Let's say goodbye to boring book reports for good! Today, I'm sharing 7 of my favorite ways to get students to report on the books that they have read. These ideas combine creativity, rigor, and engagement so that students actually enjoy reporting out on their reading. And...there's enough variety in these activities that you'll be able to tap into a variety of learning styles all year long. 1. Doodle Book Review - Exclusive FREEBIE! Oh baby! There's nothing better than doodles to get students excited about learning. In the doodle book review, students complete planning pages before creating a doodle-themed, one-page book report. This book review is accessible and fun...and since I know your students will LOVE IT, I'm providing an exclusive FREE DOODLE BOOK REVIEW. 2. Book Report Mobile Here's a fun twist on a classic book report. It's a paper book mobile. The Clothes Hanger Book Report works with any fiction book. The highly detailed planning pages are designed so that students can work on the project in class or independently outside of school. The end result is a vivid, comprehensive book report that students love. 3. Book Talk Book talks are a wonderful way for students to demonstrate their understanding of the books they read while practicing their writing and speaking skills. The only problem is, students often don't know where to start. That's where this FREE Book Talk resource comes in. Students learn about book talks before completing a pre-write. Then, they write a final copy. After learning about how to give a book talk, they're ready to report on their present their book talks. 4. Literature Circles Looking for a fun way to get students involved in their reading? Then, you are going to love the Doodle Literature Circle roles. A literature circle is when a small group of students gather to discuss a piece of literature in depth. The discussion is guided by students’ responses to Literature Circle Role handouts. Each doodle-style handout will have students thinking critically about the text and of course, doodling to heighten their engagement and connection to their reading. The handouts are completed before the literature circle discussions. Then, during the literature circle, small groups gather and engage in critical thinking as they read, discuss and respond to texts together. 5. File Folder Book Project I love this book project because it's designed for students to complete all on their own. That means that they can create a unique file folder covered in plot details, character analysis, setting description, a personal reflection as part of an independent reading project. This project is super adaptable too. You can also use it for a class-wide novel study or even a summer reading project. And my favorite part is that the final file folders are a great addition to your classroom library. Future readers can easily reference the file folders to get a review of a book before reading the book on their own. 6. Creative Reading Response Tasks Here are 20 creative ways to get students to report out on their reading. These creative Reading Response Tasks give students an opportunity to share their thoughts and interpretations about their reading in engaging ways. The activities tap into current social media trends as well as traditional writing styles. Along with the 20 fun and educational reading response activities, you’ll also find everything you need to set up a reading response program or journal in your classroom. Let the reading (and fun!) begin! 7. Task Cards and Doodle Poster What happens when a great book, creative task cards and engaging doodle notes combine? A Doodle and Do resource, of course! I've created Doodle and Do resources for Freak the Mighty, Walk Two Moons, Wonder, and Tuck Everlasting. In each of these resources, students will respond to 12 fun task cards with 2 pages of doodle notes. The task cards require students to write, chat, swap, and draw in response to specific questions about the book. Then, students add their responses to fun doodle notes for the novels. I hope you have found some fresh ideas for book reports! Here are the links... 1. FREE - Doodle Book Review 2. Clothes Hanger Book Report 3. FREE Book Talk 4. Doodle Literature Circle Roles 5. File Folder Book Project 6. 20 Creative Reading Response Tasks 7. Task Cards and Doodle Poster - Freak the Mighty, Walk Two Moon, Wonder, and Tuck Everlasting Don't forget to grab the FREE Doodle Book Review! Thanks for stopping by, Mary Beth P.S. Click here for even more reading resources!
No more boring book reports! Check out 26+ FUN, creative and unique book report ideas and free printable projects too!
Use this freebie to help your students write an opinion book review. There are 2 different versions included! ...
