retelling a story activities

1-2-3 Come Do Some "It Looked Like Spilt Milk" Activities With Me

It looked like spilt milk activities, cloud activities, cloud centers, cloud crafts, alphabet activitities, alphabet games, alphabet centers, animal alphabetDo you read "It Looked Like Spilt Milk"  by Charles Shaw?

It’s a terrific, springtime story for introducing your study of clouds, and helps children stretch their imaginations. 

Because my Young Fives really enjoy this story, I designed several cloud-themed activities for them to transition to, after we read the tale.  They are both featured on the blog today, along with an awesome FREEBIE.

It looked like spilt milk activities, cloud activities, cloud centers, cloud crafts, alphabet activitities, alphabet games, alphabet centers, animal alphabetSince "It Looked Like Spilt Milk" is perfect for practicing the “sequencing and retelling a story” standards, I designed a quick, easy and fun slider craftivity, which will help your students retell the story in the proper order.

There are 2 outside slider options to choose from.

One features a cloud, the other a square with a spilled milk "splat". 

I chose blue construction paper, to resemble the story as well as the color of the sky.

It looked like spilt milk activities, cloud activities, cloud centers, cloud crafts, alphabet activitities, alphabet games, alphabet centers, animal alphabetPick your favorite or give children a choice.

Students color the story elements on the “slider strip” then cut and glue it together.

There are 2 "storytelling slider strip" options as well.
One, for beginning readers, has the pictures labeled, while the other strip's graphics are blank.

As they pull on the end of the “slider-strip” the various “cloud” pictures go through the “window”, so that children can take turns retelling the story to a partner or reading buddy, then take their craftivity home to share with their family, once again practicing these standards.

I introduce the lesson by reading the book ”It Looked Like Spilt Milk”, then share my completed "slider craft” with my students.

It looked like spilt milk activities, cloud activities, cloud centers, cloud crafts, alphabet activitities, alphabet games, alphabet centers, animal alphabetAfter I read the story, we retell the tale together, using the picture prompts on my slider.

I have them guess which story element they think comes next, before I pull the picture through the “window”.

My students now know what’s expected of them, and are very excited to transition to making an “It Looked Like Spilt Milk” storytelling slider of their own.

Storytelling sliders are also an easy & interesting way to assess comprehension.

It looked like spilt milk activities, cloud activities, cloud centers, cloud crafts, alphabet activitities, alphabet games, alphabet centers, animal alphabetI’ve included a “Let’s “sequence the story” activity for this, where students color and trim the picture “windows” then glue them in the correct order on their worksheet.

It looked like spilt milk activities, cloud activities, cloud centers, cloud crafts, alphabet activitities, alphabet games, alphabet centers, animal alphabetThere’s also a “Here’s What Happened…” writing prompt worksheet, as another way to check comprehension, plus practice sequential writing, hopefully using a variety of ordinal numbers and other transitions. 

Finally, I thought it would be fun to practice upper and lowercase letters with a "cloud alphabet", which also includes an "animal cloud" for each letter as well.

The "Cloud-Themed Alphabet Packet" includes:
It looked like spilt milk activities, cloud activities, cloud centers, cloud crafts, alphabet activitities, alphabet games, alphabet centers, animal alphabet* An “Alpha Clouds” (color, trace & write) booklet.

With 4 pages on one, to make a "just-the-right-size", mini booklet.

It looked like spilt milk activities, cloud activities, cloud centers, cloud crafts, alphabet activitities, alphabet games, alphabet centers, animal alphabet*An “ABC Animal Clouds” booklet, with the same above format.

It looked like spilt milk activities, cloud activities, cloud centers, cloud crafts, alphabet activitities, alphabet games, alphabet centers, animal alphabet* A boy & girl “Look at my cloud name” worksheet craftivity.

* 3 sets of alpha-cloud cards for upper & lowercase letters.

* 2 sets of animal cloud cards. There is a “cloud animal” for each letter of the alphabet.


* There are also matching animal word cards, which will provide more ways to play “Memory Match” and “I Have; Who Has?games.

It looked like spilt milk activities, cloud activities, cloud centers, cloud crafts, alphabet activitities, alphabet games, alphabet centers, animal alphabet* Children can also pick a picture card and describe the animal using 1-3 adjectives OR…
* Pick a word card and use it in a sentence. OR…
* Students can arrange the letter and/or word cards in alphabetical order.

It looked like spilt milk activities, cloud activities, cloud centers, cloud crafts, alphabet activitities, alphabet games, alphabet centers, animal alphabet-Use the “Kaboom!” cards to add to the fun.
-Use the cover to make an “Itty Bitty” booklet.

* I’ve also included a 5-page, tip list of other games and things you can use the cards for.

* 2 poster poems to introduce the lesson

It looked like spilt milk activities, cloud activities, cloud centers, cloud crafts, alphabet activitities, alphabet games, alphabet centers, animal alphabetThese activities can be used for independent centers, whole group activities, Daily 5 word work, early finishers, homework, or tossed in a sub tub.

number posters, 10 frame activities, math centersToday's featured FREEBIE is a set of number posters.  

These anchor charts are perfect for a math bulletin board that you can refer to daily and review:

It looked like spilt milk activities, cloud activities, cloud centers, cloud crafts, alphabet activitities, alphabet games, alphabet centers, animal alphabet* fractions, colors, patterns, telling time, fact families, money, tally marks, ordinal numbers, measurement with a ruler, +1 addition, sequencing numbers, counting groups and sets of objects, and using a ten frame for addition or subtraction.

