How to Engage Your Students In Writing in 7 Minutes [morning seat work]

How to Engage Your Students in Writing in 7 Minutes or Less!

January Morning Riddles

First 7 Morning Minutes At School:

#1 - Arriving at School

#2 - Check-In Responsibilities

#3-  Hello to Friends and sitting at Table or Desk

#4 - Getting Morning Riddle Page from basket

#5 - Reading their riddle [even before getting back to seat]

#6 - Still reading and thinking!

#7 - Writing! 

Keep reading to find out how you can see your students writing within 7 minutes of entering your classroom... 

This is a collection of 21 January riddles for your students to read, think, write and answer. These riddles are a great writing activity for morning seat work. Students settle right in with reading and writing. It is motivating because the children love to guess what today's riddle answer might be. 

Each riddle is a winter idea and contains many high frequency words. Your students read the riddle, think, and write a sentence that answers the question. Next, they illustrate the sentence that they wrote. This is a motivating writing, reading and thinking literacy activity that you may use for morning seat work, homework, for fast finishers or anytime. This product includes 

Kindergarten Math Center at Christmas [Counting, Number Sense, Writing Numbers]

Counting, Number Sense and 
Writing Numbers 0-9

Christmas Math Center - Writing Numbers

Spin and record math centers engage students in activity, following directions and working beside another classmate. Children enjoy the spinning action and this spin and record is 'All About Christmas' and counting.

This math center for Christmas time will provide practice in counting, number sense and writing numbers from 0-9. Pages and spinner show clip art that is in a Christmas style; however, the number pages can be used anytime.   And you can make these pages readily available all the time.

Themed centers can heighten your students interest.  However, these math centers need to accomplish your teaching goal : providing opportunity and practice in a skill that you have already taught.  Math stations can also be an excellent way to immerse some of your students with a task that reinforces direct instruction while you are teaching another small group a similar skill.  Learning can be fun and certainly is when brains are thinking and students can have some directed movement that allows them responsibility in their own learning. 
Your goals for a math station might be: 

1. Learning
2. Practice, review and reinforcement in skills previously taught
3. Independent skills to complete a given task

Classic Christmas Read Alouds - Jan Brett

Jan Brett's illustrations will grab you immediately.  She is a well-known children's author and her stories are poetic, beautiful and humorous. 
 The Wild Christmas Reindeer is about young, Teeka.  She lives in Norway and has the important task of training the reindeer for Santa's sleigh.  Things don't go very well the first time around as she tries to teach cooperation and organization to the reindeer. Christmas is approaching and Teeka learns a lot about how a method of teaching makes a big difference to the learners. 

Jan Brett inspires good quality traits and habits.  Children learn kindness, patience and tenacity

2 Picture Books for November that Teach Math and Literacy Skills [Beginning Readers]

Nuts to You, by Lois Ehlert is a perfect read aloud for this time of year.  Squirrels, nuts, birds, windows and screen doors.  This squirrel is roaming about in summer but it is a perfect addition to animals and nature for the fall.  Read along to find out the many math and literacy skills you might teach using these 2 November favorites. 

READ ALOUD

Nuts to You!  is an engaging story about a frisky squirrel who explores the bird feeder, then up to the window box and right into an apartment through a tear in the screen. Ehlert's collage style illustrations are a springboard for children to make their own. Read in a slow pace so children can view these marvelous illustrations.  There is much to see on each page.  Squirrel climbing, exploring and even upside-down at times.  Reading pictures and illustrations are a must to comprehension of the whole story the author writes.  The author chooses pictures to enhance

Veterans' Day Writing Prompts [November 11]

Make some time to teach about Veterans' Day.  Read about the reasons why we celebrate this day on November 11.  In the United States, Veterans' Day is November 11.  This day is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice, which ended World War I.  We thank all the soldiers who fought in the wars on Veterans Day.  Many, many soldiers lost their lives fighting for our freedom.  These writing prompts and pages were created for beginning readers and writers to

179 Teaching Resources that Engage Students and save Teachers Time

It's a great day to find teaching resources that engage students and save you time.  

 You can take a closer look at MrsQuimbyReads.com or at my TPT Store.  See all the teaching resources I have created for learning in the primary grades.   There are over 170 resources.   

 Study the Pilgrims and Wampanoags.  Group project, each group focuses on what part of history and then reports to class.  Reading passages included... questions for discovery.

