1nRhd_29CceqKxthmyjHLFjRxtcgVQY3EksRsFsCQ0TcByrwfBfeuOMpMq3auqIJW4x3LMfR54bsYhq_4s4Nsc-j15O9p3a2NDL8ylXr9wgX/s2495/betatitudes%20review%20game.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img about="" ages="" all="" an="" any="" border="0" can="" corners="" data-original-height="2495" data-original-width="1871" data-pin-description="" easy="" for="" game.="" game="" height="640" how="" is="" more="" no="" play="" prep="" read="" review="" skill="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJCAe3PnSd0r-pQh6EFUxoNxQjj_pzac_E2nZ56Zufoy_PajJ9Gyh69aCRkg4E3YoTWcdxIEJClhx1nRhd_29CceqKxthmyjHLFjRxtcgVQY3EksRsFsCQ0TcByrwfBfeuOMpMq3auqIJW4x3LMfR54bsYhq_4s4Nsc-j15O9p3a2NDL8ylXr9wgX/w480-h640/betatitudes%20review%20game.heic" subject="" that="" this="" to="" width="480" with="" you="" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Once they've made their choice, we discuss the question and answer until we
all agree. Sometimes, if kids go to more than one corner of the room,
you will notice them start to move as you discuss the answer because they
realize they made a mistake.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>A few tips from experience...</p>
<p></p>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>
<b>Have kids freeze</b> until you say MOVE. Keep them frozen for 5
seconds or so after you give the clue or question so everyone has think time
and they aren't just following their friends. (Some still WILL follow
friends and that is okay. The goal of this activity is
repetition. So, some of your friends just need to hear you say the
question and answer over and over and that is fine for them right now.
They are building their confidence while getting the extra repetition they
need.<br /><br />
</li>
<li>
<b>Change up how they move</b> to the corners. We don't run, but it is
very hard to manage this if all they get to do is walk. If you will
just say, "This time HOP to the corner," and change it up for each
question/clue, you will find very very few kids try to run and get out of
control. :)
</li>
</ol>
<p></p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>Ways To Use The 4 Corners Review Game</h1>
<p>
The ways to use this 4 corners review game are endless. I have used it
for every single subject area in first grade...
</p>
<p></p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>reading comprehension</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Esther-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-7268006?utm_source=FGR%20blog&utm_campaign=4%20Corners%20-%20Esther" target="_blank">Bible story review</a>
</li>
<li>phonics</li>
<li>parts of speech</li>
<li>types of writing</li>
<li>rhyming</li>
<li>vocab words & definitions</li>
<li>shapes</li>
<li>math operations</li>
<li>numerals (show a picture of objects to count)</li>
<li>odd/even (2 corners)</li>
<li>colors</li>
<li>animal classification</li>
<li>weather types</li>
<li>famous people</li>
<li>continents</li>
<li>landforms</li>
<li>states of matter</li>
<li>living/non-living (2 corners)</li>
<li>habitats</li>
<li>natural, capital, and human resources</li>
</ul>
<div>And that list is just the start!</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
In my preschool Sunday School class we use this to review Bible stories with
lots of characters to help the kids remember who is in the story.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
Like in this
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Esther-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-7268006?utm_source=FGR%20blog&utm_campaign=4%20Corners%20-%20Esther" target="_blank">Esther unit</a>, we play this game after each lesson because the same characters are in each
of the stories! And I have
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Esther-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-7268006?utm_source=FGR%20blog&utm_campaign=4%20Corners%20-%20Esther" target="_blank">premade movement cards</a>
to draw before each question.
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Esther-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-7268006?utm_source=FGR%20blog&utm_campaign=4%20Corners%20-%20Esther" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img about="" ages="" all="" an="" any="" border="0" can="" corners="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" data-pin-description="" easy="" for="" game.="" game="" height="480" how="" is="" more="" no="" play="" prep="" read="" review="" skill="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbY43aiXPTslApMI0HG6AQJV36qv2PCTi9UMcBkpe6syoEHfWUBLJZoVJooOGe1BGWckWF-WF8JDYAEyuiKENySqgEkhcUuRKN1YiRAFHw-qy8TD54k_XjtP4_KFF49eJY4L7jef12LaIrQwbz-CqAy2AcAPSMfWqpjSnb9GMpLS4GDznQ0xSU5NvB/w640-h480/Esther%20Game.jpg" subject="" that="" this="" to="" width="640" with="" you="" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>
<p></p>
Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986381982136673388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699949251277141058.post-77508690759984466242023-03-12T14:39:00.001-05:002023-03-12T14:39:25.950-05:006 Favorite Easter Story Games and Activities for Easter Sunday<p>
I love doing something extra special in our Sunday School class to
celebrate Easter. We spend several weeks talking about the Christian
Easter Story of Jesus' death and resurrection and even the 3-year-olds learn
on their level about what Jesus did for us. Giving them a craft or
activity to take home gives them a chance to talk to Mom and Dad about the
Easter story, too!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Here is my collection of my 5 favorite Easter story crafts and activities to
do at church on Easter Sunday or at home as a family during the week of
Easter!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSLTQOmaw9_pTWoXCAJnrmWExKkB1KNQkIWttCKxhiqa88KqsK5aFtjnfOShzY5osK3YjqdYIdcf2unNPGUY_UxFV4SpyiNRiqCh_1tu5Xg4LUY27PcWCzWhNMgAXlwrKLaeTYibfsDpGpKEFPk4yasKVnHVdNnkEui0Rl5tTherc9qmrkGpQu79x/s1265/easter%20story%20roundup%20blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1265" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSLTQOmaw9_pTWoXCAJnrmWExKkB1KNQkIWttCKxhiqa88KqsK5aFtjnfOShzY5osK3YjqdYIdcf2unNPGUY_UxFV4SpyiNRiqCh_1tu5Xg4LUY27PcWCzWhNMgAXlwrKLaeTYibfsDpGpKEFPk4yasKVnHVdNnkEui0Rl5tTherc9qmrkGpQu79x/w640-h426/easter%20story%20roundup%20blog.jpg" data-pin-description="Read about my 5 favorite Christian Easter Story games and crafts. Perfect for Easter Sunday at church or celebrating Easter at home." width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">Easter Bean Bag Toss Game</h1>
<p>
Print and lay out
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christian-Easter-Story-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-for-Kindergarten-5528715?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Easter%20Roundup%20-%20Kinder%20Unit" target="_blank">the sin cards</a>
in a cross shape. Kids take turns naming a sin they are going to try to
land on. Then, they will toss the bean bag to see if the land on the
correct one. (Another way to play is to give a clue about a sin like,
"Toss the bean bag on what we call the sin of taking things that aren't
yours.")
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
After the bag lands on a sin, ask, "Did Jesus die on the cross to save people
from the sin of ____?" YES! Jesus came to Earth, lived a sinless life,
and died on the cross for ALL of our sins.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Find the materials for this game
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christian-Easter-Story-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-for-Kindergarten-5528715?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Easter%20Roundup%20-%20Kinder%20Unit" target="_blank">here</a>
and read more about how to play in
<a href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2020/05/easter-bean-bag-toss.html" target="_blank">this post</a>.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christian-Easter-Story-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-for-Kindergarten-5528715?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Easter%20Roundup%20-%20Kinder%20Unit" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" data-pin-description="Read about my 5 favorite Christian Easter Story games and crafts. Perfect for Easter Sunday at church or celebrating Easter at home." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHgKMSPWDKQozobnXKYhQvmFjBaBhfIIiSWoVNyTiYOR5ILKUYRUFZoaKbt1yHW317PqNyApCZnNOxAiEhCwo0BLIpaidRypankJBZFBveLzG9ABpza9VM40DRrbA-Gx-YaDPweuqnizySUtw9vT5_p1gGyL6TDTq7q2mLQ1kOkZ5wd2EsgOwKl4Hq/w640-h640/cross%20bean%20bag%20toss.jpeg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>Stained Glass Cross Activity</h1>
<p>
I LOVE stained glass and Easter seems like the perfect time to do this
activity.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
This one is as simple as it looks. Color in the pieces to create the look of
stained glass.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Since this
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christian-Easter-Story-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-for-Kindergarten-5528715?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Easter%20Roundup%20-%20Kinder%20Unit" target="_blank">printout</a>
has the Bible verse with it, I like to read and practice the Bible verse as we
color. For this one, we picked a crayon and colored in pieces as we said
the Bible verse. We would say the Bible verse 3 times and then change
colors. The kids would color in as many pieces (<i>neatly</i>) as they
could during that time.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
This kept our stained glass cross from having only 2 or 3 colors! ...And it
was a great way to memorize scripture. Even if you are the only once
saying the verse and they are listening as they color...they are hearing God's
Word over and over!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Grab this kindergarten printable
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christian-Easter-Story-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-for-Kindergarten-5528715?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Easter%20Roundup%20-%20Kinder%20Unit" target="_blank">here</a>
and read more about this Easter Sunday activity in
<a href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2020/05/stained-glass-cross.html">this post</a>.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christian-Easter-Story-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-for-Kindergarten-5528715?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Easter%20Roundup%20-%20Kinder%20Unit" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" data-pin-description="Read about my 5 favorite Christian Easter Story games and crafts. Perfect for Easter Sunday at church or celebrating Easter at home." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2zVwRa5N9rER9iS6Q7WY2CJCEkWo5c4xj9aFh1hKrt3aKspNOM0xNbT9GZ1tNR5Qj56rxixbtzYtJ3sZt2WMT2Z2NOfYrVXfhyiyXjjqLQI6qmX9pBF4sRrDJhHBdSispXO5R2VHTkZIYVhaAAxH99FEIYZB6CW3dbrSonRoqXCR7uA4CPRGo6Ap/w480-h640/stained%20glass%20cross.jpeg" width="480" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>Handprint Easter Resurrection Craft</h1>
<p>
This is one of the first Easter Sunday crafts I did years ago and it's still
one of my very favorites. I'm a sucker for handprint crafts. :)
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
I've done one with the handprint and ordering the Bible verse. You can
read more about that one at the bottom of this <a href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2016/03/easter-advent.html" target="_blank">post</a>.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
And I've done this lots of ways over the years. I've done this
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Easter-Story-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-for-Preschool-Year-3-5164545?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Easter%20Roundup%20-%20PreK3%20Unit">printout</a>
version with a handprint and filling in Jesus' tomb with lima beans. You
can read more about this one
<a href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2020/04/easter-resurrection-craft.html" target="_blank">here</a>
and find the printout in this
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Easter-Story-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-for-Preschool-Year-3-5164545?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Easter%20Roundup%20-%20PreK3%20Unit" target="_blank">preschool Easter unit</a>.