It looked like spilt milk activities, cloud activities, cloud centers, cloud crafts, alphabet activitities, alphabet games, alphabet centers, animal alphabetWell that's it for today. Thanks for stopping by. My feet have hit the floor running, as I'm watching 3 of my grandchildren today.

They are age 4, 2 and 1, so it will be a busy day of play, filled with lots of fun and giggles.   Wishing you a love-filled day.

"Becoming a grandmother is wonderful. One moment you’re just a mother. The next you are all-wise and prehistoric." ~Pam Brown

1-2-3 Come Do Some Activities For "Polar Bear What Do You Hear?"  

polar bear what do you hear activities, 5 senses activities, eric carle books, bill martin books, polar bear crafts, retelling a story activities, sequencing a story activities, farm animal activities, emergent reader books, class made books Bill Martin's ”Polar Bear, Polar Bear What Do You Hear?” is one of my Y5s all-time favorite stories.

With that in mind, I just finished designing some quick, easy and fun activities children can transition to after you read the tale.  I'm featuring 3 on the blog today.

polar bear what do you hear activities, winter bulletin board ideas, winter center activities, literacy centers, 5 senses activities, eric carle books, bill martin books, polar bear crafts, retelling a story activities, sequencing a story activities, farm animal activities, story wheels, emergent reader books, class made books First up is a story wheel craftivity, which is an interesting and simple way to assess comprehension and practice the sequencing and retelling a story standards.

There are full color patterns to use for centers, plus a black and white pattern so your students can make their own.

polar bear what do you hear activities, 5 senses activities, eric carle books, bill martin books, polar bear crafts, retelling a story activities, sequencing a story activities, farm animal activities, story wheels, emergent reader books, class made books When everyone is done with their story wheel, have children pick a partner, and take turns retelling the story.

We sometimes do this with our older "reading buddies".

polar bear what do you hear activities, 5 senses activities, eric carle books, bill martin books, polar bear crafts, retelling a story activities, sequencing a story activities, farm animal activities, story wheels, emergent reader books, winter center activities,class made books As a comprehension-assessment tool, and for fine motor practice, another option is to make the “Polar Bear Pie Puzzles”, which have BW & color templates.

In order to practice a variety of standards, there are 5 different puzzle-base options.

polar bear what do you hear activities, 5 senses activities, eric carle books, bill martin books, polar bear crafts, retelling a story activities, sequencing a story activities, farm animal activities, story wheels, emergent reader books, winter center activities,class made books Simply choose which is most appropriate for your kiddos.

There's also a writing prompt worksheet, where students write what happened in the story, which will further check comprehension and reinforce chronological writing.  

 

polar bear what do you hear activities, 5 senses activities, eric carle books, bill martin books, polar bear crafts, retelling a story activities, sequencing a story activities, farm animal activities, story wheels, emergent reader books, winter center activities,class made books Next up is the "Polar Bear What Do You Hear?" SOUND packet.

Because the characters in the story hear different sounds, the tale is perfect for explaining onomatopoeia & reinforcing the 5 senses.

Since most of my students have never heard the sound of these animals, I’ve included links to real animals roaring, hissing, snorting etc. (One for each animal in the story!)  
My kiddos absolutely LOVE this activity, and are truly amazed how animals “speak”.

The packet also includes:

polar bear what do you hear activities, 5 senses activities, eric carle books, bill martin books, polar bear crafts, retelling a story activities, sequencing a story activities, farm animal activities, story wheels, emergent reader books, winter center activities,class made books * 3 writing prompt worksheets.
If your students are like mine, even your most reluctant writers will enjoy contributing their page to 3 class-made books.

1. “Animals Animals What Would You Like To Hear?”
( Fill-in-the-blanks & illustrate worksheet page).

polar bear what do you hear activities, 5 senses activities, eric carle books, bill martin books, polar bear crafts, retelling a story activities, sequencing a story activities, farm animal activities, story wheels, emergent reader books, winter center activities,class made books 2. “Chit Chat With The Animals”
( If a _______ (animal) could talk what are some things they might say?” Color-me worksheet pages featuring a variety of animals for children to choose from). 

Younger students can dictate or write one simple sentence, encourage older students to do a bit of research on their animal and write sentences that incorporate that information. "The zookeeper measured me today and I weigh 5 tons and an 11 feet tall."

polar bear what do you hear activities, 5 senses activities, eric carle books, bill martin books, polar bear crafts, retelling a story activities, sequencing a story activities, farm animal activities, story wheels, emergent reader books, winter center activities,class made books 3. “Children Children What Do You Like To Hear?”
(When it comes to awesome sounds, here’s a list of my top ten favorites: color-me worksheet pages).  Includes girl & boy options.

Completed work makes a wonderful bulletin board.

I've included 3 posters to use for the center of your displays.
Later, add the covers to make class-made books, which are great for parent-teacher conferences.  There's also . . .

polar bear what do you hear activities, 5 senses activities, eric carle books, bill martin books, polar bear crafts, retelling a story activities, sequencing a story activities, farm animal activities, story wheels, emergent reader books, winter center activities,class made books * A set of puzzle cards where students match the animal section to the sound section. Fun for Daily 5 word work, or a vocabulary-building activity.

* 2 graphing extensions.

polar bear what do you hear activities, 5 senses activities, eric carle books, bill martin books, polar bear crafts, retelling a story activities, sequencing a story activities, farm animal activities, story wheels, emergent reader books, winter center activities,class made books * A set of pocket chart cards, which helps reinforce the onomatopoetic vocabulary in the story.