The days of dioramas and book reports may be long gone. (Is it wrong that I’m a little sad about that?) Yet the expectation that students read and express their understanding of what they’ve read remains as strong as ever. So what’s a teacher to do? More specifically, what’s a creative teacher to do, when she doesn’t want to rely on worksheets? Get creative, of course! I’ve compiled 9 Fun Book Projects for you. They’re quick and easy to prepare, and best of all, they’re engaging – for both your students and you. No more slogging through piles of “Why I Liked This Book!” Take a look: Write a different ending -- What if the main character didn’t make it in the end? Or the dogs had lived? Or the culprit was the best friend? Your students’ imaginations can really wander with this assignment. Maybe their alternate ending will be even better than the original! Offer to let students draw their new ending as a bonus. Give a book talk --- Book talks are a wonderful way for students to demonstrate their understanding of books that they have read while practicing their writing and speaking skills. They're a great book project because they combine so many skills...and students love listening to one another. Oh, and the added bonus is that students can learn about books that they're interested in reading as they listen to the book talks. If you'd like to give them a try, then check out this FREE BOOK TALK GUIDE. It includes an overview of book talks, pre-write, final copy, and tips and tricks for presenting a book talk. Find it HERE. Write a sequel -- If you have the time, your students may want to extend their alternative endings into a whole second book (or at least a few pages or a chapter). After all, who hasn’t reached the end of a great read and wished for more? This will be a challenge, as students will have to build on the original plot lines and character outlines. Refer them to some famous book series for inspiration. Write a letter to the author -- Take a page from Beverly Cleary’s classic Dear Mr. Henshaw and have students write a thoughtful letter, with questions for the author of their current reading selection (or a favorite book). Most authors love to write (of course!) and appreciate opportunities to interact directly with their readers. Address letters (or e-mails) to the publisher, or see if the author has contact information on his or her website. It never hurts for students to practice their letter-writing and envelope-addressing skills, either – at least as long as snail mail is still around. Your students will be thrilled to get a response, too. Great news! I've put together three stationary templates that students can use when drafting their letters. They're a special FREEBIE just for you! Click here to check them out...and download them for free! Choose a response --- Here's an idea that students love...give them choices! It's amazing how giving students the ability to select the response or project that they would like to complete instantly increases their engagement. With that in mind, I created a series of "This or That" reading responses. Each This or That Reading Prompt includes instruction at the top of the worksheet and then 2 reading response choices for students to showcase their learning. After reviewing the choices, students can choose to do the "This" prompt or the "That" prompt. You can easily turn this into a book project by having students complete 5 (or so) different prompts while reading the book and submit them all as a final project when they finish reading the book. Learn more HERE. Set it to music -- Have your students capture a pivotal scene from the book in a song set to familiar music. It can be a ballad, a pop song, a rap – whatever speaks to them or best works with the scene. Encourage students who select this option to put on a concert. For students who are shy to perform, give them the option of recording their song privately, so you can play it without them having to get up in front of the class. Doodle it --- This is my FAVORITE type of book project! That's because it combines reflection, thinking and DOODLING! You can instantly take book reports and book projects to a whole new level with a Doodle Book Review! First, students complete a planning guide. Then, they design a Doodle Book Review! Check it out HERE! There's even this cinema-themed version that your students are sure to love. Find it HERE. Create a File Folder --- I first developed this book project idea many years ago as a summer reading project. Then, I altered it slightly so that it could be completed during anytime of the school year with any book. With this project, students compile critical information from the book they read including the plot, characters, setting, and a reflection in a manila file folder. The file folder book report includes detailed instructions so that students can complete it all independently. The end result is a compact project that students love! Oh, and you can store the file folders by your classroom library for students to reference when picking out a book! Find more details HERE. Blog about it -- If you have a classroom webpage, it can be fairly simple to create a live (and private) blog that students can use to discuss and debate the merits of their favorite books. This option might work best for students who have read the same book. Make sure you establish expectations for a civil online conversation. You can get in on the convo, too! Focusing on nonfiction in your classroom? Try one of these book report alternatives: Ø Create a scrapbook with images and facts about the book topic. Ø Write interview questions for the main character (if reading a biography, for example). Extend this assignment by allowing students to dress up as the character and record their responses to the interview