1-2-3 Come Do a Back-to-School Icebreaker Craft With Me

I think it’s super-important to build a classroom community and team spirit right from the get go.

I find that when students really know each other, they bond and make wonderful friendships. Caring & kindness result & discipline problems are minimal, making teaching much easier & learning a lot more fun.

For these reasons, I do quick, easy & fun icebreaker activities for our 1st month of school. It is definitely time well spent!

With that in mind, I designed this “Let’s Flamingle!” craftivity.

There are 6, “getting to know you” writing prompt page options.

Do one each day, then break students into small groups and “flamingle”. Woo Hoo! A week’s worth of writing, with no additional prep.

I’ve found that students absolutely love sharing things about themselves, so this is an especially fun activity for them, and a simple way to get to know a lot about your students too.

Introduce the lesson by asking: “What do you think ‘flamingle’ means?”

After discussion, share my definition poster. (Flamingle: To socialize and become familiar with your new flock of friends.)

As a whole group discussion, fill in the “Why is it important to flamingle and get to know our classmates?” poster.

Because they are so colorful, completed “flamingo friends” make a terrific back to school bulletin board, or hallway border.

I’ve included 4 photo posters of real flamingos flocking together, as well as 3 other posters you can scatter throughout your display as well.

The “We are all the same; we are all different” poster provides a great diversity discussion as well. 

It's the body portion of the bird that becomes the "flip the flap" writing prompt booklet. 

Simply choose which pages are most appropriate for you students, or do all six.

The packet also includes a flamingle treat tag in both color as well as BW. There are 5 on a one-page pattern for quick printing.

Run them off, make two slits on the dashed lines, then insert a colorful marker. Place them on your students’ desks as an inexpensive surprise for them to use to fill in their “wing” pages.

The packet also allows you to grab those extra "teachable moments" to practice using descriptive adjectives as well as simile. Use the "simile definition poster" to introduce that page.

One of the prompt page options has students think "outside the box" and compare themselves: "I am most like this animal, color, insect & invention." i.e. I am like a bee because I am always busy flitting from this to that.  

Since a lot of teachers like to start planning for back to school later in the summer, today's featured FREEBIE is another little "first day" or first week of school activity.

The packet is a set of 30 number puzzles, which come in color as well as black and white. Your students will enjoy coloring & putting their puzzle together, which will give you a few moments of peace.

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

The forecasted rain hasn't come, so I'm off to go water my very thirsty flower garden.  Wishing you a relaxing & fun-filled day.

"One of the benefits of summer, was that we had more light to read by." -Jeannette Walls from "The Glass Castle"

1-2-3 Come Do Some 2D Shape Activities With Me

"Funny Flamingos”  are a quick, easy and super-fun “print & go” craftivity, that will help review 2D shapes in some interesting & engaging ways.

The 2D shapes included are: circle, oval, square, rectangle, triangle, hexagon, pentagon, octagon, trapezoid, rhombus, star & heart.

The packet includes patterns for the above shapes, so that children can make a “Funny Flamingo Friend.”

They turn out absolutely adorable, so I think your kiddos will really enjoy making one. 

Templates come in a large, full-page size, as well as a smaller, two-on-a-page pattern.

Decide what’s most appropriate for your students.

You don’t have to, but accordion-folding the legs is a fun way to strengthen finger muscles. Your students will also enjoy the “boing-boing” effect.

Completed projects make a super-cute display. Dangle them from the ceiling as a border in your hallway. I’ve included a poster to add pizzazz.

The packet also includes 3 sets of game cards, so that students can play “Memory Match”, “I Have; Who Has?” and sorting games with them.

The 3 sets of cards feature: flamingos with a shapely body, plain shapes, plus word cards, so that you can practice a variety of standards. 

I’ve also included a “Spin to Win” game, where students partner up and take turns spinning.  Whatever shape they land on, they color the matching shape on their game sheet that color.

Several other worksheets, help to further reinforce 2D shapes in other ways.

The “Flamingo Slider” is another quick, easy & fun craft, that will help you whole group assess. 

My students absolutely LOVE playing this "I Spy" game. Simply call out a shape.  Students pull on their "slider" strip 'til it appears in the "window" then hold up their flamingo.  You can see at a glance who is having difficulty.

Two graphing extensions add some additional math pratice to the packet as well.