Make an extra set for an independent center activity, where students match the sound card to the animal/zookeeper card.

These can also be passed out prior to reading the story.
As you read “Polar Bear What Do You Hear?” the child holding that card brings it up and places it on your flannel or white board.

Afterwards, pass the animal cards out and see if children can arrange them in the correct sequence of the story. Grab that teachable moment to practice ordinal numbers.

* I’ve also included a mini-set of the cards for “Memory Match” & “I Have; Who Has?” games. Children can sort, sequence & alphabetize these smaller cards, as well as use them to make up sentences.

Toss them into a container and have children choose an animal card then make that noise, or choose a sound card and tell which animal made that noise.

polar bear what do you hear activities, 5 senses activities, eric carle books, bill martin books, polar bear crafts, retelling a story activities, sequencing a story activities, farm animal activities, story wheels, emergent reader books, winter center activities,class made books Finally, the farm unit, is one of our preschoolers favorites, so I wrote “Farmer Farmer What Do You Hear?” as a fun, parody-like writing prompt, for them to transition to after we read “Polar Bear What Do You Hear?”  Instead of wild animals, this story features animals on the farm.

polar bear what do you hear activities, 5 senses activities, eric carle books, bill martin books, polar bear crafts, retelling a story activities, sequencing a story activities, farm animal activities, story wheels, emergent reader books, winter center activities,class made books Even beginning writers will enjoy filling in the blanks, then illustrating their page for a sweet class-made book. PK kiddos can simply dictate their answers.

Completed projects also make an adorable bulletin board.  I’ve included a poster for the center of your display.

Later, collate the pages and add the cover to make the booklet, which is perfect for parent-teacher conferences.

polar bear what do you hear activities, 5 senses activities, eric carle books, bill martin books, polar bear crafts, retelling a story activities, sequencing a story activities, farm animal activities, story wheels, emergent reader books, winter center activities,class made books Besides the class book, I’ve also included an emergent reader.
There are 3, BW options, making it suitable for PK kiddos as well as kindergarten and first grade, or to diversify within your classroom.

5 senses anchor chartI've also included colorful teacher templates as well.

The featured FREEBIE today is a cute "5 Senses" anchor chart poster.  I hope you find it useful. 

Me 3Well that's it for today. Thanks for stopping by.

I'm watching 2 of our 8 grandchildren today, so it's time to switch to my "Nana hat"; we're going to make Valentines. 

Wishing a day filled to the brim with blessings.

"Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush." - Doug Larson

1-2-3 Come Make Some Storytelling Sliders With Me 

storytelling sliders, pete the cat activities, polar bear what do you see activities, poloar bear crafts, if you give a mouse a cookie activities, mice crafts, mice activities, polar bear activities, brown bear what do you see activities, back to school writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school icebreakers, selfie craft, selfie writing promptSince the "Brown Bear What Do You See?" and Pete the Cat's "I Love My White Shoes" storytelling sliders that I designed this month, have been so popular, I decided to make one for"Polar Bear What Do You Hear?"

storytelling sliders, pete the cat activities, polar bear what do you see activities, poloar bear crafts, if you give a mouse a cookie activities, mice crafts, mice activities, polar bear activities, brown bear what do you see activities, back to school writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school icebreakers, selfie craft, selfie writing promptSpecial Note: If you're interested in purchasing the Pete Slider for $2.50 clink the link to e-mail me, as he is no longer available in my TpT shop.

While working on the polar bear this week, I had a request from Enadia in Michigan, for a sequencing craft for "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie". 

When I told her about the storytelling sliders, she loved the idea, and thought it would be perfect for her "kinder kids", thus "Cookie Mouse" was born. 

Today's blog features my newest sliders, along with a fun FREEBIE. 

storytelling sliders, pete the cat activities, polar bear what do you see activities, poloar bear crafts, if you give a mouse a cookie activities, mice crafts, mice activities, polar bear activities, brown bear what do you see activities, back to school writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school icebreakers, selfie craft, selfie writing promptFirst up is the "Polar Bear What Do You Hear?" storytelling slider.  It’s one of my students' all-time favorite stories and perfect for practicing the “sequencing and retelling a story” standards, or introducing verbs and onomatopoeia to older students, as animals roar, hiss, snort and snarl.

I also use “Polar Bear What Do You Hear?” and “Brown Bear What Do You See?” when we’re studying the 5 senses.

If your kiddos are like mine, I know that they will enjoy making this hands-on craftivity, that will help them retell the story in the proper sequential order.

There are several bear options. I’ve included a large, full-page pattern for teachers, as well as a smaller, 2-on-a-page pattern for your students.

storytelling sliders, pete the cat activities, polar bear what do you see activities, poloar bear crafts, if you give a mouse a cookie activities, mice crafts, mice activities, polar bear activities, brown bear what do you see activities, back to school writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school icebreakers, selfie craft, selfie writing promptChildren color the story characters on the “slider strip” then cut and glue it together.

As they pull on the end of the “slider” the various pictures go through the bear’s “tummy window”, so that children can take turns retelling the story to a partner or reading buddy, then take their polar bear home to share with their family, once again practicing these standards.

Storytelling sliders are also an easy & interesting way to assess comprehension
I’ve included a “sequence the story” slider worksheet for this, where students color and trim the picture “windows” then glue them in the correct order on the blank strip.

I introduce the lesson by reading ”Polar Bear What Do You Hear?”, then share my completed "slider craftivity” with my students.
So that you can quickly, and easily make an example, I’ve included a full-color slider pattern.

