More Literacy Freebies

Hi bloggy friends!  I can't believe it's been over a month since I last posted.  When I started this blog, I really had intentions of posting more regularly.  But I guess I'm not as on top of things as I'd like to be.  Besides being swamped at school (like I'm sure all of you are too), I was super sick with pneumonia for awhile and still have bronchitis.  Needless to say, I'm so ready for winter break so that I can get some extra rest and spend lots of time with my boys.

Anyways, I was so excited that my summarizing organizer was helpful to many of you!  Thanks a bunch for all of the positive comments!  Someone asked if I have the same organizer for nonfiction and unfortunately, I do not; however, here is an organizer that I have my kiddos use when reading nonfiction text.  From this organizer, my students then write a summary.

Main Idea Organizer

I have created a graphic organizer to help with summarizing biographies.  It also comes from some ideas I learned at a training with Kathy Bumgartner (www.kbumreading.com).

Summarizing a Biography

Also, this week we wrapped up our literature circles and the kids got to pick three activities from a Tic-Tac-Toe style menu that they'd like to complete.  They had so much fun and their products were so creative (I've really got to start taking pictures).   Here's a copy of the Tic-Tac-Toe.  The activities can be used with any stories!

Literature Circle Final Projects

Ok, so that's it for now.  I have been getting some creative ideas from other blogs out there and wanted to give back a little something!  If you can use any of these activities, I'd love to hear your plans for them!