tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26594771039381712732024-02-19T05:53:58.087-06:00Our Elementary LivesHi, I'm Paige. I am a teacher and curriculum designer. On my blog, I share ideas and resources for the elementary school teacher. You will find tips and tricks for reading & writing workshop, iPads and technology, childresn's picture books, flexible seating and more. I also create resources for Teachers pay Teachers. Thank you for shopping by! Paige Bessickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13591480790082983036noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659477103938171273.post-28888077610655203342019-04-27T14:53:00.000-05:002019-04-27T14:53:47.979-05:00How to Encourage Reading in the SummerThe summer slide is a real thing. I've seen it for years and years and teachers are always wondering how they can prevent it. If your school or district is lucky enough to have summer school, then signing every child you can up for that is wonderful. If you don't, then we need to give the job to the parents. While it's important for students to enjoy their summer, not reading at all can be detrimental to their reading progress. Here's one way I'm going to try to encourage reading over the summer.<br />
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927667733784" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="720" data-pin-description="Avoid the summer slide and encourage your students and families to read at home. This blog posts describes a family read aloud program and how to continue it over the summer. Improve your students listening, expression, and comprehension skills by having families read aloud to them.” /></a></div><br />
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<hr class=" height="336" more="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6QMgqQphq5hUwAGavUugE7Dqd9upv0Jg2VJAKRGl-ydBZnqkIjfZM1eKOeYviWL7qbhR1K0pTDWNTUa4ovrPL1rDiGMlHLnPVBNRzlH-JB07JG9bM_0gfAa1eGSDfn3R5mMlmmuPiGo3/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="640" />For years my school has provided a summer school option for students just at or below grade level. And for years, I've signed up as many kids as I can. It was a fun learning environment that included field trips, breakfast and lunch, and slower paced learning activities. It was a fabulous resource that we had. This year, however, we don't have it so we are trying to come up with ideas that parents can do with their children at home.<br />
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Essentially, we're putting the work on the parents. While that's fine and they should be responsible for it, they often don't know what to do. So one thing I'm planning on doing is encouraging my families to continue their nightly family read alouds.<br />
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927667733784" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank">Family Read Alouds</a></h3>
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927667733784" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank">During the school year every night, my students bring home one family read aloud book. This is a picture book in English or Spanish that is typically above their individual reading level. It's for a grown-up to read TO them. I typically start this at the beginning of the year as a way to get a reading routine in place.<br />
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Each day, when the students do their homework bags, their job is to choose a new family read aloud book and return the one they had the day before. Around my room, I have bins for these books and each child goes to their bin to get a new book and return the old one. These books include any picture book that I have that is not a fit for my leveled library and ones that encourage good discussion about different topics.<br />
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927667733784" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927667733784" target="_blank"><img border="0" center="" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" data-pin-description="Avoid the summer slide and encourage your students and families to read at home. This blog posts describes a family read aloud program and how to continue it over the summer. Improve your students listening, expression, and comprehension skills by having families read aloud to them.” /></a></div>At the beginning of the year, either at back to school night, curriculum night or our first conferences, we teach our parents how to read aloud to their children. We demonstrate what it looks like to read, the questions they may ask and how to invite discussion around the books their child brings home. We have gotten amazing feedback from parents on how helpful this has been.<br />
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Throughout the year, I switch up the books and am constantly adding new ones that I find from thrift stores, garage sales, donations or ones I get through Scholastic.<br />
<h3>Encouraging Talk About Books</h3>When we first introduce this routine to our students and parents, we explain it to the students and send home a letter. We follow up with the parents by email or text (we use BLOOMZ) to make sure they got it, understand it and what questions they have. We then reiterate the importance of this time each night. <br />
<div style=" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4faiz_Ap-e0PwXy3p1EpyMI0dlgF234kpXQfSKV1lcDj2-ArdY6RqC6F0nRxavEW3ygh8ewAKefBagOTyziYKSxxheQjnAhEMX4gltvTP5qDMCESI2o46Ssykslltca36Y4b60IsTWm0-/s400/Slide1.jpg" text-align:="" width="400" />Click </a><a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1FM9KsCVDNvC38DQb-yQI4wDFqW0zkN747n893nUhSIQ/copy?usp=sharing" target="_blank">>>HERE<< </a>or on the image below to get an editable version you can use. </div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1FM9KsCVDNvC38DQb-yQI4wDFqW0zkN747n893nUhSIQ/copy?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="816" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUOB7jTybMaM26zHQupjoYIZ0f14lklEJTbIjxCz3yIOc1IvkoQxtnxYd-h-qR_q36d7V-pzl9fXDU1yK49eEX5KUadEDvja71-DvTvGOFIMWDXqRoG_4LblGo4LZrDDAIdwoHrS5hdqE/s640/Family+Read+Aloud+Letter.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
Along with that letter, we include an information sheet with additional ways they can talk about books and questions to ask their child, while also including a bookmark with similar questions and discussion points.<br />
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Click <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DP46VgTnWSgum91LMPY1AZvu84B1rpHd/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> or on the image below to get this free resource. </div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DP46VgTnWSgum91LMPY1AZvu84B1rpHd/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="720" data-pin-description="Avoid the summer slide and encourage your students and families to read at home. This blog posts describes a family read aloud program and how to continue it over the summer. Improve your students listening, expression, and comprehension skills by having families read aloud to them.” /></a></div>Also, on the inside of each family read aloud book is a label with directions on what to do with the book and questions the grown-ups can ask their child to encourage talking about the book. I try to make it as easy as possible for parents to have access to the questions and discussion points they need to talk about books with their children.<br />
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I've never been a fan of reading logs that parents have to fill out and sign and date so several years ago, I decided to switch to a coloring log that the students are responsible for. I use <a href=" height="640" https:="" onthly-reading-logs-2821929="" roduct="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EFcwv7F7BaAIY-XRvXqQODw4eLKdjtsLXyAqcku13ngFX8Y_gypEb8meyN80NTqlYAFHJwp8KqbktNxqHhyO6V4kOOjus0nlRHXt4IrnbvXwh0kPn5osRZfi_C7F2IwhpJaslUyeADAE/s640/Slide1.jpg" target="_blank" width="491" www.teacherspayteachers.com="" />>>THESE<<</a>. Whatever homework system you use, would be fine to continue. You'll see in the letter home to parents that this family read aloud reading or their independent reading (which we start later in the year) can count towards their nightly reading homework.</div>
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Encouraging Summer Reading</h3>
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So here's my idea..I have to be honest, I haven't tried it yet, we'll see how it goes this summer. Since my families are already in the routine of family read alouds and reading every night, and I know for a fact, that my parents LOVE it, I'm going to encourage them to continue it throughout the summer. </div>
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I'll send home a Summer Reading Challenge, with reading logs for the months of June, July, and August. If they read throughout the summer, complete their reading logs and turn it in when we come back to school, I'll reward them with something. Let's be honest, it will probably be a new book. 😉 </div>
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I'll send home a new letter explaining their challenge, new bookmarks on colorful paper and their reading logs. </div>
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It's that simple! </div>
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As a first grader, their listening, expresion and comprehension skills are still growing and continuing the family read alouds over the summer will continue to grow these valuable skills. While some of my students, I know, will read over the summer on their own, those that are below grade level or are not engaged in reading will not. And who do we really need to prevent the summer slide from? THEM! If we can encourage families to continue the family read alouds at home, we might just be able to support all of our learners as they head into second grade. </div>
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As always, I encourage you to pin and share with others. </div>
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</div><div><a href=" height="640" https:="" imageanchor="1" learning.png="" m5hvw1pxs="" make="" oyp2fal8zs1r9uutrad4gnwvay3shswwcpcbgayycw="" s1600="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WX-7MMLCWlbluxAhGPcXoLn7iceNTFBlLmxkwTY7iIXbO43-igp7P7I8pcp76cllX6UbxUl5f5mtgi0wqDGmcb5__3IVnXC10wkhPc_ElotPrG_cmfwoeQgNVWZxIz_YMAvhwYTjFZlF/s640/Slide1.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" uck3ui="" width="425" zq="" /><img border="0" data-original-height="65" data-original-width="966" height="40" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJJamy-WrquEij8AXLnWj-VmHNw1au_aW9XXXRbCGSP6Bqa-M11T8benwS1lmKd6SahRq5Pk2KotatvLnQiRngVgPPEhu4sUBAvVF7TROR9hApVgvXa6w8xiGWl92WJ1ln0f7i92Mu1A_/s640/make+learning.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Paige Bessickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13591480790082983036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659477103938171273.post-81951476817044155202019-03-06T21:33:00.001-06:002019-03-06T21:33:25.644-06:00The Best Ways to Support Your Reluctant ReadersReluctant readers...we've all had them and we're always looking for ideas to help them. These are the readers who just haven't learned to love reading...YET! For whatever reason, reluctant readers don't show any interest in reading, and often hide their feelings for reading and simply avoid reading at all costs. In my first grade classroom, it's acting out during reading time, always asking to use the bathroom or getting a drink (which I don't let them do) and just doing whatever they can to not read. Over the years, I've come up with some ways that I get my reluctant readers to at least LIKE reading. I can't promise a love of reading immediately, but these tips may help your reluctant students begin to enjoy reading at least a little bit. 😉 <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZHy7gdFjo9AhwUycMe9AvIUD7FSKEOreOW3Ent_fxh6F85fkk9M9hGqU2InGIDAwj-YZOUhjmjf2RyB-iWwRrtlnsX-pH5Y6BSBF9hZ306_TDK7qwyCeOwFiDqO-bVfwYMqKbtGChC6Mu/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="720" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZHy7gdFjo9AhwUycMe9AvIUD7FSKEOreOW3Ent_fxh6F85fkk9M9hGqU2InGIDAwj-YZOUhjmjf2RyB-iWwRrtlnsX-pH5Y6BSBF9hZ306_TDK7qwyCeOwFiDqO-bVfwYMqKbtGChC6Mu/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I first started teaching, reluctant readers frustrated me. I was a reluctant reader because I wasn't good at reading and as a new teacher, I really had no idea how to help them, even though I was one. A master's degree and years of practice and experience later, I finally feel like I have filled my bag with tricks and tips to try. <br />
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Here are some of my best tips and tricks for what you can do when you have a reluctant reader.<br />
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1. Read aloud all the time</h3>
It's no surprise that this is my #1 way to support your reluctant readers. Reading aloud is my favorite thing to do in my classroom and with my own sons. When you show a love of reading to your readers, that love of reading is often contagious and your readers, whether they're your students or your own children, will begin to love reading too. The book choice is really important and you want to choose books you know your reader will love. <br />
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Here are some of my favorite books to read aloud throughout the year. Click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives/Category/Interactive-Read-Alouds-241205" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> or on the image below to get read aloud lesson plans and activities your students will love for all of these books. <br />
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Click <a href="https://www.amazon.com/shop/ourelementarylives?listId=261KZPT4Z5ZCA" target="_blank">>HERE<<</a>to see them in my Amazon shop.</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives/Category/Interactive-Read-Alouds-241205" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidz4Z1YsmetoazhLFWiMgoMAbV1rtWysf_sdjvChdKi1Qjrlkb8fLuEEqCmZS83V05YMbDJdIFp8Xs91u3beLyS4wdrhVshu0MADxAhKABpka6aVR5HzcJ1SPyPtmjXdL5AHF-4O49bz0A/s400/Slide03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've got a book for you to check out that your reluctant readers may just connect with. When my Instagram friend (yes, that's a thing, we met on IG) asked me to review her new book, I was excited to help her out. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elle.montemayor/" target="_blank">Elle Montemayor</a> wrote <u><a href="http://ellemontemayor.com/product/books-in-the-park/" target="_blank">Books in the Park</a></u> and I can't wait to tell you about it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofwhcjDnE_Hk3L4zjMm001yM3PcWCtb8Boe8Tn2atMe9FiM7HgfVSmLgL9neW9LVH1ABC0T-eOEgq_AvPjxpqAPoeNktu8pukP2aG96DCXX0fEq-foWusFwd0kw8i-IS8_R0w5gr5HH_z/s1600/Slide03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofwhcjDnE_Hk3L4zjMm001yM3PcWCtb8Boe8Tn2atMe9FiM7HgfVSmLgL9neW9LVH1ABC0T-eOEgq_AvPjxpqAPoeNktu8pukP2aG96DCXX0fEq-foWusFwd0kw8i-IS8_R0w5gr5HH_z/s320/Slide03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Dawson is a boy who likes a lot of things, except reading. One day he's playing in the park when all of his friends come too but they go to listen to a teacher read a book instead of play. Dawson joins them and learns how truly amazing books can be. He realizes that books take you on adventures and is so disappointed when the teacher closes the book. You'll be surprised to see how this book ends.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Special Offer-Just for You!</span></b></div>
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Elle has offered to give my readers <b>FREE SHIPPING</b> if you order the book from her website. Just use the <a href="http://ellemontemayor.com/product/books-in-the-park/" target="_blank"><b>code: OURELEMENTARYLIVES</b></a> and your book will get shipped for free!<br />
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<a href="http://ellemontemayor.com/product/books-in-the-park/"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Click >>HERE<< to buy!</span></b></a></div>
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If you have reluctant readers like the little boy, Dawson, this book would be a great starting point.<br />
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Whatever books you do pick to read aloud, make sure you love them so that enthusiasm can be contagious and they'll start begging you to read more books.<br />
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2. Give them choice</h3>
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With most things, providing students with choice allows them to have a little more buy-in. That's no difference when we're giving our students time to read. Kylene Beers, author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0867095199/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0867095199&linkId=b19a62bee536603615b4b3244744523a" target="_blank">When Kids Can't Read: What Teachers Can Do</a> believes that choice in reading is a non-negotiable when we're giving our students time to read.</div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927667011809" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56mlSi1K9TMVMxbgHTgID1YErNJC97w2mVn0t2cgJexyrkOeIgEDXqyxA1UwPG5txhepU0P18pzXGjD3vEN_-6j7JJHjRdaUp9tekaXJRXFeQxGDJ45XYVO_CpP0zCqxa1Ud2XzZTtFXj/s320/Slide02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Whether you're allowing them to read their poem binders, comics or chapter books, giving kids some choice in what they read is vital, especially if they are reluctant readers. I try to give them choice in picking their guided reading books, I also allow them choice in their book bags. All of my students book shop once a week and pick 10-12 books <b>OF THEIR CHOICE</b> from our leveled library. We have strategy groups and lessons about choosing books that are just right for them, but ultimately, if they want to read it, it will probably end up in their book bag. </div>
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3. Start them on a series</h3>
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When you think of your favorite books from your childhood, it's most likely a book series. Any other <i>Boxcar Children</i> lovers out there? I was obsessed and truly have them to thank for becoming a reader. I was NOT a fan of reading, as I said earlier, until about third grade when I finally got "hooked" on a series.</div>
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Series are a great way to get kids connected with a group of books they love that they want to keep reading. I had one particular reluctant reader a couple of years ago. She was a great reader, but just wanted nothing to do with ANY book I showed her. I mean ANY book. I was chatting with my friend, Sarah from <a href="https://www.mrsbarnettfirstgrade.com/" target="_blank">Mrs. B's First Grade</a>, and she suggested making a list of books in a series and having her cross them off as she read them. She was a good reader so I wasn't concerned really about what she was reading, I just had to get her reading. Sarah shared a list of the <i>Henry and Mudge</i> books and we got started. It was slow going at first, but by book 3 she was HOOKED!!! I cannot tell you how excited I was and she was so excited too. She couldn't put them down. While doing some comprehension checks and other strategy lessons with her, she just kept reading. After those, we moved on to <i>Mercy Watson</i>. She was on fire and now and to this day, she loves reading. Now I know this won't happen with every reader, but more often than not, once I get them hooked on a series, they at least like reading a little bit. </div>
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So, I'm still #IRL friends with Sarah and she has an awesome resource with Chapter Book Series Lists. Check out her blog post about it, <a href="https://www.mrsbarnettfirstgrade.com/2019/02/chapter-book-series-for-early-elementary.html" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a>. You and your kids will be hooked. </div>
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And then grab this FREEBIE she so generously put on TpT for us. Try it out with your kids. I think they'll love it. Click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chapter-Book-Series-Lists-Free-Sample-4428043" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> or on the image below. </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chapter-Book-Series-Lists-Free-Sample-4428043" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="366" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTHr0A4_w96A5eHXivmznnontQYIuDL1tmzI593t0UJcVPglRS60VcjMlL7YnLUSUhC7SkZpFqIQgWWQD3LEySw9SFQjGxlYDsKlo0N85HG4JcwENj0T0Os_hwULVH4RDSlWlaIM8Dfgk/s320/Screen+Shot+2019-03-06+at+8.13.21+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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She has some of our favorite series books in her resource. Some other book series you might want to try include:</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/shop/ourelementarylives" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73szAeB0IQd93bmMHmmVTROXD1Ls1DwD__qM1KpOEWSh9v6pOiUXZtV-KEJqqqbYAfsBe6kIi2CGbYMUGZ9PggkY6tEUxpTqPDM_rn21G3IlaEDScwzyGWpQ_TQrE06SOpyOC5hyakCDQ/s200/Slide05.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/shop/ourelementarylives" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvCHUdvq10mVaf3DS6BZuCOPSJx_Yyuj6IMJ_PBADYDc7bUHdQnU73q1kmA1pTyBySOypmruKZnIPPldNvebiXqad34hdAx2iuuKJL-qvIsWyrejELkjy_lUbht0ddFpJAswfKBHykQcI/s200/Slide06.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I especially love when books have a Spanish option and that is the case for <i>Piggie & Elephant</i> and the <i>Who Would Win</i> books. (These Spanish series are not the BEST as they are mostly just translated, but kids know <i>Piggie and Elephant</i> so using these is a good place to start.) </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/shop/ourelementarylives" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOHR_KZ0nrhVOnUAWPVlKkHEmITPhn6HWbI9KvADNCcigNbFs_lOKuwvjaJugZa9QdrHNaxVv4MUsjUYUXISEKD5UNN_pL4rpkE7XXekNxN32PDzafinMlCBiKnzSA8dHRJ6nFmuh38K6/s200/Slide07.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/shop/ourelementarylives" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWbercgTqMUdBt0zl9V2uAmL13nX9zBY_zdTnmDTiQq8HJnB729wDCWWF4SHHRBw3irsRRPq4IIpzmR6maOVIZTCmLAHTY0V7vzZb6HxuBJS_B_IrmeDrHj1-GI5YOIc9EukaLd6NdBjD/s200/Slide08.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Check out these series and others in my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/shop/ourelementarylives" target="_blank">Amazon Store</a>. </div>
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4. Support their reading</h3>
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In first grade, a lot of times my students are reluctant readers during independent reading time because they really don't have that many books they can read by themselves, especially at the beginning of the year. When students are reading at levels A-D, there is just not a lot to those books. It's really important to get them past those early levels quickly while learning the vital skills needed to read harder books. In these books, students need to know their sight words and have a few reading strategies like saying the sounds and looking at the picture. So much of reading at this level is also just rereading for accuracy. </div>
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One way I like to support these low-level reluctant readers is to give them some "big kid" books they can learn to read through shared reading. By doing small group shared reading, you can really push their learning up a few levels and provide them with books that may interest them more like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/shop/ourelementarylives" target="_blank">Bella and Rosie</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/shop/ourelementarylives" target="_blank">Gossie & Friends.</a></div>
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Check out my blog post about shared reading <a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2017/10/what-is-shared-reading-and-why-it-is-so.html" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a>. Do you want easy lesson plans and activities for some of my favorite books perfect for shared reading? Check <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives/Category/Shared-Reading-311650" target="_blank">>>THESE<<</a> out or click on the images below. </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Shared-Reading-Bundle-Lesson-Plans-Poems-Activities-4142010" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2qycJxtqWnztTyclemFwRu71mAfjjouozBKWH6jwVWoTwgAoXXNkLVhIBH786wD-x5tMznWZI_f-OF4OGy_VNA7I-nmLBChzl2kvvvg5g6wBogIJdXKzFfXe0_dm1Hb9JDSLqZby5EzY/s200/Slide1.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Shared-Reading-Lesson-Plans-Poem-Activities-Pumpkin-Pumpkin-3545658" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2D__lU26RJU0mvkeoeH6-zGSX3ON5oa3HrsJNqTuGKvX2C8eP5fgPbbGyPpmvItFz4g0XGpQ57CYm7TapVSdSMaicOQaX3HCUV_q7tIHODQAz1I6yfzoJ2ghnAvgMvQbNkUGQkYcmJ7Tz/s200/Slide1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Shared-Reading-Lesson-Plans-Activities-Cookies-Week-3605079" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsk3-VgfDwG1TJbQ-TjublhSS3hbU1VOzhBOjZ7DmeWpludpKGhTR55B_USgvpEoYwftDoswDU2YxqWg6l46rKycOdID8bk2hgfo1_GSPCHc5iuuc8ovWBIUXozTIteLMsmao9ndNjxyAL/s200/Slide1.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Shared-Reading-Lesson-Plans-Poem-Activities-Down-on-the-Farm-3490607" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6vfspaDT3Nik68o9xpUR7-yWmECq8o3IAP84f2h9rh8sZoQQhcIwi885dtDt2R94nhSvauOgE8whNygctn7wdzwAI7P96Y8nkwOcAv_lu4hbCkI-F1NdNbTEvAAdrzm2mt4lM7TTUAOb/s200/Slide1.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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5. Get parents to support you at home</h3>
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Last but definitely not least, get support from your students' parents. We can only do so much at school. Parents need to support at home too. If you have a reluctant reader, their parents need to know about it. And the parents should be involved in helping support that reader. Now I know parent support is not always possible, but a lot of the time it is, and parents are a truly underutilized resource. </div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927667011809" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" data-pin-description="The best tips and tricks for how to support your reluctant readers. Your biggest goal is to get your students to love reading and when you have reluctant readers that can be hard to do. These tips are perfect for first and second grade teachers with children who don't like reading. Book suggestions and a freebie are included!" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8KbzsmXMl5UPhqGGOZ-TZ6kCawvB1U2cru94VyKJckkXAT632fVnrMdP1O07VTekbL8nPIqRSGfTnZcy40cPf4KSDr4JMWdKbQy45CbofuLI5fNQI9gzeRppk_2eXqi2vQ5dQk5AZZ2Zu/s320/Slide01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Reading at home should be something that is fun and encouraged. While it is important for students to be reading books at their independent reading level at home, if you have a reluctant reader, getting them to like reading is the goal and encouraging parents to read aloud to their reader is what needs to happen right now.<br />
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One way I encourage reading at home is with my family read aloud books. Through Donors Choose and collecting books from places like Goodwill and garage sales, I have grown my collection of family read aloud books. These are books that are above my students reading level, but perfect as read aloud books. At the beginning of the year, my students bring home one family read aloud book a night. This is the only book they bring home. Parents are encouraged to read aloud this book, or others if they prefer, and talk about the book. At our first parent-teacher team conferences, we discuss and demonstrate how to read aloud these books. Their homework every night is to be read to. We talk a lot about when this can take place, who can read to them and what it looks like. As the year goes on, they eventually take home independent reading books, but they continue to take a family read aloud book home each night as well.<br />
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Through the year I switch out the books in each bin so they get new books to share at home with their families. Both my students and their parents have shared that they LOVE this homework and the time they spend together as a family reading. I really need to write an entire blog post about this, but for now, it's my last way to encourage reluctant readers.<br />
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I provide books in English and Spanish for all of my families. I'm still working on growing my Spanish collection but I believe it is important to provide my students with books their parents can read to them. </div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927667011809" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnd1jCB0dZb97ctNppaWPZ_7ZkXFqW1_1d8dJeVz5FMBX-_7hWjDbWdJ07UDFFBlypBVBGq82lBdUoyMPLh_RMcWqIf6erF8NSuON3JuSvfwOT2ezawPaFhjr2HI77wsrSh0pm77KjvdA4/s320/Slide11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927667011809" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzCOWnJEVU8Slx0_wDLTFl-HPLBl6h-sin-j_85R6o_EV6lxPIjyiLBARJq1hcXtsWRNC1HJ6xXLP2XuxqiZlms5ywOJ4IQilnaUXDLwN4wDbxlM7iO_uV8x8IIMM7sXfYLaq1RMN1EaS/s320/Slide12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So there you have it. If I really think about it, if you have reluctant readers, I think the very best thing you can do is read to them in school and at home. Growing those happy experiences around reading is so important and reading aloud will do just that. The other strategies are great ones to try too. I hope you found this helpful and found at least one thing you can try for your reluctant readers. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJJamy-WrquEij8AXLnWj-VmHNw1au_aW9XXXRbCGSP6Bqa-M11T8benwS1lmKd6SahRq5Pk2KotatvLnQiRngVgPPEhu4sUBAvVF7TROR9hApVgvXa6w8xiGWl92WJ1ln0f7i92Mu1A_/s1600/make+learning.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="65" data-original-width="966" height="42" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJJamy-WrquEij8AXLnWj-VmHNw1au_aW9XXXRbCGSP6Bqa-M11T8benwS1lmKd6SahRq5Pk2KotatvLnQiRngVgPPEhu4sUBAvVF7TROR9hApVgvXa6w8xiGWl92WJ1ln0f7i92Mu1A_/s640/make+learning.png" width="640" /> </a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKclnlWFLnyIrHsILSrcSKxEHkkePGAXpaZO8DfoGmJnXb8cYwM0oom3NIarM1oCF7XGD6PBQH5zR90ekbR53ms5nh7IE1UBEMSYpvZhmvctMqaCsRNQk32Zj4aUFRYj2KfBHWG5Ghnntm/s1600/Signature-Pink.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="250" height="68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKclnlWFLnyIrHsILSrcSKxEHkkePGAXpaZO8DfoGmJnXb8cYwM0oom3NIarM1oCF7XGD6PBQH5zR90ekbR53ms5nh7IE1UBEMSYpvZhmvctMqaCsRNQk32Zj4aUFRYj2KfBHWG5Ghnntm/s200/Signature-Pink.png" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans"; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927667011809" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="720" data-pin-description="The best tips and tricks for how to support your reluctant readers. Your biggest goal is to get your students to love reading and when you have reluctant readers that can be hard to do. These tips are perfect for first and second grade teachers with children who don't like reading. Book suggestions and a freebie are included!" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCAHqpdSnu-O-RDSb18tq6ZN3rtjbMGL8l32yzvtDcnX1kFIwTohyphenhyphenuC_XdOrC87U_2yOycpKSMYRo0vZyFz7EHi8HV6PbuiVYWWSDdvf128ayemA6N1uKPhnJL9rrGa1al6icZwzT3pQ6/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">This post contains affiliate links for Amazon. By purchasing an item on the Amazon site using these links, I will receive a small commission on your purchase. This helps me continue writing this blog and providing you with teaching tips and ideas. Thank you! </span></span></div>
Paige Bessickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13591480790082983036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659477103938171273.post-7387210644853513482019-02-17T21:11:00.000-06:002019-02-17T21:11:13.918-06:00The Best Tips for How to do Interactive Read AloudsInteractive Read Alouds are my jam! I have spent many, <i>many</i> hours reading about them, improving my own and creating resources to help you do them in your classroom. One might say I'm an Interactive Read Aloud Specialist. ☺️ This year, if you have subscribed to my newsletter I have been sharing all of my tips for getting started with Read Alouds in your classroom. Here I have compiled all of them into a quick and easy list for you.<br />
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927666768194" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="All the tips you need to get started with Interactive Read Alouds. Paige Bessick, a Read Aloud Specialist, has compiled all the tips you need to give successful read alouds to your students. Picking the right book is only the beginning. Read to find out how you can provide your students with this incredible learning opportunity while making them easy to do." height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYcyCo1avWd1sEsYCYIBR_0AgPSHMSwYvsSO-4ymtEPToFuQVFtVVYwgLX_YEKtfeMQMgpydioKvkAazziEm3eqEN0RJYF6luR5niD-yJmbPdoAKBpgwYuhaie7-uPaQv4GQD9dRi3cQ0/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a name='more'></a>As I said earlier, I have done a lot of research on Interactive Read Alouds and also have several blog posts about them as well. You can click <a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2017/06/everything-you-need-to-know-about.html" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> to see the ULTIMATE blog post about Read Alouds.<br />
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You can click <a href="http://bit.ly/OELResourceEmailSignUp" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> if you want to sign up for my <b>Newsletter</b> and get more tips, resources, and exclusive Freebies.<br />
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Ultimately an Interactive Read Aloud is when you gather your class or a group of students to a central location, like the rug and read a book to the students. This book should be at their listening level and your job is to think aloud during the reading while also stopping and having your students interact with the book. This can be turn and talks, act it outs, stop and jot/draw or class polls and discussions. The main purpose of this read aloud is to support their comprehension. They're listening to a fluent reader while also being taught how to think about and comprehend a book.<br />
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Here are my tips for how to make them the <b>BEST</b> for your students. Some of these may be repeats from other blog posts, just know that this means they are super important. 😊<br />
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927666768194" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="All the tips you need to get started with Interactive Read Alouds. Paige Bessick, a Read Aloud Specialist, has compiled all the tips you need to give successful read alouds to your students. Picking the right book is only the beginning. Read to find out how you can provide your students with this incredible learning opportunity while making them easy to do." height="91" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHhzjEFcbrnqTuvbgfBMSUGJXD5yBkI-ie-7Hw-4_3oI00Crt4ZIXrXa2vJA2rcehBtEII88HC2rRVHKltIoZ37yHNrFK02SIWFiZB8Os_TLBl2NgA3S2samaKblPnHP-zqB1h8XVU4Yt/s640/Slide2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<h3>
1. PICK BOOKS YOU LOVE</h3>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My number one and most important tip is to <b>pick books that you love</b>. I am always asked what's a good book for this or that? I always give suggestions, but I also always suggest using a book you love. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So many times, teachers are trying to find the perfect book to teach a specific skill. They have searched Pinterest for hours (#amiright, oh just me? 🙃) and found a great book, but they have no connection to it. When you read it, your students will feel the lack of love for the book. If you use books you love, your students are going to feel the love as you read and be even more engaged and interactive. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The best thing we can do for our students is show them a love of reading and that starts with using books we know and love ourselves.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px;">You can check out some of my favorite books <a href="https://www.amazon.com/shop/ourelementarylives?listId=261KZPT4Z5ZCA&ref=idea_share_inf" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> or by clicking the picture below. </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/shop/ourelementarylives?listId=261KZPT4Z5ZCA&ref=idea_share_inf" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" nopin="“nopin”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OtywuYUZrLqdej7bOsW8kEMJ9v2xAwUNq1EysFjNz0jyQ8cwAAER51mVY9D5p3e-OMWTY53tE5W068cRWnOUGQLiTy9uYF_dAwBh73MDTAC4cYigvGrOJs9x6otRYdLdIACxwwYxLAoR/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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2. START READING ALOUD TODAY</h3>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today is a great day to start reading aloud to your students. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I often hear that teachers are nervous to start reading aloud because it won't be perfect, they don't have the stopping points and questions ready, their students don't have partners, etc... Whatever it is that's holding you back, don't let it. <b>START TODAY!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you're new to read alouds or not, don't get caught up in all the extra stuff to make it interactive or as purposeful as you may want. <b>Just start reading! </b> Pick one of your favorite books, take 10-15 minutes and read. Read with enthusiasm, read with expression and read with love. That's what your students want and need. The rest will come. </span></span></div>
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3. PUT IT INTO YOUR SCHEDULE</h3>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yep, you read that right. Schedule your read aloud time into your day. If you're anything like me when I first started, I would have my book ready to go and would just plan to squeeze it in sometime during the day. Well, we all know what happens when we plan to squeeze something in. <b>IT NEVER HAPPENS</b>. Everything else seemed more important (even though it wasn't) and it never got done. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Once I actually put it into my schedule I was way more likely to do it. I couldn't just skip a whole activity that I wrote into my planner. (I'm totally type A like that.) </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The latest research out of Teacher College-Reading & Writing Project is that you should be doing read alouds every day. It's not just reading our favorite chapter books either. It's about creating interactive and engaging read alouds that help our students grow as readers. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2018/03/how-to-fit-it-all-in-first-grade.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnyYl4GC7rV7fLw-aDYFIxdp-Uhq16LthWNvN9IKnN7qgghdiLy3cipWVpE2xstRKSsdblhN3bDjnS9_G8Uf54XfFHQJqtnXh3uhZRTPTLVEFh2UNoVqAQnhyphenhyphenbZptuziS9iPdjaanw0Ze/s320/Slide2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yep, I said it, <b>EVERY DAY</b>! Now, I know that's not always possible, but especially for kinder and first graders, read aloud time is VITAL in their reading development. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Interested in how I fit it in my daily schedule? Check out <a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2018/03/how-to-fit-it-all-in-first-grade.html" target="_blank">>>THIS<< </a>blog post or click on the image to the right.</span></span></div>
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<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
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4. PLAN FOR YOUR READ ALOUD</h3>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I<span style="font-family: inherit;">f you do only</span> one tip that I've shared so far, <strong>THIS IS IT</strong>!! Planning for your interactive read aloud is probably the most important thing you can do. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Planning for your IRAs means you have put thought into what you want to teach, the vocabulary you want to focus on and the comprehension skills your students will learn. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2017/02/how-to-plan-interactive-read-aloud-in-5.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgrqcuSufx-HPgxgarcX6DXH0ek3BzhS-fzNbfcBk_GpeS4Z9aZQySzgsAi5jyvl3tBYAvwowc0tCYUr6Mqcpq2f-pXd89004IgdP-d_2F3z5JozYUk_49pXDalhsfHpHgN-iPpWPsFCm/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">By doing this, your students are going to get <strong>so much more</strong> out of your read aloud and you'll actually know what's going on and what your teaching as you read. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm going to send you off now to<a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2017/02/how-to-plan-interactive-read-aloud-in-5.html" target="_blank"> <span style="color: #3498db;"><span style="word-break: break-word;">>>THIS<<</span></span></a> blog post to learn more. I go <strong>WAY</strong> into depth about how to plan IRAs in 5 easy steps. This blog post is already long enough so click <a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2017/02/how-to-plan-interactive-read-aloud-in-5.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3498db;"><span style="word-break: break-word;">>>HERE<<</span></span> </a>or on the image above. This blog post also includes a <strong>FREE IRA PLANNER</strong> so check it out! </span></span></div>
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5. PREPARE YOUR BOOK</h3>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/EDITABLE-Sticky-Note-Templates-2854262" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWZNrbZHbmKBmo2RjZl6b9hSsyzfkQFj7AqXPwk2q74ljLkQjFrhbxZ2LCKfAgPNMovCtwayYpfpxoob84YfkgZNb7Lhpqb4IwIs1TuxDPBE3x-uNMvvgBNSjozHh_ro8uFn8dVdVEvbL/s200/Slide1.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">OK, you've read through the blog post above and you've got your IRA planned. Now, what?!?!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is time to prepare your book for your read aloud. You've worked so hard to plan your read aloud, you don't want to forget everything you've planned to do so you have to put some things in your book so you don't forget. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've got 2 (!) things to help you with that today. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The first is my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/EDITABLE-Sticky-Note-Templates-2854262" target="_blank">FREE editable sticky note templates</a>. Click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/EDITABLE-Sticky-Note-Templates-2854262" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> to get this resource. You can type right into the sticky notes and then print. BAM! All of your stopping points, vocabulary and comprehension questions are ready to be placed in your book on the correct page. Easy Peasy! (Want more help? Check out <a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2016/09/how-to-print-on-sticky-notes-in-3-easy.html" target="_blank">>>THIS<<</a> blog post.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The second thing I have for you is this blog post that will give you some other ways you can prepare for your read aloud. Click <a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2017/02/3-ways-to-prepare-for-interactive-read.html" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> or on the image below to learn more. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2017/02/3-ways-to-prepare-for-interactive-read.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqvFVi2lzhfqouNnrHos-AehTZFqmWKUjw78vQ46SR4wmgSqmxTzhKIf_UslGt0hklOPv6ygGU0iuRImmL6oqp5aOvQOKWn0DKvk9QdPybuAL5-k9YpFo4oJ922X2Kq8Zeo646ISBu-GX/s400/Slide3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've tried to just wing a read aloud after I've planned it and I get so into reading that I totally forget to stop and interact with the book. By putting sticky notes or print & cut notes into the book, it serves as a little reminder. Printing on sticky notes may just become one of your new favorite things. It definitely is one of mine. 😍 </span></span></div>