</p>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Easter-Story-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-for-Preschool-Year-3-5164545?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Easter%20Roundup%20-%20PreK3%20Unit" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="479" data-pin-description="Read about my 5 favorite Christian Easter Story games and crafts. Perfect for Easter Sunday at church or celebrating Easter at home." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xEyOSZbw5E5oikX1xeKDORwdRr41uvYPYDy_bbNzJhxdDOg6NPlyE2qBCKdCgErHrkwbk6ACc16ASSwvXo5Whp7qYtjivi_JktKQnMiZymif2yR_UkzULfkPLFqE05oJQYRGPDTky-vMiMp1Ip4-VKlgElYIFI97gK-4-Tad8ltd1BJC8Pj_FD34/w480-h640/resurrection%20craft.png" width="480" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<p><br /></p>
<h1>Crucifixion Bracelet Craft</h1>
<p>
Did you make salvation bracelets as a kid? These
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Easter-Story-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-for-1st-Grade-6697782?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Easter%20Roundup%20-%201st%20Unit" target="_blank">Easter crucifixion bracelets</a>
are very similar but in the shape of a cross.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
This first grade craft is perfect for this age group (they love making jewelry
at this age--even the boys!). Adding beads is great fine motor practice.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
But more importantly, this is a reminder that they can wear of Jesus blood
sacrifice (red beads) that washed our sins clean and white as snow (white
beads). It's a fun reminder for them, and an easy tool for sharing the gospel
with their friends.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
This activity is included in this
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Easter-Story-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-for-1st-Grade-6697782?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Easter%20Roundup%20-%201st%20Unit">1s</a><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Easter-Story-Bible-Lessons-and-Sunday-School-Unit-for-1st-Grade-6697782?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Easter%20Roundup%20-%201st%20Unit">t grade Easter Story unit </a>and you can read more details on how to make them in this blog
<a href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2021/03/crucifixion-bracelets.html" target="_blank">post</a>.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlh7jt4N8yAck0ce1pJiNfzMMvoyFuCbsmxyE1uQ8-EeR9-A9RDr8PJ2XxHLeQkY02gfzGK9Fode9PO5bfKGuwy_bW9uX4848TIlahDhmXzvezgGmUMpymBBRf9Yz5ELIxa_VY9_VjGEfrBtRRwHsDBZ86m0TWJCUpW9jArDK6NPZ5yLHfurcti5d/s640/crucifixion%20bracelet.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" data-pin-description="Read about my 5 favorite Christian Easter Story games and crafts. Perfect for Easter Sunday at church or celebrating Easter at home." height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlh7jt4N8yAck0ce1pJiNfzMMvoyFuCbsmxyE1uQ8-EeR9-A9RDr8PJ2XxHLeQkY02gfzGK9Fode9PO5bfKGuwy_bW9uX4848TIlahDhmXzvezgGmUMpymBBRf9Yz5ELIxa_VY9_VjGEfrBtRRwHsDBZ86m0TWJCUpW9jArDK6NPZ5yLHfurcti5d/w640-h426/crucifixion%20bracelet.jpeg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>Easter Basket Retelling Craft</h1>
<h1>
<p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">
This is another oldie, but goodie. It's part of this early prek Easter
story unit, so I go ahead and precut the baskets and sometimes the eggs
depending on my kids.
</p>
<p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">
We order and glue the eggs together and then they spend the rest of the time
coloring the basket and eggs while I help one kid at a time hot glue easter
grass to the bottom of their basket.
</p>
<p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">
You can find this craft in this
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christian-Easter-Bible-Story-Unit-for-Preschool-3054039?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Easter%20Roundup%20-%20PreK%20Y1%20Y2%20Unit" target="_blank">preschool Easter Story unit</a>.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7MW39S_BU7qUcuhQxOsJbak5Pac9iW2ZdEylpUysZUa5jBy1GksdoSsdp1qCCBbL_OMwjoYIh1KMyAdr58Ete_Vs7NV9vicBPot-y5comuMlGJ65xIB1JLIYa6KtZfSn16epYT-JPmzTeIuS8lwzchDAnjLg0UZeMVT1qsQdKTTHekVahRPFpyof/s640/easter%20basket.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" data-pin-description="Read about my 5 favorite Christian Easter Story games and crafts. Perfect for Easter Sunday at church or celebrating Easter at home." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7MW39S_BU7qUcuhQxOsJbak5Pac9iW2ZdEylpUysZUa5jBy1GksdoSsdp1qCCBbL_OMwjoYIh1KMyAdr58Ete_Vs7NV9vicBPot-y5comuMlGJ65xIB1JLIYa6KtZfSn16epYT-JPmzTeIuS8lwzchDAnjLg0UZeMVT1qsQdKTTHekVahRPFpyof/w640-h640/easter%20basket.jpeg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></p>
</h1>
<h1>Easter Egg Story Devotional Activities</h1>
<p>
I love doing an Easter countdown devotional at home with our kids, but I've
also used this as Easter lessons in church as well.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
At home, we start 9 days before Easter and read one part of the Easter story
and open up an Egg that has a clue to the story we read.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Then, we make the craft and add it to the banner (or I have premade banners
you can just color).
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
We love having an advent devotional at Christmas time, and this pennant banner
Easter countdown serves the same purpose for our family during the Easter
season.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
You can read about all the details in
<a href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2016/03/easter-advent.html" target="_blank">this post</a>
and find this pennant set separately
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christian-Easter-Story-Sequence-Banners-With-Devotionals-1207544?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Easter%20Roundup%20-%20Advent" target="_blank">here</a>.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christian-Easter-Story-Sequence-Banners-With-Devotionals-1207544?utm_source=FGR&utm_campaign=Easter%20Roundup%20-%20Advent" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="640" data-pin-description="Read about my 5 favorite Christian Easter Story games and crafts. Perfect for Easter Sunday at church or celebrating Easter at home." height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVazwruwctx0SZqBUwqFCJn_SdvQl1h53YH1_mc1XivuClAw1X-cOpwiazrsT7v4KJ7RoCtnJmzTSKIuI5gBD_BD6GlvEa81oTsNPct7At69vpP3QPjrwuUn5DPxcjrMpF6NGJ7CnjuBQlZqQOPyWG_fbpYXxOLNyE5KkwGgqLGlhn5-Usmh0rqr4A/w640-h510/easteradvent-3.jpeg" width="640" /></a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDL7B009_w1qU6b99YijOUQOXW-3QO867gbrUXsU4dhYTjq1lA59Kq8njAKoqZQsv-G4vhx5WiaUJwhT8SsifGym4zWpKbwO7jkL2BGQuo2DXOyHMUKGrr1F9Rfazg9iPo_nb8jpt6dmk7zIfSfPZw3D9f-1ONnMamqzliOcNHEOUaS_dVwmqfpNRv/s1898/easter%20activities%20PIN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1898" data-original-width="1265" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDL7B009_w1qU6b99YijOUQOXW-3QO867gbrUXsU4dhYTjq1lA59Kq8njAKoqZQsv-G4vhx5WiaUJwhT8SsifGym4zWpKbwO7jkL2BGQuo2DXOyHMUKGrr1F9Rfazg9iPo_nb8jpt6dmk7zIfSfPZw3D9f-1ONnMamqzliOcNHEOUaS_dVwmqfpNRv/w266-h400/easter%20activities%20PIN.jpg" data-pin-description="Read about my 5 favorite Christian Easter Story games and crafts. Perfect for Easter Sunday at church or celebrating Easter at home." width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986381982136673388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699949251277141058.post-36034501397691161532023-02-10T11:04:00.004-06:002024-01-18T12:21:49.282-06:005 Ways to Use Decodable Texts In The Classroom<p>
Decodable is the new buzz word of literacy thanks to the Science of
Reading.
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-First-Grade-Roundup-By-Whitney-Shaddock/Search:decodable?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=5%20Ways%20to%20Use%20Decodables%20-%20Shop%20Dec." target="_blank">Decodable texts</a>
are any kind of text (lists, passages, books...) where at least 90% of the
words are decodable with the focus sound or sounds previously learned.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
I first fell back in love with decodable texts 4 years ago when I was doing a
maternity leave in kindergarten. Kids were using their decoding skills
to read, making connections to new phonics skills they learned, and searching
for heart words in their texts. But most importantly, they were GROWING
readers. By leaps and bounds. In 12 weeks, I saw growth like I'd
never seen in 10 years of teaching first grade because it was so widespread
with so many kids making amazing progress.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
But decodable isn't <i>just</i> a buzz word. It's a must have in your
primary classroom. If you want your reading instruction to be aligned to
the Science of Reading, then you better
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-First-Grade-Roundup-By-Whitney-Shaddock/Search:decodable?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=5%20Ways%20to%20Use%20Decodables%20-%20Shop%20Dec." target="_blank">invest in decodable texts</a>. And once you get started, you'll find there are SO many ways to use
them in your classroom. Let's talk about just 5 ways to use decodable
texts in your primary classroom.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdEHAgInpPrrWmoRLavFhG9vPaH1UdDOVfINx02MjuVJDSa9by-6PyOOfZPPvFFiUzoGtrhNXYONcy2Op6nJxm5qn7h0tqoT-OMzfXR5MlnrNujvWxsftmal2llNietCZo7KqESFnxkWVjo9wdkScXGYC8N8CUuav0qAm5o3exMy9aMSbyqmaxl7L/s1265/5%20ways%20to%20use%20decodables%20BLOG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Are you struggling finding ways to use your decodable texts in K-2?Here's 5 ways to use Science of Reading aligned decodable readers in the classroom." height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdEHAgInpPrrWmoRLavFhG9vPaH1UdDOVfINx02MjuVJDSa9by-6PyOOfZPPvFFiUzoGtrhNXYONcy2Op6nJxm5qn7h0tqoT-OMzfXR5MlnrNujvWxsftmal2llNietCZo7KqESFnxkWVjo9wdkScXGYC8N8CUuav0qAm5o3exMy9aMSbyqmaxl7L/w640-h426/5%20ways%20to%20use%20decodables%20BLOG.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">Whole Group Reading</h1>
<p>
This is how I first started using them during my 12 week job in Kinder!
At the end of our phonics lesson on Wednesday, I pulled out one of our
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-First-Grade-Roundup-By-Whitney-Shaddock/Search:decodable?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=5%20Ways%20to%20Use%20Decodables%20-%20Shop%20Dec." target="_blank">decodable books</a> that focused on the sound we were learning. I read the book aloud to the
kids on the carpet using our ELMO projector.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Then, we reviewed the expectations. They were to read their book one
time. Then, go back and highlight the focus sound and circle the sight
words listed on the front of the book. Then, they were to read the book
two more times.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
When they finished this routine (read, highlight, circle, read, read), then
they could illustrate their pictures.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
While the kids were working, I circled around to each table and listened in on
as many kids as I could read the text. I had a class list with the title
of the book and I recorded how the kids were reading that I had listened to on
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Small-Groups-Data-Binder-to-Support-the-Science-of-Reading-1342884" target="_blank">this recording sheet</a>.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Small-Groups-Data-Binder-to-Support-the-Science-of-Reading-1342884?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=5%20Ways%20to%20Use%20Decodables%20-%20Small%20groups" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" data-pin-description="Are you struggling finding ways to use your decodable texts in K-2?Here's 5 ways to use Science of Reading aligned decodable readers in the classroom." height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLyXFl0vppgeCcOyrjy7dXkwW4c1LHZBFxvIYJ1nXFlN-_pMG6_mokWrI1Q948zsdZD-He6RWc53_v1TkSH__To4yhY-rJ6E57PBX0he-gJiQGQ6scR0pGa_pWnuPeENatW64DHbYOXJZIErxLeDOl7wcwuvsWr_3LNcEE3Q8KQ_UCxVRBf5iKIf9_/w640-h480/running%20records%20for%20decodables.heic" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<p>
<b><u>TEACHER TIP</u></b>: If I was listening to a kid who was just copying how the friend
beside her was reading, I would ask her to start back at the beginning or a
previous page for me. :)
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
When our time was finished (this took about 15-20 total minutes), the kids
would put the booklets in their book boxes to read when they finished other
work early.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>Targeted Reading Groups</h1>
<p>
The nice thing about doing the on grade level
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-First-Grade-Roundup-By-Whitney-Shaddock/Search:decodable?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=5%20Ways%20to%20Use%20Decodables%20-%20Shop%20Dec." target="_blank">decodable book</a>
as a whole group is I could quickly see who was thriving or struggling with
the on grade level text. At the end of our reading time, I quickly
analyzed the
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Small-Groups-Data-Binder-to-Support-the-Science-of-Reading-1342884?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=5%20Ways%20to%20Use%20Decodables%20-%20Small%20groups" target="_blank">running records</a>
and wrote notes for who needed what.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Small-Groups-Data-Binder-to-Support-the-Science-of-Reading-1342884?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=5%20Ways%20to%20Use%20Decodables%20-%20Small%20groups" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" data-pin-description="Are you struggling finding ways to use your decodable texts in K-2?Here's 5 ways to use Science of Reading aligned decodable readers in the classroom." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmPo10bBckcUd2jN75WwPgjwe2cTS0MO_Yf1NWL9ZYIx3I5jSIxbRegDlq5WT6cDNwXq3U8KQclQK-TMsUmsydh5KtXDYanhdcK-564tGCHLeRGVcyGoZXCEpHbFGJl3GqCGxQkDO3GXF7TPNiK_DdORzVY01wYG5i7QExNJof9Ijj6J5nq6w029E/w480-h640/decodable%20groups.heic" width="480" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
I used our Wednesday small group time to pull kids that were struggling.