Nuts to You by Lois Ehlert - 

Reader Response pages include counting, learning ABC's, math centers, literacy center, addition-subtraction pages, writing numbers to 20, addends to 10, patterns, craft ideas

Groundhog Day

All About Snow Literacy and Math Printables

Frog and Toad Reader Response Pages - 3 stories

Alphabet Sound-Letter Match

 More examples below but be sure to go to my store to see all 179 teaching resources...

Here is a partial list of the teaching resources that I have created for students to engage in reading, writing, math and numbers, Social Studies, Science, Classroom Management...

You will be able to find writing prompts and reader response pages  for Children's Literature:

• Charlotte's Web
• Charlotte's Web [for Primary Readers}
• The Trumpet of the Swan
• Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh
• Only One You
• Red, a Crayon's Story
• Chrysanthemum
• The Wild Christmas Reindeer
• Enemy Pie
• Stellaluna
• Big Al
• Wake Up, Wake Up
• One Monday Morning
• My Garden
• The Giving Tree
• The Lorax
• Frances Books
• The Little Red Hen
• One Smart Cookie
• Hurry, Hurry
• Frog and Toad
• The Very Busy Spider
• Frankencrayon
• Tops and Bottoms
• Aesops Fables
• The Giving Tree
• Henry Huggins
• Charlotte's Web - Interactive Reading Booklet
• The Very Busy Spider
• Kristina Katerina and the Box
• Island of the Blue Dolphins
• Nuts to You
• James and the Giant Peach
• After the Fall, How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again

You will be able to find Math activities for:

• arrays and early multiplication
• Multiplication - USA [learn your facts] game
• number grids
• I have, Who Has? multiplication
• Scoot games for multiplication 
• Listening Activity for Place Value
• Scoot game for division
• perimeter is around anchor chart
• Numbers to display [primary grades]
• Valentine's Day Math pack
• Hello Spring, Literacy & Math Pack

Holidays and Seasonal - So Much Fun!

• Veterans' Day Writing Pages
• Christmas Color by sight words
• All about Snow - Literacy and Math Pack
• Groundhog Day writing pages

How Stellaluna Inspires Children to Be Kind

Stellaluna
by Janell Cannon

Reader Response Pages to Use with this Book

Poor Stellaluna! 

Stellaluna is a bat and she is separated from her mom during an owl attack.  Luckily, she does end up in a bird's nest where the family of birds take her in as their own.  She now has a mother bird who cares for her and the baby birds become her friends.  As she grows, she begins to do bird-like things.  Later, she meets up with other bats and becomes reunited with her mother.  The bats teach her bat-like things and she finds out that life is better sleeping upside-down!  And she tries to teach her bird friends to do bat things. But they aren't very good at being a bat and it is troublesome.  They wonder how they can be so alike yet so different. 

From the very beginning, children are engaged in this wonderful story.  Suspenseful pages

How to Make a Story Elements Booklet for Charlotte's Web

Charlotte's Web

by E.B. White

Make a Story Elements Booklet

This story booklet enhances the reading experience for children.  It is a flap booklet which gives space for writing about the story elements for Charlotte's Web.  Readers write about the characters, setting, problem, solution and ending.  This booklet is very easy to assemble... no cutting, no glue.  Simply download, print on 

2 sides, fold and staple.  I usually add a bit of duck tape to make a nice binding so no snags on the staples.  

Get your story elements booklet here for Charlotte's Web.  

And if you need more reader response pages for Charlotte's Web; they are here.  Two choices: 

Reader Response Pages for the Primary Reader

Reader Response Pages for Grades 2-3 

Both literacy packs include the story elements booklet.  This wonderful book teaches friendship, values, kindness and loyalty all set in a beautiful farm setting.  

"From three to four, [Wilbur] planned to stand perfectly still and think of what it was like to be alive." Taking time to immerse yourself into deep thought and contemplate your existence isn't such a bad way to spend your time, really."

So many lessons to learn from Children's Literature...

See you next time...in the meantime...keep reading... to yourself and to children...

Literacy Lessons with Children's Literature

How can a picture book be cancelled?

