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Common Core Checklists

Attention All 3rd Grade Teachers:

Check out my newest product for organizing ELA Common Core Standards (CC Math Checklist link is below image below, as well). The product includes a 7 page bundle for each student in your classroom. It is a simple way to keep track of how each student is performing.

Each page includes:

• 3 boxes per standard to check off data/results
• 1 box per standard to write if student has mastered the standard
• 1 comment section per standard to write additional notes
• 1 larger comment section per CC section (i.e. Writing, Literature, etc.)

I use this product in my classroom. I got in the swing of things and would update any time I graded papers. Each student had their own ELA tab in my binder, so I could easily flip to each student to make notes/data/results.

This product is great for meetings with parents or administrators. It allows you to show them exactly how your students are performing in each area of Common Core. Data doesn't lie!

Now if you're a K,1,2,4,5, & 6 teacher, don't feel left out! I will be adding each grade level 1 by 1 to the blog, Facebook, and of course my Teachers Pay Teachers Store.

I always update my TPT store first, so become a follower!

For my 3rd Common Core Math Checklist, click here!

Follow Me on Facebook

If keeping up with my latest products on here is not the most convenient for you...try liking my Facebook page. By doing this, you will get all the latest products and freebies! It will direct you back to my blog and TPT! With your help, we can make it to 100 followers! Thanks in advance for all your support!

Click the picture above or click the Facebook icon at the top of the sidebar! 

Our Reading is getting HOT, HOT, HOT!

Students are now being asked to do so much more in school. One of those tasks is being responsible for their own growth in terms of data. What I mean by this is understanding if they are making the right amount of gains and showing the growth needed to pass the grade/gain those lifelong skills.

Being a former Title I teacher, I worked with struggling readers. I needed these little, sweet kindergarteners to see their growth so I could continue to motivate them that they were making gains. I started by using a paper thermometer and having them "graph" their growth. I tested their beginning of the year reading level and set a goal (1.5 years growth). Every month I would test them and they would be able to color up the thermometer to show that there reading was getting better. They were so excited when they were able to color. I know some of you are thinking "What happened to the ones who didn't show the growth? Well, it only happened a few times and it was students who did not put their full effort into our time together. It brought great discussion on what we could change to make sure our thermometer grew. Great life lessons.

I used these thermometers with my 2nd and 3rd grade students. I tested them at the beginning of the year, explained what level they needed to be at the end of the year to move to the next grade and they set their own goal. Some went a few levels above the grade level expectation and some even went a level or 2 below expectation. As long as they picked a hard enough goal, I was okay with either. I wanted them to feel like they were pushing themselves and feel the responsibility of selecting their own goal.

Every year, I place them on a back wall so they can see their growth as a reminder that they are making their reading HOT, HOT, HOT! This brought motivation to many students and would push themselves extra hard during testing time to make sure they reached the next level. One year, my entire class met their personal goal by the end of the year. How exciting!

I "looped" up with the same group from 2nd to 3rd grade, and they knew exactly what this was on the first day of school. They were so excited to make a new goal for that school year!

In the middle of the year, you can see how students would color up the thermometer after I tested their new reading level. 

I know many classroom sizes are small or are limited in the amount of wall space they have. I have created a few different sizes for multiple uses. You can make a data folder or binder for each student with other subjects they might track.  This product would also be great for other subject areas as well! Click the picture below to purchase the product.

Don't forget to become a follower on Facebook, TPT, or here at the blog to be the first to know about products, resources, or FREEBIES!

Reviewing for ELA Tests

Although I love teaching new curriculum, having review days are something fun and fresh for everyone. I used to have students write topics on index cards or use white boards to hold up for activities (quick formative assessments). But I have found that I:

1. Couldn't read their handwriting (too small, messy, etc.)
2. The cards lasted through one activity or the boards were stained forever.
3. It wasn't as quick to read the responses given because they were written in many different "fonts".

I decided to spend some time creating little cards that I could print on heavier paper and have the option to laminate (ahh, the lamination machine!). I knew I could either collect them after the activity or have students keep them in plastic bags for a follow-up lesson. My students love getting their special little cards to use during review activities as well. Something new and exciting!

One of the topics I used them for was "Types of Sentences". Students were given a card with a type of sentence on each one. I would post a sentence on the board/overhead. They were not allowed to show a neighbor or me the card they selected until I said the magic word/sound. I would either countdown verbally, yell "Review", or blow the train whistle in my classroom. Students loved the excitement of it, and it really showed me who needed extra help. I would then go over the answer with the entire class.

 Click the picture or here to purchase the product!

And just for my favorite followers on Facebook, 3L + 1T, and TPT here is a
{FREEBIE}

for literary genre review cards. Enjoy!

As always, don't forget to follow Facebook, the blog via email, and my TPT Store.

Sneak Peek

My newest product is almost finished! Become a follower on my Teachers Pay Teachers store so you can be the first to know when it and other products are released!

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This 28 page resource is great for review English Language Arts topics as a whole group. If you're reviewing types of sentences, you can pass out 4 cards to every student, each with a type of sentence on it.  When you write a sentence on the board, students hold up the card with the type of sentence on it. There are more than 18 different topic areas (Grammar, Punctuation, Text Features, Genres, Phonics, etc). The product also includes blank cards to create your own!