Everyone has a story to tell. What is yours?
Have you thought about using novels with small groups, but aren’t sure where to start? It is definitely possible to do so in the primary grades! Here’s how I got started using chapter books with my second graders during my small group time. WHY USE NOVELS WITH SMALL GROUPS? My very first year of teaching, I was in… Read More
I have been asked to share some of the ways I organize my weekly spelling practice. I prefer to incorporate spelling practice into our Word Work rotation during our Daily 5 block (you can read more about our weekly routine here). In order to do this, things need to be organized so the students can access and use the materials independently…. Read More
Recently I shared all about what spelling looks like in my classroom from day to day. If you missed that post, click here to read all about it. Today I’m back to share more about what you might see for Word Work during my Daily 5 time. WORD WORK Students are allowed to choose their own Daily 5 tasks. However,… Read More
I’m back to share more information about how I do spelling practice and word work in my second grade classroom. Since this is a long post, I’m going to break it into two posts. Today’s focus will be on spelling. SPELLING In our classroom we usually have a spelling pattern or phonics skill we focus on each week. This weekly… Read More
I’ve been toying with the idea of doing a series of writing posts. I thought I’d start with how I provide kids with something to write about during Work on Writing. Stick with me to the end and there will be a few goodies waiting for you. A couple of years ago, a colleague introduced me to Flip’s Fantastic… Read More
I went back to school shopping. No, it wasn’t for new clothes. I bought a new laminator and I am giddy with excitement. Please tell me I’m not alone in getting excited about things like this (please). My Laminator Here is my new little toy – a Scotch Thermal Laminator. So, what does a teacher who just received a present in… Read More
Have you heard any good jokes lately?
If you spend any amount of time around kids you’ve probably heard the classics and more than a handful of punchlines that don’t even make sense. Joke books are definitely funny, but there are a lot of other great reasons to share them with your students.
•They are interactive, which keeps kids engaged.
• Since jokes are short, they can help fill up those extra minutes that appear when you finish a lesson early or have to wait a few extra minutes for specials.
• They can motivate and build confidence in your reluctant readers.
• Kids can practice fluency while learning how to deliver the punchline.
• Jokes often play with words. This means you can work on language (vocabulary, parts of speech, multiple meaning words, etc.) in a fun way.
• They can build classroom community and help reset the tone when kids are having an off day.
• Joke books can create lifelong readers!
I have been on the lookout for joke books that my kids will enjoy. Here are just a few that we recently found. Let me know if you have any other joke books you’d recommend!
#jokebooksforkids #jokebooks #funnybooksforkids #kidlit #kidsbookstagram #childrensbookstagram #kidsbooks #raisingreaders
I'm very proud of my book collection, but I don't think I've reached library status...yet! 😉Pretty much. I just opened a store instead. 😁
Look! I Wrote a Book! (And You Can Too!) by Sally Lloyd-Jones and Neal Layton follows a young author as she sets out to write a book. Along the way, she will keep your readers giggling as she shares the ins and outs of the writing process.
This book would be a great mentor text for your writing workshop. It shares information about finding ideas, knowing your audience, the parts of a story, how to receive feedback, making revisions, and publishing your writing. These could easily be used to guide your writing mini lessons. While the pictures and text will draw in your young authors, I think older students might enjoy this book as a way to review the writing process.
Have you read this book yet?
I found my copy on Amazon (affiliate link): amzn.to/39I41Bx
You know I love to share MY favorite picture books with you, but now it’s your turn. What is an amazing picture book you have read recently? Hopefully I can add some new titles to my list for our next library (or bookstore) trip!
#raisingreaders #picturebooks #readerforlife