Sometimes, we did some extra word work using
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Phonics-Word-Work-Lessons-Digital-Mats-Making-Words-BUNDLE-5375943?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=5%20Ways%20to%20Use%20Decodables%20-%20Making%20Words%20Bundle" target="_blank">making words</a>
with the focus sound.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Phonics-Word-Work-Lessons-Digital-Mats-Making-Words-BUNDLE-5375943?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=5%20Ways%20to%20Use%20Decodables%20-%20Making%20Words%20Bundle" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" data-pin-description="Are you struggling finding ways to use your decodable texts in K-2?Here's 5 ways to use Science of Reading aligned decodable readers in the classroom." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6ejo-FagBDed5RYKC4e9fPp0eIJhoji4JtLBBg8VXQZUdGncvHIVbBDqWPbxeGq9DdDS-GIzhLmsEbRAfKWSYsB8Ju3MQLfU7ieevOIJRy939FD_o8l1OaCdAgDJ87A-zB_LcPqeEmoEMOpu-n6a9wG8N2O0367e330IRjftCEf-fF89dWkXmdpO/w480-h640/making%20words%20letters%202.HEIC" width="480" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Sometimes, we practice our heart words. </p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Depending on what my running record showed they were struggling with.
Depending on the amount of strugglers and the reasons the struggled, I might
have 1-3 groups of kids to meet with.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
We start with some skill practice (<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Phonics-Word-Work-Lessons-Digital-Mats-Making-Words-BUNDLE-5375943?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=5%20Ways%20to%20Use%20Decodables%20-%20Making%20Words%20Bundle" target="_blank">making words</a>
or sight words) for 5 minutes or less. Then, we get our same booklet and
reread together. Then, I let them independently read by stagger starting
them and listen in as they each read.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
For kids that read the decodable reader with at least 95% accuracy, but maybe
weren't fluent, I would note that during our whole group time and pull them to
reread and practice fluency. For kids who were fluent, I might try the
matching passage that is the same text as the book, but in a passage form
without pictures!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Vowel-Teams-Decodable-Readers-and-Decodable-Passages-for-First-Grade-BUNDLE-5219590?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=5%20Ways%20to%20Use%20Decodables%20-%20Vowel%20Teams%20Dec" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" data-pin-description="Are you struggling finding ways to use your decodable texts in K-2?Here's 5 ways to use Science of Reading aligned decodable readers in the classroom." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD5g5iu-_LgwTn-wZrOX6t5MfEYQmSifKo9m6Dw6jkH9HLSNBZ7UL8_Dj7-TRC77gCUwrym961K3KQ08Ywk1IDVWevpZJZw53uMaHpRmpuvcmkDS0sm1__C2ZJ-iS3x_DnUNpAN96Yy1wFa2g5T8UXrSTvmOlf0rtFCQeuYl9sPYEYyWCEsH9C8tdb/w480-h640/decodable%20passage%20and%20book.heic" width="480" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Each reading group would be 10-15 minutes. Short and targeted so that I
could meet with as many kids as possible. I was almost always able to
meet with all of my kids to reinforce our focus skill, or work on fluency or
even comprehension for higher kids.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>RTI/Intervention Time</h1>
<p>
You might be thinking.... isn't that what you just described for small
groups?
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>And, yes, it is!</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>But that was just for the on grade level focus sound for that week.</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Other days of the week, my small group time is spent filling decoding gaps or
extending kids as needed. I pull kids that maybe are still struggling on
last week's skill....or the first week of school's skill.... IYKYK... :)
I keep all of our
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-First-Grade-Roundup-By-Whitney-Shaddock/Search:decodable?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=5%20Ways%20to%20Use%20Decodables%20-%20Shop%20Dec.">decodable books</a> close to our reading group area so I can get to the book I need quickly and
with little prep!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-First-Grade-Roundup-By-Whitney-Shaddock/Search:decodable" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2693" data-original-width="3024" data-pin-description="Are you struggling finding ways to use your decodable texts in K-2?Here's 5 ways to use Science of Reading aligned decodable readers in the classroom." height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-oCaPLyLWYpy5GRrdEVmIhHzu_Xj-lfVUvzFwxrifMtPqlcIBEGufK9mW8LpUIQkbVSZbJoeTs2xVpKMPcuTUSRKXFr99g7zWE25xmrcpUGdi_6DuCN6MUvnm6uWo2dUUjuLMAcYr0hi7UOkZ-Gaqr-QR4p8RnC6AtCvgYd3sXyPaistSGD4CxZm/w640-h570/Book%20tub%20labels%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
So how did I keep up with who needed what and how often and who I met with and
didn't meet with and, and, and...??? That's all in detail in this nuts
and bolts
<a href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2021/07/setting-up-data-driven-reading-groups.html">blog post</a>.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjce-J4nfK_ZThipP0hycVuvjMXv4C182zvpphsjlE77ARef5dGM8XRsvqYP3NutArAvbY0Yb5f4KlJl5-9uMCcX3WewsfBp90goE5L2czyAquyW0dEdAa51UA8w1fYWrFEnIp7N6D9Ng52I8_ux4lh3d8iimWdcYCZAU-x-Yj1bOE1DFVchHCvSDLK/s639/Data%20Driven%20Groups%20BLOG.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="639" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjce-J4nfK_ZThipP0hycVuvjMXv4C182zvpphsjlE77ARef5dGM8XRsvqYP3NutArAvbY0Yb5f4KlJl5-9uMCcX3WewsfBp90goE5L2czyAquyW0dEdAa51UA8w1fYWrFEnIp7N6D9Ng52I8_ux4lh3d8iimWdcYCZAU-x-Yj1bOE1DFVchHCvSDLK/w640-h426/Data%20Driven%20Groups%20BLOG.jpeg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
How do I figure all of the groups and their focuses out? By
ASSESSING!! And that's the next way I use decodable texts in the
classroom!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>Assessing Decoding and Phonics Skills</h1>
<p>
Assessing is key to getting the most out of your small group or intervention
time. And if we want to know the decoding holes or gaps students have,
then we have to use decoding assessments.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
My favorite decoding assessments are these
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Phonics-Screener-and-Decoding-Assessments-Based-on-the-Science-of-Reading-8630508?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=5%20Ways%20to%20Use%20Decodables%20-%20Screener" target="_blank">screeners</a>. I love that they are quick and easy to see the exact phonics skills
kids are doing well, and the holes we need to fill.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Phonics-Screener-and-Decoding-Assessments-Based-on-the-Science-of-Reading-8630508?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=5%20Ways%20to%20Use%20Decodables%20-%20Screener" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="1500" data-pin-description="Are you struggling finding ways to use your decodable texts in K-2?Here's 5 ways to use Science of Reading aligned decodable readers in the classroom." height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9chPbFhbQplLDkvt02DVXmyp4U_D1eip5OOYQ6MlAttxm3BOyWgVueq8Jg0nFSxatovydi7XpUNAjlXBxsgnbyaIaCiUpWFvEUBc-szAZslpXqhbDxCF_JB97icMm0ucf550EKKRD7lXFYbVMGoKiYESZvCx_A3sojoE4G7cQPuybuPeVZ0eCMR-/w640-h554/decoding%20screener.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also assess our current focus skill on Fridays during small group time using
these decodable checkups that come with each
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-First-Grade-Roundup-By-Whitney-Shaddock/Search:decodable?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=5%20Ways%20to%20Use%20Decodables%20-%20Shop%20Dec." target="_blank">set of decodable readers</a>.
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-First-Grade-Roundup-By-Whitney-Shaddock/Search:decodable?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=5%20Ways%20to%20Use%20Decodables%20-%20Shop%20Dec." style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="1499" data-pin-description="Are you struggling finding ways to use your decodable texts in K-2?Here's 5 ways to use Science of Reading aligned decodable readers in the classroom." height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1j5j4z1rDKBsVQCQLMlxjzjrlg-yOD0_ISzHlTD6_tG1QhADl03C3JvFEAeaHr-LoYtfPvpUw3qNEMoUOp4CaU1Vg0vMmtyosRHz315UQuYAKCsYDXE08k0_quhqx5ipxYgc6WLjAespgHVuqy3ca7MyNRNw_HVq4T0hfZYbzKcFTdApadt1ZL0E/w640-h488/checkup1.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<h1>Take Home Reading</h1>
<p>
The last way (I'm chatting about in this post anyway!) to use
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-First-Grade-Roundup-By-Whitney-Shaddock/Search:decodable?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=5%20Ways%20to%20Use%20Decodables%20-%20Shop%20Dec." target="_blank">decodable readers</a>
in the classroom is to send them out of the classroom....HOME!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
I've sent books home for parents to read after reading with them in class or
in a group so that parents can stay involved.