After I read the story, we retell the tale together, using the picture prompts on my slider.
I have them guess which animal they think comes next before I pull the picture through the “window”.

My students now know what’s expected of them, and are very excited to transition to making a Polar Bear story slider of their own.

storytelling sliders, pete the cat activities, polar bear what do you see activities, poloar bear crafts, if you give a mouse a cookie activities, mice crafts, mice activities, polar bear activities, brown bear what do you see activities, back to school writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school icebreakers, selfie craft, selfie writing promptI’ve also included a “Here’s What Happened…” writing prompt worksheet, as another way to check comprehension plus practice sequential writing, hopefully using a variety of ordinal numbers or other transitions.  

"Cookie Mouse"  follows the same format as the polar bear slider packet, but I've also inlcuded another idea, that will be included in any new story telling sliders that I create. 

storytelling sliders, pete the cat activities, polar bear what do you see activities, poloar bear crafts, if you give a mouse a cookie activities, mice crafts, mice activities, polar bear activities, brown bear what do you see activities, back to school writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school icebreakers, selfie craft, selfie writing promptBesides assessing comprehension via making the "color, cut & glue" slider, or completing the "Here's What Happened" writing prompt, I designed a "Sequence the Story" worksheet. 

Children simply color, cut and glue the story element pictures to their worksheet in the correct order.  This way, teachers can read the story, have children make their slider, review the sequence with the craft, then assess comprehension with the worksheet.  

I'm currently working on a storytelling slider for The Very Busy Spider, and will be making one for "The Jacket I Wear In The Snow" as well.  I welcome requests for any other stories you'd like a slider for. They really are a super-fun way for students to practice those sequencing and retelling a story standards. 

storytelling sliders, pete the cat activities, icebreakers, first day of school activities, polar bear what do you see activities, poloar bear crafts, if you give a mouse a cookie activities, mice crafts, mice activities, polar bear activities, brown bear what do you see activities, back to school writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school icebreakers, selfie craft, selfie writing promptIn case you weren't aware of it, whenever I put something new in my shop, it's on sale for 40% off for the first 48 hours. Since most of my packets are just $3 this is a huge savings.

Today's featured FREEBIE is a sweet "My Selfie" packet.    Do you have your kiddos draw a self portrait during the first week of school?  Do you take a photograph of their first day?

storytelling sliders, pete the cat activities, icebreakers, first day of school activities, polar bear what do you see activities, poloar bear crafts, if you give a mouse a cookie activities, mice crafts, mice activities, polar bear activities, brown bear what do you see activities, back to school writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school icebreakers, selfie craft, selfie writing promptWhy not hop on the "selfie" rage and use these cute worksheets for your kiddos to do their work on.  They're sure to become a keepsake. Completed projects make an adorable bulletin board too.

Well that's it for today. I have a very long "to do" list of errands, so time to put my zoom-zoom hat on and get cracking!  Wishing you a productive day.

"The best way to predict your future is to create it!" -Abraham Lincoln

1-2-3 Come Do Some "There Was A Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow" Activities With Me

activities for there was a cold lady who swallowed some snow, activities for winter books, sequencing a story activities, retelling a story activities, common core standards for there was a cold lady who swallowed some snow, favorite winter booksThere Was A Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow by Lucille Colandro, is one of my favorite winter books. My kiddos LOVE it.

It's perfect for practicing sequencing and a variety of other standards.

activities for there was a cold lady who swallowed some snow, activities for winter books, sequencing a story activities, retelling a story activities, common core standards for there was a cold lady who swallowed some snow, favorite winter booksWith that in mind, I designed There Was A Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow Literacy Packet, with quick, easy and fun "print & go" activities, games, and even a class-made book “We Swallowed Some Stuff Too!.

The packet includes:

* A "label the cover" worksheet, with completed sample.

activities for there was a cold lady who swallowed some snow, activities for winter books, sequencing a story activities, retelling a story activities, common core standards for there was a cold lady who swallowed some snow, favorite winter books* Characters, setting and events pocket chart cards.
* Story elements, plus Beginning-Middle-& End parts of the story, worksheets.

* Worksheets for sequencing the story.
* Several writing prompt worksheets, for summarizing the story and explaining your favorite part.

activities for there was a cold lady who swallowed some snow, activities for winter books, sequencing a story activities, retelling a story activities, common core standards for there was a cold lady who swallowed some snow, favorite winter books* Who-What-Why-When-Where-How? worksheet.
* Several games, including a set of Memory Match cards that you can play 3 additional games with.

*Venn diagram worksheets, which are a fun way to practice comparison & contrast.
* A graphing extension.

* 27, pocket chart, sentence cards, which help review the story, as well as practice capitalization & end punctuation.
activities for there was a cold lady who swallowed some snow, activities for winter books, sequencing a story activities, retelling a story activities, common core standards for there was a cold lady who swallowed some snow, favorite winter books* There's a matching set of mini cards, to use for several other activities.

* “Ask me to tell you the story." bookmarks.
* "Ss is for snowman and . . ." beginning letter sound worksheet.

