Our first Reader's Theaters have been a huge success. We have performed "My Colorful Shoes" and "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive" based on stories about Pete the Cat and The Pigeon. The addition of our class microphone really took our performances to a whole new level this week. Once again Theater Thursday has become a class favorite. It is also a teacher favorite because Mrs. Mecum and I love, love, love these performances...especially the surprise break dancing and character voices! Teachers - Check out my Reader's Theater Units in my TpT store. We practice reading the scripts together on the Smartboard, then with a reading buddy and again at home with our families. These Reader's Theater are a great way to practice reading and retelling stories. Your students will fall in love with Reader's Theater.

Visualize this! It’s a Thursday afternoon. There is a buzz around school that there is a possibility of a “Cold Day” tomorrow! Below zero temps were blowing our way… Not a Snow Day… but a “Brrrrr, it’s a bitter Cold Day”! Teachers and students alike are […]

So many of the standards that we are required to assess are language standards - can the student speak audibly and clearly? Can our students form complete thoughts? And so on... One way that I promote speaking and listening in my classroom is through using Reader's Theater skits! Stick with me for a few minutes before you think this idea is crazy (and feel free to think it is still crazy at the end of this..but at least get through it!) WHAT: Reader's Theater in my room consists of simple scripts based off of books that children know. The students get a part (usually just a line) and a prop/character (usually a picture they wear as a necklace) and they recite their line. The scripts are retelling the popular story you have read a couple times to your kids! WHO: The kids are the stars! Each play features around 10 students. Each student has 1 line. It makes it quick to get the whole class involved and allows students the chance to participate in a variety of parts! WHERE: You don't need a stage to use Reader's Theater! Just use your carpet space! Go outside! Any space works! WHEN: I start with Reader's Theater at the beginning of the school year (YES, when my kids ARE NOT READING!). Why? The skits are simple enough, come from familiar stories, have a pattern to them, and include visuals to help the students. They can do these the first weeks of school! They are very kindergarten friendly. WHY: Students need practice "presenting" in front of one another. Reader's theater covers so many skills that are fabulous for our little learners: Retelling, Listening Skills, Print Concepts, Reading Behaviors, Characters and Setting, Speaking Skills, Following Directions, Expression and A Love for Reading! HOW: It is simple! Find a book you love! Think about the main ideas and create a simple script. I include a pattern in my scripts as well as images so that all the kids can succeed! Read the book to the kids (I like to spend a day or two on the book) and then spend the next day (or two) implementing reader's theater! If you don't want to spend time creating scripts, check out the ones that I already have made! I Love My Shoes - Based off the popular Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes I Love My Pants - A twist on the popular Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes Pig & Pancake - Based off of the book If You Give a Pig a Pancake Mouse & Cookie - Based off of the book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Dog & Donut - Based off the book If You Give a Dog a Donut Moose & Muffin - Based off the book If You Give a Moose a Muffin (You can get all the Mouse & Friend Packs in a BUNDLE here!) The Itsy Bitsy Spider - Based Off of the Nursery Rhyme Hickory Dickory Dock - Based Off of the Nursery Rhyme Humpty Dumpty - Based Off of the Nursery Rhyme Jack and Jill - Based Off of the Nursery Rhyme Hey Diddle, Diddle - Based Off of the Nursery Rhyme Little Miss Muffet - Based Off of the Nursery Rhyme (You can get all the Nursery Rhyme packs in a BUNDLE here!)

