What I've been working on

Hey everyone!

I wanted to share what I've been working on! Each morning my students complete a day on their Language 4 Today sheets. I really like the Language 4 Today book, however it does not have enough grammar practice. So, I decided to create my own Daily Language book! I will be using both next year! In my Daily Language book, I have separated it by skill. This way, I can find the skills we are currently working on easily! This new product is a huge work in progress.

The Daily Language book is broken up by weeks. I'm planning that it should be able to last the entire year. This means it should last about 40-45 weeks. We shall see how it goes!

Here's a sneak peak of my Daily Language book!

I am hoping that this will be available by the beginning of summer! :)

Have a great night!

Monday Made It: Writer's Workshop Folder and Fonts

Good afternoon everybody!

I'm teaming up with 4th Grade Frolics for Monday Made It!

Friday started my beautiful Spring Break! Last week my students worked on a few writing assignments. In my classroom I have Writer's Workshop Folders that the students use when they are writing. The folder included miscellaneous handouts to aid in the writing process. As the students were using the folder, I realized I want to create my own handouts to go inside the folder and organize everything to my liking. So, that is what I have been working on the last few days.

The Writer's Workshop Folder is now for sale at my TPT store for $3.50. You can go to my store {HERE} or click the image below!

I will add images of the actual finished product when we return from Spring Break so you can see it in action.

Yesterday I also created my first font! I used the font in my Writer's Workshop Folder. You can check that out by clicking the image below:

Here are some more fonts I made recently! Click the images to purchase! All of my fonts are $1.00.

Have a great sunshiny day!

April Currently

Good morning everyone,

I'm linking up with Oh Boy! Fourth Grade for her Currently Linky. I'm so excited to link up with this linky, because I have not participated in a while.

Loving:

I adore my mini-mi avatar from Lovelytocu Graphics! Isn't she gorgeous? I think she makes my blog header look much better!

If you would like your own personal avatar check her out:

Thinking:

You can read about the prank I played on my students {HERE}.

Wanting:

I mean, doesn't this just look divine??

Needing:

My husband and I are definitely in need of some prayer. We are dealing with some family/personal issues. We believe in the power of prayer. So, if you're willing, please pray for us!

Today:

Today is our Spirit Day and honors assembly. I'm so excited about Spring Break y'all! I may just have to celebrate tonight and get some sushi! :-p 

A beautiful plant a student brought me. I always tell my hubby #OnlyatACSteere

I have the best students and parents in the whole world! 

Another student brought me this adorable Easter gift. Under the bunny was a Hershey's kiss. haha

I hope you all have a wonderful Spring Break!!

April Fool's

Happy April Fool's every body!

Today I played a joke on my classes. The students worked with a partner to find all of the words in a word search. I told them that the first 3 students to find all of the words would get a homework pass. I held up all the homework passes I have. (My students can buy homework passes with Gator Bucks and earn them when they triple their AR goal). It was so hilarious! My students were working so hard to find the words, but none of the words were actually in the word search.

You can find the word search {HERE} from Fancy in Fourth!

Here are some pictures of my students working hard to find the words:

Also today we discussed Forgiveness. We do a quote of the week that connects to a different virtue. I usually do a virtue a month. This month is forgiveness.

My students copy a quote in their journal and answer questions that go with the quote. Here's an example:

After the students complete the journal, we discuss their responses. Today we spent a little more time on the quote and virtue, because it was the last quote for this virtue. We went over the steps to a great apology. Then, I showed them an example of a good apology. I showed them Giuliana Rancic's apology to Zendaya for a rude comment she made about here hair. (Video below). We discussed why it was a good apology. 

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Have a fantastic April Fool's Day!

Partner Writing

Good evening everyone!

     I just wanted to share with you what we worked on today. My 3rd period class completed a partner/group writing assignment we started last week. I mentioned in my last post a little bit about this lesson, but I wanted to give you more details about it.

