Teacher, will you let us....? A free persuasive writing activity

We only have 15 days left!

I'm so excited, but so are the kids.

That can lead to a lot of behavior issues and unmotivated students.

I needed something fun to do,

so I put a post of Facebook looking for help.

I only got one response, but it was all I needed.

 

 

Day 1 – Persuasive read aloud.  We read two of the pigeon books by Mo Willems.

 

Day 2 – Brainstorm a list of possible activities to use in a persuasive writing essay.  My students came up with a great list, including

- no homework the last two weeks of school

- pizza party

- class lessons outside

- Electronics Day

 

Day 3 – Share samples of persuasive writing and record a list of what makes a persuasive writing sample great.  We read each sample, voted on a grade and discussed the positives and negatives of the writing.

 

Day 4 – Choose your two writing prompts. 

Fill in a map for each one. 

I used the writing map at:

http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/persuasion_map/

Once you are on the site, click Print Blank Map

 

Day 5 – Write essays. 

I'm having each student write two different essays. 

My students are starting their essays tomorrow. 

They are due on Friday. 

Then I'll have the weekend to read over them. 

 

I told the kids I will choose the three best as winners.

I will only read their essay if it follows the criteria that we set up.

 

I hope to get a few up here this weekend so you can all help me choose.

 

If you want to see the lists we made and use my samples,

just download the freebie in my TpT store.

 

I'm also linking up with Molly at Lucky to Be in First for

 

 

 

 

What are some motivating activities you are trying at the end of the year?

 

 

 



May Monday Made-It - End of the School Year Inspiration

We only have two more Mondays before school is out!

I've already started to make my summer to do list.

By planning now, I know which materials to start bringing home.

 

Before the year is over, I need to have some fun in the classroom.

This is where my Monday Made-It comes in.

 

 

I've always done an end of the year countdown,

so I decided to just get everything organized.

I already shared it with my teammates and they love it.

 

 

I put together some word sorts and a word search.

 

 

My class made a bunch of lapbooks this year,

so I had to make one for the end of the year.

The foldables are all included in this pack.

What are some fun end of the year traditions in your classroom?

 

 

 

 



Misc. Blog Day - My Day, End of the Year Seating Chart, Get Acquainted Linky

It was such a nice day with my two girls and husband.  

We had no plans!  

I was allowed to sleep in while my husband made breakfast.  

Here is a picture from our time at the park.

 

 

Now it is back to school tomorrow, but we only have 18 more days.  

My students are excited because we moved our desks around on Friday.  

The special part is that the students had a bit of a say

in who they were going to sit next to.  

 

I have a tradition the last month of school.

Each student gives me a list:

4 people they want to sit by

3 people they don't want to sit by.

 

I guarantee them at least one person on their yes list

and everyone on their no list.

 

It's surprising how well behaved they have been since we switched.

 

Now for one last thing:  

 

Linky Questions

1. What made you decide to become a teacher?

I'm not sure. 

 It was just something I always pictured myself doing. 

 I remember my sister and I playing school and

 that is my first memory of knowing I wanted to be a teacher.

2. What has been your most rewarding experience as a teacher?

I don't know that I have just one.

I love when a student says, "Oh!  I get it." 

 

3. If you were not a teacher, what would you be?

Poor - Haha!  Get it?

I would have liked to be veteranarian.

 

How was your weekend?

Do you have any end of the year traditions?

Five for Friday Flashback

Once again, this week flew by and here with are with another....

 

 

1.  My week started by staying home Monday because my two girls were sick.

Then I was home on Tuesday because I was sick.

Thank goodness I have the best teammates ever.

I emailed them my plans and

 they got everything ready for me.

 

2.  Teacher Appreciation Week is big at our school.

We have an awesome PTA and they really make the week special for us.

One of our favorite days is "Bring a Flower For Your Teacher" day.

Here were my two full vases of flowers. 

 

3.  Another fun gift is a book from our students.

Here are two of my favorite pages.

 

This boy mentions the Bubble Gum Math that I told you about a few days ago.

He also brought up homework.

I'll have to tell you about our homework.

Summer will be a good time for that.

 

 

This one was just a sweet note to remind me

how much we mean to so many of the kids.

 

4.  I had a winner in my first giveaway.

Amy won by following me on Facebook.

Thanks to everyone who entered!

 

 

5.  The Chicago Blackhawks are advancing in the playoffs!

 

 

How was your week?

Any sports fans have a team in the playoffs?

Enjoy your weekend.

 



 

 

 



Tricks of the Trade - Attention Getters and Transitions

Today I'm joining Jessica from Joy in the Journey and

Becky from Compassionate Teacher. 

They are sharing ideas for getting your students' attention

and transitioning throughout the day.

They have some really great ideas to share.

 

 

Here are a few ideas that I use in my classroom.

 

If You Can Hear Me...

 

I use this one when my class is a little bit too loud.

I will say, "If you can hear me, put your hands on your head.

If you can hear me, put your hands on your hips.

If you can hear me..."

It's funny how quickly kids start to listen and join in on the directions.

 

Begin When I Say the Word...

 

This is a trick for transitions.

I give the directions to the class.

Then I tell them, "Begin when I say hippopotamus."

Of course, you can choose any silly word such as:

humongous, orangutan, antelope, etc.

Here is the trick - Don't say the word right away.

If my word is hippopotamus, I would first say:

hippo, happy, hipster, hypnotize.

Then....hippopotamus.

 

Go and Touch....

 

Here is another transition tip.

Again, I start by giving my directions.

I then give my students three additional directions -

Go and touch three blue things,

two red things

and one white thing.

Of course, you can choose any colors or other directions. 

It just gives the kids a chance to move around the room

before they have to sit down and get started on a project.

 

I'm sure you have used some of these techniques.

What are some others that you use in the classroom?

Share them here or link up with Jessica and Becky.

 

 

Sale Items and 4 Giveaways

It seems that the TpT sale is off to a great start.

I've been impressed with the amount of
detailed feedback I have been receiving.

 

How is it going for you?

 

Have you gone shopping yet?

I bought a few things and I'm sure I'll go back for more.

Two of my favorite are these products from Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah Designs.

Look at the puzzle pieces!

My mind is spinning with all the ways I use them.

 

 

 

Are you still planning on doing some more shopping?
Come on over to my store where everything is on sale!
Here are two of my favorite products that I use all the time.

 

 

Just a reminder that my 100 Followers Giveaway is still going on.

Be sure to enter for a chance to win a $15 Target gift card.

 

 

Stacey over at Mrs. Colegroves Fourth Grade is having a May Giveaway. 



 

Another awesome giveaway is happening over at Fourth Grade Flipper with Holly.

 

Erin at I'm Lovin Lit is also having a huge giveaway.

 

 

There is so much going on this week,

but be sure to take some time for yourself

to do some shopping and enter a giveaway or two. 

Enjoy the rest of the week.

 

 

Teacher Appreciation Sale!

Tuesday is the big day!

The Teacher Appreciation Sale starts and I'm sure it will be a success.

My wishlist is full, but I already saw a few

new items on Pinterest that I want to purchase.

Everyting in my store will be 20% off

and you get an additional 8% by using the checkout code TAD13.

Click on the picture below to head on over to my store.

 

Have fun shopping!!

 

Special thanks to Beth for making this awesome sales banner. 

I've got a few of her items already on my wishlist.