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Fun in First

A Teaching Blog by Jodi Southard

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Reading

Sentence Trees – Perfect for Beginner Fluency Practice

December 7, 2016 by Jodi Leave a Comment

Sentence Trees are a great way to give your beginning readers confidence in their reading skills.

About a year and a half ago, I created a packet of Sight Word Sentence Trees for my beginning readers.  They became instant favorites with my new 1st grade readers because it gave them confidence with their reading skills.

Sentence Trees are a great way to give your beginning readers confidence in their reading skills. I love using these during fluency stations, in small groups, or for early finishers.  We also use the Sentence Trees while partner reading.  You can laminate the cards and place them on a metal ring to make them easy for students to use.  I am always amazed at the confidence level of my beginning readers when they use these cards.  By slowly building on the words and constantly repeating them, they are able to practice their fluency skills.

I now have four separate sets of Sentence Trees available.

Sight Word Sentence Trees

Short Vowel Sentence Trees

Long Vowel Sentence Trees

Blends and Digraph Sentence Trees

You can find all of these by clicking on the links above.

Sentence Trees are a wonderful way for your beginning readers to gain confidence in their reading skills.

Filed Under: Fluency, Reading

Increasing Reading Fluency in 5 Easy Steps

October 30, 2016 by Jodi 1 Comment

Increasing Reading Fluency in 5 Easy Steps by Jodi Southard @ Fun in First

Increasing Reading Fluency in 5 Easy Steps by Jodi Southard @ Fun in First

Reading fluency is a key component in becoming a good reader.  Fluent readers not only sound good while they are reading, but they also understand what they are reading.  A fluent reader reads with speed, accuracy, and expression.  Fluency is the bridge to comprehension.  Once a reader does not have to put their entire focus on decoding words, they can focus instead on understanding what they are reading.

I love working on fluency in my classroom.  I think it is such an important skill for my 1st graders to understand and grasp.  A couple years ago, while working on a presentation about increasing student’s fluency skills, I came up with a 5 step process for practicing fluency passages.

5 Step Fluency - Increasing Reading Fluency in 5 Easy StepsThe Five Step Fluency Process includes:

  1. Read It & Mark It – Using a timer, read as much as the passage as possible in one minute.
  2. Read at Your Own Pace – Read the ENTIRE passage at your own pace.
  3. Word Work Strategies – Highlight a particular word work skill in the passage.
  4. Silly Read – Reread the passage using a silly voice.
  5. Read It & Mark It – Reread the passage using a timer to see if you can beat your first time.

These five steps can be used with any passage or short story, but I made the process simpler by creating 5 Step Fluency packets.

5 Step Fluency - Increasing Reading Fluency in 5 Easy StepsI created these in numerous levels and grouped them into three packets.  The original packet includes three different sections of stories grouped by the number of words in each reading passage (66-83 wpm, 121-148 wpm, 193-226 wpm.)  This was the first packet I created for my students.  I use this one with the majority of my on-level to above grade level 1st graders.

5 Step Fluency - Increasing Reading Fluency in 5 Easy StepsThey love reading in a silly voice.  It is definitely their favorite step, and it is so fun to listen to how dramatic they can become when their voice changes.

After creating my original packet, I had a lot of requests for a lower level packet that could be used with beginning 1st grade readers.  So, I created my 5 Step Fluency for Beginning Readers which includes fluency phrases, as well as lower level stories, ranging from 21-42 words per minute.

5 Step Fluency - Increasing Reading Fluency in 5 Easy StepsThis packet is perfect for the beginning of the year in 1st grade.  I also love that they are working on fluency as well as phonics skills during this activity.

Then, of course, I had to create a packet for my super high flyers.  My 5 Step Fluency for Advanced Readers is geared towards 2nd – 3rd grade readers, but I have had a couple 1st graders in the past that have been able to handle these passages as well.

5 Step Fluency - Increasing Reading Fluency in 5 Easy StepsThe advanced packet includes passages ranging from 218-336 words per minute.  The Word Work skills are also more advanced and include skills like suffixes, prefixes, pronouns, and adverbs.

I love using these passages during small group reading instruction and during Intervention/Enrichment (I/E) time.  Now that my students are very comfortable with the 5 step format, we can carry it over into other reading material.

These Voice Sticks are a perfect addition for stations or rereading a story during whole group instruction.  You can find those in a separate packet by clicking on the picture below.

These Fluency Voice Sticks from Jodi Southard @ Fun in First help to make reading exciting.The circles are cut out and placed on popsicle sticks for students to choose a voice.