* Rhyme time worksheet, with matching answer-key poster
"How Many Words Can You Make?” worksheet with an answer-key poster, plus
A class-made, writing prompt book: "We Swallowed Some Stuff Too"

activities for there was a cold lady who swallowed some snow, activities for winter books, sequencing a story activities, retelling a story activities, common core standards for there was a cold lady who swallowed some snow, favorite winter booksSince the story telling "slider" that I made for The Mitten, by Jan Brett, was such a hit, I decided to make one for The Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow too. 

activities for there was a cold lady who swallowed some snow, activities for winter books, sequencing a story activities, retelling a story activities, common core standards for there was a cold lady who swallowed some snow, favorite winter booksThere are two choices. One is vertical, the other horizontal, plus I’ve included a full-color pattern for you, as well as a black & white template for students. 

activities for there was a cold lady who swallowed some snow, activities for winter books, sequencing a story activities, retelling a story activities, common core standards for there was a cold lady who swallowed some snow, favorite winter booksStudents color, cut and glue their slider together. 

As children pull on the end of the “slider”, the various pictures go through the “window”, so that it looks like the cold lady is swallowing these things just like in the story.

I introduce the lesson by reading the story, then share my sample with the children.  We retell the tale together, using the picture prompts on the slider.

My students now know what’s expected of them, and are excited to transition to making a "cold lady" of their own. 

Finally, another quick, easy and fun option for sequencing and retelling the story, is The Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow story Wheel and Puzzle Packet, which also helps assess comprehension.

There are full color patterns to use for centers, as well as a sample to share, plus a black and white pattern, so your students can make their own.

activities for there was a cold lady who swallowed some snow, activities for winter books, sequencing a story activities, retelling a story activities, common core standards for there was a cold lady who swallowed some snow, favorite winter booksWhen everyone is done with their story wheel, take a moment to retell the story as a whole group, by turning the wheel.

As a comprehension-assessment tool, and for fine motor practice, another option is to have students cut up the picture sections, then glue them to the blank wheel in the appropriate order.

activities for there was a cold lady who swallowed some snow, activities for winter books, sequencing a story activities, retelling a story activities, common core standards for there was a cold lady who swallowed some snow, favorite winter booksTo practice ordinal numbers, have children write 1st, 2nd, 3rd etc. on each piece.

I've also included "Sequence the Story” Puzzles.

Use the full-color versions for an independent center, and print the black & white pattern, so children can color, cut and arrange their own puzzle.

There's also a writing prompt worksheet, where students write what happened in the story.

cover 100 days certificatesIf you’re studying fractions, be sure and take a teachable moment to review that vocabulary and information.

I know a lot of teachers will be celebrating 100 Day soon, so the featured FREEBIE today is a packet of 18, 100 Day Certificates, in color as well as black and white.   I hope you find them useful.

activities for there was a cold lady who swallowed some snow, activities for winter books, sequencing a story activities, retelling a story activities, common core standards for there was a cold lady who swallowed some snow, favorite winter booksWell that's it for today.  Thanks for visiting.

I hope your students enjoy The Little Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow and the certificates as much as mine do. 

Wishing you a carefree and cozy day.

"Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself!"  - John Dewey

1-2-3 Come Do Some Mitten Activities With Me

Do you read The Mitten by Jan Brett?  It's one of my favorite winter stories and perfect for all sorts of sequencing activities

activities to go with Jan bretts books, the mitten activities, venn diagrams, comparing the hat with the mitten, graphic organizers, Venn diagrams, end punctuation activities, ordinal number activities, capitalization activities, pocket chart cards for the mitten, mitten crafts, graphic organizers, the mitten book, activities to go with the mitten, sequencing a story, common core mittens, end punctuation practice, Venn diagrams, venn diagram comparing the mitten, story cards for the mittenactivities to go with Jan bretts books, the mitten activities, end punctuation activities, ordinal number activities, capitalization activities, pocket chart cards for the mitten, mitten crafts, graphic organizers, the mitten book, activities to go with the mitten, sequencing a story, common core mittens, end punctuation practice, Venn diagrams, venn diagram comparing the mitten, story cards for the mittenWith the aid of the materials provided for teachers on Jan's site, I designed 5 activity packets that cover all sorts of standards.  I hope you enjoy them.  They are today's featured FREEBIES and have been very popular downloads.

activities to go with Jan bretts books, the mitten activities, venn diagrams, comparing the hat with the mitten, graphic organizers, Venn diagrams, end punctuation activities, ordinal number activities, capitalization activities, pocket chart cards for the mitten, mitten crafts, graphic organizers, the mitten book, activities to go with the mitten, sequencing a story, common core mittens, end punctuation practice, Venn diagrams, venn diagram comparing the mitten, story cards for the mittenactivities to go with Jan bretts books, the mitten activities, end punctuation activities, ordinal number activities, capitalization activities, pocket chart cards for the mitten, mitten crafts, graphic organizers, the mitten book, activities to go with the mitten, sequencing a story, common core mittens, end punctuation practice, Venn diagrams, venn diagram comparing the mitten, story cards for the mittenHelp students retell the Ukrainian folktale, by making this cute mitten slider. This is a simple way to review sequencing too.  Graphics copyright janbrett.com

activities to go with Jan bretts books, the mitten activities, end punctuation activities, ordinal number activities, capitalization activities, pocket chart cards for the mitten, mitten crafts, graphic organizers, the mitten book, activities to go with the mitten, sequencing a story, common core mittens, end punctuation practice, Venn diagrams, venn diagram comparing the mitten, story cards for the mittenThe Language Arts Mitten packet also provides sequencing practice. 

My kiddos loved making the mitten paper plate pocket to keep their things in.

