Word Work and an Award!

This summer, I've been working really hard to revamp my Daily 5 block. With regards to Word Work, my students did an excellent job learning the phonetic spelling patterns and sounds. At my school district, we use Excursions Storytown and the phonics are more focused on sounds then patterns. I noticed that while many of my students were understanding the patterns, they were still struggling with correctly spelling the words. So, I have been doing a lot of research on various Daily 5 Word Work activities for my little third graders next year.

Here are some of my ideas:

1. Stamps- The students will stamp the word, write it, and then use it in a sentence.

2. Scrabble- The students will use scrabble tiles to spell the words, then write the value of each word.

3. Stephanie from 3rd Grade Thoughts has a Word Work Trio Pack that includes scrabble tiles, how much is your money worth, and place value words.

4. Personal Dictionary- Students will have a personal dictionary and include words that they have trouble spelling. Not all students will need a personal dictionary. Just students who have trouble with spelling.

5. White boards- I recommend the white boards that have the handwriting lines. I had students that needed extra practice with handwriting and spelling. One strategy that I want to try is for the students to write it, check it, re-write it. When the students check their spelling on their own, they can understand why they misspelled the word.

6. Rainbow letters- Students can write their words using rainbow letters.

7. Word Pyramid- Students write their spelling word to look like a pyramid.
For example:
c
ca
can

7. Magnet Letters- Students will spell the words on a cookie sheet using magnet letters. I will have the students use the magnet letters on the cookie sheet; and then have a recording sheet to write the word and use it in a sentence.

These are just some ideas I have for now. I will be doing more posts on the organization of it once I get into my classroom. I really like how Tara from 4th Grade Frolics by including a folder, instructions, and recording sheet for each word work activity. I that is my next project to tackle!

Another important point to consider is that word work activities is only for students who are struggling with spelling. It does not need to be used for all students. You can learn more about Word Work and other Daily 5 activities by going to the 2 Sisters website The Daily Cafe.


Now, for the fun stuff :) Elizabeth from Mrs. Hodge and Her Kindergarten Kids nominated me for the One Lovely Blog Award! I am so excited to have been nominated for this award.

Here are the rules
1. Follow the person who gave me the award.
2. Link back to the person that gave me the award.
3. Pass to 5 new bloggers and then let them know they have received the award.

The 5 new bloggers I nominate are:
1. Mrs. Wood's Class
2. Teaching Third
3. Grade 3 is the Place for Me
4. Teaching Little Apples
5. 3rd Grade Sprinkles

An Award and Newbie Blog Hop

I have been given another award from Lacy at Lacy's Letters. I'm so happy to have received the Versatile Blogger Award!

Here are the rules for the award:

1. Thank the blogger who nominated you and include a link to their site.
2. Include the award image in your post.
3. Give seven random facts about yourself.
4. Nominate 15 other bloggers for the award and include a link to their site.
5. Let bloggers know they've been nominated.


Here are some Random Facts about myself:-
1. I have been dancing since I was three years old! I have done tap, jazz, ballet, and pointe.
2. I have tried out to be a cheerleader for an NFL team (twice).
3. Disneyland is my most favorite place in the world.
4. My boyfriend and I have been together for 3 years.
5. I have 3 pets in my apartment: a hamster named Rosie, a peach-face lovebird named Keen, and a bearded dragon named Spike.
6. I love chocolate :)
7. I love baking cupcakes with my mom.
8. Pinterest is my secret addiction.
9. I struggle a lot with technology (can you tell).
10. I am a huge sucker for animals! Especially dogs.
11. My family is spread across 5 different states--but we are extremely close.
12. I look EXACTLY like my grandmother and great-grandmother.
13. I hate living in apartments.

Now for the nominations:
1. It's Grow Time
2. Second Grade Silliness
3. The Hands-On Teacher
4. Heather's Heart
5. A Cupcake for the Teacher
6. Teach on a Limb
7. The Meek Moose
8. T.G.I.F
9. Learning is Something to Treasure
10. The Picture Book Teacher's Edition
11. Third Grade All Stars
12. Grade Three is the Place for Me
13. Our Future is Bright
14. I Live 2 Learn. I Live 2 Grow
15. Second Grade Sunshine

Now for the Newbie Blog Hop...

Thank you to Janis from Grade Three is the Place for Me! for putting together this great newbie blog hop.

When you join, make sure you share:

1. what state you are in
2. your current teaching position
3. your teaching experience
4. when you started blogging
5. share a blogging tip / blogging resource

1. I teach in sunny California.
2. I am currently teaching third grade.
3. This will be my second (official year) in third grade. I did a lot of volunteer work and my student teaching in third grade. I also have spent some time working and volunteering in kindergarten, 4th, and high school (long-term sub job).
4. I started blogging about less than a month ago.
5. My tip is to do any linky parties that other blogs host! It is a great way to get your new blog some exposure :)