LambReads

This graphic organizer makes an analogy between writing a paragraph to a burger. The first sheet allows for teacher modeling and/or student practice with adding details (meat, cheese, lettuce) to a topic and conclusion sentence (the bun). The directions explain that just like you cannot build a good sandwich without ingredients to put between the bread, you cannot build a good paragraph without interesting details. Topics for this activity include friendships, computers, and reading. The se

When students write a set of directions to inform readers about a process, they often must revise for clarity. This mini-lesson includes an example for teacher modeling and a prompt for guided and/or independent student practice. As a bonus it also includes 3 multiple choice questions and 1 short answer problem for test taking practice or comprehension assessment using the model set of directions.

This is a planning sheet to help teachers consider four essential questions in instructional planning– What do you want students to learn? How will you know they have learned it? What will you do for students that struggle? What will you do for students that demonstrate mastering of the target skills/strategies?

This is a planning sheet to help teachers consider all essential components of a balanced literacy reading/language arts block of instruction. Word knowledge, vocabulary, comprehension and writing are all addressed in this planning sheet.

Isabel Beck, Margaret McKeown, and Linda Kucan suggest that teachers select 3-4 tier two vocabulary words in read aloud books to discuss with students. In their book, Bringing Words to Life: Robust Vocabulary Instruction, they suggest that teachers prepare questions to guide the oral discussion of vocabulary to help students build deeper understanding of words. This sheet provides three words and sample questions that could be used with the book, Testing Miss Malarkey by Kevin O'Malley.