Use the 3 photo posters of real flamingos to introduce your lesson, as well as the “What Shape is a Flamingo’s Body Most Like?” discussion poster.

Since I'm "warping" the true shape of a flamingo, as a fun way to review shapes, I thought it important to discuss this. The poster provides a nice visual.

I’ve also included a list of super-interesting links that I use as part of my introduction as well, which helps me add a bit of science in just a few minutes.

Students learn why a flamingo is pink and other interesting facts. The 2-minute clip showing 1,000s of flamingos all in one place in Africa, is quite amazing!

Today's featured FREEBIE is also a fun activity that involves 2D shapes.

It's a very versatile, "Letter H is for House" craft that you can do when you're working on a letter a day, shapes (12, 2D shapes are included.) or doing social studies & working on communities, families & neighborhoods.

Children can also practice their address by including that as well.
Add a school photo for that finishing touch. Completed projects make an adorable bulletin board too.

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

It's been unseasonably hot this week with scorchers in the 90s, so it's a good day to design some more activities in my air-conditioned office.  Wishing you a  super-de-duper summer.

"Woo Hoo! It's summer! If you're not barefoot, you're over dressed!" -Unknown

1-2-3 Come Do Some More Zoo Activities With Me!

Do you go on a field trip to the zoo with your students or take a “virtual” field trip online?

If so, then I think you’ll enjoy this “What Did You See at the Zoo?” packet.

There are a variety of activities included, which are easy to diversify for different ages & skill levels.

The packet includes:

1. * “What animals did WE see?” colorful animal poster to use as a whole group activity, with a matching BW “What animals did YOU see?” worksheet.

2. * “Sizing Up the Animals!” worksheet, where students can practice their comparison & contrast measuring skills: “What animal was taller than you?” (shorter, heavier, longer…) “What animal would fit in your backpack?” A colorful option is also included so you can do this as a whole group.

3. * Two, “We Saw Animals!” worksheets in both color to use as a whole group discussion activity, as well as black & white versions, so you also have the option to do one or both as an independent activity.

4. * Fun Worksheet: “Oh My! An animal is escaping. It’s following you out of the zoo.” Complete the picture, by drawing your favorite animal, or one you’d like to take home.

This can simply be a “draw & color” activity for little ones, or a writing extension for older students, who will then explain their picture, or tell “how they escaped” or “what happens when they get home.”

5. * “What Did You See at the Zoo?” booklet, where students trace & write the animal word, then answer the question by marking an X in either the “Yes” or “No” box. They also color the picture of the animal.

6. * I’ve also included a colorful teacher’s edition, (“What Did WE See at the Zoo?” ) which you can do as a whole group activity with little ones.

Each full-size page, features 4 animal strips, so you can easily cut them apart to make a “Snip & Flip” Strip Booklet.

This allows you to make your booklet as long as you like; or limiting the number of pages for wee ones. There are 24 animal strip options, on 6, full-size pages.

These activities pair nicely with my
"We're Going to the Zoo!” Field Trip Packet I blogged about last week. Click the link to take a peek.

Today's featured FREEBIE is also animal-themed. Alpha-bird, is a super-fun craft that your students can either make. OR...

You can make just one for your classroom to use as a unique asssessment tool!.

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

We have relatives coming to stay with us this week from Washington, so my feet have hit the floor running. 

Wishing you a fun-filled and stress-free week.

"Always having somewhere to go is HOME. Always having someone to love is FAMILY. Having both is a beautiful BLESSING." -Unknown

1-2-3 Come Do Some Zoo Craftivities With Me

I’ve taught PK, K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 9th, 10th, 12th & college; going on a variety of field trips or “outings” with all of them. Plus, as a mom and grandmother, I’ve done my share of chaperoning too.

Why’s that important? I’ve “been there & done that” many times! You might say I’ve earned a “black belt” in the karate of field tripping.

I’ve used that experience to design this comprehensive zoo packet. Basically, it has everything you need to plan a field trip to the zoo, so that things run smoothly, and you too can enjoy the excitement & fun.

It’s my hope that the packet is also a huge time saver & “stress buster” for you.

I’ve done an elephant's ton of work, so that you can simply “print & go” and know that "I’ve got you covered”; with a nice assortment of things to do before and during the trip, as well as a huge variety of activities for after; with plenty for several days following.

I've divided the packet into these 3 major parts.

There's a "preparation section" which includes initial notes home to parents, with follow-up reminders; as well as chaperone information, permission slips, checklists, and a variety of forms.

