Product Swap #4

I believe this is the fourth product swap, and each time has been a very different experience for me! This time I was paired with Kristy from 2 Peas and a Dog. She is an 8th grade teacher and was very helpful to work with.

When I began to browse her store, I saw that she had a variety of book reports for different genres. Since I'm not a regular classroom teacher, I don't actually assign book reports. However, I saw potential for using the realistic fiction reading assignment in class with my kids. Here's a thumbnail of the item.

Now, let me note that this was created for middle school. Since I have grades 3-5, I did not use this assignment the way it was intended. We did the activity as a class with a picture book, and we did not write a paper, at least not yet. I will say that using the format, I believe even my third graders could come up with 4 basic paragraphs. Honestly, we just didn't have time to do all of that with testing coming up.

Here's the book we used. So sweet!

Reading the book with my adorable 3rd graders - I don't know what my face is about. It was actually a very pleasant day!

The assignment focuses on 4 R's: Retell, Relate, Reflect, and Review. Kristy directed me to a freebie that is related to this packet found here. I used a graphic organizer in this packet to help students organize their writing. In the first packet Kristy sent me, there were instructions on how to guide students through each section. After we read the book, students began to fill out their graphic organizers. They were able to do this with very little instruction from me past the quick explanation once they began each section.

Working diligently! 

We need to work on handwriting and spelling, but I think he did a great job with the 4 R's!

Another sample: Why DOESN'T the old woman name her purse and clothes? For the record, he decided she should name the purse "Lorraine". How funny! Oh, and Rex is the cat he kept feeding.

I loved how this assignment covered four very important areas for reading, and I feel like this is something you could use for multiple genres. Plus the kids enjoyed it! They were very excited about sharing their reflections and connections.

Alright, go check out Kristy's blog, and then follow the linky party to see what products other people are reviewing! I can't wait to find some more new treasures!

Reading levels and funny kindergarteners

Word lists are complete! Well, I have to get a few kids who were absent, but that's it. Today I actually started giving a few running records to the kids who scared me the most (4th grader on an H and two 5th graders on L). The fourth grader was still at frustrational level there. People, that's end of 1st grade! How did she get this far with being retained or labeled?! I'm really concerned...

Oh, and did I mention she's not the worst case I found? The others are at least labeled special ed, though. This girl has NOTHING but Title I.

Okay, before I explode, let me share my funny story. Since I don't have a home base, I've been doing bus arrival and dismissal. After teaching 4th grade so long, I forgot how little kindergarteners know, especially at the beginning of the year. We have to do a TON of herding!

Well, my classroom is also tucked away beside kindergarten and 1st grade. Today I was making copies and heard a line of little ones behind me acting crazy, hitting each other with lunchboxes, yelling, etc. My first thought was, "Where is their teacher?", but I assumed they were following up the end of the line. The kids went on in the room, no teacher. Then a few seconds later, one kindergarten teacher comes flying around the corner like a tornado! Apparently the kids lined themselves up and walked back to class ENTIRELY on their own with nobody stopping them. When said teacher arrived ON TIME to pick them up, her table was empty! Needless to say, they got in a lot of trouble and had to march back to the cafeteria to practice waiting on their teacher.

It's funny because it wasn't me. Although I would have laughed. Eventually. After I finished having my heart attack.

I'm so glad I don't teach kindergarten. I thank God every day that so many of you love it! I'll take them after they've been house broken.

Reminds me of Recess: School's Out where they refer to the kindergarteners as the "savages". Does anybody else remember that? It's my favorite description for them. If I ever taught kindergarten (and I don't plan on it any time soon), I would totally do a jungle theme for it (and I'd call them my savages if it wouldn't be frowned upon)!