Saturday 18 November 2017

Christmas 'Imagine' creative writing prompts

It's 5 weeks until Christmas which means it's my favourite time in the classroom. Christmas inspired activities. Children are so much more engaged in their learning when it relates to things happening in their life. What better way to engage them in their writing than to use these Christmas 'Imagine' creative writing prompts. 





There are 20 prompts in the pack. You can download a freebie to get the above 4 out of the 20 questions in the pack. 










I am so excited to introduce my 'All About Me Lapbook'. I recently did a lapbook lesson for the first time in a year 4 classroom and I fell in love with the concept. The students were so engaged and excited by this approach to their learning. I then did some research on lapbooks and have created my own ready to use with my new class at the start of next year. At the moment I have the one I made about myself to introduce myself to the children. I will post again with some student examples when they have made their own.

Click on this link or any of the pictures to download the All About Me Lapbook





This lapbook includes 20 'flippies' that can cover at least 2 lapbooks. This enables you as the teacher to make choice over which 'flippies' are right for your class or you could give the students choice and owership over their learning.

I am planning on giving my students choice but planning out before they begin which ones they will use. Here is a close up of the lapbooks:



I would appreciate any feedback or if you have used something similar in your class. 

I have also create a freebie with 2 pages from the bundle in the pack so you can 'try before you buy'. Click on the link or the picture below to get the bundle. 


Freebie


A huge thank you and shout out to Tangstar Science where I purchased the interactive Notebook Templates and was able to make this product! Check out their blog and tpt store at: 







Friday 17 November 2017

Independent Reading Time

There is so many opportunities for independent reading in the classroom that at times it can be hard to keep up with what the children are reading and when they have finished a book. Read on to see how I set up my independent reading time. Follow the link to find the pack 

 Independent Reading Time


Firstly I begin the year by discussing what books they might be reading and where they can get the books from. They might be borrowing books from the bookshelf in the classroom, school library or bringing in a book from home.

I then use this poster I made called "How to choose a 'Just Right' Book" 


 How to pick a 'Just Right' Book

If the students have chosen a 'Just Right' Book I give them the following instructions:

 I have chosen a 'Just Right' book

I get the students to fill out a 'Reading Log' every time they read their book. (A black and white version is available in the pack on TpT
 Reading Log

Every time a student finishes reading a book I ask them to complete a book review. They can then choose to present to the class, a small group or a partner about what they read.


I always have those students who get up and down 5 times in a lesson and swap over books. I use these instructions and forms to provide accountability for student choices.

 My book is not a just right book
 My book is not a just right book


You can download this pack on Teachers Pay Teachers by following this link

 Independent Reading Time

I have also included a freebie of the book report in a black and white version:




Thank you for reading my post. I would love some feedback on how you set up your Independent Reading or if there is anything you would like me to add to my pack!