There's also a section of helpful tips, several "To Do" lists; and a "We've Gone to the Zoo" doorknob hanger.

This "preparation section" also includes posters; "we're Going to the Zoo Tomorrow" Slap Bracelets, to use as a fun reminder to parents; plus a KWL black & white worksheet for your students, as well as a colorful one you can do as a whole group.

Also in this section, is a set of 8 different animal name tags. This is a super-easy way to group your students with their chaperone.

There are various debates over the  safety of having a child's name out there for all the world to see.

However, we discuss "stranger danger" as part of our field trip behavior. I've included discussion questions, a poster & contract for students to sign.

I think the many advantages of having a name tag, particularly for chaperones, far out weighs "that might  not happen" disadvantage. 

I laminate the tags, then write children's names on with a black marker; then use a Mr. Clean sponge to rub the names off later. Takes a bit of elbow grease, but so worth it, so I can use them again.

You can pin the "badge" on, or you can make them into a necklace. I cut up colorful plastic straws and strung those on a length of cord, alternating them with pony beads.

Another pattern in the "before" part of the packet, is a "How Many Days?" craftivity.  I've included 4 real photographs of zoo animals for you to choose from. Pick two, and glue them back-to-back, then laminate.

I punch a hole in the top and dangle a paper chain from the bottom.  There are X number of links, which equal how many days there are before our field trip. This is how I tell my students the exciting news.

Ripping off a paper link, becomes part of our daily routine, which really stops all the inevitable questions of "How many days before we get to go to the zoo?" 

Besides using the chain as a countdown, I review all sorts of math standards with my students. The paper chain is made up of 2 colors in an ABAB pattern, so we practice that, as well as: counting how many links are left, then subtracting one by ripping it off the chain, ("Now how many are left?") "Is this greater or less than the other number?" etc. 

Chaperones is another helpful preparation section. Each of my chaperones gets a clipboard to carry. 

On it is a list of students, which includes any health issues like allergies, as well as the phone numbers for the other chaperones. There's also an itinerary and map of the zoo clipped on. 

Since it's nice to be prepared for the "oops" that may happen; I also give them an "Emergency Baggie", which has a small pack of Kleenex, several Band-Aids, plus a little bottle of hand sanitizer.  This inexpensive gift has often come in handy & is truly appreciated. 

I've also included colorful, as well as black and white patterns to make chaperone "thank you cards", which my students sign and I attach to the clipboards as well. 

There are several options, plus a thank you note for the bus driver too.

One of the most helpful forms for me, is the lunch bag reminder note, which I attach to a brown paper lunch bag. 

This helps the note "stand out" which has eliminated "forgotten" lunches, plus parents are truly appreciative of the convenience. I don't want to haul heavy lunch boxes, but instead have a completely "disposable" lunch sent, so providing the bag, has also eliminated that issue as well.

Blank versions of all my notes, forms & checklists, are also provided. 

I've included a variety of activities that can also be done before the trip, as I think students get so much more out of their field trip experience, if they have some in-school information and lessons to refer to. 

I love it when I hear my students say things like: "Pandas are endagered." "That monkey is a mammal", "Polar bears have an artic habitat!" 

To help build vocabulary and animal identification skills, I've included 35, animal pocket chart cards featuring real photographs of the animals.

There's also 3 different sets (30 cards in a set) of animal word & picture cards, so that children can play a variety of games, as well as practice sorting, sequencing & making patterns. 

Another thing you can do with the cards, is play the "Hip Hippo Ray It's Feeding Time!" game.  My students absolutely LOVE "feeding" the hippo. It's such a quick, easy and super-fun way to practice a variety of standards.

Besides the above mentioned cards, I've also included a set of animal cracker cards for upper & lowercase letters, as well as numbers from 0-50. Use the cute, poster-poem to introduce the game.

Likewise, there are many activities that you can do after your field trip to the zoo, so I've included worksheets, word finds, mazes, centers, writing prompts, graphing activities & some Venn diagrams.

It's very important for students to be able to process everything they've seen. One way to do that, is with the "feedback form". 

You can do this verbally, as a whole-group activity on the bus, while children are excited to share what things they enjoyed the most, or interesting tidbits that they learned. 

To help children calm down, and get back into the routine of school when you return, you may want them to make the "flip-the-zoo-gate" writing prompt craftivity, and jot down their experience. 