These Fluency Voice Sticks from Jodi Southard @ Fun in First help to make reading exciting.We have even used these during calendar time to choose a voice for counting number patterns.  It’s an easy way to add a little fun to your instruction.

These Fluency Voice Sticks from Jodi Southard @ Fun in First help to make reading exciting.Would you like to try a sample of each of my 5 Step Fluency packets?

I created a sampler packet that includes one passage from each of my 5 Step Fluency packets.  This will allow you to see which packet would work best for the students in your classroom.  If you can see the benefit of all three packets, you might be interested in saving money and purchasing the bundle of all three 5 Step Fluency packets.  Just click on the picture below.

This FREE 5-Step Fluency Sampler Packet allows you to try it before you buy it.

Check out each of my 5 Step Packets and Voice Sticks by clicking on the links below.

5 Step Fluency for Beginning Readers

5 Step Fluency

5 Step Fluency for Advanced Readers

5 Step Fluency (The Bundle)

Voice Sticks & Spinners

5 Step Fluency - Increasing Reading Fluency in 5 Easy Steps by Jodi Southard @ Fun in First

 

Filed Under: Fluency, Reading Tagged With: 5 step fluency

Nonfiction Text Features Using Scholastic Weekly Readers

October 28, 2016 by Jodi Leave a Comment

Ideas for teaching about nonfiction text features using Scholastics Weekly Readers.

Over the years, I have found myself using more and more nonfiction texts in my classroom.  It’s an easy way to integrate science and social studies into the reading curriculum, and students really enjoy nonfiction.  Don’t get me wrong, a great fiction book will always pull at my heartstrings, but nonfiction has definitely become an essential part of my classroom.  So, when Scholastic contacted me to see if I would like to try their Scholastic Weekly Readers in my classroom and share an activity on my blog, I gladly agreed.

Ideas for teaching about nonfiction text features using Scholastics Weekly Readers.

Thank you to Scholastic for sponsoring this post to help spread the word about Scholastics Magazines.  All opinions are my own, and I only share about products I love.

I received the October set of Scholastic News magazines for Grade 1, and the topics were perfect for our classroom.  (Pumpkins, Fire Safety, Animals in Leaf Litter, and Elections)  They were so easy to incorporate right into our day.  The students were so excited to have their own magazines with real pictures.

Ideas for teaching about nonfiction text features using Scholastics Weekly Readers.We read the article together and discussed the things we learned.  Then, I had the students highlight anything new that they learned from the article.  They loved going back into the text to look for new knowledge.

Next, I displayed the poster size copy of the article on my easel.

Ideas for teaching about nonfiction text features using Scholastics Weekly Readers.We reread the article and discussed the main idea and key details in the text.  This particular article was perfect for this nonfiction skill.  I had the students come up and place a Post-It note on each part.

Ideas for teaching about nonfiction text features using Scholastics Weekly Readers.This gave them a perfect visual of this comprehension skill.

Later on in the week, after we had read some of the other magazines for the month, we talked about nonfiction text features.  I placed my students into small groups of 4-5.  I wanted them to create their own anchor charts to show different text features.  I gave each group a large piece of chart paper, extra copies of the Scholastic Weekly Readers, and labels.  {You can download the labels for free HERE.}

Ideas for teaching about nonfiction text features using Scholastics Weekly Readers.I have to admit, I was a little worried about this at first.  I explained over and over again that they needed to work together and plan out their charts.  I tried to explain to my students that they did not want to just start cutting and gluing.  They would have to come up with a plan as to where to place things before they glued everything down.

Ideas for teaching about nonfiction text features using Scholastics Weekly Readers.I eventually just let go of the control of wanting a “pretty” anchor chart and allowed them to plan and learn from their mistakes.  I was SO pleasantly surprised!

Ideas for teaching about nonfiction text features using Scholastics Weekly Readers.Their end results were amazing.  We only had one group that accidently threw away two of their text feature labels, so they left them off of the chart.  One group out of 5…I call that success.

Ideas for teaching about nonfiction text features using Scholastics Weekly Readers.

I was so proud of them.  They really took ownership of these anchor charts.  Their learning from this activity will be so much stronger than if I created the anchor chart and just placed it on my wall.Ideas for teaching about nonfiction text features using Scholastics Weekly Readers.

The students love these magazines, and I will definitely be ordering them for the remainder of the school year.  The possibilities are endless.  I also love that they come with posters, online tools, and lesson ideas.

