Sunday, September 8, 2013

Character or Setting...You Be the Judge

Do your friends struggle with the difference between character and setting? Looking for a new way to teach characters and setting? You have come to the right place. I have create a new mini unit to help you teach just that.

This mini unit includes a whole group OR small group lesson {same picture cards just a different size} and a center activity {different picture cards}. This unit also includes 2 posters {character and setting}.

Unit Includes:
Cover page-page 1

Character Poster-page 2

Setting Poster-page 3

Whole Group Lesson Directions, cards, and recording sheet-pages 4-24



Small Group Lesson Directions, cards, and recording sheet-pages 25-37




Pocket Chart Center Directions, cards, and recording sheet-pages 38-44



Terms-page-45

Credits-page 46

Check it out here to get your own copy!  


Thanks so much for looking!

Coconut Cutie

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Deal of the Day and Back to School Sale

Just in case you forgot (HA!), school starts back soon, for me, it is TOMORROW!  So, to get us all back in the groove I have put ALL of my store on sale-20% off and TPT is helping us out too by putting an additional 10% off EVERYTHING {so that works out to be 28% off everything in my store} YIPEE!!!!

AND...if that wasn't enough, I am offering some deals of the day.  You can see yesterday's Deal of the Day here.

Today's Deal of the Day is this...


A "Shapes" Bulletin Board Set
{Border and paper behind it are not included.  Sorry!}




Click the picture above to get to this product.

This Deal of the Day will soon be gone.  Check it out today!  AND...don't forget to leave some feedback.  I love to hear from you!

Don't forget to check back tomorrow for another Deal of the Day!

In case you need a reminder of the Back to School code to get your extra 10% off, here it is again.



Happy shopping and decorating,
Coconut Cutie

Saturday, August 17, 2013

I'm back...with a Deal of the Day Freebie

As I get ready to start a new school year, I always try make things better/updated as I am sure you do as well.  I made up a few things for you to help you this year.  So, I will be offering a few items this weekend called "The Deal of the Day" meaning that they will only be free for the day and then will go on sale at my store.  

Today's Deal of the Day is this...


A "Colors" Bulletin Board set

{Border and paper behind it are not included.  Sorry!}




Click the picture above to get to this product. 

 This Deal of the Day will soon be gone.  Check it out today!  AND...don't forget to leave some feedback.  I love to hear from you!

Happy decorating,
Coconut Cutie


Everybody LOVES a Sale!!!

It's that time of year when Teacher's Pay Teachers hosts its annual Back to School sale and yep, I WILL BE THERE!!!

I have a ton of things already to purchase in my cart.  As soon as that sale hits...those items are MINE!  I can't wait.  {Am I the only giddy about school supplies?  I have been eyeing the school supplies at wal*mart since what, JULY?  I know, CRAZY!}

Anyways, my Teacher's Pay Teachers store is 20% off everything 8/17/2013-8/20/2013 AND...



Happy Shopping,
Coconut Cutie

P.S.  I will be back TODAY for a freebie!  I know...2 posts in one day...WEIRD but true!

Friday, August 9, 2013

Happy Back to School Sale...


Hi y'all!

We start back to school soon and some of you are already started.  {Can you believe it?}  I hope that you all had a wonderful summer break full of memories, rest, and friends/family fun!  As we ease back into the new school year be on the lookout for new products and part 2 or 3 of items from me.  

To help you get excited about the new year {school year that is} I am throwing a SALE!!!  Hopefully you can find a few products in my store to help you prepare for this school year.  This weekend everything in my store is 15% off.  Be on the lookout for more freebies coming soon too!    

Click my button below to get to my store.  Thanks in advance!




Happy Shopping,
Coconut Cutie

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

A Frog Street Press SPLASH Meet Up, Reading Response Journals, a FREEBIE and a SALE!

Hey friends!  It's that time of year where we all try to cram in our professional development hours in because we actually have the time to do it now.  What better way to gain your hours than at the Frog Street Press SPLASH conference!?!  Are any of you going?  I AM!  In fact, I am presenting again this year and I am so excited...and a tab bit nervous.  You and I both know that trying to teach you fellow co-workers and peers is harder than teaching the littles, am I right?   EEEKKK!!!    I hope that if you are attending this conference that you will come check out my presentation "UNMASKED: -Revealing the Story Behind the Words".