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So there you go! This should get you started. If you have other questions please email me at paigebessick@gmail.com. </div>
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Also, make sure you've signed up to get <a href="http://bit.ly/UltimateIRAGuide" target="_blank">>>THIS<<</a> freebie. It has even more tips and ideas for doing interactive read alouds. Click <a href="http://bit.ly/UltimateIRAGuide" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> or on the image below. </div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/UltimateIRAGuide" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8aiOfRNnUPB1sZfTiSLaOw3Pkp3HoR3ZzJqfDr7ouQR7yNKfsOL3wi02UND0ZDecEiMOgOnsXAw_tf6_KdopxZ-FdsMFXmnliye4wMbb3nv4Ly_MdRWXcBnYkr4bAB_zenHQC_3Yrrnl/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJJamy-WrquEij8AXLnWj-VmHNw1au_aW9XXXRbCGSP6Bqa-M11T8benwS1lmKd6SahRq5Pk2KotatvLnQiRngVgPPEhu4sUBAvVF7TROR9hApVgvXa6w8xiGWl92WJ1ln0f7i92Mu1A_/s1600/make+learning.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="65" data-original-width="966" height="42" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJJamy-WrquEij8AXLnWj-VmHNw1au_aW9XXXRbCGSP6Bqa-M11T8benwS1lmKd6SahRq5Pk2KotatvLnQiRngVgPPEhu4sUBAvVF7TROR9hApVgvXa6w8xiGWl92WJ1ln0f7i92Mu1A_/s640/make+learning.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKclnlWFLnyIrHsILSrcSKxEHkkePGAXpaZO8DfoGmJnXb8cYwM0oom3NIarM1oCF7XGD6PBQH5zR90ekbR53ms5nh7IE1UBEMSYpvZhmvctMqaCsRNQk32Zj4aUFRYj2KfBHWG5Ghnntm/s1600/Signature-Pink.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="250" height="68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKclnlWFLnyIrHsILSrcSKxEHkkePGAXpaZO8DfoGmJnXb8cYwM0oom3NIarM1oCF7XGD6PBQH5zR90ekbR53ms5nh7IE1UBEMSYpvZhmvctMqaCsRNQk32Zj4aUFRYj2KfBHWG5Ghnntm/s200/Signature-Pink.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927666768194" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="All the tips you need to get started with Interactive Read Alouds. Paige Bessick, a Read Aloud Specialist, has compiled all the tips you need to give successful read alouds to your students. Picking the right book is only the beginning. Read to find out how you can provide your students with this incredible learning opportunity while making them easy to do." height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJ1Jsh_B1xwdIGz3b9MPwZrcjpbeuRd9TCtIos-HwE5tokPs91ulWzMc-Pl9eZBj8Rc_UQdCdEGJ4D-T45GVH0xx5TMz4J6D2pWWCukA8S-5LQ8KYuA8Hv-mmv1wnlnJmgN3x4_UOEc2g/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #282828; font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans"; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">This post contains affiliate links for Amazon. By purchasing an item on the Amazon site using these links, I will receive a small commission on your purchase. This helps me continue writing this blog and providing you with teaching tips and ideas. Thank you! </span></div>
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Paige Bessickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13591480790082983036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659477103938171273.post-45936338340545482462019-01-05T14:21:00.001-06:002019-01-05T14:26:00.056-06:00The Ultimate Read Aloud Guide: A FreebieYou probably know that Interactive Read Alouds are my jam. They are my favorite thing to do with my students. I have worked so hard the last couple of months to create <b>THE ULTIMATE READ ALOUD GUIDE</b> just for you. Keep reading to find out more.<br />
<a href="https://www.subscribepage.com/read-aloud-guide" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="This Ultimate Read Aloud Guide has everything you need to create and plan engaging and interactive read alouds your students will LOVE! Perfect for kindergarten, first and second grade teachers, this guide includes standards, stopping point ideas, activity suggestions and a planner that walks you through creating your very own interactive read aloud for your favorite picture books that you can use year after year." height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NbQUu6k3edSvwnT0j-bKbp2vFRLxH4ZTpC4TbCdd10JYNpz2nmnMFkgmgDulLoQEo8FMJq1QEXt4cQqlNIWXXzMdDCn_OyAAVki3KQcpQbPSbNyFegWhD7FF5l9it6t-cF15H1flRWoX/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Interactive read alouds are an important activity in any classroom. They teach vital reading skills, bring up important topics and build community. I have many blog posts about them if you're interested.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2017/06/everything-you-need-to-know-about.html" target="_blank">Check out the MASTER Read Aloud Blog post >>HERE!<<</a></h4>
It has everything you need to get started and a list of all of my IRA blog posts.<br />
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Anyway, back to my read aloud guide. 🤪 I've worked hard the past couple of months to put everything you might need to get started with Interactive Read Alouds in your classroom into this ultimate guide. </div>
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Included In This Guide</h3>
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This guide includes seriously, everything you might need to create engaging and interactive read alouds for your students.</div>
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<li>Information about Interactive Read Alouds including what they are and why you should do them.</li>
<li>Common Core State Standards</li>
<li> <div style="direction: ltr; line-height: normal; margin: 0pt 0in 0pt 0.38in; text-indent: -0.38in; unicode-bidi: embed;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Tips & Tricks for Interactive Read Alouds from me, a first-grade teacher.</span></span></div>
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How to plan interactive read alouds</div>
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Activity options for before, during and after reading</div>
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Types of questions to ask during your read alouds and examples</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.38in;">Interactive Read Aloud Planner</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.38in;">Blank vocabulary word and definition cards</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.38in;">Printing on sticky note directions</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.38in;">4 Sticky note templates for different size sticky notes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.38in;">Print & cut note template</span></div>
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Want this resource? </div>
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<a href="https://www.subscribepage.com/read-aloud-guide" target="_blank">>>CLICK HERE FOR THE ULTIMATE </a></h4>
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<a href="https://www.subscribepage.com/read-aloud-guide" target="_blank">READ ALOUD GUIDE<<</a></h4>
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Here you can see a sample of the directions for how to plan them, the planner and types of questions you can ask. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRASepoViFKleMaRvG9EEaDPqZRSFd-I50Z7rsMAQsUupvQVElee1LZyqw7LDKjqhyphenhyphen9pFiIgYs9KuErh9JZyJ1m5q7vJs8C8ygXm5h_4JDi-7sziZ6OlSexmFf2b4hl4pgJ4BmXM19Cb5/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-pin-description="This Ultimate Read Aloud Guide has everything you need to create and plan engaging and interactive read alouds your students will LOVE! Perfect for kindergarten, first and second grade teachers, this guide includes standards, stopping point ideas, activity suggestions and a planner that walks you through creating your very own interactive read aloud for your favorite picture books that you can use year after year." height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRASepoViFKleMaRvG9EEaDPqZRSFd-I50Z7rsMAQsUupvQVElee1LZyqw7LDKjqhyphenhyphen9pFiIgYs9KuErh9JZyJ1m5q7vJs8C8ygXm5h_4JDi-7sziZ6OlSexmFf2b4hl4pgJ4BmXM19Cb5/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's a look at the step-by-step directions and the planner included with this resource. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLbZ4P_gm8Cla-3WEy2SHwVF0B7RztZX9OF-Rw2Ph9QdvNiXnClEKh6kPjuJfEYZrAmszHvQdg5zEt3C6nlnvAAzYSzIa5ZvD57t6ZPIYeZYKjwnqlNI07J6Zr6Zo936ZRh0wRdv9IXV9/s1600/Slide2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-pin-description="This Ultimate Read Aloud Guide has everything you need to create and plan engaging and interactive read alouds your students will LOVE! Perfect for kindergarten, first and second grade teachers, this guide includes standards, stopping point ideas, activity suggestions and a planner that walks you through creating your very own interactive read aloud for your favorite picture books that you can use year after year." height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLbZ4P_gm8Cla-3WEy2SHwVF0B7RztZX9OF-Rw2Ph9QdvNiXnClEKh6kPjuJfEYZrAmszHvQdg5zEt3C6nlnvAAzYSzIa5ZvD57t6ZPIYeZYKjwnqlNI07J6Zr6Zo936ZRh0wRdv9IXV9/s400/Slide2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This resource also includes EDITABLE templates for 4 different sticky note options and the print and cut notes that make read alouds super easy! An editable template is also available for the planner and the vocabulary word and definition cards. </div>
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I really have tried to make planning and doing interactive read alouds in your classroom super easy. </div>
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If you have any questions about this guide or read alouds in general, I'd love to help. Just email me <a href="mailto:ourelementarylives@gmail.com" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> at <a href="mailto:ourelementarylives@gmail.com" target="_blank">ourelementarylives@gmail.com </a></div>
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As always, if you found this helpful, please share and pin for others to see. 😍</div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927666139010/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="This Ultimate Read Aloud Guide has everything you need to create and plan engaging and interactive read alouds your students will LOVE! Perfect for kindergarten, first and second grade teachers, this guide includes standards, stopping point ideas, activity suggestions and a planner that walks you through creating your very own interactive read aloud for your favorite picture books that you can use year after year." height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAVkuBdXLFLgb0MMrSDboOgXzvz6Kfj7EmoGjNWz66hsBKGBcsT2qX_XnyprSe2ppyiO1nJU6fS-l6n8juaF4JimSGDUh8VEldDl5P2900ZTJc2-ySJwE9SIwuPNmjttgir1r2-WC38-u/s400/Slide3.png" width="260" /></a></div>
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Other Blog Posts You Might Like:</h3>
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<br />Paige Bessickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13591480790082983036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659477103938171273.post-13923841667132792122018-09-22T22:41:00.000-05:002019-04-12T19:58:51.076-05:00How To Teach Phonics in the Primary Grades<span style="font-family: inherit;">Teaching phonics is probably one of my favorite things to teach. In first grade especially, there is so much growth from the beginning of the year to the end. <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> I love watching my students' knowledge grow. They come into first grade barely knowing their letter sounds and short vowels and most of them leave knowing their long vowels. First graders learn so much in one year and that's why I love teaching first grade. Keep reading to see how I teach ANY phonics skill. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927664832136/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="How to teach phonics in the primary grades. This blog post explains exactly how to teach ANY phonics skill. While demonstrating with an amazing resource, this blog post goes through step-by-step the best way to teach phonics to kindergarten, first or second graders. Amazing resources and techniques are explained. Check it out!" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDijD0ACkNnRhxuq3cIHbq97_K0RlQzcuj0z4Xd8G7CY9YDeg6SWtIbe5PPovvgwz1K3vLDCoZWEeSmZzm9HUaNVGgA2FJkaDkJOa1KBUpR9ikTSsCfZ1RFWkWeRIWpBgtAftVI71k3WUG/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">This blog post will go through specifically how I teach my students the short a phonics skill, but this is exactly how I teach <b>EVERY OTHER</b> phonics skill too. I believe it is so important to teach phonics skills following <b>common routines</b>. That way students can focus on learning the skill and not learning the activity or routine to go along with the specific phonics skill.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To teach short a, I use my </span><span style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Short-a-Word-Work-Activities-Sorts-Worksheets-Poems-2036129" target="_blank">Short a Word Work Activities: Sorts, Worksheets & Poems</a>.</span><span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I created this product as a way to teach this skill to the whole group, small group, and individuals. The whole group activities allow me to teach the skill to the whole class, the small group or center activities allow my students to practice the skill with support from each other and the independent activities provide more practice or can be used as a quick assessment. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Short-a-Word-Work-Activities-Sorts-Worksheets-Poems-2036129" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-pin-description="How to teach phonics in the primary grades. This blog post explains exactly how to teach ANY phonics skill. While demonstrating with an amazing resource, this blog post goes through step-by-step the best way to teach phonics to kindergarten, first or second graders. Amazing resources and techniques are explained. Check it out!" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuSAUkkVH0tWALaEhe45nTaFjb8Q0hYWoodHJRXdsrpwGjig23jFKr2IbBt6qR_x0J11DoF8OouxdnoQP7KgyvWTyKughjY3d7LzG45ji-uToP7wICI8CqR3FNj_9xZRgcEFK-CI1vhfZ/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This is this product I use in my </span>first grade<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> classroom. Please don’t judge the photo quality of the pictures below. I want you to see it in use so my focus is not on the quality of the photo but on the use of the product-plus I'm no professional photographer-although sometimes I wish I were. 😜 I think this product would be appropriate for kindergarten through second grades or as supplemental instruction for older students or students with special needs. </span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let's get started! Here's how I teach ANY phonics skill. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Scaffolding</span></h4>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let's start with all of the components I use to teach a phonics skill. Let's think ALLLLLL the way back to your undergrad teaching classes...remember the term scaffold? Well, let me tell you, it is alive and well. I know it, use it and love it. Let me explain.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927664832136/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="How to teach phonics in the primary grades. This blog post explains exactly how to teach ANY phonics skill. While demonstrating with an amazing resource, this blog post goes through step-by-step the best way to teach phonics to kindergarten, first or second graders. Amazing resources and techniques are explained. Check it out!" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrX6rU3A7iL2ctFAPi2Vkmo0nVoVOwCVFXSoZ5jS3rT5n9hqf7FR_QlgV8cGHwk0Vo9dpF8EfTtDcwdfSfX4FYSK1GOvZ_dq71DRaLLlrlC3CEDHGYUJBEYxXxF62TJf849Y2g5-4ZCfz/s400/scaffold.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I start any phonics or word work skill with a large group activity-typically posters and a sort-</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the<b style="font-style: italic;"> <span style="color: red;">I do</span></b></span><span style="color: red; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">part. I explain and teach the sound or skill we are learning using visual posters. </span></span></div>
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I love having these up around the room and my own copy, right by my teacher's chair. Whenever we get a chance we practice the sounds. I hold up a card and they have to say the sound that goes with it. For the a the students say, a-apple-/a/. That's letter name, the picture and then the sound. For the word family, endings they say, -am-ham-/am/. Again, letters, picture, and sound it makes. We go through them every time we do phonics while we're learning this sound. Throughout the year I'll conitnue reviewing them and pull them out when I feel like my students need a refresher. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWtWaVfTgFbqRd8T4gf5kbhgS8TI3ngkzOekRwq9tzNUM-It2CkHDqTdc7O_qGISyvcEi0Y1BEcq2ht2hZfBlFm65opl8sG09zWV8T04gDdYbfRlkOTYXZvyhaYWHMt2oLTawihHY-zW9c/s1600/Slide01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-pin-description="How to teach phonics in the primary grades. This blog post explains exactly how to teach ANY phonics skill. While demonstrating with an amazing resource, this blog post goes through step-by-step the best way to teach phonics to kindergarten, first or second graders. Amazing resources and techniques are explained. Check it out!" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWtWaVfTgFbqRd8T4gf5kbhgS8TI3ngkzOekRwq9tzNUM-It2CkHDqTdc7O_qGISyvcEi0Y1BEcq2ht2hZfBlFm65opl8sG09zWV8T04gDdYbfRlkOTYXZvyhaYWHMt2oLTawihHY-zW9c/s320/Slide01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Whole Group Sorts</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I then go on to demonstrate the sort we will be doing. I do the first couple words or pictures and put them under the correct heading-explicitly teaching the skill. After I have done several and I feel that my students understand what I am teaching, I have the kids come up and help me finish the large group sort-the </span><span style="color: red; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>we do</i></b></span><span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">! As we complete the sort, I have the students tell me the picture or word and where it goes and why it goes there, making sure they can explain their thinking. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927664832136/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="How to teach phonics in the primary grades. This blog post explains exactly how to teach ANY phonics skill. While demonstrating with an amazing resource, this blog post goes through step-by-step the best way to teach phonics to kindergarten, first or second graders. Amazing resources and techniques are explained. Check it out!" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioinIJEZhLRJHDRnEsI9Th7pu74RgSydtQ7TULi6zcJQl08a-T-XVOigREq1kd8HnlAWk5RSPYbBbYFoQMofN-_sp8RAoQOkzUi5Rjp-avRrlXaZtrys05E7wtrEzc4CMe3KtOxpSQlY7B/s400/Slide03.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Each of my short vowel resources includes <b>3 complete and different activities</b> to teach and review that short vowel. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Each one includes: </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Short vowel or not</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here the students have to differentiate the sounds and recognize which pictures are short a and which pictures are not. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927664832136/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="How to teach phonics in the primary grades. This blog post explains exactly how to teach ANY phonics skill. While demonstrating with an amazing resource, this blog post goes through step-by-step the best way to teach phonics to kindergarten, first or second graders. Amazing resources and techniques are explained. Check it out!" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFegTkwsn8011lS1WTDJscomSc-mKYyHvAkPM74iOAWZsYTQJIbFIMJLQJVdBM7SGPlTvsTeWqZAVtAwgqsuOdxqRqw348bU1yxcD4nIJkj1JglWW55D3lSMPZlLWmh0YEhw3DHyJpLkT2/s320/Slide04.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Word & picture match</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here students have to read the word and match the picture. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927664832136/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="How to teach phonics in the primary grades. This blog post explains exactly how to teach ANY phonics skill. While demonstrating with an amazing resource, this blog post goes through step-by-step the best way to teach phonics to kindergarten, first or second graders. Amazing resources and techniques are explained. Check it out!" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3my7OCEo0yg-N8MPpizxhtsr81OuhE8wcVgHF96zv3zruX3K2LNpBjDPgbJfqypHKbHXBXbOoQQ1ig5VBXEgGr-bn9j3BrFLXI4MM9NTSwgiDU63zc8GrUnKsIoyMxKY5PkaDqFko_17/s320/Slide05.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Word family sort</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is where I teach common word families for each of the vowels. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927664832136/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="How to teach phonics in the primary grades. This blog post explains exactly how to teach ANY phonics skill. While demonstrating with an amazing resource, this blog post goes through step-by-step the best way to teach phonics to kindergarten, first or second graders. Amazing resources and techniques are explained. Check it out!" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowdQE9X-3kzerf5-jMC0rvnvIhviBcafsm3s90o9-G-iV-dqj5eirYoLnGK1bhyphenhyphenXp7VPqcB6mvtch3ibZIeb7reRB9VzwEwe_dDsHMkWZNcli-k8tH84hs0hqgLsefGua_D3tfgEifg9M/s320/Slide06.jpg" width="320" /></a></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Small Group Activities</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After the large group sort, sometimes on the same day or a different day (depends on our time-we usually only have 15-20 minutes for word work), I will break students into small groups or partners to practice the skill we just did together. This is still the <i style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;">we do</span></i>. They are doing it in their group or with their partner, working together to complete the task correctly. I will also sometimes do this as a center activity so they can practice this task in a small group several times. It never hurts to practice these skills more than once. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927664832136/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="How to teach phonics in the primary grades. This blog post explains exactly how to teach ANY phonics skill. While demonstrating with an amazing resource, this blog post goes through step-by-step the best way to teach phonics to kindergarten, first or second graders. Amazing resources and techniques are explained. Check it out!" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85_gyAaRwBtZN_N6mmDxbYOMtARxzFHUL1nFmQr307jYC0w0mDAsSpySLjrbwHqM3s5Vv6hXotwi2CZ1d4joFYzHPGG8DrmBcaBsOjkJGn_PUSU3IM0JCoyeveU75bRcL9WClkVOCSmfE/s320/Slide07.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Independent Activities or Assessments</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once I feel that the students have a good understanding of the skill I will have them do an independent activity to assess-the <b><i><span style="color: red;">you do</span></i></b>. This is sometimes a cut, sort and glue or sometimes a worksheet. In this product, there is a cut, sort and glue for each sort and some no-prep, print and go worksheets as well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927664832136/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="How to teach phonics in the primary grades. This blog post explains exactly how to teach ANY phonics skill. While demonstrating with an amazing resource, this blog post goes through step-by-step the best way to teach phonics to kindergarten, first or second graders. Amazing resources and techniques are explained. Check it out!" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvBANTzwhX5Ihl-RysX9R-AZatyo6nzvLbTUDNUyZ2u-UY4jH9e3tg6ZttkO-cEprqm__Ja4RseAdN5p_xcdNCyqld78QJ_4K19t8pfWIe2hCHk2DBw4ZWCBB8iIWUfmNSl-XsU-FVVTx/s320/Slide09.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I like using this one as morning work. And I love their drawings. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927664832136/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="How to teach phonics in the primary grades. This blog post explains exactly how to teach ANY phonics skill. While demonstrating with an amazing resource, this blog post goes through step-by-step the best way to teach phonics to kindergarten, first or second graders. Amazing resources and techniques are explained. Check it out!" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PWg_lNjCpCsujAYpeUq9iUCHtut9VYxFeOhYBo-7O6orBXan5SaoxellzTY9vMWA4RsZTLVbyc71ZpwZu6criNixb7UHyDVfiB4fuUGttzo7XW31USTlHMaGfiPpnnZJVoT_02A-dL74/s320/Slide10.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Additional Activities</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Another activity that is included in each of the vowel resources are fabulous poems written by my mother-in-law, <a href="https://www.patriciasutton.com/" target="_blank">author Patricia Sutton</a>. There are 3 poems to choose from. My students <b>LOVE</b> using high lighters and we use these poems as shared reading warm-ups throughout the time we are learning this skill. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927664832136/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmEpeAo0O_-bE5gvRe4MnHpDEZW7izjWvW9a_ycsjIJHBXJpPktzjsQLuNxRy9dNLp1T8gf8Exx-mGcg6TRS-Eci7zCWOwyJjWhbGNYfw3iJIDBAFt2VQduNxGsC-QlCmyczvs68Wjfma/s320/Slide01.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I also like making anchor charts as a class. This will then go up in our classroom as a tool for the students to use when they are reading and writing. Each word family card is also included in the product. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">To create the anchor charts I have them just remember some of the words we worked on this week. I have also had them use the iPads and the app EPIC! to find words with the phonics skill we're learning. Check out this blog post, <a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2016/06/easy-word-work.html" target="_blank">Easy Word Work Activities</a>, to see how I involve the students even more in creating anchor charts for phonics skills. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927664832136/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="How to teach phonics in the primary grades. This blog post explains exactly how to teach ANY phonics skill. While demonstrating with an amazing resource, this blog post goes through step-by-step the best way to teach phonics to kindergarten, first or second graders. Amazing resources and techniques are explained. Check it out!" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbYN6THTTyvf5nBSTWWuxWMMF0Z4VyODPdqrg77esufDhaKRpoIHPcF922S3lYxpNsCjHcm-VRBvM1H6fKqQtJuTwNa8nYpve90RG11aSqxYfTgq69x5IrfFDlxG9NUoVFne6hbez2iuu/s320/Slide02.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">That's it, easy peasy, right? Haha, if only it were that simple. You know some students will get it right away and some won't until you've retaught and practiced the skill for 3 weeks. You will have to reteach some and try to challenge others. That's just how our classrooms work and that's what makes teaching so fun. There is never a dull moment. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you like this <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Short-a-Word-Work-Activities-Sorts-Worksheets-Poems-2036129" target="_blank">short a</a> resource, then I think you'll also like my other short and long vowel resources. Click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives/Category/Phonics-Word-Work-199554" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> to see all of my phonics resources or click on any of the images below to see specific resources. I also have all of the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Long-Vowel-Activities-Bundle-Posters-Sorts-and-Worksheets-3016137?aref=y3izvejk" target="_blank">long vowels</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bossy-R-Activities-R-Controlled-Posters-Sorts-Activities-1949214" target="_blank">bossy r</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Inflectional-Endings-BUNDLE-Activities-Sorts-Worksheets-1775840" target="_blank">inflectional endings</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Contractions-Posters-Sorts-Worksheets-BUNDLE-1823110" target="_blank">contractions</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Magic-e-Sorts-Worksheets-2553262" target="_blank">magic e</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Click on any of these images.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Short-e-Word-Work-Activities-Sorts-and-Worksheets-2178551" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwH3mD4wHZg9Nk67Z5yewPyHMyRSNlTCIINkavK0dB6r6RUe0xJjAw3oDCLXEdMiBYvefu_DjmmBA-kZ8f_a61CYGHc_k4BifMe0utHx0x-4fq_BJKFjEUX3zLdIqRV8mFQcVQyx99Q8t9/s200/Slide1.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Short-i-Word-Work-Activities-Sorts-and-Worksheets-2276096" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApA7zvfyUvZnWeJWKkzKmYbiDKxhRQj09RlTcl824Ds4giBPnT3224vreXmMxEohvTizgvu07kh9WEXMFaHHMaQdQoM7Y4m3gHwYm5xXNgEu0W7uuU0e170zfbs_WcAy8l8NyRecDw5Qn/s200/Slide1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Short-o-Word-Work-Activities-Sorts-and-Worksheets-2349511" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyZDAQN0YPATc4q7aa45F86bFeevZ0S4pdjeW9SyXA774L9VORdB01ZM6Lt9sQ_QGzW7tC-32oQQ0lBH2Q9dly7TjfKoSXOy4X9St3SvtoZA_ZSBwAwAViaB8GqbHoUJUrUQTjdb_y8s_/s200/Slide1.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Short-u-Word-Work-Activities-Sorts-and-Worksheets-2477113" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMZ81s0SVum9mApw_LheURoC_4-dlKmOpVXwziq-3tt7Rvdvh5z6aRoRaVgWxzh_G5_UgPRMElMIkyEBLJG0DM0sUagWXqJbrdzFYX3b7RlCacTbztr-mrPAM_sHDWvcfhll6Yy5NaJDR/s200/Slide1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Short-Vowel-Activities-Bundle-Posters-Sorts-and-Worksheets-2486537" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5x2cBrYvgyrbn6L9I-dyeVOQb1oD94gd8QA4VOkqdqNwgSs3jRKJNte2n4thPWueL4qp_kIBg4mmlBdYPWhL4UTgH-VBzrktqKuE9GkPL3aIg3ECtk_AFL9_nk5ai83vlMyScadH0zb_/s200/Slide1.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Short-Vowel-Review-Sorts-Worksheets-Activities-2512109" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OcYK6LQYirm6clATRP-ykznZV9-Nk2yUKsoQNz-MDOfMCDkOYVWZzGJdb9L06qApQzgvxjDGZ1YZEsgtcSewmx04ljEBpjT4RVZC1DXY1hpbNgRtBySSX2ZwkTjOMx12vYHxRgzjODOV/s200/Slide2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Check out the Phonics Bundle <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Phonics-and-Word-Work-Activities-Bundle-1877132" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> or by clicking the image below. </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Phonics-and-Word-Work-Bundle-Sorts-Worksheets-Activities-1877132"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXwxatX8bWOU-eTORrCTgQKCK93MFuFK3UwgrZKE5wUdl6Wqqw2S4qivKV_SK1IIl2uS1Dqty3N7w2dU_JVV-qoSVsHaQV6q1ReaMRvLmwvbJenpw02fJBhHqcrvhRWPGIkqLv0IBpDgl/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are so many ways to teach phonics. There are so many programs and other TpT sellers who also have great products! This is how I do it and this is what works for me and my students. </span><br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dual Language Considerations</span></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I want to make sure I mention how this will look different as I am a dual language English teacher now. I will continue to follow this process for teaching our phonics skills. As all of my students are also learning Spanish and about half of my students are ELL learners, these are some things I will consider:</span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Continue scaffolding process</li>
<li>Continue posters and verbal practice of sounds with visuals. </li>
<li>Use pictures and words that relate to our content (science/social studies) focus and unit. </li>
<li>Use pictures and words my students know as ELL learners. </li>
<li>Complete metalinguistic analysis and discuss how this is similar/different to Spanish. </li>
</ul>
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I wanted to make sure I mentioned that. If you have questions about how this looks in my dual language class, please comment or email me at <a href="mailto:ourelementarylives@gmail.com">ourelementarylives@gmail.com</a>.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That's all I have for you today. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Please share and pin so other can see. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhczlz7derZuiGbmmKfuTCwyogM0Hx6kHY0SwncEzBZGVzcmH3d23J9T9uJppbLBSuNdfzNldT5wk61EslKcm_U9cn3FlGURIFRVQKicLKpsy9Z6FiFgu0zJ8hBJ6d0-URDu5Wwx-TqRAc/s1600/Slide2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-pin-description="How to teach phonics in the primary grades. This blog post explains exactly how to teach ANY phonics skill. While demonstrating with an amazing resource, this blog post goes through step-by-step the best way to teach phonics to kindergarten, first or second graders. Amazing resources and techniques are explained. Check it out!" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhczlz7derZuiGbmmKfuTCwyogM0Hx6kHY0SwncEzBZGVzcmH3d23J9T9uJppbLBSuNdfzNldT5wk61EslKcm_U9cn3FlGURIFRVQKicLKpsy9Z6FiFgu0zJ8hBJ6d0-URDu5Wwx-TqRAc/s400/Slide2.jpg" width="260" /></a> </div>
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Interested in trying out some of the activities? Click <a href="https://www.subscribepage.com/shortasample">>>HERE<< </a>or on the image below to get a FREE sample. </div>
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<a href="https://www.subscribepage.com/shortasample"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="720" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUjNYjmtH5AjdXjdJveYqQszHyLaNQRmAtuFpdj-weA55hhnS-1-V5XL8LEPsUOtGFmJreEzxX0QnV3lKcHgpBP76InLJmaKIXca2wrE2izhJgQXijCfj6NYERDyhGeeS4Ag9z0mCEBlN/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Make learning interactive, engaging and fun!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTIWpNuaHToDsAUuzZFtXSCRF7q8URF7-pRdBgtwmSHg3BA_8_NlWRd7_4xPUI-D0fZNpjYKkTOMIyiDWNwrOOCno9PXTKMfTOYiFfPZAd9qXM2w32YEAR1RRIq1X-8XfzUoLbtk_P9o-/s1600/Signature-Pink.png" /></a></div>
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Paige Bessickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13591480790082983036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659477103938171273.post-6997608817656554542018-09-15T13:34:00.001-05:002019-01-05T14:26:30.072-06:00Creating a Bucket Filling Classroom<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/099609993X/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=099609993X&linkId=de5984c48bfdbf06ae07c60b38d77be3" target="_blank"><u>Have You Filled a Bucket Today?</u> </a> Do you even know what I'm talking about? 😜 If you do, then this post is for you. If not, are you looking for a way to teach your students how to be kind and respectful? Then keep reading, I think you're going to like this.<br />
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927664736698/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="Creating a bucket filling classroom has everything you need to teach this unique concept. The blog post explains exactly how a first grade teacher teaches her students how to be bucket fillers. From a read aloud for Have You Filled a Bucket Today? to sorts, activities & certificates, this blog post has everything you need to be a bucket filling classroom. A bucket filler craft and bulletin board idea are also included. Teaching this concept with transform your classroom." height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6KY9Ts7SkG-DxH22mv68KiNr_Rnuwiq4_6WRPkhBLuKymEq-cJWG5t7D75cndQugUEUyEz9TV3empFC0U23I_E2jzEl0icIlm3gt_OlH9LyzCOoHYXcANx6qP6HzzjXb2fIIcMVziff4/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">*This post contains affiliate links to Amazon. By purchasing an item on the Amazon site using these links, I will receive a small commission on your purchase. This helps me to continue writing this blog and providing you with these tips and ideas. Thanks!</span></span><br />
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Creating a classroom community of kindness and respect is something we start working on from day one. One of my favorite ways to do that is with the book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/099609993X/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=099609993X&linkId=de5984c48bfdbf06ae07c60b38d77be3" target="_blank"><u>Have You Filled a Bucket Today?</u> by Carol McCloud</a>.<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/099609993X/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=099609993X&linkId=de5984c48bfdbf06ae07c60b38d77be3" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGj9ohIUeYkHawyKiP80zR-MwYaOEZlnj8_68P5j8uxZqW68lDeRDz4EINLd8Q71qxlKS82GW8VF2WsV23p41eaTor5NFSTDwbIKo2bQ0ibQKF50xfgCqcZU_S-61kOPMvqSpqM1-wjjDx/s400/bucket+book.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
This book explains that everyone has an invisible bucket. We can fill those buckets by being kind to others and when others do nice things for us. We can empty those buckets when we are mean or unkind. It's a brilliant idea that even our youngest learners can grasp.<br />
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My own child started learning about this in preschool and has continued this year in kindergarten. I have used it for years with my first graders and I have friends who teach upper elementary and use it too.<br />
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I suggest you check out this book. I promise it will transform your classroom.<br />
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Curious about what a bucket filler and bucket dipper are? Check this out. We talk a lot about how you can be a bucket filler or dipper for friends in our classroom. We also talk about how you can be a bucket filler or dipper for me, their teacher. I hope this helps give you some ideas what to look for in your classroom.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xVsqyAEMn373BOemEQdQvVgQykovkKiUqz-tSgVR2Es2Le5p6LLNTncH-yadHCXCGKf2vxxA2pgB7_V82s_wu4UaR7pGXn131vbWzF0avEojeYw2lVkA5TAggrHqopJh2G9uYQ10WKgp/s1600/table.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-pin-description="Creating a bucket filling classroom has everything you need to teach this unique concept. The blog post explains exactly how a first grade teacher teaches her students how to be bucket fillers. From a read aloud for Have You Filled a Bucket Today? to sorts, activities & certificates, this blog post has everything you need to be a bucket filling classroom. A bucket filler craft and bulletin board idea are also included. Teaching this concept with transform your classroom." height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xVsqyAEMn373BOemEQdQvVgQykovkKiUqz-tSgVR2Es2Le5p6LLNTncH-yadHCXCGKf2vxxA2pgB7_V82s_wu4UaR7pGXn131vbWzF0avEojeYw2lVkA5TAggrHqopJh2G9uYQ10WKgp/s400/table.png" width="391" /></a></div>
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So let me go into a little more detail on how I actually teach being bucket fillers in my classroom. </div>
<h4>
Read Aloud</h4>
<div>
The first thing I do to teach my students how to be Bucket Fillers is read the book, <u>Have You Filled a Bucket Today?</u> by Carol McCloud. Like most books I read and share, I don't just read it. I do an interactive read aloud with it. I have an interactive read aloud for you already prepared. It will make it super easy to read and interact with this book. </div>
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Click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Read-Aloud-Have-You-Filled-a-Bucket-Today-Interactive-Read-Aloud-Lesson-Plans-2739337" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> or on the image below. </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Read-Aloud-Have-You-Filled-a-Bucket-Today-Interactive-Read-Aloud-Lesson-Plans-2739337" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="Creating a bucket filling classroom has everything you need to teach this unique concept. The blog post explains exactly how a first grade teacher teaches her students how to be bucket fillers. From a read aloud for Have You Filled a Bucket Today? to sorts, activities & certificates, this blog post has everything you need to be a bucket filling classroom. A bucket filler craft and bulletin board idea are also included. Teaching this concept with transform your classroom." height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPEHyYgG02jqohMSowb9OwLlW-UnGnFlf5n3R0BKH1wFdoAbP7Y6UXQuhPe6BhVDxnax1zjtw74POVZXCQV3jUOQB292yvklVbSg6bwK-ttaHpdhbW_TvCAS6VdWTDGLAjkq14-0QHO2p/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
If you are familiar with my interactive read aloud resources, this one includes all of the same things. You can see all of my IRA resources by clicking <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives/Category/Interactive-Read-Alouds-241205" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a>.</div>
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This resource includes:</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>All About Interactive Read Alouds</li>
<li>Tips & Tricks for Interactive Read Alouds from me, a first grade<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "proxima nova" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> teacher. </span></li>
<li>Interactive Read Aloud PLANNER for 2 complete, color-coded interactive read alouds<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "proxima nova" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">.</span></li>
<li>Sticky note printables. </li>
<li>Print & cut notes. </li>
<li>Tips for printing on sticky notes</li>
<li>Sticky note template to use when printing</li>
<li>Vocabulary cards including the words and definitions </li>
<li>3 Reading connections/retelling worksheets</li>
<li>2 mini-posters to complete on being bucket dippers and fillers.</li>
<li>Class book cover and template. </li>
</ol>
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I think the best part of my IRA resources are the printable sticky notes. The stopping points, vocabulary, comprehension checks, and questions are ready for you. All you have to do is print. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Want to know how to print on sticky notes? Check out this post <a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2016/09/how-to-print-on-sticky-notes-in-3-easy.html" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKLRfdq-WRmYzZoetXaP1Ig8Iz9U7o8lwYlBaPFCqlbCZw5aBGymoZbXuyAAGjqjdujr37CtSxjjfk7aeinO1R6RaESs0LNGWZUdnV7soV8v_mIL-qt-neyK3oI11LjSrhp_WmxmLSN-x/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-pin-description="Creating a bucket filling classroom has everything you need to teach this unique concept. The blog post explains exactly how a first grade teacher teaches her students how to be bucket fillers. From a read aloud for Have You Filled a Bucket Today? to sorts, activities & certificates, this blog post has everything you need to be a bucket filling classroom. A bucket filler craft and bulletin board idea are also included. Teaching this concept with transform your classroom." height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKLRfdq-WRmYzZoetXaP1Ig8Iz9U7o8lwYlBaPFCqlbCZw5aBGymoZbXuyAAGjqjdujr37CtSxjjfk7aeinO1R6RaESs0LNGWZUdnV7soV8v_mIL-qt-neyK3oI11LjSrhp_WmxmLSN-x/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The print and cut notes and vocabulary notes make it easy to do this IRA too. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3l42WYkVYArBI2-M0c84GeIkR1Mjn-zEePsvv129-HhvaviCXj3d57sL-xMoZv8IkTjI8OhOb4KL7RhOLI-VZIREp2vIVHBtINEPZn2uW-Zg3Or6Ar6nubBVJIoicfdvPSfVR0aJWeXVE/s1600/Slide2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3l42WYkVYArBI2-M0c84GeIkR1Mjn-zEePsvv129-HhvaviCXj3d57sL-xMoZv8IkTjI8OhOb4KL7RhOLI-VZIREp2vIVHBtINEPZn2uW-Zg3Or6Ar6nubBVJIoicfdvPSfVR0aJWeXVE/s400/Slide2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After you've read it, these retelling and comprehension worksheets are perfect to assess or to create a class book on how to be bucket fillers. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzH0zg8vW5uLd0wVOCPNyDW5RpF0EVgvk_8HWMcwXK1PweKQM0wtx9D02IsrX2S96jQ93T3cYwYSVyf_kxZPhdgKYVeHAvOb_zjxP37b0TIhCz6v4owbBNcekLIQgbPoMFH56ZfBt3DxP/s1600/Slide5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-pin-description="Creating a bucket filling classroom has everything you need to teach this unique concept. The blog post explains exactly how a first grade teacher teaches her students how to be bucket fillers. From a read aloud for Have You Filled a Bucket Today? to sorts, activities & certificates, this blog post has everything you need to be a bucket filling classroom. A bucket filler craft and bulletin board idea are also included. Teaching this concept with transform your classroom." height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzH0zg8vW5uLd0wVOCPNyDW5RpF0EVgvk_8HWMcwXK1PweKQM0wtx9D02IsrX2S96jQ93T3cYwYSVyf_kxZPhdgKYVeHAvOb_zjxP37b0TIhCz6v4owbBNcekLIQgbPoMFH56ZfBt3DxP/s400/Slide5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