</p>
<p><br /></p><p><a href="https://mailchi.mp/thefirstgraderoundup.com/freedecodables" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="1265" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdn0WqmdiDAMzwkqIVV3pIa3w1ihPsUONNA-lO_Fgl2SA1Oi3aPpxwlH8lBFDzCCHIgKubcqI8djvwfown29_2KQeOyubTddA50IxYfFt5_rc5AacWxhEc6YV667J6O5ASp6dVWEh90ybIPYtJWNRm4bgbTjFmVoOOvZ5sgiKbl957_ponrMA1CVCPQd0/w640-h96/Decodable%20landing%20page%20blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><br /></p>
<p>
And I've also heard from many teachers who love sending the books or passages
or wordlists home to parents who are asking for extra work!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
So where can you find a TON of targeted decodable readers for kindergarten
through second grade? Shop all of the individual sets
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-First-Grade-Roundup-By-Whitney-Shaddock/Search:decodable?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=5%20Ways%20to%20Use%20Decodables%20-%20Shop%20Dec." target="_blank">here</a>!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-First-Grade-Roundup-By-Whitney-Shaddock/Search:decodable?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=5%20Ways%20to%20Use%20Decodables%20-%20Shop%20Dec." style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="1240" data-pin-description="Are you struggling finding ways to use your decodable texts in K-2?Here's 5 ways to use Science of Reading aligned decodable readers in the classroom." height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2uiUMn2Mt9KZfBFBmy7id7LBlhbcdbNmDhJ7FMgcJcBZ-OSJu2hG5VvTttwnXX8kMcB6fd0JJlXLkZy9VwgDpmK1t4qJ_6gANG_8YGd6VtlfXA_G4xZnrJpj6tQ7D_SYMOCzkBhbT8W8USh7QBdcdaw_iMSC9bsiMFP3TQ6j2SzLfvklYioa61_4p/w640-h474/Screen%20Shot%202023-02-09%20at%205.08.25%20PM.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUT0oFh-s2HsjHwKus2EkNgkPF6fLLEqKKNq8RbcjHtkMfcjqI5KB9x4W-gUI-QQi0-xR02TcTOyz71aUKdNxy6zpfwZSWVHiyNhtXqSht_RWVTHSLwg6kLvolP2QcG_d4rQnBYJ8KSlU3cXeWrG-oK58ZEWntEoYGHLsAvKxv7SEZTZUF7OOwNM5U/s1898/5%20ways%20to%20use%20decodables%20PIN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1898" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Are you struggling finding ways to use your decodable texts in K-2?Here's 5 ways to use Science of Reading aligned decodable readers in the classroom." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUT0oFh-s2HsjHwKus2EkNgkPF6fLLEqKKNq8RbcjHtkMfcjqI5KB9x4W-gUI-QQi0-xR02TcTOyz71aUKdNxy6zpfwZSWVHiyNhtXqSht_RWVTHSLwg6kLvolP2QcG_d4rQnBYJ8KSlU3cXeWrG-oK58ZEWntEoYGHLsAvKxv7SEZTZUF7OOwNM5U/w426-h640/5%20ways%20to%20use%20decodables%20PIN.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986381982136673388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699949251277141058.post-75624943907903901672023-02-06T16:53:00.005-06:002023-02-06T16:53:49.706-06:003 Low Prep Ways To Implement Making Words In K-2<p>
If we want kids to read and spell fluently, then we need to give our K-2
students adequate time for word building during phonics instruction. The
large body of research for the Science of Reading tells us that kids need
repetition with word building for a focus sound so that they can map the
spelling and sounds in their brain.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
One of my favorite first grade phonics activities to do is making words.
(And it is a must-do activity for kindergarten and second grade too!)
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Phonics-Word-Work-Lessons-Digital-Mats-Making-Words-BUNDLE-5375943?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Making%20Words%20Bundle" target="_blank">Making words</a>
is a word chaining activity which targets a specific phonics skill or
sound. During a making words lesson, kids are building and manipulating
words by changing one sound at a time. For CVC words, they might start
by spelling <b><u>bat</u></b> and then change one sound to make the word
<b><u>sat</u></b>.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
This makes word building accessible to all learners because you are just
changing one sound at time. It's less overwhelming and it allows us to
really focus in on that target sound or sounds.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
I LOVE using
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Phonics-Word-Work-Lessons-Digital-Mats-Making-Words-BUNDLE-5375943?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Making%20Words%20Bundle" target="_blank">making words</a>
in my classroom. The routines stay the same and the sounds change to
make the activity feel like more of a game. Let's chat about 3 low prep
ways to implement making words in your kindergarten, first grade, or second
grade classroom.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmXLeEmmH0bhV29eflIXSZdn4UQe3cdy0jSagG-00xpBu3BewRuB8uLAiQ40cDbLJ437u4sH50c8vPYpCRoPAQyNtt6rI77-MJsU1nDi8HSivMLookrVjsAVI5fsGP4D9nQOcdHeLBbr_yB5viGSsbASXDVqcx9WnRfmkYEH7Ugt-hngRW4Yk7P_W/s1265/FB%20making%20words%20blog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="The Science of Reading research shows word building helps kids permanently map words. Here are 3 low prep ways for making words during K-2 phonics." height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmXLeEmmH0bhV29eflIXSZdn4UQe3cdy0jSagG-00xpBu3BewRuB8uLAiQ40cDbLJ437u4sH50c8vPYpCRoPAQyNtt6rI77-MJsU1nDi8HSivMLookrVjsAVI5fsGP4D9nQOcdHeLBbr_yB5viGSsbASXDVqcx9WnRfmkYEH7Ugt-hngRW4Yk7P_W/w640-h426/FB%20making%20words%20blog.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Print Mats & Magnetic Letters</span>
</h1>
<p>
My first year teaching was in 2006, which doesn't seem like long ago at all,
but it does when I remember that an overhead projector was the highest form of
technology in my classroom. :)
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Anyone besides me remember these pretty things???</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1zar29k_0MDP4ch_eKM_UcI6rk9NgvTjW-YPe0M5s3JKVJNiq6Lh1c1Izg1BleyBjqkxGqgEZKsAHd3VSGUCQdU4DuA3pUI9DIvgcLjQG6Aqu2s82ObYQlF7RQf-eYNlO128jCMkrr0VhkiPROJOs6BspjwE1W6OcXe4NjyWDkvQlQiKIvkyaLWJ/s480/overhead%20projector.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1zar29k_0MDP4ch_eKM_UcI6rk9NgvTjW-YPe0M5s3JKVJNiq6Lh1c1Izg1BleyBjqkxGqgEZKsAHd3VSGUCQdU4DuA3pUI9DIvgcLjQG6Aqu2s82ObYQlF7RQf-eYNlO128jCMkrr0VhkiPROJOs6BspjwE1W6OcXe4NjyWDkvQlQiKIvkyaLWJ/s16000/overhead%20projector.jpeg" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<p>"It's a beaut, Clark!" :)</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Anyways... when I first started teaching, we used magnetic letters or letter
cards for word building.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Wx0P5AsslL2krjHjLvMAcyv1nhlvexbxiubQMiaZOlLAHPyVf_MbXaX04xn6xDqKByC0foELyi5tpUB0U_TwXcSFkdxUNSCjrhMIab2ayz9nhyZk8jf1vq6Z3hdg4MdyaJjFS9frwX0XzX1MItC5qtpWG6wjQ3rNTIM_7vWE316G-SZvdzMP6JHW/s3024/making%20words%20magnetic%20letters.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" data-pin-description="The Science of Reading research shows word building helps kids permanently map words. Here are 3 low prep ways for making words during K-2 phonics." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Wx0P5AsslL2krjHjLvMAcyv1nhlvexbxiubQMiaZOlLAHPyVf_MbXaX04xn6xDqKByC0foELyi5tpUB0U_TwXcSFkdxUNSCjrhMIab2ayz9nhyZk8jf1vq6Z3hdg4MdyaJjFS9frwX0XzX1MItC5qtpWG6wjQ3rNTIM_7vWE316G-SZvdzMP6JHW/w640-h640/making%20words%20magnetic%20letters.HEIC" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<div><br /></div>
The GREAT thing about magnetic letters with our
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Phonics-Word-Work-Lessons-Digital-Mats-Making-Words-BUNDLE-5375943?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Making%20Words%20Bundle" target="_blank">printable word building mats</a>
is that it is very tactile. It gives kids something to hold, manipulate,
and move. And that is SUPER important.
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEo7x4oOzjqn6B7LmEzmkesh7ZSbvxdW8A7VkLlkriWWgpsRnjX0PqzUBOInWOY8jxEEy0jUmyFgoB0MoAy_V2VitQcWYhbPf2E2lvhwMrtNsrdrCYnvKKpAZ66_daoMkwu_j_wqPuqsdYcp4_ztrQa07jVKQL7Tqo_1NiB8GhH43tOn0xV8hOpI6x/s4032/making%20words%20magnetic%20letters%20example.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" data-pin-description="The Science of Reading research shows word building helps kids permanently map words. Here are 3 low prep ways for making words during K-2 phonics." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEo7x4oOzjqn6B7LmEzmkesh7ZSbvxdW8A7VkLlkriWWgpsRnjX0PqzUBOInWOY8jxEEy0jUmyFgoB0MoAy_V2VitQcWYhbPf2E2lvhwMrtNsrdrCYnvKKpAZ66_daoMkwu_j_wqPuqsdYcp4_ztrQa07jVKQL7Tqo_1NiB8GhH43tOn0xV8hOpI6x/w480-h640/making%20words%20magnetic%20letters%20example.HEIC" width="480" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
The downside to letter cards or magnetic letters is time! I ended up
doing word building like this in small groups only because the time it took
to pass out letters was about as long as the lesson itself!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
In small groups, I had baggies with the correct letter cards for each lesson
with the coordinating mat and that definitely minimized the passout time,
but it also took up some extra space!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Print Mats & Dry Erase Markers</span>
</h1>
<p>
The second way I've done making words is with dry erase markers. This
was the main way I did making words when I first started teaching because it
took very little pass out time. There are no letters to pass
out. Kids just have to grab their dry erase markers and a mat and they
were good to go!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
These
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Phonics-Word-Work-Lessons-Digital-Mats-Making-Words-BUNDLE-5375943?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Making%20Words%20Bundle" target="_blank">printable mats</a>
already have the corresponding letters for the lesson on them with the
correct number of Elknonin sound boxes so it's ready to go.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rbxmlRSnjTMOFHeeMPvLKeSgAyfHcoIF0MTScrb6vk_O75i-KzseDDOm7BYZlAw9SqxUN5ob41hhcC_JmKwoHH7OnCMQfpB6IrlE5nbqYlGfsKgLR84LxfaDdSq_vhuwVjqJAK_fmHVwYWYK4L-YxdIiH_se01-bB1WgE1WBBwNeSq9MX_t6pbA2/s4032/making%20words%20dry%20erase.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" data-pin-description="The Science of Reading research shows word building helps kids permanently map words. Here are 3 low prep ways for making words during K-2 phonics." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rbxmlRSnjTMOFHeeMPvLKeSgAyfHcoIF0MTScrb6vk_O75i-KzseDDOm7BYZlAw9SqxUN5ob41hhcC_JmKwoHH7OnCMQfpB6IrlE5nbqYlGfsKgLR84LxfaDdSq_vhuwVjqJAK_fmHVwYWYK4L-YxdIiH_se01-bB1WgE1WBBwNeSq9MX_t6pbA2/w480-h640/making%20words%20dry%20erase.HEIC" width="480" /></a>
</div>
<p>
But while these
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Phonics-Word-Work-Lessons-Digital-Mats-Making-Words-BUNDLE-5375943?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Making%20Words%20Bundle" target="_blank">printable making words mats</a>
are nice and cute, they aren't necessary! I've used dry erase boards
only in a pinch and had kids make lines for the number of sounds in each
word!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxsAK8ACneC4A8w2Lktx5J74WwqKAQsFytrI4URMVuRyKEzhdUKFQv_i8qjC9Rn9zobkn6sUknVJSZc2KHAUYxlM4RYgG2J3gJsVFV1YBXg4uSNmxQb4VyI1nIl9_54nrws5PSO9qeG9UBxTcQeVJVSKNN0f_g2IlXqhFY-KcRuOjCUx7qxWL5Sq67/s1500/spelling%20dry%20erase%202.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" data-pin-description="The Science of Reading research shows word building helps kids permanently map words. Here are 3 low prep ways for making words during K-2 phonics." height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxsAK8ACneC4A8w2Lktx5J74WwqKAQsFytrI4URMVuRyKEzhdUKFQv_i8qjC9Rn9zobkn6sUknVJSZc2KHAUYxlM4RYgG2J3gJsVFV1YBXg4uSNmxQb4VyI1nIl9_54nrws5PSO9qeG9UBxTcQeVJVSKNN0f_g2IlXqhFY-KcRuOjCUx7qxWL5Sq67/w400-h300/spelling%20dry%20erase%202.png" width="400" /></a>
</div>
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</div>
<p><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Digital Mats & Google Classroom</span>
</h1>
<p>
Eventually, the overhead projectors went into the storage closets and the
Smartboards were installed. And then came Google Classroom.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
And suddenly, making words was an EASY way to do word work with absolutely
zero prep!