questions. Ø Write a diary that one of the story’s main characters might have kept before, during, or after the book’s events. Make sure students emphasize what the character is thinking and feeling to give it an authentic feel. Ø Write a news story about the main event in the book (for example, the sinking of the Titanic). This is a good opportunity to practice this very specific form of writing. You’ll want to review inverted pyramid style and how to use quotes if you go this route. BONUS: Wait! I have one more idea. Here's a new spin on the classic book report mobile! Why not have students report out on the plot, setting, characters, and theme on fun pieces of paper clothing? Then students can hang their work from a hanger that says, "Try this book on for size!" This project includes a set of first draft materials and final copy elements so that students can create a high quality project! Here's some links for some of the project ideas above: ➧ File Folder Book Project (any book!) ➧ Doodle and Do Book Review (doodle book project) ➧ This or That Reading Response Prompts ➧ Book Talk (freebie) ➧ Letter to the Author Stationary Templates (FREE!) ➧ Clothes Hanger Book Report I hope that you've found some fun book project ideas to try in your classroom! Happy reading! Mary Beth
A good book review template will also give a general detail of the author. Here are some templates that offer the perfect framework that can be used to make the most interesting book review formats
Thank you to Diane for submitting this fun book report poster. It’s legal size (paper) worksheet and is great for lower grades (or as an easy project for upper grades). Great end of the year …
Since I wrote my Tried It Tuesday post early, I would like to begin this post by mentioning the tragic events in Oklahoma. The families affected by this tragedy have been in my thoughts and prayers. I can't even imagine a natural disaster of that magnitude hitting while little ones are in my care and feel helpless. My heart just aches. It makes me stop and look at all the blessings in my life in these awful times. I am linking up a little late this Wednesday evening with my amazing BBB, Jivey, for her weekly Workshop Wednesday. The topic this week is Response to Literature. My first thought that came to mind is a reading response that the students really LOVE! So, I am going to cheat a little by revisiting a post from October and focus just on this one method. It was originally inspired by The Writer's Notebook by Aimee Buckner. From October: I love the idea of having the students write book reviews and share them with the class. I have a class of 24 students and we divided October into four book review days (usually on Friday) with six students sharing each time. The students LOVED it and asked lots of questions. We first wrote a book review together based on Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing that the whole class read. I modeled sharing the review without giving away the ending (SO important!). Here is a sample of a book review a student recently shared: Students can add books to their "Books I Want to Read" list they keep in their folders as they listen to book reviews. The students asked many questions and were really interested in so many of the reviews! I am putting all the book reviews in a binder by our library for students' future reference. I downloaded these editable binder covers from A Year of Many Firsts and they can be downloaded here for free! I love them:) You can download my book review rubric for FREE here at my TPT! UPDATED INFO: This is the first year I have tried book reviews and we haven't done them every month. However, I think this is one of the most meaningful responses to literature I have tried because it is so authentic and comes from the students' own observations and feelings about a chapter book. THEY chose the book because it was a GOOD FIT for them! In this activity, they are not reading a book I chose and answering questions that I think they need to answer (even though we do have to practice that at times too but the idea is to break it up as much as I can). My class loves the days that we share book reviews. Everyone is required to read at least four chapter books a month. This was not easy at the beginning of the year even though my group has the "highest" 24 students in the 4th grade (although many are really in the "average" range). Now, it is a piece of cake for most of them. Not even an assignment really. Interesting fact: Our library is running an accelerated reader contest for the month of May that ends tomorrow. We are competing against the 5th and 6th grades. Guess how many points the 5th and 6th grade had yesterday? One was in the 200 range and one was in the 400 range. Guess how many points the 4th grade had? A whooping 1596!! (We have 62 students!). None of the grades in the elementary are even CLOSE to 4th for that matter and often the 2nd grade will have more points than even the upper grades. Coincidence? I don't think so but maybe. Am I doing anything differently to promote the AR contest? Nope. Not to "toot my own horn", but as many teachers believe, I also believe that providing a library of books in the classroom, promoting getting excited about books by having book talks and book reviews, by not making reading a "chore", and by providing meaningful reading response activities, students are naturally guided into loving reading and how they respond to their reading. I also believe that 4th grade is really a turning point for independent reading in many ways and it could be a turn in the right direction or the wrong one. I try to do everything in my power to make it a transition in the right direction. Tomorrow is my Friday!! Yippee! FOUR day weekend:) Hush to those of you on summer vacay!!
