writing Archives - Page 3 of 3 - Whimsy Workshop Teaching

Fairy Tales – Masks, Scripts, Writing and Phonics

July 1, 2015 by Whimsy Workshop Teaching Leave a Comment

Fairy Tales are well proven vehicle for Readers’ Theater, but the engagement and learning increases significantly when you also incorporate masks and interactive play.
Here’s how we explore fairy tales in my class.

Character Masks

Creating masks is a fun way to incorporate art into your literacy activities. They are so fun, and sometimes I almost can’t recognise the students underneath!

I love that there’s lots of laughing when the kids walk around with these on!

Letter Writing

Letter writing to the fairy tale characters is also [Read More…]

Time Tested Early Literacy Strategies

July 1, 2015 by Whimsy Workshop Teaching Leave a Comment

Does your early literacy time sound like this:

Teacher, how to you spell….?
“What does this word say?

When early readers hear the answer “Just sound it out”, do they really know what you are talking about?

Do they know what that means?

How can we support them further with the risk-taking involved in early reading strategies?

So many students feel anxiety when left on their own to read, and as we know, this anxiety greatly impedes their ability to process information and focus.

Over the last [Read More…]

Ted Harrison Art and More!

June 19, 2015 by Whimsy Workshop Teaching 10 Comments

If you’ve read many of my posts, you’ll know by now that we integrate almost all of our content area in class. Rarely do we let an opportunity go by for writing, and using out own art is so motivating!

But, we do keep it simple.

For example, we studied the art of Ted Harrison, who painted in the north of Canada. His colorful but simple images are perfect for elementary students.

We googled his artwork and simply talked about what we [Read More…]

Writing Templates For The New Year (Free)

November 20, 2014 by Whimsy Workshop Teaching 1 Comment

The first days back at school after the winter holidays can be hard to plan for. Everyone is thinking about goals for the new year, and this is a great topic for writing and reflection with students. Don’t be afraid to model that kind of goal setting with them!

First, we reflect back on the year that past.
We write the highlights, and think about things we’ve learned or experienced for the first time.

Next, we think ahead to the future with goals [Read More…]

Integrate Writing and Math With Building

September 19, 2013 by Whimsy Workshop Teaching Leave a Comment

You know how some students, especially in the first weeks of school, just sigh when you give them writing or math jobs because what they really want to do is play with blocks or lego all day?
Here’s how I got those students excited to do some writing and math (while still letting them build and use their imaginations.) It’s all about integration!

All you need is ANY building materials and the recording sheet.

You Can Use:

*blocks
*lego
*cubes
*playdoh
*pipe cleaners,
*pattern blocks
*beads
*colored pasta
*colored paper shapes
*anything!

DIFFERENTIATION

To differentiate, there are several levels. Just [Read More…]