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Now, kids can open the
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Phonics-Word-Work-Lessons-Digital-Mats-Making-Words-BUNDLE-5375943?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Making%20Words%20Bundle" target="_blank">digital making words mat</a>
that corresponds with our lesson and focus sound on an iPad or on a laptop
in Google Classroom and they can immediately build words.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Or, we can pull up the digital making words mat on our smart board and do
the word building lesson together as a whole group by clicking and dragging
letters into the Elknonin sound boxes.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>I LOVE this way because it takes so little prep and cleanup time!</p>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY18TnU3ZBacR_wdPcr4NhuXbR1WoIFQiW_WtB2hF44DpztSzq2_yplgQQPxe7BaW9sjpK6K-_JfOSfVqV6XPrTJx2TlkSfA7Z8Nzs6OBlmVQ0CPYjXBYjm9PVYFf1jaKNFCbWkx__qaAMfOqcR1Z_rIY6gU0aOmeSB1n4Fod6WLZ7OLAEy9zIG3mJ/s1245/making%20words%20digital.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="772" data-original-width="1245" data-pin-description="The Science of Reading research shows word building helps kids permanently map words. Here are 3 low prep ways for making words during K-2 phonics." height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY18TnU3ZBacR_wdPcr4NhuXbR1WoIFQiW_WtB2hF44DpztSzq2_yplgQQPxe7BaW9sjpK6K-_JfOSfVqV6XPrTJx2TlkSfA7Z8Nzs6OBlmVQ0CPYjXBYjm9PVYFf1jaKNFCbWkx__qaAMfOqcR1Z_rIY6gU0aOmeSB1n4Fod6WLZ7OLAEy9zIG3mJ/w640-h396/making%20words%20digital.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Whether you want to save prep and cleanup time and go digital with making
words, or you want to pull out the tactile magnetic letters and go old
school, word building is a must-do in your primary classroom to help kids
map words permanently in their brains!
</p>
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</div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
<p>
Find both
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Phonics-Word-Work-Lessons-Digital-Mats-Making-Words-BUNDLE-5375943?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Making%20Words%20Bundle" target="_blank">digital and printable making words maps here</a>!
</p>
</div>
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</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div><br /></div>
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<br />
Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986381982136673388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699949251277141058.post-79852606006017161092022-10-06T14:40:00.002-05:002024-01-18T12:22:06.509-06:004 Must Have Science of Reading Aligned Assessments<p>
I get messages all the time asking me what assessments I use since making the
switch to the Science of Reading. But first, let's take a second to back
up and track how we got to this point, shall we?
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
I taught first grade for 10 years back with Fountas & Pinnell weren't bad
words, levelized readers were the norm, and phonics was boring and not given
much thought. After 10 years in the classroom, I took a Mom break to
stay home with my littles.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Soon after I left the classroom, the Science of Reading movement began in our
state. I went through the same training my teacher friends did here to
keep up my license.
</p>
<p><br /></p><p><a href="https://mailchi.mp/thefirstgraderoundup.com/freedecodables" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="1265" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdn0WqmdiDAMzwkqIVV3pIa3w1ihPsUONNA-lO_Fgl2SA1Oi3aPpxwlH8lBFDzCCHIgKubcqI8djvwfown29_2KQeOyubTddA50IxYfFt5_rc5AacWxhEc6YV667J6O5ASp6dVWEh90ybIPYtJWNRm4bgbTjFmVoOOvZ5sgiKbl957_ponrMA1CVCPQd0/w640-h96/Decodable%20landing%20page%20blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><br /></p>
<p>
Then, I took 2 long-term sub positions when my oldest started kindergarten. I
got to try out SoR in resource and in kindergarten. That's when I
officially said
<a href="https://www.thefirstgraderoundup.com/2021/07/goodbye-guided-reading.html">goodbye to guided reading</a>, DRA assessment kits, and levelized readers. That's also when I really
got to test out what works best for
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Small-Groups-Data-Binder-to-Support-the-Science-of-Reading-1342884" target="_blank">small group instruction in an SoR classroom</a>. I started using our SoR aligned assessments to form groups and my
kinders were making HUGE strides. Like nothing I had ever seen in my
F&P classroom before.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Since then, I've adopted twins to keep me busy at home for a bit longer, while
getting LETRS certified and working hard on learning more about what the
Science of Reading looks like in the K-2 classroom.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
PHEW! Lots of background info to say, these are my most favorite
assessments I've used to help guide my Science of Reading instruction.
(HINT: They're simple, about 10 times faster and OH sooooo mcuh smaller
than the big old DRA kit! #iykyk And most of them you can get for FREE!)
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlwE_0lCnPJ8T1ZHiKRGW4dHD0-b6FvoqrkSsdOqq_q686FzjpcIqOqbnR66aYXu5KKtVirH39ssp5OdEqeHi2kkB03ob-U4LlKjCUgUQx2FZWw7pG6uYIy7qeit-KrFxrpouCaeFbFy1PX72NdcG0-6MRteN93WXtVCEcl2LCBdfCpOLLNRlayCX/s1265/Science%20of%20Reading%20Assessments%20Blog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Moving to a Science of Reading based instruction means rethinking reading tests. Here's my list of 4 must have SoR aligned screeners and assessments." height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlwE_0lCnPJ8T1ZHiKRGW4dHD0-b6FvoqrkSsdOqq_q686FzjpcIqOqbnR66aYXu5KKtVirH39ssp5OdEqeHi2kkB03ob-U4LlKjCUgUQx2FZWw7pG6uYIy7qeit-KrFxrpouCaeFbFy1PX72NdcG0-6MRteN93WXtVCEcl2LCBdfCpOLLNRlayCX/w640-h426/Science%20of%20Reading%20Assessments%20Blog.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">Use PAST To Assess Phonemic Awareness</h1>
<p>
<a href="https://thepasttest.com/">PAST</a> stands for <b><u>P</u></b>honological <b><u>A</u></b>wareness <b><u>S</u></b>creening <b><u>T</u></b>est. I discovered this one when I was teaching kinder and QUICKLY fell
in love with it. It's fast. It's simple. And it tells sooooo
much about kids and what they know about sounds. I even used this on my
2nd grade the year we homeschooled during CoVid.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
<b><u>What Is It?</u></b> In a nutshell, PAST is like using Heggerty exercises
to assess kids. If you are not familiar with Heggerty, (and you totally
should be because it's the BEST way to teach Phonemic Awareness in primary
grades), the PAST assesses kids by asking them to repeat words and then change
them in some way: delete a sound, replace a sound, etc...
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ymxVsFziprj53ZU6v3vtrIiMuuuUKfgL3XKARaXEiIxpHU6L63GwH-UTH8AV2DfghHo8i4L6e1KDfhW9UTY-ENYWLCzKaQOMGF0IKj4eEgjvF3o-nk0hjMnDfYsJAEr5XCmJb0StXIKxBo9WyhPhfXt7zQ_CSEkDpDpXtlP_m6Wb6nq64RG0dkSq/s1275/Phonemic%20Awareness%20PAST.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="1275" data-pin-description="Moving to a Science of Reading based instruction means rethinking reading tests. Here's my list of 4 must have SoR aligned screeners and assessments." height="481" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ymxVsFziprj53ZU6v3vtrIiMuuuUKfgL3XKARaXEiIxpHU6L63GwH-UTH8AV2DfghHo8i4L6e1KDfhW9UTY-ENYWLCzKaQOMGF0IKj4eEgjvF3o-nk0hjMnDfYsJAEr5XCmJb0StXIKxBo9WyhPhfXt7zQ_CSEkDpDpXtlP_m6Wb6nq64RG0dkSq/w640-h481/Phonemic%20Awareness%20PAST.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqKBMHZqQwUcGcmtYELB0KZQPA_e7nKPhb-Je4pi_jpygZhqYSTqobBmQMWyVwfKLya-4unzjvhRBHWQH7NiHm--vseMTzqm1u5Om4FxARsvzOM4T851w7Mid0exogpTHj57nMcpyqOonZ8qRiR_KTy0K0O2EXyEcvY1MslZw52QyxxpaQhA_mpPK/s1052/Phonemic%20Awareness%20Assessment.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="789" data-pin-description="Moving to a Science of Reading based instruction means rethinking reading tests. Here's my list of 4 must have SoR aligned screeners and assessments." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqKBMHZqQwUcGcmtYELB0KZQPA_e7nKPhb-Je4pi_jpygZhqYSTqobBmQMWyVwfKLya-4unzjvhRBHWQH7NiHm--vseMTzqm1u5Om4FxARsvzOM4T851w7Mid0exogpTHj57nMcpyqOonZ8qRiR_KTy0K0O2EXyEcvY1MslZw52QyxxpaQhA_mpPK/w480-h640/Phonemic%20Awareness%20Assessment.png" width="480" /></a>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<p></p>
<p>
<b><u>Why I Love It?</u></b> The easiest part of PAST is that the teacher
script is right there in front of you and it's two pages. I print my two
to a page so it's all on one side. :)
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
But the BEST part of this test is it's FREE. Yep, 100% free. Just
go right here and download the test and all the directions. So when
ya'll have messaged me asking if I have a good PA assessment, I say no.
Because this one is just so stinkin' good and it's FREE. #winning
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
<b><u>How I Use It?</u></b> Once I have assessed kids on
<a href="https://thepasttest.com/">PAST</a>, I start recording where they fall
on
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Small-Groups-Data-Binder-to-Support-the-Science-of-Reading-1342884?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=SoR%20Assessments%20-%20reading%20groups">these recording sheets from my small groups teacher binder</a>. Then, I can pull small groups to target their common Phonemic
Awareness holes. In this example below, I would pull Justin &
Whitney to work on PAST level K1 (deleting the second part of a blend).
I would pull Cooper to work on level J (substituting middle short/long vowel
sounds). And I would pull back Knox & Evelyn to work on level H1
(deleting beginning sounds).
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhT33SUuWkQ9cz40VkraWEkG-HgxYdI8BgIw-dU1Yspl9_hVmGKBZ7_VNM89jDs1OGD869DoXqzk5hWqjbdPoy2fMe3QhxlAvkhvcI6gtQZeCjaudSiOW__0ni4vPiQhmIFPZ99X-BVAFMK8LREKLrbXYxIxJblXH7T6-i1a5A5Zk7qO6NJE2yPoc/s1052/Phonemic%20Awareness%20Data%20Tracking%20V.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="789" data-pin-description="Moving to a Science of Reading based instruction means rethinking reading tests. Here's my list of 4 must have SoR aligned screeners and assessments." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhT33SUuWkQ9cz40VkraWEkG-HgxYdI8BgIw-dU1Yspl9_hVmGKBZ7_VNM89jDs1OGD869DoXqzk5hWqjbdPoy2fMe3QhxlAvkhvcI6gtQZeCjaudSiOW__0ni4vPiQhmIFPZ99X-BVAFMK8LREKLrbXYxIxJblXH7T6-i1a5A5Zk7qO6NJE2yPoc/w480-h640/Phonemic%20Awareness%20Data%20Tracking%20V.png" width="480" /></a>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<h1>Use DIBELS/Acadience to Assess Phonics</h1>
<p>
I've gotta tell ya'll. There was a time in my teaching career when I was
in the throws of Fountas & Pinnell that I absolutely hated DIBELS.
