TEACHING SUMMARIZING A STORY

If you ask a child to summarize a book they read, they go on and on without any idea of how to retell the story briefly. This project will help students learn how to summarize.
Brief highlights of summarizing: (make a chart)
1. Title
2. Author
3. Setting - where/when the story takes place
4. Main Characters
5. Goal - what character wants
6. Problem - Conflict
7. Outcome - how conflict ends
8. Sequence of Events: first, next, then, later, after, last, finally, afterwards...

Detailed Explanation of Summary: (make a chart)
1. Give the title of the story and its author.
2. Tell who the main character/s is/are and where/when the story takes place (setting).
3. Tell what the main character wants (goal).
4. Tell how the main character tries to get what he wants.
5. Tell the problem the main character may have in trying to reach his goal (conflict).
6. Tell if the main character finally reaches his goal (outcome).
7. Tell the events in time order sequence (first to last). Use clue words, like: first, next, then, finally, at the end...

Summary Teaching Chart I:
Title: __________________________________________________
Author: ________________________________________________
Characters: _____________________________________________
Setting: ________________________________________________
Goal: __________________________________________________
Conflict: _______________________________________________
Outcome: ______________________________________________

Summary Teaching chart II:
First, _________________________________________________

Next, ________________________________________________

Then, ________________________________________________

Later, ________________________________________________

Finally, _______________________________________________


Explain that commas set off time order words.

SUPER SENTENCE - TEACHING PARTS OF SPEECH FROM THE BEGINNING

THIS IS A TEACHING TOOL I USED IN GRADES 1-3, BUT IT COULD EASILY BE USED IN GRADES 4-5. IT CEMENTS THE CONCEPT OF "PARTS OF SPEECH" USING THE 5 "W" IDEA.
FIRST GRADE: Teaching the idea of a "Super Sentence". Students give a sentence, teacher writes on the board. Example: The dog ran down the street. Good sentence. What tells us WHO we are talking about - the dog. WHAT did the dog do - ran. WHERE did the dog run - down the street.
Oops! We are missing WHEN, WHY, HOW...
Let's add WHEN - The dog ran down the street last night.
Now add WHY - The dog ran down the street last night to get its bone.
Can we add HOW - The dog quickly ran down the street last night to get its bone.
Later on teach the students how to change the sentence parts so the flow is better.- Last night, the dog quickly ran down the street to get its bone. GREAT JOB FIRST GRADERS!
SECOND GRADE: Of course, teach the first grade concept of the chart before you continue with second grade concepts. As you teach the different parts of speech, add the name of the part of speech to the chart. So this is an ongoing teaching chart. I use vis-a-vis, so I can erase my teaching marks and reuse from the beginning the following year. Probably, second graders will concentrate on nouns, adjectives, and verbs (action). If you teach more, then by all means, add to the chart. Make sure the students understand that WHAT is "did what" - action. A great project for second grade (after you review the first grade skills) is SUPER SKELETAL SENTENCES. This is completed in October and is an incredible hallway decorator. Children decorate a skeletal face, and then write their super sentence on bones that hang from the head. If you put one word on each bone it is long, but if you teach phrases, then you could shorten it.
THIRD GRADE: Teach the concepts from the beginning and then use the chart as you study adverbs. Adverbs will answer the WHEN, WHERE, HOW. Very versatile teaching chart.

SUBJECT/PREDICATE

I found teaching subject and predicate was a tough concepts for students to understand, so I came up with this teaching chart/idea. Subject is "who or what" (noun) the sentence is about. Predicate is the "did what" (action).  My team teacher did something similar.  She made a packet for each student in her class.  It can be any size.  For third graders it was an 9" x 5" cardstock with 2 stacks of white paper about 4" square attached.  The students wrote a subject on each page on the stack at the left and a predicate on each paper of the stack on the right.  Then they could make silly sentences by flipping through the stacks.  Examples:
SUBJECT:                         PREDICATE:
The boy                              ran through the store singing silly songs.
A fat cat                             rummaged through the garbage in the alley.
The silly clown                    gazed at the lightening in the sky.

You will notice that on the subject side, the beginning is capitalized and on the predicate side the ending has punctuation.
Encourage students to be creative with both the subjects and predicates.
Then either the students can read the sentences they can make to a partner or write them.
You can have as many 4" squares you think your students need to get the idea.