     First, we read two passages together as a class. I explained that each passage will have 3 different writing prompts to go with it.
Next, I had students think about which passage they would want to read/write about. They wrote down the name of a the passage on a slip of paper, but did not discuss their choice with anyone.
After they made their chose on a sheet of paper, they chose a corner. In each corner of the room I had the name of the different passages.
     Once students chose a corner, they paired up with the person closest to them by getting back-to-back.One partner gathered the materials they would need, while the other partner chose a place anywhere in the room to sit.
     With their partner(s), they re-read the passage and asked each other higher order thinking questions using a laminated question card sheet (I forgot to take a picture of this, but it is from the Kagan Cooperative Learning Book). Each partner asked the other 3 HOTS questions.
After finishing the passage, the students chose a writing prompt and wrote together. The students were able to choose from an opinion, informative, or narrative writing. I gave them a checklist of things I was looking for in all of the writings. (This is a habit my students are in. I always give them a checklist so they know exactly what I'm looking for). The person whose first name is closest to the beginning of the alphabet kept track of time. (I always keep a timer on my board going so they know how much time we have left. I use Kagan Timer Tools). At the end of the lesson, the person whose name is closest to the end of the alphabet filled out an Exit Slip. The Exit Slip had the student rate how they worked together with their partner and included details they read about today.
I have an Exit Slip folder section by my door. The student who filled out the slip put it in the folder that they felt comfortable with. The folders are labeled "Got it", "Kind of", "Almost", and "Nope!". They know to put the Exit Slip in the folder that fits their understanding of the lesson. This way, I know who I need to work with or how I need to tweak my lesson in the future.

Here are some pictures of my students working today!

I allowed this class to work in groups of three. (This class is my largest class, so it made it a little easier on me).

The partners wrote one writing together. All had to contribute.

Some students chose to work alone. Before I had the students get back to back. I told the students that want to work alone to go ahead and get their supplies and find a seat.

The students read a passage titled "Advantages on the Field". This passage was about a female soccer player at tryouts. They also read "Pandora's Box". Here are the sheets that show the choices they had. The pink sheet is their checklist, and the blue sheet is the Exit Slip.

The passages come from 5th Grade Common CoreWriting to Texts. I purchased this at our local teacher store.

Here is a picture of my Exit Slip folders.

I hope this lesson is beneficial and gives you guys some great ideas! Have a great evening!

P.S. What do you think of my new blog banner and button? I really like my new avatar!

Five for Friday (on Saturday)

I'm joining up with Doodle Bugs Teaching for Five for Friday (on Saturday) to share with you what's been going on this week!

Monday was my anniversary! 1 year ago, I married my best friend. He's the love of my life! 

We did a little celebration at home! We watched our wedding video and ate our wedding cake topper! It was actually really delicious! We also watched The Ninja Turtles and ate pizza! lol

Treg came to visit me at work with flowers and ate lunch with me. He's a sweetheart. 

This week was Teacher Appreciation Week. I have never felt so blessed in my entire life! I have amazing students and parents. 

Super sweet letter from a father of a student.

An amazing coworker and parent gave me this fabulous gift.

This week we used the Kagan structure, Corners,  to complete a paired writing. 

First, we read two passages together. I explained that each passage will have 3 different writing prompts to go with it.

The students chose which passage they wanted to write about by using the Kagan structure, Corners.

Once they chose a passage they got back to pack with the person closest to them.

With their new partner, they found a spot in the room and re-read the passage. As they were reading, they asked each other HOTS questions.

After finish the passage, the students chose a writing prompt and completed the writing together. They were able to choose from an opinion, informative, or narrative writing. I gave them a checklist of things I was looking for in all of the writings. At the end of the lesson, one of the partners completed an Exit Slip rating how they worked together with their partner.

Here's how Corners works:

Students move to different corners of the room, depending on their point of view. This activity may help them see that not everyone shares the same point of view, and it may stretch their own way of thinking.

1) The teacher announces "corners." Then she announces the choices for each corner of the room.

2) Students are then given a small amount of silent think time to make a choice. They will write the name of their corner on a piece of paper but should not discuss it with anyone else.

3) Teacher tells students to go to their chosen corners. Once they are in their corner, they must find a partner to talk with--someone not on their regular team. (I did this by having them get back-to-back).

4) Pairs will then discuss the reason(s) for their choice. Teacher will then select a few students form each corner to share what his or her partner shared.

 I received a brand new Elmo Document Camera last Friday! I am so excited! We have an amazing non-profit corporation, The Heritage Foundation, that identifies technological needs in our school and raises money to purchase the technology requested by teachers and faculty.

I absolutely love avatars! You all know that Nikki at Melonheadz Illustrating created my own personal Melonhead. I have now ordered my very own character from Shawnna at Lovelytocu Graphic Illustrating. I am so excited to have my own personal avatar to add to the top of my blog! I can't wait to share it with you! Check her out below!

Have a great weekend y'all!