RESPECT - A CHARACTER THAT COUNTS

This project has the ability to be a Bulletin Board Strip-above a chalkboard, window, or any space.  Once there has been discussion have the students copy the saying you are working on that day, draw a picture depicting what it means and writing what it means to them.  When you are done, students have a booklet to take home and share with their family.

TATTLING

Lower grades have problems with 'Tattlers'.  No matter how much the teacher teaches what NEEDS to be reported and what DOESN'T need reported, some children just don't get it.  The problem is, eventually if the child doesn't learn, this habit will cause friendship issues.  Here is one solution.  Not too many children want to fill out a form before they can say a word.  Try it and see if it helps.

CITIZENSHIP BOOKLET

This could be used as a culmination of your Citizenship Study.  Students discuss the aspects of Citizenship in the three areas of their life: At Home, In the Community, In the Country.  They draw a detailed picture showing how they can be a good citizen in each of these areas.  After being checked by the teacher for good detail, the students can color.  After all three papers are completed, the students are ready to complete the written portion of the booklet.  Make sure all writing is proofed and encourage neatness at all times.

BEHAVIOR JOURNALING

Here are three different levels of Behavior Journaling.  Once the student has filled it out, make sure to put in their folder.  When report time comes you have the documentation ready to support the grades the student earned.

RECOGNITION

Young Children love to be recognized.  Their parents love it too.  Giving certificates is one way to recognize what a student accomplished without a lot of effort on your part.  Below are some certificates I used.  Make sure you keep track of your coupons so each child is recognized frequently.

ABSENTEE SHEETS

Do you have trouble tracking what work a child needs to complete when they are absent?  I found this page attached to the pack of work was very helpful.  I asked that this sheet be returned with the packet of work, so that I could verify everything was completed.  At the beginning of the year, I sent the letter to the parents to help them understand how to help their child.
See sample of bags I used to transport the books and papers to and from.  This way, nothing gets lost!
http://okscribbler.blogspot.com/search/label/Absent

IF I WERE THE TEACHER...

Do you want to know what your students are thinking should be taught in the classroom?  This writing assignment is an eye opener!  Pros/Cons of brainstorming:  students have material to use while writing....students might limit their responses to the options listed on the board.   Makes a cute Class Book.   This can also be put on the website if you wish to share with others.   Will be a nice addition to the Journal/Memory Book at the end of the year.

ALL ABOUT ME

I can't think of an easier writing assignment.  The guidelines are at the top of the page in question format. The students just need to answer the questions using complete sentences.  The questions also lend themselves to make it easier to capitalize and punctuate.  Tell the students that for each answer, they need to start with a capital letter and end with punctuation.  I encouraged the students to add a bit more: grade they were in, hobby, pets, sports, favorite subject...  We did a little brainstorm session before we began writing, so the extra ideas were on  the board, to help them.  A nice ending sentence could be:  One other thing I think you should know about me is _______________________.  I always had my students start a writing project with a Sloppy Copy.  Have the students bring their first effort to the teacher to be checked for spelling, capitalization, punctuation, idea...  On the Final Copy the students should be very aware of neat writing.  This project makes a great Class Book.  Remember to put in the Journal/Memory Book at the end of the year.

COMING TO AMERICA - OUR ANCESTORS

When November rolls around and you are talking about Pilgrims, pull this worksheet out for the students to fill out at home.  Have them draw a detailed picture of their ancestors coming to America and color it neatly.  While students are working, you can read the following book:

Coming To America: The Story Of Immigration by Betsy Maestro and Susannah Ryan

This makes a great Class Book for your Reading Corner.  Remember to put it in the Journal/Memory Book at the end of the year.  You might also post these on your website for parents to enjoy.

CLASSY PRINTS - FINGERPRINTING

 

 

October is the month to celebrate Finger Printing and discussing why we do it.  Send the I.D. ME page home for parents to help their child fill out the information.  Have your students come to you to fingerprint them.  I used the stamp ink pad from my desk.The other students can be drawing a detailed picture of themselves and coloring it neatly. This is definitely a page that will go into the Journal/Memory Book after the students are finished reading the Class Book in the Quiet Corner.  Notice the cover is a picture made from finger tips.
See additional papers if you wish to extend the project: COMPREHENSION, SCIENCE INVESTIGATION, FUN ACTIVITIES from Copycat Press http://stores.ebay.com/Copycat-Store