SIT 'N' SPELL CENTER

The goal of this partner game is to sit and spell! Position a chair against a classroom wall/window/door. Each week post a different word list above the chair (weekly spelling list). To play, Player 1 sits in the chair and Player 2 stands, facing the chair. Player 2 reads a spelling word from the list for Player 1 to spell. If Player 1 spells the word correctly, he remains seated. If he misspells the word, he trades places with Player 2. Spelling practice continues in this manner until one player correctly spells every word on the list or times runs out. Idea from Vicki F.

PRACTICE WITH NOUNS

TEACHING SINGULAR, PLURAL, AND POSSESSIVES IS A DIFFICULT SKILL. THIS CENTER CHART WILL GIVE THE ADDITIONAL PRACTICE STUDENTS NEED. Image is the answer key that is attached to the back of the chart.

UNDERSTANDING POSSESSIVES

GREATEST STRATEGY I EVER USED! A MUST IN GRADES 3-5.
Directions for teaching the flow chart:
List several singular and plural nouns on the chalkboard. Next, read aloud one word from the list and use the chart to find the correct spelling of its possessive form. Continue to do it with volunteers, A LOT! Eventually, the students will have the strategy and will have no problems with spelling possessives.

WHAT CAN GO AT THE BEGINNING OF A QUESTION?

This is a great tool for primary students still working with "types of sentences".
You can create this initially with your students and then keep adding to it as the year progresses and future years if needed. Amazingly, I just added on to it a year ago! Children are Sharp!

MOTHER'S DAY PROJECT

EXTREMELY EASY AND COMES OUT BEAUTIFUL.
Directions:
1. Purchase a spring bouquet (Costco).
2. Take student's picture holding the bouquet of flowers.
3. Cut approx. 5 1/2"x8 1/2" white lined paper.
4. Write the poem on the board. Explain how poem lines always start at the left, each letter at the beginning of the line is a capital, and how poems are not written like a paragraph.
5. Students copy the poem neatly - EXACTLY LIKE ON THE BOARD. Proof. Edit.
6. Each child chooses a foam frame and decorative foam pieces to decorate the frame. Talk about less is good, try not to use too many colors, find colors that compliment each other, think DESIGN, not just adding decorations.
HINT: Get foam every year from the give away programs through Highlights and other magazines. This way foam is free, school has construction paper and maybe envelopes, pictures can be digital and copied on color machine at school. So this is a very LOW COST PROJECT that comes out very nice.
7. Student chooses construction paper that compliments the frame, fold it in half like a book, glue poem on the inside right side and the picture under the frame on the outside.
8. Address an envelope to MOM. This is practice for addressing a card. May need to explain how to address correctly.
9. Put card in the envelope and it is ready to take home the Friday before Mother's Day.
10.Yeah! Teacher gets to take home a beautiful bouquet of flowers to enjoy.

SORROWFUL MYSTERIES ART/MEDITATION PROJECT

THESE TURN OUT GREAT AND LOOK FANTASTIC IN THE HALLWAY. THE ENTIRE TIME STUDENTS ARE DRAWING AND COLORING, HAVE SOFT RELIGIOUS MUSIC IN THE BACKGROUND. THE CLASS IS DEAD QUIET - WHICH I CONSIDER MEDITATION.
Directions: Show students Sorrowful Mystery Posters. Discuss in detail as needed for your age group. Explain how to divide construction paper (white 12"x18"). Post Sorrowful Mysteries around the room. Have students move from area to area drawing each mystery (in the appropriate place on their paper). When completed students return to their desk to color. Label neatly and post in the hallway. Can make a class book or post on the web.

SMILE FOR YOU

Great concept to post in your classroom.

AIRPLANE BULLETIN BOARD

This is a great "beginning-of-the-year" bulletin board. The teacher writes 5-7 general learning concepts on clouds. Laminate to use year after year. Then get student pictures, or I had them draw a shoulder/head picture of themselves. Cut the pictures as a window shape and place on plane as window seats. Remember to put the Teacher Picture in the Pilot's Seat! The heading could be "Flying Off To A Great Year". Place plane in the center of the board with clouds all around.
Sample of learning concepts put in clouds (3rd grade):
1. We will learn to multiply and divide.
2. We will learn to write in cursive.
3. We will practice Catholic Values.
4. We will receive First Holy Communion.
5. We will practice organization skills.
6. We will receive First Reconciliation.
7. We will practice study skills.