Anyhow, this year's presentation is also based on Guided Reading BUT, I am going to focus on comprehension and the use of reading response journals.  I think you know this already but I *heart* phonics but I also love teaching with reading response journals.  There is SO much you can do with them.  I first blogged about this topic HERE.  BUT...I must tell you that since then, my reading response kit has had a *bit* of a make-over and now here is what it looks like...




Now here what is included:  
Directions on setting up the journals
6 pages of “Table of Contents and Directions for Each Page”
3 pages for the 1st meeting
-Reading Rules for Great Readers
-Reading Strategies
-Word Bank {Vocabulary words and definitions}
3 types of book logs
36 different reading response pages for fiction, non-fiction, or both:
-Book Review
-Rate and Recommend It
-Question It
-Retell It {Beginning/Middle/End}
-Retell It {First/Next/Then/Last}
-Setting Analysis
-Character Analysis
-Prediction {picture walk}
-Predict It {prediction}
-Let’s Chart It
-Journal It
-Web It
-Visualize It {visualize}
-Solve It {problem/solution}
-Summarize It {summary}
-Summarize It {Somebody wanted but so then}
-Support It {Main idea and supporting details}
-Decide It {Author’s purpose}
-Learn It
-Share It
-Write It to the Author
-Design It
-Infer It {inference/non-fiction}
-Infer It {inference/fiction}
-“Words to Know” pages {3 pages for 6 words, 8 words, or 10 words}
-Setting Change Up
-Essential Question
-Characters Say and Do
-What the Other Characters Do
-Facial Expressions
-Character's Actions-Can I connect?
-Characters Compare Adventures
-Character Problem Connection
-Drawing Conclusions
-Chapter Book Fun Brochure {2 pages}
Terms
Credits

I think I added 16 new pages :0) but here is something new.  I have also created direction POSTERS to go with each reading response journal so that you could eventually make this a center after introducing all of the response pages.  





Use these Reading Response Journal POSTERS in conjunction with my Reading Response Journal Kit or separately during reading workshop, guided reading, literature circles, or an other small groups, including reading {read to self} or listening {listen to reading} centers. 

Simply print, laminate, and place these posters in a center and allow the students to work with them. This kit comes in black and white as well as full color. Print the parts you choose to use.

Includes:
Cover Page {page 1}
Journal Direction posters in COLOR {pages 2-38}
Journal Direction posters in BLACK & WHITE {pages 39-76}
Terms {page 77}
Credits {page 78}


The posters kit is for sale for $3.50 but if you are looking for both, you could save some money by purchasing the bundled kit 



So are you ready for your freebie yet?  Get a sampler from my bundled Reading Response Journal kit.



***And now for the SALE***

All guided reading materials and reading response journals will be 20% off from now until Saturday.  Click HERE to go get em'!

Happy Guided Reading,
Coconut Cutie

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

TEACHER...I'm DONE!

Do you hear from your students, "I'm done!" while the other students are still working hard?  You know that if you don't find something for this friend to do {AND FAST}, it could be bad...that student gets bored, starts talking to others, starts doing something to distract the other...ugh!  

That's why in my room I like to be prepared for moments like those by having an "I'm Done" bucket of stuff.  I want this to be beneficial to the students who are completed with their work, not just a time filler so I came up with this.




When a student is finished with their work, they quietly put their work in the basket and go to the "I'm Through...Now What To Do?" box.  They keep track of which envelopes they have done and not done by using their checklist.


They grab the envelope that they need and take it quietly back to their desk to work on.  On the pocket of the envelope it gives them the directions of what to do in word and picture form.  Inside of the envelope are the recording sheets to complete the task.


In this case, the student has already done envelopes 1 and 2 so they would need envelope number 3.  



Students then keep their completed pages in their pocket {see pictures below} which they just keep in their work in progress folders.  At the end of the month, it gets stapled together, I look at their packet and review what they missed with them, and it goes home.  At the beginning of the month, I put all new envelopes in the box and the process repeats.  

 














I’m Through” Pocket:
It is simply a 12” X 12” piece of scrapbook paper or construction paper that I folded in half, put a label on it, stapled together, and cut a small wedge out of.  I also laminated them so that they would last for the year.  Each month the pockets are cleared out and taken home to begin the new month.  We attach the tracking page to the stack and staple it together.

I keep my materials organized by putting it all in zip lock bags.


 I put the originals in there as well as the envelopes so when the new month comes around, I grab the bag, make the copies {there are 2 recording sheets per page}, put the copies in the envelopes and put them in the box.  Another month's worth of stuff done in about 5 minutes.  Easy!

