Making Words Fun

Probably the biggest job I have for myself this summer is learning all about and preparing materials to use the Daily Five literacy model in my class next year. 

I've had the book for years but never really jumped in with both feet to really give it justice.  While talking about next year, all the fourth grade ELA teachers in my building decided to use the Daily Five next year, and we are all so excited. 

We've all been reading up on the model, checking out upper elementary blog posts about the Daily Five, and sharing ideas we have found with each other.  It's been awesome.  I've been spending a little bit of time this summer mapping out how I'll get my classroom ready for Daily Five this fall. The biggest thing I need to prepare this summer is my word work materials.  I figure if I prepare a choice a week, I should be golden, and not broke, by the time August rolls around. :) 

It's been raining on and off today, so it was the perfect time for me to finish up a file I've been working on to use as a word work choice. 

I think there is a perception out there that making words activities are only for the little ones, but that's not true at all! Big kids love playing with words too! My fourth graders LOVED when I gave them a word, like cooperation, and challenged each table group to make as many words as they could as a team building activity.  Making words easily differentiates itself, making it a great choice for my classroom next year, as I'll have a beautiful mix of ESL, gifted, and students with behavioral needs in my classroom. 

The file itself includes twelve back to school themed word tile sets that your students can use to make new words with.  

 I also included a couple different recording sheet options as well. 

Personally, I am going to stretch this file to make it last ALL month long.  Each week, I am going to introduce/put three new words in the center and take out the three from the week before.  I plan on storing each word in a baggie with the larger word it spells written on it.  Just so my sweeties don't mix up the cards, each word will have different colored backgrounds every week. :) 

I plan on having my students record their work in their word work journal.  This way I can grab a few journals a few and just keep an eye on their work. :) That's the great thing about TpT, each product can be used in so many different ways! 

If you'd like to check out my Back to School Making Words Packet, just click on the pictures or {here} to check it out on TpT!

I've spent enough time behind the computer for awhile, it's time to finish up some odds and ends around the house, and maybe read a little bit of my latest summer read. Goodness, I love summertime!


 
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