Hey bloggers! So on a recent trip to Barnes & Noble to make my back to school wish list, I came across a few books that I am really excited about! I decided to cross them off my list and buy them now. I'm loving the thought of using these for Reader's & Writer's Workshop! The books are all by Tad Hills: How Rocket Learned to Read Rocket Writes a Story Rocket's Mighty Words How adorable is Rocket?! I think the kids will just love him! :) You can even get a Rocket classroom mascot {here}! First is How Rocket Learned to Read. My kids come to me with varying levels of reading abilities...some are still working on their letter sounds and some are reading at 2nd or 3rd grade levels. Regardless, I always start the year with a review of reading strategies before beginning guided reading at their levels. This book will be great for that! In it, the little yellow bird teaches Rocket the "wondrous, mighty, gorgeous alphabet," the sounds for each letter, and how to put those sounds together to make words. The bird shows Rocket how to use all of the things around him to practice reading. This would easily lead into a "read the room" activity and a discussion about the classroom word wall. During writer's workshop, we teach the kids to "stretch" out their words, write the sounds that they hear, and write about what they know best (things around them). This book goes right along with that! Next is Rocket Writes a Story. I start Writer's Workshop on day one & this book will be great for introducing the parts & expectations of writing time (as well as reviewing these things later in the year as needed). It starts out with Rocket wanting to learn new words. So he sets out and finds new words all around him (something we have the kids do already, use what they know!). Every time he found a new word, the little yellow bird would add it to his "word tree" (like our word wall). Then Rocket decided to use his word tree to write a story (we always encourage the kids to use the word wall when writing a story, hopefully this will help hit it home even more). However, Rocket gets stuck and can't think of anything to write about (ever heard that from a student before?! ha) so the little yellow bird helps him come up with ideas like things he likes to do, or things he has seen, etc. After he decides to write about an owl he has seen, the little yellow bird begins to ask him questions about the owl so that he can add more detail (one on one writing conference!). The book finishes with Rocket reading his story to the owl (partner share). Awesome! And finally, Rocket's Might Words. There is no story in this one..just a fun way for kids to learn over 100 of Rocket's favorite words (that popped up in the previous 2 books) with labeled pictures. I think this will be a great resource book for kids to use when they are writing and want to use a word that they remember Rocket using! I'm super excited about these books. They're obviously new to me. Have you used them before?? I'd love to hear your feedback or how you have used them!

Visualize this! It’s a Thursday afternoon. There is a buzz around school that there is a possibility of a “Cold Day” tomorrow! Below zero temps were blowing our way… Not a Snow Day… but a “Brrrrr, it’s a bitter Cold Day”! Teachers and students alike are […]

So many of the standards that we are required to assess are language standards - can the student speak audibly and clearly? Can our students form complete thoughts? And so on... One way that I promote speaking and listening in my classroom is through using Reader's Theater skits! Stick with me for a few minutes before you think this idea is crazy (and feel free to think it is still crazy at the end of this..but at least get through it!) WHAT: Reader's Theater in my room consists of simple scripts based off of books that children know. The students get a part (usually just a line) and a prop/character (usually a picture they wear as a necklace) and they recite their line. The scripts are retelling the popular story you have read a couple times to your kids! WHO: The kids are the stars! Each play features around 10 students. Each student has 1 line. It makes it quick to get the whole class involved and allows students the chance to participate in a variety of parts! WHERE: You don't need a stage to use Reader's Theater! Just use your carpet space! Go outside! Any space works! WHEN: I start with Reader's Theater at the beginning of the school year (YES, when my kids ARE NOT READING!). Why? The skits are simple enough, come from familiar stories, have a pattern to them, and include visuals to help the students. They can do these the first weeks of school! They are very kindergarten friendly. WHY: Students need practice "presenting" in front of one another. Reader's theater covers so many skills that are fabulous for our little learners: Retelling, Listening Skills, Print Concepts, Reading Behaviors, Characters and Setting, Speaking Skills, Following Directions, Expression and A Love for Reading! HOW: It is simple! Find a book you love! Think about the main ideas and create a simple script. I include a pattern in my scripts as well as images so that all the kids can succeed! Read the book to the kids (I like to spend a day or two on the book) and then spend the next day (or two) implementing reader's theater! If you don't want to spend time creating scripts, check out the ones that I already have made! I Love My Shoes - Based off the popular Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes I Love My Pants - A twist on the popular Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes Pig & Pancake - Based off of the book If You Give a Pig a Pancake Mouse & Cookie - Based off of the book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Dog & Donut - Based off the book If You Give a Dog a Donut Moose & Muffin - Based off the book If You Give a Moose a Muffin (You can get all the Mouse & Friend Packs in a BUNDLE here!) The Itsy Bitsy Spider - Based Off of the Nursery Rhyme Hickory Dickory Dock - Based Off of the Nursery Rhyme Humpty Dumpty - Based Off of the Nursery Rhyme Jack and Jill - Based Off of the Nursery Rhyme Hey Diddle, Diddle - Based Off of the Nursery Rhyme Little Miss Muffet - Based Off of the Nursery Rhyme (You can get all the Nursery Rhyme packs in a BUNDLE here!)

