Martin Luther King, Jr.

During the month of January, we celebrate the life and contributions of Martin Luther King, Jr. Each year, the students enjoy learning about him, and it occurred to me one day they may like a more hands-on approach. And it worked! 

Every year when it gets time for planning resources for January, I always pull out this Martin Luther King, Jr. resource.  I added a flip-book activity (hands-on approach) that already includes biographical information about Dr. King. There are writing activities included in flip-book for students to complete after reading the information. 

The picture above shows the front of three pages. The other three pages are on the back. I included directions on how to print and copy the flip-book. You can choose to staple or not to staple the book...your choice. 

I printed my pages on white paper because I wanted to use colored pencils; however, you can use colored paper if you prefer. Either look great! 

This is a great way for students to interact with their reading. They will read a section (Early Life, Eduction, Civil Rights, Contribution, and His Legacy), and then they will have an opportunity to respond to a question. There are places throughout the flip-book for students to color the images. 

There are tons of other resources to use in this unit. There are two reading passages. One passage has comprehension questions, and one passages has open-ended response questions. There is an informational writing prompt complete with drafting pages, student writing checklist, and rubric. If your students need practice with ABC order, there is a page for that, too. There is an acrostic poem, a classroom activity, and a word search puzzle in this unit. 

If you are searching for something to add to your resources, check it out HERE. 

How do you teach about Martin Luther King, Jr. in your classes? 

Descriptive Writing with Legos

When you think of writing, what stands out in your mind? Is it the words you weave together to create the perfect prose? Is it the revision process that seems to never end? Is it the teeth grinding type of memory? Or is it the wonderful feeling you get when you complete something that was completely fun? 

Teaching writing can be difficult at times. Motivating students to write can seem even harder. So, how do you get the students motivated to write? 

One tried and true writing lesson I have used is the Lego writing activity. The students absolutely love it, and they generate lots of talk in the hallway. If you have not used Legos or blocks in your classroom, read on. 

This activity is a collaborative group activity; students are divided into groups of three and assigned a job title/task to complete during the assignment. This keeps all students actively engaged and contributing to the overall product. The three jobs are recorder, designer, and contractor. 

After all jobs are chosen or assigned, I tell the students they have a super task to complete. They have to design and construct a functional item with the materials found in their group container. Not only will they just design and construct a functional item, but they will also have to write detailed instructions for other groups to be able to complete the construction of their item. Writing assignment sheets are passed out, and the students' eyes get bigger as they learn the materials are Legos (or building blocks, whatever you have on hand). 

Soon, it looks like an explosion of colors as the Legos go all over the floor and desks. I usually have to take a deep breath to regain my composure (I like order, structure, and neatness.), but it is definitely worth all of the mini-anxiety attacks I go through for them to really love the activity. 

Here is glimpse into the beginning of the assignment. 

Here, the students are making lots of progress, and the recorder is jotting down detailed instructions. 

This is a finished product from one group. It is a garage that houses a utility vehicle. 

If you are interested in implementing this activity in your classroom, click HERE. This resource provides teaching tips, writing assignment sheet, writing papers, rubric, and job titles. It is a lesson your students will remember for a lifetime!

We are entering the second week of May. For many schools, the school year is winding down. For others, you may just simply need a fun activity to get you and your students through to the end of the year. I have a couple of resources that have been my go-to when the students needed a break. They are all engaging and fun, and they are sure to be a hit with your students. 

Welcome to Middle School: End of the Year Activity is a wonderful culminating activity middle school students have enjoyed for numerous years. I created this activity about ten years ago at the end of the school year. It was an instant success. You are able to tailor it to fit the needs of your grade level and classroom needs. 

