Keeping the Kiddos Learning Before Winter Break!

Still need an activity for the week before your winter break?  Try out this holiday themed mystery picture!  Students identify types of figurative language and then color in the grid according to the key given.  This activity keeps students engaged in their lesson while they are having fun learning.  This activity is sold only for $1.  It is also part of my bundles. 

Here is the link if you are interested!
Figurative Language Mystery Picture Christmas Tree Theme

Using Descriptive Words: Adding Adjectives and Adverbs to Your Writing

I can't say enough how important it is to include a lesson on using descriptive words in writing.  Descriptive words, including adjectives and adverbs, create tone and add imagery to writing.  A mini-lesson about descriptive words will help your young writers craft their story and message.

One of the most common ways my students add describing words to their writing is by adding VERY and EXTREMELY.  This is NOT descriptive writing.  I make a rule that my students are not allowed to use those vague, nondescript words.  I tell them that they have to use words that show imagery.  This doesn't mean that their words have to be words that they don't know.  They can add lots of great imagery with some very simple words.

Below are some sample task cards I use in my descriptive words mini - lesson.  I do this activity just before we get ready to edit our compositions for descriptive words.  If you are interested in this product, here is the link:

Task Cards : Using Descriptive Words in Sentences

It isn't too late to get you Thanksgiving Activity to review figurative language!  Students enjoy working together or independently to see what the picture will be. Click on the link below.


https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Figurative-Language-Mystery-Picture-Thanksgiving-Theme-2868249

Reading Reflections Journals - Improve Critical Thinking and Reading Skills

I teach in a first through eighth grade school, and one of our school-wide programs is to have all students reading each day and keeping a reading log.  The students in middle school are supposed to write a reflection about their reading.  I have tried several methods over the years, but last year is when I feel like I had finally figured out something that works.  Years ago, I used to give the students a weekly worksheet reading log.  Using that, the students could make a connection, summarize, find a vocabulary word, tell why they enjoyed the reading, etc.  However, I found that the students' answers were very vague, and their answers lacked critical thinking and deep thought.  That is when I decided to give the students very specific questions about their readings or something to do with the reading.  I also wanted to make sure the questions had academic vocabulary included in them.  This has worked very well for me.

The students come into class and immediately work on their reading response log while I take attendance.  Having this activity also helps get them in the habit of bringing their independent reading book to class.  Here are pictures of the response prompts and how my students use them in their journals.

Some students like to glue in each question leaving space under each one.  That gives them plenty of room to draw and write as much as they want. 

Some students like the side by side look.  The students glue the reading log on the left, and they write their responses on the right.  If they need more space for the last ones, they just continue on the next page.  

This is another way I use them.  I cut them out into strips and give the strips to groups of students.  The groups usually have about 4 students each.  They use the strip to discuss or interact with a part of their book.  The question gives the students a talking point.  Sometimes I give them several questions for the group to discuss.  The strips make it more fun than just reading off of a worksheet.  You can also have the students choose the strips by putting them in a container.  It adds a little excitement to see which questions the group will pick.  

 I have found these methods to be a great way getting students to respond to their reading.  I use these strategies with stories we read together and their independent reading books.  It also raises accountability because the students know they will have to respond to their reading in class, so they are more likely to read each day.

If you are interested in this product, check out my freebie at this link.
Reading Log Freebie

If you are interested in the entire set of 65 prompts, here is the link.
Reading Response Prompts

IT'S BACK TO SCHOOL!

Read my newsletter entry below for ideas and tips for BACK TO SCHOOL!

Back to School Fun

As fun get to know you activities, I have my students interview each other with fortune tellers.  I also have them make SELFIES with an acrostic poem.

The students make a fortune teller and then write their interview questions inside the flaps.  Then they ask questions and record their answers as they play the game.   Here are the directions for making fortune tellers.  I use card stock, but you can use regular copy paper.  If you are interested in this activity, go to this link. 
Back to School Activities Get to Know You Bundle