Vocabulary Director & Word Detective Literature Circle Response Cards
Literature Circle response cards help students focus in on their task without overwhelming them.
I cruised through my little stash of literature circle resources and decided to condense them into a mini version of some of my favorite literature circle worksheets.
It’s a work in progress…
Vocabulary Director and Word Detective Response Cards - This page contains two vocabulary cards.
The first one is for the Vocabulary Director job. The instructions are below.
While you’re reading, write down at least four words that are new to you. Write down the page number, the paragraph and line you found it on. Write the word and the definition that best fits the sentence. Record the information in the space provided on the cart below. Your next task is to come up with a presentation plan. How will you present it to your group? Will you challenge your group mates to a race to see who will find the word first? Be creative!
The second one is for the Word Detective. The instructions are below.
While you’re reading, write down at least four words that are new to you. Write down the word and the word origin. Does the word contain any Greek or Latin root words? What is the meaning of the root word? Find the definition that best fits the sentence. Record the information in the space provided on the chart below.
Unit Spelling Words
What's the scoop? Well, the scoop is that each week the new spelling words will be posted in a PowerPoint that has links to the dictionary for definitions, pronunciation and oh, so much more!
Each week from now on, until the end of the school year, I will post our new unit spelling words. Even if you aren’t part of my class, please feel free to download a copy of the PPT and use it in your classroom to reinforce spelling and vocabulary.
Next to each word will be a “click here” link. The link will take you directly to the dictionary where there will be the definitions, examples and a sound file that students can listen to for the correct pronunciation of the targeted word.
Plant and Animal Cell PowerPoints
Download these PowerPoints if you are teaching about the parts of plant and animal cells.
I’ve run into a few snags this summer, my laptop got a nasty virus and isn’t functioning properly and my ipad isn’t set up to do blogging, but never fear, I’ve been busy putting together PowerPoints that you can use in your classroom.
I’m teaching 5th grade in an international school now and we are studying cells.
The Parts of a Cell - This PPT goes over all the different organelles. It is good for reviewing. I had the students take down the information and save to study for the test.
Organelles2- this PPT is based on the popular Who Wants To Be a Millionaire PowerPoint template. Use it as a fun quiz right before giving test.
Free Prediction Worksheets
Prediction is a skill that every student needs to master.
Prediction is a skill that is on most standardized tests.
You can download a copy of the prediction worksheet that I whipped up for my class, below. I saved it as a Word document, so you can add additional columns/rows. It is best to use with picture books that are light on text. You can adapt it to go with any book you choose.
Below you will find links to other resources that contain lesson plans and worksheets all geared to mastering the fine art of making predictions.
Have Fun Teaching – links to a website that has some worksheets.
The Teacher’s Corner links to a page with a lesson plan that reinforces prediction skills.
Reading Rockets – links to a website that lesson plans and anticipation guide templates.
Making predictions about pictures – links to a pdf file.
First Lines- explains when and how to use this strategy.
The Reading Lady – links to a page with a list of PDF worksheets and Word documents you can download for classroom use.
Free Study Skills PowerPoints
Do your students have effective study skills?
My colleagues and I are giving a study skills workshop for the upper school students this Friday. Below is a sampling of the PowerPoints we will be using.
American Style Learning Strategies -This PowerPoint covers the proper use of highlighting, how to use two column notes and concept mapping.
Study Skills PPT by Lynn Husen – This presentation covers all the basics.
Time Mangement Skills – A visually appealing presentation that offers practical time management suggestions.
Best Test Taking Advice Ever – I used this PowerPoint when I was prepping the kids for the FCAT.