The days of dioramas and book reports may be long gone. (Is it wrong that I’m a little sad about that?) Yet the expectation that students read and express their understanding of what they’ve read remains as strong as ever. So what’s a teacher to do? More specifically, what’s a creative teacher to do, when she doesn’t want to rely on worksheets? Get creative, of course! I’ve compiled 9 Fun Book Projects for you. They’re quick and easy to prepare, and best of all, they’re engaging – for both your students and you. No more slogging through piles of “Why I Liked This Book!” Take a look: Write a different ending -- What if the main character didn’t make it in the end? Or the dogs had lived? Or the culprit was the best friend? Your students’ imaginations can really wander with this assignment. Maybe their alternate ending will be even better than the original! Offer to let students draw their new ending as a bonus. Give a book talk --- Book talks are a wonderful way for students to demonstrate their understanding of books that they have read while practicing their writing and speaking skills. They're a great book project because they combine so many skills...and students love listening to one another. Oh, and the added bonus is that students can learn about books that they're interested in reading as they listen to the book talks. If you'd like to give them a try, then check out this FREE BOOK TALK GUIDE. It includes an overview of book talks, pre-write, final copy, and tips and tricks for presenting a book talk. Find it HERE. Write a sequel -- If you have the time, your students may want to extend their alternative endings into a whole second book (or at least a few pages or a chapter). After all, who hasn’t reached the end of a great read and wished for more? This will be a challenge, as students will have to build on the original plot lines and character outlines. Refer them to some famous book series for inspiration. Write a letter to the author -- Take a page from Beverly Cleary’s classic Dear Mr. Henshaw and have students write a thoughtful letter, with questions for the author of their current reading selection (or a favorite book). Most authors love to write (of course!) and appreciate opportunities to interact directly with their readers. Address letters (or e-mails) to the publisher, or see if the author has contact information on his or her website. It never hurts for students to practice their letter-writing and envelope-addressing skills, either – at least as long as snail mail is still around. Your students will be thrilled to get a response, too. Great news! I've put together three stationary templates that students can use when drafting their letters. They're a special FREEBIE just for you! Click here to check them out...and download them for free! Choose a response --- Here's an idea that students love...give them choices! It's amazing how giving students the ability to select the response or project that they would like to complete instantly increases their engagement. With that in mind, I created a series of "This or That" reading responses. Each This or That Reading Prompt includes instruction at the top of the worksheet and then 2 reading response choices for students to showcase their learning. After reviewing the choices, students can choose to do the "This" prompt or the "That" prompt. You can easily turn this into a book project by having students complete 5 (or so) different prompts while reading the book and submit them all as a final project when they finish reading the book. Learn more HERE. Set it to music -- Have your students capture a pivotal scene from the book in a song set to familiar music. It can be a ballad, a pop song, a rap – whatever speaks to them or best works with the scene. Encourage students who select this option to put on a concert. For students who are shy to perform, give them the option of recording their song privately, so you can play it without them having to get up in front of the class. Doodle it --- This is my FAVORITE type of book project! That's because it combines reflection, thinking and DOODLING! You can instantly take book reports and book projects to a whole new level with a Doodle Book Review! First, students complete a planning guide. Then, they design a Doodle Book Review! Check it out HERE! There's even this cinema-themed version that your students are sure to love. Find it HERE. Create a File Folder --- I first developed this book project idea many years ago as a summer reading project. Then, I altered it slightly so that it could be completed during anytime of the school year with any book. With this project, students compile critical information from the book they read including the plot, characters, setting, and a reflection in a manila file folder. The file folder book report includes detailed instructions so that students can complete it all independently. The end result is a compact project that students love! Oh, and you can store the file folders by your classroom library for students to reference when picking out a book! Find more details HERE. Blog about it -- If you have a classroom webpage, it can be fairly simple to create a live (and private) blog that students can use to discuss and debate the merits of their favorite books. This option might work best for students who have read the same book. Make sure you establish expectations for a civil online conversation. You can get in on the convo, too! Focusing on nonfiction in your classroom? Try one of these book report alternatives: Ø Create a scrapbook with images and facts about the book topic. Ø Write interview questions for the main character (if reading a biography, for example). Extend this assignment by allowing students to dress up as the character and record their responses to the interview questions. Ø Write a diary that one of the story’s main characters might have kept before, during, or after the book’s events. Make sure students emphasize what the character is thinking and feeling to give it an authentic feel. Ø Write a news story about the main event in the book (for example, the sinking of the Titanic). This is a good opportunity to practice this very specific form of writing. You’ll want to review inverted pyramid style and how to use quotes if you go this route. BONUS: Wait! I have one more idea. Here's a new spin on the classic book report mobile! Why not have students report out on the plot, setting, characters, and theme on fun pieces of paper clothing? Then students can hang their work from a hanger that says, "Try this book on for size!" This project includes a set of first draft materials and final copy elements so that students can create a high quality project! Here's some links for some of the project ideas above: ➧ File Folder Book Project (any book!) ➧ Doodle and Do Book Review (doodle book project) ➧ This or That Reading Response Prompts ➧ Book Talk (freebie) ➧ Letter to the Author Stationary Templates (FREE!) ➧ Clothes Hanger Book Report I hope that you've found some fun book project ideas to try in your classroom! Happy reading! Mary Beth