MARY/ROSARY BULLETIN BOARD

This bulletin board can be used in many different ways.  I place the golden sheets  on the 4 corners of a bulletin board.  I made a large rosary around the board (it was a large board) and put the student work on each bead.  I used this bead in October or May.
Have students...
1. Write letters to Mary
2. Write bio of Mary's Life
3. Research areas of Mary's life and write summary
4. Draw and write summary of The Mysteries of the Rosary
5. Draw pictures depicting the Feasts of Mary


ADDITIONAL RESOURCE SHEETS BELOW.

THE TWO POTTERS

Great On Door as Parents Enter.

4 WAYS TO PRAY BULLETIN BOARD

Praying is Talking and Listening to God.  I backed the board with dark blue burlap and used Stained Glass Window Border.  Explain the 4 prayer types to your students. Brainstorm ideas under each type of prayer. Divide your students into groups of 3 or 4. Assign "prayer types" for the groups to work on. Proof...Edit..Rewrite...Publish

COMMUNION "ALTAR" PRAYER

Adore God. Tell God how great and good He is.
Love God. Tell God how much you love Him.
Thank God for something special.
Ask God to help you, your family, and all people.
Resolve to do something special to show God your love.

MY DEAREST FRIEND PRAYER

CHILD'S ADVENT PRAYER

By day and by night,
and through the circle of the seasons,
you keep watch over us,
God Most High.

We praise you for this Advent Wreath.
It is the evergreen crown of your royal people.
Soon it will grow bright and scatter the darkness.

Around this shining wreath we shall keep watch
for Your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ,
who comes to comfort our fears
and make new this waiting world.

All glory be Yours, both now and forever.
Amen

(Nice, Easy) COMMUNION PRAYER

Jesus in the Communion bread,
I know that you are really here.
I've come especially because
I always love to have you near.

When I receive you in my heart,
I feel you Presence ever dear.
Jesus in the Communion bread,
Bless your child who's kneeling here.

OUR FATHER PRAYER - EXPLANATION AND ACTIVITIES

Our Father - Everyone's God
Who art in Heaven - Who is near us now, and heaven is anywhere He is
Hallowed by Thy Name - Love is Your Name
They Kingdom comes - Teach us to share your love
Thy will be done - Now, just as You and Jesus share
On earth as it is in Heaven - Help us to live
Give us this day our daily bread - You have forgiven me
And forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive those who trespass against us - Help me to forgive others
And lead us not into temptation - Don't let me be selfish
But deliver us from evil - But help me follow you
Amen. - Yes! I believe!

SIGN LANGUAGE:

You need a slow version of the Lord's Prayer.  It's nice is it puts emphasis on certain parts - especially the end.

IL DIVO http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEYpi3c90rY&feature=related

Johnny Mathis http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bG61UNnuGQ8&feature=related

FABULOUS RENDITION OF OUR FATHER - I PLAY IT EVERY DAY!:

This is the BEST Andrea Bocelli song EVER. Listen as he joins the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in Salt Lake City, Utah for an unforgettable rendition of "The Lord's Prayer."
Listen on Amazon.com: http://tinyurl.com/amazonlordsprayer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAFj2-u2cGQ&feature=related

CLOSING PRAYERS

Father, thank You for the night,
Thank You for the day,
For the chance to do some work
And for the chance to play.

Thank you for my family.
Father, Mother, too,
And for all my playmates,
But most of all for You.
by Dale Evans (Roy Roger's Wife)

GO NOW IN PEACE PRAYER

Go no in PEACE, never be afraid.
God will go with you each hour of every day.
Go now in FAITH, steadfast, strong and true.
Know He will guide you in all you do.
Go now in LOVE, and show you believe.
Reach out to others so all the world can see.
God will be there, watching from above.
Go now in PEACE, in FAITH, and in LOVE.
Amen. Amen. Thanks be to God.

(I have an audio of this in song format.

If interested, contact me.)

PRAYING INSIDE AND OUT (a simple mantra)

This is a wonderful way to teach children how to physically pray.  Once they learn this you will find that there is a wonderful attitude present during prayer time.  I made into a poster so we could refer to it often.

PRAYER FORM

We tell children to write prayers or to pray silently, but they might not know how.  This is a very simple way to teach the format of praying.  I made it into a poster so we could refer to it frequently.