This is a classroom management strategy for keeping students on task and working quietly during independent work time.

I love Reader's Workshop. It is my favorite time of the day! After Michele and I published our first units, we were excited to see that so...

Reader’s theater scripts perfect for supporting Kindergarten learners. These reader’s theaters help Kindergarten students retell their favorite stories and get them excited about reading.

Visualize this! It’s a Thursday afternoon. There is a buzz around school that there is a possibility of a “Cold Day” tomorrow! Below zero temps were blowing our way… Not a Snow Day… but a “Brrrrr, it’s a bitter Cold Day”! Teachers and students alike are […]

Free, fun and useful Kindergarten - 1st Grade, Common Core aligned lesson plans, math games, calendars, behavior charts, materials and more!

Kindergarten blog for teachers in the classroom. Ideas for homeschooling as well. Free files to your with your students.

Reader’s theater scripts perfect for supporting Kindergarten learners. These reader’s theaters help Kindergarten students retell their favorite stories and get them excited about reading.

Love podcasts? Check out this post in the form of a podcast episode on The Classroom Commute Podcast :

Helping K-2 Teachers Like You Save Time, Grow Instructional Skills, and Teach With Confidence!

Writing in the primary grades can be a bit scary at times! Many of my first grade students are just learning to read and simultaneously I would like them to write a 3 page personal narrative with an opening, three details and a catchy closing. It isn't always easy, but writer's workshop is one of my favorite things to teach in first grade because the difference made in a year is remarkable.

I am one happy teacher tonight. We rocked out the day in room 119. I mean it. It’s the 6th week of school and thank you baby Jesus it feels...

