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Hello
Fifth Grade Resolutions is Published!
This journey is just about complete! It's been great, and now I can focus on book 4 and the new school year!
Writing prompts
Because I am a teacher, after all...
What is a hero? Who is a hero to you? Why?
Gratitude Journal
Each day, think of something you are grateful for. In a paragraph, explain why you are grateful.
Don't Give Up!
How does this make you feel?
Think about a time you struggled. Did you manage to persevere and complete the task? Write about it.
How does this make you feel?
Write about a trip to the beach.
How does this make you feel?
What story will happen in this setting? Something joyous? Or creepy? Write your thoughts...
Write about a trip to the beach.
Write about a trip to the beach.
Write about a trip to the beach.
Did you visit tidepools like in the photo? Build a sandcastle like Sanjay? What would your perfect beach visit be like?
Thirty+ Years of Teaching experience, all right here!
Monday Mingle
Have you noticed getting your students' attention on Monday mornings can be challenging? Especially after a break? That means it's time for to Mingle!
I project this photo on the board and my students know they have time to talk freely for the next 10 minutes. They love the time spent catching up, and know once the timer goes off, it's time to get to work! More community, less frustration!
Making Connections
Each day, allow your students to connect with one another.
I pair my students up weekly, and we try to connect a few times a week.
We use Sanford Harmony, Table Topic cards, What If in a jar, Choices in a jar, and pictures.
Use the link below for some connections to get you started. Table Topic and the "jar" cards are available online. They are great for promoting conversation and contemplation.
Some of the pictures have a prompt; many do not.
One quick prompt is , "What is the ___ thinking?"
I have had partners come up with a 6 sentence story about a photo; they can tell their three sentences all at once, or alternate with their partner. If we have an odd number of students in our class, there will be a group of three. A six sentence story works for partners or trios.
Read to a Tree
Read to a Tree
Students need to read their writing out loud. It is part of the revision process. We have nametags on many of our school trees; Groot is growing right outside my classroom door! On the students' revision checklist, they must fill in the name of the tree they read their essay to. As the nametags tend to fall off over the summer, each year my students have the opportunity to come up with their own names. We have had Spruce Banner, Cedric Treegory, Mac & Trees, and more!
We occasionally talk about characterization, such as which tree is a good listener, and who gives positive feedback. The kids love it!