<h4>
Bucket Filler Activities</h4>
<div>
After we read the book, I like doing all sorts of activities to really enforce being a bucket filler. I often spread these activities out and do them when I feel like my class needs a refresher. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Check out this resource by clicking <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bucket-Fillers-Activities-Printables-Certificates-and-Bulletin-Board-2115303" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> or on the image below. </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bucket-Fillers-Activities-Printables-Certificates-and-Bulletin-Board-2115303" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="Creating a bucket filling classroom has everything you need to teach this unique concept. The blog post explains exactly how a first grade teacher teaches her students how to be bucket fillers. From a read aloud for Have You Filled a Bucket Today? to sorts, activities & certificates, this blog post has everything you need to be a bucket filling classroom. A bucket filler craft and bulletin board idea are also included. Teaching this concept with transform your classroom." height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqrwJ5vkGYyUW7ZJYGAMGo0sE6gl776C8LFBNMIjI-RYxI6Ho-jsJleTUPCy76tlaYUpv-8E1em9fUJD4mmcODoA7J1UvBQYuaHFFJNNraCOMeYgnSgW4Z2B4SG-HKJNxgKBPxjwEbfkg/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<h4>
Bucket Filling Sorts</h4>
<div>
After we have read the book, I usually take some time to do some sorts. I love using picture sorts for my firsties. I give each student a picture and we sort them as a class deciding if the picture depicts being a bucket filler or bucket dipper. I'll have the student who has the picture choose first to get an idea if they are understanding this concept. Then I have the rest of the class put their thumbs up or down to agree or disagree. I like using this time to have students support why they agree or disagree. I provide them with sentences starters to support their language . As a dual language teacher, supporting their language is always on my mind. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5fPyX0t59iQoDqt3INtAw8jcka15NyeAZiOybeVEuz5Y1LfSuc2LqyW9T7srK7wsLzI8Vsi5lV7nktPN4Mf3aTSPs_YtC3-E1X4xuFQiTXztBQjCTZfP-MS5zXjxeLEWp3m1aFsmlqLD/s1600/Slide06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-pin-description="Creating a bucket filling classroom has everything you need to teach this unique concept. The blog post explains exactly how a first grade teacher teaches her students how to be bucket fillers. From a read aloud for Have You Filled a Bucket Today? to sorts, activities & certificates, this blog post has everything you need to be a bucket filling classroom. A bucket filler craft and bulletin board idea are also included. Teaching this concept with transform your classroom." height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5fPyX0t59iQoDqt3INtAw8jcka15NyeAZiOybeVEuz5Y1LfSuc2LqyW9T7srK7wsLzI8Vsi5lV7nktPN4Mf3aTSPs_YtC3-E1X4xuFQiTXztBQjCTZfP-MS5zXjxeLEWp3m1aFsmlqLD/s400/Slide06.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sentence Starters</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I agree with ____ because...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I disagree with ____ because...</div>
</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will do this word sort later in the year or it would be perfect for older grades. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPB1i5hng9Of5f7rQ2yfTYzNjJdcG84Z6-kxKYaKT9P_zXYzoF35advUgV_ebYk8Z8qtvtgCtUFUtLZu85toAOnc3avf1sDCQP40f1xsqHmB9PqHeYO-ktWmj_MwbbqnSIWKtjUUq_TjO3/s1600/Slide07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-pin-description="Creating a bucket filling classroom has everything you need to teach this unique concept. The blog post explains exactly how a first grade teacher teaches her students how to be bucket fillers. From a read aloud for Have You Filled a Bucket Today? to sorts, activities & certificates, this blog post has everything you need to be a bucket filling classroom. A bucket filler craft and bulletin board idea are also included. Teaching this concept with transform your classroom." height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPB1i5hng9Of5f7rQ2yfTYzNjJdcG84Z6-kxKYaKT9P_zXYzoF35advUgV_ebYk8Z8qtvtgCtUFUtLZu85toAOnc3avf1sDCQP40f1xsqHmB9PqHeYO-ktWmj_MwbbqnSIWKtjUUq_TjO3/s400/Slide07.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bucket Filler Bulletin Board</h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Another activity I love to do with my students is this bucket filler craft. Students get to color and decorate their own bucket and then write several ways they can fill buckets. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggo6doJVMOVf_zMmO9jlJ38BeJtLuRaI3dcdHs9iBUVjOyunZ3cdRilpwHpdhqitaFDqqKji9X1bVH9UPu89NHwKPY2YlP6_IkwBO_f-ZIkc0U45DE4UY7vCoy59KQIc6UpWjnvQuxU2co/s1600/Slide08.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-pin-description="Creating a bucket filling classroom has everything you need to teach this unique concept. The blog post explains exactly how a first grade teacher teaches her students how to be bucket fillers. From a read aloud for Have You Filled a Bucket Today? to sorts, activities & certificates, this blog post has everything you need to be a bucket filling classroom. A bucket filler craft and bulletin board idea are also included. Teaching this concept with transform your classroom." height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggo6doJVMOVf_zMmO9jlJ38BeJtLuRaI3dcdHs9iBUVjOyunZ3cdRilpwHpdhqitaFDqqKji9X1bVH9UPu89NHwKPY2YlP6_IkwBO_f-ZIkc0U45DE4UY7vCoy59KQIc6UpWjnvQuxU2co/s400/Slide08.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This resource also includes the BUCKET FILLER bulletin board title letters as seen here. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbgifOq29Qbi_MrPNhYfp2jn3_NQ2CftsBkgxR8LVkJqrV12juY6BWAJHqOOtH8FmqosgwRRKGede4yDNmbC3_Uk_niR4e0D7ULcz1fcLF1eMu0jNhxGAgkLYliKK_7W7YxaspmVpfM-X/s1600/board.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-pin-description="Creating a bucket filling classroom has everything you need to teach this unique concept. The blog post explains exactly how a first grade teacher teaches her students how to be bucket fillers. From a read aloud for Have You Filled a Bucket Today? to sorts, activities & certificates, this blog post has everything you need to be a bucket filling classroom. A bucket filler craft and bulletin board idea are also included. Teaching this concept with transform your classroom." height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbgifOq29Qbi_MrPNhYfp2jn3_NQ2CftsBkgxR8LVkJqrV12juY6BWAJHqOOtH8FmqosgwRRKGede4yDNmbC3_Uk_niR4e0D7ULcz1fcLF1eMu0jNhxGAgkLYliKK_7W7YxaspmVpfM-X/s640/board.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<h4>
Bucket Filler Celebrations</h4>
<div>
The last thing I usually do to create a bucket filling classroom is to find and acknowledge when my students are being bucket fillers. I love to point out exactly what a student is doing and start with "Thank you _____ for being a bucket filler. You were____." That way the students know exactly what they did correctly. I love handing out certificates, giving kids bracelets and sending little notes home. Anything to get students engaged with the idea and for parents to know about it too. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All of these certificates and rewards are also in my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bucket-Fillers-Activities-Printables-Certificates-and-Bulletin-Board-2115303" target="_blank">Bucket Fillers Activities</a> resource. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bucket-Fillers-Activities-Printables-Certificates-and-Bulletin-Board-2115303" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> to see it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bucket-Fillers-Activities-Printables-Certificates-and-Bulletin-Board-2115303" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="Creating a bucket filling classroom has everything you need to teach this unique concept. The blog post explains exactly how a first grade teacher teaches her students how to be bucket fillers. From a read aloud for Have You Filled a Bucket Today? to sorts, activities & certificates, this blog post has everything you need to be a bucket filling classroom. A bucket filler craft and bulletin board idea are also included. Teaching this concept with transform your classroom." height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4B909iStjL6l3OXOBe1kcnOoVC1AK7v0u6-AZCxlINCUd1eS6rzDPTslyjBU7C03w1wHebk-Zap-QUm5iirGcWAn097e9eyO0o6p472wsAxeWssuSyRmNqx2PHDnLqMlqAR-akai-AQz/s400/Slide10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you know my other behavior system, TICKETS, my students would also get a ticket for being a bucket filler. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Check out the blog post: <a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2018/05/the-best-behavior-system-your-students.html" target="_blank">The Best Behavior System Your Students Will Actually Love</a> by </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
clicking the image below or <a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2018/05/the-best-behavior-system-your-students.html" target="_blank">>>HERE<<.</a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2018/05/the-best-behavior-system-your-students.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdmOfSVNfdn9cnjX3DcuEV8I7wR8oa0PO4z7BJvoLA2-UnKDM34wC_ab09VrwAkvoh9_MMKQS6qT9Dwb0gDK3fZI-xbPPVLUEPVfLp_ELl9MfpLAOGMQbKLBdNnq7GnJ1zn4UdLIb7yxX/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
Have I sold you on creating a bucket filling classroom yet?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
If so, check out this <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bucket-Filler-BUNDLE-Sorts-Activities-Interactive-Read-Aloud-Lesson-Plans-2742157" target="_blank">Bucket Filler BUNDLE</a> with both of my Bucket Filling resources. </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bucket-Filler-BUNDLE-Sorts-Activities-Interactive-Read-Aloud-Lesson-Plans-2742157" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="Creating a bucket filling classroom has everything you need to teach this unique concept. The blog post explains exactly how a first grade teacher teaches her students how to be bucket fillers. From a read aloud for Have You Filled a Bucket Today? to sorts, activities & certificates, this blog post has everything you need to be a bucket filling classroom. A bucket filler craft and bulletin board idea are also included. Teaching this concept with transform your classroom." height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwpfh2w2K2s3J8bX1_8kJGoPZfdVPrRXz9rUCYRUnFxYFRTSqKIP-wsIzhdb7bvtH4xvhtg2f_YMVhO0ifn9DARdPefpSBA-Z6a-4hyphenhyphen2BejWfkYjkIV6WWUy8CZ4R4lMcQgdMm4YzYzMK/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<h4>
More Bucket Filling Resources</h4>
<div>
Have you done Bucket Filling before and are looking for more resources? Check these out! Click on any of the images below. </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1595620273/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1595620273&linkId=7da4c5024aec9df561d45f948b1f5a7b" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEOLvBtWLv-Qj4U3ubE4nCu4W8VpFNtcix-lCQuQskVWiZ7mF26_FVaILDOrr8RMFz7oR2Y1uT6VSPxTK2IFoB1_8G6uEpgaxWyynKoIST0jiirJQoLNWeGWDgNZfMsI3xJNrhZaaM6MI/s200/full+bucket+book.jpg" width="190" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0996099980/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0996099980&linkId=9b5ab13aa188cbf27d02ec6a0e267676" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghS2vp0wq6X_vscLTHe6GJ1J3W4ainfgRZME8-9ddFij16pHu8aQRMVgyEJdrc2kVMILGOAqzAvMBfHR6dq6wvquG1_wTIrrGU-eOJ4R_6jGaqWFzTZYJ-EyitPDLM96ZxIqbwayUEd1LT/s200/fill+a+bucket+book.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0996099921/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0996099921&linkId=b019a73c95ab2c114654766bf1b7a086" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_yjROYSGMpoAL1sih5rC-XRZ37pODpxI98O-C59aG1SJB_L6_mtydETF_zn16O5x7F5Lma2vO4FBSQ4Lmp3c_bpeBbO3obayKtDfmZ_JkE8bbeWeLMad146ZoRyINB7OwiZ7XYRuOC0R/s200/baby+bucket.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0997486430/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0997486430&linkId=4ae0f1d321559662e8179fd8d3afe75d" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbm0wB80QVZNNUJnWyX1GHztnoGuiQpyAzNioifZ5tSl2PQrpS28Kv0fURlx67a-uhBY8yXcHLe_Wl7AZkArz9X9H3NLG2hsnODlNhlby7ub14cylFs7SUsTk5T7ly7rhSB85zdnTlYT5/s200/bucket+a-z+cover.jpg" width="153" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1945369019/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1945369019&linkId=0c97d76e2aa3a9a74919554ab1daf907" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrye6CsxaCOV7o06SmV6XGg8XZUyi-EwmuRcMxh7s7dvnARD7Bhu96RG3xeoTsmFPHrkjarVzNsCoxcksxtON_bI7Q0QpPAxQKdyHqJVm_w3lvbEVBbQiDQIKoQ4bCZv7e8wSGauKDa95F/s200/buckets%252C+dippers+cover.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1933916974/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1933916974&linkId=4f8fb8e2b646b8293df71e67b111e49c" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYHOvQbHd-HNy_Wrc637OvyHcp-LkOb5d1AVJ3OfqH6_asXzWgjj59pWpgLDgyk59YzKnCqI23R2CNeZdLuUrTvq5CyvFgt2q0a3rt-bNYVws_tyy4jB1Q4WpLPsSZwMs58fW6TaP6p-N/s200/will+you+cover.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
Have you seen any of these? I'd love to know what you do in your classroom to teach your students how to be bucket fillers. Post a comment blow, or email me at <a href="mailto:ourelementarylives@gmail.com">ourelementarylives@gmail.com</a> or click <a href="mailto:ourelementarylives@gmail.com" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a>. I'd LOVE to hear from you!</div>
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<br /></div>
If you found this blog post helpful, please pin and share. I truly appreciate when you share my posts.<br />
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927664736698/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="Creating a bucket filling classroom has everything you need to teach this unique concept. The blog post explains exactly how a first grade teacher teaches her students how to be bucket fillers. From a read aloud for Have You Filled a Bucket Today? to sorts, activities & certificates, this blog post has everything you need to be a bucket filling classroom. A bucket filler craft and bulletin board idea are also included. Teaching this concept with transform your classroom." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_Oeg7KuTq8XKFd7U2BHcDSg305CO6yfeSQQR-hvusqwEfeSEPvArYYouypC0EYHdRH13Jk35qOr5N58DrLBwVGIR4z1TDFIaqnWpayjQalC8KZc0tjVpbwuF_orAwN9rSEE0a20X2_yf/s640/Slide2.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>
That's all I have for you today. I hope you will try creating a Bucket Filling classroom.<br />
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Happy bucket filling!<br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKGKYdVZcM39eAyAkeC3_hi8RXZBLGSNbUM3As_O1Gq0btR9SNIjIjV1Tq-GGlKVjr-8H5YfAqyyTUmiYrHU6gua9vvQk_MD8wc5BYBHwC7fRgEe44G-xRaLsqGHVuNC9AqQOmzuEt2FE/s400/Signature-Pink.png" /></a></div>
Paige Bessickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13591480790082983036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659477103938171273.post-67060229601020962382018-08-15T21:06:00.001-05:002018-08-15T21:06:34.063-05:00How to Print Color on a Teacher's BudgetReady for this amazing trick that I've been using for the past few years. It's seriously amazing and it's going to change your life. This quick blog post will tell you how. Keep on reading!<br />
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927664342699/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKG8C3gOg6acUmHQ2N3BQmdQlOVoMEw4aUDGqDna6Ah_gj1awZT_OHr0F8IKMVFWQAPpTKUMgol2zbcEiCM8S3ocFw3vkJWf1jdT5Y7TXGAML_v0yqshlTI-datgu0g4tFj_hJ4yTRJk2c/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", "Open Sans"; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">*This post contains affiliate links to Amazon. By purchasing an item on the Amazon site using these links, I will receive a small commission on your purchase. This helps me to continue writing this blog and providing you with these tips and ideas. Thanks!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Source Sans Pro, Open Sans;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><br /></span></span><div>
Once I started taking my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives" target="_blank">Teachers pay Teachers</a> seriously and wanted to print all of my resources in color at home without having to secretly print them at school, I knew I had to figure out how to print color at home for CHEAP! <br />
<br />
I mean, come on, I already spend enough on my classroom and I don't have a million bucks to spend on ink cartridges. I was using multiple cartridges a year just to print the resources I needed so they looked nice for my students. <br />
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That's when I heard about:<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
HP INSTANT INK!</h3>
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This program has seriously changed my life and my printing! 😉 I was so excited to get my printer. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqnQc9bSkqOallb3HZTy4tig8kaTSJTEuR7EG3BPQNCgqH6a8Dk3GES-mrw2b8uOwjzglKDkYjhFZ9sn8s96ph6bX8qDWNjj9N1bGN-ZCdj0JzDuCfE9hqVmR7TOVLW0leeynygqWZATj/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqnQc9bSkqOallb3HZTy4tig8kaTSJTEuR7EG3BPQNCgqH6a8Dk3GES-mrw2b8uOwjzglKDkYjhFZ9sn8s96ph6bX8qDWNjj9N1bGN-ZCdj0JzDuCfE9hqVmR7TOVLW0leeynygqWZATj/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The program is simple. </div>
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<li>Buy or use an HP Printer that is instant ink compatible. </li>
<li>Sign up for instant ink. </li>
<li>Have ink cartridges sent to your house and pay a monthly fee. </li>
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That's it! So easy!</div>
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Tips & Tricks</h4>
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Pick Your Printer</h3>
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Make sure your printer is instant ink compatible. I bought the OfficeJet 5741. It came with a full year of instant ink for FREE! My printer is no longer available Prime on Amazon, but they range from $50-$300. </div>
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Check out this one on Amazon: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CSX4W53/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07CSX4W53&linkId=fedf247f06329fdedf3fdc557ab94b53" target="_blank">HP Office Jet Pro 6968</a>, it's very similar to mine. Click <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CSX4W53/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07CSX4W53&linkId=fedf247f06329fdedf3fdc557ab94b53" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> or on the image below. I love this printer because it's wireless, I can print, copy and scan, it can print double-sided and it's relatively small. </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CSX4W53/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07CSX4W53&linkId=fedf247f06329fdedf3fdc557ab94b53" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-Oa1yy3SKX7dbEsyyc-VX1u3KwxSL_q3AmfjCGaD5wM8j8t6n5pRNdLVABhu6EpH_bRhDEMmbo4MqKFoFvd1uGi9nq19DbdLqZS64cWP_EyEJcxysr1Ut_6-c1iYUfd3S1HFFkNsDW8d/s400/printer+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Pick Your Plan</h3>
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HP has monthly plans ranging from $2.99 (50 pages a month) to $9.99 (300 pages a month). I use the $4.99 plan with 100 pages a month and that's sufficient for me, but for $5 more you can get 300 pages a month! That's a ton of printing! </div>
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Think about it though, when you go to Office Max or Staples you are spending $60 for a black and color cartridge each time you go. Before instant ink, that was every 4-5 months. That's up to $180 a year. You can spend $60 for the year and get cartridges sent to your home. </div>
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Know What You're Signing Up For</h3>
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Make sure you read the fine print and make sure you know exactly what you're signing up for. I love Instant Ink, but others may not. You can learn more about it by clicking <a href="https://instantink.hpconnected.com/" target="_blank">>>HERE<<.</a></div>
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Instant ink connects to your printer and monitors the number of pages you print. When it notices that your cartridges are almost out, it sends you new ones even before you need them. Some people may not like that HP is monitoring the pages you print, but if they want to use my teaching resources, go for it. 😂</div>
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Ready to Sign Up?</h3>
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Have I convinced you yet that you need HP Instant Ink? Want a free month? If you sign up with <a href="http://try.hpinstantink.com/fJW9M" target="_blank">my affiliate link</a>, we both get 1 free month!</div>
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Click <a href="http://try.hpinstantink.com/fJW9M" target="_blank">>>HERE<< </a>or on the picture below. </div>
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<a href="http://try.hpinstantink.com/fJW9M" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrKbzlf-76-QOEf9mt5JEGoEXGCbownFY_7K_7bKJ_-hQtEQJMuc9UZ6qfurSpQ5-Fhv45GZk2JOON9M3EjR6CZSYlcwMTYPPgYeeDI0nXX_6pHj0cUZo1HAxh-h3UuhG975Hj_MtMFVU/s400/Free+month+meme.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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So there you go. I hope I have saved you some time, energy and money. </div>
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If you found this helpful, please share and pin. </div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927664342699/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGRn2DgRoDj4NZM0a_UuvQjdLFmgx6IXsK09k5GpgONvzs5Pb7MiEsPswLayjXvotU_mQaFwFlgnUgdCxIxIkJhrV_Y9wJ73fQS3_cSXP9KLkzwvqn2BpZFblT98b5IF-Zvb6KohYplEL/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
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Until next time, happy printing!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTIWpNuaHToDsAUuzZFtXSCRF7q8URF7-pRdBgtwmSHg3BA_8_NlWRd7_4xPUI-D0fZNpjYKkTOMIyiDWNwrOOCno9PXTKMfTOYiFfPZAd9qXM2w32YEAR1RRIq1X-8XfzUoLbtk_P9o-/s1600/Signature-Pink.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", "Open Sans"; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span style="color: #444444;">*This post contains affiliate links to Amazon. By purchasing an item on the Amazon site using these links, I will receive a small commission on your purchase. This helps me to continue writing this blog and providing you with these tips and ideas. Thanks! </span></span></div>
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Paige Bessickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13591480790082983036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659477103938171273.post-40034044674677870182018-05-30T21:00:00.000-05:002018-05-30T21:00:05.140-05:00Authentic Ways to Use Technology in the Workshop: ChatterPix<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you have iPads in your classroom? Do you do reading and writing workshop? Then this post is for you! I'm going to show you how I use ChatterPix, a free iPad app, in my workshop. PLUS, you're kids are going to love it!</span><br />
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927663365185/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInxyrKkZUQD2FpAdxl0YsK6LFnQsmmSWGKrNGqZ2toiO3wzJFgzalOyN7oLB7dLlyn59TQMtXnwQtpi6wH4sJJLczCu4Ehi8EAzvPI2DWxc86QcD94fXnta-8djMCtTYC1y45kvThUCBJ/s640/Slide3.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.duckduckmoose.com/educational-iphone-itouch-apps-for-kids/chatterpixkids/" target="_blank"></a></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is the second blog post in the series: <a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2018/01/authentic-ways-to-use-technology-in.html" target="_blank">Authentic Ways to Use Technology in the Workshop</a>. You can check out the first post <a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2018/01/authentic-ways-to-use-technology-in.html" target="_blank">>>HERE<<.</a></span><div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.duckduckmoose.com/educational-iphone-itouch-apps-for-kids/chatterpixkids/" target="_blank">ChatterPix</a> is an awesome, <b>FREE</b> iPad app. It's by the app makers <a href="http://www.duckduckmoose.com/educational-iphone-itouch-apps-for-kids/" target="_blank">Duck, Duck Moose</a>, who make some other awesome apps like Moose Math, Word Wagon, Peek-a-Zoo and others. You can check them all out <a href="http://www.duckduckmoose.com/educational-iphone-itouch-apps-for-kids/" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Essentially, in ChatterPix, you take a picture, add a mouth and then record so you can make pretty much anything talk. It's funny and the kids <b>LOVE</b> it! </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.duckduckmoose.com/educational-iphone-itouch-apps-for-kids/chatterpixkids/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7B7OeQEC_6D1cCCvejoYhzRQxuvytrdSULfBP9lr4dSdtuuH5r616ldhWO2pQOIoaW2MAvhiu1mprPnYGJDaPFMPlU1chJ_YGu_JpnY6qqiQmj4fcMqhGkmFVm0nISQeQJJq4gh7fg45/s200/chatterpix+image.png" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When you are in the app, you take a picture of whatever you want. A book, you, a drawing and then add a mouth. You then record what you want to say, and it makes that image talk by moving the mouth that you drew. You can then add stickers, borders, and backgrounds which my firsties always love. </span><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Writing Workshop </h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm always looking for ways to celebrate my students' writing. At the end of every unit, we have a celebration of all the hard work we put into our writing. When you can use the iPads to celebrate, it's a win-win for everyone. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">After we had our nonfiction writing unit and had published our writing pieces, I wanted a fun way for my students to share their work. </span><br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Enter: CHATTERPIX!</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am a 1:1 iPad classroom (thank you, Donors Choose) and we use this app, along with others like </span>Sseesaw<span style="font-family: inherit;">, PicCollage, Doodle Buddy and others, quite a bit. After a quick explanation and reminder of how to use the app, I let them go. Some students need a small group to complete the project, others can do this completely on their own. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">I let them decide how they want to share their work using this app and let me tell you, they came up with some pretty incredible ideas. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are some examples. Click on the links or pictures below </span><br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3dkSPGwDBjhRW9nYXIwTUpzUGc/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Gerbils Example</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3dkSPGwDBjhRW9nYXIwTUpzUGc/view" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3OuhCPAT9FsqGpARa-YGdYT65aZlRVnBpy-d4Ui1nJEBI2gxRHMkjZ7WqjIZZJbEZP8crawTxp-6HF6XoZm5fjQPwlrgzwKIhbu22z5f0wxHVelYpoJDToLy81C0QqIRY5VBB6N9RnLe/s320/gerbil.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_Z33TdE6CiqblE5d05qekRnOEE/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Flower Example</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_Z33TdE6CiqblE5d05qekRnOEE/view" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wGfdKZ9xSEuk5Or-dWRFPwnNqvrGVwYs6KujI6vilKqF-jKTeajTr8C7ZwhqCqlbUPgyxt2Cw_opkBf8As2vN1gFjXUXsxIsY51gXHPWfJ5L8YPvSrUVGTFEauS6_0rUYBgVmPwYjh46/s400/flower.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Reading Workshop</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've also used ChatterPix during our reading workshop as well. I've had students take a picture of something they have read about and recorded things they learned from reading that book. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is an example of that:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzhIRX_qsR40X1FTelhZdE93c2s/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Chameleon Example</a></span></div>
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<b><a href="http://theprimarypunchbowl.blogspot.com/2017/02/how-to-use-chatterpix-during-writers.html#more" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqvFRLxxyoBBd3y_qAkcodZbd8_X5FWL7lgxUfaeCEEQ_a0L9PIcK0aCL7tR4vTECTu0t_HlOD3gB-QicVtXvCBqj5I7jBSyEXf_E8C1l2GKhwEQ5zQ1GcCcGB7OT8l4fNo3BrcaegXCj/s400/chameleon.png" width="400" /></a></b></div>
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You could have students retell a book, talk about a character, the problem and solution, the opportunities are endless. <br />
<h3>
Tips</h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are a couple tips to help you make this successful. </span><br />
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<ol>
<li>Only let your students choose 1-2 filters, backgrounds or borders. As you can see in the chameleon example, my firstie added too many extras and it was hard to tell what we were actually looking at. Sparkles, filters, backgrounds, oh my. 😜 </li>
<li>When you do your first couple activities with Chatterpix, go step-by-step. Some students will probably pick up on how to do it pretty quickly, but others won't so to alleviate stress, later on, go through everything slowly one step at a time. </li>
<li>Talk about and demonstrate what a good picture looks like. You'll be surprised at what students think is an "acceptable" photo. Be specific about what you want in the background, how close you want it, etc. </li>
<li>Allow plenty of time for students to explore and figure out the app. If I've learned one thing about technology in the classroom, it <b>ALWAYS</b> takes longer than planned. </li>
<li>I have not figured out a way to make a mouth big or small. If you ever do, please let me know! If your students don't like the mouth, I always suggest starting over and redrawing the mouth. That sometimes gives them a new one. </li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So I hope you LOVE this idea as much as I do. The kids absolutely love it too. If you try it, please let me know and share it with me. You can email me at <a href="mailto:ourelementarylives@gmail.com">ourelementarylives@gmail.com</a>. I'd love to see what your kids come up with. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Please pin and share if you feel like others will like this. </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927663365185/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFP03EwYlFfI19cmxyovANoBfuL7x-aCL6fm510nOyS2Cr7uxezsAOOYztRofn_GEbdv0GpbHpvUxnhmMtZ7oAr64_eQdNNTVn9XaUjqvodbPP-5g7vBqsCV_cfXq8J7HOKR1I3qT_WKnz/s640/Slide2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy Chatting! 😉</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTIWpNuaHToDsAUuzZFtXSCRF7q8URF7-pRdBgtwmSHg3BA_8_NlWRd7_4xPUI-D0fZNpjYKkTOMIyiDWNwrOOCno9PXTKMfTOYiFfPZAd9qXM2w32YEAR1RRIq1X-8XfzUoLbtk_P9o-/s1600/Signature-Pink.png" /></a></div>
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Paige Bessickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13591480790082983036noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659477103938171273.post-4028750428947054262018-05-11T21:34:00.002-05:002019-01-02T20:43:51.094-06:00The Best Behavior System Your Students Will Actually LoveIt's that time of year where you start questioning whether or not your behavior system actually works and to start thinking about what you want to do next year. Anyone else there right now? No, just me?! A solid behavior system can really make or break a classroom. I'm here today to share a behavior system that is so easy and your students are actually going to by in and love it!<br />
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927663127565/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwyNuIh5LzJFcOAK2itlBSZlbd39GLMcOxSo6lAe9Itl26L8F33vOVl1HdWg1VeI5gQz1njuuTtNSt0Q8-nSrwor4GU4zXY8wIqMkw7AlLDdoVBEPA-6SyW3CpoCNzDcjzInoKzxPtha_/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">You guys, this <b>seriously</b> is the best and easiest behavior system I've ever done and all you need is ONE thing. If you're anything like me you've tried a TON over the years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I always question, do I punish the poor behaviors? Reward the positives? Ultimately, I think that <b>rewarding the positives </b>or what you want your students to do is the best way to go. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now don't get me wrong, I often have individual students on a daily behavior chart, especially when parents want to be involved, but this is one for the whole class.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I said above, all you need is one thing: <b>TICKETS</b>. A ticket could be a piece of paper cut up, carnival tickets, or anything else you might have that your students can write their name on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I like these. You could buy these and probably be set for years! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Click <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D9UG84A/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00D9UG84A&linkId=1223b0b8b5ec330208b843d64ad3ca43" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> or on the image to buy from Amazon. </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D9UG84A/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00D9UG84A&linkId=1223b0b8b5ec330208b843d64ad3ca43" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsuQJQx_aYkp9Go6pYU4ER7-Mba3jVPRjN_TR62qwWRXS-liRv-4Hpr9mdq8W0UjqpyP_yQGj5Km0rzU1Do6sFvh-2j8mv2GvW55MEjAJHY09_40aQPNgF9mGuIj4MLzjqCydrEwVopO-/s320/tickets.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">How It Works</span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Remember how I told you this was the easiest behavior system ever? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><b>Well, it truly is! </b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Here's how it works: give a student a ticket for positive behavior. <b>That's it.</b> When you see a student or group of students making a good choice you give them a ticket. They write their name on the back of the ticket and put it into a bucket. Then at a time you specified, you pull tickets for a reward. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Don't mind the sticky note. I had grand plans on silouetting something cute, but never got around to it. It's May and I probably never will. #reallife</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927663127565/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KCK8qz5xOioqj56B_5EFd31a66bzQa593MY7HiJPdbER7xAR4Vv0HLgs18j1-SieS6Au5JJYqEVWiGTsMisj98FkzC1TS1xreb4vgp5xFt2G9zHYvkZtBZ13XkAY_uu7WHhdFCUMFXyj/s320/Slide2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">I typically pull tickets on Fridays right before our dance parties. It's a great time to recap the week, <b>discuss great behaviors</b> you saw and have students make a <b>behavior goal</b> for the following week. After our discussion, I pull some tickets. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Depending on your class size you can pull however many tickets you want. I have 18 students so I typically pull 4-5 so each student gets a reward about once a month. I also keep track of who I choose so I can strategically pull students who haven't gotten one in awhile. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><b>That's it!</b> Seriously, easy peasy, right?! Keep reading to get more tips and ideas. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Things To Think About</span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Now for this work you need to make sure you explain it completely to your students. As you would with any behavior system you want your students to truly understand and have complete by in. Before you introduce it, make sure you think about these things:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans";"><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><b>What is the expectation when they get a ticket?</b></span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do they get up right away?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wait until a transition? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">If it is independent work time or a time they can be moving around the classroom I have them do it right away. If I'm in the middle of a minilesson or starting to teach I have them wait until a transition time. </span></li>
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<li><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">What if they find a ticket on the floor?</span></b></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">If they find a ticket and honestly bring it to me and say they found it, then I usually let them keep it for being honest. </span></li>
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<li><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">How do they fill it out?</span></b></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have them write just their name. I also have fun pens and markers for them to use. </span></li>
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<li><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">How often will you pull tickets? </span></b></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I pull on Fridays, once a week. </span></li>
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<li><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">What will they earn?</span></b></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">My students earn books. I have collected fun and engaging favorites from thrift stores, Scholastic bonus points, Donor's Choose and library sales. I make sure they are new or like new. Then when they choose their book, I write to and from. <b>They LOVE it! </b> </span></li>
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<li><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">What behaviors will you reward?</span></b></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I reward any positive behavior. Our 4 school expectations are: be responsible, be respectful, be safe and be a learner. I try to tie any behavior to one of those. You can see some of the behaviors I reward below. </span></li>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Behaviors to Reward</span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans";"><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">As I said above I try to tie any behavior to our 4 school expectations. I state specifically what they did and why they are earning a ticket, usually loud and proud so others can hear. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans";"><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Behaviors I especially like to reward: being kind, being a helper, following a direction first, trying their best or working hard, solving a tricky problem, doing their homework for the first time in a while, whatever it is, make sure it's positive. Sometimes I'll pull a student over and quietly give them a ticket too. If they did something that was really hard for them, or I don't want everyone to hear, I pull them over and quietly give it to them. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans";"><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Whatever it is, they will most likely try to do it over and over again to earn more tickets. And if someone sees someone getting a ticket for something they usually try to do what they are doing immediately. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans";"><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><br />One thing we use in my classroom that really resonates with my students is the book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/099609993X/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=099609993X&linkId=0d5f9923b372a864f9c8697d2ea57f10" target="_blank"><u>Have You Filled a Bucket Today?</u> by Carol McCloud</a>. We talk all year about being "bucket fillers." You can check out my blog post Creating a Bucket Filling Classroom or taking a look at my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bucket-Filler-BUNDLE-Sorts-Activities-Interactive-Read-Aloud-Lesson-Plans-2742157" target="_blank">Bucket Filler Activities Resources</a> by clicking <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bucket-Filler-BUNDLE-Sorts-Activities-Interactive-Read-Aloud-Lesson-Plans-2742157" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a>. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2018/09/creating-bucket-filling-classroom.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="720" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtrZRO_zlU9VsoEBPnRLOWLRvZAW2UbDI7cwR_kwWtvsTyqfs_WYDu6j35Jk-tV-ucltkolYXj5-sHEwdCRG8O4c5yUV4iqu_EQuzwhb3iitRKtJF7mDn7DDfK6FpFr4l7aPqeYl2NKh3/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans";"><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><b>Give those tickets out like they're free!</b> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans";"><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">There is no harm in anyone having too many tickets for making good choices. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Rewards Ideas</span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">When I thought about the reward I wanted to give, I thought long and hard. I've done treasure boxes, free rewards, and other things, but I knew I wanted it to be something that would benefit their learning. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">I came up with the idea of books. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Here's our box of books that I keep filled with our favorites: Fly Guy, Piggie & Elephant, Henry & Mudge, really anything they like. </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927663127565/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxb7M5OxeXV0thT5PvhYGjEKn5LCHc6UXcJ0OtvqpfnamI9b65wEqz6Thkl9hUP0_fdcyWhvp92694gtno6dm_K5Nxb8Z9PkCkr4k2Q_7YYdx1sIgCqgPu_1gFlUom-PZMBteUiFb58gU3/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">I have done several Donors Choose projects to get even more awesome books for them to choose from. You can see those projects <a href="https://www.donorschoose.org/project/books-for-backpacks-starting-libraries/2128012/?utm_source=dc&utm_medium=page&utm_campaign=project&utm_term=teacher_2410238&rf=page-dc-2018-04-project-teacher_2410238&challengeid=20434866" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a>. I love the idea of books because they are so excited to get to take one home to keep and it helps their learning. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">A lot of my students don't really need books, but some do and that's why I chose to give them out. So far, I've done this for 2 years and none of my kids have <b>EVER</b> complained about getting a book. As long as they are favorites and engaging, they love them. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Besides books, you could do a treasure box or some other reward they choose from like: super supplies, hat day, chew gum, extra recess, extra iPad time, etc. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Whatever you come up with, I'm sure your kids will love it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans";"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">So there you have it, the best and <b>EASIEST</b> behavior system ever! Do you have a behavior system that you LOVE? Please email me <a href="mailto:ourelementarylives@gmail.com" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> and let me know. I'm always looking for ones to add to my toolbox and suggest to others. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans";"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans";"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">That's all I have for you today, as always, please share and pin for others to see. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927663127565/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSi9iUa0PyQ94bJm7Cohty9667CY221Tx314PH1KFqEoZliqbqbE8eyDb3rU2q5OwISPhq3X6RDxtTVqpy9Z2XRBIqGLz7vjQXfCjTkUgJCVVTpdljP0F2iK5j8YGxS0ZY58PCNPyNKVp3/s400/Slide2.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans";"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Happy Rewarding!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTIWpNuaHToDsAUuzZFtXSCRF7q8URF7-pRdBgtwmSHg3BA_8_NlWRd7_4xPUI-D0fZNpjYKkTOMIyiDWNwrOOCno9PXTKMfTOYiFfPZAd9qXM2w32YEAR1RRIq1X-8XfzUoLbtk_P9o-/s1600/Signature-Pink.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans"; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans"; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans"; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">This post contains affiliate links to Amazon. By purchasing an item on the Amazon site using these links, I will receive a small commission on your purchase. This helps me continue writing this blog and providing you with teaching tips and ideas. Thank you! </span>Paige Bessickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13591480790082983036noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659477103938171273.post-61442770626009182482018-03-27T21:24:00.000-05:002018-03-27T21:24:05.731-05:00How To Fit It All In: A First Grade ScheduleOne of the most asked questions I get as I present at workshops is, "How do you fit it all in?" Most of my presentations or workshops focus on interactive read alouds and shared reading, things that are often "left out" of a daily schedule. While I'm presenting I'm usually reiterating the importance of making room for these in your schedule on a daily basis and participants always want to know how I fit it all in. Well today, folks, I'm here to show you how it can be done and how not to "leave out" those vital components of balanced literacy. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyU_Y7aHf36WyANb9XbsPzse5i2E75a2o1vsJq6MqmByaAPU-guLdgbSvG5lXncqTW9jIjwysI_zxfP2bVP9sJQGtN43jm7XP-ZMZjLDduB6NuI5j9xnS2kjpMnUPPbIwzoNO5jb_Fw1Bg/s1600/Slide2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyU_Y7aHf36WyANb9XbsPzse5i2E75a2o1vsJq6MqmByaAPU-guLdgbSvG5lXncqTW9jIjwysI_zxfP2bVP9sJQGtN43jm7XP-ZMZjLDduB6NuI5j9xnS2kjpMnUPPbIwzoNO5jb_Fw1Bg/s640/Slide2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "source sans pro", "open sans"; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span style="color: #666666;">This post contains affiliate links to Amazon. By purchasing an item on the Amazon site using these links, I will receive a small commission on your purchase. This helps me continue writing this blog and providing you with teaching tips and ideas. Thank you! </span></span><br />