This 24-page packet is chock full of activities that cover a variety of standards and includes:

  • Move Over Please, So I Won't Freeze an emergent reader booklet, which reinforces lots of Common Core, especially ordinal numbers and verbs.
  • A mitten paper plate pocket "craftivity" students make to keep all of their mitten-related work in.
  • A set of ordinal number pocket cards
  • A Mitten Matching card game, where students match the animal character to the animal's name, or the ordinal number position it had in the story, or all three: i.e. the word mole, picture of the mole, ordinal number card 1st-first
  • Ordinal number character assessment strip with answer key.
  • 2 graphing activities
  • 2 mitten writing prompts
  • Several mitten worksheets, including one that covers rhyming words + more verb-work. (Great for Daily 5 activities.) and ...
  • A certificate of praise bookmark that can be used to play another game.

activities to go with Jan bretts books, the mitten activities, end punctuation activities, ordinal number activities, capitalization activities, pocket chart cards for the mitten, mitten crafts, graphic organizers, the mitten book, activities to go with the mitten, sequencing a story, common core mittens, end punctuation practice, Venn diagrams, venn diagram comparing the mitten, story cards for the mittenactivities to go with Jan bretts books, the mitten activities, end punctuation activities, ordinal number activities, capitalization activities, pocket chart cards for the mitten, mitten crafts, graphic organizers, the mitten book, activities to go with the mitten, sequencing a story, common core mittens, end punctuation practice, Venn diagrams, venn diagram comparing the mitten, story cards for the mittenAnother Mitten Literacy Packet, includes more ordinal number-sequencing practice that will help your kiddos retell the story, including a "beginning-middle-end" graphic organizer.

There's also a worksheet  where students label the parts of a book, plus pocket chart cards for character, setting and event.  I've also included 8 bookmarks to prompt retelling the story.

activities to go with Jan bretts books, the mitten activities, end punctuation activities, ordinal number activities, capitalization activities, pocket chart cards for the mitten, mitten crafts, graphic organizers, the mitten book, activities to go with the mitten, sequencing a story, common core mittens, end punctuation practice, Venn diagrams, venn diagram comparing the mitten, story cards for the mittenAnother interesting way to review the story and practice end punctuation and capitalization at the same time, is with The Mitten Pocket Chart Punctuation packet.

You can do this as a whole group activity with laminated cards (give students a dry erase marker for them to make corrections) or give each child a card to fix, by rewriting it on a sheet of scratch paper, then sharing their corrections with the class. 

activities to go with Jan bretts books, the mitten activities, venn diagrams, comparing the hat with the mitten, graphic organizers, Venn diagrams, end punctuation activities, ordinal number activities, capitalization activities, pocket chart cards for the mitten, mitten crafts, graphic organizers, the mitten book, activities to go with the mitten, sequencing a story, common core mittens, end punctuation practice, Venn diagrams, venn diagram comparing the mitten, story cards for the mittenactivities to go with Jan bretts books, the mitten activities, end punctuation activities, ordinal number activities, capitalization activities, pocket chart cards for the mitten, mitten crafts, graphic organizers, the mitten book, activities to go with the mitten, sequencing a story, common core mittens, end punctuation practice, Venn diagrams, venn diagram comparing the mitten, story cards for the mittenFinally, Venn diagrams are a quick, easy and fun way to introduce students to the concept of comparison-contrast writing

They're great practice if you've already done so, and especially perfect for visual learners.  

There are 3 in the Mitten Venn Diagram packet to choose from. 

Do one as a whole-group activity to explain things, (compare mittens and gloves) and then give students a choice of the other two. (Compare two characters in The Mitten, or compare the story The Mitten with Jan Brett's other story The Hat.)

To see a short (3 minute) YouTube video featuring Jan Brett click on the link.  Another fun video (11 minutes) features Jan showing children how to draw a hedgehog.

activities to go with Jan bretts books, the mitten activities, venn diagrams, comparing the hat with the mitten, graphic organizers, Venn diagrams, end punctuation activities, ordinal number activities, capitalization activities, pocket chart cards for the mitten, mitten crafts, graphic organizers, the mitten book, activities to go with the mitten, sequencing a story, common core mittens, end punctuation practice, Venn diagrams, venn diagram comparing the mitten, story cards for the mittenactivities to go with Jan bretts books, the mitten activities, end punctuation activities, ordinal number activities, capitalization activities, pocket chart cards for the mitten, mitten crafts, graphic organizers, the mitten book, activities to go with the mitten, sequencing a story, common core mittens, end punctuation practice, Venn diagrams, venn diagram comparing the mitten, story cards for the mittenThanks for visiting.  I hope you found some extension activities to do with your mitten theme. As for me, it's time to help my grandson pick up Toys R Us that seems to have deposited itself all over my office.  Wishing you a day filled with contentment.

Cute quote: "If kisses were snowflakes, I'd send you a blizzard!" -Unknown

 

1-2-3 Come Do Some More Pete The Cat Activities With Me

I'm back, with some more "Cool Cat" activities that will go nicely with any cat-theme you may have going on.  The story element packet is also perfect for Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, or Pete the Cat's Rockin' School Shoes. 

pete the cat activities, story elements for pete the cat, story elements activities, graphic organizers, pete the cat crafts, cat crafts, retelling a story activities, sequencing pete the cat, color activities, color word activities, graphing shoe color, venn diagram templates, venn diagrams for pete the cat, The packet includes a variety of activities to help review and practice story elements, and includes pocket cards for character, setting, and event.

pete the cat activities, story elements for pete the cat, story elements activities, graphic organizers, pete the cat crafts, cat crafts, retelling a story activities, sequencing pete the cat, color activities, color word activities, graphing shoe color, venn diagram templates, venn diagrams for pete the cat, Two graphic organizer options, help students write about the beginning, middle and end of the story. 

pete the cat activities, story elements for pete the cat, story elements activities, graphic organizers, pete the cat crafts, cat crafts, retelling a story activities, sequencing pete the cat, color activities, color word activities, graphing shoe color, venn diagram templates, venn diagrams for pete the cat, There are 6 Venn diagrams as well, that will help introduce comparison and constrast to your students. 

