Writing Informational Text with 1st & 2nd Graders

Reading and writing Informational Texts are an important part of the Common Core Standards.  To make these Informational Text Features more meaningful for my students, I created an Informational Text Features book that each child researches and writes.  My “I Can Write All About Science” is my favorite writing project that I do with my students each year.  I have done this project for many years with first and second graders.  This project is so versatile that you will be able to use it for any topic you’d like!  In the past, my classes have made books on sharks, whales, fish, and penguins, but any topic that interests your young scientists will work!   You can include some or all of the pages, picking and choosing which text features are appropriate for your students.

We start by learning about a text feature each day and I have the kids search through informational texts to find examples.  I read aloud about penguins (or whichever topic we were learning about) and the students use the new information for their writing project.  Depending on the needs of your students, you may need to spend 1—3 days per text feature.  This past year, my class had to go slower due to so many students being pulled out for Speech, LD, ESOL, and RTI.  Kids who finish early have the option to make additional pages with illustrations and captions.

 I put the definition on the document projector so that kids can copy it into their own books.  My students who are pulled out a lot during the day get a copy of the definition and they just cut them out and paste them into their books to save time.

When we finish the books, I have the kids make Eric Carle style painted papers to make the animal for the cover.  Before putting them on the covers, we use them in the hallway for a big bulletin board display.  Be sure to have the kids make some penguins small enough to fit on their cover, in addition to larger ones that they can take home.

Click the title page above or HERE to check it out at my Teachers Pay Teachers store!

What are your favorite writing activities for kids in the first or second grade?  I'd love to hear some new ideas!
Happy Teaching!

Corinna

Springing Into Nonstandard Measurement & My 300 Follower Celebration!

My "Springing Into Nonstandard Measurement" is now available at my Teachers Pay Teachers store.  I'm a little late announcing it because real life keeps getting in the way of my fun.  J Doesn't it seem like time is moving really fast now that school is winding down?  Does your To-Do list seem to get bigger by the minute?  I know mine sure does.  So, without further ado, here it is!  My kids loved this!  The pack includes color and black & white versions in case you don't have an unlimited color ink supply (wouldn't that be wonderful?).  Click on the picture below to visit my TpT store and get more information.



I can't believe I'm getting ready for my 300+ Follower Giveaway!  I've got some great prizes to give away, plus donations from talented TpT buddies!  

If you would like to join in, please click on the GoogleDoc link below.
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 I have some copies of my measurement pack for the first three followers who comment!  Have a restful weekend! Happy Teaching!
♥Corinna 

TpT Sale of my Mega Math Packets!

My Math Mega Packs are on sale for 20% off this weekend! 

Check out my Going Buggy with Operations and Algebraic Thinking Common Core Mega Pack.  It has 77 reproducibles for teaching all eight first grade Common Core Operations and Algebraic Thinking standards, plus posters for your focus wall.

 Also, take a look at my latest product, Diving into Number and Operations in Base Ten Common Core Mega Pack.  It includes 90 reproducibles for teaching all of the first grade Number and Operations in Base Ten standards, plus posters for your focus wall.

What is your preference when purchasing items from TpT?  Do you like having items available in smaller units with a less expensive price or do you like getting bigger packets for a higher (but better value) price?  I've been trying to decide if I should make my Mega Math Packets available in smaller packets that just cover one or two of the Common Core State Standards.  I'd love your feedback!

Thank you for following my blog!  Be sure to visit my TpT store, Corinna Woita: Teaching Fabulous Firsties, for more ideas and freebies.

Happy Teaching!
♥Corinna

 

Diving Into Number and Operations in Base Ten!

Finally!  My Diving Into Number and Operations in Base Ten Common Core Mega Pack is finished and is up on Teachers Pay Teachers!  It was a BIG project and I'm glad it is done and ready for other people to enjoy it.

I hope you will visit my TpT store and take a look at it.  On Sunday night, I will choose one follower that leaves a comment here to win a free copy!  Thanks so much for reading and following my blog.
♥Corinna

Operations & Algebraic Thinking Math!

I'm finally done with my latest math packet!  As I've mentioned before, our math "program" at school leaves a lot to be desired.  So, our first grade team is always supplementing to fill in the gaps.  We're currently focusing on Operations and Algebraic Thinking for our data teams.  We're also being asked to post our daily Common Core State Standards in the room.  To do so, I created my latest product, "Going Buggy for Operations & Algebraic Thinking Math Mega Pack." 

 It includes 77 Common Core State Standard aligned reproducibles for teaching Operations and Algebraic Thinking.  There are five practice pages for every skill for a full week’s worth of learning.  I also made ten Focus Wall CCSS anchor charts in student friendly “I Can” language.  These activities are not “seasonal” so they can be used any time during the year.  My kids have been having fun with them this week.  Check them out at my TpT store.

I'm hooking up with Teaching Blog Addict for Freebie Friday!  I made a 4 Square Writing Organizer for dental health month.  It includes a writing organizer and three different choices of paper for final copies of the paragraphs.  I hope you can use it!  Blogger is not being nice to me when I try to upload pictures of the freebie, so go to TpT (click HERE) to see it up close.  UPDATE!  Blogger decided to let me post the pictures!  Here they are!  Click on the cover to download for free from TpT!

Happy Weekend!
Corinna