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I have to say that I'm pretty lucky in the fact that our principal makes our basic schedule. Because of our reading support, Title 1 teachers, specials teachers who rotate between schools and students who switch for math in the upper grades, our principal has taken it upon herself to give us the bare bones schedule that we need to follow. This is quite the feat every year, but it's really nice to not have to worry about creating my own. <br />
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Schedules</h3>
In this schedule, we get 70 minutes for our math block and 100 minutes for our literacy block. It just so happens that lunch splits our literacy block into 2 sections, but it actually works out quite well.<br />
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Here's my daily schedule:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_ZZ8-t1TubqJwqGPwpxOda0Kymhr7y8uSN10iTldYmxcISdy_Mspy5zJ6itAnVL0XEiH_8cv7rk4s-faQZDz9UyGWKfLTwuQtIk8a8CgXVDfooNZg18pui_V26ehBJvD48mUbjgZ9dI1/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_ZZ8-t1TubqJwqGPwpxOda0Kymhr7y8uSN10iTldYmxcISdy_Mspy5zJ6itAnVL0XEiH_8cv7rk4s-faQZDz9UyGWKfLTwuQtIk8a8CgXVDfooNZg18pui_V26ehBJvD48mUbjgZ9dI1/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
We actually run on a 6-day schedule that allows for us to have an hour of specials/PLC time each day. We are able to have shared team time and meet with our PLC once a week.<br />
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Here is our specials schedule:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCIGot-mTzymfoBUC700fAme7vA8tkSaKL-6wcm852g1gfasl_iUpb8SdafYC818GgmuonNvSFoB8lfCJ8zcxavJykFXsc7i9C-AwuAS9mzg0hUcc11WfA5nr8DQoqPIABh-JNZ1Cwc6z/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCIGot-mTzymfoBUC700fAme7vA8tkSaKL-6wcm852g1gfasl_iUpb8SdafYC818GgmuonNvSFoB8lfCJ8zcxavJykFXsc7i9C-AwuAS9mzg0hUcc11WfA5nr8DQoqPIABh-JNZ1Cwc6z/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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How To Fit It All In</h3>
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Now to the big question: How do I fit it all in? Now that you know what our daily schedule looks like, the big question still remains. I will say right from the beginning, that I am no expert at fitting it all in. There are days when something takes longer than expected, or we have to skip something, I'm your typical teacher. But I'm also that type A teacher who is organized and has a schedule that I follow to a T as much as I can. If it's scheduled in, I'm more likely to do it.</div>
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Math</h3>
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Let's start with math, it's a little bit easier to schedule in all of the components. Heres's our daily math schedule. </div>
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We use the Bridges Math Curriculum. This is our second year using it and I'm still learning how to best implement, but this is our basic daily schedule. </div>
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<b>Number Corner: </b>Number corner is essentially a calendar routine. It includes calendar cards, number of the day, a collection routine, computational fluency and number line activities. It's very engaging and the activities go fast so it keeps the students engaged and learning. It is also a great place for students to take the lead and be in charge of several activities. As the teacher's helper, a student can practically run about 75% of the day's activities. </div>
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<b>Math Lesson: </b>Bridges is the daily lesson. It follows 8 units that teach necessary math standards and practices. It takes about 30 minutes to teach. It includes hands-on activities as well as direct instruction and student journals. </div>
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<b>Math Centers: </b>The last component of our math block is Bridges Work Places. These are essentially math centers. The students rotate daily between the centers playing math games. This is when I have a Title 1 teacher in to support and we pull small groups for additional teaching. As we're pulling groups, the rest of the students are at a center playing a math game with their partner or small group. Teaching expectations and how to play the games is key to getting these to run smoothly, but the students love them. </div>
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Literacy</h3>
Let's move onto literacy. This one is a little more tricky to schedule and fit everything in. Here is our daily literacy schedule.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjikPLHrsVwIYdvHXkFnc02XiKCae1ShXDr7v1kmpY9YDlDVH6RB4McW2NbY_9Xvi8EEBKmXtYimxGvQOmxQgWJXNtGjt9NcDfdnhpRAtgXd5qXxYvvrlKlTM_B_9Yb5IaBMq_FtZ2mD5/s1600/Slide3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjikPLHrsVwIYdvHXkFnc02XiKCae1ShXDr7v1kmpY9YDlDVH6RB4McW2NbY_9Xvi8EEBKmXtYimxGvQOmxQgWJXNtGjt9NcDfdnhpRAtgXd5qXxYvvrlKlTM_B_9Yb5IaBMq_FtZ2mD5/s400/Slide3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now let's talk about each component of our literacy block. </div>
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<b>Phonemic Awareness: </b>In first grade, phonemic awareness is a must! PA is so important because it is the base of learning how to read. Students need to be able to rhyme, blend, segment and manipulate sounds and letters auditorily before moving onto using letters and words. I'm not going to go into more now, but if you're interested in learning more, check out <a href="https://blog.teacherspayteachers.com/why-is-phonological-awareness-so-important/" target="_blank">>>THIS<<</a> blog post: <a href="https://blog.teacherspayteachers.com/why-is-phonological-awareness-so-important/" target="_blank">What is Phonemic Awareness?</a></div>
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I've been using the <a href="https://www.literacyresourcesinc.com/store/curriculum/" target="_blank">Michael Heggerty Phonemic Awareness</a> book for most of my teaching career, probably 10 years. It makes it fun and easy to implement and only takes about 10 minutes a day. </div>
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Check it out <a href="https://www.literacyresourcesinc.com/store/curriculum/" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> or by clicking on the image below. </div>
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<a href="https://www.literacyresourcesinc.com/store/curriculum/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="565" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpeZviKGbnqF351ac9oDX4kW6pP5l6DwwcyupEQp3Mmz34kSLl7QC9v7zN5TR9peu26WN22KOqybYd6qpcOr9V8gczw7po6gAv7c8zdakOGVImfGa454WJB3gSBnpBOnoePDOLwUI_woK/s320/Yellow-Revised_English_Primary.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Reading Mini Lesson: </b>We use Reading Units of Study by Lucy Calkins. As a reading workshop model, I teach a mini lesson that is no longer than 10 minutes that teaches a specific skill I want my students to learn and work on during their reading that day. My mini lessons contain the 4 main components: connecting, teaching point/teaching, active engagement, and the link. I keep it mini and then send my students off to read. </div>
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<b>Independent Reading/Guided Reading/Conferences: </b>This is the bulk of my reading block. My students get about 30 minutes to independently read and practice the skill I taught during my mini lesson. With reader's workshop, the whole idea is that students practice reading books at their independent reading level. If you want to get better at something, you have to practice, so this time is vital in my students learning. While they are independently reading, I am meeting with guided reading groups with my students who are just at or below grade level and conferring with individuals or small groups for those students above grade level. </div>
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I'm very lucky that at this time I have a reading specialist in my classroom to help support my students. Between the 2 of us, we meet with 4 guided reading groups a day. If you've followed me at all this year, you know that my group is extremely low. I wouldn't typically have that many guided reading groups, but that's how many kids I have below grade level this year, so that's what's needed to be done. If I'm not working with a guided reading group, I'm conferring with students based on specific skills they need to work on: fluency, comprehension, retelling, word solving, etc. </div>
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I use <span id="goog_1222695636"></span><span id="goog_1222695637"></span><a href="https://blog.teacherspayteachers.com/why-is-phonological-awareness-so-important/" target="_blank">>>THIS<<</a> book to help with my small group/individual conferences. Click <a href="https://blog.teacherspayteachers.com/why-is-phonological-awareness-so-important/" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> or on the book image below. <b> </b> </div>
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<a href="https://blog.teacherspayteachers.com/why-is-phonological-awareness-so-important/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1jB-noXB7KtEbDNmS-Z5hK-9WPPDIWjDgjdTikhNt-cpIVc5rmwcTM77IkI2gKN11ro6L4lW0s-5iozkJKS3SwW2EEyBPiXTybKn25zXPECFjwdFjfRP9i-aUU3ooJY6rsIGFLv36C2I/s320/reading+strat.+book+cover.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<b>Partner Reading/Small Group Phonics:</b> Moving onto our next activity, depending on the day and what's going on, my students are either partner reading or getting small group phonics instruction. At this time, I still have the reading specialist and our ELL teacher also comes into my room at that time. Based on some phonemic awareness and/or phonics assessments, we have decided to meet with small groups to focus on specific PA or phonics skills that are holding my students back (blending, segmenting, letter names/sounds, etc.). </div>
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While they have my lowest learners, I have the rest of my group. At this time I have done several things. We will often continue partner reading because I know the importance of it. I will sometimes introduce a trickier phonics skill (like long vowels, contractions, inflectional endings) for these students because they are ready for them. I have also done book clubs at this time too. Depending on what I think my students need, I pick and choose between those activities. </div>
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<b>Word Work:</b> The last thing we do before lunch is word work. At this time, I'm teaching phonics to my entire class. We use <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0325005613/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0325005613&linkId=d1ed2e2363d03b71550a0a47f7991a4e" target="_blank">Fountas and Pinnell Phonics Lessons for First Grade</a>. At this time, I can differentiate for all of my learners based on the words we use and practice with. For example, if we're doing short a, some students will be getting the basic CVC short a words (cat, hat, van, map, etc.). Other students will be getting trickier short a words that include blends and digraphs (than, math, champ, etc.). </div>
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Check it out by clicking <span id="goog_1222695664"></span><span id="goog_1222695665"></span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0325005613/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0325005613&linkId=d1ed2e2363d03b71550a0a47f7991a4e" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> or on the book image below. </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0325005613/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0325005613&linkId=d1ed2e2363d03b71550a0a47f7991a4e" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="384" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCcOuYeb2D276BZ8hlaEOWAXh8O2d1lTHKi12X5mON893f4O1ZW06rSmcsdgN914dZZmoOWCg_AJvZs1ypWG1xEEs2mVAh5JTApkzU_POOIjTQD3ZzVs59FSJ1vJgM7HQAbzcIMMnb58N/s320/F%2526P+phonics+book.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
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I also supplement with resources that I have created and sell on Teachers pay Teachers. I feel with phonics instruction, it is so important for students to be taught using the gradual release of responsibility, an I do, we do, you do format. Because of this, my phonics resources include activities for just that: whole group, small group, and independent activities. </div>
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Click<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Phonics-and-Word-Work-Activities-Bundle-for-the-Year-1877132?utm_source=Our%20Elementary%20Lives&utm_campaign=Schedule%20Blog%20Post" target="_blank"> >>HERE<<</a><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Phonics-and-Word-Work-Activities-Bundle-for-the-Year-1877132" target="_blank"> </a>or on the image below to see this Phonics Bundle. It includes 17 complete phonics resources for all of the short and long vowels, bossy r, contractions, inflectional endings, and compound words-everything you need for a year of phonics instruction. </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Phonics-and-Word-Work-Activities-Bundle-for-the-Year-1877132?utm_source=Our%20Elementary%20Lives&utm_campaign=Schedule%20Blog%20Post" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpNGfPnROuxT__70jv_UmWzKBC5zqVIRLHEafqJ5Y36zl4LT_6anp_F0-p4e3KjOP44406yPzDGwuYhivWAc4FuWZHM7jhBNvPYUFGiZFj2FaUTDqSGw5qESzsxzAchi8iNDH5LedN6h5/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Interactive Read Aloud/Shared Reading: </b>I have this extra literacy time between lunch and specials every day that is 20 minutes (often less when we have snow pants, #amIright?). Anyway, I rotate between interactive read alouds and shared reading. </div>
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At the beginning of the year, I tend to do more shared reading as most of my class is closer in skill level at this time. Because we are reading/writing for shorter amounts of time and haven't built up our stamina yet at the beginning of the year, I fit in interactive read alouds at a different time. Shared reading is so important for our emergent readers so I make sure to fit this in. Want to learn more about shared reading? Check out my blog post <a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2017/10/what-is-shared-reading-and-why-it-is-so.html" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a>! </div>
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You can also check out my shared reading resources by clicking <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives/Category/Shared-Reading-311650?utm_source=Our%20Elementary%20Lives&utm_campaign=Schedule%20Blog%20Post" target="_blank">>>HERE<</a>< or by</div>
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clicking on the pictures below. </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/All-About-Shared-Reading-3457408?utm_source=Our%20Elementary%20Lives&utm_campaign=Schedule%20Blog%20Post" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnyOWlaIcBIJ8KNCpi0jpbvpHGXSwI2iDocbUKP89A65IYq3jwLJrhUDFqVHdg-QRzllmO0z1dK4R1PDDom_kOqlXRpbCRbqTo1C94VQmQF__4QV8lK01DPYyMJxEfOgrAtm-qT52BiWa/s200/Slide1.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Cookies-Week-Shared-Reading-Lesson-Plans-Activities-3605079?utm_source=Our%20Elementary%20Lives&utm_campaign=Schedule%20Blog%20Post" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOxuZwscbMtYnB5-FPGmRAwj0mKUygL1jVaCnJNiWZicr84uX-o3_7M84XdPJ1Rf6p9TN-VSH9dq5pcyewDJUkuqXuee5d0_uF2Esv9V4wfwgfE4Tszj09sy6M5O9vh9-QYf1SG15RXbP/s200/Slide1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Shared-Reading-Lesson-Plans-Poem-Activities-Down-on-the-Farm-3490607?utm_source=Our%20Elementary%20Lives&utm_campaign=Schedule%20Blog%20Post" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3laQiWNbxtI_ZQDdhK3YabMBgrSn7-RrXB8oS9OeYH2OuQi7Z29haFG7TdZ5QCngPCNgRzkrzzleHeDqhldPdnV_hsbHkZHuFM1Lgd9VIkOBryoDM1bPAbihwgSotkrL__nErRitJxLV/s200/Slide1.png" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Shared-Reading-Lesson-Plans-Poem-Activities-Pumpkin-Pumpkin-3545658?utm_source=Our%20Elementary%20Lives&utm_campaign=Schedule%20Blog%20Post" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7PKbvRzN0UGREfT6GN03P2FW4kwoEOHy-obNrgLcMaDSFlcpuYliW8_xm3BF2E8Iv2jifZqhyphenhyphen6Yzcygbfz0mDgQ-63O8D3uON_rDpsqh9yXWYrL_kmAq0TUsioD5ZTky1y-y85z35pJQ/s200/Slide1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Later on in the year, I switch to Interactive Read Alouds at that time. I still do shared reading with my lower level learners during guided reading, I can share more about that later. For interactive read alouds, my students sit next to their literacy partner and we do a read aloud while constantly interacting with the book. You can learn more about IRAs from <a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2017/06/everything-you-need-to-know-about.html" target="_blank">>>THIS<<</a> blog post: <a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2017/06/everything-you-need-to-know-about.html" target="_blank">Everything You Need to Know About Interactive Read Alouds.</a></div>
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You can check out my Interactive Read Aloud Resources <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives/Category/Interactive-Read-Alouds-241205?utm_source=Our%20Elementary%20Lives&utm_campaign=Schedule%20Blog%20Post" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> or my bundle by clicking the image below. <span id="goog_1222695770"></span><span id="goog_1222695771"></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Read-Aloud-Bundle-for-the-Year-Interactive-Lesson-Plans-and-Activities-3166684?utm_source=Our%20Elementary%20Lives&utm_campaign=Schedule%20Blog%20Post" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRtQ95PJvV7C1phtENwqxPLXKwgMFupVkE7jTbbSzUr6fntcZ7w0VOH0aPTMfRjW9rIFbQqFNuiI-1Z29X2HOmSxEz-5vDF9KbaQTYJ1fHizyV0NLJdC-e2UbpixsEv9-6lt-JOx4LjG_/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Writing</h3>
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The last thing I want to mention is our writing block. We have about 45 minutes for our writing workshop. We use Writing Units of Study by Lucy Calkins. My students absolutely love writing workshop. The first 10 minutes is my mini lesson and the rest of the time is for independent writing time while I do small groups and individual conferencing.</div>
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At the beginning of the year, when my students are working on their writing stamina, I do some handwriting teaching/practice at the very end of writing time. </div>
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Schedule</h3>
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So there you have it, how I fit it all in. As I said earlier, my schedule is not perfect and I'm no expert, but this works for me and my classroom. These are the components that are important to me so I work hard to fit them in every day. </div>
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One thing I believe though, is students do better when they know what to expect and what's happening during the day. To help and support all of my learners in my classroom I have a daily schedule. Each day I change it to match what's going to happen. </div>
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Click on the images below to see these schedule cards in English and Spanish. They are brand new and I'm going to keep them at 1/2 off, that's only $1.50, through the weekend (April 1st). </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Schedule-Cards-Black-and-White-3725437?utm_source=Our%20Elementary%20Lives&utm_campaign=Schedule%20Blog%20Post" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshfh5PHZzwhWhthopGKhQoEVxuJmLq8fcr4pZnA0cawkIKAd41AnWgvooIAMXqf46-xCMINPeK-FfYy6tEJA9btk7cSkTpYisHPUqH0t2PY4Q7Xoli3_xZZk-7dKsr5z2K2v7PCXoBK3W/s200/Slide1.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Spanish-Schedule-Cards-Tarjetas-del-horario-3725822?utm_source=Our%20Elementary%20Lives&utm_campaign=Schedule%20Blog%20Post" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NBEBIw-ktJ3GfY45slUDtsuLYc3pT9v7qQTPKY13BZN0bliLpXJQA_czI_wGiCJZ4Uu93lC1Y9v_Nqu6v3FCtt1msGuI46geG5pJLqUtCLBzZiQyhsd_xRqrkX72xpYK4B2sZOf6wMRK/s200/Slide4.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I hope you found this helpful. I know I always like seeing other's schedules to see how they fit it all in. If you have any questions please email me at <a href="mailto:ourelementarylives@gmail.com">ourelementarylives@gmail.com</a> or comment below, I'd love to chat. <br />
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As always, please pin and share for others to see.<br />
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927662513319/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2ZmpLEc1L0oMpBKU6npJYh9QuRfME0R791onpOLYNrKku-9dZKQ-TcVpTQBpuY2vUgJmVdSWzg5wH4ESBoCjKoopwqLCNSqwrUpmluFPwMcmNFOoiaAzb6-ClyGWIIQvVEl4H1N4hNUA/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
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Until next time, happy scheduling!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives?utm_source=Our%20Elementary%20Lives&utm_campaign=Schedule%20Blog%20Post" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTIWpNuaHToDsAUuzZFtXSCRF7q8URF7-pRdBgtwmSHg3BA_8_NlWRd7_4xPUI-D0fZNpjYKkTOMIyiDWNwrOOCno9PXTKMfTOYiFfPZAd9qXM2w32YEAR1RRIq1X-8XfzUoLbtk_P9o-/s1600/Signature-Pink.png" /></a></div>
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<br />Paige Bessickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13591480790082983036noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659477103938171273.post-69682530562884255992018-03-05T21:33:00.001-06:002019-02-12T20:26:29.090-06:00St. Patrick's Day Interactive Read Aloud & STEM ChallengeDo you know the book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1492632910/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1492632910&linkId=f9d8ddedf47b1767e1af3f871668fa8d" target="_blank"><u>How to Catch a Leprechaun</u> by Adam Wallace</a>? It's the cutest book for March and St. Patrick's Day. You're going to love it! Keep reading to find out how to use this book for an Interactive Read Aloud and STEM Challenge your students are also going to love!<br />
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927662198487/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="St. Patrick's Day Interactive Read Aloud for How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace. This blog post includes everything you need to know for this Interactive Read Aloud and STEM challenge. The resource includes lesson plans, in-depth comprehension, vocabulary, retelling worksheets and STEM challenge. Your students are going to love this!" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57wqxWz6lH9T0P3evJF9Lk6wsazSTX7w_pIZXKb2nnEhsiycRBQZzji7iZgu8Fo9LxBOWlahOQe9aiN1nxFEik32cBWBiZ6ecRFfnqnbMkeLXizQv5jfaZxyCpfrKxCtfHBaBQdpiqMvB/s640/Slide2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;">*This post contains affiliate links to Amazon. By purchasing an item on the Amazon site using these links, I will receive a small commission on your purchase. This helps me to continue writing this blog and providing you with these tips and ideas. Thanks! </span><br />
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Interactive Read Aloud</h3>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1492632910/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1492632910&linkId=f9d8ddedf47b1767e1af3f871668fa8d" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaB3gD55X7ZecPTOExcbjed5XbCHtNEMfSqqUM3WWDIW75crTYIbuMhUxcQ_BfWsBobACczqGdyzSLETG0I48FQyiFT1NCqdrvVFmCvWqIovhGOMwI0bcojtAOGwxCWcN1s4EFq41L8sh/s320/leprechaun+book+cover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This book is seriously just the cutest! The Leprechaun does everything he can to get past all the traps the kids set. It's perfect for introducing the STEM challenge that goes along with this resource. As with all of my other Interactive Read Alouds (IRAs), this one is no different, it touches on a TON of common core standards and reading skills necessary for learning to read.<br />
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Skills included:<br />
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<li>Building schema/background knowledge</li>
<li>Vocabulary</li>
<li>Predicting</li>
<li>Retelling</li>
<li>In-depth comprehension</li>
<li>Using picture clues</li>
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This resource includes:<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Read-Aloud-How-to-Catch-a-Leprechaun-Interactive-Lesson-Plans-3037729" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="St. Patrick's Day Interactive Read Aloud for How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace. This blog post includes everything you need to know for this Interactive Read Aloud and STEM challenge. The resource includes lesson plans, in-depth comprehension, vocabulary, retelling worksheets and STEM challenge. Your students are going to love this!" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiewKAl1yMhP1xs-RN8RTMZZfyI1sq4S1HoUGX40MBrIwI4AC1IXEpOItya7USw-6zqHWE1Mj9eM7mdDRVOshLYC_CtKj5wG9hovVnc0lr18Wo2Tak_hGVzz2Mlz89TLRDIdHpamicI5kF/s640/lep+1.png" width="494" /></a></div>
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As with all of my Interactive Read Aloud resources, this one includes all of the same things: </div>
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<ul>
<li>Planner</li>
<li>Sticky note printables</li>
<li>Print and cut notes</li>
<li>Vocabulary</li>
<li>In-depth comprehension</li>
<li>Building background knowledge and comprehension support mini-charts</li>
<li>Retelling and reading connection worksheets </li>
</ul>
All of this for 2 complete read alouds. Interested in learning more about my Interactive Read Alouds? Check out these posts to learn more: <a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2017/06/interactive-read-aloud-chrysanthemum.html" target="_blank">Chrysanthemum </a>or <a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2017/07/interactive-read-aloud-my-mouth-is.html" target="_blank">My Mouth is a Volcano</a>.<br />
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Click ><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Read-Aloud-How-to-Catch-a-Leprechaun-Interactive-Lesson-Plans-3037729" target="_blank">>HERE<< </a>or on the image below to see this resource on TpT.</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Read-Aloud-How-to-Catch-a-Leprechaun-Interactive-Lesson-Plans-3037729" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" data-pin-description="St. Patrick's Day Interactive Read Aloud for How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace. This blog post includes everything you need to know for this Interactive Read Aloud and STEM challenge. The resource includes lesson plans, in-depth comprehension, vocabulary, retelling worksheets and STEM challenge. Your students are going to love this!" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYez6_3L5ITFjtgXWMIsjUE8QyvRuu2eh2zRDdy2EekmEwhrd156E5sxq3YBM1nDqLj5PzvpVEdlhQ_9capROsduWD4xLwQ1AeO79vHN5DDXTaTd9hMMsDgylTS7HTRy4eyuoVEuRH4SEf/s320/Slide2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here are the planners for both read alouds. The red is for vocabulary instruction. Each planner includes the page numbers, type of stopping and interaction and in-depth comprehension questions to support your readers.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Read-Aloud-How-to-Catch-a-Leprechaun-Interactive-Lesson-Plans-3037729" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="St. Patrick's Day Interactive Read Aloud for How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace. This blog post includes everything you need to know for this Interactive Read Aloud and STEM challenge. The resource includes lesson plans, in-depth comprehension, vocabulary, retelling worksheets and STEM challenge. Your students are going to love this!" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8Wu8wgKPp8tGpyyFpRubEv9ngu2U7sZmrwzupB87Jxld3NfM32Dh6X2R5WXX8pQXlMJ921ZLbedSpOMz_kubPk8FF43CcTETLAffSZ-3enxSraDoKJoGY6wBQqiR4BhyphenhyphenseWF2krnMoxs/s320/Slide01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Read-Aloud-How-to-Catch-a-Leprechaun-Interactive-Lesson-Plans-3037729" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsc-Wk3HDbQTM3tXpmj3XBEdHXNWETDMYswfiCg4CFeLojzONUc6SKQqiGq4CiyTjE016Nxa50xkj_J7d_EXFUNuheCmn9IOhShdyU6NgYyKZAP_YelQoOS9jMcN1L7sdu9Bg20TQSXEy/s200/Slide02.jpg" width="200" /></a>These sticky notes are probably the best part! Every IRA of mine includes a template and detailed directions for printing on sticky notes. Just print, stick these in the book on the correct page, and you are ready for your read aloud. Don't worry about paying attention to the planner as you read, just print on these are you are ready to go! If you're not so sure about printing on sticky notes, or don't have the time, I have another option for you. In this IRA, and all of my others, there are print and cut notes. Use them as bookmarks for when you read. Just print, cut apart and place in the book on the correct page. Easy, peasy. </span></div>
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Also included are vocabulary cards for 2 words, mini-charts to support background knowledge and comprehension as well as retelling and reading connection worksheets for your students. </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Read-Aloud-How-to-Catch-a-Leprechaun-Interactive-Lesson-Plans-3037729" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7eJmDQgUTeVl6LNVXeaO1cx6joyegx7WYw7JlCdWlXII7yFxOo50DGiXxWMGxVxadY6cfwZG0EebMRN2Y6kjrwNSWjN7iwBIv1uhkFWJ1Ej8IlDqknX1mt-3hLdR12ru-P8rIrtjOhXas/s320/Slide03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We love completing these retelling worksheets with all the different trap ideas. It really helps them with the STEM challenge.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Read-Aloud-How-to-Catch-a-Leprechaun-Interactive-Lesson-Plans-3037729" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMWw_FJGMk2sZcgSaPNXyxoxCIfiuKJ00aRzNoqLqnbkc-om1xdj_qMphQDPyoQblckCT9FYY-3GNJV7w7FCLwQEbrofvClu4gCC4aOIfPf-E3hOaeTsn7T_pBIdgrsbj4cG5Gg1mMnVD/s320/Slide11.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Read-Aloud-How-to-Catch-a-Leprechaun-Interactive-Lesson-Plans-3037729" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" data-pin-description="St. Patrick's Day Interactive Read Aloud for How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace. This blog post includes everything you need to know for this Interactive Read Aloud and STEM challenge. The resource includes lesson plans, in-depth comprehension, vocabulary, retelling worksheets and STEM challenge. Your students are going to love this!" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvoJbntQfsBB9MMNNxt32UaG6ArF2LliBr_CArvuZyOos823KiY7jhW-YeY0p8_E5UCMAH6yhBi21ccXcNF1pcxviE4XoMNlx7RV0xpdK-DHUN_SPFRa6h4X4K4fsPct9gm23An8hdLel/s320/Slide12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h3>
STEM Challenge</h3>
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Now, moving onto the best part of this Interactive Read Aloud. Included with this one is a Leprechaun trap STEM Challenge and everything you need to do it successfully in your classroom. I've done this with my firsties and they ABSOLUTELY love it! </div>
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About a week before St. Patrick's Day or whenever you're going to do your STEM challenge I tell my students to start bringing in things they might want to use to make a leprechaun trap. I also typically send a quick note home (via Seesaw, my choice for parent communicatoin) telling parents a little bit about what we're doing. </div>
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Included are teacher directions, STEM challenge directions, leprechaun to color, planning and post-challenge worksheets. </div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927662198487/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="St. Patrick's Day Interactive Read Aloud for How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace. This blog post includes everything you need to know for this Interactive Read Aloud and STEM challenge. The resource includes lesson plans, in-depth comprehension, vocabulary, retelling worksheets and STEM challenge. Your students are going to love this!" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1OfuStoZ1rA0ew_2nlLSEPd1yI6nRj9jHzGDjKWV1ejiL7rOAq05LdqsfKhqMJxY7yfuvVA9pUgjJdyE3vUzSQzKhAEzzpsWaglTOj74YnUjxiFvlQwohaMPQlxhWn4-qPa_Q9ur7oip/s320/Slide04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After reading the book, I have my students start thinking about their trap ideas and bring in the supplies they may night. I supply things like tape, glue, yarn and anything else I might have that they might want. </div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927662198487/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="St. Patrick's Day Interactive Read Aloud for How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace. This blog post includes everything you need to know for this Interactive Read Aloud and STEM challenge. The resource includes lesson plans, in-depth comprehension, vocabulary, retelling worksheets and STEM challenge. Your students are going to love this!" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKqqxg2_e7P2eJYpmzYfA4l2y-pNm4ynYxzVzAFJmyCZvdz5hzopG_ASnhw8lbL4L7EA2i3MobblcZ2G1zAmJ3my65yp-474b7qC5a-cs6phQFyQilHn4DGMnBxKGRzKmidfy9ErkEONA/s320/Slide05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I typically plan a couple days for thinking about their trap and bringing in what they need, especially over a weekend so they can go out and get things if desired. I do emphasize just bringing in things they may already have from home but some students have specific ideas of things they need.</div>
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Then it's trap making day. I have them color their leprechaun and get started on making their trap. I typically give them 45-60 minutes. Most can get pretty involved and I want to make sure I give them enough time. </div>
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Here's the leprechaun, getting ready to be trapped. </div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927662198487/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="St. Patrick's Day Interactive Read Aloud for How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace. This blog post includes everything you need to know for this Interactive Read Aloud and STEM challenge. The resource includes lesson plans, in-depth comprehension, vocabulary, retelling worksheets and STEM challenge. Your students are going to love this!" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6FrQBiBFIlKHFX4lUJKIC81PKVLBpYwTLfVde10ckYAm4MwvAVr7vfyHBstjFJ9SYb4ksju6h6JA-wV9vmX68OnQOg3WNHwwoRRsrTC8UEWcoDr7omU74KoT_R8iZFjnio4LpBLLNgopA/s320/Slide06.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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You could have students work with partners, but I've always had them work independently. I also explain that the trap must actually do something to "trap" the leprechaun. </div>
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Here are some of my favorite traps:</div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927662198487/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" data-pin-description="St. Patrick's Day Interactive Read Aloud for How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace. This blog post includes everything you need to know for this Interactive Read Aloud and STEM challenge. The resource includes lesson plans, in-depth comprehension, vocabulary, retelling worksheets and STEM challenge. Your students are going to love this!" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8JAU1YEss_zfmlsjIKHVZVhv5zLbK53-c3B5JmkRxWBWNloCehguVqHlHdI86v8o6AY-03VQmFepYU1YfHZ0B72cmgB3v5RypMkx_t2O8ANu_XxKRgY5b5tygG8kdeiXM6qwYk8DqHzK/s320/Slide07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927662198487/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXjjD13zkTbvchd-mrr-Oc_JnsjtTWp6SttBC10hPGcVURP5MgOF1q6EdhoFHc5rsUqqVHNa4TdWEZsdtw2TyGoG_hPBhbfQCa-Oe6teuvtT3LT1T7TrwNbhouVcCfAiUazw4gjUyGe2h/s320/Slide08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927662198487/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" data-pin-description="St. Patrick's Day Interactive Read Aloud for How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace. This blog post includes everything you need to know for this Interactive Read Aloud and STEM challenge. The resource includes lesson plans, in-depth comprehension, vocabulary, retelling worksheets and STEM challenge. Your students are going to love this!" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDp7F30uNhb5Y700RWgs-_iE8cZXAEemTohs8RochJXdWUexh-3yRi2iwK2EfxrAwtOTPEY_P_Hxou1yS-f4sgrNs7hl5WxfuU7NRcy9oXRq9GovWw0k-LmIV7e5GF4-5whfYwXGJ5v8B/s320/Slide09.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's a video too! </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzzyjkWc9EgZ6wayqrfYeKP5o-4fkIXvGGkD-XhCUkDiAYXxYbAqxnWiDQUN2bijyEB_ymBiyKauMbzgvItLA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Once they have made their trap, taken a picture or video tapped it onto Seesaw, I have them complete their worksheet explaining what their trap actually looks like and the materials they use.<br />
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927662198487/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNx6O5zA2LGOxemQdLEBuOt8GbH_RuApL9GrFcloUNzs0_vTrU9d8kVWXCyVzuKRei-0AzK2I1WMWyD6jawNZlCDbuiSyXJayGOHnGpyfkiJTI7Dm8uCn-D9JK2JC0KDhySYjDPvABNHo/s400/Slide10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once we're done, they get sent home to catch leprechauns at home. </div>
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My students are truly so engaged during the read aloud knowing it will help them with the STEM challenge. They are typically very engaged during IRAs, but the STEM challenge put a whole new twist on listening to the book. They want to get any tips or tricks they can to make the best trap. </div>
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As always pin and share with others. </div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927662198487/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="720" data-pin-description="St. Patrick's Day Interactive Read Aloud for How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace. This blog post includes everything you need to know for this Interactive Read Aloud and STEM challenge. The resource includes lesson plans, in-depth comprehension, vocabulary, retelling worksheets and STEM challenge. Your students are going to love this!" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUVwRMR1H3LARjS0o5cZU6HfMhp73RzZ5Mf8SDM1-hRVqjYCgOlkpIv13UaOn3sK5Y86uqHrlJ9oDFsH_2oM-1djM8qNWpCrOvS-IlEjP4gK6I6l5UOEtJZC1YhN-JCx0DX4br9HKAd2C/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I hope you and your students have fun with this! It's one of my most popular Interactive Read Alouds and so fun for St. Patrick's Day. Please let me know if you have any questions or need help setting it up. You can email me at <a href="http://ourelementarylives@gmail.com./">ourelementarylives@gmail.com.</a> </div>
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Until next time, happy reading and trap making. 🍀</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTIWpNuaHToDsAUuzZFtXSCRF7q8URF7-pRdBgtwmSHg3BA_8_NlWRd7_4xPUI-D0fZNpjYKkTOMIyiDWNwrOOCno9PXTKMfTOYiFfPZAd9qXM2w32YEAR1RRIq1X-8XfzUoLbtk_P9o-/s1600/Signature-Pink.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.subscribepage.com/read-aloud-guide" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="720" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kkISQy75lHxV1E5GQddVrAjRqXZhZcwx8h8OK0EtK3Uy2gTJ0NuFmrwV8IDaJV12sEfRex7pS-56Bo19KEqseGREaSalH4PRM2xErQMvqJYopwELjCb2wypezW4uwnAPEob0zyUeS5fB/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<script src="https://static.mailerlite.com/js/w/webforms.min.js?v03ee2804ef2f008535475a5d62f02f94" type="text/javascript"></script><br />Paige Bessickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13591480790082983036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659477103938171273.post-85106615030208907412018-01-29T20:47:00.000-06:002018-05-30T21:03:45.575-05:00Authentic Ways to Use Technology in the Workshop<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
Using technology is such a great way to engage our students. Finding authentic ways to use it can often be challenging. I do not use many commercial apps that just require my students to click. My goal when I'm using technology is for my students to be able to create, connect and collaborate. I'm here to share with you how I use technology in my classroom, specifically in the reading and writing workshop. </div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927661664679/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="Everything you need to know about using technology in the reading and writing workshop! This blog post gives resources, ideas for organization and actual activities you can do with technology in the elementary classroom. Using the apps Seesaw, Chatterpix, Pic Collage, Epic! and more, use these easy to use activities with 1:1 iPads or if you just have one iPad in your classroom! This is a great resource!" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMycsRjCFRGULNlKgWPoY-Q7o8-cClaMEDfgKGgU0D_DIdWDuF_V4rhMkyYBFQ26QajsTQUwSbnqPzJrwOFWOCQBEH4f2TZPfJ41-fOuymv4aecC7lngLQRZ4s3cFdzh5o-l5O5vX0wDaF/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans"; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">**This post contains affiliate links to Amazon. By purchasing an item on the Amazon site using these links, I will receive a small commission on your purchase. This helps me to continue writing this blog and providing you with these tips and ideas. Thank you!</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans"; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"> </span></span></div>
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I plan for this to be an ongoing series of blog posts. I will collect all of the posts I write on this topic in this post. </div>
