Persuasive Writing & Author's Purpose!

I finally started my winter bulletin board! This one is going to stay up until Spring! We have to add a couple more things. I'm really happy with how it looks so far. Mr. Snowman is wearing a green scarf now too. Today, I'm doing my Friday dance a bit early. My kids are in walking club then go to recess and I don't have duty! Woo Hoo. So teaching is over for me today and I'm getting things organized for Friday. This week we were studying Author's Purpose we really found some great things to go along with it.

VIA We did a sort to check our progress. Then we did a persuasive paragraph asking someone to buy us a present. You can download the graphic organizer and final copy sheet here. I love finding out what they want. Most of them wanted electronics---tablets, D.S. ETC. My favorite was a futon such a weird gift.

Our neighbors did a sort similar to this next door and really enjoyed it!

VIA

If you haven't heard about the great giveaway going on at check it out at Tanya Rae's Blog---here! I'm giving away 4 odd/even number puzzles! Have a great weekend. 7 more days until X-mas BREAK!

12 in 12

12. Favorite movie you watched: Oh my gosh, I have no idea the name of it..wait I googled it! The Patriot. Cried like a baby.

11. Favorite TV series: Anything on HGTV! Duck Dynasty!

VIA 10. Favorite restaurant:O'Griff's Grill and Brew House! IT IS AMAZING.

9. Favorite new thing you tried: Not favorite but something that I tired. Oysters in Ft. Myers Beach! 8. Favorite gift you got: Oh I got the best white gold diamond bracelet for my 24th (golden) birthday!! From boyfriend of course.

7. Favorite thing you pinned: Okay, I have two.. is that cheating? The second one is obviously my sorority house from college! The first one is a quote one of my current professors ALWAYS says. Every class. Twice. If not three times. It is so true in the educational system. Live by it. 6. Favorite blog post: I have no idea. 5. Best accomplishment: Starting my Master's degree in administration! I'm so proud of myself for actually signing up..Now I'm forced to finish it.

4. Favorite picture: As of right now. My poor baby! I walked out yesterday morning and this is what I got.. haha so funny. Don't worry she is all cleaned up now!

3. Favorite memory: Oh too many to think of.. Probably visiting Key West! But it rained all week. Hence the crazy hair
2. Goal for 2013: Perhaps land a job closer to home! I adore my job now but the drive really puts a toll on my sleeping habits.. 4:50 wake up calls. My bank account--gas money.. and the time I could spend doing other things. Two hours on the road a day is cold blood brain murder.

1. One Little Word: Totally stealing this from someone else who did this but it is really an amazing word and I'd never heard of it before so I know others need to hear about it too!
Now go link up!

Wednesday Madness and Our Fall Reading Week..

Today our Title 1 Math Teacher came to visit and she is simply AMAZING! She is so good with the kids and we love it when we comes into our classroom and teaches lessons. She always gives us a good laugh.

We did a Home Run Derby "Scoot" Activity- (Subtraction across zero) We sat the cards in places around the room and walked around and did the problem. I love that it gets the kids up moving before 9AM! Check it out HERE!. You are in luck it is a TPT freebie!
We ended our lesson by watching this lovely little video! Check it out. It is quick and painless.



This week we are doing a "Fall Reading Week". To me---It is December---fall is over but I guess it technically doesn't start until December 21 so I won't complain. Anywho...we have challenges in our class throughout the week along with daily dress up days!

Monday-"Hats off to a good book" (Hat Day)
Tuesday-"Root for a good book" (Sports wear)
Wednesday-"Cuddle up to a good book" PAJAMMIES DAY! My personal favorite, rocking the yoga pants, Uggs, and V-neck.
Thursday-"Hunt for a good book" (CAMO day) We live in Missouri what else do you expect? :)
Friday-"Show your reading spirit" (School colors day)

Our reading challenges are done by class and if we document that we read for 30 minutes, watch a movie that was a book, listen to a story on tape, read with a partner, and read with our kindergarten buddies we pass!! We will receive a certificate from our Title Reading Coaches that entitles us to bring breakfast to school and watch a morning video! Very doable it also helps some of our friends who have no met their AR reading Goal earn some last minute points. One of my students has 60 points as her goal! I know she will make it too. Most of my girlie students have points that are 20-30..boys on the other hand not so energetic... 10-15. Last year my students were totally opposite (boys were more energentic) It is so funny how that changes with every classroom. I love pushing my students with high reading goals. I've realized it makes them read more at home:) Also our class (usually) wins the monthly prize for the class with the highest AR points total(for each grade level)! This month we earned a pop-corn party. woo hoo!

This week are are also comparing and contrasting. So far we have compared M&Ms to Skittles. The book Because of Winn Dixie to the movie and Christmas to Thanksgiving. Today for a center rotation I set up a pile of random things and students are going to compare/contrast two items on the table. I'm thinking it is going to be tough for some off my not-wanting-to-thinkers but I'm also up for a challenge!
Oh another note, check back later on next week for my fluency card freebies! Click to make the preview larger.

Happy Wednesday!