Don't want it as a "I'm Done!" box?  That is OK!  These work great for small groups, centers, tutoring, interventions, RTI practice, bellwork/morning work, etc.  The skills get harder each month and continue to spiral.  It should be a review of what they have already learned/know!  Each kit {except for August} comes with 24 envelope tasks.These are great for independent first grades, high kinders, or low second graders.

There will be a packet for every month *except for June and July*.  I have uploaded August {a brief sample}, September, and October.  More will be coming soon!

BUT WAIT...THERE'S MORE!  

You can start getting this ready by downloading my FREEBIE *August* "I'm Through...Now What To Do?" kit by clicking the picture below. 


Don't forget to leave me feedback, comments, questions, etc.  Also, don't forget to check out my September and October kits as well! 

Happy Classroom Management,
Coconut Cutie



Monday, July 15, 2013

Math Centers and a Number Line

Hey friends,

I just uploaded a NEW product today on my teacher's pay teachers store that I REALLY hope you check out.  My kiddos did this at the end of the year and had a blast with the centers.  


Here is what you get...

Animal Antics is a collection of centers to help students practice adding 3 numbers together, subtracting 3 numbers, or mixed addition and subtraction 3 numbers {example: 2+3+5=10, 15-5-4=6, or 12-5+2=9}. The numbers add up to or subtract from 20 or less to meet Common Core and TEKS standards.

All centers come with a brown paper sack label with title of the center as well as the directions, directions for the teacher to set up the center, the center game pieces, and a recording sheet.

What's Included:
Cover-page 1
Photo Examples-pages 2-5
Direction Label Cards for bags-pages 6-8
Insect Match Up directions, center, and recording sheet-pages 9-15
Reptile Room: Add and Write directions, center, and recording sheet-pages 16-20
Amphibian Add Up directions, center, and recording sheet-pages 21-33
Camel Mammal Cover Up directions, center, and recording game mat-pages 34-40
Bird Cage Memory directions, center, and recording sheet-pages 41-50
Find the Answer Fish directions, center, and recording sheet-pages 51-57
Terms-page 58
Credits-pages 59-60

Check out the preview for a better look at what is included!




Insect Match Up


Reptile Room:  Add and Write



Amphibian Add Up



Camel Mammal Cover Up


Bird Cage Memory



Find the Answer Fish


I have marked this for kinder, first, and second graders. If you are going to have your kinders do these centers, add a number line, hundred chart, or 10-frames to the center.


You can get a FREE number line by clicking HERE-Number Line Freebie


All that for only $6.00.  That's $1.00 per center!!!  I hope you and your kiddos love them as much as we did!

Happy Adding and Subtracting,
Coconut Cutie


Sunday, July 14, 2013

A Little ABC Order Fun!

Happy summer!  I hope y'all are getting some much needed rest this summer and having some fun to.  I have been busy with traveling and working on some teachers pay teacher's stuff.  I wanted to share my newest upload.  I hope you will check it out.

Do your students struggle with alphabetical order? Looking for a fun new way to introduce ABC order? Look no further. This is a super fun way for students to practice their alphabetical skills as well as reviewing the words "before", "after", and "between".






In this game, students will get a task card out of a bag and read it. They will use an alphabet line to find the letter that the task card asks for. Once all of the cards are done, students will practice their skills on a practice page. 
This kit is great for your word work center or as a whole group introduction and assessment page. This would also be great for small groups, tutoring, or RTI groups!








What's Included:
Cover Page-page 1
Set Up Directions-page 2
Set Up Pictures-page 3-4
Alphabet Line-pages 5-7
Bag label and Directions-page 7
Task Cards-pages 8-11
Alphabet Fun worksheet-page 12
Terms-page 13
Credits-page 14



Happy Alphabetical Ordering,
Coconut Cutie




Monday, February 4, 2013

Thank you and a Calendar Mystery FREEBIE!

Hello Bloggy Buddies,


First off, I want to give a big shout out to all that have been shopping at my store.  THANK YOU!!!  and another THANK YOU  for the shoppers that have left such sweet feedback about my products.  

As you for sure know, WE teachers work so hard.  

It feels so nice to get a friendly note from you to let me know that I have done a good job on something that I worked REALLY hard on. 