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I want to start by sharing some of my favorite technology resources that I use in my classroom.</h4>
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Book Resources</h3>
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I love this book: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0325074739/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0325074739&linkId=45582f0c6c8c78297f28fad6a75454cf" target="_blank">Amplify: Digital Teaching and Learning in the K-6 Classroom by Katie Muhtaris and Kirstin Ziemke </a>because they give you ideas and apps of actual activities and projects you can do in your classroom. It's also great because these authors are from Teacher's College, and they teach using the workshop model so all the ideas include a quick minilesson and ways to confer and differentiate for your students. </div>
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Click <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0325074739/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0325074739&linkId=a958e4e609441f67342b455c1ff779b3" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> or on this picture to buy the book.</div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-8f5c14cc-3d93-28b8-b641-33d161c03c6e" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0325074739/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0325074739&linkId=45582f0c6c8c78297f28fad6a75454cf" target="_blank"><img height="320" nopin="nopin" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_bSe8HCQ9sz0YnDEliCORcJs5-RluGdZkPzKlGYQuF9YAtCLSlNcvjquJw8WguYtS70DfAQ2qy8L8wjdbtZmcwLbVCZ6TNgze8RmpyQkSE-3oWR9cSzYoPpd7MEmArU2W-ZVLeIL9bA" width="254" /></a></span></div>
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This is another great resource for ideas and lessons to use in your classroom. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1945167084/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1945167084&linkId=d9640ab0860bbde6c8cb0cb8f58441aa" target="_blank">Innovate with iPad: Lessons to Transform Learning in the Classroom</a>. This is a great one for upper elementary and also includes specific lessons and ideas of actual activities you can do in your classroom. </div>
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Click <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1945167084/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1945167084&linkId=3c9eb4e922aba6d7c5bebfc6c3b34a8d" target="_blank">>>HERE<< </a>or on this picture to buy this book. </div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-8f5c1162-3d97-da8e-0b6a-deea9d0aece9" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1945167084/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1945167084&linkId=d9640ab0860bbde6c8cb0cb8f58441aa" target="_blank"><img height="320" nopin="nopin" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/m3OkHdQGUcIu627k_Y6KafyY0wkK65t_63wlobi3nhBX13CsSjn7moGHgKFS0YoHCQI1UzjW4dy6JvxtUNANUjAHKAbtJ24Wis_aepG5ZVpP7qpibba8H1GCtPPu1Z0Qq4f2Iuu0iVg" width="256" /></a></span></div>
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Organization</h3>
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If you know me or have been following my blog for awhile, you know that I'm that Type A teacher who loves to be color-coded and organized. I was having a hard time figuring out how to keep and organize my iPads, that is until I found this! This <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BE6AAIQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00BE6AAIQ&linkId=fa13a8dd4a0b4f8094daccbb785f6bb1" target="_blank">Belkin Charge and Store Station</a> has been a game changer. </div>
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Click<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BE6AAIQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00BE6AAIQ&linkId=fa13a8dd4a0b4f8094daccbb785f6bb1" target="_blank"> >>HERE<<</a> or on this picture to buy.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BE6AAIQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00BE6AAIQ&linkId=fa13a8dd4a0b4f8094daccbb785f6bb1" target="_blank"><img height="193px;" nopin="nopin" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/CDITV3DdU7t_4Y_Hc-0deauiQaryUm1Ndd6LiGAyT44HwEM_xQAv38nBl4_npTfrL0r0PpK7RS3MMZs0Ofqnnqgqr22xvc4CHQehGVjO1qYEkoJ5XvQk1XzZNohXwXFLEVBKQejAuM0" width="278px;" /></a></div>
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WIth 1:1 iPads (Thanks, Donors Choose), I have 18 iPads that I was trying to organize and make accessible to my students every day. With this charge and store station, each iPad gets its own slot and the charger hides inside. Neat and easy! Each of my students has a number and the number they have correlates to one of the iPads in these holders. They know where to get and put back their iPad each time they use it. I just used masking tape (nothing fancy) to mark the numbers. I also keep each of these stations in different spots around the room so I don't have all of my students going to one spot when we all need our iPads. </div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927661664679/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1gd4LIt315-CNWjicNFi619a6J3F1oD7vPYBMnGdglhjLOgXyfAYpkOAPvgK9duw15Ft6c7IXEj8IQ0VSfGV548E90MXBpQkO17mjncNUGRSJ4HyGgqKkeMf1ICaIkngpeh5VFevk3x3/s200/Slide1.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927661664679/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" nopin="nopin" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRf1LjQpFQCKmkk7MeckwVp-JZbq9k_BsolJTc91AWKyoIFiT8QC0hLPCRpOChkjvFEVotxJ_bibX7GHxX5wAkfHfDTAIa_CSPXDjFwiD4jZQDw1b74aNQqdgdpzigeb0XTc2qoJVKDsG/s200/Slide2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Like I said earlier, these stations have been a game changer. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One part of the organization that I don't have under control is our headphones. Right now, they are currently held in plastic bags in a milk crate. We have to transport our headphones to and from technology when we have it every couple of days and this has worked so far. It annoys me though because it is rather messy and if someone needs their headphones they have to dig around and take out all of the other pairs to find their own, which is usually at the very bottom. Am I right?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you have suggestions on portable headphone storage, please share with me in the comments or email me at <a href="mailto:ourelementarylives@gmail.com">ourelementarylives@gmail.com</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Equipment</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It is no surprise that I love Apple and iPads. In my classroom, I have iPad minis. They are perfect for my first grader's hands and are just the right size for anything we need to do with them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I also like the Gumdrop Cases. They are sturdy, waterproof and drop proof. We've definitely had our fair share of drops and *knock on wood* we haven't had any damage. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are some of my favorite products. </span></div>
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=oelblog-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00BE6AAIQ&asins=B00BE6AAIQ&linkId=b256cc525db6a5084441037564a22ba2&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"><br /> </iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=oelblog-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B016PT10XA&asins=B016PT10XA&linkId=24adcd973d30a626a340426b81b7f6c1&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"><br /> </iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" nopin="nopin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=oelblog-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00EKFDI32&asins=B00EKFDI32&linkId=7184816933eb42492be00ed139276c43&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"><br /> </iframe><br /></div>
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Headphones</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As for headphones, if you've seen this post: </span><a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2017/04/the-best-headphones-for-your-classroom.html" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">The Best Headphones for Your Classroom</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> you know I'm a big fan of headphones from </span><a href="https://www.learningheadphones.com/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Learning Headphones</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. I love that they are sturdy, sound great and that the company is committed to education. You can read my blog post <a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2017/04/the-best-headphones-for-your-classroom.html" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> to find out more information. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have recently tried a couple new types and am just as impressed as I was with the other ones I have from Learning Headphones. These are even better than the other ones I have. Seriously! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">These are the <a href="https://www.learningheadphones.com/EDU-455M-Over-Ear-Stereo-Mobile-Head-p/edu-455m.htm" target="_blank">EDU-455 Over-ear stereo mobile headset</a>. The sound quality and ability to block out background noise is incredible! Its headband is flexible and adjusts to just the right fit for my firsties. This set includes their exclusive noise-canceling microphone which seriously is the best. My students are able to record themselves in a loud classroom and it sounds like they are in a sound booth. </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.learningheadphones.com/EDU-455M-Over-Ear-Stereo-Mobile-Head-p/edu-455m.htm" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" nopin="nopin" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzI_z4xrJyWm3Y1JrbF1iCb8OMopiZ5MzE3qIOipq_NdPsvkraXQXRFmB5Yrk_jG99Vphk7xZQNN_FMhjqCBz2Jk3PwqXkIMp-6Er7o0F-Z7ZbLLOos07QMEK9RVzClDrbBlgAXStGvm4K/s320/Slide3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm also loving these green <a href="https://www.learningheadphones.com/flex-phones-foam-headphones-p/kids-flexfoam.htm" target="_blank">Flex-Phones Foam Headphones</a>. They are flexible and sturdy and perfect for first graders AND even my 5-year-old. They are nearly indestructible and have been awarded the Scholastic Teacher's Pick Award. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Click <a href="https://www.learningheadphones.com/" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> or on this picture to check them out! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <a href="https://www.learningheadphones.com/flex-phones-foam-headphones-p/kids-flexfoam.htm" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlneTIVivBZLjYSLvid4c-ufFvP4v7-fRbzSXePtDZqWlChyphenhyphenAERNQtuiFUNTB7XO2UpoqeucC1XA1J-Hao4a1u0hEmTF3II-NdQCoCmYzr6Z8S1sfwtT4AzSzyIJakUOzCHZyXgQtqVuG/s320/Slide5.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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So there you have it, some of my most recommended resources, equipment and organization ideas. I hope you found this helpful.</div>
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Stay tuned for more blog posts about authentic ways to use technology in the workshop, specifically focusing on: </div>
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<li>Seesaw</li>
<li><a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2018/01/authentic-ways-to-use-technology-in.html" target="_blank">Chatterpix</a></li>
<li>PicCollage</li>
<li>Videos</li>
<li>Epic!</li>
<li>Google forms</li>
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I can't promise I'll write posts in this order, but if you're feeling like one of these really sticks out or you're curious about one of them, let me know and I can write that one sooner.<br />
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As always, please pin to share with others!<br />
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927661664679/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="Everything you need to know about using technology in the reading and writing workshop! This blog post gives resources, ideas for organization and actual activities you can do with technology in the elementary classroom. Using the apps Seesaw, Chatterpix, Pic Collage, Epic! and more, use these easy to use activities with 1:1 iPads or if you just have one iPad in your classroom! This is a great resource!" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-z4FEH7zEqWGOg265EGMe5Ub79_W1IpBjSplraNDlhn0_h_D8N6HARzK4e2kh_lhm53GHiEmDixNHIgedvbN9jaT83FLMicMqTaQ9exulIH5-SP_dIul0YNIVzUW0ol24p4Stj_cuYRb9/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Check out the other posts in this series by clicking on the links below.<br />
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<li><a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2018/01/authentic-ways-to-use-technology-in.html" target="_blank">Authentic Ways to Use ChatterPix in the Workshop</a></li>
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Until next time, thanks for stopping by!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1hYFgOC3Z6FwBUHhkB8ld2ja4P3U6j4lRafZjm0-CZUDM3kCsZD7QaR8hX01KC4ltLfMZYPcVhnHfo-tQoyXUQEOX31xUHoeXZRh3XFTBHupoXeyq73dIZZUul88uy3SKwY3azNj2be-/s400/Signature-Pink.png" /></a></div>
Paige Bessickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13591480790082983036noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659477103938171273.post-75055452315299980672017-12-30T21:19:00.002-06:002018-07-09T21:15:59.027-05:00Tips for Teachers Returning from Maternity LeaveHello, all you fabulous working mamas! I just recently returned from maternity leave for the second time. I have a 5-year-old and a 1-year-old. If you're like me, you were dreading returning to work for weeks before you actually had to go back. As a working teacher mom, there are plenty of us who take maternity leave and have to return after a short time at home. Now, I wish I could change the way maternity leave works and allow all of us to take more time, but I can't, so I'm here to share some tips to help you get through it.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans"; font-size: x-small; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">**This post contains affiliate links to Amazon. By purchasing an item on the Amazon site using these links, I will receive a small commission on your purchase. This helps me to continue writing this blog and providing you with these tips and ideas. Thank you!</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans"; font-size: x-small; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"> </span><br />
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If you're anything like me, you enjoyed every second being home with your sweet baby. While it wasn't easy by any stretch of the imagination, sleeping, eating and pooping babies are exhausting, every moment was special and worth it.<br />
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Don't get me wrong, I love my job and I could never be a stay at home mom, but having to return to work and leave your young child is just so very difficult. </div>
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Before I start, please know that these may not work for you or help you cope with returning to work. I just know as a mama returning to work, I was looking for what it would be like and any tips I could find to make it a little bit easier. Whether you enjoyed maternity leave or not, returning to work is not an easy feat. Not only do you have to worry about getting yourself ready and out of the house, most likely, you have to worry about getting a baby and possibly other children out of the house as well.<br />
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Here are some tips to help you get through it. </div>
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Tip #1: Find your tribe</h3>
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Having a tribe at work and out of work is vital! While you'll want to have friends at school to count on, having some friends that you can call on outside of school is great too! If your school and your outside of school tribe are the same, like me, even better! </div>
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When I was returning to work, I counted on my girlfriends for so much.<br />
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Here I am with my besties on a weekend away in Door County wine tasting. It just so happens that I found out I was pregnant a few months before this and was able to share with them here. Don't' worry, that's non-alcoholic wine in my glass. </div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927661199657/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQey_xJ1zziCvg95cxBS7ci-TLEkL2NMaW_Xs-0LgK1nXEuO-Ozc-8-WyIlzx0e-aWglgxTXDwdKSVGoD_fshldXAyPrl2VVmTNCgxhexXK53KdokR2wa5pLjnY9yILyCRIg30bsiZStGl/s400/IMG_3116.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Tip #2: Find something to enjoy while at work</h3>
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It was the little things that I started enjoying at work that made it just a little bit easier to return. And they didn't have anything to do with teaching. Some things that I really enjoyed were my tea and my snacks. Now, that's super silly and simple, but one of the times I enjoyed most at home was enjoying my slow, lazy mornings which included drinking my tea hot from an adorable mug. I knew I loved that part about being home, so I decided to try it at school too. Now, it wasn't quite the same-no snuggling baby in my arms, no Today show on the television, and no sweats, but it helped me start my morning off right at school; it gave me something to look forward to. </div>
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These are the two specific teas I enjoyed as a nursing mama. The Yogi is my favorite, but Mother's Milk isn't bad either. Both great choices for morning tea.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E4AHUA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B000E4AHUA&linkId=5a65ef2136a193fa856e8cec4a99e5ac" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8R-pEVZiucz2BW0aHIDp_cD4KMqNibNTanCC23KKDT0NjkhyUaLcWH2umH57Jw7qp-UsXYoz7toY-w_3F0xMJWckrSRQTmjNd8Qu6gmYoqpAmf3FhA5lAnArF8tPZgqLJhJa4ri0q9g2I/s200/yogis+tea.jpg" width="160" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009F3POY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B0009F3POY&linkId=9b7a7d5015501f4ac2435b5dfcfd4318" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVvnVuEDs3i71z9fEg2lw09SrDXZq5ynV5D-g9s6iehn7m8IWunLhTCIl7_jmW2lEOPOS4ALKd1Nt2JShtNcA55p6X7LMFcuGalzjN6Um9-PhlLxpSKBYgAlKsoaVrByXW-C1ZflAo2BOe/s200/mothers+milk+tea.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
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Now let's talk about snacks. Especially as a nursing mama, but even a brand new mama, you need ALL the energy you can get so making sure you have snacks easily available at school is so important. You want something that's delicious, but that will also give you the energy you need to get you to lunch or dinner. </div>
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I loaded up from Costco before returning to work so I didn't have any shortage of snacks. And then as the days went on, I started looking forward to these snacks. </div>
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These were my two go-to snacks. Easy and delicious! The biscuits would be a mid-morning snack and the chocolate got me through until dinner time. </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZQF60T/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01LZQF60T&linkId=8d1232af98958a196ed11c6e18b653d2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqS-JM_wjPoxkzQesHd1ppJpEub_QtwH5AIDgPg6VEgR3ahyUcLiu4d9jEsdsqmMdObXAqs63Vf-WcEYpVbkrLrQRT59sEn5A83BRGshQLsLnuPkN9ODp5KKWb8a_DrPHzBcs3dWBJeU0/s320/biscuits.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RKOWCJQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00RKOWCJQ&linkId=7a388553873c9fd03d4539b7e8506404" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0GIBFUbe0_lMlj_f0e75zu_bxnHcqlYCP6aEeq3iJhYiMOp0JMUUcekKo6NbM0VycsHsiHAoHqSLf-bt1L-KMRuw1_xVzl1AgZAB5FT5xwQvmoKPI-IT0LLAuHSNthU4pCpbryN_75-4/s200/bark+thins.jpg" width="163" /></a></div>
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So whether it's working with the kids, or taking a breather in the teacher's lounge or your tea and snacks, find something each day that you are looking forward to. It makes it just a little bit easier to get out of the car each day. </div>
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Tip #3: Plan out everything you can</h3>
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I'm a planner, I always have been a planner, but probably the biggest thing that helped me go back to being a working mama was planning out anything I could. This especially meant meals! I planned out breakfast, lunch, and dinner for each day. It took away the stress of having to figure it out on the go. </div>
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This also meant that I planned out each dinner meal, went shopping once during the week and made everything I could on Sundays. We typically make 2 meals on Sundays to eat throughout the week. Now if you don't like leftovers this probably won't work for you, but we make enough to eat a meal twice. Then one day during the week we make something really easy like eggs, soup and sandwich or even pick something up. This way I know what is for dinner and I'm not trying to figure out what's for dinner at 5:00 each night or even worse, rushing to the grocery store after work with a baby in tow. </div>
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Here's what a week of meal planning looks like in my house. I have a notebook that we keep our meal ideas and past week's meals in. On the left is the plan for the week, on the right is the grocery list. Nothing fancy, but simple and easy. </div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927661199657/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg148JXA06F-9JAKmQDKQpaDATOb5Dg4Uv4I76I2I2GLE3WZwsTOJ9CqgdKwrZCUD1GzYnDjvwxZ9sfHmyeZW7ywma-I9C0FBrT94RD8ZGZ2DFwgg3YgdQbkYnpmvktXQNCu6e23sSB5cJx/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Click <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lnPV8wDXiAie1Rsz86YXawMt6R9iklCl/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> or on the picture below to get this meal planner. Again, it's nothing fancy but knowing that I have a week of meals planned is a huge relief. When my husband goes to the grocery store (yes, he goes and has been going since we've had kids) he just cuts off the right side of the list and is ready to shop. </div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lnPV8wDXiAie1Rsz86YXawMt6R9iklCl/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1Y567K8btVq8EjkBi_ehZcneOc1-sYwVO-_DXK3cxNrV7Gr_hj5dGJsUdnQowqnY1t_CipDXCIBROIPdby7ee7ZgWzpMxGBv1odxsNhXSMkf1gh7WKZcSQboNey8uB8ehYmgEhg3eY4e/s400/Slide2.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
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Tip #4: Ask for Help</h3>
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Don't be afraid to ask for help. At home and school, you don't have to do it all. I am that Type A person who has a plan for everything and wants things done my way. After babies though, I had to let go of that a little bit and allow others to help me and figure out where I could delegate some of the other tasks that needed to get done. </div>
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As I mentioned above, my husband does the grocery shopping and has done it 75% of the time for the last 5 years, since we had a baby. This was one thing I let go of. There was no reason I had to do it and he asked how he could help so I told him that doing the shopping would be a huge help. </div>
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Find other things others can do for you: maybe it's getting a cleaning lady (it's the best money we spend all month), or having your partner do more around the house like the laundry, or asking family or friends to watch the baby for a little bit so you can run errands or take the friend up on the offer to make your family dinner. Those that are around you are willing to help, so just ask or say yes when they offer. </div>
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Tip #5: Take care of yourself </h3>
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Last but definitely not least, this is probably the most important one, is to take care of yourself. Get your rest, eat healthy foods, make time to work out or read or craft, or whatever you need to do for yourself. Remember tip #4? Ask those around you to help you so you can have YOU time. </div>
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Remember this quote! Your family, your students and yourself need your cup to be full. Take care of yourself first. </div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927661199657/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TvRb0smpZ3YWmZilNV4ImggSd2cXQ-i-4XFpKG2Hz61ik1SWUtS_6Tt_TKLBKeoS8t3hGKynlNM70Mk2ebc7Fz4yNbOG5AfuNDBSWnWlrunfX9n6_QJrC3x75M8D7qEP9cQ2etDHJVpN/s320/IMG_3812.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So there you go, those are my 5 tips for returning from maternity leave. Whether your a teacher or in another profession, please know that there are others who have done it and can help and support you along the way. </div>
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Welcome to this new tribe of working mothers. And remember what Tina Fey has to say. My best friend always tells new mothers this quote returning to work and I think it's the perfect way to end this post. We really do the impossible every day. Keep at it, this too shall pass. It does get easier, I promise. </div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927661199657/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyhyRXa8wj_GnqTf_3hvcIAaO2o7LNZNIZYvk-BS48uisU1ATKSaXTFH0H37FnKCQt4lpmqZkn_OhXn-9O_2MlJIqfuIyxaJS2hgcnuza2NmxnViNMZWIt4mlz4dCXPZTP6PotIq1wAws/s320/tina+fey+quote.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As always, please pin and share for others to see.<br />
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Good luck and happy teaching!<br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispzR4ohETNExvB16hhRU33Vg9piwrEV08z7ynji7gJmIuVa38eJo7UAQtXazYL1WUPCw3cENjblRSiTIET-UvmoiLQX4bzvCXUunEpcV3R0HDcrNTfFAn8KHTgfNujP0Z2kQHRsqeXIay/s400/Signature-Pink.png" /></a></div>
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Paige Bessickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13591480790082983036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659477103938171273.post-62987309792827780802017-12-28T22:02:00.000-06:002019-02-12T20:22:50.820-06:00Interactive Read Aloud: Wake Up, Groundhog!<br />
I'm here today to share with you another Interactive Read Aloud resource in my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives" target="_blank">Teachers pay Teachers</a> store. As February is right around the corner, so is Groundhogs day. This fun holiday always catches me off guard being the second day of the month. Prepare now by checking out <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Read-Aloud-Wake-Up-Groundhog-Interactive-Read-Aloud-Lesson-Plans-2967333?aref=h02pna9c" target="_blank">>>THIS<< </a>resource. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7XMERvM3BwLT0UfxlcXUewuZunM1jgQl7OaXfnd2l5tYVf2Gxb47zUrccYs2QER7c-XdoS2eFcIeD39mHrZYN_xNh_hbSwcvXU0-Rl5zIL1pYDA8XayN6zXiAs8f6sUM5yIaTbYM4_Te/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="groundhog read aloud resource" border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7XMERvM3BwLT0UfxlcXUewuZunM1jgQl7OaXfnd2l5tYVf2Gxb47zUrccYs2QER7c-XdoS2eFcIeD39mHrZYN_xNh_hbSwcvXU0-Rl5zIL1pYDA8XayN6zXiAs8f6sUM5yIaTbYM4_Te/s640/Slide1.jpg" title="interactive read aloud wake up, groundhog" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans"; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">**This post contains affiliate links to Amazon. By purchasing an item on the Amazon site using these links, I will receive a small commission on your purchase. This helps me to continue writing this blog and providing you with these tips and ideas. Thank you!</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans"; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"> </span></span><br />
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While there are a number of Groundhog Day books out there, this one is definitely my favorite. <u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439842166/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0439842166&linkId=6856acf8bbd2fb07c8863390b9dafc12" target="_blank">Wake Up, Groundhog!</a></u> originally called <u>Punxsutawney Phyllis</u>, is about a female groundhog who is trying to convince her Uncle Phil that she should be the next Punxsutawney Phil. </div>
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Click the image or <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439842166/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0439842166&linkId=6856acf8bbd2fb07c8863390b9dafc12" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> to buy from Amazon. </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439842166/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0439842166&linkId=6856acf8bbd2fb07c8863390b9dafc12" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0ox8AlQtfP0h0xmfg62Ut6pYrry5mUtqtVtV7bpErYj14FVeUXhksOCFIJsSes3SxwU37V3lMnY4ZOPM-sXQvPTnk68x_9Ey0nfQBRavMH2LIRSk0LCzXdmeJHngrjQmlk3pM3Rk_SJU/s320/groundhog+cover.jpg" title="Wake Up Groundhog! book cover" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love this book and the students love reading it, especially my girls! We always have a wonderful discussion about girls doing any job they want.</div>
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I love this resource and everything it includes. If you've ever read any of my other blog posts about other Interactive Read Aloud resources, this one includes the same things. You can see blog posts about these books: <a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2017/07/interactive-read-aloud-my-mouth-is.html" target="_blank">My Mouth is a Volcano</a>, <a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2017/06/interactive-read-aloud-chrysanthemum.html" target="_blank">Chrysanthemum</a>, <a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2017/08/interactive-read-aloud-first-day-jitters.html" target="_blank">First Day Jitters</a>, <a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2017/05/interactive-read-aloud-last-day-blues.html" target="_blank">Last Day Blues</a>. </div>
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This resource has everything that is typical in one of my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives/Category/Interactive-Read-Alouds-241205" style="color: #13d2b9; max-width: calc(770px); outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Interactive Read Alouds</a>, but it also includes some great extras that I think you're going to LOVE! </div>
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Click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Read-Aloud-Wake-Up-Groundhog-Interactive-Read-Aloud-Lesson-Plans-2967333" target="_blank">>><span style="color: #13d2b9;"><span style="max-width: calc(770px); outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition-duration: 0.2s; transition-property: all;">HERE</span></span><<</a> or on the image to be taken to the resources in my TpT Store.</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Read-Aloud-Wake-Up-Groundhog-Interactive-Read-Aloud-Lesson-Plans-2967333" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pnDoqr6ZFPgQRJm9OSrpUXKH5ADKjUTaDZc0303a81d8BIW-NKQLBNjB2XTPTzM0cpISDB-PyKOWQb08-TwWm8-7itAkvWWkXwqwVHVdFFyJKKCsonpN-jMpGyMNdQLbE7BgfMSnxdVL/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Planner, Sticky Note Printables & Print & Cut Notes </h3>
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This resource includes detailed directions, comprehension and stopping points for 2 complete readings. These pages include everything you need to give the interactive read aloud and 2 options for planning: printing on sticky notes and print and cut notes. </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Read-Aloud-Wake-Up-Groundhog-Interactive-Read-Aloud-Lesson-Plans-2967333" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7scE3fyQgd6UTq5VROJCto9SlNx1D_2na22QI7ZUNw-mo2mQDAGO8t8sW3X0CUxM2ZK0Pd2kpGsjE7-py-U59FcqYwqYxNxtqRjehlAfhyphenhyphenyoUmqeTVY93CA1BarWnBQBqXd3bd3baffFn/s400/Slide2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Worksheets & Mini-Charts</h3>
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This resource includes 5 differentiated worksheets for retelling and story elements. It also includes some mini-charts to support building background knowledge and vocabulary. </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Read-Aloud-Wake-Up-Groundhog-Interactive-Read-Aloud-Lesson-Plans-2967333" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhy4vz9WrWA80BhNlcjoPKfkggUoXej4_p7b3XoZ4yB_toBYqlcEpBAiOsSfVjNftiyllpE0UJ3WOMGQiXX_9V0HOdipbbTaVWh8WPMqrtEbSHrs0vyCTHMLybRK75Vq0OvYzIC9qCfdGb/s400/Slide4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Vocabulary</h3>
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Like most of my Interactive Read Alouds, this one also includes vocabulary resources. The vocabulary words for this resource are burrow and fellow. Also included is a vocabulary information sheet with ideas and suggestions, sticky note printables and print and cut notes for just the vocabulary words as well as a worksheet your students can use to define and support their learning. </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Read-Aloud-Wake-Up-Groundhog-Interactive-Read-Aloud-Lesson-Plans-2967333" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2VjUb-oAeqrfSzSg6RkM-Veh0ktXmdboPtEww_pA0TKXwsLbXD6uh4x0vASk1cT3pTzUSAGG5i4jjQJ7S7vPKc11grLNkqLOiskj95vVRym9w9q9Nbc0mxx3SKwrZ6cx6OJ962or8Zm4C/s400/Slide3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Graphing Activity</h3>
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The last thing this resource has are materials for your students to predict if they believe if the groundhog will see his shadow. On February 1st, or before if it's over the weekend, have your students color one of the black and white groundhogs and use a pocket chart to create a graph. Then complete the graphing worksheet. My kids love this activity! </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Read-Aloud-Wake-Up-Groundhog-Interactive-Read-Aloud-Lesson-Plans-2967333" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6u6hpFhAfhEenlkQqSugcrkR75lsKZF3gKpYvDLTUVgEOCe6WtbZ_HXfCdVtcT9FP7zpIAwLMftKyD2vk2ZYPLjma82wLJOS5243UHJ2Vu1BRBgQK7BdoHqof1xdIBbRWRgGL0P2_I2oK/s400/Slide5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love this resource and I hope your students will too! </div>
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Please pin and share!</div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927661170070/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgok9II7tNCQeic2RC02I64jPTN4PzPBleVlMvFQhk2V5H2XTRR_arg-_snYoWC0ZPx6QQ_51KpgHHC4BZj89pAryP3wuPAxxXuoS9ulvSAK7YnLkEkXp2UaFDBhof9fxz4DZiw8-Tp18Br/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Want more resources like this one? Check out <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Read-Aloud-Bundle-for-the-Year-Lesson-Plans-and-Activities-3166684" target="_blank">>>THIS<< </a>resource or<a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2017/06/everything-you-need-to-know-about.html" target="_blank"> >>THIS<<</a> blog post. </div>
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</script>Paige Bessickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13591480790082983036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659477103938171273.post-82347469754696193322017-11-13T19:15:00.001-06:002019-02-20T20:31:32.136-06:00Shared Reading: Down on the FarmShared reading is one of those activities where you can get the most bang for your buck! Especially in kindergarten and first grade, shared reading makes your students readers. It teaches so many skills and makes your youngest readers feel like readers. It turns non-readers into kids who believe they can read. Keep reading to learn all about my newest resource.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiEjaBOEohN6DHrmCv5l0MZjR34JvmU_nTy4_gp8_TBvb73naXETh7v_nwxTK_wCkd2yUtfnnKDz-awDQ6De1DXm_IclT404dhTlomq8VgglxorxuYOXOkRXW1aSHd5pfVtY2oqk5GJjW/s1600/Slide1.jpg"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiEjaBOEohN6DHrmCv5l0MZjR34JvmU_nTy4_gp8_TBvb73naXETh7v_nwxTK_wCkd2yUtfnnKDz-awDQ6De1DXm_IclT404dhTlomq8VgglxorxuYOXOkRXW1aSHd5pfVtY2oqk5GJjW/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans"; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">**This post contains affiliate links from Amazon. By purchasing an item on the Amazon site using these links, I will receive a small commission on your purchase. This helps me to continue writing this blog and providing you with these tips and ideas. Thank you!</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans"; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans"; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"><br />
</span> To say I'm excited about my newest resource line is probably an understatement. You probably already know my love of interactive read alouds, shared reading is right behind that. And as I was looking to include it more in my classroom, and searching Teachers pay Teachers to make it easier for me, I was at a loss. There just wasn't much for shared reading resources. So I have taken it upon myself to start a new product line that I am very excited about!<br />
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<b>Please say hello to my newest resource line: Shared Reading Lesson Plans & Activities. </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Shared-Reading-Lesson-Plans-Poem-Activities-Down-on-the-Farm-3490607" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-2nP6E-P47TDJXtNOE3Do025A3UYRYEBWx6eCoOfn7W4vfoBKf1mz3A9paeJI_y3XTcucO6ip7Zm-b9wOoiN7R36uOaL5Toclm-BuwJopZM7RTeeRiwIyXizPTxwdveY4bDNFpTpSEXR/s320/Slide2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://%2A%2Athis%20post%20contains%20affiliate%20links%20from%20amazon.%20by%20purchasing%20an%20item%20on%20the%20amazon%20site%20using%20these%20links%2C%20i%20will%20receive%20a%20small%20commission%20on%20your%20purchase.%20%20this%20helps%20me%20to%20continue%20writing%20this%20blog%20and%20providing%20you%20with%20these%20tips%20and%20ideas.%20%20thank%20you%21/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwa85rbiryi0630xDu5wScT0erbS77DJqMF12U6bsJnBlw7PEx1Aj4Rre26a3MMfYu7dt0O0ODDK9lg_C0THIGKG2x0E3tftEeKF0nFZgsJ-CtME_ggVWXkxs5G4Rz4q3rILWCkTxjwnp/s200/down+on+the+farm+cover.jpg" width="138" /></a>My very first resource is for a book called <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0152048553/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0152048553&linkId=72cd2f3f3e5c0b6834d8034511bd0227" target="_blank">Down on the Farm by Rita Lascaro</a>. It is a fun little book all about a girl, the things she sees on a farm and what they do. It has a terrific pattern that supports even our lowest readers. It is not leveled, but I would say it could be used for beginning readers, which I would say is below a level C. (Please note, I am not a book leveler, this is just my opinion.)<br />
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The pattern in this book is so predictable that I love to create a writing extension and have my students do their own writing to follow the pattern.<br />
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I've taken a ton of time to complete this resource as I wanted to make sure it had everything I wanted to include and provide a resource that can work for most teachers.<br />
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This resource includes a weekly over lesson plan and 5 complete lessons for 5 days of shared reading. Each day focuses on one specific skill. See my blog post <a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2017/10/what-is-shared-reading-and-why-it-is-so.html#more" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> for more information about shared reading.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9m33N1fdVcLkTE9H8nxx5llNxObZ9KhTA3Dlkq9n6GoZbzcoIv-uwdW88xDEQyq7Kl9sz1HMSnhZM0_Ax12B5ex3a-T5TaesqK8t77w_7lBiDEQWzeshJx38Q96Ga-0YszTkL7Jn-n0W/s1600/Slide1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9m33N1fdVcLkTE9H8nxx5llNxObZ9KhTA3Dlkq9n6GoZbzcoIv-uwdW88xDEQyq7Kl9sz1HMSnhZM0_Ax12B5ex3a-T5TaesqK8t77w_7lBiDEQWzeshJx38Q96Ga-0YszTkL7Jn-n0W/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This resource also includes a poem written by my fabulous mother-in-law to go with the book and include the focus sight words for the book: can, see & my. An optional daily lesson plan is also included for ways to use this poem.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHAbLclBOmNpQShX4Be4GIrc0mb1gCzQpJ2Xw87vVVwUCWPupzswjEahh7VLkvhvBPG77tZjLB7bjtne9qGw9lujyhqHwSYEACvichkeyz4Q4DYeubZze3if_pykCqY2Rt4EOeTyufIP-/s1600/Slide4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHAbLclBOmNpQShX4Be4GIrc0mb1gCzQpJ2Xw87vVVwUCWPupzswjEahh7VLkvhvBPG77tZjLB7bjtne9qGw9lujyhqHwSYEACvichkeyz4Q4DYeubZze3if_pykCqY2Rt4EOeTyufIP-/s320/Slide4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A background knowledge chart perfect for the document camera, sight word cards, pictures and word cards for retelling are also included. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrFSO8afFmU9hlCMtDCQ3tm5mWdSqm82vnaesA-F87pIltJpAwFQujYYC78DJMovMQME3LOy0L5NlM6R7e_YnBwfzcjXuf44ozVb5_GlNDzv8MyRBGFxjWReo8k4CmF8ZGivMwQBvZWlI/s1600/Slide3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrFSO8afFmU9hlCMtDCQ3tm5mWdSqm82vnaesA-F87pIltJpAwFQujYYC78DJMovMQME3LOy0L5NlM6R7e_YnBwfzcjXuf44ozVb5_GlNDzv8MyRBGFxjWReo8k4CmF8ZGivMwQBvZWlI/s320/Slide3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And my favorite thing to do with shared reading is to create a class book. This resource includes a writing extension with differentiated paper options, student samples, and a cover. Everything you need to make your own class book. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsNxQGLxPjzDK02X3kCktVG_tQLGLVzQg_73MOr0QcyX7AeG9S6Ojsc8-RdIqgxNCoGV_1A9k6QZRfVv1CSRECf_6AY65jjNkY0AOm8cv7WhGxwIm7LSWj25RrpiGdmRO0T7rbUcTOiVz/s1600/Slide2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsNxQGLxPjzDK02X3kCktVG_tQLGLVzQg_73MOr0QcyX7AeG9S6Ojsc8-RdIqgxNCoGV_1A9k6QZRfVv1CSRECf_6AY65jjNkY0AOm8cv7WhGxwIm7LSWj25RrpiGdmRO0T7rbUcTOiVz/s320/Slide2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So there you have it. My very first shared reading resource. I cannot wait to offer you more and make shared reading easy and fun! Please let me know in the comments or email me at <a href="mailto:ourelementarylive@gmail.com">ourelementarylive@gmail.com</a>, what your favorite shared reading books are, I'd love to create some resources for those books. </div>
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As always, please pin and share for others to see.<br />
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927660564803/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWkJitsSRtf0KjpRMUDVRkr1LfczVHaF12HyVV4I6blpw0QmeASbCVWy2DOE9TwQFaMXxt0fmuQks03XiO6lqdjkIvrYpwmqkIadmyqXPTctdE-mxjvAn4kTOfimT5kJjqO4gnVMdD4Js/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Happy reading!<br />
