Muggie Maggie Read Aloud

A great read aloud for third graders is Muggie Maggie, as she is the main character who refuses to learn to write cursive. By the end of the story Maggie has a change of heart and comes to like writing in cursive. Now, I've never had any students who did not itch at the chance to learn cursive. In fact, I use these wonderful animated cursive links as a learning tool for cursive.

Following my Muggie Maggie read aloud I do this reading response

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Speaking Presentations in the Classroom

I've always done some form of monthly speaking presentations in my classroom.

Some months it's a poetry recital and others it is presenting an animal report or news article review.

My class also LOVES doing Readers Theatre scripts.
Add in the use of microphones for extra fun. I'm lucky to have one from Learning Resources that actually records, but you can get toy microphones at the Dollar stores too.

With the common core standards, being able to speak in front of groups and with groups is pertinent and mastering the art of public speaking is a life long skill that helps build self confidence.

I always start the year with a poetry prompt which helps students appreciate poems as a literary genre.

For grading the presentations I use this handy form.

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How to Eat a Poem

Don't be polite. 
Bite in. 
Pick it up with your fingers and lick the juice that 
may run down your chin. 
It is ready and ripe now, whenever you are. 
You do not need a knife or fork or spoon 
or plate or napkin or tablecloth. 

For there is no core 
or stem 
or rind 
or pit 
or seed 
or skin 
to throw away.

by Eve Merriam

What are your ideas for fun presentations? Leave me a comment and share. 

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Back to School Photo Booth Activity : Framing a Great Year

I know many of you are gearing up to start your first day of school.

I've already been back for 2 whole weeks and have a great bunch of third graders.

I just put the finishing touches on my Back to School"Framing a Great Year" photo booth writing craftivity.

I had a cracked picture frame hanging around in the back of a closet that I drug out to use (minus the  broken glass). Then I posed students holding the frame and grade level caption "Fabulous in ____grade" We followed up with the writing piece! I got this done in one day and it was up on my walls for Back to School Night.

Grab it at my {TPT Store}

Have fun framing yourself a great school year!

I recently started a Facebook Group for teachers to share ideas, questions, and inspiration. 

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Roll and Build Geometry Math

Lakeshore Learning sent me this fun game Roll and Build Geometry for at your seat fun!

The dice is rolled and you build and match the shape with the sticks and pegs.

A variety of 2D and 3D shapes can be built.
It comes in a handy pouch for storage too.

I made up this recording sheet to go along with this great game.

Grab it {HERE}

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Mr. Peabody’s Apples Read Aloud and Story Craft

This is my Patchwork Apple bulletin board. The read aloud lead in to our apple art was the book, Mr. Peabody's Apples, which is one of my first week MUST reads. It has a wonderful moral lesson that teaches about integrity and responsibility, particularly around the idea of spreading false rumors and the consequences that come from it. It shows the importance of mutual respect and trust in relationships. 

Following the reading students used squares of solid and patterned red wrapping paper to decorate the apples. Easy and cute!  I keep this bulletin board up year round as a reminder of the message the book sends.

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Educational Time Fillers for the Classroom

It's my last Sunday of summer. My first day with my students is tomorrow. 3-6 Free Resources is hosting a great Educational Time Filler linky that's perfect for starting the year.  Here are some of my fun but worthwhile time fillers and brain break ideas.

Line Up

See how quickly your class can get lined up in ABC order by first names. Then try last names.

See how quickly your class can get lined up in birthday order.

See how quickly your class can get lined up by height either tallest to shortest or shortest to tallest.

Let them line up  in a designated pattern:  ABAB    AABAAB

The possiblilities or endless with  this and it's quick and easy.


I've already shared about my Zoom Around the Room game. But it's worth sharing again.
Pairs of students race to call off a correct answer to a designated category to be able to move around the room.  I keep a copy of this handy on my desk and sub tub! Read more about this activity {HERE}

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I recently started a Facebook Group for teachers to share ideas, questions, and inspiration. 

Come Join the group!

My Favorite Vista Print Items

My favorite Vista Print items I've made are a tremendous help for my classroom management.

I make homework, extra choices, and reminder signs from their car door magnets and display them on my white board.  Take a look see.

I post what choices are available for free time under this sign

I post important school or class event dates under this one

I post daily homework assignments for students to record

Here is my homework display in action

You can see that I created smaller magnets with the same title sign image for the assignment listings.

I have loads more Vistaprint creations, but decided to limit my sharing to these for now!

~Enjoy

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