Book Basics and a Sight Word FREEBIE

This is just a quick post to share an update that I just added to my Guided Reading Goodies resource.  I am a bit of a perfectionist (okay, maybe a lot!).  I decided to make editable versions of the Book Basic Cards that I use for Guided Reading.  I currently have mine handwritten, and my handwriting is pretty much driving me nuts.  If I'm going to take the time to laminate them, then they have to be just right.  The resource still has the whole set of cards that can printed and hand-written, but I just added 4 more cards that are editable.  You can't change any of the headings, but you can fill in all the blanks.  You can even change the levels in the top right corner.

Here is a peek at what they look like.  I use them to guide my Guided Reading lessons.  I have about 11 years worth of handwritten cards that I need to convert over to my new template.  That sounds like a fun project (not so!).  The goal is to have a ring for each level.  I go through so many books a year, there is no way I can remember every single book.  This gives me a basic idea of what the book is about and how I want to lead the discussion.  The real magic happens in those teachable moments that happen while reading.

If you have purchased this resource, please head back to re-download the updated file.

I also wanted to share my latest freebie.  I plan on using activity in my Sight word station.  I usually have my students quiz a buddy on their sight words.  I will have them write down any words they missed on this template.  They will keep this page, so they can continue to practice the words they missed at home.  They can check them off as they master them.  I will do a final little sight work check to ensure they are all mastered.  If they master all of the words on a ring, then they are VICTORIOUS!  They will get a punch on the sight word punch card. 

In case you aren't familiar with my sight word rings, they look like this:

They are a freebie in my teacher store.  The file says second grade, but they are not just for second grade.  They are the First 300 Fry words.  You can click here to download them at TPT.
 

Guided Reading Goodies and a Sight Word FREEBIE

I have really neglected my poor blog lately.   This school year has kept me extremely busy the last few months.  I really am going to try to stay better connected.  I'm definitely still working on projects even when I'm away from the blog for a bit.

I wanted to share a few of the new resources that I'm using in my reading block that I just couldn't live without.  Everyone that does Guided Reading knows that staying organized is essential, especially when you are trying to manage several reading groups.  Most years I have 5 groups, which is a good number.  This year I have 7 groups, which makes scheduling a bit more challenging.  Some days I'm begging for a free moment, so I can pull another group.

Over the summer, I decided to revamp my Balanced Literacy Binder.  Over the last eleven years, I can say I have tried about every form imaginable for keeping track of my guided reading group notes.  For a long time I loved using labels, but these labels would end up everywhere!  I never seemed to find the time to hunt for the correct page to stick it on.

The forms I'm now using are pictured and explained below.  They are working really well, and I'm beyond happy about that.

Here is a peek at what's included in my binder.  

Click here to check it out on TPT.

 

I also have another resource that I created this summer that I've fallen in love with.  It is just a simple ring of cards that lists a few reading behaviors to be on the look out for at each level.  It currently includes Fountas and Pinnell levels A-R.  I do have plans to add the remaining levels to the set in the future.

Now for a freebie!!! 

I created sight word cards based on the the first 300 Fry Words.  Our students are responsible for 50 words each six weeks, so each ring contains 50 words.  They make a great sight word station.  I generally have my students see how many they can read in one minute.  It's another great way to build fluency.

Simply click here to head to TPT to download all of the sets in one zip file..

Monster Daily Five and Dictation FREEBIES

Just a quick post with a couple monster themed freebies.  I've gone monster crazy in my classroom this year.  These are just a couple of my latest little projects.

You can get the freebies by clicking on the images below.

Daily Five Monsters

The Daily Five is copyrighted by The 2 Sisters,  If you are interested in the Daily Five and want to implement it in your classroom, please check out their website and book, The Daily 5.

Dictation Paper

Decoding Strategy Posters

This summer I have been working through my to-do list which doesn't seem to be getting any smaller.  I think I'm adding more than I am actually finishing.  One of the projects that I've had on my to-do list for a VERY long time is updating my decoding posters. You can click here to see the original post from last year.  Many people asked for these, but I wasn't completely satisfied with them, so I never added them to my store.  I had made them so long ago that many of the fonts wouldn't embed in a pfd and the image quality wasn't great.  I just never seemed to find the time to update them.

Well,  I had another sweet teacher ask about them, so I thought it was time to get those puppies finished.  I am officially done. Checked off my list.   I did change some of the images from the original post last year.  I will add pics from my classroom when I get them up at the beginning of the year.

Here is the finished product:

There are NOT colored borders on the posters themselves.  Here is why. . . I am super OCD.  I change my mind a million times.  One day I might like polka dots, then chevron, then stripes, or whatever else I come across.  So, I didn't want to commit to a particular border.   So to create a border that matches my classroom, I simply find super cute scrapbook paper, attach with double stick tape, and laminate.  If I change my mind a month later, then I reprint them and swap them out.  I also wanted other teachers to be able to choose borders colors and prints they love.

Included you will also find this mini version below called- Decoding Dots.  This little handy dandy tool is great for guided reading.  Each of my students have a copy and they refer to it while they are reading.  There is also a one page reference page, like the one above, that is a great handout to keep in their Daily Folders (Homework Folders).  This will help parents know what strategies you use in the classroom, and they can support their children while reading at home.

 

You can click the here to head straight to my store to check out this resource.

***Update- I've added a bulletin board title and lined borders for the posters.

Guided Reading Level Tags

I'm officially back to school!!! I was working in my room, and noticed a million things I still need to do.  I have bins... and bins... and bins of leveled books that came with our Reading Street adoption.  Last year, I had some handwritten tags that I'm just not lovin'. I created some that are more colorful to spruce up my not so cute bins.  They look plaid in the image below, but they actually have mini polka dots.  I'm also thinking that they would look super cute on a word wall, too. 

If you like them, grab them for FREE by clicking below