Visualizing Pirate Fun

Well, hello there!

I've been suffering from an extreme case of laziness (must be something to do with the weather ;), as well as some uninspired (repeating stuff from last year that I've already shared!) days.

But, some fun things have popped up that I'd love to share with you!

I first got this idea from 4th Grade Frolics, and I've taught it three times-with a thumbs up from the kids each time! I even used a modified version of it for my formal observation last year-and got an administrator thumbs up as well!

First, I hand out a blank piece of paper to each students and have them fold it into fourths.

Then, I start reading a story.

BUT, I have the book hidden in a folder, so they can see the cover, and I don't show them the pictures.

I have previously marked four spots in the book where I stop and give the students an opportunity to draw what they are seeing when I read.

I tell them that these are only sketches, no need to create a Picasso!

After, I have them bring their drawings to the rug, and I read the book again, this time showing the pictures. We stop at each of the four points and discuss the pictures that they had drawn and what they were thinking when they drew it.

I really like that part, because some of the kids realize how good adjectives and descriptive words can really help the reader see what the author is trying to talk about.

For my observation last year, I read a short passage and had the kids draw their sketch on a sticky note and put it on their crabs (my show what you know board). This was only one part of a four part lesson, but it worked just as well!

Smiles and Sunshine,
Kaitlyn