Guided Reading & Book Reports

Hey everyone! Cassie here from Mrs. Thomas's Class!

I hope you all are recovering nicely from Thanksgiving! I know I am living in sweat pants and enjoying my new obsession - Sons of Anarchy - WOOO. Anyways.... I am here today to share with you this activity I have put together for my students that started during guided reading! 

I started getting really bored during our guided reading meeting times. I know if I was bored, my kids had to be secretly hating small group. I came up with a plan to ensure that we are meeting or can try and meet multiple comprehension strategies and then be able to tell our friends about them! 

So here is where my lap book report came in! 

So I am going to take you through the folder individually. 

The front: 

Top left is where the students record the title, author, illustrator, and genre. Then they discuss the characters, jot down who they feel are the most repeated, then CIRCLE the MAIN character or characters in red. 

The bottom of the left is the setting, they can discuss together where the main setting WAS and WHEN it took place. These are two concepts I noticed my students struggled with often. 

Then on the right side they make predictions. Some of my students are currently OBSESSED with post-its so they like to use those, others I have made a post it size white square they staple on as we make predictions. 

The bottom portion is generating questions. We pick 1 or 2 each at the beginning, stop in the middle, and at the end we ask questions about the "after" of the story. 

When you open it up:

This is the left side. 

Disclaimer: You may not be able to use all of these with your story, and that's totally fine, I add in more of what they can work on.

So the left starts with compare and contrast. They can choose, a character(s), chapters, settings, or anything they feel they can compare in the story.

The bottom left is cause and effect. Once again they can use large post its or there is a paper that is included to fit perfectly on that square. They can choose from chapters a cause and effect, character behaviors, anything they can think of. If there are multiple that's where the post its and the blank papers come in to play.

The middle is text connections. Have them generate their own individually. 

This is the right side:

Far right top main idea and details. Once they have discovered the main idea of the story they can place that in the circle, then choose 3 main details that help develop the main idea. 

They circle or highlight the author's purpose. 

The bottom right is problem and solution. What was the BIG problem in the story, and what was the solution.

Middle bottom is new vocabulary. They can just jot down the words, then look them up later and record in our guided reading notebooks or they can pick a few and write the definitions. I give them the option.

This is the back of the folder. I want them to draw a picture of a specific time or event that they can visualize and they enjoyed.

The top is where they record the summary. They need to do this in a SWBST format and highlight the beginning, middle, and end with specific colors so that I know and can assess their learning.

So after they get to do all of this, they share with their class after the story. Some students have then proceeded to check out those books because they sounded "so awesome, Mrs. Thomas, I have to have it." type statements ;)

I referred to our guided reading notebooks up at the top. We do this every day. They are where we record our thoughts, and pretty much everything from this lapbook in our notebooks, just not as pretty.

It looks a lot like this from my view: 

I print off several different graphic organizers at 85% and they glue them in and fill them out! It's perfect and they can reflect back before we proceed with reading the next day!!! 

I hope this gives you some ideas!!!

You are more than welcome to visit my store, it's on SALE and I have three new products!!!

One new product is my huge grammar Christmas task card bundle:

My store: Cassie Thomas

I hope you all have a great few weeks before the holiday break!!!! Thanks for checking out this post :) 

All I Want for Black Friday... WINNER!

Congratulations to Dawn for winning our huge Primary Pack Bundle! We really hope you enjoy! We also wanted to give a huge thanks to all who linked up with us and entered our giveaway. :)

Don't forget there is a huge sale coming very soon! Check out all of these wishlist's to get yours ready for the super savings!

An InLinkz Link-up

How to organize your classroom library with LEXILES

Hey there, it's Kristen from Easy Teaching Tools.

Over the years, I've organized my library by genres, then by Accelerated Reading (AR) level, then AR level within genres and then nothing at all!  Oh my!  I loved it because it was so organized and made this semi-perfectionist heart smile.  But with moving schools, classrooms, and states, my little library had to be sold and I started fresh.

With the new school year, I organized my books by genres.  I even made cute genre labels to stick on my cute little baskets.  My little heart began to smile again.  But I kept finding books that were NOT in the right spot.  Please tell me I'm not the only one this happens to!

