Model Reading and Writing for your Students
Do as I do… Set a good example at a school level by encouraging all staff members to exhibit the same behavior expected of students.
Reading
Sequencing
Recognizing the order of events not only helps in reading comprehension with stories or historical events, but also provides a foundation for breaking large tasks into manageable pieces that must go together in proper order. This exercise pairs students who will do the preparation work for you.
Promote Reading at Home with a Snuggle Pack
Create “Snuggle Pack” bags filled with books and some extras to encourage at-home reading.
A Good Day
Using “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” to inspire students to write.
Interview Book Characters
Students will use reading comprehension and character study to understand a book character.
3-D Bulletin Board
Have students bring in sample items that they read outside of school, then make a 3D bulletin board. Start by letting the class brainstorm examples, then bring in items from home. Use things like cereal boxes, menus, comic books or other three-dimensional objects. The world isn’t flat, and your bulletin boards don’t have to be either!
Current Events Christmas
Have your class do their own “Twelve Days of Christmas” by reading about another part of the world in the newspaper or magazines, and brainstorming Christmas gifts they would like to give to those people.
Not Your Same Old Book Report – Dioramas, Trioramas, Quadramas
For some ideas that really make you rethink the concept of three dimensional reports, we’ve pulled together ideas from some of our T2T contributors. Perfect for book reports and author studies, these are bound to make your students go that extra mile when putting together their information.
More Ideas Than You’ll Ever Use for Book Reports
341 ideas for creative, informative book reports.
Paperback Exchange
Every student has at least a few paperback books at home that they have read and then set aside to collect dust. Bring new life to these books by having a Paperback Exchange.
Literature List for Grades 4-8
When a member on T2T posted a message that she had a childrens literature list geared for fourth through eighth grade, she was overwhelmed with requests for copies! Here is the entire list for all to use.
Vocabulary Development Using Music
Use popular songs or a catchy song of your choosing to improve students’ vocabulary skills.