The Writing and Art Challenge was created by the MCWC […]
The Writing and Art Challenge was created by the MCWC […]
The Writing and Art Challenge was created by the MCWC […]
Grab your camera and get ready to challenge yourself!
As Spring Break approaches, I find that my fifth graders are in need of some reminders as to what it means to be kind to each other. In general, they are sweet kids, but at times the words they use and actions they take, particularly on the playground, aren't the kindest. Our read aloud for the month is Wonder by RJ Palacio so the theme of kindness fit right into our room. It just so happens that a new book, We're All Wonders by RJ Palacio, a picture book intended for younger readers to access the story, came out this week as well. So the timing was perfect. (the two links above are my affiliate links and will take you to Amazon to buy the books.) I began by asking the students what kindness is. We brainstormed a list of ideas and created an anchor chart. Then I read the picture book to the students. Because we had just finished Wonder, they were so excited to read this new version. When we finished, I asked the kids to think of all the ways, in both the picture book and the novel, that people were not very kind to Auggie (the main character). The kids were able to fill our entire circle map in no time. It was easy to recall how people would scream in his face, recoiling at the way he looked. They remembered the names Auggie was called and the no-touching game that was played. The instantly told me about all the awful things that happened to him. I then asked the kids to brainstorm ways that, if they were in the novel with Auggie, they could be kinder to him. Again, they had no problem thinking of ways they could be kind to Auggie. Next, I asked the students to think about their own real life. I asked them to reflect upon how they personally treat others and how they personally could make better choices when speaking to others. Here is where things got a little challenging. You see, when students are talking about fictional characters, or reading news stories about OTHER kids they don't know being treated unfairly or unkindly, they know exactly what they would do if they were there. Because they aren't there. They know they never will be there. But when confronted with their own lives, and real possibilities for what they would have to do to step in or change situations, it is a bit harder for them. So I asked them to brainstorm 15 different ways they PERSONALLY could show kindness to our classmates. (I drew a lot of inspiration for this next part from Study All Knight's FREE Kindness unit, which you can grab here.) The students then used tempra paint and painted 15 (or so) rainbow sunshine rays. They also drew their own Wonder-Inspired portrait. (I have previously done this before, but had them focus on precepts and writing....if you would like to do that, click here. It is one of my fav lessons too!) The students then glued their Wonder portraits into the middle of the rays, used Sharpie to outline and write the 15 ways they could show real kindness in their lives (one way per ray) and were done. They came out amazing. (See the picture at the top of the post!) What is better though, is that the past two days, my students are actively trying to be kinder to each other. They are watching their words. I have seen people purposefully go up to those who tend to wander during group time and invite them into the group. I have seen students smile at others just a bit more. It truly has been a Wonder. Right now, for a limited time, Amazon has the book available for $3.99!!! Snag up to 4 copies at that price. Use my affiliate link here to get your copy ASAP before they are all gone!! SaveSave
Grab your camera and capture all of your memories this month!
Use these 35 story ideas for teens and fiction writing prompts to inspire them as they author their own works by including the sentence prompt in the story!
The Writing and Art Challenge was created by the MCWC […]
The Writing and Art Challenge was created by the MCWC […]
The Writing and Art Challenge was created by the MCWC […]
The Writing and Art Challenge was created by the MCWC […]
The Writing and Art Challenge was created by the MCWC […]
The Writing and Art Challenge was created by the MCWC […]
The Writing and Art Challenge was created by the MCWC […]
The Writing and Art Challenge was created by the MCWC […]
Catch a peek into my 2018 reading list. Find out what I loved and what I hated - and see if you agree with my opinions or not!
Use these creative writing prompts for teens to help them clarify their thoughts and emotions and develop stronger self-identities.
Spring brings new beginnings and a dose of hope to our 6-word story challenge! The Year to a Better You April prompts center on positive thinking as you press on toward your 2018 goals. Let hope fill you with energy, excitement, and drive!
I don't know about you, but I've been in an adventurous mood these days. Likely because I just finished cramming this Spring semester and am looking forward to
Looking for some great new books to read in the new year? Check out these awesome 25 YA books to add to your 2018 TBR right now!
¡Bienvenido 2018! Un poco tarde ¿no? ^_^ Es que estoy algo dispersa porque son días realmente encantadores... Preparando el especial...
The international Ocean Awareness Student Contest is a call for teen artists, thinkers, and activists to explore ocean conservation issues through art, writing, film, and music. Scholarship awards of up to $1,500.
Join me for the January 2018 31 Day Art Journal Challenge!
For our May Scripture Writing Plan, we will be looking at motherhood in the Bible - particular mamas in the Word, what God has to say about children, our duties as parents, and more!
Get to know yourself a little better! Grab the free printable to start your 52 weeks of self-discovery now and unlock your true potential.
Grab your camera and get creative this month!
Scripture Writing Plans Helen http://www.sincerelysapphire.com/september-2021-scripture-writing-plan-gods-faithfulness/ Sincerely, Sapphire
Wow! The ALA Awards were incredible yesterday! Congratulations to all the authors and illustrators who won. My students and I were on the edge of our chairs cheering and applauding as the book winn…
One of our fist fairy tales was The Princess and the Pea... Here are some of the things we did with it!!! First we went on a secre...
Edit: Updated and completed prompts are available in a printable version through etsy and an ebook version through amazon as of December 2018. First of all, thanks to everyone who shared February's journal prompts with your friends last month. I did not expect to have such a positive response to the first set of prompts, and of course, I am excited to be able to share another set with you today. If you need some help, check out our post on starting a journal. Grab your favorite journaling supplies and find a comfy chair. You can use these prompts to journal however you like. A printable version is available at the bottom of the post. 31 Journal Prompts for March 1. A favorite song lyric 2. The thing you always forget to pack 3. A fictional character you'd like to switch places with 4. Something to let go of 5. What do you want more of? 6. A typical grocery list 7. A fact you don't usually tell people 8. What does it take to make a friend? 9. The thing that makes you excited 10. Everyone needs... 11. The best place to be 12. How do you focus? 13. Who is your "cheerleader?" 14. The goal you are working towards now 15. Three small steps towards your goal 16. The most inspiring person you've met 17. How would you describe yourself? 18. A few words of advice to someone younger 19. Ten things you learned in the past year 20. What is the most important thing in life? 21. An idea that seems great, but actually isn't 22. Five books everyone should read 23. Where do you most want to travel? 24. What are you good at? 25. Three things you learned today 26. Something you are looking forward to 27. Pick a movie character you identify with 28. Ten things you love about spring 29. Are you patient? 30. Describe a childhood memory 31. List some favorite jokes Download your printable PDF version of the prompts. Make sure that you get next month's prompts by following along with Life of Lovely on bloglovin, pinterest, or twitter. We'd love to hear from you if you decide to use these prompts. Let us know how it goes in the comments.