Completed projects make a cute bulletin board too. I've included a giraffe poster for the center of your display.

I sincerely hope that my latest "labor of love" gives you peace of mind, and that you enjoy these activities as much as I did creating them.

Here's wishing you a stress-free, relaxing and super-fun time, as you plan for, and go on an ed-venture to the zoo! 

Today's featured FREEBIE, is also animal-themed and features a name writing and alphabet activities with an elephant.

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

Two of my nine grandchildren are coming over today to go swimming, so it's time to put my nana hat on along with some suntan lotion. 

Wishing you a carefree day filled with giggles galore.

"The city is not a concrete jungle, it's a human zoo." -Desmond Morris

1-2-3 Come Do Some Writing Prompt Crafts With Me  

Whether you're looking for a little something to save your sanity, and fill up a bit of time during the last week or school, or you need a writing prompt for back to school, you'll  “TOE-tally” love the versatility of my 2 newest packets.

I call these “double duty” writing prompt crafts because I’ve included patterns for the end of the year, as well as ones for back to school.

First up is the super-cute "TOE-tally" writing prompt packet, which  includes 3 different writing prompt crafts. Plus each of those has several options too!

All of the writing prompts use the “TOE-tally” play-on-words.
The graphics vary, but all feature cute little toes somewhere in the picture.

For the 1st option, the “shorts” of the child flip up to reveal the writing prompt.
There are 4 black & white boy options for students to choose from, as well as 4 girl patterns. 

Since completed projects make an adorable bulletin board, I've included a set of matching posters for your display.

All of the craftivities have a colorful option as well, so that teachers can quickly & easily make an example to share.
To give you some ideas, I’ve also included my completed writing prompt samples.

The 2nd option is a card. The sweet graphics feature 10 toes peeking out of a pair of flip flops. 

I've also included some "I'm wishing you a 'TOE-tally awesome summer/school year" tags, with 10, on a one-page pattern.

Attach to an end or beginning of the year treat for your students. 

I buy the bags of mini candy bars or Skittles at The Dollar Store.

They usually have 10-12 in a bag, so it's an inexpensive little surprise, that's so appreciated by my kiddos. 

I have matching bulletin board posters for this craft as well.

Finally, the 3rd option sports a child chilling out under a beach umbrella, which flips up to reveal the prompt.

For this craftivity, there are 2 boy patterns, plus 2 girl templates for students to choose from.

I've included a set of 4, matching posters to use for this bulletin board display as well.

The other writing prompt craftivity packet is entitled, "Steppin' Into ..." These craftivities also serve double duty.

End of the Year Option:
Students trace and cut out one of their feet & then glue it to the base of their flip flop.

To add extra pizzazz and 3D pop, the “straps” for the top of the flip flop, are strips of paper that stick up.

You can also use quarter inch ribbon for something different.

I’ve included a daisy pattern as well, should some of your girls want to jazz things up a bit more.

Adding a heart with a school photo creates even more interest, making this a sweet keepsake as well.

They might also like to add glitter for “nail polish” & a flat-backed “rhinestone” for a toe ring.

Students glue their completed foot to one of the corners of their “Steppin’ Into Summer…” writing prompt paper.

There are 4 black & white options for students to choose from; as well as 2 colorful ones, so that teachers can quickly & easily make an example to share.

Completed projects make a terrific bulletin board.
I’ve also included a poster for the center of your summer display, plus a different one for your back to school bulletin board.

Back To School Option:
Summer flies and school has a way of “sneaking” up on you, so this “flip up” sneaker craft, features a pair of tennis shoes.

The black & white “cover” pattern, can be colored with markers or crayons, or you can expedite things & run the template off on a variety of colors of construction paper.

At the top of the sneakers is a glue tab, which is glued to the top of the matching blank base. This “hinge” is flipped up to reveal the completed writing prompt underneath the cover.

There are two prompt options:
Option 1. “Here’s how I feel about stepping into a new school year!”
I’ve also included patterns for “Here’s how I feel about stepping into 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th grade…” with a blank option, so you can write in a different grade.

Option 2. “As you step into a new school year, here’s some advice:” For this end of the year writing prompt, your students write some advice, to your new students coming in the fall.

Tuck these away, then on the first day of school, lay them on your students’ desk, or attach to a locker door in the hallway.