PRAYER BEFORE MEALS

From the heavens He sends down rain and rich harvests;
Our spirits He fills with food and delight.

Bless us, O Lord, and these your gifts, which we are about to
receive from your bounty, through Christ, Our Lord.

May the Lord provide for the needs of others and
Always be our heavenly food. Amen.

OUR BIRTHDAY PRAYER

I grew up with the 2nd stanza sung at our dinner table after Happy Birthday for each of our birthdays. Students knew the 1st stanza from another class.
Sing to tune of HAPPY BIRTHDAY - raise hands in blessing

May the dear Lord bless you
Shower graces on you
Blessed Mother protect you
Saint Joseph guide you.

May the dear Lord bless you
In all that you do
May Jesus and Mary
Smile down upon you.

PRAYER STARTER

You can have students brainstorm additional words for each column. Have the students write the prayer on index cards and meditate on it.

DESCRIPTIVE PREWRITING ACTIVITY - BIRD

You can have a lot of fun teaching students how to write a strong, detailed, descriptive paragraph/story with this pre-writing activity. The idea came from a workshop and is called RARE BIRD -VISUALIZATION ACTIVITY.
Basic Directions: Each student visualizes a rare bird, then draws and colors the bird on the accompanying activity sheet (sheet A). Students write a detailed description of his rare bird. The description should be given in an orderly manner from top to bottom, using colors, shapes and similies. After students are finished, collect and post the bird pictures on a bulletin board. A number should be placed on each picture to keep each artist anonymous. Have the students exchange their written descriptions, read them quietly, and try to identify the rare bird that is being written about. Have the students place the description they read next to the bird they chose. After everyone has finished (there could be several descriptions on one bird), artist will let the students know if they are correct. If the bird is not identified, this should be a clue to the artist that his description was not written with enough specific information. Give the bird pictures back and begin teaching DESCRIPTIVE WRITING!

Brainstorm with a chart that gives body details of the bird (sheet B). Brainstorm words for detailed description: color, size, shape, misc.

Proof a paragraph/story with the students (you can put the errors you wish to focus on in this lesson:
While deep in the jungle of South America, I discovered an unusual bird. I believe this bird has never been seen by man. the bird has lots of color. It looked so cute! (opinion) I tried to be very quiet so the bird would not see me. What an awesome looking bird it was! (opinion) I wonder if there are any more birds like it? I couldn't tell if the bird was ab boy or girl, but it was a beautiful animal. You should have seen it. Perhaps someday, I will find the bird again, capture it, and put it in a zoo.
The bird was of average size, comparable to that of a dove. and it was pear shaped, with a long neck that flowed to a round body. and it was a brightly colored bird. and its wings and chest were maroon colored with darker red spots, as if it had a case of the measles. Separating the chest and wings were a stip of aqua green feathers. its eyes were small, circular, and black. On top it's head for feather were perched. the tail was hardly noticeable, barely a stump of dark maroon and aqua gren fethers. And its legs were long and slender with bands of black rings. On its feet were three claws that held tite to the lim.

Show bird pictures (bird A, B, C) and ask students if they have received enough information to make a good choice. Show the next paragraph and ask the same question again.

While deep in the jungle of South America, I discovered an unusual bird. I believe this bird has never been seen by man, so I would like to describe it to you. The bird appeared to be about the size of a parrot, but his markings were not like any parrot I have ever seen.
On top of his head a crown of flaming orange feathers fanned out. As I looked at the bird, he stared back at me with his multicolored bulls-eye eyes. His black pupils were surrounded by rings of yellow, orange, and blue. His chest was unique too, with its oval shape lined with yellow and black stripes; very similar to that of a bumble bee. When its wings were flattened, it appeared as if he was wearing a cape of yellow and orange feathers arranged in layers. His tail extended well below his body, and was easily visible with red and orange colors.
As I tried to get closer, it squawked at me. The oddest sound came out of his large curved beak. Before I could snap a picture, away he flew. (Bird Pictures and paragraphs by Rose H.)

Hopefully, the students easily identify the bird that matches the description.

Hand out DESCRIPTIVE PARAGRAPH ~ BIRD Requirement sheet (sheet C). Have the students fill out the Descriptive worksheet on both sides (sheet D).
Continue with the writing process. When activity is complete make sure to post it for others to enjoy. Have fun.