A Bad Case of Stripes

 This year is already off and running and I am LOVING my class. One of the books we read this week in A Bad Case of Stripes. This is one of my Back to School favorites. The first time we read this story I had the kids complete this sheet by A Year of Many Firsts. The kids visualize and sketch what Camilla might look like at three different places in the story. Great idea!

 

We've also been focusing on story mapping, specifically character and setting. We mapped out the story. I made this board so that Post-It notes would fit perfectly in the empty space. The kids are answering these questions with much more ease. 

 

We also talked about why Camilla did not want to eat her lima beans. What started this big mess for Camilla? You can grab this freebie below.

We discussed all the different feelings Camilla might have been feeling at the beginning of the story. Then, we came up with a list of feelings she might of had once they found a solution.

I love combing art and literature, so we couldn't finish up this story with a fun project. I used tempra paint and 8 1/2 x 11 card stock and let the kids go to town. Whatever they could think up. 

 

At the end of the day, we were sitting on the carpet and we were going over our day. Out of everything we did that day ALL OF THEM loved painting the most. What??? That took no prep time, there was no direction, it was eazy shmeezy. Just goes to show you, kids don't need a song and dance...just give them paint. 

The next day, I had them draw their face with a black oil pastel. I think they turned out awesome.

We've been working on our number up to 120. We are not there yet, but I can't wait to use this mystery picture PowerPoint. How cute is Camilla? I think the slide show would have to be set for too long at this point, but give the kidlettes a month and it will be perfect. If you want to check out a great way to incorporate both math and literature, check out it out at my TpT store. Enjoy your week.

Grab this freebie here.

Pete the Cat - Back to School

The first week is done. I love all the fantastic books that go great with Back to School. Any Pete the Cat story IS AWESOME! We started with Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes and followed it up with Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons.

We made these adorable little ROCKING cats. I gave them a choice of red, orange or green shoes. We graphed about it after we were done. I love how the bulletin board turned out.

Next, we read about Pete's groovy buttons. I just love how all the kids sing along with their favorite part. Soooo sweet. We talked about adjectives and how they were used to describe Pete's buttons. We brainstormed our own list. Then, they chose and adjective from each category.
We wrapped it up with folding an origami GROOVY shirt. We used the scrap paper basket in the office to make the buttons. This way they were able to choose the exact color and size they wanted.

Next week we are going to talk about Story Maps, specifically character and setting. 
 
Post-It notes fit perfectly on this story map. Then it can be used over and over again. Love the bright colors too.

In the listening center I included this reader-response page. Scan the QR Code and the children will hear a fantastic version Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes. The kids can follow along with the class' book and the answer the questions.
I also included the title for the origami shirt bulletin board. Hope you enjoy.

Pete the Cat: Rocking in my School Shoes - Listening Center

Grooooovy Buttons Bulletin Board

If you like any of these activities...check out my TpT store.

Seven Days of Creation

School starts tomorrow, so I thought I would welcome the new year with a freebie. Educlips came out with an adorable set of clipart showing the 7 days of creation and I knew I had to use them. I teach first grade at a public school, so I'm not able to use them in my class, but it will be enjoyed by my own children. I also thought you could use this if you are teaching Sunday School or Vacation Bible School this summer.

I included directions on how to create an eight page booklet by using a 12 x 18 piece of construction paper. I use this in few of my resources and find them really easy to assemble. Depending on the abilities of your students, you might have to prep the booklet before the sheets are glued on.

Are there any other stories you would like to see? Enjoy!

Grab this freebie. Enjoy!