 I try to create and post the best possible products.  I pay attention to the details and think about how not only I will use a product in my classroom, but how others will be able to use it too.  I try to make them as appealing as possible as well as educational and user-friendly.  It really means a lot to me that you use your valuable time to rate and leave me feedback and I take each comment to heart.  So thank you all very much!

Next up... it is Monday and that means another Mystery Monday for y'all.  This week I am featuring a Calendar Mystery by Ron Roy titled February Friend.  

You are going to love this book this week.  It is super sweet and has a great ending that will melt your heart!  This is a great story showing animal kindness and is just in time for Valentine's Day.


I hope you all are having a fabulous week!
Coconut Cutie

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Are you ready for some {football} shopping?

Don't forget to swing by my sweet little shop on Super Bowl Sunday February 3rd *TOMORROW* for a SUPER sale.  Get 28% off when you enter the code word SUPER.  I know I will be getting my shop on!

Monday, January 28, 2013

There's a LOT Going On This Week

Hey all,

Well, grab yourself a latte because there is a lot going on this week.

First off, I posted a new product yesterday...


In this kit, students will understand the difference between natural resources and human made resources.  Check out some of the activities below...

Earth and its Grand Geography (Part 1) is full of fun activities for understanding the difference between physical characteristics {natural resources} and human characteristics {human resources} of our everyday lives.

This 77 page unit includes whole group and small group activities. It includes a mini project, a nature walk recording sheet, and grid mapping. See below for more...

Includes:
***3 pages of poster and vocabulary cards***

***Geography Walk recording pages (2)***

***Whole Group and Student Puppet activity***
34 teachers cards
student puppet page

***Small Group Sorting Cards Activities***
2 sorting mats (natural and Human made)
36 student cards to sort
Recording Sheet assessment

***Human/Natural Grid Maps***
3 different grid Maps
3 different recording sheets to go with each grid

***Trees and their many uses PROJECT***
Whole group poster
Recording Book

***Roxaboxen by Alice McLerran Activities***
Activity 1-Writing pages
Activity 2-Roxaboxen Box writing
direction card
prompt cards
writing pages

***Writing Pages***
11 pages of bubble maps, writing pages, and other recording pages






This is part 1 of the Earth and its Grand Geography resources.  Look for part 2 {landforms and water sources} and part 3 {Me on a Map} coming soon!

Next up, TPT is having a SUPER BOWL sale and I am joining in.  Everything in my store {including my new Earth Geography kit} will be 28% off for one day {February 3rd}.  Enter in code SUPER to get this *Super* deal.  Get your shop on while the guys watch the game.
  


Lastly, and maybe the most important to some of you, its Monday and you know what that means...It's Mystery Monday!  Today's book by Ron Roy is The Goose's Gold



Happy Shopping and Reading,
Coconut Cutie

Monday, January 21, 2013

Monday is Mystery Monday

I bet you thought I forgot about you.  BUT....I didn't!  Its true, it is getting late and it may be past midnight for some of you and not technically Monday, but alas, it is still Monday for me.  Anywho...let's move on...

I decided to do a different kind of mystery for today.  It is still a mystery by Ron Roy, but this one is from the Calendar Mystery series.  Have you heard of it?  

It is about the younger siblings of the A-Z Mystery kids and some of the main characters are FIRST GRADERS!!!  How fun for my little firsties!  

So...tonight's book  is January Joker by Ron Roy.  The reader's response is a bit different from the others I have been doing for the A-Z Mystery Series.  Rather than doing a spiral for the series, I am just going to make a mini reading response book for each month. Check it out below:





So...what do you think?  Do you like it?  Get your copy of the Reading Response Journal for January Joker here!

I'll be back next Monday for another A-Z Mystery {The Goose's Gold} and the next Calendar Mystery will be in February {February Friend}.

Happy Reading Sweet Friends,
Coconut Cutie


Sunday, January 20, 2013

Phonics Fun Spiral Digraphs A-5 week Unit



Do you love phonics as much as I do?  I {heart} teaching phonics. 

Sooo.... I have been creating Phonic Spiral Fun packets and I have *FINALLY* finished my Digraph Phonic Spiral Fun Kit.  It has taken me quite a long time for this one, but I do believe it is the BEST packet yet.  I think my students have liked this one the best as well.   Check it out here and I hope you have much fun with it as we did.










So many activities in this 167 page packet.  You know you have to have it.  You'll LOVE it too!

Happy Phonics Time,
Coconut Cutie