this is how we do it: non-fiction

I am sure most of know the emphasis these Common Core standards have, so any little trick to reading comprehension of non-fiction books is always welcome! I love reading non-fiction and the kids get soo into learning about things that they don't already know. I am sure we all use these:

Source: rundesroom.blogspot.ca via Paola on Pinterest

Kind of like a KWL.. love this!

Source: sothentherewere2.blogspot.com via Jackie on Pinterest

My favorite charts look like this:

I love graphic organizers with the Schema, Misconceptions, and New Learning! These really show the new learning! (The one above we did for Valentine's Day last year :)

Anyway, I made a different graphic organizer for this week. We are studying prairie dogs this week. Tuesday I modeled how to use this organizer and today we shared the pen. They did the writing. 

This is called 3-2-1 Writing.
First you write 3 interesting things you read.
Next you write 2 things new to you.
Then you write 1 question you still have.

I have seen this idea in a bookmark form (which I may re-create). I thought it was a great idea to get the kids thinking. If you would like a copy of these writing posters click here.

Next time, I am going to split the kids into groups and have them do their own 3-2-1's.

(oh and good luck decoding those words... creative spelling can be crazy!)

What is your favorite way to show student learning?



In other subjects... like math... we did doubles today! I found an awesome activity on TPT last night (last minute planner!):

I loved this activity! We made little i pods with the Doubles Rap on it. The kids were so excited to learn the rap. Best part.. it is free!! 

Ok... gotta go to bed.. Have a great rest of the week!

blender blends freebie

Look at this cute blender:

Last month, we studied blends (with a focus on ending blends) and in a couple weeks we are going to focus on beginning blends so we will use this blender again soon!! Anyway, we made a big ol' smoothie with our blender. My kids made the fruit they wanted in it and then added a blend to the shape and we taped it on the blender. 

Now, when we focus on beginning blends I want to still use our blender. So, I made this little activity:

That is the completed project. Each student will get a blender like this:

 And fruit like this:

They will choose 2 different fruits. Write the blends on one fruit and make the rest of the blend word on the other fruit- like in the completed example above. 

This activity is actually part of my newest Treasures packet:

but I just had to share because I cannot wait to do this activity!!! Click below to get your own free copy!! :)

Have a great weekend... only 1 whole day left in my shoe giveaway!! Click here to enter...

Name that door!

I am LOVING my mummy door... but I am having trouble thinking of an adorable phrase to match the mummy! HELP!! If you have an idea, please leave me a comment below! 

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