Like literally loathed it. It was a state mandated test for screening
all kids and then tracking those below grade level every two weeks. I
turned in the data on the state website every so often and never did another
thing with it.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
I think I disliked DIBELS so much because it was just another assessment on
top of DRA and others we were already using to levelize kids and I didn't know
how to use the data.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Fast forward to my immersion in the Science of Reading a few years ago and I
started seeing real value in this assessment in kindergarten and beyond.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
<b><u>What Is It?</u></b>
<a href="https://acadiencelearning.org/acadience-reading-materials-download/" target="_blank">Acadience (formally DIBELS)</a>
is a series of quick, 1 minute tests that assess letter naming fluency,
segmenting sounds, blending nonsense sounds/words, and oral reading
fluency. Acadience even gives you a little teacher booklet to organize
all of your data. :)
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
<b><u>Why I Love It?</u></b> I love how fast Acadience is. In less than 5 minutes I can
assess a kid in all the areas needed at that time of the year. I also
love that it's easy to train a paraprofessional to do this testing in a
pinch. (Although, I'm the weird teacher that loves to assess my own kids
because I think it builds so much rapport and I learn so much more about them
doing it myself.)
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
<b><u>How I Use Is It?</u></b> In kindergarten, I used this to help me pull groups of kids for letter
naming. I kept track of when kids could ID uppercase and lowercase
letters using our own school assessments for that. So, kids who knew
uppers and lowers, but hit below the benchmark for letter naming fluency
needed to be pulled to work on naming letters faster.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
I also used this data to pull kids who were like this one in the example
below. They could say the sounds of during the nonsense word fluency
test, but they weren't really blending them to read them as whole words.
So with these kids I would use small group time to target blending VC and then
CVC words (real and nonsense.)
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdXKR1c_xZ_IoBrX-oh5I5gayADSQoxC3fzaRw21wewiAtt3zGBlrHgewjLb2oKBv4MwOtyAnuqg0jNA2kL-mdP3oC7n4Glm48OfUF8lGW4ObW0-78Yv5eno1vbZjQa67jsxdKT5WyhqffZdff_OfpuOZphn4FrFWm8oL2gkAlB3G2KwbjGqkHoJo/s1052/DIBELS%20booklet.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="789" data-pin-description="Moving to a Science of Reading based instruction means rethinking reading tests. Here's my list of 4 must have SoR aligned screeners and assessments." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdXKR1c_xZ_IoBrX-oh5I5gayADSQoxC3fzaRw21wewiAtt3zGBlrHgewjLb2oKBv4MwOtyAnuqg0jNA2kL-mdP3oC7n4Glm48OfUF8lGW4ObW0-78Yv5eno1vbZjQa67jsxdKT5WyhqffZdff_OfpuOZphn4FrFWm8oL2gkAlB3G2KwbjGqkHoJo/w480-h640/DIBELS%20booklet.png" width="480" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
You can find the teacher booklets and student pages all
<a href="https://acadiencelearning.org/acadience-reading-materials-download/" target="_blank">here</a>
for free if you sign up.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>Use Decoding Passages to Assess Phonics</h1>
<p>
When I was trying out all of these Science of Reading assessments during my
kinder long-term sub job, what I found was missing was some way to identify
how well kids could actually read once they knew letters and sounds. The
district assessments (PAST and Acadience/DIBELS) were mostly for phonemic
awareness and segmenting and blending.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Those are SUPER important. Don't get me wrong. But at the end of
the day, we want kids to read words in context. And we need to meet them
where they are. So, as I started creating decodable booklets and
passages to use for extra practice during small groups, I also added a
decoding assessment for each decoding skill.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
<b><u>What Is It?</u></b> Decoding checkups are like running records for decodables. They
assess kid's ability to decode using a specific phonics skill (short a,
r-blends, -ing words, etc...) It ask kids to decode words in isolation,
decode a short sentence, and decode a longer paragraph.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
<b><u>Why I Love It?</u></b> I love that I can hear kids decode in isolation and in context.
In the example below, Cooper is able to read individual words, but when those
CVCe long a words are put in a longer context, his decoding skills
decrease.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9KsDqTt66P8kyre46cinTLtKjVRLBQsCHC9zXIffdtxONNTXntYDtL6DZzV5PjAzWSB7R_i9MOIyZymDUxt9LDQEpMdVHwjj-YGkfDYxtYT6QM5djBiTbOmISfcm0oEIQSWj72cCFQNbedt9G57djuVKG_FjbWPo0Kjg0rTQ6iQjtRkuRHTpi4WX/s1277/Decoding%20Checkup.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="1277" data-pin-description="Moving to a Science of Reading based instruction means rethinking reading tests. Here's my list of 4 must have SoR aligned screeners and assessments." height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9KsDqTt66P8kyre46cinTLtKjVRLBQsCHC9zXIffdtxONNTXntYDtL6DZzV5PjAzWSB7R_i9MOIyZymDUxt9LDQEpMdVHwjj-YGkfDYxtYT6QM5djBiTbOmISfcm0oEIQSWj72cCFQNbedt9G57djuVKG_FjbWPo0Kjg0rTQ6iQjtRkuRHTpi4WX/w640-h480/Decoding%20Checkup.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
While Acadience does have an oral reading component, the words are just "grade
level" and it is not written to hone in on a specific phonics skill. And
that difference is a huge game changer when pulling groups. Acadience
tells me if they are reading on grade level. Decoding checkups tell me
what phonics sound is tripping them up so I can fill that gap.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
<b><u>How I Use Is It?</u></b> So, I record their data on these
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Small-Groups-Data-Binder-to-Support-the-Science-of-Reading-1342884?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=SoR%20Assessments%20-%20reading%20groups" target="_blank">recording sheets</a>
and fill the gaps that I find. I use these assessments as I teach our
sounds whole group. If they pass that sound, great. If not, they
get pulled with other kiddos to work on decoding that skill. And I
recheck them every week or every other week to see how they are doing with
that skill.
</p>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1OUCYpMILmgR33SYnhMPYgLIQTr6zAwFNOth2JDGbZpdBMha5Z40lR8h8pVV0hJOLYGAYL8OSBRuyeKHAkv0yi3-Dt8nAbkWyU1MVAdjczVJlq6QyMEByw1QbpP3Bfxk5cszfioAHQorkVV-oMCpZWvcA9BRIjtuwG359HBZtFnMYJdoT4--RK-X/s1277/Phonics%20Data%20Tracking.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="1277" data-pin-description="Moving to a Science of Reading based instruction means rethinking reading tests. Here's my list of 4 must have SoR aligned screeners and assessments." height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1OUCYpMILmgR33SYnhMPYgLIQTr6zAwFNOth2JDGbZpdBMha5Z40lR8h8pVV0hJOLYGAYL8OSBRuyeKHAkv0yi3-Dt8nAbkWyU1MVAdjczVJlq6QyMEByw1QbpP3Bfxk5cszfioAHQorkVV-oMCpZWvcA9BRIjtuwG359HBZtFnMYJdoT4--RK-X/w640-h480/Phonics%20Data%20Tracking.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<br /><br />
<p></p>
<p>
In this way, we worked through our
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-First-Grade-Roundup-By-Whitney-Shaddock/Category/-Super-Phonics-Digital-Curriculum-330688?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=SoR%20Assessments%20-%20Phonics%20Category" target="_blank">phonics instruction</a>, and I was assessing kids as we went through the
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-First-Grade-Roundup-By-Whitney-Shaddock/Category/-Super-Phonics-Digital-Curriculum-330688?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=SoR%20Assessments%20-%20Phonics%20Category" target="_blank">phonics curriculum</a>. I have also created this
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Phonics-Screener-and-Decoding-Assessments-Based-on-the-Science-of-Reading-8630508?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=SoR%20Assessments%20-%20Phonics%20Screener">quick and easy phonics screener</a>
so you can screen your kids at the beginning of the year to get an idea of
what sound to start practicing in groups. This would be helpful to get a
quick handle on kids who are struggling from day 1 and how to help them
quickly.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Phonics-Screener-and-Decoding-Assessments-Based-on-the-Science-of-Reading-8630508?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=SoR%20Assessments%20-%20Phonics%20Screener" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" data-pin-description="Moving to a Science of Reading based instruction means rethinking reading tests. Here's my list of 4 must have SoR aligned screeners and assessments." height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-uEnH_bHUpr4s2bWeMGFuRnJG6Ru7TYs_LY-ghMcdtrnHHju54EcTmg2sk477N4r82_jThYA7djjyyjK9Db6VU9-kf6AX9I1aaff8f9iINs5KMcmgSbb4sVW2WYt0iIvpeJbMAuyc_3z1rXdR8en5djlmeTgyJM65k6DhuR9DNj_TtDcf8vqCUgs/w640-h480/Decoding%20Screeners.heic" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
I also use this data to help kids color in their phonics level as they go on
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Goal-Setting-and-Self-Assessment-1581208?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=SoR%20Assessments%20-%20thermometer" target="_blank">this thermometer</a>. Kids keep this in their reading folder and it gives them a visual for
what skills they are working on and helps us set goals on what to work on
next.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5DqIb-vWE8h4ZyjdCpNCVw4l-28IXX7X6UHKhy2_OKNWmhITzhu9VMjpmngsNKQuw5sfBfc2A0gj-7x8OrRICHYckQxmW0Cg0QaX0eu0UMbMr3gXO5YD4nDRW3WZ1ZGPTqSXZ6z12B4XQHWH3fmhl0r8x8IK98DsNqbjq5uVJ_2YlpXK11YghOL5/s1052/Decoding%20Student%20Thermometer.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="800" data-pin-description="Moving to a Science of Reading based instruction means rethinking reading tests. Here's my list of 4 must have SoR aligned screeners and assessments." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5DqIb-vWE8h4ZyjdCpNCVw4l-28IXX7X6UHKhy2_OKNWmhITzhu9VMjpmngsNKQuw5sfBfc2A0gj-7x8OrRICHYckQxmW0Cg0QaX0eu0UMbMr3gXO5YD4nDRW3WZ1ZGPTqSXZ6z12B4XQHWH3fmhl0r8x8IK98DsNqbjq5uVJ_2YlpXK11YghOL5/w486-h640/Decoding%20Student%20Thermometer.png" width="486" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<h1>Use Oral Interviews to Assess K-2 Comprehension</h1>
<p>
The biggest shift from DRA testing to Science of Reading testing is
comprehension. The research from the Science of Reading tells us that if
we want kids to comprehend what they <i>read</i>, they must first comprehend
what they <i>hear</i>. So for primary students, oral comprehension comes
first.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
And we know that once they can comprehend a story read aloud AND can decode
texts, they will begin weaving those two skills together to comprehend what
they read.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
<b><u>What Is It?</u></b> Oral interviews for comprehension look exactly as you would expect
from the name. After reading aloud a book to the whole group
<i>several times</i>, I pull kids back and ask them to retell the story.
