First Day Jitters: Back to School Craft Wheel For Retelling & Sequencing

Do you read “First Day Jitters” by Julie Danneberg?

It’s one of my all-time favorite back to school books. The surprise ending always delights my students.

With that in mind, I designed this craftivity.

Storytelling wheels are a quick, easy & super-fun way to help children practice the “retelling & sequencing a story” standards.

If your kiddos are like mine, they will really enjoy making a wheel of their own. It’s a wonderful activity to transition to after reading the story.

To once again grab my students’ attention, I share my sample as a story review, then ask, “Who’d like to make one?” Woo Hoo for excited enthusiasm!

There are full color patterns to use for an independent center, as well as a sample to share, plus a black & white pattern, so students can make their own.

As a whole group, when everyone is done, practice retelling “First Day Jitters” using the manipulative.

Everyone starts by turning their wheel to the “pie slice”, where Mr. Hartwell is calling to Sarah. Pick a child to explain what’s happening in that ”beginning of the story” graphic.

Continue to turn the wheel, calling on different students to tell you about that portion of the story.

Afterwards, have students pick a partner and take turns sharing their wheels with each other. Sometimes we do this with our older, reading buddies.

This is a simple & quick way for you to check comprehension too.

For writing practice, have students complete the “Here’s What Happened” writing prompt worksheet, then color it.

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

Use the larger, colorful pattern for a whole group activity with younger kiddos, then place in your literacy center.

I’m Diane from Teach With Me, hoping you and your students enjoy “turning & learning”.

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