Activities for Reading & Writing
Head for Cover
Submitted by: Cindy
July 1st, 2010
Categories: 4th Grade | Reading & Writing
Estimated Time: 10-20 minutes
Description: Each student is given a package of Post-it® Notes to be kept in their pencil box. A word writing prompt is given everyday. Example - write three words that describe an orange. Each student is given something different to write down. Set up a writing center in separate area of the classroom. A large cardboard box or book case works well to make a section that can be covered. After students have written their words they cover the writing center with their Post-it notes, covering it like wallpaper. Students then go to the "Head for Cover" writing center and select 3 to 5 words to be used in a writing assignment. Keep pillows, journals or clipboards and more Post it notes to make this a fun area to think, imagine and write. This is a great way to give them choices and help them along with their writing.
Word Scramble
Submitted by: Tina
July 1st, 2010
Categories: 1st Grade | 2nd Grade | 3rd Grade | 4th Grade | 5th Grade | 6th Grade | 7th Grade | 8th Grade | Art | Classroom Management | ESL | History | Language Arts | Math | Music | Reading & Writing | Science | Special Education
Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
Description: In an effort to reinforce the spelling of a word, place one 4 x 6 Post-it® Note that has one letter of the word on it, on the front of as many students needed to spell out the word. Have the students scramble themselves up and give them one minute to arrange themselves in the right order so that the word is spelled out correctly.
Post-it Hidden Message Board
Submitted by: Mary Beth
June 24th, 2010
Categories: 1st Grade | 2nd Grade | 3rd Grade | 4th Grade | 5th Grade | 6th Grade | Reading & Writing
Estimated Time: 60+ minutes
Description: I created a Post-it® hidden message board to help encourage my summer school students to read. Each time they read a book and successfully completed a reading activity (story map,timeline, or graphic organizer) on their story they remove a Post-it from the board to reveal a part of the hidden message. In order to completely reveal the message, the class had to read 100 books in all. My students were very excited to see the message unfold and were able to meet their goal prior to the end of our summer school session. This was a positive activity that allowed every student to participate regardless of their reading level or the number of books they read. I will reuse the post-its to set another goal for my regular class in the fall.
Sustainable Development Learning
Submitted by: Julie
June 22nd, 2010
Categories: 3rd Grade | 4th Grade | 5th Grade | 6th Grade | 7th Grade | 8th Grade | ESL | History | Language Arts | Math | Reading & Writing | Science | Special Education
Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
Description: I've used this with children in 3rd grade all the way up to adults at Parent Association meetings held at the school. The most important principle of sustainable development is integrating environmental, social equity, and economic considerations ("planet, people and profits"). So when we have a decision to make as a class or a school, this is a way to bring sustainable development to life.
Post an Identity
Submitted by: Jean
June 20th, 2010
Categories: 3rd Grade | 4th Grade | 5th Grade | 6th Grade | 7th Grade | 8th Grade | Classroom Management | ESL | Language Arts | Reading & Writing
Estimated Time: 40-50 minutes
Description: Each student is given 5 Post-it® Notes, each of a different color. On each colored post-it, students are asked to answer a different question about themselves. On the blue post-it, write your favorite thing to do in your spare time. On the pink post-it, write something that always makes you smile. On the yellow post-it, write something that annoys you. On the green post-it, write your greatest accomplishment. And on the orange post-it, write what you hope to be when you grow up. These questions can be changed depending on the needs of the group. The activity can be repeated at different times throughout the year with different questions. Once, students have had time to answer all of the questions, they are to stick them to the front of their shirt. In silence, students are then asked to mingle around the room and learn about their classmates. They are only able to read and respond with facial expressions; no talking. After 10 minutes, students are asked to return to their seats and discuss the activity. The discussion questions can include: Is there anyone you would like to ask a question based on their post-its? What is something new you learned about a classmate.? What is something you have in common with someone in the room? What is something you do not share in common with someone else? What surprised you the most? Is there anything that we all share in common? This is a great way to build relationships in the classroom. It also helps students to grow in their own self-awareness.