This is a super cute book about Mr. McGreely and his garden. He has always wanted a garden so he finally decides to plant one. But to his dismay 3 pesky bunnies keep getting in and eating his vegetables. Have fun reading this Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! good tale about Mr. McGreely and the 3 sneaky bunnies. This book offers many opportunities for teaching skills and strategies, listed below is everything I think you could use this book for. Take a look and hopefully I have given you the info or ideas you needed to help you plan. Reading level: 2.6 Theme: spring, gardening, perseverance Genre: animal stories Suggested Vocabulary: by golly, hoed, sowed, gnawed, hurdle, trench, twitch Reading skills and strategies: asking questions - {possible questions at beginning} Why is the book called Muncha! Muncha! Muncha!? {possible questions in middle} I wonder why he never planted a garden till now? Why do the bunnies keep eating Mr. McGreely vegetables? What is a trench? Why doesn't Mr. McGreely just catch the bunnies instead? How come the bunnies couldn't get in the last time? {possible questions at end} Is Mr. McGreely happy at the end? How did the bunnies get in? author's point of view - third person point of view author's purpose - entertain{evidence} the author uses repetitive sentences, phrases and words like muncha, muncha, muncha. The author describes the bunnies is silly ways, like, "flop-ears" and "puff-tails". The illustrator drew the bunnies with shirts on. All of these things were done to entertain me. beginning, middle, end - {most important event from beginning} Mr. McGreely planted a garden. {most important event from middle} the rabbits kept coming to the garden and eating the vegetables and Mr. McGreely kept getting mad. {most important event from end} Mr. McGreely thought he built the perfect wall to keep out the bunnies but they actually snuck into the garden in the basket that Mr. McGreely carried into the garden. cause and effect - Why did Mr. McGreely want to have a garden? because he wanted to get his hands dirty and eat all the yummy vegetables. Why did he build a small wire fence around his garden? because the bunnies came in and ate his veggies. Why did Mr. McGreely build a tall wood wall? because the bunnies got in a second time. Why was Mr. McGreely furious? because the bunnies got in through the deep trench, over the wall and wire fence to eat his veggies. Why did Mr. McGreely build such a high wall? because he wanted to keep the bunnies out once and for all. Why was Mr. McGreely so happy? because the bunnies couldn't get in the enormous wall. Why was Mr. McGreely not so happy at the end? because the bunnies snuck into the garden in the basket that Mr. McGreely carried into the garden. characterization - describe Mr. McGreely, describe the bunnies {looks like, feelings, thoughts, character} classify & categorize - categorize things that can grow in a garden and things that cannot. compare & contrast - compare and contrast Mr. McGreely to the bunnies. connections - {possible text-to-self connections} having your own garden. Having an animal eat your veggies from your garden. Trying to stop the animals from eating your veggies. {possible text-to-text connections} Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! can be connected to How Groundhog's Garden Grew by Lynne Cherry because in both books veggies are being stolen from a garden. main idea & details - {main idea} Mr. McGreely wants to eat veggies from his garden {details} He plants a garden. He puts a fence, a wall, a trench and a castle around the garden to keep the bunnies out. Mr. McGreely picks the veggies from his garden and reaches in his basket to find something to eat. plot - the turning point in the story is when Mr. McGreely builds the castle around his garden and the bunnies cannot get in. problem & solution - {problem} Mr. McGreely wants a garden but the bunnies keep eating his veggies. {solution} Mr. McGreely builds a series of fences and walls to keep the bunnies out, and the last one finally works...sort of. sequencing - Mr. McGreely plants a garden. The bunnies come and eat from his garden. Mr. McGreely puts up a wire fence. The bunnies hop over the wire fence. Mr. McGreely builds a wall. The bunnies tunnel under the wall. Mr. McGreely digs a trench. The bunnies swim through the trench. Mr. McGreely builds a castle around his garden. The bunnies can't get in. Mr. McGreely climbs into his garden and picks some veggies. He reaches into the basket to get something to eat. He finds the bunnies in his basket eating his carrots! story elements - list title, author, character's, setting, beginning, middle, end, or problem & solution. strong thought - students may have many strong thoughts throughout the story as they see the bunnies sitting and watching Mr. McGreely build his fences. summarize - {someone}Mr. McGreely {wanted}wanted a garden {but} but the bunnies kept eating his veggies {so} so he built a series of walls and trenches to keep them out. {then}He was {finally}finally successful with the last castle, until he climbed into the garden with the bunnies in his basket...those sneaky bunnies! I love this book so much and my daughter created such cute art for it I just had to make a teaching packet to go with it. Below is a little preview of what is included. Happy reading!
