What Do Writers Write?

As a second grade teacher, I'm always on the lookout for great anchor charts that I can hang in my room to remind students of expectations and strategies for reading, writing, math, and science.  Cara Carroll has so many great ideas on her site, like this one:

The First Grade Parade: Writer's Workshop Anchor Charts

I originally saw the "What Do Writers Write?" anchor chart on pinterest, and decided it would be the perfect thing to hang above my writing center (which really.... is just a giant set of mailboxes filled with different types of writing papers).

Since I didn't have any posterboard at my house, I just taped two pieces of white cardstock together and went from there!  This is the final product, hanging in my classroom:

 

Thank you Cara Carroll for the great idea!

How To Make a Science Center

I love hands-on science!  This is an "Investigation Station" I put together for a first grade class to use during their center time.  At this particular center, students explore the concept of stability as they build their own towers using (recycled) paper and tape.  The goal is for students to build the tallest tower they can that will stand for 30 seconds without falling.  They can cut, bend, fold, crumple, roll, and tape the paper- but they only have 10 sheets with which to work.  After designing, building, and making adjustments to their tower, students measure the height of their tower with a ruler and record the measurement in their science notebook along with a drawing of the tower.  Students also reflect in their notebooks about what makes a tower stable.

To make this center, I just cut a tri-fold board in half (to make 2 mini tri-folds) and used a yellow marker to make a quick waffle design to decorate the background.  You could also use a solid or simple pattern wrapping paper to wrap the board, as long as the design of the paper didn't distract from your content.  Personally, I just don't like how boards wrapped in paper get all poofed-out and crinkly in the creases.

I typed up my directions and printed them (unlike the stereotypical elementary school teacher who has beautiful handwriting with perfectly formed letters.... I'm better off typing if I expect anyone to understand what I'm trying to say).  Then I drew and printed some simple pictures to help make the activity more comprehensible for struggling readers.  It's so important for children to feel empowered and capable, and science can be a strength for students who might struggle in other areas, like reading.  If my intent is for children to be able to work at a station independently, I want to put in place whatever scaffolds are necessary to ensure that students of varying abilities can be successful.  I also left a book at the station for higher readers who might be interested in reading about famous towers around the world.

So that's it!  Once I had the idea, it only took about an hour to put the board together.  I'm thinking about doing another one, but I might use velcro this time to make it easier to change activities without having to create a whole new board.

5 Easy Ways to Help Your Child Become a Better Reader

1. Read aloud to your child!

Children of all ages love having adults read to them.  Did you enjoy The Cat in the Hat or maybe Shel Silverstein's poems as a kid?  Your child will too!  Share some of your favorite stories.  This is something that stays with children for the rest of their lives, and research has shown that it is one of the absolute best ways to help children increase their vocabulary, reading comprehension, and ability to read with fluency and expression!

2. Let your child see you reading!

When children see adults reading, it teaches them that reading is important and fun.  We want them to know that reading is not just something taught in school.  When I was younger, I remember my dad would keep a book wedged next to his seat in the car.  He said it was for long stoplights... : )

3. Ask your child to read to you.

This is a great way to bond with your child and show them you are interested in what they do!  Reading aloud will also help your child's fluency and expression.

4. Discuss books with your child.

Choose a book to read together, and talk about it during dinner or before bed.  You could ask your child questions such as:

• What do you think about that character?  Why?
• How is he/she feeling?  Have you ever felt that way?
• Do you agree with what the character did?  Why?  Or, why not?
• What are you picturing in your head when you read this?
• What do you think will happen next?

Think about how you discuss your favorite TV shows with a friend, and discuss books the same way with your child.

5. Take your child to the library!

Library cards are a free and powerful thing, and librarians are experts at helping children find books they will love.  See if you can get your child hooked on a great series.  Not only will it help their ability to predict and infer about characters they know so well, but knowing where to find books they love in the library gives them ownership over the process of finding books and helps a big library to feel less overwhelming.