Showing My Understanding Magnetic Display

One of my favorite educational supply companies is Teacher Created Resources. Recently, they contacted me and asked me if I wanted to try out some of their magnetic labels. I jumped at the chance, of course! 

Right away, I knew what I wanted to do with them.

I use the Marzano scales to check for understanding. I decided this year that I was going to use the scales predominately to access my students' understanding of the weekly phonics skill(s). 

Up until I had these magnets, we were doing frequent heart checks. I would tell my students the learning goal for the week and articulate the specific target goals for each score. Then, my students would hold up 1, 2, 3, or 4 fingers. This was working well, but once I saw these magnets, I knew they would make a wonderful addition to my showing my understanding anchor chart.

This picture shows part of my focus wall. On the bottom of the picture, you can see my showing my understanding anchor chart. I labeled each magnet with my students' names. 

Now, after I articulate each target goal, my students place their magnet under the score that best describes their ability at that moment in time. My target goals are very specific to the skill being taught, so my students know exactly where they score.

Here are some close-ups!

I love how this display is very accessible to the children, as it allows them to move their magnet when they feel they are ready to move to the next score. The children enjoy being in charge of their learning and monitoring themselves as the week goes on. This display makes it very easy for me to help track my students' progress, give extra help, if needed, and celebrate success.

If you are interested in purchasing these magnets for your classroom, you can find them here. They come 30 to a pack. You can use the rest for other things, like I do! They are easy to write on and wipe off, and the magnet is powerful.

If you are interested in my showing my understanding anchor chart, just leave a comment, with your email (or email me!) and I'll send it to you.

Citizenship Anchor Chart

I am linking this post up with Maria for Make a Difference Monthly. This month's trait is citizenship. Here is one thing I do to promote good citizenship in my classroom.

Here is a cute group activity I did in my classroom to promote good citizenship. As a class, we brainstormed ways we can be good citizens. Then, I wrote them all on a chart. Everyone signed the chart and we hung it in our classroom. I know the chart is kind of plain, but, I did this activity before Pinterest and blogging taught me to make more exciting charts! Next year's chart will have fancy letters and illustrations!

Ocean Unit Activities, a Freebie, and a Giveaway!

My first graders have really been enjoying our under the sea adventures! There's so much to learn and so many exciting activities to do. What I love most about this topic is that the children can learn so much on their own, by reading nonfiction books and articles. I paired them up and gave each pair a nonfiction dolphin or shark book and they filled out their own tree maps.

Then, I transferred all their information to a giant sized tree map that I hung in a pocket chart. (This activity is part of my Dolphins and Sharks Activity Pack. You can click the picture for more information.)

We also completed a 3-2-1 Nonfiction Reading Strategy Graphic Organizer. First, I modeled how to complete the graphic organizer.  Then, the children completed one at a station. Being able to read informational texts effectively is a fundamental quality of successful readers. After reading nonfiction books or articles, this graphic organizer helps the children summarize what they have learned. You can click either image to get a copy for yourself. If you download it, please leave me some feedback at my store. Thanks so very much!

Here is a picture of one of my ocean display tables (before the children had at it!) It doesn't stay so neat looking for very long!

I  hope that you all enjoy your week!

Does Your Story Answer These Questions?

Do your students often leave you wondering who their story is about? Or when or where it takes place? Or what is happening? Are you looking for a way for them to include more details and action in their stories? 

These 6 posters will help remind your writers to include this information in their stories so you are not left confused and wanting more. With large lettering and eye-catching clip art, these colorful posters will not only look beautiful in your classroom, but will serve a real purpose.  

Click on the picture below to check them out. If you like them, please let me know! Thank you so much!