My school requires a summer reading assignment for each grade level. In my 4th grade class, students read one required book and three "free choice" books from a list I provide. This year, I asked rising 4th grade students to read The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies. I do not like to dwell on the summer reading for too long at the beginning of the year, but I do want students to complete some sort of writing assessment. This year students created a fun Amazon book listing. First, we looked at actual book listings for favorite books I had read over the summer (hint, hint... generating book recommendations for your students). We identified key features in an Amazon book page and items that seemed to be the same in every book listing. Students discussed the differences between the book summary at the top of the listing and the book reviews at the bottom of the site page. We noted that the summaries contained more facts and less opinion, but the summaries did try to entice a reader. We also noticed how the summaries did not give away the ending or any surprise twists but created a little bit of a cliff hanger for a potential reader. Finally, we discussed the "Frequently Bought Together" section in each Amazon listing and the purpose of that feature. I designed an Amazon-like template and gave the students a copy. Each student completed an Amazon book listing for The Lemonade War that included the title of the book, author, a book level that the students determined like 3rd to 5th grade or 8-11 years old, year published, star rating, summary, and three additional book suggestions. It is a simple writing activity that could be used for any novel. It incorporates many literature skills like summarizing and identifying important details and main characters. I was also able to sneak some library skills into the assignment by having students look for the year published and choose a reading level for the book. My favorite piece of the assignment is asking students to generate three additional book suggestions that would be good "next reads" to share with classmates. To download a copy of the Amazon template (and see a few more writing activities for novel studies), CLICK HERE. To purchase a complete Lemonade War novel unit CLICK HERE. Happy Reading! Caitlin TheRoomMom
This post explains how teachers can use an academic version of the highly engaging Spoons game to review concepts. Free games included!
Adventures on Life's Rollercoaster (parenting, parties, ideas and honesty)
Do you ever have one of those nights where you wonder "Did that really happen?" Well, tonight has been one of those nights for me. My hubby was in charge of dinner tonight because I really needed a nap. Otherwise, the grouchy cat face may have made an appearance. So, he went and got me Subway. He comes in the house and tosses it to me and informs me that it's a pretty heavy sandwich. I asked him what he ordered me and he said, "I ordered you the ultimate." Well, I open it up and it was definitely ultimate - it had five meats - salami, pepperoni, ham, turkey, and roast beef. Not to mention all the other stuff I asked him to have added to it. Just so you know, I was pretty confused because I've never seen a sandwich like that. I had to break it off in pieces it was so big! So, what do I do? I google Subway's menu. Come to find out, I meant to ask for the Club... oops! Who knows where I came up with ultimate? Oh, and to add to it - Subway doesn't even have an ultimate sub. To top the night off, I really wanted toasted marshmallows, so remember that little S'more kit I used at school? Well, I broke it out tonight on our coffee table and burned toasted around 20 marshmallows. There is nothing better than a crispy, black marshmallow. Now, I know it isn't February quite yet, but I'm trying to get a little ahead. I went ahead and created the February book reports. There are three different ones this month. Outside of clip art, I keep the book reports the same so that my kids can do them independently. When it comes to book bins and book reports, I have two tips for you that I've learned over the last week. First, go through your kids' book bins once a month. My kids were only supposed to have five books in their book bins. Most of them had 10 to 15. They also had managed to each check out five books from the library when my limit is two. I'm still not really sure how they pulled that off. Second, if they are filling out a book log, staple the number of book reports they have to do to the back of the book log. My students had all sorts of sheets in their book bins. By the time I went through them, half my class had enough reports for a free Gigi's cupcake. CLICK HERE to get the February book reports. Hope you enjoy! So, earlier this week, I said that I wanted to take time to recognize my favorite bloggers - all of you! Well, why shouldn't I start tonight? First up is my friend Jessica. She teaches second grade in Kentucky. I just love her packets and so many of her ideas. Last week, she let her kids paint snowmen that turned out really cute. My favorite thing I've found is her Place Value Down on the Farm packet. I just LOVE anything farm and it's really cute! Go to SECOND GRADE NEST to check her out! I know she will love the visits and the comments. Next is my friend Lisa. It's kind of funny because I've never met her and she lives in a state I've never even visited, but I feel like she's my pick me up when I'm having a rough day. She has a way of always making you smile. My all-time favorite thing that she creates are these syllable packs. She's hooked me up a couple of times and I'm telling you, my kids LOVE them and they are amazing! You should most definitely go check them out! I've mentioned one of her syllable freebies on my blog twice. Go to GROWING FIRSTIES to see all of the cool things she has going on! Now, last up for tonight is Ashley. I found her back at the beginning of January when I filled out Farley's Currently. I don't have a picture from her site, but I have a link and you just HAVE to go watch, especially if you are cranky, grouchy, or ready to bite someone's head off. She did a blog post on smiling and loaded some great videos. Personally, my favorite is the ripping paper with the baby laughing. I'm telling you, go to Primary Teacherhood if you need a smile or a good laugh! Alright, I promise, I will get some more of you in tomorrow! Remember blogger friends, pay it forward - we are our own best allies :) So take time to give shout outs and recognize people around you :)
Reading logs are a popular tool used to track reading time or the number of pages/books read each day. As someone who values the joy of reading and learning, I've created printable reading logs and
Teach character traits in upper elementary through activities, full lesson plans, anchor charts, and small group work! Plus a freebie!