If you’re a Pete the Cat fan, this “sneaker craft” is a fun activity that you can transition to, after reading one of Pete’s shoe stories.

Speaking of Pete, it seemed a nice "go along" to have today's featured FREEBIE, be a sweet story retelling craft, for Pete's "I Love My White Shoes".

A child's blue hand print topped with sneakers makes this a cute keepsake.

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

I think we've skipped spring here in Michigan, as we seem to have jumped from winter (which lasted into April), right into summer, with record-breaking 90 degree temps for May!

Have to dash and water my flowers before it gets too hot. 

Wishing you lots of "fun in the sun" as well.

"When the weather is hot, keep a cool mind.  When the weather is cold, keep a warm heart.." - Ajahn Brahm

1-2-3 Come Make a SPLASH With Me!

“Making a Splash!” is a super-fun writing prompt that your students will really enjoy.

The craftivity is very versatile, as you can use it for the end of the year, or for back to school.

It's a fun icebreaker & interesting way to get to know your students too.

Simply choose the appropriate writing prompt “cover” for the flip-up booklet:
*  “Diving Into Summer and Looking Forward to…”
*  “Diving Into a New School Year and Looking Forward to…”
Or

Use the “Diving Into ____________ and Looking Forward to…” option, so that students can fill in their new grade, or something else that they are looking forward to. (Diving into sports & looking forward to playing soccer & baseball.) 

As you can see by the photo on your right, the writing prompt is the "title" on the "cover" of a mini booklet that flips up to reveal what students have written.

The writing prompts are also easily diversified for various ability levels & grades; as you can keep things simple for younger students, who can write one or two sentences, or a list; while having preschool children dictate a few one-word answers.

Older students will be expected to write one or two pages of more in-depth explanations.
There’s a blank page pattern for this.

There’s also several “brainstorming” worksheets for the various prompts, which can be used for prewriting.

As with all of my products, I’ve included completed samples to give you some ideas, as well as enable you to quickly & easily zip off an example to share with your students.

Adding a sprinkle of glitter and a school photo, along with a few 3D options,  gives extra pizzazz to the project.

Completed projects make a terrific bulletin board, or wall display in the hall.
Because students trace & trim their own foot, each project looks a bit different.

I’ve included several "Big Splash!" posters you can use for that as well.

For additional writing options, there’s also an “I’m Ready to Make a Big Splash!” writing prompt cover, which works for both summer & back to school, allowing you a chance to touch on idioms if you want.

To help you grab that extra teachable moment, I’ve included some background information, samples & links about idioms, as well as a definition poster.

Introducing this terminology is not just for “big kids”, as my 1st graders easily understood the concept & excitedly shared all sorts of examples! 

Since the end of the year is fast-approaching for many of us, you may be thinking about an end-of-the year slideshow, or perhaps you're getting ready for preschool or <strong>kindergarten graduation</strong>.

If so, you'll find today's featured FREEBIE especially helpful.  It's an alphabetical list of 150, (teacher tested) songs suitable for your end of the year programs. 

I hope you find it a helpful stress-buster, and one less thing you have to look for. 

Well that's it for today.  I marathon-shopped for flowers and plants all day yesterday, so I'm super-excited to play in the mud this afternoon.

Wishing you a sunshine & love-filled day.

"A garden requires patient labor and attention.  Plants do not grow merely to satisfy ambitions or to fulfull good intentions.  They thrive because someone expended loving effort on them." -Unknown

1-2-3 Come Do More Aesop's Fables Activities With Me

 Last week I blogged about Aesop's "The Tortoise & the Hare" fable. This week I just finished a storytelling slider and wheel craftivities for "The Wind & the Sun". 

My students really enjoy this simple and short genre, which makes the fables perfect for practicing a variety of standards, particularly sequencing and retelling a story. 

“The Wind and the Sun” is the 2nd in my Aesop's Fables series, so if you have a favorite that you’d like me to design a story wheel or slider for, you can drop me an e-mail at: dianehen@teachwithme.com

I think that the slider is easier for little ones. However; I've also done the wheels with my Young Fives with great success. 

My kiddos enjoy both, and like making them so much, that they often ask "Do we get to make a storytelling craft with this book?"

Because Aesop’s fables are very short, the wheels have just 4 “pie sections”, making this a simple enough craftivity for preschool children as well;  while teachers of kindergarten and 1st grade students, can prqctice and review fractions, particularly quarters.