Are you trying out a reading workshop model this year with your Kinders or first graders? If so, you might be wondering, how on earth do I set up a reading workshop when my kids can’t even read?! That’s definitely what I was wondering when I first started implementing reading workshop a couple of years ago. I was teaching Kindergarten, and I think I only had one student who knew a few letter names. They didn’t know letter sounds, and I definitely didn’t have any beginning readers. If this is what your situation is like, you can still implement a reading workshop in your classroom! Even if your little ones can’t name a single alphabet letter, there are things you can teach them to begin setting up the reading workshop. Here are some ideas for minilesson topics that you can use when you first start reading workshop with your nonreaders:– Procedures and Routines: Begin with the basics, such as: how students should access their reading materials, where they should sit, how to treat books, how to hold the book correctly and turn the pages, how to read silently and keep their eyes on the book, etc. It will definitely take multiple days (maybe even weeks) to teach all these routines and procedures. Just teach one simple procedure per minilesson. Also, to squeeze more procedures into one day of reading workshop, you can teach a minilesson, have kids read for 5 minutes, teach another minilesson, and have them read for another 5 minutes. This gives you more time to teach important routines, while still taking into account your students’ teeny tiny attention spans!– How to Tell a Story from the Pictures: Teach students that even if they can’t read the words, they can still tell a story to themselves from the pictures! Simply telling kids that they can do this isn’t enough, though – you have to actually model it. What I did was check out a few picture books from the library in languages that I can’t read – Russian, Chinese, Polish, etc. I would show students the book and begin by saying something like, “I found this beautiful book in the library, and I really want to read it. But I have a problem. The book is written in CHINESE! I don’t know how to read Chinese!! But guess what? Even though I can’t read the words, I can still tell the story by reading the pictures. Let me show you what I mean.” Then I would begin paging through the book, telling the story aloud as students listened. I would wrap up by saying something like, “Today I showed you that even if you can’t read the words of a book, you can still use the pictures to tell yourself the story! You can try this out today during reading time.” And then I would dismiss the kids to begin reading. Some of my Kinders were able to do it after I modeled once, but I modeled this skill several more times with different books so that all of the kids eventually “got it.” One note about this – make sure that when you establish guidelines for independent reading, you don’t require students to be completely silent. When kids begin to tell a story by using the pictures, teach them to whisper the story quietly to themselves – most kids won’t be able to silently tell the story in their heads. – How to Retell a Story You Already Know: Spend lots of time in those first few weeks of school reading aloud fairy tales and repetitive books to students. Some books I love using for this are: The Three Billy Goats Gruff, The Three Little Pigs, Brown Bear, and I Went Walking. Then, get as many copies as you can of each of those books. Place them in students’ reading bags (side note: at the beginning of the year, rather than having students check books out, I prepared book baggies for them and had them switch bags amongst themselves each day so they would have new books to read). Then, teach a couple of minilessons about how to tell a story that you already know. You might start by saying something like, “Readers, today I want to teach you that when you are reading a book that you’ve already heard before, you can retell the story using the pictures and what you remember about the story.” Then, take out a story that children are familiar with and model retelling it (without using any of the words). Have students practice this during independent reading time.– How to Read Songs: I loved singing with my Kindergarteners, and I taught them quite a few songs at the beginning of the year (simple, shorter songs are best). I then gave them copies of the lyrics that they could “read” during independent reading time. To make this work, I started by typing up the lyrics to each song. On each page, I put an image that went with the lyrics (for instance, with a song about a frog, I put clipart of a frog on that page, so they would immediately know what song it was). Then, while we sang the song as a class, I projected a copy of the lyrics on my interactive white board. I modeled how to point to the words as we sang. After practicing a song many, many times, I made copies of the lyrics for the kids. I modeled how to sing the song using the lyric sheet, and then gave them the sheets to keep in their bags for independent reading time. It was soooo cute to see them whisper-singing the songs to themselves and attempting to point to the words! They just loved this option for independent reading time. If you teach in Spanish, click HERE for a free copy of the lyrics that I used with my bilingual Kinders. – Partner Reading: Since little ones can’t sustain independent reading for very long at the beginning of the year, mix things up with some

Ok…seriously y’all…if I have to repeat the same procedures one more time…I may die! Ha! My husband may kinda like the fact that I have zero ...

Reader’s theater scripts perfect for supporting Kindergarten learners. These reader’s theaters help Kindergarten students retell their favorite stories and get them excited about reading.

