Writing in 1st Grade!

I love how this format is helping my students write paragraphs. Check out what their independent writing looks like. Every morning, my students take out their journal to write. They are so excited to write! LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!

Building Automaticity in Reading

Fluency in all subject areas is important whether it's in writing, reading or math. Kids need the constant practice to build automaticity and vocabulary especially with second language learners. My students practice reading fluency daily using these passages with one minute sand timers. They absolutely love going to this literacy center. I put the reading passages in sheet protectors, print and laminate 7 title pages in color and put in three prong folders. Next month I will place the October (Halloween theme) passages!

Matching UP Sentences

I just made these tasks cards so that my students can practice writing sentences at a center.  There are 34 different sentences in Spanish that students match with the corresponding pictures. After students match the sentences, they can write them on a separate piece of paper or on a whiteboard. These are great for centers or Daily 5 tasks.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Match-Sentences-in-Spanish-836487

Pattern Sentences and Sentence Frames

There is a process on how teach second language learners to write. I still remember Marla Fernandez teaching me back in the day the importance of sentence frames and pattern sentences. Why? We need to build automaticity in reading and WRITING. Most language learners are anxious because they can't write in the second language. Why not create independence by having them practice reading and writing pattern sentences and sentence frames?

Here is an example of what I've started since day 1 in my classroom. Can they write independently now?? YES!!! Now most of my students are ready to learn how to write stories. Starting NARRATIVE NEXT WEEK!!

¡El travieso David!

Math Manipulative Storage

My math storage bookcase is complete! It took me all morning to organize, get the labels on straight and add a touch of ribbon. We'll see how long the ribbon will last with 26 first graders! :o)  You can get the labels for FREE here!  

Finished my last wall!

Finished my last wall today! I totally love the wall with the polka dot tree!  I saw this on Pinterest and I had to copy it.