Imaginative Narratives FBI Project

Usually in the middle of the year, we start concentrating on writing imaginative narratives. From what I've seen from most of my classes, they aren't big into writing. I decided to come up with a FBI project to get them motivated. The biggest thing to know about this project is making sure you present this as a really big idea and how cool it is when you introduce it to your class. Basically, tell them they are all trying to get into to the FBI by writing imaginative narratives. After they learned several techniques to writing these narratives, they complete their FBI "application". The critical skills section is where they write one thing they have learned that is part of an imaginative narrative. The rest should be self explanatory. At the end, if they pass we use an ink pad and they put their fingerprints on their application and I take a picture of them in black sunglasses that I attach to their application and hang in the hallway next to their best written imaginative narrative.
*I can't figure out how to attach a word document, so just let me know if you want a copy of the application.

Reading Genres

As students finish a book they've been reading, they are able to share it with the class so other students can expand their knowledge of book titles, authors, and other genres. It also helps the child presenting to work on their summarizing skills. They then create a 3-disc hanging decoration. On one circle, they list the title of the book, the second one they write the author and the third gives the genre. You also could add their summary onto this design as well.

Desk Decoration

I was tired of looking at my brown, boring teacher's desk and decided it was time to decorate! I just covered it with white butcher paper and punched out yellow and black dots. It makes me feel like I have my own space/office and just makes me smile every time I walk in my classroom.

Classroom Management

Our school has implemented the Daily 5 management technique for literacy which I have tweaked and made our schedule into the Daily 6. With this program, it allows students to make their own choices and builds independence, fluency, and stamina while reading and writing. During this time I'm either meeting one on one with students or meeting with a type of guided reading groups. I always had students coming up to me with questions or comments.  I created a class management tool using a pocket chart that came with our reading supplies. I wrote each child's number on a card and stuck it in the pockets.  I then created a cards for bathroom passes, media, and 2 holler in the hallway  passes(2 responsible students can do a partner activity in the hall). There are also bright pink question mark cards that they can stick in front on their number to show me that when I'm available, they have a question for me.  Also, when students have completed their work that is due on Friday, they stick a green card in front of their number which shows me they are done with their assigned work.  This has been a great way for me to know where each student is with their work and their location. 

Motivation For Kids Not to RUSH on their Work!

The number one thing I end up telling parents is that there student is rushing through their work and making silly mistakes whether it's punctuation, spelling, following directions or just not showing me their best work. I decided to create a 5K Reading Challenge with our slogan being "Rush and Be Crushed".  A power point was created to pump them up which I can share if anyone wants it. Basically, they have 5 weeks and 5 weekly assignments that they will complete in all. Each week they need to complete their assignment (for me it is their skill work which is part of their Daily 6). They have to use a checklist which they staple to their work to make sure they have followed all directions. After each week, depending on the quality of their work, they get to another lap.  They have different 'hurdles' each week, such as this week they have to do their 5K challenge assignment in cursive. They also get one 'relay race' where they can choose to complete one of the assignments with a partner. If a student gets behind the first week, they can catch up doing an extra credit (level 4) opportunity.  I took a picture of the race track I use so they can monitor their progress. Instead of names, they created their own race number which is used to show where they are on the track. This is the first time I've tried this but so far my students work is getting much better and I'm seeing a lot less of those silly mistakes!

Welcome!

This is my third year teaching in the United States and I've taught one year in China. I have been teaching 4th grade for almost two years now and really like teaching this age group! I've come across a lot of great teaching ideas from other teachers as well as coming up with my own ideas. I wanted to share what I use in my classroom and other information that I have found useful. Please use whatever you think would work for you! I'll do my best to upload new pictures and resources whenever I can. Feel free to leave a comment if you need anything explained.