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<br />Paige Bessickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13591480790082983036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659477103938171273.post-3801771253087568692017-10-15T15:30:00.002-05:002019-02-28T20:22:01.307-06:00What Is Shared Reading and Why It Is So Important<span style="font-family: inherit;">Picture this: you've got a book under the document camera just above the reading level of most of your students. They are choral reading the book with you and you're stopped by a word covered with a sticky note. The students are eager to figure out that word to see if they are right. You work with the students to use vital strategies for figuring out tricky words and each child has an idea of what that word might be. You slowly peel back that sticky note, read the correct word as whispers of "yes" are heard from throughout the group. Your students are engaged and learning important reading skills. This is shared reading! Shared reading is a necessary activity in all classrooms, especially in primary classrooms. Keep reading to learn more! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927666783559/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_tLN3q8P-cPUtBgNgeCjxp_4i61YfuaS2tObkeqg0J1U-gsg6K8a5PedXeWThxDAH6_4XANMoRabQP_Tclg2d0gzELAf-SLjKNzFJ5WCaCwZS9z4mWilMJz1-ej5B8RVmDY-D5b1JYav/s640/Slide2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans"; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">**This post contains affiliate links from Amazon. By purchasing an item on the Amazon site using these links, I will receive a small commission on your purchase. This helps me to continue writing this blog and providing you with these tips and ideas. Thank you!</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans"; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"> </span></span><br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What is Shared Reading?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Shared reading is "an interactive reading experience that occurs when students join in or share the reading of a book or other text while guided and supported by a teacher. The teacher explicitly models the skills of proficient readers, including reading with fluency and expression." (from <a href="http://www.readingrockets.org/strategies/shared_reading" target="_blank">Reading Rockets</a>) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It is a method of teaching reading that allows for students to be supported while reading a leveled text just above their reading level. It can be used to teach all reading strategies including decoding, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary. It is an appropriate activity for all grade levels, but should especially be done in the primary classroom. </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/157110304X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=157110304X&linkId=4dc534ffade5c01bc2e840fbb77e250d" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Read It Again book cover" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQrEXO0-vcfgC3JvjvhXYX_A5byx80zvclxPIjS68jDlCP8JqmFUgKqqHCnTsLX8J3R9YBrPuOV22EQuLTtSFM3IfiSt2oH2TJ9rZTpizL4iRkDJZWC7aVktip3dlyIWeujPdTO9LIC2Oz/s200/read+it+again+cover.jpg" title="shared reading book cover" width="160" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />I just got the book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/157110304X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=157110304X&linkId=4dc534ffade5c01bc2e840fbb77e250d" target="_blank"><u>Read It Again: Revisiting Shared Reading</u> by Brenda Parkes</a> and have been devouring everything in it. I have a very low group of students this year, so we have been doing a lot (A LOT) of shared reading. This book has been a huge help in giving me ideas and activities to complete while doing our daily shared reading.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Brenda Parkes says that "shared reading is to provide children with an enjoyable reading experience, to introduce them to a variety of authors and illustrators...and to entice them to want to be readers themselves." Another purpose "is to teach children systematically and explicitly how to be readers and writers themselves." (<u>Read It Again!</u>, pg. 1-2)</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Essentially, during shared reading, you are reading a book WITH your students as they chime in. You are demonstrating comprehension and word solving strategies and showing them what it looks like to be a reader. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Like interactive read alouds and guided reading, shared reading is an important aspect of any balanced literacy program. While interactive read alouds support </span>comprehension<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and provide a fluent reading model, shared reading is an interactive experience where students help you read and learn strategies right along with you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Want to learn more about Interactive Read Alouds? Check out <a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2017/06/everything-you-need-to-know-about.html" target="_blank">>>THIS<<</a> post! </span></div>
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<h3>
Why Shared Reading Is So Important</h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"As with all components of balanced literacy instruction, shared reading provides rich opportunities for students to discover the pleasures of reading. Because students gather around the teacher in groups, a sense of community is established and students feel encouraged and confident to read along in an enthusiastic environment. Also, young readers are introduced to different genres and authors. A variety of reading strategies are demonstrated during shared reading, dependent upon what is appropriate for the context of the story and the genre." (from <a href="http://www.k12reader.com/shared-reading-%E2%80%93-a-critical-component-of-balanced-literacy-instruction/" target="_blank">K12 Reader</a>)</span></div>
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<b>Shared Reading is so important because it:</b></div>
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<li>provides struggling readers with the support they need to learn how to read on their own.</li>
<li>ensures all students feel successful because you are providing support for the whole group.</li>
<li>encourages the teaching and use of comprehension strategies. </li>
<li>can build sight word recognition with the use of predictable texts.</li>
<li>builds fluency with repeated readings.</li>
<li>encourages engaged and active learners.</li>
<li>provides learning opportunities for all level readers in your group.</li>
<li>teaches students explicitly how to use reading strategies.</li>
<li>provides strategies and practice for figuring out tricky words.</li>
<li>gives students the confidence to use strategies taught in their own reading.</li>
</ul>
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Very rarely do we do things in our classroom that can teach so many skills. Like Interactive Read Alouds, shared reading teaches your students so many different skills with just one activity. I think the most important reason for doing shared reading is it turns your non-readers into readers. </div>
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After we have read a book for the week, most, if not all of your students will know that book by heart. I typically have several copies of the book we have read and will then give my lowest readers, who I know can read that book after completing all of the activities for a week, the book to add to their independent reading book bag. They feel confident with that book and will often time read that book over and over. They love to take it home and share it with their parents too. The excitement you have created by providing them with the knowledge and practice to read a book, any book, is contagious and will hopefully fuel them to work hard to read even more books. </div>
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What Shared Reading Looks Like in My Classroom</h3>
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Shared reading is a common practice in my classroom, especially at the beginning of the year. I believe shared reading is so important for our students just learning to read (most of my first graders) that at the beginning of the year, I do it daily. We read a different book every week for the first couple of months. </div>
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Once most of my students become confident readers on their own (reading books above a level D/E and can sit and read several books in a row), I rotate between shared and interactive reading weekly. </div>
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The nice thing about shared reading is that each week, the activities for each day pretty much stay the same, just the pre-reading poem, book and words used in the book change. </div>
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<b>So here's what happens in my classroom:</b></div>
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Before starting the activity with the book each day, we prepare ourselves to be readers by reading a quick poem. This could be a poem about an activity going on in your class or school, a holiday or a phonics skill your working on, really anything. You want to make sure it's not too hard and that your students can read it fluently after several repeated readings. These poems then get added to our Poem Binders so students can practice reading them on their own for fluency (more on that in another blog post.)</div>
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Once we have warmed up our brains with our poem, we dig into the book. Each day during the week, we complete a different activity with the book. </div>
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<li>Day 1: Build background knowledge, book introduction, start reading, tricky words-echo read.</li>
<li>Day 2: Figure out tricky words, discuss important vocabulary-choral read.</li>
<li>Day 3: Study sight words or phonics skills-choral read with you dropping out more often.</li>
<li>Day 4: Practice for fluency-choral read with you dropping out often.</li>
<li>Day 5: Putting it all together with a fun reading or writing activity.</li>
</ul>
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Now, each day has a new purpose for reading that book, and I'm not going to go into more detail right now. That will be another post.<br />
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I do have one more thing to share with you today! As with anything in your classroom, the more prepared you are to teach something, the better it goes. Shared reading is not something you can just wing. You will want to put some thought into your activities and the words you pick. So today, I have a <a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B4l8S0lRaqChUTFqMGFoS1haUE0" target="_blank">shared reading planner</a> for you. This is the one I use each week and I keep it tucked into the book so I never lose it.<br />
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Click <a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B4l8S0lRaqChUTFqMGFoS1haUE0" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> or on the picture to get this FREEBIE!</div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B4l8S0lRaqChUTFqMGFoS1haUE0" target="_blank"><img alt="shared reading weekly planner" border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZz300LZJF-r5gw8fBV2Cf1DveHUqER8vmEsmGlvpjrev49jBQ7vRe23QEwH4i7KERrv6c1TJNYRETpmU6HbOfMBMckFlHVTVVbHPXX6a05-QZ6xONLP8G5yBS82yjzPTb59k61md0yP7/s400/Slide5.jpg" title="what is shared reading and why it is important" width="400" /></a></div>
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A SAMPLE week of lesson plans for Big Red Apple is included in this FREEBIE. Everything you need along with a writing extension activity and plans is included. </div>
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Click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Shared-Reading-Lesson-Plans-Activities-FREE-SAMPLE-Big-Red-Apple-4410495" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> or on the picture below. </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Shared-Reading-Lesson-Plans-Activities-FREE-SAMPLE-Big-Red-Apple-4410495" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63-GJ8b4ulakvB67DIwA3rds7XnH2B8V2keAjiwzerYyHbR2DoFycgA1R5OzIBBPIq1-mUpSzS1ey3LxbLb-o80P4C2L49O9PC7NFzYtwOtnQp3jN4KZ75WLrM04z09Mbem4W2leOTNOR/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439098602/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0439098602&linkId=5c88d3387977777b0d67bcaed0d153ea" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8BLkjFmptEn3v5eklfcpopWIkB7kz-lAdTIikYWeLKvszM5QmoLGFymOAFEjgb5oyUIYEUHJOy_aEzFMeN1y7tZKBqYgXbGUYafO8CKF8HQ2IHxltymogOAapSyJmyvbmmCsDxiAL9ek/s200/big+red+apple+cover.jpg" width="133" /></a>Do you know this book? It's perfect for first graders. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439098602/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0439098602&linkId=5c88d3387977777b0d67bcaed0d153ea" target="_blank">Big Red Apple by Tony Johnston</a>. Like I said earlier, this book is just above where most of my students are (probably a level D/E). I also like to have several copies to give to my students after we have completed the activities. They will then add it to their book bag to read during independent time.<br />
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My main focus for this post was for you to understand what shared reading is and why it is so important. Do you do it in your classroom? What books do you like to read? What are your favorite activities? I'd love for you to comment below or email me at <a href="mailto:ourelementarylives@gmail.com">ourelementarylives@gmail.com</a> and share with me.<br />
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If you want to learn more, you can check out<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/All-About-Shared-Reading-3457408" target="_blank"> this FREEBIE</a>.<br />
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Click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/All-About-Shared-Reading-3457408" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> or on the picture below. </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/All-About-Shared-Reading-3457408" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzKPij-wY0-N_R8sYmWDs_GpC92utNgpiqohQD0LrC4kV3w-Jxj6XD2TVUjzDitFVrii4Fh204-T_gfQgnTPYPBBubg044kU5yJm0z1ID7zWYpkujUgtPO8SJu1BkrK8e1C2R9GyVJ26o/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Check out some of my Shared Reading Resources too by clicking <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives/Category/Shared-Reading-311650" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> or on the images below.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Shared-Reading-Lesson-Plans-Poem-Activities-Down-on-the-Farm-3490607?aref=nmuntn5m" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="What is shared reading and why it is so important. This blog post tells you everything you need to know about shared reading in a primary classroom. Perfect for kindergarten, first and second grade teachers, see why shared reading should be done in every classroom and all of the skills students will learn." height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2qyqePxYIsC9vDrGrtRF00JTSiffzRL_N8_ZDuT9ky0WluqZOzKoZD9j9j3is_TB_SJ9WxeLHLjo1IUpmZwCuyP4n8rITKeP1eMIgOUYDQj3WJklx8MbdBoSIrqiV2gKUVH25R7aCpWz/s200/Slide2.png" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Shared-Reading-Lesson-Plans-Activities-Cookies-Week-3605079" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XJIAGcyvEsaY8LRbSPcftlNIxpbWaCPBt3v5EID4a0zE5xSyGZcI3Zcn0TNo-kQZCuBNCpnEGfjB4NoKUKpQlgE3j5XdF8ix5cHwSf66zlH1atnsRVlq29wlMERDSwKWu52yMPQK033B/s200/Slide1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Shared-Reading-Lesson-Plans-Poem-Activities-Pumpkin-Pumpkin-3545658" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBzlTz2wqdhgI1MU7r4rGrh0sM95t3KClzIM8bZqYmrBEUHbTWOj8qtygvI61zpX33kq4LYb9D6QhpJ04ODa9daWB3TTnJ9I4D3JR27w1sko7pjbPZz-4IY5aslhIuX7dh6cPjo1UW3UcJ/s200/Slide1.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Shared-Reading-Bundle-Lesson-Plans-Poems-Activities-4142010" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcccjFLIfBQkeBI9HikX9QY_NEr6ozzAXy0If9eAXtnUSXpSV7Q4wlyLpH1_6YwYXPqZ_fFCi974U3dtaeUt-C1fXzyRtmGlUHOXK3lZsd4RztqfhkdmYEuv1QUgu24Xnwxbe_XwRyIkyZ/s200/Slide1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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You can also find out more about the shared reading resource: Down on the Farm in a blog post <a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2017/11/shared-reading-down-on-farm.html" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a>.<br />
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As always, if you found this useful, please pin and share for others to see.<br />
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927666783559/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLUcuaV4QMrbAI7OJ4x4ACMETBM69ZPp3eJ3ZTSQV0Ds7XBqJnsxJ8s4mi5VXAhSVU-NHlFxeJ1y9DuoqK0urHA0ueJ3XZ4yrls_Y7550xui-vm1AP2H0IrZHxWCOlgz0VmWWrC3VREp7/s400/Slide2.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
Stay tuned for another post of what it looks like in my classroom and more activities that you can do each day!<br />
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Happy Shared Reading!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJJamy-WrquEij8AXLnWj-VmHNw1au_aW9XXXRbCGSP6Bqa-M11T8benwS1lmKd6SahRq5Pk2KotatvLnQiRngVgPPEhu4sUBAvVF7TROR9hApVgvXa6w8xiGWl92WJ1ln0f7i92Mu1A_/s1600/make+learning.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="65" data-original-width="966" height="41" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJJamy-WrquEij8AXLnWj-VmHNw1au_aW9XXXRbCGSP6Bqa-M11T8benwS1lmKd6SahRq5Pk2KotatvLnQiRngVgPPEhu4sUBAvVF7TROR9hApVgvXa6w8xiGWl92WJ1ln0f7i92Mu1A_/s640/make+learning.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ylDNo6NYZJRKYXQZH4tin7unf6rR2HKM0nmUXrrGbaCRh1SmU1C5SejLgHW0qdvsQyI1D1jkO-zfbZPAInr_8aJ2Yq3xPxjxZzGYD-pbLtw5UsrmyHWVaTHDYa5rw6hGKtIUkw7ZHa_k/s400/Signature-Pink.png" /></a> </div>
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Paige Bessickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13591480790082983036noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659477103938171273.post-12064097507328217672017-09-12T10:31:00.000-05:002018-10-13T14:14:14.211-05:00The Best Books to Start Your Year in a Primary ClassroomIt's no secret that I love reading aloud to my students (I'm pretty sure I start every read aloud blog post like this #sorrynotsorry). Reading aloud is so important for the reading development of our students. See my blogs posts <a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2017/07/4-important-reasons-why-you-should.html" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> and <a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2017/08/6-more-important-reasons-why-you-should.html" target="_blank">>>HERE<< </a>to see why. Anyway, I like to start reading aloud to my students on the first day of school. Yes, THE VERY FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL! I love getting into the routine of what read alouds look like so I start with them from the beginning and read a lot of books the first couple of weeks. These are some of my favorites you should definitely check out.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjax0ifNjR2Th1LDLDKgqTiYUEL4mgMBQVunHzgyUyP9zyQJHGm7ndbko7fFyHRlxIs-7lMCeGE7veQUu0myTuan1LqQ4tiVTIpPSNsxx4Wr9AzfG4pONIjlbASvg_wI5TH7zLWj9QG1I/s1600/Slide2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjax0ifNjR2Th1LDLDKgqTiYUEL4mgMBQVunHzgyUyP9zyQJHGm7ndbko7fFyHRlxIs-7lMCeGE7veQUu0myTuan1LqQ4tiVTIpPSNsxx4Wr9AzfG4pONIjlbASvg_wI5TH7zLWj9QG1I/s640/Slide2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans"; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">**Click on any of the book images to be taken to Amazon. This post contains affiliate links from Amazon. By purchasing an item on the Amazon site using these links, I will receive a small commission on your purchase. This helps me to continue writing this blog and providing you with these tips and ideas. Thank you!</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans"; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"> </span></span><br />
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At the beginning of the year, I tend to stick to read aloud books in four main categories:<br />
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<li>Getting to know each other</li>
<li>Teaching behavior expectations and routines</li>
<li>Getting reader's workshop started</li>
<li>Getting writer's workshop started </li>
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1. Getting to Know Each Other</h3>
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The first day of school and a new year can bring a lot of nerves and anxiety to everyone involved, teachers and students. I love to begin our year by reading aloud books that normalize these feelings and help us get to know each other. Building a community from day one is so important so I like to pick books that support that mission. </div>
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This is typically my very first read aloud. The students don't expect the surprise at the end. We do a lot of talking about different feelings we have on the first day and how those feelings change throughout the day and into the next day. </div>
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Want an Interactive Read Aloud & activities for this book? Click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Read-Aloud-First-Day-Jitters-Lesson-Plans-Activities-3327266" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/158089061X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=158089061X&linkId=d7ab7e28f66a004dac9a75dc252f3e99" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="A book to read on the very first day of school." border="0" height="320" nopin="nopin" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgosh9u6nqM4dIvG8VNc_rZJl776jm5Fr_xDOahTsOxi2d8OsIzQjaoIaQTYZF-zjAmprtenWA2-IqvX0DSP96XZjiFF8cpfp4w7HW2VfcoLEv_eCYIQdM3SS54KQTHVTjLGERa0JRaIthF/s320/first+day+jitters+back+to+school+read+aloud+pic.jpg" title="First Day Jitters" width="254" /></a></div>
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This is the other read aloud book I typically read on the first day of school. Because I teach first grade, my students can really connect with this book. We discuss what they think first grade will be like and make connections to <u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/158089061X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=158089061X&linkId=181d0180a6a895be3d7780497c707bb6" target="_blank">First Day Jitters</a></u>. We also talk about what jitters means. </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060776323/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0060776323&linkId=65b0844f308df4e4f4860cf9e65d9dab" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Connect your first graders with this book." border="0" height="320" nopin="nopin" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1BFtC1URLN_4gGQ72Er6XpY3VO7vQ1JrVgw3KCQt69o1XLSxfwrYAPDV-gONj0Inn7FGOk1I1DtSuAPBP5HtB5kONDd9NXfNZ6dwYkG2ebStx8dtP9mIgqjNupTDZnRK_ROFuoYoCk_O/s320/first+grade+jitters+back+to+school+read+alouds.jpg" title="First Grade Jitters" width="220" /></a></div>
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I love Kevin Henkes and I love this book! This is a great one to talk about our names and how our names are special to us. We do a bunch of name activities including learning the names of everyone in our class, learning how to spell and write our own names, first and last, and discussing the number of letters and what all of the names start with. </div>
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See my Interactive Read Aloud Resource <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Read-Aloud-Chrysanthemum-Interactive-Lesson-Plans-Activities-3207637" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0688147321/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0688147321&linkId=42c8fc726ae83b4b3c2f04732709f616" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Learn all about names with this adorable book." border="0" height="320" nopin="nopin" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OpU0IRuxFvD_IJBGjANSp9H3gD_fhEszGlq6qDf5XndLB_RvZl0fMNguJqA_ZVcf0jftF0KMN29MTUEI9eZLT6p54jwB0B34ft2qzp0scC5hYhJyCmXIFkMm5ZqeAaxMoJly2nr1ua5H/s320/chrysanthemum+back+to+school+read+aloud.jpg" title="Chrysanthemum" width="251" /></a></div>
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2. Teaching Behavior & Routines</h3>
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Teaching behavior and routines are so important the first month or two of the school year. By teaching routines now, you are setting the stage for a successful year where your students learn and know the classroom expectations. Routines and expectations make your classroom a safe place where students are able to learn. </div>
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I can think of a student in my class right now, who I can't wait to read this book to. This book makes blurting out understandable to kids and why it is not OK to do. I LOVE this book and read it to my kids several times a year when our blurting out starts to erupt again.</div>
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Check out my IRA & behavior supports for this book <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Read-Aloud-My-Mouth-is-a-Volcano-Lesson-Plans-Activities-3265174?aref=mhbk2kbi" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1931636850/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1931636850&linkId=72b0ebfd05507b088f67c6db57408f68" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Help your students control their blurting with this book." border="0" height="279" nopin="nopin" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZRWQBTSNDUaWU32GcnQb_y-TdVGEyGTk1fqqUeieaPZYUikcdloYCi430PKwnYVE1dKCnfaykbnvxKQk3U0s87ZWORcpB7C-Hdx8aXu34KPdZbejsnOx5Tx6losN_ZmtMp6N0sWew32B/s320/my+mouth+is+a+volcano+back+to+school+read+aloud.jpg" title="My mouth is a volcano" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">This is another favorite for teaching behavior and expectations. Being a bucket filler means you are being nice and kind and helping people. This book explains being respectful in a kid friendly manner. I use this book ALL year, but we start using it at the very beginning of the year. </span></div>
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Want more resources for this book? Click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives/Search:bucket+filler" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/099609993X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=099609993X&linkId=17ed149adeb0b5ffffe8dc3ffae36361" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Teach your students how to be bucket fillers in the classroom." border="0" height="244" nopin="nopin" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvaheB0JuYOTz78bavA1GhGo-kWnDhsEOgsoxc4x6LPnVfZXBXjkNeji0I3G_YvOQRLu9jHQTXjg0owadSQ3iS7rPECDc-H_OEUYXyH86j3lUgd0-p1RhYVo-cP0QqwnBoGChIwAN9byNd/s320/have+you+filled+a+bucket+today+back+to+school+read+aloud.jpg" title="Have you filled a bucket today? " width="320" /></a></div>
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This is a new book I added to our read aloud selection at the beginning of this year. I enjoy all of Jane Yolen's books, but the How Do Dinosaurs series is just adorable. This year my kids seemed to really understand that we can be like dinosaurs and either make good choices or bad choices, it's up to us. I've heard several times talking about expectations, "we don't want to be bad dinosaurs."</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439020816/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0439020816&linkId=ee973432b60da7d69362904bb4fefa34" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Teach how we can be like dinos and make good or bad decisions." border="0" height="320" nopin="nopin" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEal43yn9PD3YLObY78Hd04wPpmHUT6KdrvXkodEdrnFThKW43dMIUDv0nvk2q_QRSY3g-5wniIwChv-K-nxJHHQjY1XhtOmlCaLAtBwA8bAqnVX6Gu11dFB_Xjz3a5UQRPqO0iNYxaCS9/s320/how+do+dinosaurs+go+to+school+back+to+school+read+aloud.jpg" title="How do dinosaurs go to school" width="252" /></a></div>
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3. Getting Reader's Workshop Started</h3>
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Teaching reading is my favorite thing about first grade. The growth of a first grader's reading abilities is astonishing. I like to use books to help us get reader's workshop started because who doesn't love a good read aloud. As with almost all of the books I read in class, we are stopping and interacting with the book. By doing so, students really understand what it looks like to learn how to read. </div>
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I found this book several years ago and use it throughout the year for reading AND writing. It's perfect to start the year and teach our students how to read a story. We work so hard at the beginning of the year to get the routines down for independent reading and this book lends itself right into the work we do for that. </div>
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This book also works well when we do our how-to unit in writing workshop later in the fall.</div>
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I have several resources in my store for teaching independent reading. </div>
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Click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Anchor-Chart-2272935" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> or <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Read-Aloud-How-To-Read-a-Story-Interactive-Read-Aloud-Lesson-Plans-2221401" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXzeaVg3N-C5sBCZVoG6HZKSDXyKs15z4w6TPM-naFM3nZ9QHBGkcPfNayfbbtKq8fvSng6QeUSn0MIRlTjmjgYV_LGxJNx1JhvKFaJ-fQGu5Bke7zYETy4dflK6i9ILdTzL9BnWS6Mx-/s1600/how+to+read+a+story+back+to+school+read+alouds.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="perfect for starting reading workshop and what it looks like to be a reader." border="0" height="308" nopin="nopin" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXzeaVg3N-C5sBCZVoG6HZKSDXyKs15z4w6TPM-naFM3nZ9QHBGkcPfNayfbbtKq8fvSng6QeUSn0MIRlTjmjgYV_LGxJNx1JhvKFaJ-fQGu5Bke7zYETy4dflK6i9ILdTzL9BnWS6Mx-/s320/how+to+read+a+story+back+to+school+read+alouds.jpg" title="How to read a story" width="320" /></a></div>
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Do you know Rocket? He's the pet every classroom needs. There are more books about Rocket, but this is a favorite. Rocket, with the help of his little yellow bird teacher friend, learns how to read. My students love anything with animals so this really hits home. It's an adorable book to add to your reader's workshop reading list. </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1452112339/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1452112339&linkId=e4319643152fa80ac88e90e663563787" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Rocket learns to read, just like our students." border="0" nopin="nopin" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2so0LL6sd7d1v3PJdQ_ut5ndjlzrcz8HJQWjxlmfFgjjp4aDBh6fYbDXAoaRdlI7WtMVaNmiOOWpWI2KHc2Ek0LRNpn638JaGQwsTlHJ9tI2eY4VmQU786mYbZZ97S71H_FxJ4l5UH988/s400/how+rocket+leanred+to+read+back+to+school+read+aloud.jpg" title="How Rocket learned to read." /></a></div>
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This is another cute one about a little slug who learns to read. This is usually my first reader's workshop book that I read to the class. We talk about how this slug learned to read and we talk about how we're going to learn how to read too. We discuss what kinds of things we need to do to learn how to be better readers and set goals for ourselves as readers. </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0761458050/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0761458050&linkId=aed4b574111464d80f96d2180b9547c7" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Use this book to set goals for your students as readers." border="0" height="320" nopin="nopin" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5p0EIrcoOoTGHLaatDw0ZlQD1FtwIVvGLqiCGCI6TCJBNuijridsjbrQS-dV1aSde50gmNh83T6drL4Mg73drPvkqWilnL3dP8rtsMZHOp0MVR88t9yg4-fb1wiiuClJ_gIkB-vyXkIzv/s320/how+to+teach+a+slug+to+read+back+to+school+read+aloud.jpg" title="How to teach a slug to read" width="247" /></a></div>
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4. Getting Writer's Workshop Started</h3>
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Right behind my love of teaching reading is my love of teaching writing. Since going to NYC, Columbia University for Teacher's College Reading & Writing Project, my love of teaching writing has grown. These are great books to get your students excited to write!</div>
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<u>Ralph Tells a Story</u> is probably the cutest writing book you'll ever read. It's about a boy who can't think of anything to write about until he has to share his story and comes up with a great one. This is so relatable to my students who often have a hard time coming up with things to write about. Ralph is definitely a lovable little boy who we talk about as if he were a friend all year long. </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0761461809/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0761461809&linkId=a3afec2328a59c43963fa8b901708de6" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Ralph can't come up with what to write about, until he does. " border="0" height="256" nopin="nopin" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mU6fUnK1bUhpG0IsokQuV_WbAmGe1CLfxX7_BNFWc-du2-q0nvfUaoEadjjcqOdndwaUFzKtI2CwOJTbTRoDbJRCbNgv88iXJXwCqZGflCGOIHxckz7-JE5dMQF3DQz80fWzyCoSJJ11/s320/ralph+writes+a+story+back+to+school+read+aloud.jpg" title="Ralph tells a story" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ahhh...another Rocket book. See I told you we love Rocket books. In this one Rocket learns to write. Like Ralph, Rocket is not quite sure what to write about until he meets a little Owl friend. With the help of his teacher, the little yellow bird, Rocket learns to write a story, just like our students do. We love Rocket!</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375870865/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0375870865&linkId=5c80379447532fd428e992eccf7f7a95" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Rocker learns to write a story." border="0" nopin="nopin" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggidSbHqZoO-f4o4AXFeDqjHEg-p4JI-UcU2dUbuwMEbj_g583bffu4OuPJoMKuI8Hk10TN4fIA8zI4EoFkHoOjx5DSHy90v8tmvKZuCgyTTE-tK8R8pKCDu74xhSdN8y2Ca495iyBEDqM/s400/rocket+writes+a+story+back+to+school+read+aloud.jpg" title="Rocket writes a story" /></a></div>
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OK, I have to admit, this is a new one for me, but I am so excited to add it to our starting writer's workshop read aloud list. It's about a little boy who wants to write stories just like his big sister. She tells him that he's the boss of his writing and that a story can start with just a squiggle or a letter. This one is perfect for our kinders and first graders because this boy is at their same level. It's going to become a favorite, I'm sure. </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1771380160/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1771380160&linkId=8fbce53767cf0e5003761083edde0a98" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="A story can start with a squiggle or just a letter." border="0" height="320" nopin="nopin" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuoJmb2SPkWreFIy06aYV806YT20CUuHlmVPcz1M5HJnnNbtMNaae6dISqSpgpbZT7qO-DecwaY6EnthytJx6TFFRJN5ajwS5apqDWZVdop9NQidQo-DCWqKe4waDVQ3C-T4kxSmXoIdrD/s320/a+squiggly+story+back+to+school+read+aloud.jpg" title="A squiggly story" width="288" /></a></div>
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So there you have it, the best read alouds to start the year in a primary classroom. There are a ton more books that I read in the first couple of months, but these are definitely my favorites and the first ones I usually pick up to read to my new class. <br />
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What books do you use? I'm always looking for new books to try. Just shoot me an email at <a href="mailto:ourelementarylives@gmail.com">ourelementarylives@gmail.com</a>. I'd love to hear from you! <br />
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As always, please pin and share if you found this blog post helpful. It's readers like you that I love for getting my content out into the world. Thank you!<br />
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927659707769/"><img border="0" data-pin-description="Our Elementary Lives does it again with this fabulous post with 12 wonderful books to start the school year in a primary classroom. This post includes books to get to know your students, teach behaviors and expectations and get reader's and writer's workshop started in your kindergarten, first or second grade classroom. You don't want to miss seeing these excellent books." height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCBw3sY_Si4zJ6xfUrIeY7fVvsvvxql7dL79CXWBFTlzCJGWqm8_e9Uhab2q0VUeLy-fYhb9XgdXpbvc1-KFY5lbGuSSaXDgvewB7z8oYQoPrCOiZLXz6s1-Y8m0p68AhL4zwLu71ngXy/s400/Slide1.png" width="260" /></a></div>
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Until next time, happy reading!<br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDFznML94mv8vPUVT3rzGINT1YGy95_blbWt5YDwUNEywlqxWNtJyU2XiFGoHiwCAZtU5ec1bkgUc6vxsfmo1K2f6xFtSXf0XStiezlVeicoPEk2HQadkeML9E2sA3p3_ZCz-Op0P5gGD/s400/Signature-Pink.png" /></a></div>
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Paige Bessickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13591480790082983036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659477103938171273.post-66825720404470762542017-09-03T10:41:00.001-05:002018-05-30T19:34:52.829-05:004 Reasons Why Every Teacher Needs an Instagram AccountInstagram is my jam! It is by far my favorite social media outlet. Who doesn't love looking at pretty pictures? I've had my personal account since 2012 and my teacher account since 2015. It was shortly after starting my account for <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ourelementarylives/" target="_blank">Our Elementary Lives</a> that I realized just how valuable it has been to me as a teacher.<br />
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927659585302/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yNhczDJPxTlDsHEviTCwSUROiC3Qyt9mD-XaJuo9BOpMIetyRMR5ISUkoFU23hKarv6Z8oHvI8B3Qq1XH8QuMugkanW5Vq5ALZsBEtm35E3Jxm0BkjeK6YrUGpoJwcFg0dk3iEvrEdHe/s640/Slide1.png" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a name='more'></a>Like Pinterest, Instagram is one of my go-to's for great classroom and teaching ideas. This post is going to be short and sweet, so let's get started.<br />
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Do you have a personal IG account? Then I would also suggest that you create your own teaching account. I like having separate accounts because I can post all the pictures I want of my own boys on my personal account while keeping that account private. As a teacher, I want to be able to share and connect with other teachers so I have my teaching account as a public account (plus, if you want to win giveaways, you often have to be public). Also, there are so many teachers to follow that I like having my accounts separate so I can keep all of my teaching ideas in one place and not clog my personal account with the 100s of teachers that I follow. </div>
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Here are my reasons why you should have a Teacher Instagram account.</div>
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1. Great Ideas Daily</h3>
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There are millions of teachers on Instagram from all over the world who post fabulous ideas on a daily basis. No joke, every day I am saving ideas and saying to myself, "I need to try that." </div>
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Once you start learning hashtags that pertain to your grade level and interests, that's even better! Check out #teachersfollowteachers, #iteachfirst, #iteachsecond, #iteachwhateveryouteach, #teachersofinstagram, #igteachers, I could go on and on. </div>
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With the newer addition of IG stories, you are actually getting a glimpse into the classrooms of teachers all over the world, which is absolutely incredible. Teachers are sharing books, technology ideas, classroom management tips, teacher hacks, you name it, they're sharing it. I could sit and watch stories for hours if I wanted. It's better than Netflix. 😉 <br />
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If you're brand new to Instagram, definitely check out your grade level or subject hashtags. Some of my favorite teachers to follow are <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hellojenjones/" target="_blank">@hellojenjones</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/easyteachingtools/" target="_blank">@easyteachingtools</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/especiallyeducation/" target="_blank">@especiallyeducation</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ramonarecommends/" target="_blank">@ramonarecommends</a><span id="goog_340521338"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_340521339"></span>. </div>
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2. The Teaching Community</h3>
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The teaching community on Instagram is wonderful! Whether you have friends and colleagues that you work with, or not, there are millions of teachers on IG just waiting to help and support you. When I first started on IG I knew of some popular blogs that I knew I wanted to follow. Little did I know that some of these teachers (whose blogs I love and read often) would become my friends on Instagram. </div>
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Do you have a question about a picture? Do you want to know how a teacher made something? Just ask, 95% of the time they will answer you. And not even just answer you, if you send them a PM, they will most likely have a full on conversation with you. Seriously, the Instagram teaching community is the bomb! Don't be afraid to comment! </div>
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3. Giveaways & Freebies</h3>
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Have I mentioned all the giveaways? Seriously, ALL.THE.GIVEAWAYS! There are hundreds and they are actually winnable. People are hosting giveaways weekly. You could win gift cards, t-shirts, teaching supplies, you name it, you could win it. And it's usually pretty easy to enter too, just follow, like and sometimes comment. I've won TpT, Target, and Starbucks gift cards, t-shirts, mugs, pens, notebooks, all things we love. </div>
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Also, the freebies and deals are a nice perk too. If you like teachers on TpT, definitely follow them on Instagram because they will give flash freebies, give you deals and tell you about new resources on sale. If you're anything like me, I spend a lot of money on TpT and it's nice to get freebies and hear about sales, especially from my favorite sellers. </div>
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4. A Place to Store Your Ideas</h3>
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Instagram now has a way to save your favorite pictures with folders you can customize. I have folders for books, classroom ideas, quotes, behavior strategies. Just push the little flag icon on the far right of an image and put it into the folder you want.<br />
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I love this new feature! <br />
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Here's a picture of some of my folders in my collections. </div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927659585302/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTs2DfJrSBtbfkkC-5QR8aGdOkxNkG-ZNqVydgDOu5hIyAs5Rm07O0pPTp_EB_1CkGq2a5QcWd42twi1n58eafnndXBbm90CTqFVRVEsXnx1pRVS6A2JkxawAf28qCPCGACbSv9FaQWpIm/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Just click the flag to see your collections and touch and hold to add any IG image to your collections. </div>
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So there you have it, my top 4 reasons why EVERY teacher should have their own teaching Instagram account. If you need help setting one up, want more ideas of people to follow or just want to chat all things Instagram, <a href="mailto:ourelementarylives@gmail.com" target="_blank">email me</a> or comment below. </div>
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As always, if you found this helpful, please pin and share for others to see. </div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927659585302/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9UQnc9iTvCy7TAjmYKw2eKCKqYxblAAx0JYpKsu-Zrp-ree2EH9iDG6gr_VdHGYKbqNfoIsGw7YKbgfiKHOM4rb2ceU9rR4UyEML6bet0BM8lLwbVb9wwbpWEyAdPUywxATEMlzLtWrE/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
Until next time, happy Instagramming. <br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTIWpNuaHToDsAUuzZFtXSCRF7q8URF7-pRdBgtwmSHg3BA_8_NlWRd7_4xPUI-D0fZNpjYKkTOMIyiDWNwrOOCno9PXTKMfTOYiFfPZAd9qXM2w32YEAR1RRIq1X-8XfzUoLbtk_P9o-/s1600/Signature-Pink.png" /></a></div>
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p.s. Please don't blame me for the time you will now spend on Instagram. It will be some of the best professional development. </div>
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Paige Bessickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13591480790082983036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659477103938171273.post-90563923827448561132017-08-23T12:22:00.000-05:002018-07-09T21:16:26.687-05:006 More Important Reasons Why You Should Read to Your ChildrenIf you've been following my blog this summer, you know I've got a new mission: to support parents and families in reading to their children. We know that reading aloud to our kids is so important. I'm back to tell you 6 more (REALLY) important reasons why you should read to your children. <br />
