Freebie Friday

This week really flew by!  I have to say that after such a wonderful Spring Break, I wasn't ready to go back.  But...it ended up being an amazing week with lots of activities planned.  Yesterday, we went on a field trip to Imagination Station.  It was probably one of the BEST field trips I've been on.  The kids were well-behaved and we had amazing chaperones.  This was our last field trip of the year.  There were so many hands-on experiments for the kids that when we returned back to the school they were EXHAUSTED!

The adults had a little too much fun too!

Today was supposed to be our FUN DAY.  However, with the horrible weather that was in store for us, it was canceled.  We are hoping it will be rescheduled soon.  

So, today we continued with our study of Patricia Polacco.  The kids just love her!  We read "My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother".  Such a fun story!  The students worked in small groups to do a vocabulary pre-assesment.  The book is a 4th grade level book, so we needed to discuss the vocabulary prior to reading.  I made some word and definition cards for them to try to match up.  I had to see what they already knew.  Then, we went over each word and the meaning.  I wasn't sure if they would be actively engaged, but they were!

Here is a look at our pre-assesment activity.  Don't you love the way they spelled DEFINITION?  Ha!

Pick up your freebie of the words and definitions cards by clicking the pics below!

Then, we read the book and I drew attention to each word and the way they were used in the sentences to gain meaning.  

Afterwards, each group met once again and created a multi-flow map of cause effect relationships.  This can be difficult for 2nd graders, but I wanted something CHALLENGING and RIGOUROUS.  Common Core Vocabulary at its best!  LOL 

I'm off to enjoy my BUSY weekend!  I hope you enjoy yours as well!

5Ws and H and I'm Taking It Back to the Old School

Common Core has been on my brain!  I've been creating new activities to help my students identify with the Common Core.  We've been studying Common Core Standard RL 2.1-Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate key details in a text.

I got this bright idea from 1988 when I was in 2nd grade.  I remember my 2nd grade teacher making a huge poster and making us recite "who, what, where, when, why, and how" over and over and OVER again.  Good thing because it is stuck in my head FOREVER!  So, I made an anchor chart and posted it on the wall.  I already notice how it is helping my students ask questions while reading

Do you remember watching "The Electric Company"?  Oh my goodness, I think every teacher I had from Kindergarten through Grade 4 in the 80s put it on the tv at least once a week.  Man, how silly the show was, but I loved it!  I found this video and played it for my students.  The smiles on their faces brought me back to my childhood.  This is the newer version with Good Charlotte. Check it out!

My students created problem solving magnifying glasses by writing down the 5Ws and H.

If you are a blog follower (or stalker) you can get the magnifying glass template for free by clicking the pics below!

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Be back soon with more fun activities we are creating!!!  Happy Fall FRIENDS!!!

Freebie Friday- Vowel Digraph Short /u/ or "oo"

My students have been working very hard on vowel digraphs since January.  I made this freebie for the short /u/  or "oo" vowel digraph.  I am using it in my word work center with a pocket chart so that my students can manipulate the words.  Then, I have them complete the printables that I have included.  Happy Friday Friends!

Short /u/ Vowel Digraph Printables

St. Patrick's Day Freebie- Jamie O'Rourke

I love, love, love Tomie dePaola books!  Who doesn't?  One of my favorites that I read every year is Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato.  If you haven't read it then you must DEAR! Okay, so maybe not DEAR (drop everything and read) right now, but definitely check it out.  

Have you visited Ireland?   I actually traveled to Ireland in 2000 for the St. Patrick's Day Parade.  I was in it with my college dance team.  It was the most AMAZING experience I ever had.  I also performed for the Lord Mayor's Ball in Dublin, which was an honor.  I spent many days shopping and eating lots of Cadbury Chocolate.  Oh, how I miss those days!  But, I do want to go back.

In honor of St. Patrick's Day and my longing to be in that far away land, here is a freebie for you (or a few).  I created some comprehension related thinking maps for summarizing and comparing and contrasting.  Also, a writing activity for comparing and contrasting and a little Jamie O'Rourke Craftivity.  Enjoy my friends!

Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato

Classroom Decor

I am really digging my walls this year!  I made a Math Wall.  I got the idea for this wall from The Teacher Wife.  She has the addition and subtraction words as a freebie, so definitely go and pick it up.  The addition and subtraction posters are from Amy Lemons- Step Into Second Grade.  Amy Lemons is a seller on TpT.  Her posters are included in her addition and subtraction packs.

The wall has been helping my students tremendously.  They know very important academic vocabulary for word problems and can easily refer to the posters for guidance on how to regroup.  Totally Awesome!  My math scores have made tremendous growth this year.

Here is my Math Wall:

And.....You can pick up these very cute, hands-on synonym popcorn bucket from my TpT.  Aren't they precious?

One last thing...Just for taking a look at my blog....You get a freebie!  Lucky you!  This is an antonym booklet my class did this week.  It was a quick assessment to see if they understood antonyms.  

Antonym Book

Personal Narrative Freebie

My class worked on personal narratives today.  We did the pre-write today and will do the rough draft with editing tomorrow.  You should see their pre-writes....some amazing personal stories I tell ya....happy, sad, and in between.  I love writing!  Seriously, I do!  I could teach it all day looooong.   


Here is a freebie to jazz up your personal writings a bit. I love the frames created by Jessica Weibel at J W Digi.  Here ya go!!!!  Have fun with it!

Personal Narrative Template

The Greatest Show On Earth...I Love it!

Today I went to the circus with my husband and daughter.  Unfortunately for us, she wanted everything.  It was like Christmas Day all over again.  Yikes!  We did have a great time.  It completely made me reflect on my childhood.  My mom would take me to "The Greatest Show on Earth"  every year.  Precious memories!  Things I love about the circus:
1. The smell...popcorn and cotton candy.  Yum!
2. The bright lights and colorful costumes.  Don't forget the loud music too.  The theme song has been on my mind all day.  I may have to download it, if I can.  Here is a link:  Fully Charged-Music Video
There were other familiar songs from the late 90s and early 00s too.
3.  CLOWNS!  I love clowns!  They make me smile.  I don't know what it is...but I have a place in my heart for them.

Here is a freebie to use with your class if you enjoy clowns just as much as myself.  It is a great printable to use to introduce or review adjectives.  Enjoy!

Clowning Around with Adjectives