Am I shocked, not at all!  They're kids, it happens.  Plus, sometimes, I don't know if the book should go in the realistic fiction basket or the funny stories one.  If I struggle as an adult finding the best place, I'm sure my kids do too.

With lexiles being everywhere with Common Core, I decided to level my library by lexile levels.  Sure, it may limit some of my kiddos, but I know they will be reading books at their level.  And as you know, groups and levels are flexible so my little guys won't stay put for long.

• I'll monitor their progress in reading groups
• I'll check their AR quizzes each week to make sure that they are at their independent reading level
• I'll use Enterprise Reading (same company as AR)

It's time to get organized so here's what you need to do to level your library as well!

Want to know exactly how to do it, click on the icon below!

Holiday Book Exchange

Hi everyone! Happy Black Friday to you! Alisha here, from Missing Tooth Grins and I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving yesterday. I know all of us at The Primary Pack are so thankful for you, our readers. 

I'm here to tell you about how I hold a holiday book exchange in my classroom. It's simple, easy, and to the point and I hope that it saves you some time this holiday season. After all, this time of year is crazy for all of us! Especially teachers, am I right? 

On the last day of school before our winter break, I always hold a holiday book exchange. I love for the kids to have a new book to take home over the winter break. My only hope is that they actually read the book :)

During the first week of December, I send a letter home explaining the book exchange. Click the picture below for a free copy of the letter. 

I'll send this letter home Monday on the 1st when we come back to school. I usually send it home with a Scholastic book order that I will place an order from before the last week. I want to give parents enough time to pick up the book if they are buying one. After all, as you guys know, the holidays get crazy and I don't want to add any extra holiday stress. Sometimes I start receiving the books right after I send the letter home, but most of the time I receive a majority of the books the last week of school before break.

When I start receiving books, I put them under our tiny little Christmas tree. The only picture I have of this tree from last year has a little sneaky friend on top, but I want you to see our tree :)

So, all the books under this tiny little tree!

On the last day of school before break, each child grabs the book he/she brought. The class sits in a circle around the carpet. And, I read the best Christmas story of all...

There's a lot of variations of this book, but the Jan Brett one is my favorite. I mean, who doesn't love Jan Brett? I read this book and every time I read the word the, the students pass the book to their right. I know there's a lot of variations on how to pass the books, but I like to keep it simple for my firsties. Plus, they really get a kick out of the pages that have the like a gazillion times.

There you have it! New books for all!

What do you do when a child doesn't bring a book? This has happened every year that I've had the book exchange. I think the important part is to just let it go. The point of the book exchange is that every child leaves with a new book so you just have to make that happen. One year, two days before the exchange (which was two days past the due date), I didn't have everyone's books so I looked through my classroom library for books that were new and very gently used. I conveniently didn't have my name in them yet like I normally do. Last year, I ordered a few extra dollar books from Scholastic. You could also buy a few new books at your local book store if you can afford that. I take them home and wrap them in different wrapping paper so no one really realizes that I brought them in. I've also had parents donate extra already wrapped books!

What if a parent doesn't want their child to participate? I've never had this happen before, but anything is possible. Obviously, it is ultimately up to the parent and you have to follow those wishes.

What do you do if a child gets a book he/she already has? If this happens, I ask the class if anyone wants to trade. I also do this if a boy gets a Barbie book or princess book or something of that nature and wants to trade. It's never a big deal!

What do you get your students for Christmas? This year, I ordered some $1 books from Scholastic, but I used my Scholastic points. Woo! I also plan on buying some candy canes while I'm out Black Friday shopping :)

And, that's all! I hope you all enjoyed reading and hope you all have a successful holiday book exchange in your own classroom! Happy holidays to you!

Meet Marley! Our Classroom Pet!

Hi there!! 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

It's Amber from Mrs. Masters Kinder Love again!! 

I am going to be sharing ideas from my kindergarten classroom with you on the 27th of every month!

Today, I am sharing all about our classroom pet, Marley! A few weeks ago Marley was dropped off at our school by a local business that no longer needed him. While my kids were at recess, I placed him in our classroom library. 