So, please bloggy friends tell me that you are in the throws of report cards, assessments, parent teacher conferences, and who knows what else at this point? And nevermind I am still teaching. You know, that side job that I do during the day? Ahhhhhhhhhhh. Okay. Now that this is out of the way!!! I am currently in the process of thinking/planning/creating for 4th quarter and anchor charts are one of my favorite things to use and make. There are so many great ways to use them - what's important is that you actually use them. Last year, I had charts all over the place - but my kiddos couldn't really tell you about them... This year, I've made a conscious effort to create ones that I will use and that will actually "anchor" their learning. We refer to our charts all of the time. Pinterest has some great ideas for charts. They don't have to be fancy-schmancy either - it's what you feel comfortable with. Again - the whole idea is that kids can actually use them and refer to them to help with their learning. So today, when I should have been filling out conference forms I took pictures of some of my favorite ones from this quarter and began to think about 4th quarter (don't worry, the thought that 4th quarter almost equals summer did not cross my mind one.little.bit.)! Remember when I said they don't need to be fancy-schmancy? This is my 3-D shapes chart that we used when learning about shapes. Simple but a nice visual for them to refer to. If you haven't checked out Fran @ Kindergarten Crayons, please do. She has practical ideas, offers good teaching tips and just plain.knows.Kindergarten. (I don't even know her - but her blog is seriously awesome!) When we did out Teen Numbers Unit, my kiddos did the teen number book that Fran gave as a freebie. I took her book and made it into a chart that we still use daily! Kindergarten Crayons Teen Numbers Book 3 Ways to Read to Self (um, please ignore the lovely view out my classroom window...). There are tons of these on Pinterest too - so you can make it to fit your needs. Story Structure Chart: Another Pinterest find. We use this to tell all about the stories. What's nice is the visual reminder that it gives. It helps all of my students remember story elements (just in case their little brains are on overload!!) We learned about Fairy Tales/Folk Tales this quarter. And don't be surprised - saw one like this on Pinterest and had to make one similar. We compared the Fairy Tales and summarized the characteristics of each one. Post-its are a great way to "write" on your charts and reuse your anchor charts year to year - without having to worry about wiping off marker. We've been learning about non-fiction and recording our learning about Space. I love the schema charts. One way I keep the kids interested is by asking if I can write their name on the post-it. I make a big deal that the Principals/Administration love reading who is learning and what they are learning. It (usually) helps keep them focused and interested! Reading strategies - good readers visualize. Don't be jealous of my mad illustration skills. We use the Phonics Dance, so I made smaller sizes of the picture cards and made a chart of them. Easy-peasy. This is displayed close to their desks - and they can refer to it when they need to during Writer's Workshop. From the beginning of the year - still up and displayed by the classroom library. Parts of a Book chart. I used a book that was familiar to them so it would help them to remember the parts better. Some stay up all year, some come down depending on what we are learning. Good rule of thumb - if you haven't referred to it in a month, take it down. I'm sure we can all find something else to put up on the wall right?!? What do you do for anchor charts?

Wow...March has been a busy month! As a student at TC, I've had the opportunity to attend all of the workshops offered by the Reading and Writing Project for free (though if you account for the insane

Have you ever heard the term phonemic awareness and wondered what it is? I get a lot of emails from parents who are ready to teach their child how to

Do you do writing workshop with your students? My program has evolved over the last 23 years, and now it runs smoothly – although I can’t help but add new ideas each year! Long before I expect students to write stories, we spend a lot of time discussing stories. For example, every time we read […]

Procedures, routines, printables, anchor chart examples, and mentor texts to support reading independence while launching reading workshop.

A blog about reading and writing, and sharing ideas about literacy and RTI for your classroom/ reading, writing, & RTI resources

I’m back today to report to you that I DID NOT have to suck it up and eat the larva for snack today. And…PTL…I remembered my math & literac...

This is a classroom management strategy for keeping students on task and working quietly during independent work time.

We’re knee deep now in our Tomie dePaola author study . Each time I read The Art Lesson I’m reminded and amazed all over again at the acute recollection Tomie dePaola has of his childhood. Down to the last detail. It’s those little details in the story and illustrations that draw me in and make The Art Lesson one of my […]

Plus, three free scripts to try on your own.