Here is what others have said about this resource: 

"I loved this activity. I was able to use it at the end of last year and then this year I displayed the work on a bulletin board in the hallway. It is nice for the new students and for the old students to come see their work!" ~Gabrielle

"I love this assignment! This is going to be wonderful our last two weeks of school! This is very well thought out and provides unique options for differentiated learning and ability. Thank you so much for the time and effort put into this." ~Jamie

"This is such a fun project! I am glad that I stumbled upon it as I was looking for a project like this. I was not disappointed as it far exceeded my expectations. Thank you for creating this!" ~Sandy

"This comprehensive activity was awesome. I will continue to use this year after year as a culminating activity. Thank you!" ~Nina

If you do not teach middle school, this is a wonderful resource to use. My Yearbook: End-of-the-Year Activity is great to use will all ages. It provides the students will templates to create their own yearbook, or memory book, of the year. Students love doing this, and the finished products are always fun to see. 

Here are some comments from others who have tried this resource in their classrooms: 

"My students LOVED making their memory books - I could tell because they took their time to make it look awesome!" ~Jen

"My students are working on this now. . and LOVING it! They said it was has been nice thinking of the whole year and all of the things we have learned and done together. A perfect project!" ~Jennifer

"My 7th graders loved this activity!" ~Nicole

"Fun end of the year activity, thanks!" ~Stephanie

If you teach PreK, I have a resource for you, too! My Pre-K Memories is a fun way to end the Pre-K year. I made this for my daughter a couple of years ago because I wanted a keepsake of her Pre-K days. It turned out so cute. 

What others have to say about it: 

"This was a great gift for my kids at the end of the year! I love it!" ~Sarina

"Made a great end of year activity." ~Tracy

"Great book,will tell my friends to buy." ~Anonymous

No matter what grade level you teach, I hope you will find one of these resources perfect to incorporate into your classroom to end the year on a fun, engaging, and positive note. 

February Currently

I cannot believe February is already here! I always love the first of each month, so I can link up with Oh Boy Fourth Grade for the monthly Currently!

Listening: It is Super Bowl Sunday, so of course the television is on ESPN. The hubby cannot miss one thing about football. I have also been googling Marshawn Lynch interviews and videos. He is quite entertaining in my opinion! 

Loving: The weather is beautiful outside today...think I might go for a run in a little while. 

Thinking: I have a very busy week ahead. We have meetings, PTO, students dressing up like their favorite book characters, homework, and the other usual weekly events. I need to get everything organized today for the week. 

Wanting: I think it is because the weather is so nice, but I want to go shopping with the gals for some new spring clothes. I think we might should even make it a weekend adventure. 

Needing: I woke up this morning with a terrible headache... took some medicine and went back to sleep. When I wok up again, the head was still throbbing. I think some more medicine and outside therapy will help it. 

Pageant Title: "Queen of Yoga Pants"...no, you won't see me sporting around town in them; however, they are my go-to every second I am at home. 

Hehe...true story!

Since it is February, I want to share with you some resources to make your planning easier. 

This February Writing Bundle is a great addition to the month. It contains 20 journal prompts, plus three essay writing prompts. The essay prompts come complete with the writing topic, organizing page, drafting pages, and scoring rubric. You can choose the mode of writing you are working on in class and use that prompt. The students love the topics, and it is all nicely organized for you to incorporate into your plans. 

Black History Month Mini-Unit is the perfect resource to use with your students. This supplemental resource included eight biographical readings, discussion questions with a quote for thought for each reading, and a page for each reading to use in an Interactive Notebook. The influential figures included are Mary McLeod Bethune, Booker T. Washington, Sojourner Truth, Jackie Robinson, Ruby Bridges, Jesse Owens, Rosa Parks, and Frederick Douglass. 

Capitalization Task Cards is a FREEBIE located in my TpT store. Go grab your copy today!

I hope everyone has a wonderful week!

Happy Teaching!

Friday Hooray! Five for Friday

Today, I am linking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching to bring you the Five for Friday link-up.

We went to a birthday party on Sunday afternoon. While most of the other children were playing, mine decided she wanted to ride a horse. So she did just that. On our way home, she discusses the need for us to have our own horses and how she wants to start taking riding lessons. It was so cute!