It doesn't even have to be the same day. In a time crunch, I would read
the book on day 1, call back my higher kiddos to retell and then reread the
book on day 2 and call some more kids back.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
I use whatever graphic organizer we've been using to retell stories as a
visual cue to help them organize their thoughts. The ice-cream scoop is
one of the first ones I use because... who doesn't love ice-cream? The
kids love this one and it's super easy to follow.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCz_08FfGFYTyUtFZvOVj9hQfSiSBnTHMBAhHoCpdc_lhAhYfexC05nheDVE2I2EUWndO9VgFH3ZRR5clkQEWPD421Uo3Xt68srOg2DPqHZCnbM9971wzAa8Y50fV90zC-YpX6n0Q0TSrRRJYF-xya2bqmT20lcC03j1VBnhaLdCH8gwFbreMlANl/s1052/BME%20Graphic%20Organizer.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="787" data-pin-description="Moving to a Science of Reading based instruction means rethinking reading tests. Here's my list of 4 must have SoR aligned screeners and assessments." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCz_08FfGFYTyUtFZvOVj9hQfSiSBnTHMBAhHoCpdc_lhAhYfexC05nheDVE2I2EUWndO9VgFH3ZRR5clkQEWPD421Uo3Xt68srOg2DPqHZCnbM9971wzAa8Y50fV90zC-YpX6n0Q0TSrRRJYF-xya2bqmT20lcC03j1VBnhaLdCH8gwFbreMlANl/w478-h640/BME%20Graphic%20Organizer.png" width="478" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
It's important to know that when I'm assessing this, the graphic organizer is
in front of them, but I'm not referencing it or pointing to it. If they
struggle, I will go back and give them cues, but then I'm noting that in my
data.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
<b><u>Why I Love It?</u></b> First, I always love having conversation with kids. It builds
rapport and gives me a small glimpse into their world and how they see
it. But it also tells me a lot about whether kids can sequence events,
use transition words, use complete sentences, etc.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
<b><u>How I Use Is It?</u></b> During the interview, I have the graphic organizer in front of the kid
and this data recording sheet in front of me. I simply say, "Tell me
about the book we read called, ______." I use this
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Oral-Reading-Comprehension-Checklist-for-K-2-8630661?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=SoR%20Assessments%20-%20Comp%20Checklist" target="_blank">comprehension checklist</a>
to help me guide where the strengths and weakness are.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Oral-Reading-Comprehension-Checklist-for-K-2-8630661?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=SoR%20Assessments%20-%20Comp%20Checklist" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1277" data-pin-description="Moving to a Science of Reading based instruction means rethinking reading tests. Here's my list of 4 must have SoR aligned screeners and assessments." height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPIsw8hCFhkObhG7LFmQVYzYpKlH0Mx9ztQtLA4N-ZK7vbjYwYVoTj1lhAMevn6gqTbcoEvKJHtXIveklyjkcqxbJrfYHrYgdg8VvqhyA5jiS94weH3UyU42fUHI6_jZiciYnPc4kEh4Mq-ETjijUfaTlDBMsmEseuCiIVML4q6r8yNGuYdwObT-U/w640-h480/Comprehension%20Checklist.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
If they struggle retelling the beginning, middle and end, I stop. If
they do that well on their own, I check off what else they add and then ask
them other questions for some of the other skills like, "Who were the
characters in the story?" or "What was the moral of this story?"
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Once I have their comprehension checklist filled out, I can start using that
data to form comprehension groups.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
Want the comprehension checklist?
<b><u><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Oral-Reading-Comprehension-Checklist-for-K-2-8630661?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=SoR%20Assessments%20-%20Comp%20Checklist">Find it FREE here</a></u></b>!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5BLPaP4Bw5qBGKTtVqE89RYdd9ug73ogHfUmr14MJLnl7kmxI4wG7oAC4wTVUrDlDxSa4e32DWSkkAVTHI3DyRSJ2tEfUoEz3n2gjRXJT-veGF156S0NfwQLTIK0eFDYbftMxw-Tj3KBD-NX8hUXu50Cnr1m8vozmKkIF_155GRpvzks9s-TLzX2/s1898/Science%20of%20Reading%20Assessment%20Pins.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1898" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Moving to a Science of Reading based instruction means rethinking reading tests. Here's my list of 4 must have SoR aligned screeners and assessments." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5BLPaP4Bw5qBGKTtVqE89RYdd9ug73ogHfUmr14MJLnl7kmxI4wG7oAC4wTVUrDlDxSa4e32DWSkkAVTHI3DyRSJ2tEfUoEz3n2gjRXJT-veGF156S0NfwQLTIK0eFDYbftMxw-Tj3KBD-NX8hUXu50Cnr1m8vozmKkIF_155GRpvzks9s-TLzX2/w426-h640/Science%20of%20Reading%20Assessment%20Pins.jpg" width="426" /></a>
</div>
Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986381982136673388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699949251277141058.post-53763901493519619882022-08-24T12:38:00.005-05:002023-05-16T21:47:21.045-05:00Fruit of the Spirit Bulletin Board Ideas<p>
Are you needing fun and engaging ways to talk about character education in
your classroom? Or are you a Christian teacher wanting to use the Fruit
of the Spirit to help with classroom management? Whether you are
teaching in a religious or non-religious setting,
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hallway-Bulletin-Board-Set-with-a-Fruits-of-the-Spirit-Theme-8375330?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Fruits%20of%20Spirit%20bulletin">this interactive bulletin board</a>
is great for encouraging positive student behaviors.
</p>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCM-2QfcBY0ZgrfkTQjZla_h8PQtPPAO5aoRF9QQMeMtR2aQJ-apIdjcmsvzjaqj-wJbspATxd_TwtXkNwBJcGWoz_bH79CkWHTYR9KAVFjJGQuLJljNoUh81n-FxzkVL9-Fmnwu1KoazV2Ycq0aJ4M2d5YIhpJUPKFWvwaURjuoumeBaP_WhrEns/s1265/fruit%20of%20the%20spirit%20blog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Whether you're teaching in a Christian or public school setting, this fruit of the Spirit bulletin board encourages positive behaviors in a fun way." height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCM-2QfcBY0ZgrfkTQjZla_h8PQtPPAO5aoRF9QQMeMtR2aQJ-apIdjcmsvzjaqj-wJbspATxd_TwtXkNwBJcGWoz_bH79CkWHTYR9KAVFjJGQuLJljNoUh81n-FxzkVL9-Fmnwu1KoazV2Ycq0aJ4M2d5YIhpJUPKFWvwaURjuoumeBaP_WhrEns/w640-h426/fruit%20of%20the%20spirit%20blog.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<p></p>
<p>
The
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fruit-of-the-Spirit-Bible-Unit-1647369?">Fruit of the Spirit is one of my favorite units</a>
to teach in preschool Sunday School. Not only is it fun and yummy, but
it is so helpful in encouraging appropriate behaviors.
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hallway-Bulletin-Board-Set-with-a-Fruits-of-the-Spirit-Theme-8375330?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Fruits%20of%20Spirit%20bulletin">This bulletin board set</a>
goes perfectly with this unit (the fruits even match!) and it's so easy to put
up.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4jqqFuchSf4" width="320" youtube-src-id="4jqqFuchSf4"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<p>
Let's talk about 3 things I absolutely love about using this
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hallway-Bulletin-Board-Set-with-a-Fruits-of-the-Spirit-Theme-8375330?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Fruits%20of%20Spirit%20bulletin">Fruit of the Spirit bulletin board</a>
in the classroom!
</p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">
1. It's An Easy Peezy Set Up (Cut, Trace, Staple)
</h1>
<p>
Having the templates ready to go make this bulletin board display a breeze to
set up. The bulletin board shown in the video above is a 48x36 board and
I used the small size template from the
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hallway-Bulletin-Board-Set-with-a-Fruits-of-the-Spirit-Theme-8375330?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Fruits%20of%20Spirit%20bulletin">bulletin board set</a>
and got to cutting and stapling.
</p>
<p>
After I stapled it up, I colored in the tiny spaces with black marker (dry
erase marker is actually my favorite for this task because it's just so dark)
to make it seem like I cut out those way teeny tiny spaces even though my
fingers couldn't handle it. :) It blends in so perfectly that not even
my find-every-mistake-I-make 9 year old has found it yet! #winning
</p>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKrLdL_wwqogLMEae9k3rRRc4W_sOYiBobcUrI8gO9ztqPtQgVIDV0pKuNkSHCvmsClfonU4FGN5iEY8zFBtAKgmRlhCvYMaPxVAg0gAKQtPLXnI1Dll_iasGY0yBypfttUk6OHUCRubZv6qO_oVBx1MTLqgB8H6hlNbU2ojTnoBM59kwVJWmeDvWD/s1265/fruit%20of%20the%20spirit%20bulletin%20color.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Whether you're teaching in a Christian or public school setting, this fruit of the Spirit bulletin board encourages positive behaviors in a fun way." height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKrLdL_wwqogLMEae9k3rRRc4W_sOYiBobcUrI8gO9ztqPtQgVIDV0pKuNkSHCvmsClfonU4FGN5iEY8zFBtAKgmRlhCvYMaPxVAg0gAKQtPLXnI1Dll_iasGY0yBypfttUk6OHUCRubZv6qO_oVBx1MTLqgB8H6hlNbU2ojTnoBM59kwVJWmeDvWD/w640-h426/fruit%20of%20the%20spirit%20bulletin%20color.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
Next up was the tree. I just free handed this one. But ya'll, don't
be impressed. I'm a terrible artist. Like way bad. I can
doodle and handletter, but drawing? Nope! All I did was pull up a cute
tree clipart picture and drew with pencil so I could erase a bunch of times and
then went over it with marker. It's not perfect, but it's cute enough!
<p></p>
<p></p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagl27WKHzwjErSPy8A2ZQOaIhqqFQn41Zn6U6g8RDLmQ21xLPLDgNeMtSZ4p-GSgNFtOWCYkB1NFx53hEVKGQvEBL0IkyJa7raNYkkwjdW5hUvAmNY9bz46mjX6fBWb_eXyIo2k25k4NFujGb7ys_rHjcNnFdzFvj8h32aSTIt0QGzBZMtpVR1j4-/s1660/fruit%20of%20the%20spirit%20bulletin%20tree.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1660" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Whether you're teaching in a Christian or public school setting, this fruit of the Spirit bulletin board encourages positive behaviors in a fun way." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagl27WKHzwjErSPy8A2ZQOaIhqqFQn41Zn6U6g8RDLmQ21xLPLDgNeMtSZ4p-GSgNFtOWCYkB1NFx53hEVKGQvEBL0IkyJa7raNYkkwjdW5hUvAmNY9bz46mjX6fBWb_eXyIo2k25k4NFujGb7ys_rHjcNnFdzFvj8h32aSTIt0QGzBZMtpVR1j4-/w488-h640/fruit%20of%20the%20spirit%20bulletin%20tree.jpeg" width="488" /></a>
</div>
<br />Still don't have confidence in your free hand skills? Do what I did
in the classroom and pull up your favorite tree clipart on your interactive
white board, tape the poster board to it, resize the image to the size you need
and TRACE.<div><br /></div><div><a href="https://mailchi.mp/e5615bbf2977/sunday-school-freebie" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="1265" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezt_y1XVtpNDYJVYcSz0RtGRmkLRKXZieL1zppkaVfhzJ9zn26Dfcn3CtjWQVSDe5TMwomwlsiDZFWUNzSSdsuI2FpnQXQjhCQBmWQqhF3YncLQyWCdkZvAsKo53SNvh_lJaA9tZUioZ-A6KxF9t3r2oQuWGXohor-WRJMosJBJd-J7ynV9NNbFGp/w640-h96/SS%20landing%20page%20blog.jpg" width="640" /></a> <p></p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">2. Flexible Wording Options</h1>
<p>
I have heard from sooooo many of my Christian teacher friends that they want
more scripture based bulletin boards that are easy to set up. But so
many of you can't use a Christian based board (or don't want to and that's
okay too!) That's why I'm making each bulletin board in this
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Monthly-Bulletin-Board-Set-GROWING-BUNDLE-with-Bible-Verses-or-General-Wording-8329557?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Fruits%20of%20Spirit%20bulletin%20-%20bundle">monthly bundle</a>
with lots of wording options.