Venn diagrams are a quick, easy and fun way to visually show students similarities and differences. 

Children can practice this form of writing, by comparing two different cat characters, 2 different cat stories, and/or compare their shoes with a friend, or even the cat's. 

pete the cat activities, story elements for pete the cat, story elements activities, graphic organizers, pete the cat crafts, cat crafts, retelling a story activities, sequencing pete the cat, color activities, color word activities, graphing shoe color, venn diagram templates, venn diagrams for pete the cat, Practice graphing, by having children fill in the color shoe that they are wearing.  

pete the cat activities, story elements for pete the cat, story elements activities, graphic organizers, pete the cat crafts, cat crafts, retelling a story activities, sequencing pete the cat, color activities, color word activities, graphing shoe color, venn diagram templates, venn diagrams for pete the cat, For more color practice, I've included a trace and color word worksheet too.

There are also four, "I Spy a Word" games, featuring 56 words. ( Most of them from the Dolch word list.) 

All of these words appear in Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes story.  The "I Spy a Word" worksheets, are a simple and quick way to whole group assess word recognition. 

Choose students to call out a word.  Children find that word and then cover it with the little tennis shoe card. 

pete the cat activities, story elements for pete the cat, story elements activities, graphic organizers, pete the cat crafts, cat crafts, retelling a story activities, sequencing pete the cat, color activities, color word activities, graphing shoe color, venn diagram templates, venn diagrams for pete the cat, If you don't want to use the game each year, simply have students circle the word when they find it. 

For more practice, have them write the words in alphabetical order on the back of their paper.  You could also have students use the word in a sentence. 

pete the cat activities, story elements for pete the cat, story elements activities, graphic organizers, pete the cat crafts, cat crafts, retelling a story activities, sequencing pete the cat, color activities, color word activities, graphing shoe color, venn diagram templates, venn diagrams for pete the cat, Finally, in keeping with the Pete the Cat stories, there are 3 posters (including a poster-definition of what "the moral of the story" means). So that students can practice reading the repetitive lines, hold a poster up when you come to that part of the story.  

pete the cat activities, story elements for pete the cat, story elements activities, graphic organizers, pete the cat crafts, cat crafts, retelling a story activities, sequencing pete the cat, color activities, color word activities, graphing shoe color, venn diagram templates, venn diagrams for pete the cat, Click on the link to view/download the Cool Cat Story Elements and More packet. 

Since all of the other "story sliders" that I've designed, have been such popular downloads, I couldn't resist making one for Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes.

pete the cat activities, story elements for pete the cat, story elements activities, graphic organizers, pete the cat crafts, cat crafts, retelling a story activities, sequencing pete the cat, color activities, color word activities, graphing shoe color, venn diagram templates, venn diagrams for pete the cat, To make one, simply run my cat pattern off on blue construction paper.

Students trim and add a bit of color for some pizzazz.

Run off the slider strips and sequencing pictures on white paper.  Pre-cut slits on the cat. (I used an Exacto knife.) 

Children color the pictures, cut them out and then glue them to their "slider" in the correct sequential order of the story. 

When everyone has completed their cat creation, review the story, by retelling it, via the pictures on the slider, adding details when appropriate.  Encourage students to share their cat slider with their families, so they can once again retell the story. 

pete the cat activities, story elements for pete the cat, story elements activities, graphic organizers, pete the cat crafts, cat crafts, retelling a story activities, sequencing pete the cat, color activities, color word activities, graphing shoe color, venn diagram templates, venn diagrams for pete the cat, Click on the link to view/download the Pete the Cat Story Slider. 

pete the cat activities, story elements for pete the cat, story elements activities, graphic organizers, pete the cat crafts, cat crafts, retelling a story activities, sequencing pete the cat, color activities, color word activities, graphing shoe color, venn diagram templates, venn diagrams for pete the cat, Thanks for visiting today.   It's one of those perfect-weather days.  My grandson is up from his nap, so it's time for a stroller ride.  Wishing you a love-filled day.

"Believe you can, and you're half way there." -Theodore Roosevelt

6 pages.

Help students sequence and retell the story for Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, with this quick and easy "story slider" craftivity.

1-2-3 Come Do Some Mitten Activities With Me!

Since the other mitten packets to go with Jan Brett's story The Mitten, were such popular downloads, I decided to make a few more language arts craftivities to match that Ukrainian folktale.

mitten activities, mitten crafts, activities to go with the mitten, activities to go with jan bretts the mitten, the mitten by jan brett activities, re telling a story activity, literacy packet for the mitten, bookmarks, free winter bookmarks, mitten bookmarks, mitten lessonsThe Mitten literacy packet contains: an ordinal number worksheet that will help your students with sequencing the characters, a label the cover activity, a beginning-middle-end graphic organizer, 2 sets of pocket cards that review characters, stories and events + 8 bookmarks to prompt retelling of the tale.  Click on the link to view/download The Mitten Literacy Packet.

mitten activities, mitten crafts, activities to go with the mitten, activities to go with jan bretts the mitten, the mitten by jan brett activities, re telling a story activity, literacy packet for the mitten, bookmarks, free winter bookmarks, mitten bookmarks, mitten lessonsAnother way to sequence the story is with The Mitten Story Telling Slider "craftivity."  Run off the mitten on white construction paper and cut slits for the "window" with an Exacto knife. 