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If you missed my first post, 4 important reasons why you should read to your children, you can check it out <a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2017/07/4-important-reasons-why-you-should.html" target="_blank">>>HERE<< </a>or by clicking the image below.<br />
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I'm back today to tell you 6 more really important reasons why we need to read to our children. The first four are very important, but these reasons are all academic based. When we read aloud to our children, they can learn so much and it prepares them for school success.<br />
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If you haven't checked out these books, you definitely should! Click the images below to see on Amazon.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014312160X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=014312160X&linkId=289bbbdf3d454797b5c69ee81378d20a" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjI9RZ4BgXlhBRxXI2FABtmJ8VbYYQMsDT1tMPNky25J93J0VFa7ty3xvt72CROgu9tV1yyP79D006lP4H6uPeM-4tsiCzNfrcVp8QXu6TOeuN0uXDs3A57002qzvj597GYXVetLWGzjx/s200/read+aloud+handbook+cover.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0156035103/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0156035103&linkId=4bbc0814472a2d392a610ebb49dc8c18" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uO98o9GNkgJLh3fNZckrVvtil_r2g5MrC8HF-0O3E52uglzKvqoggUj7mn7Z_tC7K3ROARy8XdZuLVOfa75LsurLkSwZRCMg5n4I1vP728YKCzbqZIiQ_uDpU4yc784s7Sv0kqlIGJuZ/s200/reading+magic+books.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="131" /></a></div>
If you need reasons to read to your children, this is it! These are vital in their academic success, I cannot stress that enough.<br />
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1. It Builds Concentration & the Ability to Focus on a Task</h4>
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When you start reading to a child, it's going to be tough. When you have a 2-3-month-old or even 8-month old like I have, it's not easy. They don't sit there and listen. They want to squirm and move and eat the book. But the more you read to them, the better they will become at being able to concentrate and focus on books. Benjamin, my 8-month old, has a hard time sitting and listening to books. He just started to crawl and that's all he wants to do, but I stick with it because I know at some point, he will be able to sit and listen to a whole story because I stuck with it. </div>
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My friend, Todd, reads to his newborn Leora. </div>
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Children who are read to early and often will quickly learn the skills needed to concentrate and focus on an entire book. They learn fast that books are enjoyed and that there is a great story waiting for them when they open a book. If children don't learn early how to listen to a story, it will be hard for them to ever be able to settle down for a book. In my class, I can tell you who are read to and who is not just by doing read alouds. Those kids who are not read to cannot sit and just listen to a story. How do we build that ability to concentrate, focus and listen to a story in its entirety? Read to them! </div>
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2. It Provides Opportunities to Discuss Important Topics</h4>
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When you choose beautifully written or not well-written, well-known, or not so well-known texts, something always happens no matter what book you read. It is inevitable that your child will ask questions. By asking questions, you are provided an easy opportunity to talk about important topics. <br />
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When you read books like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416941339/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1416941339&linkId=63b73eadfc23de973f4fba28eb964b47" target="_blank"><u>Smash! Crash! by John Scieszka</u> </a> you have to talk about what good friends do because Jack and Dan are not always the nicest trucks. And your son wants to know why they are being so mean and not making good choices, so you have to talk about it. Or when you read <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1494915049/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1494915049&linkId=0f985a45bef8f1928164fa9de4f4c9b6" target="_blank"><u>My Father's Dragon</u> by Ruth Stiles Gannett </a> and your son wants to know what kind of person would ever tie up a dragon. And even though it's a fantasy where animals talk, you have to discuss why someone would ever want to tie up a baby dragon, or any animal for that matter. </div>
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These are the conversations that teach your children about life. How to act, what's appropriate or not appropriate, how to be kind, how to be a good friend, what heaven is...you name it, it will probably come up. You are sharing important life lessons with your children. Life lessons that they might otherwise not learn. So how do you teach them these life lessons? Read to them! </div>
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3. It Develops Speaking & Conversation Skills</h4>
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How many questions is my child going to ask while we read this book before bed? That's always the question and as much as I try to hurry things along (I've got stuff to do), those questions and talking skills are so important. "Children don't learn to talk unless they are spoken to... which is why we need to have loving, laughing, deep-and-meaningful conversations with our kids" (Fox, pg. 15). </div>
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Read aloud time is the perfect time to engage in these conversations that teach them so much about how to speak and have conversations. In first grade, we work so hard on having back and forth conversations. I can tell right from the beginning of the year, who have had those experiences at home. By reading books, you are providing ample and easy opportunities to practice these skills. What's the best way to build speech and conversation skills? Read to them! </div>
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4. It Builds Background Knowledge and Vocabulary</h4>
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Think about where you "go" when you read a book. Construction sites, the jungle, far away places, fantasy islands. When you share a book with your child about lions, you are building their background knowledge and vocabulary about lions. They will learn that lions live in jungles, that males have manes, what their prey is, etc. When you read books, everything you read is going into their little brains and you will be surprised at what they will know and remember. </div>
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Every time you read, your child will be introduced to new words and new ways to use familiar words. This has a profound effect on their learning. I won't go into too many details, but in Jim Trelease's book, he talks about the amount of words heard by children by the age of 4. Kids from professional backgrounds hear about 45 million words by age 4. Kids from poverty only hear about 13 million words by the age of 4. This then leads to educational success. He says, "the least expensive thing we can give a child outside of a hug turns out to be the most valuable: words" (pg. 16). Jim also states that "The one pre-kindergarten skill that matters above all others, because it is the prime predictor of school success or failure, is the child's vocabulary up entering school" (pg. 15). Don't we want to support our children's school success? Read to them!</div>
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5. It Builds Listening Comprehension</h4>
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Comprehension is the ability to understand and recall a story. As we read, we are comprehending and understanding what is happening in the story. By being read to, your child is building their listening comprehension. </div>
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Children are able to understand higher level books than what they can read. Think about the books you read to your kids. They can't read them, but they for sure know what's going on. Listening comprehension is so important because it is one of the determining factors in your child's ability to comprehend as they read themselves. When they are read to, they know that they have to pay attention to what's going on in the story to be able to understand what is happening. This skill is vital because when they go to read on their own, they will know that they have to pay attention to what is going on in the story, not just what the words are. Build their listening comprehension so they will understand what they read on their own when the time comes. Read to them!</div>
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6. They Learn How to Read</h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Okay, okay, so they may not learn how to read words or all of the sounds or how to blend or segment words, but they learn the essential skills that are the basis of learning to read. They know how to hold a book and turn the pages. They know that books with words tell stories and that pictures support the stories. They can tell you what a sentence, word, and letter are. They can tell you that books have characters, a setting, a problem, and a solution. Probably not with those terms, but they understand how a story works. They can tell you what a title is, what an author and illustrator do and most importantly, they can tell you that they LOVE to read.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Having a love for reading is the hardest part of learning to read. As a first grade teacher, I come across this all the time. We read books daily in my classroom and I try my hardest to impress upon my students, and my own boys, my love of reading. But unless they have that love themselves and get it from their own parents, they may never understand the importance and power we have being able to read. Want your children to learn these essential skills? Read to them! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So there you have it, 6 really important reasons why we should read aloud to our children every day! I'd love to know any questions or comments you have and I love to connect with my readers. You can email me at <a href="mailto:ourelementarylives@gmail.com">ourelementarylives@gmail.com</a>, I'd love to hear from you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you know someone who you think would like this, please share and make sure to pin.</span><br />
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Until next time, read to your children!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTIWpNuaHToDsAUuzZFtXSCRF7q8URF7-pRdBgtwmSHg3BA_8_NlWRd7_4xPUI-D0fZNpjYKkTOMIyiDWNwrOOCno9PXTKMfTOYiFfPZAd9qXM2w32YEAR1RRIq1X-8XfzUoLbtk_P9o-/s1600/Signature-Pink.png" /></a></div>
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Paige Bessickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13591480790082983036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659477103938171273.post-38216540119224191252017-08-14T20:16:00.000-05:002019-01-05T14:27:19.195-06:005 More Tips to Get Writer's Workshop Up & RunningI love writer's workshop! I've had the chance to go to Columbia University Teacher's College in NYC for the Reading & Writing Project run by Lucy Calkins twice for writing! Writing has gone from my least favorite to one of my most favorite subjects to teach. I want to give you 5 tips more tips to get writer's workshop up and running. Want to see the first 5 tips? Check out <a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2017/02/5-tips-to-get-writers-workshop-up.html">>>THIS<<</a> blog post.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mQ7tVaTKkrPEgpVzsvBOtIFGjRG-ti60-dDo3cxVCl0ArseJ6xrDf2W0DXV5cgedxYZ5HKAdMun2RabswfDozeN2eooXPSsJuv78aQ53ItG6HRCCy7c0023dB6u8s1QQSWxeAi2YSmq7/s1600/Slide1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="5 tips for K-3 teachers starting writer's workshop." border="0" data-pin-description="5 MORE Tips to Get Writer's Workshop Up and Running in your elementary classroom. These are invaluable tips to help you launch and get started with writer's workshop. Includes tips for anchor charts, setting goals, writing partners and more! Perfect for kindergarten, first, second and third grades, you're going to love these tips! There's even an extra tip, make sure to check it out!" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mQ7tVaTKkrPEgpVzsvBOtIFGjRG-ti60-dDo3cxVCl0ArseJ6xrDf2W0DXV5cgedxYZ5HKAdMun2RabswfDozeN2eooXPSsJuv78aQ53ItG6HRCCy7c0023dB6u8s1QQSWxeAi2YSmq7/s640/Slide1.jpg" title="Title: 5 More tips to get writer's workshop up and running." width="640" /></a><br />
<a name='more'></a>Like I said earlier, this is post #2 with tips to get Writer's Workshop up and running. Click the image below to see the first post.<br />
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So onto the next 5 tips to help you get started with Writer's Workshop<br />
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1. There is No Such Thing as "Done"</h4>
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We've all heard it, a writer finishes a story on day 1 of writer's workshop, "I'm doooone" they say. You want to make it really clear what to do when they think they are done with a piece of writing. And you'll probably want to do this mini-lesson in the first week of writer's workshop, maybe even the second day. </div>
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When my students are "done" with a piece, I give them four options:</div>
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<li>Reread their piece.</li>
<li>Add to the words.</li>
<li>Add to the pictures.</li>
<li>Start a new piece.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosujXk1Mn9Vtr9UjrvkZUqpo3-fQytuk72DEojum32SpCoL6YM_HsaTZ-Ef6cMLnmYzv9cnsYWc79C6gpCdM6meQLk_HTx4HfjrHDZk2VDkfU-IHIbYw7oyj3ZztnjB2gD1z8uH0bvZmT/s1600/Slide1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Anchor chart for when your students think they're done." border="0" data-pin-description="5 MORE Tips to Get Writer's Workshop Up and Running in your elementary classroom. These are invaluable tips to help you launch and get started with writer's workshop. Includes tips for anchor charts, setting goals, writing partners and more! Perfect for kindergarten, first, second and third grades, you're going to love these tips! There's even an extra tip, make sure to check it out!" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosujXk1Mn9Vtr9UjrvkZUqpo3-fQytuk72DEojum32SpCoL6YM_HsaTZ-Ef6cMLnmYzv9cnsYWc79C6gpCdM6meQLk_HTx4HfjrHDZk2VDkfU-IHIbYw7oyj3ZztnjB2gD1z8uH0bvZmT/s320/Slide1.jpg" title="When you're done anchor chart" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWgMgHFeyN7cco6aQiiJfIR73VZifVikRfz7kycFJnsygM8ZmAKHdVw-z-AfRT47eSNDKzQS3E90GbK5EyCY_tFoML4jEBpCuZUgpjZz-JDz4jSdz17uOA7P9tD3Mtg1w5LhF_Czu6VdG/s1600/Slide2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="When you're done quote." border="0" data-pin-description="5 MORE Tips to Get Writer's Workshop Up and Running in your elementary classroom. These are invaluable tips to help you launch and get started with writer's workshop. Includes tips for anchor charts, setting goals, writing partners and more! Perfect for kindergarten, first, second and third grades, you're going to love these tips! There's even an extra tip, make sure to check it out!" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWgMgHFeyN7cco6aQiiJfIR73VZifVikRfz7kycFJnsygM8ZmAKHdVw-z-AfRT47eSNDKzQS3E90GbK5EyCY_tFoML4jEBpCuZUgpjZz-JDz4jSdz17uOA7P9tD3Mtg1w5LhF_Czu6VdG/s200/Slide2.jpg" title="When you're done, you've just begun." width="200" /></a>That's it, they choose one of those and that should keep them busy until they think they're "done" again (in like 2 minutes 😂). They will probably come to you at least 7 times each day, telling you they're done unless you teach them what to do when they are done. My students learn really fast, that if they come to me and say "I'm done" I always say, "you've just begun!"</div>
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If you use Lucy Calkin's Units of Study, I believe this is in one of the first lessons. Teach it then and make sure you come back to it often until your students get it.</div>
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2. Teach Students to Set Goals</h4>
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This one is so important at any grade, but can often be difficult in the early grades. The idea of goal setting is something we talk about often, but it can take students a little while to truly understand what it means. </div>
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At the beginning of the year in first grade, we do a lot of class goals (write for 5 minutes, write for 10 minutes, everyone finish 2 pages of writing, etc.) As they begin to understand goal setting, we move towards independent goals starting by setting one goal at a time. Then as they get stronger at that, we talk about working towards 2-3 goals. That's more towards the end of the year in first grade. </div>
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Some simple goals you can start with are: adding spaces, write for 10 minutes, use your word wall, finish a piece each day. </div>
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Some more difficult goals you can work towards are: add thinking or dialogue to your writing, find 3 places to revise and add words to your piece, add more details to your pictures. </div>
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Zeek's Zoo has a great visual you can use for having students set their goals. This example would be a great one for the beginning of the year. You could change out the goals on the left as your students become stronger writers. She even has a FREE printable for you. Check out her post by clicking <a href="http://zeekszoo.blogspot.com/2012/03/writing-posters.html" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> or on the image below.</div>
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<a href="http://zeekszoo.blogspot.com/2012/03/writing-posters.html" target="_blank"><img alt="How to teach your students how to set writing goals. " border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJG3awEcLZjd7OAQvoDT7DASad3WI77L4bgeLsWQGVyMXWB_mSkSWdLdg6jd48SbFXzZcpAiym1UcVKxZKgHBMOQL0HHVIcWY-_UUhMt_GlKqTmdkwSYlshSp-sfh5zE9WWgpAArjHkxK8/s320/Slide3.jpg" title="Writing goals anchor chart" width="320" /></a></div>
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(Photo from <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_2012322956"></span>Zeek's Zoo<span id="goog_2012322957"></span></a>) </div>
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Deedee Wills, from Mrs. Wills' Kindergarten, also has a great blog post about writing goals. You can check that out <a href="http://mrswillskindergarten.com/writing-updates-and-freebie/" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a>! </div>
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3. Make Writing Tools Accessible</h4>
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You want to make sure you're providing students with what they need to succeed. We want to make sure they have access to tools that will support them during their writing time, otherwise, they will come to ask asking-how do you spell? I always make sure they have access to word walls, anchor charts, check lists, etc.<br />
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This is a sample of what might be in my student's folder at any given time. The first blog post had a tip of having writing folders that support. You could make these accessible around the room too. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJFs3sB_KW8Z2GYxZAEpZ6kKEjl46J6Ihg2a8TRBZujdWLw0CSHQbHaH-10z4lEKXoPcwq72px6nBkQENTYvWHCQfTrMipCapJvVeSFY6s2t7d2wvYBkBasZngOTLr5i8KEBo208FERsT/s1600/Slide8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Give students access to things they need to succeed as a writer. " border="0" data-pin-description="5 MORE Tips to Get Writer's Workshop Up and Running in your elementary classroom. These are invaluable tips to help you launch and get started with writer's workshop. Includes tips for anchor charts, setting goals, writing partners and more! Perfect for kindergarten, first, second and third grades, you're going to love these tips! There's even an extra tip, make sure to check it out!" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJFs3sB_KW8Z2GYxZAEpZ6kKEjl46J6Ihg2a8TRBZujdWLw0CSHQbHaH-10z4lEKXoPcwq72px6nBkQENTYvWHCQfTrMipCapJvVeSFY6s2t7d2wvYBkBasZngOTLr5i8KEBo208FERsT/s320/Slide8.jpg" title="Writing folders that support your students as writers." width="320" /></a></div>
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Each student has a word wall in their writing folder that has our first grade sight words. We also add other important words throughout the year. I typically give them one with only 50 words on it to start the year, then about half way through, they get the full word wall with 100 words. The larger list can be a little daunting for the little firsties at the beginning of the year. </div>
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Another way to make tools accessible is with table charts. When you make an anchor chart, take a picture and shrink it down then put them in binders at each table or work space.<br />
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This was an idea from my teacher at TCRWP, Kristie Mraz, author at chartchums.com </div>
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<a href="http://chartchums.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Tools to place at work stations to support your writers." border="0" data-pin-description="5 MORE Tips to Get Writer's Workshop Up and Running in your elementary classroom. These are invaluable tips to help you launch and get started with writer's workshop. Includes tips for anchor charts, setting goals, writing partners and more! Perfect for kindergarten, first, second and third grades, you're going to love these tips! There's even an extra tip, make sure to check it out!" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenoyjl5oRWSUpIz4fT8mhl5_HebBLuEHJWUBDpEZqUhFotUp280uIOzla2bT4Xh41TfcaqKnYgUk96QXz40zWe8Blu4Ba5d4COx4dKG1YE38V3-jjIeQ9Dd-UqAlMzIyR-g1d2NuqmsXK/s320/Slide4.jpg" title="Table top tools." width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">(Photo from <span style="text-indent: 0in;"><a href="http://chartchums.wordpress.com/">http://chartchums.wordpress.com/</a>)</span></span></div>
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4. Use Writing Partners</h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ahhh….partners. I could do a whole blog post on writing partners. I’m just going to just touch the surface here. We use our partners every day. They are the same as their reading partner. We use them to help us plan, practice, fix up, we use them ALL THE TIME! Teach the students to use their partner for things they can do independently together. Rather than having kids come up to you for something, suggest they use their partner to help. My conferring time is sacred and I don’t want kids coming up to me for questions their partner can answer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It is so important though to teach how to use their partners. Set up anchor charts, have demonstrations with parents who work well together and come back to the expectations often. When you pick partners, I would suggest pairing them by ability levels. You want them to be able to help each other. If you pair high and low students, the higher student will most likely do all the work. I typically keep partners the same for awhile if they are working well together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">By allowing our students to work with their partners, we are creating a community of writers and it builds accountability. We share with our partner every day at the end of writer's workshop. When a student has nothing to share because they didn't write anything, their partner is sure to tell them that's not ok. </span></div>
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<a href="http://mswelton.edublogs.org/writing-workshop/" target="_blank"><img alt="Chart for students to support their partners." border="0" data-pin-description="5 MORE Tips to Get Writer's Workshop Up and Running in your elementary classroom. These are invaluable tips to help you launch and get started with writer's workshop. Includes tips for anchor charts, setting goals, writing partners and more! Perfect for kindergarten, first, second and third grades, you're going to love these tips! There's even an extra tip, make sure to check it out!" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtaPeUxOvSSpaVwXDH3nXJUjAE63pmqzKjXKlEQXhHNrz6u560z7KSgj4jfa5E5PIwZWHK71x2-VV7hSouyUdtNmIH7q3Iq14TweMSWqu_oQ9lcE-wzgmb9Tp3aVsDkVUDdp4OH2Wabjz/s320/Slide7.jpg" title="Writing partner anchor chart" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">(Photo from <u style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="color: #0097a7;"><a href="http://mswelton.edublogs.org/writing-workshop/">http://mswelton.edublogs.org/writing-workshop/</a>)</span></u></span></div>
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<a href="http://chartchums.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="How to work with your writing partner." border="0" data-pin-description="5 MORE Tips to Get Writer's Workshop Up and Running in your elementary classroom. These are invaluable tips to help you launch and get started with writer's workshop. Includes tips for anchor charts, setting goals, writing partners and more! Perfect for kindergarten, first, second and third grades, you're going to love these tips! There's even an extra tip, make sure to check it out!" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHghDzuxymv05inqqIpnyM3gWaJu3tDPoyCXPJQ2akE4QpBAqK3cRTjOsAfqtoQnUE83VNNn0NWxeecGT3pgUFB_eo-tEBK4ye_ZDud1Y2USF6mTfWOTWgmWZEwZpXsQLOJXQRF5zPWN_/s320/Slide6.jpg" title="Writing partners anchor chart." width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">(Photo from <u style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="color: #0097a7;"><a href="http://chartchums.wordpress.com/">http://chartchums.wordpress.com/</a>)</span></u></span></div>
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5. Have & Use Exemplar Pieces</h4>
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Exemplar pieces are writing examples of what you are expecting from your writers for each type of writing. Once you've been doing writing workshop for awhile, you may just collect these. If you really want to be able to support your students, I would suggest writing some before you teach each unit.<br />
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Ultimately, an exemplar piece of writing is a sample piece of writing that you expect your students to do. So you will probably want a couple piece for each unit, a low, middle and high so you have pieces to use with any student. </div>
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These pieces can be used in mini-lessons, conferences, shared writing, small groups, etc. You can even keep them in page protectors and use a dry erase or vis-a-vis marker and just write on the page protector when you want to teach how to do something. When I want a student to add dialogue in their writing, I first show them how to add dialogue in one of my exmplar pieces a little above their level. Then I have them add dialogue in my same exemplar piece and then I have them go off and add it in theirs. If I had my exemplar piece in a page protector, I just wipe it all off and go on to the next group or conference.<br />
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These make it so easy to support all of your students without having to come up with something on the fly. When they help you add to your piece, then add it to their own, it's great practice!<br />
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BONUS: HAVE FUN!!</h4>
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I added this one in the first one and I had to add it here. Having fun in writer's workshop is so important. Just like when we want our kids to like reading, we have to show them our love for reading. It's the same thing with writing. While I know it might not be your favorite, you need to act like it is! Writing can be so hard and to ease some of the pain, we need to make it fun! Embrace those celebrations and make them feel like the authors they are. </div>
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There you have it! 5 more great tips to get Writer's Workshop Up & Running. I hope these can help you, especially at the beginning of the year. I know when I was just starting, I would take any tips I could get to figure out how writer's workshop worked.<br />
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Please share and pin so others can see these great tips too!<br />
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927659288729/"><img alt="Tips for teachers to start writer's workshop." border="0" data-pin-description="5 MORE Tips to Get Writer's Workshop Up and Running in your elementary classroom. These are invaluable tips to help you launch and get started with writer's workshop. Includes tips for anchor charts, setting goals, writing partners and more! Perfect for kindergarten, first, second and third grades, you're going to love these tips! There's even an extra tip, make sure to check it out!" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKDunfpEPN3EgnJBvGXCwCurFUd-berrsut0uFHTKtdULPu0_aQmQzsY5bS_9oXD_3K6P04Wtuzci6vjNG7SrP1ncqBGdDVcgqRn2RLR7onuamZRAnzJDCRZM4Z_1kIFzPeIuDMAFDBPn/s400/Slide1.jpg" title="5 more tips to get writer's workshop up and running pin." width="260" /></a></div>
Until next time, happy writing!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTIWpNuaHToDsAUuzZFtXSCRF7q8URF7-pRdBgtwmSHg3BA_8_NlWRd7_4xPUI-D0fZNpjYKkTOMIyiDWNwrOOCno9PXTKMfTOYiFfPZAd9qXM2w32YEAR1RRIq1X-8XfzUoLbtk_P9o-/s1600/Signature-Pink.png" /></a></div>
<br />Paige Bessickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13591480790082983036noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659477103938171273.post-86105811103809943462017-08-11T22:09:00.002-05:002019-02-12T20:23:48.605-06:00Interactive Read Aloud: First Day JittersIt's the first day of school and what book is ALWAYS in my plans? <u>First Day Jitters</u> by Julie Danneberg. Always! This is the perfect read aloud for the first day of school and this interactive read aloud resource is the perfect companion. Keep reading to see why.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDcDa3j0tGxqf7geZPe-FVai3k6VaacnZL6KA4na5k0GGfTcM9bv7zUCuwe9IArjzPEZs7FWrHtXkWT6J0q18-oS7RYdoKFtbD-VkD-B6YwZp9yU1LExX15MkI86C-sWsH_sX1NHM7hz3/s1600/Slide1.jpg"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDcDa3j0tGxqf7geZPe-FVai3k6VaacnZL6KA4na5k0GGfTcM9bv7zUCuwe9IArjzPEZs7FWrHtXkWT6J0q18-oS7RYdoKFtbD-VkD-B6YwZp9yU1LExX15MkI86C-sWsH_sX1NHM7hz3/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans"; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">**This post contains affiliate links for Amazon. By purchasing an item on the Amazon site using these links, I will receive a small commission on your purchase. This helps me to continue writing this blog and providing you with these tips and ideas. Thank you!</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans"; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"> </span></span><br />
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This is probably the most well-known first day of school book for any grade. We love it in elementary, but I know some middle level and secondary teachers who use it as well! </div>
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Click on this image to buy the book from Amazon.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/158089061X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=158089061X&linkId=27f7ec826d5a5d450aca400d8df96296"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCePtupoLZgd4uZagWnoOdX3sNKvXRahqkU4FUFoOphBcU4tIlfFjLDda1XJIPZfUDPP4ElFYHWy4MfM2JNgPSz794dQqeUG-pudB6pGOBBO_odtnIaHPUZUGi3MjXTIyezlu7B_bItb76/s320/first+day+jitters+book.jpeg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<u>First Day Jitters</u> is about a character named Sarah Jane Hartwell. She does not want to go to her first day of school at her new school. Mr. Hartwell is trying to convince her that it will be OK and that everyone gets nervous on their first day. There is quite the surprise at the end. If you don't know this book, you definitely need to check it out!</div>
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This is such a great book for the very first day because Sarah Jane goes through so many emotions about going to school, as do our students and even us, the teachers. It's a great way to break the ice and let your class know that even we get nervous for the first day. </div>
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I am so excited about this resource because it is the perfect book companion to teach your students what an Interactive Read Aloud is and what they do during them. This resource is different because it has fewer stopping points, but during each stopping point, it teaches the students how to interact with the book. Whether it's just a think out loud or turn and talk, stop and jot/draw or act it out, each one has its own poster to teach the expectations.</div>
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Like all of my other <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives/Category/Interactive-Read-Alouds-241205">Interactive Read Alouds</a>, this resource has all the best parts and has some great teaching tools as well. </div>
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Click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Read-Aloud-First-Day-Jitters-Lesson-Plans-Activities-3327266?utm_source=TpT&utm_campaign=First%20Day%20Jitters-Blog">>>HERE<<</a> or on the image below to see this resource.</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Read-Aloud-First-Day-Jitters-Lesson-Plans-Activities-3327266?utm_source=TpT&utm_campaign=First%20Day%20Jitters-Blog"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-numBBCnuldnoVRKRL5Z9BH8SYd9fj2D3wbltF8fsLmv7jT9qNLgPPlm5DJHAXZukeX885SxPHeGDp0UFW9YBtalh05hlTJcwjj3uY836K_ecd7eUoQe01I-Un3FL8jDTPXxDTe8pvVd/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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Planner</h3>
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927659276209/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4r5LjrHhdLwi2YP5BW1scVl2RoMvlcQRghJKs6KFV0s3uzIkNAjdNTgMNTilAe9ukbYeVUSYONgqX-df5QlKN1JjRGdoR3jEw-pisDOKXp0MEdqVE1wyP5EGmwOvraEAuo_aBTntmEzsh/s200/Slide1.jpg" width="200" /></a>These planners tell you everything you need to know for 2 interactive read alouds. It tells you which pages to stop at, what to ask for in-depth comprehension and the type of class response (turn and talk, stop and jot/draw, act it out, etc.). It's a great overview of each reading of the book.<br />
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Vocabulary information is also on these pages.<br />
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Sticky Note Printables</h3>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927659276209/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMWU2LkBfavV2hhoaneZLJ-iDj_eC95Sp5Z353ZKdjpt6V1oBXbMLxgwYjCopMtnxBGiGH22lL755eCkyU2nZBDQTf24-ugskq38ySR6GubPI-aB0kL951I-RY6GhcQ72g2UBNj-KB_FI/s200/Slide2.jpg" width="200" /></a>The sticky notes are probably my favorite part. I love printing the notes from the planner onto sticky notes and sticking them on the page where you are to stop and interact with the book. Not sure how to print on sticky notes? No worries, I've got you covered! Check out this blog post <a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2016/09/how-to-print-on-sticky-notes-in-3-easy.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>! </div>
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Print & Cut Notes</h3>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927659276209/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzbnKWZ3W3vD5H36BPJuEH-DXZkHh9dWnWAxxAt57YvsOHWRBfOmOVz5r1KFTi5-3xxxRHZnmabYAifQl9Fl-gxKpUf_1dQANOejgkk1TKZf8orox-OLOopzBOrDtn0_zs2tgKz3gUFh2/s200/Slide3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
These are a newer addition to my interactive read aloud resources. Printing on sticky notes is not everyone's cup of tea so I wanted to make it easy for teachers to print and cut the stopping points and in-depth comprehension questions. All you literally have to do is print, cut and put them in the book at the correct page. It would be kind of like a bookmark at each stopping point. No need to take the time to print on sticky notes, everything you need is right in these little paper slips of goodness. 😉<br />
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When you're done, all you have to do is pull them out, paper clip them together and stick them in a folder or little baggie.<br />
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Vocabulary</h3>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927659276209/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUk1OcYF1r3zhB0jFnAwpaL-Ucq0zM_c3toTV4NR6YfBljErdLyW2zTX0BtJv0EKJTYf9OgVsh-Oaqy2embrvBDsrNUszNNNQP_asQL5tEvIORoY7yDBuzPtEKXoVhfK7L-_QtbM0hGrr/s200/Slide4.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
This resource includes resources to teach 2 vocabulary words: jitter and trudge. You will get sticky note and print and cut printables with just the vocabulary on it so you can keep those sticky notes or print and cut notes right in the book. I have also included a *NEW* vocabulary ideas and suggestions page as well as a worksheet that can be used independently or print a bunch and make vocabulary books for your students.<br />
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You know I love to have my sticky notes match my resource. Well, I've made it really easy for vocabulary. I couldn't find red sticky notes, but I did find <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008PAIDO2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B008PAIDO2&linkId=03f135e7f48ca9f85365451d47c3068b" target="_blank">THESE</a> saffron ones that are pretty close. So I made the vocabulary resources saffron to match the sticky notes I found. All the 😍😍 for matching stickies.<br />
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Retelling & Reading Connection Worksheets</h3>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927659276209/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYngASWtFtutr_8K25-8zvVVqg92pvTYF1bbj8Pdzj7sH6IUC0ULn45rgljc8P9q_QW-P1WCnKkA3hBQ6HI2xXCsIETVD8n2hOfH1-674MZ5BwM5SvI1pDXPgXa6LF6-byS7ulB2q73vIB/s200/Slide5.jpg" width="200" /></a>Also included in every interactive read aloud resource are retelling worksheets that can be used for assessment and a connecting worksheet where kids are asked: "What does this make you think about?" Rather than asking them a specific question, they can make connections and write about what they think about.</div>
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This resource also includes a first day feelings graph and a worksheet that asks how the students feel before coming to school and how they feel later. Just another worksheet you can use to assess or have them connect with the book.<br />
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The worksheet included in this resource is for individual students to complete. I was also wanting something to complete as a class, especially with firsties on the first day of school, so I just created this page. I plan on using this under the document camera and have students come up and color in a piece on the graph. That way we can do it together. Click <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4l8S0lRaqChdEZHbDNyc1RuNTg" target="_blank">>>HERE<<</a> or on the image below to get your freebie.<br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4l8S0lRaqChdEZHbDNyc1RuNTg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-FnqI2ffn9N_026_Usz2U9haQBO0_rPuGisg36lc62hp2rTDG-OOTIumug05TYkqCbFANThT1rZm4iSyoZLmdMr7edM4a_RH_uyNWGfEHtwEhcLoylyeMaK-3gGrfeqb-GfoJFrI1Drl/s320/Slide9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Stop & Interact Expectation Charts</h3>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927659276209/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT00JSu6i2E727JwOqtXDrVDcXmIHGqKvKkT32t_2NWFl21Pk_rI6p-rKFNvhG9AWZzELNFYhzlZ0F5H2s3LkfV2i6zwm_xF3B4TVIOzZ1IcZFJ5gJnIRoghJjwreaQHqpLCldniLDW2PL/s200/Slide6.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I am so excited about this part of the resource! One reason I love this resource so much is that it teaches your students what to do at the stopping points. Included in this resource are mini-charts (8.5x11 in) for each of the ways we interact with this book: think out loud, turn and talk, act it out, stop and jot, stop and draw, imagine and class poll. </div>
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These will come in handy for this read aloud, but also to review expectations for future read alouds as well! </div>
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Retelling & Story Element Charts </h3>
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Also included in this resource are large cards and materials to teach your students how to retell and the basic story elements of character, setting, problem, and solution. These cards are big enough to use in a pocket chart. I would print on card stock or laminate for durability. </div>
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You can also create anchor charts with these cards, laminate the chart and then use dry erase markers to fill in on for other read alouds. These can be very versatile and I can't wait to use them in my classroom. </div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927659276209/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWqtCJlmcOJ1Mgipgdd7Y9rerTvF0QM0G0_gY90j1AXbQ41hBUp0JADq7mUC8VsCNO162L8JC556Wga3uLerDtdU58WGQMB6kvzATu0-RRuaGO7eJgT3sP69RKZOfi4Y-4rNm-NtbtrCV/s200/Slide7.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927659276209/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ-lwKYA1snltORT4FI8m5BPjfEbh5sQ9xWC71FJst6asQKBUKY9cWuosJtaWaiYLtLZXowP4guZW1ICHntxpgiyigvn0dCLwD7tzW5crL8GLOLUMJ1337UrBVpLlBbVftFaoL46fvtV1/s200/Slide8.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I'm so excited about this resource. I think I say that about them all, but this might just be the best one yet! I will be using this on September 5th, our first day of school. </div>
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Please pin and share so others can see. </div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927659276209/"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQYxaZ8Za3xn4acyw0wwslC2IQao8zh8W1yK3ktODxuh7o4KRyqbCI06OV5aPovpfcKWlWiUQ1iUliEz_HZwt3dYtKY5VA_EXNACzHKjqmxwreuX1jCzPXqLIrKlLZ4yPNubePrDbbgIv/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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I also wanted to let you know that I just created a September Interactive Read Aloud Bundle. It includes read aloud resources for First Day Jitters, Chrysanthemum, My Mouth is a Volcano and Have You Filled a Bucket Today? All perfect read alouds for the first couple weeks of school. </div>
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Click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/September-Back-to-School-Interactive-Read-Aloud-Bundle-3328509">>>HERE<< </a>or on the image below. </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/September-Back-to-School-Interactive-Read-Aloud-Bundle-3328509"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41um1ztEu-OHAWY1I4qAGT2KWyoVygs8HkC4l9a9QYxUuLPanU-fErit6WLMfaDXI5nM1nIWbklMrE49SdoEXdj6hjppLOucIOBvo8bSg5I_y65TYWhAJURlHgV-uvn9A-YkdaR8istAY/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Alright, that's all I have to share with you today. </div>
