A Change in Writing

Our district is making big changes in the way that we teach writing.  We are going back to a true workshop model based on Lucy Calkins.  Our system implemented the Common Core last year and has made writing a high priority.  

I found a great resource to support my writing lessons on Amazon.  (A recommendation from my friend Christine who is a third grade teacher.) They have specific grade level books for grades K through 6.

This book has lessons for setting up workshop, conference forms, rubrics, 30 lessons for the six traits of writing with printables, mentor text lists and MUCH More!!!!  You will not be disappointed.  

Visit Their Website

Here is a video on how to make multi-pocket folders for writing workshop.  I am going to do this for next year.  

Using Photos for Inferencing

I created a couple of sheets at the beginning of the year to teach inferencing.  I googled "Inference Photographs" and downloaded many images to my computer.  There are also many photos on Pinterest.  I ordered them as 4x6 prints to save on ink.  The children worked in small groups to make observations, list schema(background knowledge) and then list inferences.  They enjoyed picking out the photos.  

Vertical Sheet

Horizontal Sheet

Catching Up

I have been busy for the past month on many things, here are a few…

We practiced writing four types of sentences: Declarative, Imperative, Interrogative and Exclamatory.  Some of the children turned their characters into punctuation people.

 During writing workshop, we are teaching the students to "Narrow Down the Topic"

 The Literacy Coach created this one

We read several Greek myths and many versions.  I used a unit that I purchased on TPT from Nicole Shelby.  She has great resources for fourth grade.  The unit was perfect for teaching allusions, character traits, inferences, themes, etc.

My nest has been empty for the first time and 22 years.  I have been putting myself first and working on "ME."  I thought I would have more time to blog and create items for TPT…hopefully soon.  I have been getting FIT mentally and physically.