When I think of the world that we live in and how many colors are all around, I am truly amazed. Rainbows, fish, butterflies, flowers...there are many colorful things in our world. So, when it comes to teaching colors to my little learners, what better way than to let them know that these colorful things come from God.
Jeremiah and Amanda are not used to sharing anything, and when they get to kindergarten they must share everything. Jeremiah and Amanda are having a hard time with sharing, they each throw a bit of a fit when the other won't share. The teacher continually comes prancing over to them to explain that in kindergarten "we share everything". Finally, Jeremiah and Amanda have a great idea, they decide to share their clothes. They share their shirts, pants, shoes and socks. This "sharing" shocks the teacher and delights the rest of the class. Once again Robert Munsch writes a story that your students will find quite funny and at the same time it is a great story to segue into what it means to share. Listed below are the reading skills and strategies and ideas you can use to create a meaningful lesson. Below you will also find a freebie I created to go with this book. Reading level: 2.5 Theme/subject: school, behavior Genre: humorous Reading skills and strategies: Asking questions - {possible questions before} I wonder if they really will share everything. {possible questions during} I wonder if Jeremiah and Amanda will ever share. I wonder if Jeremiah and Amanda will get their clips moved down. {possible questions after} I wonder why Jeremiah and Amanda got in trouble for sharing their clothes. **Remember to have your students answer/reflect their questions. Author's point of view – Third. Be sure to find 3 pieces of evidence to support this (he, they, the teacher). Author's purpose – Entertain {evidence} The illustrations of the teacher floating around with flowers and birds around her head are silly. It was funny when Amanda stuck the book in Jeremiah’s mouth. Jeremiah and Amanda looked silly wearing each other’s clothes. All these things make a very entertaining story. Beginning, middle, end - {most important event from beginning} Jeremiah and Amanda started kindergarten. {most important event from middle} The teacher told Amanda and Jeremiah that in kindergarten they are supposed to share everything. {most important event from end} Jeremiah and Amanda decided to share their clothes. Cause and effect – Why did Amanda put the book in Jeremiah’s mouth. Because Jeremiah yelled when Amanda wouldn’t share the book with him. Why did Amanda kick down Jeremiah’s block tower? Because he wouldn’t share the blocks with her. Why did the teacher come running over to Jeremiah and Amanda after Amanda kicked the blocks down? So she could tell them that in kindergarten they are supposed to share everything. How come the paint went flying all over the room? Because Amanda and Jeremiah wouldn’t take turns painting; they tried to both be first to paint. How come Jeremiah and Amanda decided to share their clothes? Because they were told they had to share everything. Character analysis - describe Amanda. Describe Jeremiah. {looks like, feelings, thoughts, character} Character changes – at the beginning of the story both Amanda and Jeremiah didn’t know how to share. At the end of the story Amanda and Jeremiah were sharing their clothes. Classify & categorize – Classify things – things that are good to share and things that shouldn’t be shared. Compare & contrast – Amanda and Jeremiah. You and Amanda or Jeremiah. Your class and Amanda and Jeremiah’s class. Your teacher and Amanda and Jeremiah’s teacher. Connections - {possible text-to-self connections} Not wanting to share what you have. Having someone not wanting to share with you. Sharing your clothes with a friend. Drawing conclusions & inferencing – Why did the author draw the teacher with birds and flowers around her head and to look like she was flying? {text clues} The teacher has a smile on her face and looks really happy and nice. {what I know} I know that flowers, and bird and smiles are all nice happy things. {my conclusion} I think the author drew the teacher to look like she was flying to show that she is a really nice teacher. Main idea & details - {main idea} The story is mostly about Jeremiah and Amanda not sharing. {details} Jeremiah yelled when Amanda would not share her book. Amanda kicked down Jeremiah’s block tower when he would not share the blocks. Plot - the turning point or climax in the story is when Jeremiah and Amanda decided to share everything. Predict – What do you think the story is about. What do you think Amanda is going to do after Jeremiah yells in his face? What do you think Amanda is going to do to Jeremiah’s block tower? What do you think will happen to Jeremiah and Amanda after they made a mess with the paint? Do you think Jeremiah will ever share anything? What do you think Amanda and Jeremiah will end up sharing? What do you think the teacher will do when she sees Jeremiah and Amanda in each others clothes? Problem & solution - {problem} Jeremiah and Amanda are not sharing. {solution} Amanda and Jeremiah finally decide to share their clothes. Sequencing – Amanda and Jeremiah start kindergarten. Amanda won’t share her book. Jeremiah won’t share his bocks. Amanda and Jeremiah both want to be first to paint. Amanda and Jeremiah decide to share their clothes. The teacher faints and all the kids share their clothes. Story elements - list title, author, characters, setting, beginning, middle, end, or problem & solution. Strong thought – It looks like Amanda and Jeremiah don’t know how to share. How would you explain to them how to share? Summarize - {someone} The teacher {wanted} wanted Amanda and Jeremiah to share {but} but they never did {so} so the teacher had to keep telling them that in kindergarten they are supposed to share everything. {then} Then Jeremiah and Amanda decided to share their clothes. Theme – It is important to share. There are some things that you shouldn’t share. Happy Planning!
