As seen on my instagram feed, here are a number of conference notes sheets and small group notes/plan pages! I can never use the same system two years in a row…maybe because the kids are so different or I’m just that scattered. I also included a template for student-led small groups which is best for upper elementary or middle school…
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Personal Narrative Hierarchy Chain
Last week, as a review for all of our awesome learning, students got into partnerships and made a hierarchy of the things writers of personal narratives should prioritize. It was awesome to see their thinking about each (important) part of a narrative, but also how they decided what should be ranked higher or lower. I printed them on different colors…
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Personal Narrative Brainstorming Ideas: Map and Emotional Moments
I like to give students different ideas for generating ideas for writing personal narratives. It’s tempting to rush in to writing, writing, writing…but slow down and give them time to find the moments that are going to engage them in drafting, revising and beyond. Click here to access the PDF.
Free Class Jobs Slides!
Hello friends! A new school year and a new school have gotten me waaaaay behind on what I wanted to share with you. I had a few questions on Instagram about my jobs. I’ve done it a couple different ways (see pictures and posts), but the most important part has been making it a community that works together and takes…
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Fish in a Tree Free Read Aloud “Unit” Plans
Fish in a Tree is a must-read in upper elementary! Your students will love getting to know Ally and her not-so-easy journey to lasting friendships, acceptance of yourself and the power of asking for help. As you read through the lessons, you should know that this unit grew out of a need for our 4th grade students to make thinking visible,…
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Let them talk! (Speaking and Listening Checklist)
Getting students talking, really talking, to one another takes time. What also takes time is getting them to listen to one another, build on ideas and rethink their own. One way I manage what I know about students as speakers and listeners is through a checklist that allows me to track trends, jot notes as they say insightful or otherwise…
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