There are full color patterns to use for an independent center, as well as a sample to share, plus black & white patterns, so students can make their own. I like giving both options, so that teachers have a choice, as they know what's best for their students' abilities.

When everyone is done, practice telling “The Wind and the Sun” using the manipulative.
Simply turn the wheel or pull the slider strip, then call on a child to explain what’s happening in that graphic.

Afterwards, have students pick a partner and take turns retelling the fable to each other. Sometimes we do this with our older, reading buddies.
This is a quick, easy & fun way to check comprehension as a whole group.

For writing practice, and a different way to check comprehension, have students complete the “Here’s What Happened” writing prompt worksheet, then color it.

There’s also a “What’s the Moral of the Story” worksheet as well. These comprehension checks come in both packets. I switch things up, by using different clip art.

As a real time saver for teachers, I’ve included colorful answer keys for both worksheets, which can also be used as a whole group discussion with younger kiddos.

To further check comprehension, and reinforce the “sequencing a story” standard, I’ve also included a “color, cut & glue” sequencing worksheet.

This too, comes in color as well as black & white, so that you can do the activity independently with older students, as well as a whole group lesson with little ones.

Since Mother's Day is fast approaching, today's FREEBIE is a sweet, Mother's Day cupcake card that flips up.  Click on the link to grab the pattern today.

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

Last week here in Michigan, we had an ice storm mixed with snow (What?!), while this week we seemed to have skipped spring and bounced into summer, with temperatures in the high 70's and even a few days in the 80's! 

So it's off to go play in my garden to get it ready for planting next week, that if Mother Nature cooperates.

Wishing you a zippidy-doo-dah day, with plenty of sunshine.

"Your mind is like a garden. Your thoughts are the seeds.  You can grow flowers, or you can grow weeds." -Unknown

1-2-3 Come Do Some Aesop's Fables Craftivities With Me

Do you read fables as part of your genre studies? I do.
They are a simple & quick way to cover a variety of standards and my students really enjoy them.

Since my fairy tale “flip ups”, “sliders” and “wheel” craftivities have been such fun for students & easy for teachers to implement, I decided to use the same format for a collection of Aesop’s Fables.

“The Tortoise & the Hare” story, is the first in a series, so if there's a favorite fable you'd like an activity for, you can e-mail me. (dianehen@teachwithme.com)

First up, as a super-fun way to retell "The Tortoise & the Hare" is a "Flip-the-Face" craftivity.

Children have two options: They can choose to make a turtle or a rabbit.

The "flip-up booklet" is only 4-pages long, which keeps things simple even for young children.
All four pages are on a one-page pattern, making printing a breeze.

Students color, cut & collate the pages, then staple them to the base and glue on the cover.

I purposely did not number the pages, so that you can easily check & assess comprehension.

For writing practice, older students can use the back of the page to jot down what’s taking place.
I’ve also included a blank page pattern, should you want your students to illustrate their own booklets.

As a writing prompt, there’s an optional page that asks: “What is the moral of the story?” The "slider" & wheel craftivities have this on a worksheet, which students complete & color.

So teachers can quickly and easily make an example to share, I’ve included full color versions, as well as black & white patterns for students.

This flip up, as well as the "slider" & storytelling wheel, all come with a different “Here’s What Happened” worksheet, which provides further writing practice, and another means to check comprehension.

When everyone is done with whatever craftivity you've made,  sequence the story as a whole group, by calling on children to explain what’s happening for that graphic.

Afterwards, have students pick a partner and take turns retelling the fable to each other, then encourage them to share their booklet with their families, to once again reinforce these standards.

Completed "flip-ups" make a cute bulletin board too.

Next up is "The Tortoise & the Hare" slider craft, which will also help your students retell the story in the proper order.

As with the "flip up", there are 2 outside slider options to choose from: a turtle or the rabbit.

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

As they pull on the end of this strip, the various pictures go through the “window” on the animal’s belly, 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 fable, then share my completed "slider craft” with my students.

After 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 Aesop’s fable slider of their own.

This packet also has several worksheets to further reinforce sequencing, practice writing and as an easy & additional means to assess comprehension.

Finally, another way to practice retelling "The Tortoise & the Hare" is with a storytelling wheel. 

There are 3 different wheel options. The first one is a  bunny’s backside, complete with a cotton ball tail.

This would be the turtle’s view of the rabbit as he dashes ahead in the race. You don't have to add the feet, but I think it adds to the cuteness, and just takes a few minutes more.

