Zenobia Kellock Kellock

After reading the story, Chester's Way by Kevin Henkes, students will decide which character was a better friend. They will use a character trait to explain their answer and write evidence from the story to prove their character trait. They can then use this organizer to write a paragraph.

Students sort the words according to suffixes then record them onto the sheet. Use this as a center or with a partner to help reinforce these suffixes.

Students use this graphic organizer to help them write a paragraph. This organizer works well with Personal Narrative Writing pieces. Use this during Writer's Workshop or at a Writing Center. Students write their seed idea at the top to help keep them on track.

Students use this book to help learn more facts about the author Kevin Henkes. This is a word doc for can be changed to any author that you like. Use the author's web site to find information (research) and then have students compete as they learn more facts. A great way to collect information about an author. Students really enjoy learning about an author. It allows them to make connections and see that they can be an author too!

Use at a center to help students practice the skill of alphabetical order. Cut apart the lists and have students move pieces into correct order and then record it on the sheet.

Students write a basic paragraph using this organizer to help. The seed idea is the idea for their writing topic. Then they complete to help guide them with adding all the important components of a paragraph. Great for first and second grade. Can be used for any topic.

Students create an All About Me pennant to introduce themselves to the class. Helps to create a classroom community. Students love including pictures of their families, stickers and other meaningful icons/pictures of their hobbies. Great team building activity for a class. Teachers can then hang them to make a bulletin board "Let's Go Class!"

Using WBT rules, students sign an expectation sheet. It also shows students what to expect from the teacher.

Students use that they know about a vocabulary to show meaning of the word (L2.4) CCSS. This can be done independently or with a partner. Students can then pair and share.

Have students brainstorm the similarities and the differences of a reading and writing community. Students can they put the information in to the venn diagram on their own or with a partner. This is a great activity to do in the beginning of the year as you set up your reading and writing expectations. I hang a large venn diagram with their ideas all year long to remind them of what it should look like and sound like when they are reading and writing.

Use as a center or as partner work. Cut the word cards out and place in a bag. Have students sort between the adjectives and verbs. Then have them use these words in a sentence. Great for a review!

Student use the Four (tell me more) Square Graphic Organizer to write their initial draft of their personal narrative. Students then transfer their writing to the final copy paper. Use this at your writing center or during writer's workshop!

Have students brainstorm the similarities and the differences of a reading and writing community. Students can they put the information in to the venn diagram on their own or with a partner. This is a great activity to do in the beginning of the year as you set up your reading and writing expectations. I hang a large venn diagram with their ideas all year long to remind them of what it should look like and sound like when they are reading and writing.

Great for a community unit. Have students show you what they know with completing the characteristics of a suburban community. Students can work on this independently or with a partner.

Using WBT rules, students sign an expectation sheet. It also shows students what to expect from the teacher.

Hang at a center or have students mark the center they go to.