Ideas for teaching about nonfiction text features using Scholastics Weekly Readers.Scholastic believes that students learn when educational topics are meaningful to them.  That’s why each Scholastic Classroom Magazine takes a specific subject like math or language arts and uses captivating photos, informative writing, and impressive online features to make it relevant and engaging to every student.  Not only do students love Scholastic Magazines, teachers love using them in their classrooms because they provide invaluable instructional materials that meet current academic standards that prepare students for state tests.

I also love that a Scholastic Magazine subscription includes access to Scholastic News Online, which features exciting videos, learning games, Text-to-Talk audio, and so much more.

Smart Teaching Tips Contest

You could win a $200 gift card from the Scholastic Teacher Store!

Scholastic Magazines is hosting a #SmartTeachingTips contest for other teachers to develop their own creative ideas on how to incorporate Scholastic Magazines into the classroom.

How to enter the #SmartTeachingTips Contest.

Share your tips for how to use Scholastic Magazines creatively in your classroom.  Tell about it on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram, and include a photo or video.  Be sure to use the hashtag #SmartTeachingTips.

Three winners will be chosen based on outstanding creativity.  Each winner will receive a $200 gift card to Scholastic Teacher Store.  Follow Scholastic Teachers on social media to learn more.

@scholasticteach on Twitter

@scholasticinc on Instagram

@scholasticteachers on Facebook

More Exciting Opportunities from Scholastic

30 Day Free Trial of Scholastic Printables

Lessons and activities on other websites can be unreliable and inaccurate. Only Scholastic Printables has a team of education experts to ensure you’re getting the highest-quality, most up-to-date resources available for grades PreK-6! Start your free 30 days now!

Scholastic Magazines – Promotional Code

Scholastic Magazines are the most affordable and exciting way to bring current, curriculum connected nonfiction into your classroom.  To save 40%, mention code 2905 when ordering.  Call 1-800-SCHOLASTIC or visit www.scholastic.com/magazines.

I would love to hear how you use Scholastic Magazines in your classroom.

 

Filed Under: Reading, Science/Social Studies

Monster Fun for Everyone

October 8, 2016 by Jodi 4 Comments

Monster Activities for the classroom from Fun in First

October is so great!  There are so many wonderful themes to cover, but this year, I just had to add a little bit of monster fun into our day.

Monster Activities for the classroom from Fun in FirstI am a little bit obsessed with cute monsters…not scary ones.  I even had a “monster themed” 1st birthday party for my little guy last year.  We started off by reading the book, I Need My Monster.  If you do not have this book, it is a must.  The students LOVED it!

Missing Monster Posters

After reading, I had the students pretend that they had monsters, but their monsters were missing.  So, we made missing posters.

Monster themed activities for the classroom from Fun in FirstMonster themed activities for the classroom from Fun in FirstThey were so creative with these!  I loved reading what their monsters liked to eat.  First graders are hilarious!  You can find these Missing Monster Posters in my Monster Fun for Everyone packet.

Monster Bulletin Board

Monster Themed activities from Fun in FirstThen, the students made their own symmetrical monsters from construction paper.  I precut white and black circles for eyes and let the students decide how many eyes they wanted for their monster.  This made a great bulletin board display outside of my classroom.

Monster Fun for Everyone

I put the Missing Monster Posters, as well as some other reading, writing, and math activities into a Monster Fun for Everyone packet.

Monster Fun for Everyone activities from Fun in First

You can click HERE, or on the picture above to check out this monster fun mini-unit.

Monster Themed Read Alouds

We have continued to read monster themed books this week included the sequel, Hey, That’s My Monster!

Here are some more great monster themed books. (All of the Amazon affiliate links are located under the picture.)

Monster themed books for kidsThe Monster Who Lost His Mean

Goodnight, Little Monster

Nighty Night, Little Green Monster

My Teacher is a Monster

My Monster Mama Loves Me So

The Monstore

I Need My Monster

The Monster at the End of this Book

Hey!  That’s My Monster!

Monster Craft Ideas

I also found these adorable monster themed crafts on Pinterest.  The links to each blog is located under the picture.

Monster Crafts for KidsPaper Bag Monsters

Blow Paint Monsters

Monster Sun Catchers

Watercolor Monsters

Monster Splat Pictures

Paper Plate Monsters

Coffee Filter Monsters

Craft Stick Monsters (I thought this would make amazing pointers for reading!)

Online Book Reading

You also MUST, MUST, MUST check out Storyline Online.  The reading of I Need My Monster is AMAZING!!!!

I really hope she reads Hey!  That’s My Monster in the future because my reading does not do it justice after hearing her.