I love using timelines in history at the end of a unit of study, so students can get an overview of events and make generalizations about historical figures or time periods. Sentence strips make the perfect template for creating timelines! I recently had my students complete a timeline showing famous explorers. You can CLICK HERE ... Read More about Sentence Strip Timelines
Please, Mr. Panda Book Review with 3 related activities: Manners writing with template and links to 2 fun crafts!
Grab a Free Printable Book Report Form to fill out after getting a free books from Sam's Club!
I love using interactive lapbooks in the classroom. They are fun to create, engaging and can be used throughout the year to review skills taught. I finally completely my Lapbook Bundle and I am happy to share the lapbooks included with you. Whether you think your learners will enjoy creating all of the lapbooks, if you
This fun book report template is perfect for young children. Get the kids to share their reviews about the book through this worksheet
Do you want to encourage your kids to read more? This printable book log is a perfect way to challenge them. Print this coloring sheet in any size you need: A1 as poster to hang on the wall or as small as A5 to be a perfect addition to your journal. ⚠ THIS IS A DIGITAL LISTING ONLY - NO PRINTED ITEM will be mailed to you. BY PURCHASING THIS LISTING YOU'LL RECEIVE: Digital PDF File. --------------------------------------------------------- DELIVERY - INSTANT DOWNLOAD Once your payment is cleared (usually within 5-20 minutes), you'll receive an email from Etsy with the link to download. Files will be also available to download in your account - "Purchases & Reviews". --------------------------------------------------------- TERMS OF USE This digital item is for PERSONAL USE ONLY, it CANNOT be used for commercial purposes. YOU MAY NOT forward, share, sell, distribute or reproduce this design or the designs you make from them in any form; original version or altered, digital or printed. BY PURCHASING THIS ITEM YOU AGREE to all policies and terms of this shop, you can check out "Shop Policies" for further information about the usage of my digital items. --------------------------------------------------------- REFUNDS AND EXCHANGES Due to the digital nature of this listing, all sales are final: I cannot offer cancellation, refund or exchange. Thanks for understanding. Your files will be available to download once payment is confirmed. I don't accept returns, exchanges, or cancellations. But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
🥳📚Book Report Tab Books are SUCH a fun way to engage students in fiction reading response! Students can get creative while practicing important fiction...
A summer review packet for rising first graders. To get a FREE copy of this summer review packet with your students, when you get to the blog, click on the picture.
Are you looking for some ideas that you can use to review important content with your class before a test? Check out these 5 engaging games for reviewing!
Are you teaching the text Lord of the Flies? It can be a challenging text to teach. These 12 Lord of the Flies activities and worksheets will make it easier!
Looking for a great new amigurumi eBook to inspire you to crochet? Spirit Animals - Easy Patterns for your favorite Mascots includes a great collection of realistic crochet animals for you to make!
I love these name letters for bulletin board toppers and more! This includes the Flap Book printable also. This set of letters that spell JOSHUA is a super condensed overview of his life. They can be used as a bulletin board heading, or by themselves. These letters are perfect when you have a couple extra minutes when you are studying Joshua and can spend some time for review. The download includes the color and black & white version. Click here to download the Spell-It-Out Letters for Joshua. For the students, you can print this Joshua Flap book. The students can write each Joshua fact under the flap. These are great for Joshua discussions and for review. The download includes the color and black and white to print. Click here to print the Joshua Flap Book. Click here to see more for Joshua. Click here to see more.
Print these FREE printable color books, activity sheets, chore charts and more with our round of of favorite educational sheets that you can print for kids!