</p>
<p>
There are 3 versions of this
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hallway-Bulletin-Board-Set-with-a-Fruits-of-the-Spirit-Theme-8375330?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Fruits%20of%20Spirit%20bulletin">bulletin board in this fruits set</a>. Only one is Christian based. When finished, it looks like this!
</p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnMjN1R6LlF3aib9fzgWfhLFflpuR7BI9_4o9Z12eUDQSeLn2udC4wORRzR5zbJMgSu8dGQPDEa43sTkJtD8qQgaoqHidRFKRyFKyUMVBfuECA7aYIqwJIc8vL3S9Jud8nofsSBPMr1LJrXuthcQtijjaH8XGj_EWMPqXSTkqAlAPnohV9dDAn6Kp/s1265/fruit%20of%20the%20spirit%20bulletin%20full.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Whether you're teaching in a Christian or public school setting, this fruit of the Spirit bulletin board encourages positive behaviors in a fun way." height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnMjN1R6LlF3aib9fzgWfhLFflpuR7BI9_4o9Z12eUDQSeLn2udC4wORRzR5zbJMgSu8dGQPDEa43sTkJtD8qQgaoqHidRFKRyFKyUMVBfuECA7aYIqwJIc8vL3S9Jud8nofsSBPMr1LJrXuthcQtijjaH8XGj_EWMPqXSTkqAlAPnohV9dDAn6Kp/w640-h426/fruit%20of%20the%20spirit%20bulletin%20full.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgq0XxgpKChRj6loHIlqfP4F5TmrfLnm8n8xsRv_e2V-fmsHJVoNlukuQI5gza7uk41Uz9zJyByl8TAGucqyL9pgwyb8442HS0E5PO1sRrf3O6k421AIY_Y-MN5_pQ25IJ57Llp5XPpxmuqTKEps_xa0aS5ZIjqSvkktebV5pwuOZ0gaWDiJ7L-IR/s1660/fruit%20of%20the%20spirit%20bulletin%20angled.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1660" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Whether you're teaching in a Christian or public school setting, this fruit of the Spirit bulletin board encourages positive behaviors in a fun way." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgq0XxgpKChRj6loHIlqfP4F5TmrfLnm8n8xsRv_e2V-fmsHJVoNlukuQI5gza7uk41Uz9zJyByl8TAGucqyL9pgwyb8442HS0E5PO1sRrf3O6k421AIY_Y-MN5_pQ25IJ57Llp5XPpxmuqTKEps_xa0aS5ZIjqSvkktebV5pwuOZ0gaWDiJ7L-IR/w488-h640/fruit%20of%20the%20spirit%20bulletin%20angled.jpeg" width="488" /></a>
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYjjCENdaeuVnbgFUuDnN1qewGwiAAqJZj6R6-6cmP1Up5ZlqYrvsmDWQmollitEixy_tWIaD-aXrDEt6zWGtzQy5x3joxZzXG74NMB9qQnzJO4jiNh8PxKrSLmNXTJVuBslHvR10cDfmADdsHNi3W4kQG3saZ-hjSncsqR7VNLDouv2U2-cMcaiU/s1660/fruit%20of%20the%20spirit%20bulletin%20portrait.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1660" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Whether you're teaching in a Christian or public school setting, this fruit of the Spirit bulletin board encourages positive behaviors in a fun way." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYjjCENdaeuVnbgFUuDnN1qewGwiAAqJZj6R6-6cmP1Up5ZlqYrvsmDWQmollitEixy_tWIaD-aXrDEt6zWGtzQy5x3joxZzXG74NMB9qQnzJO4jiNh8PxKrSLmNXTJVuBslHvR10cDfmADdsHNi3W4kQG3saZ-hjSncsqR7VNLDouv2U2-cMcaiU/w488-h640/fruit%20of%20the%20spirit%20bulletin%20portrait.jpeg" width="488" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>The other 2 are non-religious, Character Ed based like this!</p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcDHYbnGQJXwK5QNSA8WbRNpKXbg-z18a0h_2LfWd3PnZoRIf2sGvBBvLoaLLrtrNkr5BlfgyIE1mDVCgN72ANoV2sWFS-lXLxL_hcmLdtcR5yjRBtU2MnzWiU7i2N0-s9fll6yToitmVC-zdSgLt44_lPU2KIA9MgLcgUChA_puz1tBW0dKtBBbY/s1265/fruit%20bulletin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Whether you're teaching in a Christian or public school setting, this fruit of the Spirit bulletin board encourages positive behaviors in a fun way." height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcDHYbnGQJXwK5QNSA8WbRNpKXbg-z18a0h_2LfWd3PnZoRIf2sGvBBvLoaLLrtrNkr5BlfgyIE1mDVCgN72ANoV2sWFS-lXLxL_hcmLdtcR5yjRBtU2MnzWiU7i2N0-s9fll6yToitmVC-zdSgLt44_lPU2KIA9MgLcgUChA_puz1tBW0dKtBBbY/w640-h494/fruit%20bulletin.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
One of the wordings is shown above and the other wording is, "We can bear
fruit."
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">3. It's Interactive!</h1>
<p>
I love LOVE bulletin boards that I can make interactive with the kids and we
can add to or change along the way instead of a bulletin board that's just a
wallflower or decoration. :)
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
This
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hallway-Bulletin-Board-Set-with-a-Fruits-of-the-Spirit-Theme-8375330?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Fruits%20of%20Spirit%20bulletin">character traits bulletin board set</a>
has apples for you to fill out when you see kids showing a specific character
trait. I love using these at the end of the day when we are reflecting
on the day. Maybe we have really focused on one trait a lot, OR maybe we
have really <b>struggled</b> with one character trait! So, I will find
someone who didn't struggle with that trait and talk about it positively to
encourage others to work on that more!
</p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fX0k2hUTbo7vy1eh3O6qFQAGQxIS280V97tUHqdKgNSBc3fEu7Ii7fJuEJNhMg8FvNQNNKJJuxwjfIak_kkpmfyhMxg4_xdpAAxaQEBZ0LMMQv_-ztTzqfyIpu-EO5NjIsoptgFxFUackYOm1MeWY_gNdn-Po7uNRz79MVJH0ejctzNKNQdwzE20/s1660/Slide2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1660" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Whether you're teaching in a Christian or public school setting, this fruit of the Spirit bulletin board encourages positive behaviors in a fun way." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fX0k2hUTbo7vy1eh3O6qFQAGQxIS280V97tUHqdKgNSBc3fEu7Ii7fJuEJNhMg8FvNQNNKJJuxwjfIak_kkpmfyhMxg4_xdpAAxaQEBZ0LMMQv_-ztTzqfyIpu-EO5NjIsoptgFxFUackYOm1MeWY_gNdn-Po7uNRz79MVJH0ejctzNKNQdwzE20/w488-h640/Slide2.jpeg" width="488" /></a>
</div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpRAORoMyyL0ZCOqz45krrzLq66mhddymwTJHhh5i9NRU7ONNvdHAs86ErfpJPHKEvAN0ci3e7nZmUc88N395qN5i6Aeip5e0V2I5Lvt4v7KK_wZUEnhF5XeWNKATp-rTaE8aNRlTMG9z2VrlarRrM26PgMi9pM64br23hIgX-HMOfo_0OXpcvVD7/s1660/Slide1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1660" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Whether you're teaching in a Christian or public school setting, this fruit of the Spirit bulletin board encourages positive behaviors in a fun way." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpRAORoMyyL0ZCOqz45krrzLq66mhddymwTJHhh5i9NRU7ONNvdHAs86ErfpJPHKEvAN0ci3e7nZmUc88N395qN5i6Aeip5e0V2I5Lvt4v7KK_wZUEnhF5XeWNKATp-rTaE8aNRlTMG9z2VrlarRrM26PgMi9pM64br23hIgX-HMOfo_0OXpcvVD7/w488-h640/Slide1.jpeg" width="488" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFGseiO9ilh9NrCpD1H5y3iit75T8YGhPG5lk8eYqcQ3YMGSQPRJSH5vvXJTDE2dWjJdUNCcV98hyWLeK44yaNFoo4cvuhVCL84EENPT83UcOIhtdU_2uP-pMLa_GzPL6S6vBfJPN-oflG_Io1a2VUvIoFP22RtJdhYZHpcdxISnPrttDl_VXDBfR/s1265/Slide2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Whether you're teaching in a Christian or public school setting, this fruit of the Spirit bulletin board encourages positive behaviors in a fun way." height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFGseiO9ilh9NrCpD1H5y3iit75T8YGhPG5lk8eYqcQ3YMGSQPRJSH5vvXJTDE2dWjJdUNCcV98hyWLeK44yaNFoo4cvuhVCL84EENPT83UcOIhtdU_2uP-pMLa_GzPL6S6vBfJPN-oflG_Io1a2VUvIoFP22RtJdhYZHpcdxISnPrttDl_VXDBfR/w640-h426/Slide2.jpeg" width="640" /></a>
</p>
<p>
You can find this Character education bulletin board set
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hallway-Bulletin-Board-Set-with-a-Fruits-of-the-Spirit-Theme-8375330?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Fruits%20of%20Spirit%20bulletin">here</a>
and the year of bulletin boards
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Monthly-Bulletin-Board-Set-GROWING-BUNDLE-with-Bible-Verses-or-General-Wording-8329557?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Fruits%20of%20Spirit%20bulletin%20-%20bundle">here</a>!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hallway-Bulletin-Board-Set-with-a-Fruits-of-the-Spirit-Theme-8375330?utm_source=FGR%20Blog&utm_campaign=Fruits%20of%20Spirit%20bulletin" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1265" data-original-width="1265" data-pin-description="Whether you're teaching in a Christian or public school setting, this fruit of the Spirit bulletin board encourages positive behaviors in a fun way." height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZUFwthp7tGm67NPqV6igoWFJMFD2iZCkAgwU7fo8Fi5uVvvzPPLkl5U5HlbwZ6L_--KaHZ9O7H-nOrhGuGHXhvialC89QUW2eR2U-rJ8UvyeDRnwNXPSgKBW0U6wqoobRD-1_lR76gTwKICoVvqbDvDaLCpBEZSRk1Sa9v3-CO102ZJtBOI3AYfM/s320/fruit.jpg" width="320" /></a>
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</div>Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986381982136673388noreply@blogger.com0