Free Stocking Writing Prompt

Here's a stocking you can save to your computer and print out. It's a writing prompt for some of those anxious little kids out there who just can't wait to let Santa know what they want for Christmas!

Frosty and Friends: A Readers Theater

Frosty will never grow old! Nor will the tale of this affable guy.  But this is just a twist on his story. I would love to put up a readers theater on the famous Frosty the Snowman, but the lyrics and he, himself is copyrighted! So I created one that has a little glimmer of the ol' tale.  (I can still hear the voices of Jimmy Durante and Jackie Vernon, whose TV version still entertains children five decades later!) But Frosty and Friends has a different script and twist at the end. 

This little readers theater takes all of 10 minutes to perform, but it's a fun way to get your readers to improve their fluency and comprehension!  I hope you will let your young readers give it a try. Being a little kid at heart, I had a blast writing it, and thanks to My Cute Graphics, it's dressed up with clip art that's bound to get the kids interested in reading. So, whether you want a quick activity for your reading group...or you are thinking about putting on a short little performance for the parents at Open House or Holiday Celebration... here's something that will add a little winter time cheer to the occasion! 

Dress them up in hats, mittens and scarves...and they'll all be the cutest little performers--and of course, no other props are needed! After all, it really is all about the kids.....and your kids will be the stars...because no matter how they read (whether it turns out to be a comedy of errors or not), it will be a memorable performance!

Below is a preview of the cover and the first page...just to give you a peek!

If you do happen to purchase this resource, I would love to hear from you. 

FROSTY AND FRIENDS READERS THEATER

Christmas Story Starters Motivate Kids to Write

Ready for the holidays? I'm not yet, but I'm having a good time preparing for the busy season. I love making holiday resources. This pack was a lot of fun to create, so I am hoping that it is equally fun for kids to do. It's revised from my earlier version from last year. This narrative-packed set is aligned with the common core standards for narrative writing, grades 2-4. When it comes to writing about Santa, you will find that kids do get engaged in the writing process, especially if it is about him getting stuck in the chimney! So check this out soon, if you have kids itching to write about Christmas and want to make a cute craft to accompany their work. Cute patterns included!

Christmas Story Starters and Craft

Those party store magnifying glasses....

These little plastic things are such a hit with my first grade reading group! (I have four kiddos.) Getting them to do word reading can be a struggle for some who are less than attentive...Whether one is twirling in her seat, or another is more concerned with tipping his chair back--get one of those cheap little magnifying glasses and play word detective! They love using them after we've read a book (a close reading)--even though it's more of a literal "close reading", word hunting is fun detective work.

Turkey Writing: Short Research Writing, Challenges & Activities

Hello!

       It's been awhile since I've been on this blog...so it's good to be back. It's hard to believe another Halloween has come and gone...and now sadly, the candy is, too!

       I thought I'd post my latest revision of a resource that's been a popular one for beginning researchers. Four main topics are presented with pre-writing maps, and templates to get young writers going. My students have a tough time getting started...and I have a tough time figuring out where to begin. But a solid prompt that interests them (key factor!) and a pre-writing template can make a big difference in their success. It's my experience that this time of year is most interesting to the kids...NOT because of Thanksgiving...but because they are interested in the way our ancestors lived, dressed, and ate. They particularly want to learn more about the Native Americans who were a huge part of our American history. Squanto, Massasoit, and the Wampanoag are hot topics with third graders. There are so many opportunities to expand research...and making artifacts is just one way to extend their studies. This resource will give them a start....and you'll find plenty out there to expand on these topics! 

        I think the improvements I've made in this product will make a difference...and that teachers find this to be a way to motivate and scaffold hesitant writers, too. Let me know what you think! 

The image below shows just a sampling of the 23 pages in this pack. Thanks for checking this out! ~Karen

TURKEY WRITING- RESEARCH WRITING CHALLENGES & ACTIVITIES

Bat Writing and Craft--for Bat Unit or Halloween Fun!

Studying bats? Or just want a Halloween project? This resource may just fit the bill. It's a craft and writing packet just right for kids in grades 1-3. There are a variety of ways you can use the pages and activities in this packet. Choose any or all of the activities to suit your students' grade or skill level.(Since we have diverse classrooms and not everyone celebrates Halloween, this packet can work for all students.) But we know that bats are popular in ANY season.

As an added feature, a little bat book is also included with this download. The Big Brown Bat has instructions and an easy-to-follow pattern. The final art project made of construction paper, is a large bat that can hang upside down or right-side up. Upside down, it can hold a collection of bat facts. This makes a cool bat pocket! 

Check it out, and read a more detailed description. Go to my store where you'll find it at this link: 

BAT WRITING AND CRAFT  

Suggested Grade levels: 1-3

Happy Bat Writing and Crafting!

Turkey Visitors

Our feathered friends stopped by the other morning. Little do they realize Thanksgiving is less than a month and a half away! (I learned that a group of turkeys is called a rafter. But I think I prefer the term flock.) I wish this was a better picture, but my iPod can do only so much!