Filed Under: Classroom Decor, Fall, Reading

My Guided Reading Must Haves

September 26, 2016 by Jodi 4 Comments

Guided Reading Must Haves from Fun in First

I love working with small groups in my classroom.  If I could figure out a way to work with small groups all day long, it would be amazing.  I feel like this portion of my day is so important.  I really get to know my students strengths and weaknesses, and I’m able to really focus on their exact needs.  So, what are my Guided Reading must haves?

Guided Reading Must Haves from Fun in First

…

Read More »

Filed Under: Reading, Supplies Tagged With: Guided Reading, Small Groups

Reading on the Move

September 18, 2016 by Jodi 6 Comments

Reading on the Move is an amazing way to combine reading fluency and exercise. Your students will LOVE it!

We all know the importance of getting students up and moving around.  Six and seven year olds do not want to sit all day.  The more active I can keep them, the better our day goes.  Since, I am a little obsessed with reading fluency, my mind is constantly thinking of new ways to make it fun for my students.  I combined two of my favorite things…reading and exercise…and created Reading on the Move.

     Reading on the Move is an amazing way to combine reading fluency and exercise. Your students will love being active while reading.We used this for the first time last week, and the students LOVED it!  It allowed them to practice their reading and get up and moving.  After doing a story together, the students tried their own.  I gave each of them dice and a story from my Reading on the Move Simple Stories packet.  The students rolled, read the story, and then completed the movement that matched their dice roll.

Reading on the Move is the perfect way to combine reading fluency and exercise.Now, I will say, if you are adamant about a perfectly quiet classroom, this will not be your favorite activity.  It’s noisy.  The kids are reading and exercising.  It’s what you would expect 🙂

Reading on the Move is the perfect way to combine reading fluency and exercise.One of the first things they told me was that our P.E. teacher would LOVE this!

Reading on the Move is the perfect way to combine reading fluency and exercise.In each packet, there are two options to choose from.  The first set allows the students to move WHILE reading.  (March in place while reading, raise up and down on your toes while reading, etc.)  The second option allows the students to move AFTER reading.  (Do 5 pushups, Do 10 jumping jacks, etc.)  The second option is definitely your better option for those students that may still need to track their print with their finger.

Reading on the Move is the perfect way to combine reading fluency and exercise.

The students draw about the passage when they are finished.  This adds a comprehension component to the reading as well.

So far, I have two separate Reading on the Move products available.

Reading on the Move Simple SentencesReading on the Move Beginner StoriesI have many more in the works including some for nonsense word fluency, specific phonics skills, and even seasonal packets.  You can always find all of my Reading on the Move products at

www.readingonthemove.com

I’d LOVE to see this in action in your classroom.  If you use any of my Reading on the Move packets in your classroom and you post it on Instagram, use the hashtag #readingonthemove.

Reading on the Move allows students to get up and move while practicing their reading. It is the perfect combination of fluency and exercise. Students LOVE it!

Filed Under: Fluency, Reading Tagged With: Fluency, Reading on the Move

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funinfirstblog

Definitely not my favorite of his costumes, but he Definitely not my favorite of his costumes, but he loves it, so that’s all that matters 🦴🎃
We will be completing our Halloween Challenge on F We will be completing our Halloween Challenge on Friday. It’s such a great way to make learning fun while working cooperatively.🎃
Check it out by following the link in my profile.
Thank you, Halloween!!🎃👻 Thank you, Halloween!!🎃👻
🌟Easy small group activity🌟 Give each studen 🌟Easy small group activity🌟
Give each student the vowels using foam or magnetic letters. Say a CVC word.  The students hold up the vowel to show the middle sound that they hear.
Super easy and effective💙
I could not be happier that Halloween falls on a S I could not be happier that Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, but that definitely does not mean that the kids will be calm this coming week🤪
If you can’t beat them, join them, right? We will be working on reading fluency using my Halloween Reading on the Move.
Check it out by following the link in my profile.🎃
I’ve definitely need some coffee to get through I’ve definitely need some coffee to get through this past week that I swear was actually 15 days long 😂 But, I’m officially done with my parent-teacher conferences✔️👏👏
We normally do a student pumpkin decorating contes We normally do a student pumpkin decorating contest at school, and the pumpkins are always AMAZING. Due to Covid, we had to cancel it this year, but each classroom created a pumpkin.
We finished ours today, and I actually think it turned out pretty cute🦁
At this point in the year, I am definitely feeling At this point in the year, I am definitely feeling like my soup of the day should be coffee.
I’m *almost* done with Parent-Teacher Conferences. Only 2 more left👏👏
How are you holding up? Do you need some coffee soup along with me?
 

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