I don’t know why our reading curriculum has synthesis in the 3rd month.
In any case, a good site with resources and ideas for teaching different comprehension strategies.
Can you follow directions?
I know one of these was floating around a couple of weeks ago but when I went to find it I couldn’t, so I adapted a new one. I know for a fact that there are hidden clues in the exam, if only kids read all the questions. I really hope I can make my point!
CAN YOU FOLLOW DIRECTIONS?
This is a timed test, do not talk to your neighbour
You have 5 minutes only!
1. Read everything carefully before doing anything.
2. Write the title “Following Directions” in your book.
3. Write down the 5 topics we’ve covered in class this year.
4. Draw a star on your page.
5. If you have followed directions carefully to this point, come and write your name on the board.
6. Draw five small squares in the upper left-hand corner of your page.
7. Put an “X” in each square.
8. In your normal speaking voice, count from ten to one backwards as fast as possible.
9. Add 75 to 13 and write the answer in your book.
10. Stand up and have a good stretch.
11. When you reach this point, LOUDLY call out, “I AM THE LEADER IN FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS.”
12. Put an “X” in the lower left-hand corner of your page.
13. Draw a triangle around the “X” you just put down.
14. Write under your title: “It is important to read all exam questions to the very end because there might be some hidden clues”.
15. Loudly call out, “I AM NEARLY FINISHED. I HAVE FOLLOWED DIRECTIONS.”
16. Underline the words “hidden clues” on your page.
17. Close your book.
18. Make sure your name is clearly written on the front of your book.
19. Stick your tongue out at your neighbour because you’ve nearly finished.
20. Now that you have finished reading everything carefully, do only tasks 2, 14 and 17.
What’s Up With Apostrophes?
- For a much more thorough visual explanation of “How to Use an Apostrophe” by the legendary Oatmeal, click HERE.
(Source: theyuniversity, via theyuniversity)
There’s this new technology, have you heard of it, it’s called BOOK.
I’m so sharing this with my classes tomorrow, fantastic!
Fantastic resource for the classroom (part of classtools.net)
Printable Game Boards including Scrabble and Boggle. Just print, laminate and play. All playing pieces available as well. Free! Make as many as you like.
#elemchat #spedchat #gameboards #printables
Another idea would be to mod-podge the printable onto a piece of wood or chipboard.
If you would like more authentic looking Scrabble tiles click here.
***Here’s another idea….Make your own Scrabble Board. Full directions from eHow.
I think all of these are fantastic, and not just for the first week back.
Time Line Challenge
Print 10-12 photos from the time period you will be studying. Mix up the photographs and distribute them to random students in the classroom. Have the kids with photos head to the front and hold up their photo. Ask the rest of the class to work with those standing to correctly arrange the photos chronologically. Lead a discussion that allows kids to explain their order and to introduce future content.
It also works great to divide your class in half, give each group the same set of photos and have the two groups create “competing” timelines. Let them argue for the correct order and work to convince students in the opposing group to change sides. You might give extra credit to the group with the largest number of students. Provide the correct order and subtract points for any mistakes made by the “winning” group. Give those points to other group.
Man…I’m tempted to do this one the first day of class…
(Source: revolutionizeed, via )
My favourite and an excellent idea for an exit pass:
One Word: If it seems a lecture is the only way to discuss a topic, preface it by telling students that at the end of the day’s lesson, they must write down a single word they believe best represents the lesson. Then, they can expand on why they chose that word with a separate paragraph. This will force active listening during the class period, as students will need to be able to condense an entire lesson into the essence of its idea.
Another idea is to ask students to write a slogan-like bumper sticker to illustrate a particular concept from the lecture—forcing them to sum up the entire class period in one sentence.
(Source: world-shaker)
A website to make your own “For Dummies” book covers as hooks for your lessons or to get students thinking about reports.