We are using this month to see how much money we can save. We are tracking all of our expenses to see where everything goes and where we can reduce spending. Our daughter has been in on some of the conversations with us about the budget because we want her to know the importance of being financially secure. This is a picture of a my latest budget project...her our daughter. (I am not finished with it yet, but I will post a picture when it is completed.) These are her money jars...saving, spending, giving...one for each. She has a plethora of piggy banks in her room, but I want her to divide the money and use for specific purposes. I will keep you updated on this little project. 

I worked with a group of second graders this week on creating a lapbook about Martin Luther King, Jr. We had such a great time! In fact, I am working on two more lapbooks just for them to do per request. To get a better look at the resource click here.

This has been my reading material this week at night...not exactly Nicholas Sparks, but they had to be read by Saturday. So, I got through it. The positive of having class this Saturday is I get to see these two beautiful ladies. Working on this EdD degree has been tough, but we have all formed a tight bond and support one another every little step. I am so thankful for these ladies (and our lunch group guys) for the laughs and friendship. 

I was so excited this week when I got to dance with my little tappers again. I look forward to teaching tap each week. This was the first time since my surgery in December that I was able to dance with them. They told me to be very careful...they are so sweet! 

Happy Friday Everyone! Don't forget to check out what everyone else has been up to!

Hump Day Highlight Linky

Hump Day Highlight Link-up

I am linking up with Mrs. Stanford's Class Hump Day Highlight. These will occur each Wednesday to give you a glimpse into what everyone is working on and using. This is going to be so much fun!

Today, I am going to share with you a resource I am working on with my daughter. We are discussing nouns, and this Winter Nouns Activity provides a cute center activity to use for sorting common nouns and proper nouns. 

It comes complete with two posters: common nouns (definition, example) and proper nouns (definition, example). Other components included are 24 nouns, "Common Noun" column, "Proper Noun" column, recording sheet, and answer key. 

This is the perfect center activity for independent work or to use in collaborative pairs. The students are engaged and having fun, all while mastering common and proper nouns. 

For the Winter Nouns Activity CLICK HERE.

To see what others are doing, click here to be redirected to the link-up. 

How to Get Students Excited about Writing...Again!

Most of us have made it half way through the school year by now. Yippee! But how many of you have noticed your students becoming bored with writing? Is it topics? Was it because they (and us) needed a break?

Whatever the reason, January is a wonderful time to get that spark back in their fires and finish out the year strong! How do you get students excited about writing...again?

1. Choices: Students want choices. I know journal writing is probably the best way to incorporate this idea. Have "free write" days where the students decided what they want to write. I know this is the day I usually read the most creative writings.

2. Round-Robin Writing: As the teacher, write a title at the top of a blank sheet of notebook paper. If you want, you can even write the first sentence, too. Pass the paper to a student (you can start it anywhere in your classroom). Have that student write a sentence either about the title, like a first liner, or a second sentence following your first sentence. Then that student passes it to the person behind him/her. Each student adds something to the story until everyone had the opportunity to write a sentence. If it is working smoothly, you can go two or three rounds until you have a full-blown story. After the story is written, read it aloud to the class. They will love it, and it is usually funny to see the direction the story turns...it is most likely to be very funny.

3. Writing Pals: Group students in pairs. You can randomly select the groups, or you can even let the students choose their writing pals. Have students work in partners to complete a writing activity. They will enjoy getting to work with a pal while writing, especially struggling writers. Have the pals trade their writings with another set of pals to revise.

I have a January Writing Bundle that you can use to incorporate both journal writing and essay writing into your classroom. It contains 20 journal prompts, and they come is two formats. Also included are three essay prompts (informational, argumentative, and narrative). They come complete with topic pages, writing papers, and a scoring rubric. Below is an example of one of the essay topics.

Also, before I forget, I have started another blog...this one is personal. It is called It's Okay, Mom!, and I would love to have you stop by and take a look. It is new, as it launched on January 1st! I am very excited about it because I will be sharing real life stories with you about how our little family lives, budgets, saves, and live each day to the fullest. There are some very cool posts that are already scheduled, so if you like to learn about budgeting tips, making every penny work for you, getting crafty, or cooking up a feast, this blog is for you. I hope you will check it out, follow, and come along on this exciting adventure with me.

IT'S OKAY, MOM!