Writing Wizards Goal Chart and Classroom Display

Summer break is officially here!  I'm excited to begin working on my long list of TpT To-Do's.  :)  I've just posted my newest resource:

I created this pack to further encourage my students to use proper capitalization, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure when writing. The theme is "Writing Wizards Wear Caps" and it uses the following common acronym:

Capitalization
All sentences make sense
Punctuation
Spelling and spacing

It includes a writing goal chart where magnets or clothespins could be used to track students' current goals. I've included a set of magnet templates to use if you'd like to make a set that matches the chart.  Here is a previous post on how I made my magnets.  Once students master CAPS, they earn "Wizard Status" and may move their magnets to the "Writing Wizards" portion of the chart and can earn a wizard card (cards included in set).

 Here's what it looks like hung in my classroom!

I bought the wizard hat off of Amazon and will let my students wear it when they are showing exceptional "writing wizard" skills!  I used magnets I already made for a previous chart.  Here are the matching magnet circles:

I also created a classroom (bulletin board) display.  Here it is:

I am hoping this theme will help my students be more conscious of their writing habits!  You can purchase this set in my TpT Store or can click on any of the images above to view it. 

Happy summer to all those on break and best of luck to those who are still finishing up the school year!  :)

Where I've Been ...and...The Day the Crayons Quit

Talk about a whirlwind of a year!  Last summer I applied at another school to be closer to home and I feel like I haven't a taken a breath since I got the job!  With setting up a new classroom and getting established in a new school, I have had ZERO time to make for my blog and TpT store.  Here's a few snapshots of my new classroom:

I haven't made many of my own resources this year.  But, luckily, there have be plenty of wonderful goodies on Teachers Pay Teachers to purchase when needing something for my lessons!  I'd be lost without other teachers' creations!

Last year, I discovered the book The Day the Crayons Quit.  Boy, is this a good one!  If you aren't familiar with it, the story is about a box of crayons who become quite upset with their owner, Duncan, for various reasons.  So, they write him letters expressing their complaints.  This book is great to use for friendly letter writing and for teaching perspective.  I decided that I'd have my students write their own letters to Duncan from the perspective of a crayon.  I plan to compile their work into a class book once we're finished!  I looked around online and didn't see any resources for this, so I actually made time to create something (my first product ALL YEAR)!     


I put together a little packet with various types of writing paper and an editable book cover to make a class book.  Check it out at my TpT Store!  :)

I have lots of resource ideas bouncing around in my head!  Summer break is almost here, so I plan to be making more posts in the near future {fingers crossed}.  Thanks for following!  :)

Writing Steps Chart

This is my first summer creation!  :)  With students writing at such varying paces, there were many times this past year that I wished I had a better system in place to keep track of where students were at.  I created a chart {below} to display in the classroom.  I'm hoping this will be a quick, visual reference that will help our class keep our writing more organized!  It's the newest addition to my TpT store.

Snowman Writing

Out with Christmas....in with SNOW!  I made writing planners and paper for the following two snowman-themed prompts:  A Day in the Life of a Snowman and How to Build a Snowman.  I'm happy with where my students are at with their writing for the halfway point of the year.  It's time to shift our focus to expanding vocabulary and adding description!  After making a list of descriptive winter words, we'll be practicing adding details with these two writing activities.  The printables are in my TpT store!

There....I've officially done one productive work-related task!  I'm having a hard time getting anything done while reading these books....

 

I hope everyone else is relaxing and enjoying winter break!  :)

Mini Biography Organizer

Our class will be reading a biography about Helen Keller this week (Journeys reading program).  I will also be using these books from Scholastic...

to have my students research an additional person during the week!  I whipped up a little organizer and writing paper for my students to do this...

 

(Click to grab it on TpT!)

{Freebie} Versatile Opinion Planner and Writing Paper

If you need additional resources for opinion writing, I created a planning sheet and writing paper that can be used for any opinion piece throughout the school year!  Grab it below (for free)!  :)

Have a great weekend!  :)

Combining Scary Sentences Freebie

I made this to use with my class this week!  If you can use it, grab it below!

S.T.A.R. Folders, Writing Centers, Class Photos, and Freebies

It has been JULY since I last posted!  (I did spend roughly an hour writing a post several weeks ago, but lost the whole thing.  GRR!  It has taken until now for me to find the time and motivation to redo it!)  :)

The first thing I'm going to share is the setup of my students' "Take Home"/S.T.A.R. folders (Striving for Terrific Attitudes, Responsibility, and Success).

 Front (Nothing special!)

 Front Pocket- This is where students place their homework and anything that needs to be returned to school.

 Class Information Sheet -  Includes: daily schedule, class list, Scholastic Book Clubs code, class website address and QR code, homework schedule, class rules, and grading scale

CAFE Menu -  After reading the CAFE book this summer, I decided to include a reading strategies menu in each of my students' folders.  As I conference with students, I highlight the skill they are working on so they can share the strategy with their families and practice building the skill(s) at home. 

 S.T.A.R. Behavior Calendars -  The students color the calendar each day to show their behavior on the color chart.  Click HERE to view this on Teachers Pay Teachers.

 Nightly Reading Log -  Click HERE to download a free copy of the log I'm using with my class this year!

 The 100 Club -  Check this out on Christiana Bainbridge's blog! 

Back Pocket -  This pocket is for graded work or anything else that can stay at home.

I hope this is helpful, especially to those of you that have asked about my STAR folders! 

I have made ONE measly product since school has started!  {Sad, I know.}  My newest TpT creation is my packet of Writing Center Activities.  I created these to use for the Work on Writing portion of the Daily 5, but they can be used as early finisher activities, for literacy centers, etc.  Here it is:

(Click either photo to view on TpT!)

I keep all of my writing journals, templates, and supplies neatly stacked away in this bin:

I also had many people ask about my welcome sign and table numbers.  You can download them for free by clicking on the photos below!  (Beware: It is a HUGE file...evidently!)

Last, but not least, here are some classroom photos!  (Links to pictured items are included.)

 Class "Treasure Chest"

 Class Library - Chapter Book Section with Petey the Pig

 Front Board w/Daily 5 Rotation Charts and Show What You Know poster

 Front Board with Behavior Chart and Daily Schedule

 CAFE Strategies Board, Early Finisher Cards, and Terrific Tables

 Behind my desk - storage and read alouds

 My Workspace

 Daily Folders - This is where I organize all of my supplies for the upcoming week.

 Storage Bins

 Class Library with Finny the Frog

 Front of room w/Cafe board

 Small Group Area w/Comprehension Posters

 A Cupcake for the Teacher's reading strategies posters and Brownie Points

Boggle Board and Writing Goals Chart