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Until next time, happy reading!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTIWpNuaHToDsAUuzZFtXSCRF7q8URF7-pRdBgtwmSHg3BA_8_NlWRd7_4xPUI-D0fZNpjYKkTOMIyiDWNwrOOCno9PXTKMfTOYiFfPZAd9qXM2w32YEAR1RRIq1X-8XfzUoLbtk_P9o-/s1600/Signature-Pink.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.subscribepage.com/read-aloud-guide" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="720" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kkISQy75lHxV1E5GQddVrAjRqXZhZcwx8h8OK0EtK3Uy2gTJ0NuFmrwV8IDaJV12sEfRex7pS-56Bo19KEqseGREaSalH4PRM2xErQMvqJYopwELjCb2wypezW4uwnAPEob0zyUeS5fB/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US&adInstanceId=ea4d55a7-4377-4b98-95fc-a564cd9c4cf2"></script>Paige Bessickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13591480790082983036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659477103938171273.post-47544765702228730982017-08-04T15:09:00.003-05:002017-08-04T15:09:53.655-05:00My Classroom Theme & Why it Hasn't Changed in 10 YearsBees! It's my classroom theme and has been pretty much since the beginning of my teaching career. If you're the type of person who changes themes every year, way to go! More power to you! Changing themes each year is not my thing and I'll share with you why. If you're a newer teacher, this blog post may just be for you. Don't feel overwhelmed with trying to keep up with that Pinterest classroom. Do your thing and don't make it too hard.<br />
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927659178810/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWZx4NVlRj7BvVt62nKiPAUZ9YX1u0ql9d-Tj6OSd69KbV_DFXk_1gtVVN3KCwoGeAqygf0_rd1hDz33dtz6GWgNIn8YRPjOQ8-b_MN1prC4J3gRLxlFEeMxFSuznejzmRTSJqQH1FpzJ/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm a huge <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ourelementarylives/">Instagrammer</a> and I LOVE following all of the fabulous teacher author, bloggers out there. I seriously love seeing everyone's classrooms, especially at the beginning of the year. I love seeing what new trends and ideas that are out there to make my classroom a better place. I even love seeing all the themes-new and old-that everyone has. I am just not the person to be changing themes every year. Don't get me wrong, I love seeing everyone else's, but changing my own is just not my thing.<br />
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My Theme: Bees</h4>
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Like I said earlier, my classroom theme is Bees. I choose this theme forever ago and have stuck with it. My last name is Bessick, so B for Bessick and I'm a HUGE Iowa Hawkeye fan, their colors are black and gold (just like a bee! 🐝). So the bee theme just fit and I have loved it ever since.</div>
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As I make things and set them up for my room, I always use this Bee theme. </div>
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Most things I use class numbers with bee stickers or cut outs so that I don't have to change them every year (TIME SAVER!)</div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927659178810/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIaBcUEP1R1se7rhvR52WmJjA6_PJmgmlNreqUwLDjnupPrNjpHIdhZcBdwWzB76zscMyHmdDfqYrPMph-LkUs9zhnJkuk_-tAPkljRFNXyXTMDZWUu-eoO0Xmb70dulL4EQEDAIZLoHuX/s200/Slide1.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927659178810/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj17yNziYnZKtXxKMCbWaH67Y3g34CTfUSVA4ITHljEptw2zJn5qkFPj59cJhzh_O0tEv_RyEpW1D2A9a1bGD5j1SIF6Zdep1bRHpl2GgxpkWWxZ0cmOERbRIxnoMhoXLAkbGMXvNYoRaU/s200/Slide2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I have had this chart FOREVER! I need to make a new one, but it still fits with my theme so I haven't felt the need yet. Although, it's pretty well used. </div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927659178810/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-Y4Hh8wNRVNwmtye0VcMQ2l6aXxa8iljp7vErbAzNhYM_3bDraYs6SuuMm7TVUn10tvAG6MRQDXurbxJ8lAFdRdeAVuONCE4zaoiMAsnroRdR1Olcgdb1JBCJN8IN3xVXBHtSGy-pkYB/s320/Slide3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love collecting Bee things for my classroom. My curtains are Bees, I have Bee accessories. </div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927659178810/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWKphb346qkokXMWebATxzXLlOaPDqiO3YU1VasNCvNDWMz9DWLvu0uhPf7qK40iUTnERPiWwU0ZjNhY2zuHUcVAQ8xveMZeO1rMLSuWpRjWRtX4D-psp7i7X7_RgTbrPbiO4wlx6atJl/s320/Slide4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also stick with Bee colors-notice the pillows and floor mats. </div>
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Pretty much everything I do for my classroom is in the black and gold Bee theme and I love it and haven't gotten sick of it yet.</div>
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Why I Haven't Changed My Theme</h4>
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We are the Bessick Busy Bees and have been since the very beginning. To be a Bessick's Busy Bees is a special thing, it's our thing. Once you're in my classroom, you're always a Bessick's Busy Bee! </div>
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One reason I haven't changed my theme is because I don't have the time, money or energy to do so. Like I said earlier, more power to you if you change your theme every year and I LOVE seeing them, but personally, I just can't do it. Now that I have kids, I have even less time to be in my classroom setting it up before school starts. With my Bee theme, everything stays the same. I don't have to make a new job chart or put new labels on anything. It's already done and themed to match my classroom. </div>
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Also, the last 5 years of teaching, we have had new curriculum in social studies, writing, reading and math. That means many before school even starts trainings and PDs. I try to avoid the back to school stress and frenzy so to me that means keeping things the same. This year I have all new furniture for flexible learning spaces so I will be focusing my time and energy on setting that up, not a new theme. </div>
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Another reason is that my students and most of the school know me as the Bee teacher. When we have movin' on up day, when the kinders come to the first grade classrooms, I point out all of my bees. Everyone knows that I love Bees (and the Hawkeyes) so it makes me stand out, makes me known. Not that that's really important, but it's fun and the kids love it. I cannot tell you how many Bee things I have gotten (pants, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, stuffed bees) just because someone saw it and thought of me. I collect bee things and keep them all in my classroom. </div>
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Everyone loves bees! Well, they do after they are in my classroom for a year. 😉 My theme fits boys, girls and everyone in my class. The colors are neutral and my biggest rule is to BEE KIND! We work very hard all year making sure we are kind to everyone in our classroom and the BEE just fits right in.</div>
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Now, has this made me not a better teacher because I haven't changed my theme? ABSOLUTELY NOT! And don't feel like you're a better or worse teacher for doing it or not. Your classroom theme does not determine how good of a teacher you are. It's the relationships you build with your students, how you make them feel in your classroom and the learning and experiences you have provided for them. That's the biggest reason why I don't change my theme: it doesn't matter to the kids, it doesn't determine the teacher I am. </div>
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So are you a teacher feeling stressed about a new theme or changing it every year? Don't feel the pressure to be that Pinterest worthy classroom teacher. Do your thing and do whatever works for you. </div>
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One of my bestest teacher friends changes themes every year for 5 years and then repeats them once that class is out of the school. Now if you ask me, if I were to change themes, that just may be the way to go.</div>
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If you are one of those theme changing teachers though, keep those pictures coming because I love seeing them on social media, dreaming about the day, when I'll change my theme. (Probably never, but I can dream right?!) </div>
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If you liked this or found it helpful, please pin and share on social media! 😘</div>
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Now, I'll be off setting up my classroom and not changing my theme. I'll be focusing on my new flexible seating furniture. </div>
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Paige Bessickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13591480790082983036noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659477103938171273.post-77915660574584547702017-07-23T21:45:00.002-05:002018-07-09T21:16:50.845-05:004 Important Reasons Why You Should Read to Your ChildrenReading to your children is one of the best things you can do to prepare them for school. My new project, <i>RACE: Read Alouds Connect Everyone-RACE With Your Family</i>, is here to help you learn more about reading to your kids. Keep reading to find out why it is so important!<br />
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927659020262/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="Reading aloud to our children is one of the most important things you can do for them. It is our job as an adult in their life to support their educational success by reading to them from day one. Paige, from Our Elementary Lives, shares 4 very important reason why you should read to your child. You don't want to miss these. Check them out and see why it is so important!" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBzFoRTl2DFQ_MsNzCcl2cL3IOYWg4OaK7sEuhO7HhaE6QuFXzrJGWB7xDdakgQrZY2R5DYyeu4I4kFjhl2IGPM5jIjQwili9pBNy1vTJn4jFdTl0JuU8mM1XT33tL2HGUA39pQJBDTWU/s640/Slide2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Interactive Read Alouds are one of my favorite things to do in my classroom (if you're a teacher, you can find out more <a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2017/06/everything-you-need-to-know-about.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives/Category/Interactive-Read-Alouds-241205" target="_blank">HERE</a>). As a teacher, I know the importance of reading aloud to my students.<br />
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Reading aloud to my sons is one of our favorite things to do at home. As a teacher, I also know the importance of reading aloud to my own kids. Not all parents (or family members) are teachers though and I want to support everyone in understanding why, how and what to read to their children.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today, I'm here to give you 4 specific reasons why you should </span><span style="font-size: large;">read to your children every day. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">**This post contains affiliate links for Amazon. By purchasing an item on the Amazon site using these links, I will receive a small commission on your purchase. This helps me to continue writing this blog and providing you with these tips and ideas. Thank you!</span><span style="color: #666666; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"> </span></span></div>
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This summer I did some research for myself as a teacher by reading these two books. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0156035103/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0156035103&linkId=2a5cb64d3e830adc7f8d2145da0a838e" target="_blank"><u>Reading Magic</u> by Mem Fox</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014312160X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=014312160X&linkId=137205e49268df0c4b3090c3146e6577" target="_blank"><u>The Read-Aloud Handbook</u> by Jim Trelease</a>. If you've read any of my recent posts, I've mentioned them a lot. I'm not going to bore you with all the details, but they were fabulous, informative reads. As a parent, I would definitely recommend <u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0156035103/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0156035103&linkId=2a5cb64d3e830adc7f8d2145da0a838e" target="_blank">Reading Magic</a>!</u> </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0156035103/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0156035103&linkId=abeda285ab9c6e676fbac17379ca7204" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPeXtZ41Dy4SMVFEUolblAToBuBGTr4hC3NydFKGKQVKygXmFpsbQw891XpTvykba_KtqOQWlwr_2EbxGiCblmXzU-qkEgtS4EMcV6IE0qpIa4Amem4Tbd73OxdwgLpo61rnB171fdYxV/s200/reading+magic.jpg" width="134" /></a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014312160X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=014312160X&linkId=137205e49268df0c4b3090c3146e6577" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA89RL4JM-HQ2jq2ZfcPkz9nF3RpWVYo0AyVtt9g9BVaE7I1FVHegB28N4QM2hGwAS8BxMBXIVhOgQFU9GQ6_uSvw-cMcf_31JIGKO6YBlCX27N4s0tt8r3-NL9Defs5zo84GLzzbwGKHc/s200/read+aloud+handbook+cover.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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While reading them though, I took so many notes on WHY it is so important to read to your children every day and I questioned whether parents really knew the importance. I know they parents know it's good to read to their children, but do they understand just how important it is? That's my mission. To tell you, parents and family members of children, how very important it is. </div>
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So let's cut to the chase, here are my top 4 reasons WHY you should read to your children. </div>
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1. It's a Time to Bond with Your Children</h4>
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Picture this... you're snuggled up in bed reading a child a bedtime story. Your son, daughter, grandchildren, niece, nephew, etc. have their head resting on your shoulder as you read them a story. Can you envision it? Maybe it's something you do every day, maybe it's something you would like to do more often. </div>
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When you read with a child, you are creating a bond that no one else has. You are making memories by reading to them at any age. The books that you share are so special, but you are also giving this child a sense of security and love. You may not realize it but the touch of your hand and body shows them that they are safe with you and that they are loved. Every child needs to feel safe and loved. Help them feel that. Read to them!</div>
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2. You Show Your Children They are Important</h4>
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You are also showing your children that they matter to you. While we are all so busy with our phones, computers, jobs, chores, the list goes on and on, children know our lives are hectic. But when we take the time to snuggle up with our children and give them our undivided attention, we are showing them that they are important.</div>
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Here's a picture from my good friend Sara, of her husband, Dan, and two oldest children,<br />
Cole and Taylor. </div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927659020262/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="Reading aloud to our children is one of the most important things you can do for them. It is our job as an adult in their life to support their educational success by reading to them from day one. Paige, from Our Elementary Lives, shares 4 very important reason why you should read to your child. You don't want to miss these. Check them out and see why it is so important!" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbycbnNu_TTr33cCtsGnjk_L4ulF5ajjCZkP3yv0eb2b4xCTFnZKBAXtPru3X1XxhmEw2zToF-G22wih5W4SzlOVJYARdSAK1Fw_BdhoaAGlKju8oMy0vWCoTyWeIa5iMMdr3szH7Jb8i/s320/Slide1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Want your children to feel important? Read to them!</div>
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3. You're Showing Them Reading Can Be Enjoyed</h4>
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Again, you may not realize it, but by doing this little read aloud, you are instilling in them the pleasure of reading. Not only are they enjoying this reading time with you, you are showing them that reading is fun, exciting and something they like to do.</div>
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So many kids in school have a hard time learning to read. Believe me, I know, I'm a first grade teacher. First grade is where my students come to learn how to read. When reading is hard, it really frustrates kids. If this is the only reading experience they have, they will most likely never enjoy reading. If they don't enjoy it, they won't do it. If they won't do it, then they won't get better. It's a spiral, and I don't want to scare you, but this is the truth. </div>
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To avoid this, you have to read to your kids from day one and help them enjoy it. Show them that it can be fun and exciting. That way, if reading is hard for them when they are learning how, they know that it can be enjoyed and they are more likely to push through and continue to try. Want them to enjoy reading? Read to them! </div>
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4. It Prepares Them for School Success</h4>
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Now, believe me, the other reasons are so important and some of my favorites, but this one might just take the cake! By reading aloud to your child, you are preparing them to learn how to read which will then give them success in school. I knew reading to my own kids was important, but I never really knew HOW important it was until I read the two books I mentioned above. School success is so important! Read to them!</div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927659020262/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSRlknvSB2Oh7uEalXPd1BqbQaWHTL3aXMnW6e1J49f3Cli98L7VvONUP0E0iXmKe4CHTZETxB_MxYOgORlYlUSBZryLd6LJBpcQrG5k6T-Yb-aYYnqIagQMIW15pjl_hf4XT30tDkuK2/s320/Slide4.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Now if those are not reasons enough for reading to your child, I'm not sure anything will convince you. But I'm here to do everything I can to help you, parents and family members, understand just how important it is to read to your child. I will be back soon to share more about how reading aloud to your child can prepare them for school success.<br />
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Throughout this blog post, I mention parents a lot. I also try to input family as much as possible too. I want anyone reading this post that has a child in their life to understand the importance of reading aloud to them. Whether it's your son or daughter, grandchild, niece, nephew, or neighbor, you can change a life by reading to them.<br />
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If you know anyone with a child who you think would find interest in this, please click on one of the social media sites on the left of this page, at the bottom of the post or pin this image.<br />
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927659020262/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="Reading aloud to our children is one of the most important things you can do for them. It is our job as an adult in their life to support their educational success by reading to them from day one. Paige, from Our Elementary Lives, shares 4 very important reason why you should read to your child. You don't want to miss these. Check them out and see why it is so important!" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYJtS-88EhyphenhyphenvVtOgC1otjyh0gluKMDk1aFi3rWSavUCFi9Mtrap-Njy2FeFkvQsyIBK4HacZw_manjmmPbPIYoeAAgZ7g1ql9u6MsKnlA8uZfyqLl89McyV2ZPMjq9xdNFg2aKYK430Y1/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I'm here to support all adults with children in their lives and the more people I reach, the better off our children will be. This is a project for all of us and I hope I can gain your support in this mission.<br />
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Until next time, make sure you read to your child!<br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTIWpNuaHToDsAUuzZFtXSCRF7q8URF7-pRdBgtwmSHg3BA_8_NlWRd7_4xPUI-D0fZNpjYKkTOMIyiDWNwrOOCno9PXTKMfTOYiFfPZAd9qXM2w32YEAR1RRIq1X-8XfzUoLbtk_P9o-/s1600/Signature-Pink.png" /></a></div>
Paige Bessickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13591480790082983036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659477103938171273.post-39502216670556886402017-07-18T20:49:00.000-05:002019-02-12T20:24:53.574-06:00Interactive Read Aloud: My Mouth is a VolcanoDo you know this book, <u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1931636850/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1931636850&linkId=026a931b62fb6fdfb1190fd6199df06a" target="_blank">My Mouth is a Volcano</a></u> by Julia Cook? It's a great book to read at the beginning of the year, especially if you have some kids with active volcanoes. 😉<br />
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927658952658/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9E54ESd3iSJVjuv86l226yaCgexb6dSTK7nrM-GKYohEhnlHEkDQ93-49ADzQ4w6iE58Sa7at43pIwclqlskPd9PYBYdRRnras7mNeNeFMdZszUWrKPfDjKgrcQ6QiczImejhfKqX2iIp/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans"; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">**This post contains affiliate links for Amazon. By purchasing an item on the Amazon site using these links, I will receive a small commission on your purchase. This helps me to continue writing this blog and providing you with these tips and ideas. Thank you!</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span></div>
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Click on this image to buy the book. </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1931636850/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1931636850&linkId=026a931b62fb6fdfb1190fd6199df06a" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgukD0mowVMNUGf8Kfa_MOijA9bOBG7q_dBiEbaB2li_MUzaLLvC2iN7Cg9iHdXgldrOFM5Q27_Bz5rVbX_S1BpwE_Zr9uJS5gp6cGUz_HJ_sHygD5e1noX0DsAxficbP3wlP1sThWkh3t/s320/mouth+is+a+volcano+book.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u>My Mouth is a Volcano</u> is about a boy named Louis, who has a volcano for a mouth. He always interrupts and has a hard time keeping his thoughts inside his head until it is ok to talk. When others start to interrupt Louis, he learns a valuable lesson about interrupting. </div>
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This is a great book for the beginning of the year to talk about interrupting and being respectful when we have something to say. I have also brought this book back out in February when we begin to have a hard time controlling our volcanoes again.<br />
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This resource has everything that is typical in one of my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives/Category/Interactive-Read-Alouds-241205" target="_blank">Interactive Read Alouds</a>, but it also includes some great extras that I think you're going to LOVE! </div>
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Click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/HALF-OFF-Back-to-School-Read-Aloud-My-Mouth-is-a-Volcano-3265174" target="_blank">HERE</a> or on the image to be taken to the resources in my TpT Store.<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/HALF-OFF-Back-to-School-Read-Aloud-My-Mouth-is-a-Volcano-3265174" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYx_pCZHieL89-2mfQZxL-tIB70NJZ9s4h2QxP40Rrw9GIDBhCKGiyXxZEQd4zfeD-xQ9ETFA7R1u235bZ4awqzX75FZInWvqNgmJjLMRTgLfJVM1qaAMbUvKlrNOHsT2NjG2ngSRA2Ft/s320/Slide2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Planner</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpAgeDOafY_e_a1LYQ0CX6wYnTg-NDOHN5__pgtjIbplMkxidzlbHKN-UGCQ4CatY1i0E3mgWBTcFHpbXAAqduZnB8LTe33gLLGBf80jyDmkQdyV3hJzXnXmwMnQ03Bt1apZlopgO9AgY/s1600/Slide04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpAgeDOafY_e_a1LYQ0CX6wYnTg-NDOHN5__pgtjIbplMkxidzlbHKN-UGCQ4CatY1i0E3mgWBTcFHpbXAAqduZnB8LTe33gLLGBf80jyDmkQdyV3hJzXnXmwMnQ03Bt1apZlopgO9AgY/s200/Slide04.jpg" width="200" /></a>These planners tell you everything you need to know for 2 interactive read alouds. It tells you which pages to stop at, what to ask for in-depth comprehension and the type of class response (turn and talk, stop and jot/draw, act it out, etc.). It's a great overview of each reading of the book.<br />
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Vocabulary information is also on these pages.</div>
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Sticky Note Printables</h3>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927658952658/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3eVV8WClVZ9BJQvnaNRV7ngiUScslTvbb9ANwWPa4S45BctKG5UN9bCJpbCUkPPnryd3ybyHwAnBLbWR_UtOb9biqVD25dV9qnY2_wj_yx1B1jt2yaJjX29lHjwcVmHbHbYM5jqmWOtI/s200/Slide05.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div>
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The sticky notes are probably my favorite part. I love printing the notes from the planner onto sticky notes and sticking them on the page where you are to stop and interact with the book. Not sure how to print on sticky notes? No worries, I've got you covered! Check out this blog post <a href="http://www.ourelementarylives.com/2016/09/how-to-print-on-sticky-notes-in-3-easy.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>! I love to match my sticky notes to the colors of each read (orange and yellow in this case). But that's probably totally just my Type A teacher personality. Anyone else like to do this? Oh, just me, OK! </div>
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Print & Cut Notes</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSI24J5iGPxq01T7Etx0-JT4dOXeED_m1rOEA1R44IuGquA9t7OGlrQ3any1YshJjwhG28Egpfth4GwZcguJZ_0bMWFzuse5O54Aq4db4y3LdjB6eGxgNvAyax1DCVe3c7RCoUPQMaGe5/s1600/Slide06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSI24J5iGPxq01T7Etx0-JT4dOXeED_m1rOEA1R44IuGquA9t7OGlrQ3any1YshJjwhG28Egpfth4GwZcguJZ_0bMWFzuse5O54Aq4db4y3LdjB6eGxgNvAyax1DCVe3c7RCoUPQMaGe5/s200/Slide06.jpg" width="200" /></a>These are a new addition to my interactive read aloud resources. Printing on sticky notes is not everyone's cup of tea so I wanted to make it easy for teachers to print and cut the stopping points and in depth comprehension questions. All you literally have to do is print, cut and put them in the book at the correct page. It would be kind of like a bookmark at each stopping point. No need to take the time to print on sticky notes, everything you need is right in these little paper slips of goodness. 😉<br />
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When you're done, all you have to do is pull them out, paper clip them together and stick them in a folder or little baggie. </div>
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Vocabulary</h3>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927658952658/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cm9lkn1HQ0oYCxcJlU_R-4Hywy8hQGVmy2YXHW4WoOf3TKVT2Sp8ld0SIkQ5jNOu9S9B5kXa_Bf2dBMBoLqpvyGN-LlHNONUb1_BW4F_EACRqanoWHkRdr7gkwfisiCmsRpD3Ax5S0YN/s200/Slide07.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a>This resource includes resources to teach 2 vocabulary words: erupt and interrupt. You will get sticky note and print and cut printables with just the vocabulary on it so you can keep those sticky notes or print and cut notes right in the book. I have also included a *NEW* vocabulary ideas and suggestions page as well as a worksheet that can be used independently or print a bunch and make vocabulary books for your students.<br />
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Remember when I mentioned about matching the sticky notes to the resource? Well, I've made it really easy here. I couldn't find red sticky notes, but I did find <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008PAIDO2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B008PAIDO2&linkId=03f135e7f48ca9f85365451d47c3068b" target="_blank">THESE</a> saffron ones that are pretty close. So I made the vocabulary resources saffron to match the sticky notes I found. All the 😍😍 for matching stickies.</div>
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Retelling Worksheets & Mini-Charts</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oEoDfTM36da0fVuiD0mmaKSI8yM_4qabgUA-YD2IFTklmJh_iw_Yc_dR2QBtmWTuRghK4RuhnEaeI8Wx-A4EtxOLlOHlLXHHdxDdJy_nRE7FRrpaWyVKz504L8NQplNtpYoQhKDTRPel/s1600/Slide08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oEoDfTM36da0fVuiD0mmaKSI8yM_4qabgUA-YD2IFTklmJh_iw_Yc_dR2QBtmWTuRghK4RuhnEaeI8Wx-A4EtxOLlOHlLXHHdxDdJy_nRE7FRrpaWyVKz504L8NQplNtpYoQhKDTRPel/s200/Slide08.jpg" width="200" /></a>Also included in every interactive read aloud resource are retelling worksheets that can be used for assessment and a connecting worksheet where kids are asked: "What does this make you think about?" Rather than asking them a specific question, they can make connections and write about what they think about.</div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927658952658/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQeJoUkLOXxKPbbLoBWXaUty03Ac3aKQ9zDYlNCxH4gFybY6uOZ28PGpxfXduy47lZwPFJEXR9Y5wRXJyQHfuxaM1-FbRznfOZidBEZnTxNW5ryT1ucjghFmoxgOk46eNgCZhfFNAw559o/s200/Slide09.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a>There are several different worksheets you can choose from to differentiate for your students. The boxes without lines would be great for kinder or beginning first graders, and the ones with lines would work for second graders. Retelling is an essential Common Core Skill and these will help your students begin to practice this vital skill. If you use Reader's or Writer's Workshop by Lucy Calkins, you will be familiar with the 5 part story using the words: first, next, then, after that and finally. </div>
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There are also some mini-charts that will help you brainstorm what your students know about volcanoes, ways to control blurting out and the feelings we get when we get interrupted. These are perfect under my document camera. </div>
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Controlling Our Volcano Resources</h3>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927658952658/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAkAVkoboNSsLkYP1OkrKYlaP9XDAYg4bGynf2_LwI1moaqzoiJpKXFXJdSLBp-xf9zuY4hE6MnoZgerY8Ae3WRSmn9cLG-HFCPdtltiE9egW-oUVVAnKn9OhBtARdsgpVcwpa13G2rEL/s200/Slide10.jpg" width="200" /></a>To support my students in understanding how to control their volcanoes, or stop their blurting out, I have included several resources. The first thing I included is the process Louis's mom teaches him to control his volcano. I like to use this size chart on a document camera. It also includes individual charts you could give to students as a reminder to control their volcano.<br />
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I'm hoping these will support your students and be a little reminder for them on how to control their own volcanoes, Louis's way. </div>
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Also included in this resource are the makings for a controlling our volcano anchor chart for the whole class. All you have to do is print, cut and add construction paper to make a fun, useful anchor chart for your classroom. Here is an example of what it could look like put together. </div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927658952658/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQ75Ys5BuHdBN1RWxnFqpyfKqMZE4-f4emOTr2rvdrsG7Yk144IivMmxPhRBgKZiAosA35mKBMfseC9MWsPXz8zHUUD8OZ8rhQzfC_nAMJafqB-ZaHWr0yh0robPlybqwHw0fAhIx2VDq/s400/Slide2.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927658952658/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ch1oy1LvfxfUuaxk1NgR6ktSUq8k9W_PzvjQt9zhaJR7yXt-9H4h8PneG4edE4KvEva1cqQevs6iFhkE20NRGlZ_vXeX73GzGdA3GC_0VJ0VEsWzc9bqas8PFV4r07necwCXHg8Dq_jz/s200/Slide11.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The last controlling our volcano resource that is included is a whole class or individual incentive you could use to support your students in being aware of when they interrupt. I have included several versions. During whole group time, every time you have a mini-lesson or short period of time, like 5-15 minutes, and no one blurts out, you can color in a volcano. When all the volcanoes are colored in the class can earn an extra little prize. With the different versions, you can start easy and work your way up to more volcanoes. I think this will be awesome in my classroom! There are also some bracelets that you just print, cut and staple onto students who are in control of their volcanoes. A nice positive reinforcement for those students who are always in control of their volcanoes.<br />
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I am really excited for this resource and I can't wait to use it with my class this year. I'd love to hear what you like to do with this book. Tell me in the comments or email me at ourelementarylives@gmail.com<a href="mailto:ourelementarylives@gmail.com" target="_blank">mailto:ourelementarylives@gmail.com</a>.<br />
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Please pin and share so others can see.<br />
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927658952658/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-wwak50hFFmcHlgK2C-rlK5zzvP0oZLIYTtznMbNclQIahXzwc5FNj7CRQ2_mRiYAae4bi84fOaIaAqE2yYvS5hn0PAaJNyfomDDi66NhryQLHhA-Y6km5HBlae3tKcjo-4MSofsZS5i/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Want more information about Interactive Read Alouds? Check out <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/All-About-Interactive-Read-Alouds-2430404" target="_blank">THIS</a> resource! </span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Want more resources like this? Click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives/Category/Interactive-Read-Alouds-241205" target="_blank">HERE</a> or on the image below. </span><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Read-Aloud-GROWING-Bundle-Interactive-Read-Aloud-Lesson-Plans-and-Activities-3166684" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Jj9_NVtw-kyJn84ZW33Gktdr7BTC3ERT-S9zQS8LG8IeLf6Clqw2TZnAR3QAbUpx630alk9YDfuvwWuWvzDoxCF8oYMoB8e6L1UGzIrRgJ0BLySTcCeewKjF7QBvyVhd8wuBZkO5Jc08/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Until next time, happy reading!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTIWpNuaHToDsAUuzZFtXSCRF7q8URF7-pRdBgtwmSHg3BA_8_NlWRd7_4xPUI-D0fZNpjYKkTOMIyiDWNwrOOCno9PXTKMfTOYiFfPZAd9qXM2w32YEAR1RRIq1X-8XfzUoLbtk_P9o-/s1600/Signature-Pink.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.subscribepage.com/read-aloud-guide" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="720" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kkISQy75lHxV1E5GQddVrAjRqXZhZcwx8h8OK0EtK3Uy2gTJ0NuFmrwV8IDaJV12sEfRex7pS-56Bo19KEqseGREaSalH4PRM2xErQMvqJYopwELjCb2wypezW4uwnAPEob0zyUeS5fB/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<script src="//app.mailerlite.com/data/webforms/486863/c0p2k6.js?v2" type="text/javascript"></script><br />Paige Bessickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13591480790082983036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659477103938171273.post-74725258363263924902017-07-10T14:11:00.004-05:002019-03-11T20:08:06.246-05:00Snuggle Up & Read With Your Child Every Day!Reading aloud to your child is one of the greatest gifts you can give them to prepare them for future reading and educational success. I'm starting a new mission to support parents and teachers in getting them to read to their children. Read on to hear more!<br />
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927658837901/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="Snuggle Up & Read with your child every day! Follow Paige from Our Elementary Lives and she supports parents and teachers in getting parents to read aloud to their children." height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOfTHvPWeSWsooVQkEAALL-m-ZKL8ePL8Xd0KQ_cLlo2Ac3N3dtJMHcJOlCFhoTHnCiXmCjt5hpHabyAgCQ3xyrPw-ihz_a-uPOGM2ICXBOpeOhm1-j54UA5IQuv_uexa8MRHRjJ2C26y/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a name='more'></a>Snuggle Up & Read Every Day! is a new project I'm working on to support parents and teachers!<br />
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Here is my family snuggling up and reading a book together. </div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927658837901/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="Snuggle Up & Read with your child every day! Follow Paige from Our Elementary Lives and she supports parents and teachers in getting parents to read aloud to their children." height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBXzpyZS1Di6_x7X3Z_dShRReIuO2ko5WaIwZqFJBI0FoFo__8nZupEkTClLa7rkgFqEydyMD2O4T7NuVZCpzllr9IViWDUEsKAmLq_pmnpd09tLplGPwAbEIUn6-kSpERvtXuf7kYnzT/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "source sans pro" , "open sans"; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span style="color: #999999;">**This post contains affiliate links for Amazon. By purchasing an item on the Amazon site using these links, I will receive a small commission on your purchase. This helps me to continue writing this blog and providing you with these tips and ideas. Thank you! </span></span></div>
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This summer I read two incredible books about reading aloud. I originally read them to support my knowledge of <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paige-Bessick-Our-Elementary-Lives/Category/Interactive-Read-Alouds-241205" target="_blank">Interactive Read Alouds</a> for my classroom. However, after reading them, I realized that there is a bigger need that I want to work on and support. </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0156035103/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0156035103&linkId=ded23a47d51665d03be34d97101060a7" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZhOeJorFa-0tPmOI6KGfaFO-Q6NBOT9S-c7soycVxphfEF_19KRUb9egb0s3D73WdyeiUleT-x6NZV2VCE9nsNOHE5gunDNKgo3xjBOE1cWaYHvHhKFSZN3IZHODs9jvX_FdPmOrL0R-/s200/reading+magix.jpeg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0156035103/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0156035103&linkId=ded23a47d51665d03be34d97101060a7" target="_blank"><u>Reading Magic</u> by Mem Fox</a> is a fast and easy read all about why reading to children is so important. I would definitely recommend this to teachers and parents. It talks about why you should read aloud but also tells you how to do it. Mem Fox shared stories of families she knows and how reading aloud to their children every day has prepared them for educational success. As a well-known children's author of favorites like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0152010661/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0152010661&linkId=d029a4a859680158f5531d37ac3d4876" target="_blank">Time for Bed</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0152000763/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0152000763&linkId=2bf86167129904f00b72a511477a32c5" target="_blank">Koala Lou</a> & <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0152632247/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0152632247&linkId=0495d393f8905232b8d07e6c4f10da4a" target="_blank">Possum Magic</a>, Mem has devoted her life to literacy and supporting teachers and parents.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014312160X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=014312160X&linkId=71146f23704bbacc5d04d33a96580337" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEQUZkae66fE5TfI0Cjef3a5fmGHxT6xngAtGNAlj5t5u13PYs6S3fPeB9VPV-VxBkrM3M6QNaBxZKjAws4ibscys5SfFJNcDuSkwR0yqz6fEZ-TDshwOPhxW0PZ-2Cz565kM4h-ytFKU/s200/read+aloud+handbook+cover.jpg" width="133" /></a>The other book I read is <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014312160X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=014312160X&linkId=71146f23704bbacc5d04d33a96580337" target="_blank">The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease</a>. This book is more for teachers and goes into the research behind reading aloud and why it is so important. It also has an awesome book list that gives great suggestions for books to read aloud. It's quite the list while being the whole second half of the book. This is the 7th edition of this book and Jim Trelease has worked hard to make this book relevant in our world today. It's a common book in any teacher's training program and is a must-read if you're interested in the importance of read alouds. He uses easy to read graphs and compares research based on socio-economic status, race and other important factors. In the end, we learn that it doesn't matter status, race, gender, etc., if you read to your children, they will be better prepared for their future. <br />
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So after reading both of these books, I couldn't stop talking about reading aloud and how important it is to do with our children. Anyone who would listen, I would talk their ear off and I realized that reading aloud to our children and interactive read alouds in the classroom are my passion!<br />
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I am now on a mission to share with parents why it is so important to read aloud to their children every day and support them in being able to do so. I'm going to talk more about why it's important, how to do it, ways to keep it interesting, great books to try, and more.<br />
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As a teacher, I have access to the parents of my students and at my school and I want to be able to support them in helping their children become readers. I'm looking forward to this year and putting in place a system for my student's parents to read aloud to them. I'll let you know how it goes!<br />
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I have always loved doing read alouds with students, since my first year of teaching. </div>
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This is from my first year teaching(2006), I was doing a read aloud in one of the classrooms I supported. (I was a special ed. teacher at the time.)</div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927658837901/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="Snuggle Up & Read with your child every day! Follow Paige from Our Elementary Lives and she supports parents and teachers in getting parents to read aloud to their children." height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbLDMiVpIM7-8qnPAUK4AxP3aDLaWMRDZdLClwbC-u2FrrOhge0hIxR3PHg7PiQa8IPQmloADFwP2ChtiajIk6wwGgSI4PAHkhqTvFFAnVXe__gmM-svGAjlzM9joHHdm46rX76h6USSm/s400/Slide3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
As a parent, I want to be able to share my teaching knowledge with friends and other parents and support them in helping them lead literate lives and enjoy reading aloud with their children.<br />
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Some of my most cherished times are our bedtime stories. Here I'm reading our favorite, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0694003611/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0694003611&linkId=fba3c36d4d86eb705191b1855cf13879" target="_blank">Goodnight Moon</a>, to my oldest, Owen (4 years old at the time) and my youngest, Ben (4 months here).</div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927658837901/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-pin-description="Snuggle Up & Read with your child every day! Follow Paige from Our Elementary Lives and she supports parents and teachers in getting parents to read aloud to their children." height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBreuoGXfR341P5ZgkLRVgcU0vJ9sVUbL7j4YyDCowuonPUTkRJQr1Ct3_E9k2WLLz0P_CHBasqQCkugyxRSfMx17bdn7St3KKs5GHzCMtpAKWb5_PKaSVE46EDiGAWpRJxxmT4Gzph8PO/s400/Slide2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is another special moment that I will remember forever. My mother-in-law (also a teacher and author) reading the book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/039916684X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oelblog-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=039916684X&linkId=20e96580787185304facc7d59d988bd5" target="_blank"><u>This is Our Baby, Born Today</u></a> to us in the hospital as a new family of 4. If you don't know this book it is adorable and perfect for a new family. </div>
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The whole idea about snuggling up is that when you read with your child, one of the best things about it is being able to snuggle and cuddle up and create that bonding experience every day!<br />
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Snuggle Up & Read Every Day! is my new project and I am on a mission to share it far and wide. I can't wait for you to see what I have in store. If you find this interesting or think others will too, please share or direct them to my blog!<br />
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Snuggle Up & Read Every Day!<br />
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Paige Bessickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13591480790082983036noreply@blogger.com0