"I need to see what you've worked on"

During writing conferences I often hear my teacher say, "I need to see what you've worked on during writing" after she conferences with a student.

However, she often forgets to check back with them.... then it's another 2 weeks before she meets with them again.


To solve the problem stick a sticky-note on their anadoctals page to remind yourself they need to see you later.

How to blow a bubble

This would be a great lesson after how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwhich.

Thanks to http://msdurning.blogspot.com/search/label/writing

How to Blow a Bubble!

I first must say this was not my original idea; it was floating around Proteacher and I thought I'd give it a try. Prior to this assignment, I modeled "how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich" emphasizing "how to" words like first, next, then, finally. While I was modeling this, I was actually making the peanut butter and jelly sandwich, so when the kids told me to put the bread together, I put it together facing the wrong way at first and they learned that they need to give specific directions :) The next day I gave all my kiddos a piece of Double Bubble bubble gum. Then I had them draft a "how to blow a bubble" step by step guide. After I checked it over, I gave them fancy final draft paper. The kids made their heads using small paper plates and construction paper for hair. I then let them choose a balloon and I blew them up a little bit (too hard for the kids to do and exhausting for me!) then taped them onto their paper plates (a lot of tape). I'm hoping when I go back to school on Monday the taped held up :D

P.S. I just realized that I have 2 white balloon near each other and I'm so OCD about things like that, so I'll have to move one of them on Monday. LOL

How to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich

Today we analyzed the winter district writing assessment with the students.  This is a lesson that helps with writing in logical order and including transitions. Might be perfect for the beginning of the year.


Thanks to http://msdurning.blogspot.com/search/label/writing

In January I focus on procedural writing. The best way to learn is by doing, I think, anyways :) Last week each student wrote a "how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich" guide, which can be found here. Today the students were given somebody elses guide and had to follow the directions to make the sandwich. Can I just say they LOVED this?! They also learned that it's important to be very precise when you are giving somebody directions!

I gave each student a dixie cup with peanut butter and jelly to make it easy.

Following the steps...

As the students were following the steps they made comments on ways the writer could have been more specific. What a great way to provide feedback!

And.... the best part... EATING it!