The next option is  a turtle topper.

The turtle peeks out at the top of the wheel that he's holding.

For more of a contrast, I printed the wheel pattern on green construction paper.  You could use a variety of colors and give children a choice.

Finally, the third pattern is the easiest, as it's just a simple circle wheel, which children color and cut out; making it perfect for little ones with limited cutting ability or if you're in a time crunch. 

Because Aesop's fables are very short, the wheels have just 4 “pie sections”, making this a simple enough craftivity for preschool children.

Likewise, because the graphic circle is divided into fourths, be sure and take that teachable moment to review fractions, with kinders & first graders.

My students easily wrap their heads around whole & half, but have a bit of difficulty getting quarters, which is one of the reasons I limited the graphics to 4, so that I could immerse them in yet another example.

When everyone is done, practice telling “The Tortoise & the Hare” using the manipulative by simply turning the wheel. Call on a child to explain what’s happening in that graphic.

This packet also has the additional writing prompt worksheets.

Because Mother's Day is just around the corner, the featured FREEBIE for today, is a sweet butterfly craft that's made by tracing a child's foot with their shoe on.

It's sure to become a special keepsake. 

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

If you can believe it, we're still getting snow flurries here in Michigan!

Although it's "officially" been spring for weeks, Mother Nature is certainly not cooperating!

On the positive side, it's the perfect day to snuggle in and craft away.

"People need to be cautious because anything built by man can be destroyed by Mother Nautre." -Russell Honore

1-2-3 Come Do A Doctor Seuss Activity With Me

Right along with “March is Reading Month” our school celebrates Dr. Seuss.

By mixing reading with math, I get more bang for my time, so I thought I’d design an activity using Seuss’s book, “One Fish Two Fish”.

So that you can easily diversify your lessons, I’ve included two booklets in the packet.

The first one is an emergent reader, which is packed with over 40 Dolch sight words.

For your convenience, I’ve included a full color version, so teachers can quickly & easily make an example to share, as well as a black & white option for your students to color.

Using Seuss’s story for inspiration, I’ve included some of his rhyming words, so there are "bad & glad" fish, along with fish that are fat, with one wearing a yellow hat; as well as one with a star and another driving a car.

The last page is also very “Seuss-ical” as well: "From 1 to 10, from 10 to 1, counting is a lot of fun! From there to here, from here to there, you can count things everywhere!"

Except for numbers 9 and 10, there are two numbers featured on a "fish bowl" page, which is a nice time saver that conserves paper.

The other option, is a simple “trace & write” counting booklet, which practices numbers, plus number and color words.

Pressed for time? Assign the cutting and assembly of the booklet as homework, which is then returned so that students can complete one or pages each day, during your reading or math block.

When everyone is done, read the booklet as a whole group, or have children partner up and take turns sharing each page. 

Going along with the "One Fish TWO Fish" theme, there are TWO featured FREEBIES today!

The first one is a Seuss-themed reading log, which will help encourage students to read more during the month of March. 

FREEBIE number two is a 34-page "Cat in the Hat" themed packet. 

Review all sorts of standards with this quick, easy and fun Seuss-themed Cat in the Hat game. 

Print, laminate and trim the "food" cards.  These are mini cards that include upper and lowercase letters, numbers from 0-120,  number word cards, color words, 2D & 3D shape cards, 35 contraction cards, & 20 at family cards.

There's also a set of math symbols as well, so you can use the number cards for other math activities, like making up equations & solving them, plus showing greater and less than. 

Students can also sort the number cards into odd and even piles and sequence them. Play Memory Match or "I Have; Who Has?" games with the number word cards and their matching number cards.  These games also work for the shape and color word cards.

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

It's currently snowing here in Michigan, and while the frosted trees are quite lovely, I'm so very sick of winter and looking forward to some sunny spring days.

Wishing you a fun-filled "Seuss-ical" kind of week, as you enjoy reading from "here to there and everywhere!"

 “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” -Dr. Seuss (The Lorax)

1-2-3 Come Do A Seuss Craft With Me

It's "March is Reading Month" and Seuss is on the loose!

"You may have heard of Thing 1 and Thng 2.  They are a bit silly and a pretty bright blue.

I wonder though, if you've heard of Thing Three.  I doubt that you have because that would be me!"