You would not believe the screams when we walked back into the classroom after recess! 

Student 1:  "Ahhhhh we got a dog!"

Student 2: "Oh my gosh, you got us a pet!"

Student 3: "He's real!"

I decided to play along. 

Me:  "Boys and girls, where did this dog come from? Did one of you bring him in?!"

They're convinced he just wandered in :) 

Kindergarteners are seriously the best! 

They decided to name the dog Marley and of course we had to celebrate because it was obviously Marley's birthday! We may or may not have had some party hats! 

One of our kinder friends made Marley a collar so he doesn't wander off and another student made him a fancy, little leash!!

Marley has been a great addition to our classroom! My kids seriously LOVE him and believe he's real. Every time they walk by him they have to pet him, hug him and some of them whisper things in his ear. 

They also believe he comes alive at night (their idea, not mine!) when no one else is at school. 

The other day he was on the computer when we got to school! We knew it was him because the other computers were still turned off, but not Marley's computer! 

Silly Marley!

 

Marley has provided us with many opportunities for on demand writing and my students could not be more excited about it!! 

"Marley went to the computers. Marley went by the library".

 "Marley snuck to the computers last night when the teachers weren't here or kids."

I loooove their writing! :)

As you can see Marley has brought a lot of  happiness to my kindergarten classroom!

He even loves Mo Willems books like the rest of us!
He is just too much fun!

The best thing about Marley is that he is easy to take care of, quiet and he doesn't shed! Definitely my kind of pet! I hope that we've inspired you to get a pet for your classroom!!

I hope that you all have a wonderful day with your loved ones and reflect on all of the things you are thankful for! Happy, Happy Thanksgiving!

THE BUSY TEACHER'S HOLIDAY TOOLBOX--GREAT GIFT IDEAS TO HELP MAKE YOU MERRY!

Hello friends!

Are you making your list and checking it twice?  Looking for gifts for friends and family members who are nice?  Hopefully this post will help you out!

Before we unpack the toolbox of goodies and gifts I've gathered in hopes of making your holidays less crazy and a lot more enjoyable, let me warn you about something!  When it comes to Christmas, I am a  THEME QUEEN.  I coordinate my wrapping paper every year,  Last year it was mittens and snowflakes,  This year it is all things white and candy cane-like.  Once it was rustic and
woodland-ish.

A few years ago it was silver sparkles and blue ribbons.  My beloved collection of snowmen and snow ladies often get recycled after sufficient time has passed.  Musical notes and instruments have also been happily hung upon my tree and mantel garland.  Let's face it.  Martha Stewart and I are kindred spirits when it comes to going a bit "over-the-top" on holiday decor.  Hobby Lobby and Pier I are often my second homes during the month of December!  So are Target, the Dollar Tree, Wal-Mart, and Dollar General.  Michael's and JoAnn Fabrics are regular stops too.  The "All Holiday Music All The Time" radio station plays continuously inside my sleigh, AND I sing-a-long!

Are you ready for another newsflash?

I also give thematic gifts, many of which I BUY AT MY LOCAL GROCERY STORE! 

Odd, I know.  But let me tell you this.  IT MAKES MY LIFE EASIER to load up my cart with lots of one type of present for the colleagues, neighbors, and friends on my list, AND they usually really like it!  The gifts don't cost very much, but include a dash of ingenuity, a bit of creativity, a few scoops of thoughtfulness, an ounce of humor, and a whole lot of heart!  They are all wrapped in matching bags and tissue paper too, which really should count for something!

Know that it was very fun to take off my "Teacher Hat" for this post and put on my elf suit!  A BIG thanks goes out to my colorful blogger buddies here at The Primary Pack for indulging me!  I hope that you'll be able to come away with at least a few ideas that will streamline your shopping time, and have more precious minutes to share and enjoy the magic of the season.  I apologize in advance for the poor quality of my photos, but hopefully they will give you the general idea!

