Traditional Literature Folktales

Our next genre is Traditional Literature.  We just finished studying theme in various stories and literature circle groups now are moving into folktales.

I found a few different resources for studying the different types of traditional literature but I wanted some way for my students to keep them all organized.

I created this Interactive Tab Book to keep straight the different types of folktales when we were discussing them.  It gives definitions, characteristics, and examples along with practice for each type.

The best part is that the book has QR codes! Each page contains a QR code that links to a video example of that folktale.  This can help students who need a refresher or have not heard that story before.  I was amazed at how many students didn't know Robin Hood or Paul Bunyan! This was great for them to explore! 

       

They were so engaged  the whole time and we took quite awhile to do this.  Next year, I'll probably plan it over 2 days but I didn't reserve the iPad lab enough ahead this year.  Here's some pictures of us - getting our tech on! QR readers were easy to use and familiar with my students, if your class needs a refresher there are some great FREE apps and videos to show - extremely easy to use!

There are pages for legend, fairytale, tall tale, fable and myth.  We're starting with myths first and some of my boys just read Percy Jackson so I know they are excited to start this!  These tab books are great for interactive notebooks or as an easy to use stand alone resource. 

What's your favorite folktale to teach and why? We'll be continuing are study of theme with these stories since it fits so well!

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No more BORING seatwork!!

 It's a dreaded battle....seatwork... Students aren't itching for it, honestly I don't like to give it unless necessary.  Most seatwork is used to practice or eventually assess a skill that we have been working on.  Introducing a concept I like to do an activity, use short clips, or some way to get moving.  Alas...practice of the skill usually comes in the form of worksheet, questions from book, homework, etc...

It is inevitable that it will happen in your classroom at some point or another...more often in the older grades.  I want my students to keep their kid like happiness or innocence at least until after their year with me (4th grade) so we have some ways to spice up seatwork in our room!  Check it out and see if they can benefit your room - trust me you will earn some major cool points.

The premise involves choosing a fun or different way to work in you seat!  There are many methods of doing so, I use the Decide Now app it costs a dollar but well worth the editing capabilities! Just a spinner that you can change the labels! It's very easy to use and displays great on the Smartboard, the fun sound doesn't hurt either. My students were asking all day... Can we spin again? 

You could certainly use a smart board spinner, online tool, draw slips or paper even!!

All these are FREE fun options...and I remind my students...a privilege! 

• - NO shoes - self explanatory
• - reverse in chair - flip chair around to work (we loved this one today)
• - last ? First, sometimes starting from the end switches the dynamic
• - cool tools, use pens or special designated tools for assignment 
• - on floor - work around room 
• -under desks - a definite favorite until your students get so big (you cold modify and have them complete like Picasso with just head under desk writing upside down)
• - partners they choose
• - partners I choose
• - groups-just table groups we have already makes it easy

•  switch seat with number before you
• switch seats with number after you
• work on top of desks
• work with feet up on desks
• work with music
• work on dry erase boards
• work by flashlights
   

I know not all of these would apply to every assignment, but changing it up really helps my class.  They are responsible enough to stay on task otherwise they don't participate. 

Do you have any others to add to the list? How do you spice up seatwork in your classroom?

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Ordering Adjectives!

Looking at the new CCSS standards, I realized that teaching the correct order of adjectives was in the 4th grade curriculum as a language standard.  Mostly this seems to be pretty common sense but can be a little tricky when more than 2 adjectives are involved.  I created some great HILARIOUS resources to help with this concept.  You can check them out below:

This pack has A TON of great engaging activities that are perfect for any classroom! Below you can see with our flip book a great way to start the unit with an explanation, examples, and space to practice these types of adjectives. 

A color by adjective page is included - such a fun quick assessment to see if students know what type of adjective each is which will in turn help them put them in the correct order!  My students had so much fun with coloring and it was easy to grade to see if the colors matched - we had some great discussions about the adjectives and it was very low pressure! 

      

this reference poster comes in the pack! Great for quick reference and went along with our flip books!

More great activities are included as well! Cutting and pasting sentences in order! Sorting adjectives by type (great for groups, individual or whole class), describing pictures, describing favorites, and my personal favorite - pass it on pictures.

Seriously, this was one of the funniest moments of the year so far.  We used the template below and students filled in the first block and passed to the right, when you got yours back you illustrated what it was.   We had so many hilarious pictures. 

12 elderly gray monkeys

large round metal Barbies

4 old spotted turtles...the list could go on and on..

At first, this standard scared me, but after finding do so many creative activities not to mention a fun assessment that is included, my students have mastered it!

You can some parts separately: 

Ordering Adjective Posters

Ordering Adjective Flip Book

Ordering Adjective Assessment 

or save $$$ and buy the bundle that includes 5 additional activities for less than the price of all 3 put together

Ordering Adjective Activities Bundle

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Comprehension Strategies Puzzle

Celebrating my first milestone - I'm offering a FLASH FREEBIE! Go get this quick (and leave feedback!) I'm going to use these multiple ways coming up this week and semester.  Let me know what you think.

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