And so begins the introductory poem that I wrote for a super-fun, Seuss inspired, writing prompt craft that I feel confident your students will really enjoy!

An added bonus is that completed Thing 3 projects make an amazing bulletin board.
I’ve included 2 posters for the center of your display.

This is easy-easy “print & go” prep for you, with a lot of bang for your time.

The packet is very versatile so that you can easily diversify your lessons.

Pre K kiddos can make their “Thing 3” and leave it at that, or dictate their answer to one of the writing prompts.  

Students can color my Thing 3 pattern, or use the blank-face pattern and draw their own. 

I made matching turquoise hair for my example, but for more variety, give children a choice of rainbow bright or neon colors, which make for an especially vibrant display.

You don’t have to, but to make it even more of a keepsake, have students trace one of their hands on a folded sheet of complimentary-colored construction paper, then cut once to make two hands.

Glue them to the sides of the back of Thing 3’s “belly” circle. Bend them a bit forward for some 3D pop.

For beginning or advanced writers, there are 11 writing prompt pages.
Pick your favorite or give children a choice. 

Another option is to make a “Things Journal”, doing all of the writing prompts.

Students can create their booklet on one day, then each day afterwards, complete a writing prompt page. 

Time constraint? Making & assembling the booklet can be done as a homework assignment, then returned to complete the writing in class.

Finished booklets make a nice keepsake and your “Writing Block” is taken care of for several weeks! Woo hoo.

I’ve found that when students get to share things about themselves, they are excited to get right down to the business of writing.

These interesting prompts not only do that, but they are also thought provoking.
I’ve actually had students who have no clue what they’d like to be, or places they’d like to go. They simply have never really thought about it.
When I tell them “The sky’s the limit” imaginations take flight.

How much you want students to write is up to you; share one “thing” or as many as three per prompt, leaving enough room on the bottom to illustrate one of their thoughts.

I chose 3 examples to go along with the "Thing 3" theme.
Be prepared for some enthusiastic writers to ask if they can list even more “things”!

As a fun way to get to know their classmates better, have a time of sharing when everyone has completed that prompt for the day.

Another booklet option reviews the 5 senses.
You can do this “instead of” the writing prompt pages or in "addition to"; creating a journal that will now last 3 weeks!

Using your five senses to describe things you like seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching, makes for some wonderful descriptive writing too. Remind students to use plenty of adjectives.

As with some of the writing prompts, I’ve included my completed "5 senses" example pages, so that you can quickly & easily make a sample to share.

The student pages include a graphic for each of the 5 senses that they color.  Have them illustrate one of their thoughts on the bottom as well.

Today's featured FREEBIE also has a Seuss theme.  I designed this word work packet to go along with his book Green Eggs and Ham.

Did you know that Dr. Seuss wrote Green Eggs and Ham on a bet that he couldn’t write a book with fifty or fewer distinct words? 

After doing some checking, I discovered that the bet was made in 1960 with Bennett Cerf, the co-founder of Random House, and was for $50.  Ironically, even though Seuss wrote Green Eggs and Ham using EXACTLY 50 words, it's been reported that Cerf never paid up.

Green Eggs and Ham ranks in the top 3 best-selling Seuss books, so it's definitely worth reading.  I painstakingly found all 50 words in my copy, then alphabetized them in a handy list, as well as on an anchor chart poster. All but 8 of these words, appear on the Dolch word lists (6 of the 8 are nouns; the other six nouns in the story ARE on the Dolch noun word list!)  

Use the 50 word cards to play a variety of games like "Speed", Memory Match and "I Have; Who Has?". Students could also pick a partner, and play "Speed" against them, to see who can arrange their set of cards in alphabetical order first. The packet also includes a 2-page tip list of ideas, like Kaboom!

For writing practice, print, laminate and trim the cards.  Toss them into a Seuss hat and have students choose 2-3 and incorporate those words in sentences.  Remind them to use proper spacing, capitalization and end punctuation. 

So that children can practice long and short vowels, I've included two green eggs vowel sorting mats.

For some rhyming practice, run off the two "trace, write and alphabetize" worksheets, which use words that rhyme with Sam and green.  All of these activities are perfect for your Daily 5 word work block. 

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

March has roared in like a lion here in Michigan, so it's time for a cup of hot chamomile tea and a little reading by the fire. 

Wishing you a carefree, lamb kind of day.

"Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather, mixed with a positive attitude." -Unknown