I found this tabletop tree kit at Hobby Lobby last year, and bought one for myself and two to give away.  The Olde English colors and star-shaped "branches" spoke to me of Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and Bob Cratchit.  Ornaments, wreaths, picture frames, and table centerpieces are also decor-types of gifts that can be used by the recipient to deck the halls from year-to-year.

A cute set of mugs or even just a single one, filled with coffee or cocoa K-Cups or packets will surely provide a much-needed respite and/or caffeine kick!  Tuck in some candy canes or a tin of homemade cookies, and you've got a sweet treat that can't be beat!

Post-Its in fun shapes, monogrammed note pads, or a set of holiday cards coupled with a snazzy pen or some Flair markers will make those list-makers in your life smile from ear-to-ear with good cheer!

Who doesn't love popcorn, old TV holiday specials, AND Ralphie on a cold, winter's night?  Throw in a fleece blanket for good measure, and you've got a gift that just spells...

F-A-M-I-L-Y  F-U-N!

Fa-la-la-la-la!  La-la-la-la!

Visions of new scissors, Sharpie markers, mailing labels, and wonderful colors and rolls of Washi tape will dance in the heads of those who send gifts to faraway loved ones.  Make their job easier by putting together this "care package" of practical supplies!

This gift basket of goodies honors the memory of my Mom.  She used to stir up a big pot of homemade bean soup with corn muffins on cold winter days, and it was just pure comfort after an afternoon or evening out on the backyard skating rink.  I am not the cook that she was, so I give the "just add water" version and cute kitchen mitts for color!

Scented lotion, manicure and/or pedicure supplies, and fun flavors of lip balm are gifts that can be combined into a do-it-yourself spa experience!  Tuck in a scented candle and a CD of soothing holiday carols and you've given the gift of rest and relaxation!

These two "sacks full of snacks" ideas have always been my "go-to" gifts for my principals, custodians, and kid's coaches.  Chips to dip and crunch to munch during holiday football games or family gatherings are always much-appreciated!

Remind your loved ones to take care of themselves when the cold winds blow and germs run rampant by providing new gloves and ear muffs!  Fill a basket with tea, Tylenol, soups, cough drops, tissues, and hand sanitizer for those emergency sick days that strike.  Fill a festive bowl with cinnamon-scented pine cones and sticks to make their house fragrant and welcoming.

This idea came to me as I was walking past the Oreo display at the grocery store this morning.  I stopped dead in my tracks and may have squealed loudly....  

"WHO KNEW THAT PEPPERMINT OREOS EVEN EXISTED?"  

Amidst stares from other shoppers who obviously did not see he little light bulb of holiday inspiration blinking over my head, I grabbed a box and veered down the candy aisle to grab some York Peppermint Patties, and Rold Gold Peppermint Dipped Pretzels.  I then made a stop in the candle aisle for a Peppermint Bark votives, and BAM.....this year's latest and greatest gift idea was born!  I am now on a quest to find red-and-white striped containers of some kind to package everything in.  I was thinking Mason jars with red-and-white gingham ribbon would be fun.   Hmm.....maybe I will have to venture out on Black Friday after all.....

My second-to-last tip that will save you time is to use brown paper gift bags or small baskets in different sizes to wrap your gifts, and just add ribbon, jingle bells, buttons, tissue paper, and candy canes.  Forget trying to wrap weird-shaped objects like salsa and Planter's peanut jars with tape and paper.  It will make you crazy.  Bags or baskets with ribbon and tags are the way to go, and they can then be re-purposed by your grateful colleague, friend, or family member.

And finally...

Be sure to treat yourself to what you want or need this holiday season!  My family gathers in Florida every year, so these stocking stuffers will be put to good use as I lounge on the beach!  

For a hard copy of the ideas I've shared here, and some very cute gift tags and note pages, hop over to my TpT store to download this FREEBIE!

May it bring your life after school good cheer at this time of year!  You can find it {HERE}!

Consider it a gift from my house to yours!  Know that I wish you the brightest and most vibrant of holiday seasons!

As always, thanks for stopping by to share my story!  May you hold a song in your heart and wear a smile on your face!  Don't forget to visit me over at my BLOG for more fun ideas for your classroom!

Keep calm, teach on, and stay colorful!