Let's learn about the human body! This fun and super simple printable anatomy game is a great way to introduce your preschool and kindergarten aged kids to the subject of anatomy. Match the organs to their shadows and labels on the front of the game, then turn it over and read through the anatomy fun facts included with the game (you can print this on a separate page if you'd prefer). Perfect for your science station, as a busy binder activity, or as a great addition to your homeschool curriculum. This game is also a great way to share with your little ones how loved we are by our creator with Psalm 139:13-14 displayed on the front. "For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well." ::: I N S T A N T ♥ D O W N L O A D ::: **This is a DIGITAL DOWNLOAD. No physical items will be mailed to you.** After purchase you will receive an email receipt from Etsy with a link to download your purchase. You can also download your files from the “Purchases and Reviews” section of your Etsy profile. You will receive a PDF file for printing on regular 8.5”x11” paper. I recommend printing on heavy cardstock and laminating for durability. For a list of recommended products I use to assemble my printables (laminator, glue, Velcro dots, etc.) visit this page: https://arrowsandapplesauce.com/shop/supplies/ ::: Y O U ♥ M I G H T ♥ A L S O ♥ L I K E ::: Solar System Memory Game---> https://www.etsy.com/listing/676770897/solar-system-printable-memory-game :::S A V E ♥ M O N E Y::: Spend $30 or more in my shop ( https://www.etsy.com/shop/ArrowsAndApplesauce ) and get %25 off your total purchase! Use code LEARN at checkout. Subscribe to my blog ( www.arrowsandapplesauce.com ) and get a %10 off coupon code sent to your email to use on any purchase. As a subscriber, you’ll also receive access to my FREE Printables Library and updates on new blog posts. ::: S H O W ♥ O F F ::: I’d love to see you and your little ones enjoying your new learning activity! Be sure to tag me @arrowsandapplesauce and use #applesaucemama. ::: T H E ♥ L E G A L ♥ S T U F F ::: This printable is intended for personal use only. Not for resale. You may not copy, alter, or share these files. Thank you! See my shop policies for more info. ::: C R E D I T S ::: Organs by Cockatoo Designs.

I wanted to make some charts for Author's Purpose that would appeal to my first graders. I went with the P.I.E acronym (Persuade, Inform, Entertain) but took it to the next level by actually using Pie as the text examples. I then added some Other Examples so the students would get additional visual examples of the different purposes. I have these up on my Teachers Pay Teachers site for only $2.00! ***UPDATE - I had a few requests to add an additional, optional 4th poster for "Explain". I have now included this in the download too. This is also available in a money saving bundle with my Reader's Tool Box: Click on the picture to see it! Save With A Bundle: Author's Purpose Anchor Charts and Reader's Toolbox of Reading Strategies Click here to go to Teacher's Pay Teachers to get them :) While you are at my store, check out some of my new and best selling products including: My Original Writing Center - My best selling product! CVC Clip The Sounds Print Your Own Teacher Subway ArtPerfect for Gifts! Don't Get "Frozen" - A Sight Words Card Game Read It, Build It, Write ItAll 220 Dolch Sight Words Included The "Blue Cat" Daily Five Posters Reader's Toolbox of Reading Strategies Marzano (Kid-Friendly) Rating Scales Polka Dot Behavior Clip Chart with Daily/Weekly Behavior Reports and Punch Cards Chevron Behavior Clip Chart with Daily/WeeklyBehavior Reports and Punch Cards Word Family HousesCVC and CCVC Words Included The Ultimate Writing Center: Chevron Sight Words Superhero: Everything You Need to Motivate and Reward Sight Word Recognition Sight Words Superhero Add-On Pack: 130 Pages of Sight Word Games and Activities! Mighty Minions Sight Words Card Game Mighty Minions Read It, Build It, Write It Author's Purpose Anchor Charts Letter AND Sound Picture Mats Interactive Word Wall Books The Scientific Method Posters and Activities Awesome Adjectives with "The Blue Cat" Check out these MONEY SAVING BUNDLES: And MUCH more - click here to see more great products! And, don't forget to follow my store to get a free kit each month!!! Past "Follower Freebies" include" Click here to see how to get free kits each month: Mrs. Gilchrist's Follower Freebies

These three classroom management tips get me ready for a brand new school year. As each new group of students arrives, I like to bring back what works in my

K-1 LABELING UNIT How do I teach my kindergarten and first grade students to write? I think every teacher has wondered this at some point. It can seem overwhelming... especially when getting started. I am so excited to share with you how I tackle writing and writer’s workshop! I will sh