Easy as P.I.E!

This year I really want to improve my writing instruction along with reading, science, social studies well,.........everything else!   Last year, things were a little lack-luster in our writing workshop-to say the least!  So I just finished whipping up some brainstorming and writing papers that I'm going to use during the first couple weeks of school to introduce Authors Purpose. You can grab these for free at my TPT store by clicking on the picture below.

Students will learn what it means to Persuade, Inform and Entertain, write a piece for each purpose and then select which piece they want to publish.  I'm going to use the papers in conjunction with Hope Kings awesome and free Author's Purpose packet.  I love all of her stuff over at 2nd Grade Shenanigans!

I'm hoping that by introducing this early on my students will be thinking about Authors Purpose every time we read and write throughout the year!

Liebster Love

Good Morning!  I wasn't planning on posting anything today but I woke up to find a great surprise in my inbox! Shelly from Smiling & Shining in Second Grade nominated me for the Liebster Blog Award!  Thank you so much Shelly!  I am thrilled to even be nominated and so excited that in the last 2 days I've gained 12 followers! Below you can find the 5 new bloggers that I am nominating for this award.

First:  Inside this Book-This blog focuses on reviewing books for teachers.  What a great resource!

Second: Tales From Room 112 -Check out her post on the 7 Habits of Healthy Kids

Third: I Want to be a Super Teacher- I love the name of this blog! 

Fourth: Psyched to be in Second-Gotta love her enthusiasm!

Fifth:  Elementary Adventure-Check her out here!

These five bloggers will now need to pass the award on to 5 other bloggers with less than 200 followers, link back to the blogger who gave the award and paste the award on to their blog.   

Thanks again Shelly! Hope everyone has a great Wednesday!

Must Have Picture Books

I've never joined a linky party before but I just knew that I had to be part of the Must Have Picture Book Linky that Lindsey at the Teacher Wife put together.  What a great idea!! It's so hard to narrow it down to only five but here are the five that I just adore and MUST read every year.

You can do so many different things with Strega Nona and I have used it to teach many different skills over the years.  My favorite thing to do however, is to make the book "interactive" by writing the words to the pasta spell on a piece of chart paper before the reading and posting it by the reading area.  When its time to say the spell in the story my students love singing the words and blowing three kisses into the "cauldron" in front of them.  I, of course, love watching them do this even more!  You can buy a copy here.

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs is such a fun book. It's a great way to compare and contrast versions of a story or to introduce point of view.  Grab it here.

This is a wonderful and heartwarming story thats full of imagination but that also teaches about responsibility.  The pictures in it are just beautiful.  You can read more about it by clicking here.

Thundercake is perfect for a stormy day especially if you have kiddos that are scared of thunder.  In the story the grandmother helps her granddaughter face and overcome her fear of thunder.  There's also a recipe in the back for Thundercake that my students always make me photocopy for them - so they can make it at home the next time it storms out.   Pick up your copy here.

Whoever Heard of a Fird is my favorite picture book of all time.  But I just now discovered that it is out of print :(   I was hoping to buy a new copy this year because the one from my childhood is falling apart but it doesn't look like that will be happening since collectors editions are the only ones available and $100+ dollars.  Does anyone else know this book?  Anyone have connections in the publishing world to get this printed again?  It is a wonderful adventure full of magical creatures and songs.  The book contains a number of great lessons on the following topics: individuality, determination, family, friendship and acceptance.  Read more about it here and let me know if you can get this back in book stores! :)

School Mode

I'm finally "back" in school mode (well.....almost!) and have completed another student study guide for Dinosaurs Before Dark.  I am so excited to use this with my incoming kiddos!  It's in the same format as my other study guides with questions and vocabulary included for every chapter.  Click on it below to get it from my TPT store.

Besides that, I've been busy working on lesson cycles and assessments to use in first quarter.  I have a good start so far and I'm hoping to begin the school year with everything for Q1 finalized.  I also found out that my building is ready so, I can get in two weeks earlier than expected!  I am so excited! Originally, we were only going to have 2 days to get our classrooms ready before Open House and now I have 2 1/2 weeks!  I'll be posting more once I'm in and begin to organize things.  Now I'm off to get brunch (I just love brunch) with some great friends!  Have a great Sunday!