Children cut out their mitten, add some color to their "slider" and insert it into the mitten

Students retell the story by pulling the pictures on the slider so they show in the window.  Click on the link to view/download The Mitten Story Telling Slider.

mitten activities, mitten crafts, activities to go with the mitten, activities to go with jan bretts the mitten, the mitten by jan brett activities, re telling a story activity, literacy packet for the mitten, bookmarks, free winter bookmarks, mitten bookmarks, mitten lessonsFinally, I made some pocket review cards.  Students change the letters that need to be capitalized and add end punctuation. 

The question cards provide a nice review of the story as well.  Click on the link to view/download The Mitten Punctuation-Capitalization Pocket Card Review packet. 

mitten activities, mitten crafts, activities to go with the mitten, activities to go with jan bretts the mitten, the mitten by jan brett activities, re telling a story activity, literacy packet for the mitten, bookmarks, free winter bookmarks, mitten bookmarks, mitten lessonsThanks for visiting.  It's time to don my mittens and brave the cold, so Chloe my poodle pup gets a bit of fresh air. 

"He had mittens, Minjekahjwun, magic mittens made of deer skin; when upon his hands he wore them, he could smite the rocks asunder; he could grind them into powder." -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

back to school lessons, back to school activities, first day of school activities, first day of school lessons, first day of school ideas, back to school ideas, the kissing hand activities, the kissing hand ideas, the kissing hand lessons, first day jitters activities, first day jitters lessons, first day jitters ideas, common core lessons, common core activities, back to school writing prompts, the first day of school writing prompts, parts of a book activities, retelling a story activities, compare and contrast activities, question word activities, feelings activities, graphing activities, parts of a book lessons, retelling a story lessons, compare and contrast lessons, venn diagram lessons, compare and contrast lessons, question word lessons, feelings lessons, back to school lessons, back to school activities, first day of school activities, first day of school lessons, first day of school ideas, back to school ideas, the kissing hand activities, the kissing hand ideas, the kissing hand lessons, first day jitters activities, first day jitters lessons, first day jitters ideas, common core lessons, common core activities, back to school writing prompts, the first day of school writing prompts, parts of a book activities, retelling a story activities, compare and contrast activities, question word activities, feelings activities, graphing activities, parts of a book lessons, retelling a story lessons, compare and contrast lessons, venn diagram lessons, compare and contrast lessons, question word lessons, feelings lessons,

1-2-3 Come Do Some Kissing Hand Activities With Me

Since the first Kissing Hand Activity Packet was such a huge success, I decided to make another packet designed specifically around Common Core State Standards.

This packet will reinforce: Common Core State Standards: RI.K5,RI.K6,RI.K9,RI.K10,RL.K2, RL.K3,RL.K6, L.K1d, RI.1.9, RL.1.2, RL.1.3

It has a variety of fun reading and writing activities to go along with Audrey Penn's adorable story The Kissing Hand, about a little raccoon who doesn’t want to go to school. This is one of my all-time favorite back to school books.

This packet, is the first in a series of quick and easy common core packets, where I use kiddie lit to teach standards.  I'll be posting and blogging about these FREEBIES for the next few days.

The Kissing Hand Packet includes:

  • A beginning-middle-end story map that will help students retell The Kissing Hand
  • A "favorite part" retelling "writing prompt" bookmark
  • A compare and contrast Venn diagram where students compare The Kissing Hand to another of my favorite first day of school books, First Day Jitters!
  • Character, Setting and Event cards. (Laminate, put magnets on the back and put them up on your white board. Write down students' answers under the cards.)
  • "My Feelings" discussion, skill sheet, and graphing extensions.
  • 1st day writing prompt
  • Kissing hand poem introducing rhyming words.
  • Question Words activity sheet, reinforcing the who, what, why, when, where, how words.
  • Cover of book to label book parts + review author and illustrator

back to school lessons, back to school activities, first day of school activities, first day of school lessons, first day of school ideas, back to school ideas, the kissing hand activities, the kissing hand ideas, the kissing hand lessons, first day jitters activities, first day jitters lessons, first day jitters ideas, common core lessons, common core activities, back to school writing prompts, the first day of school writing prompts, parts of a book activities, retelling a story activities, compare and contrast activities, question word activities, feelings activities, graphing activities, parts of a book lessons, retelling a story lessons, compare and contrast lessons, venn diagram lessons, compare and contrast lessons, question word lessons, feelings lessons, Click on the link to view/download The Kissing Hand Packet 2   It will be FREE for an entire year.  After that, it will become part of a big literacy packet in my TpT shope.

Stay tuned for a similar packet for First Day Jitters. For lots more activities forThe Kissing Hand click on the link to zip on over to that section ofTeachWithMe

back to school lessons, back to school activities, first day of school activities, first day of school lessons, first day of school ideas, back to school ideas, the kissing hand activities, the kissing hand ideas, the kissing hand lessons, first day jitters activities, first day jitters lessons, first day jitters ideas, common core lessons, common core activities, back to school writing prompts, the first day of school writing prompts, parts of a book activities, retelling a story activities, compare and contrast activities, question word activities, feelings activities, graphing activities, parts of a book lessons, retelling a story lessons, compare and contrast lessons, venn diagram lessons, compare and contrast lessons, question word lessons, feelings lessons, I'm off for a swim to cool off! (90's today.) Hope you're enjoying a sunny summer day as well!

“Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway.” –John Wayne

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