Michael Hall is one of my favorite authors.  He teaches us to be creative.  He teaches us to think.  Frankencrayon is entertaining and fantastic!  He sets the stage with the characters who are a group of crayons.  They are ready to read a picture book about "Frankencrayon"; however, oh my! what has happened!! the unthinkable! Someone has scribbled on the opening page.  The crayons, of course, try their best to erase this horrible scribble, but cannot and the story is cancelled!  Or is it?  Read this hilarious story to find out who saves the day and be sure to read it to some young people who can relate to seeing a scribble in a story book.  You may also like the book, Red, a Crayon's Story, by Michael Hall.  This talented author and illustrator engages readers from the first page.  You can find reader response pages HERE for Red, a Crayon's Story.  

If you wish to extend your reading experience for Frankencrayon,  I have included some links below.   

Download this pdf from Greenwillow books.   HERE

Oh, no!  Who made that scribble?

This book is an excellent choice to teach:

• prediction skills 
• point of view

Being creative is welcomed here!  Construction paper and crayons, cut some shapes for your kindergartens to make their own Frankencrayons!!  Materials needed: paper, glue sticks, crayons, pencils, paints, shapes and thinking!

for Kindergarteners

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.1
With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.2
With prompting and support, retell familiar stories, including key details.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.3
With prompting and support, identify characters, settings, and major events in a story.

for First Graders

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.1
Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2
Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.3
Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details.

Themes and Key Discussion Points:

• acceptance
• relationships
• humor

Before Reading Questions:

• Have you heard of Frankenstein? What do you know of this story? If not, discuss the different crayons and the way in which they create a new ‘taped-together’ character. 
• Have you read Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall? If so, what expectations do you have about this book? What do you recall about the author’s style?
• Meet the cast and crew on the first page. Make predictions about the book. What clues do readers get from this page? 
• Turn to the title page. Were your predictions correct?

Find some reader response pages to enhance your reading experience... 

Find your reader response pages HERE

How to teach Children's Literature and advance literacy skills

Writing Prompt Sticks

Writing About Whales 🐳           Writing Checklist 

Another great story to read aloud. Read this book and enhance the reading experience with reader response pages and writing.  Enemy Pie  reader response pages to write about the meaning and understand the author's message.

Check back to see more writing pages to use with children's literature for primary grades .

One Super Fantastic Way to Get Kindergarteners to Engage in Reading

These story element booklets were created by me to help beginning readers understand story elements and also to begin writing about books. Young readers sometimes like to write about their reading and you will know when they are ready to write.  Drawing is writing.  If you choose Charlotte's Web to read aloud, you will love this book.  I never tire of reading it to yet another group of children.  So much to talk about.  So much to learn.  You can find this booklet in my Charlotte's Web Literacy Reader Response Pages for Beginning Readers. 

These writing prompts are for Beginning Readers

Charlotte's Web for Young Readers

You can get Your Reader Response Pages and Story Elements Booklet HERE

 If you are looking for reader response pages for more experienced readers, grades 2-3, you will want to get the red cover Charlotte's Web reader response pages.  Check below

Get these reader response pages here for Grades 2-3

Be sure to visit MrsQuimbyReads.com and subscribe for free teaching resources, updates and newsletters.

Until next time,  See you at the library, 

Reading and Writing About Christopher Columbus

Happy Columbus Day!  Read, write and learn about Christopher Columbus. Writing Prompts, fun facts and reading texts to learn about Columbus and his famous voyage.  Word study and pages for early readers and writers.

Engage Your Readers with Delightful Books -The Very Busy Spider -

The Very Busy Spider

by Eric Carle

This wonderful book by Eric Carle is perfect for beginning readers. Read Aloud, then have your students make their own booklet to read, reread and read again.

Artful and fun! Get everything you need to enhance this reading experience HERE.

Children can

• listen to the reading
• remember the characters
• write animal names
• color pages
• retell the story
• reread the story
• practice handwriting
• practice sight words
• cut and paste sequence

Who did the spider meet? And why was she so busy?



Check back often for more wonderful books and reader response pages.  Follow me too!

Click this link to choose your teaching resource giveaway

 This GIVEAWAY includes 20 FREE teaching resources.  Choose all or one.  Thank you for following me.  If you want to get in on this giveaway, join in and follow me HERE.  I create teaching resources that bring joy to learning, engage students in thinking, give opportunities for authentic reading and writing experiences 
and saves time for their teachers ! 

 Join my group of followers and watch us grow! 

