Fall Leaves Word Sort

As I headed out with Hubs for an 11 mile training run this morning (in preparation for the Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon on November 3) something really strange happened: I.could.not.run. I mean, at all. There was no gas in the tank. I wanted to lay down in a big colorful pile of leaves and take a nap. Sooooo, my 11 mile run turned into a 5 mile walk. I started to beat myself up about it, but then decided to enjoy the beautiful scenery and some alone time to hubby instead.




This morning's pitiful display change in plans gave me a chance to update my blog and share a fall leaves short e word sort center that I made last week. It includes a recording sheet.  Happy fall!

Yee Haw! Ow/Ou Cowboy Freebie

Howdy partners! Breaking 200 followers took me by surprise. LOVE.YOU.GUYS. I am honored to be part of this amazing community of teachers. You guys have inspired me, and my kiddos are reaping the reward. Okay, enough sappiness. On with the goodies. Here's a cute little ou/ow word  and picture match for ya! Happy Hump Day.

Download Center Here

Today Was a Good Day

So today was the best Monday ever. During my lunch/prep time (they bleed together because I ALWAYS work through lunch even though I know I shouldn't.) I glanced over at my desk to see two envelopes. "What could this be?" I wondered to myself. I quickly ripped open the first to find A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! Okay, so I know that he didn't really send it to me, but still it's pretty cool to get something from the White House.

You see, way back in February I had the kiddos write to the President in honor of Presidents Day. I wasn't sure if we would hear back from him, but it was worth a try. Not only did we get a response we received two full color photographs. One was of the President and one was of him with his family. If you guys haven't ever done this, I highly recommend it. I can't wait to show the kids tomorrow morning. They are going to go nuts!

So after carrying on for a good five minutes over my letter from the President I decide to finally open the second envelope on my desk. I ripped it open, and inside was a check for $93. In January I applied for a mini-grant for some read-alongs for my listening center. I had given up hope on the funding, so I am so totally psyched. 

Yes, today was a good day.  So to share the love I am posting my most recent word/picture match. You may have noticed that I REALLY like word/picture matches and you might wonder why. Well, my students are reluctant readers. Things like word sorts really do not require students to use their decoding skills. If I throw a recording sheet in there, I can easily tell my they are doing with the new phonics skills. Secondly, it takes a considerable amount of time for them to learn a new procedure or activity. They do well with routine. So if they know exactly what is expected of them (ie a familiar task) life in the room goes much smoother. So without further ado, I present Hot Popcorn (an or word and picture match).

 Click Here to Download Hot Popcorn

Click Here to Download Recording Sheet

Splish Splash

Some of my firsties were working on three letter blends (spr, str, scr, spl to be exact.)  I created a word/picture match with a recording sheet to reinforce.  Click the image below to download the activity. Simply print, laminate for durability and cut out. Have students match the blend word to the correct picture.When finished, have students complete the corresponding recording sheet.

Click here to download the matching recording sheet. 

Ar Pirate Center

I whipped up this simple center to reinforce the ar sound. Student match the ar word to the ar picture. I always tell my students that ar is the pirate sound, so these adorable graphics seemed like the perfect companion. A recording sheet is included.

 

Click Here to Download Ar Pirate Center

Long I Sort

Sarah Cooley on her blog First Grader at Last long i sorting activity that she made with scrapbook paper and McDonalds french fry boxes. That inspired me to make this little center because 1. I am OC and thought that the fry boxes would be tricky for me to store neatly and 2. I could share this reproducible activity with you. I fully admit that her activity is cuter, but I hope you can find it in your heart to enjoy it anyway. Happy Thursday everyone!

 

Download Long I Word Sort 

Chillin With My Gnomies

So I was looking for an excuse to use this adorable gnome clip art. Some of my first graders are ready for the long o and silent e pattern, so I whipped this little baby up for extra practice. I realize that most first grade teachers are way past this point in their phonics/reading curriculum, but since I teach special ed I am not always on the same page as everyone else. Differentiation is the name of the game. Sooooo, if you are as enamored with these little cuties as I am, feel free to print and save for next year.

  Gnome Sweet Gnome