10 Best Books to Read [for the First Weeks of School]

 

These books are the best books to read aloud to your students during the first weeks of school.  Children listen and ask questions. They will ask if you can read it again.  They ask when you will read another book.  

10 favorites for the first week of school will bring about class discussions about school, kindness, citizenship, and community.  

Set the tone and read about Chrysanthemum... she loved her name until she got to school.  Read how she solves her problem.  Read Each Kindness to show your students they should never miss an opportunity to be kind.  One Smart Cookie will teach new vocabulary about citizenship.  Words like organize, create, inspire and prompt.   Display the words and refer back to them often.  

The Story Blanket  tells the reader that every question has an answer.  Babba Zarrah shows kindness and learns how that makes a difference in her own life. 

Big Al is not so cute but he is a true friend. Poor Big Al wants to make friends and he learns the perfect way to do so!  Every child needs a friend. 
 Red, a Crayon's Story, finds out he is really blue no matter how much he tries to be red and match his label.  He is true blue!  Tops and Bottoms will show Bear, not-so-hard at work, and Hare working hard to feed his rabbit family.  This book will be a natural springboard to discuss work habits, laziness and what we beget by being either. Illustrations are magnificent! 

Splat the Cat in 

Back to School, Splat is entertaining and fun!  Some books entertain and this one hits the mark for entertaining.  Teach your children that books and reading are entertaining and that is why we love our books at school, at home and of course, in the library! Read this book to your students, then just close it and lie the book in your lap.  Pause... and that is Splat, the Cat! Listen to your students talk about the book.  Characters like Splat, the Cat are joyous!

And If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don't ! will get your student's attention at the cover. This book is perfect for teaching book cover reading strategies.  READ this book! 

And we are all unique!  Only One You is the perfect book to share with your class during the first weeks of school.  You could spend an entire morning on the inside pages alone. And you just might decide to do an art activity after reading this book.  Keep the rocks in a special place all year long.  The messages in this book are important to know for today, tomorrow and always! 

Get Your Reader Response Pages Here 

Writing Prompts HERE

Writing Prompts HERE

Writing Prompts HERE

Writing Prompts HERE

The Story Blanket

Writing Prompts HERE


Reading is the heart  of elementary school curriculum.  Finding good books is the first step to a community of readers and writers that engage in the activity with smiles on their faces.  And, as Frank Smith's research states "we improve our skills in the activities we engage in"  engage your students in reading, writing, speaking and listening in an authentic way with children's literature.  Trust that the authors can model good writing and listening skills.  Check back here to find more excellent book choices. 

This is an easy writing prompt for The Story Blanket.  4-square and it's FREE just click above and get yours.  

Open House - Meet the Teacher Slideshow Presentation - [Editable]

Make Your Meet the Teacher Night Professional and
Easy to Do Get this Editable Slideshow HERE

Slideshow Presentation for your Open House or Meet the Teacher Night.  There are 39 slides and they are EDITABLE  for you to type in your specific information.  Fun Fall Colors and clip art!

You can make the perfect slideshow for your parents.
Your presentation will be organized, well thought-out, and extremely helpful to your parents.  Makes the night stress free as you will have all the information at a simple click of the mouse.  There are a few blank files also with matching fall border so you can add other topics if you needed to...

Slides Include:
*Welcome
*Our Schedule
*Times to Know
*All About Breakfast
*All About Lunch
* Daily Snack
*Healthy Snacks
*Learning About Reading
* Writing Daily
*Math Wizards
*Super Scientists
*Social Studies
*Homework
*Reading At Home
*Practicing Sight Words
*Expectations (class rules)
*Grading and Report Cards
*Playing at Recess
* Transportation
* Field Trips
* Birthdays
*Class Celebrations
* This Year's Projects
*Technology
*School Supplies
* Important Reminders
* Additional Notes
*Highlights
*Blank Topic Slides (with clipart)
*Blank Topic Slides (without clipart)

These slides will make your presentation perfect!  Teacher directions are included.  You won't forget anything as you will have prepared your slides and information before hand.
Have a fabulous Meet the Teacher Night!

Find Your Slides HERE

Find Teaching Resources for BACK-TO-SCHOOL  ... 

save time...

and you also might like to make an OPEN HOUSE brochure for your parents to read and learn about your classroom

get yours HERE