Right now I am reading The Kid Who Ran For President by Dan Gutman with my 5th graders. It is on the lower end of the 5th grade Lexile range, but I am finding so much to teach from it. First we have talked about the election process, the rules of government, the ages/rules etc. for the different offices. Second, the book is rich with idioms and figurative language. Then, an unexpected teaching lesson came about. I have a few old copies of the book and bought 17 new ones to make a class set since 17 of my old ones walked away over the summer. Well, interestingly enough the book isn't EXACTLY the same as the original. Names have been changed to protect the innocent or not-so-innocent. LOL Instead of jokes about Arnold "The Terminator", now the jokes are about Chuck Norris. The new book references Google, You Tube, texting, etc., while the old one references calling directory assistance and using a video camera. Why? Well the book was originally published in 1996 BEFORE all that stuff came out. What a great lesson for my kiddos who think that stuff just always existed. We even turned it into a center where they looked up the dates the stuff was invented - and get this - they actually asked to do that! I LOVE it :) SO much better than just reading a boring old textbook story, they are actually diving in and getting to know characters and learn about real life, plus they are developing a love for books.
In keeping with the fall theme, I just made a fall/Halloween/Thanksgiving center at my teachers pay teachers store for the younger grades (2-4) for practicing ABC order, making words, and finish a story prompt. Check it out at here. Comment below - first one to comment favorite fall memory will win a FREE set. PS - I will be holding a 10% off sale on all my fall items and a few others October 8-10 at teachers pay teachers.
Finally, I am linking up with Farley at Oh Boy 4th Grade for her Currently October Linky Party. She has also created a cute set of Currently's for use in your classroom. Check them out at her blog.
It was really fun to read your October Currently!! Yeah for you for losing 20 pounds. I am struggling to find time to exercise, as well. I must take the time though and soon, otherwise I will put the weight I have lost back on. I live in Minnesota, which is the opposite of Florida. I envy you and the warm weather you get to experience everyday. :) I love your blog and will visit it more often. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gretchen!
DeleteI wish I had fall season too look foward to too! I am in Phoenix and we get notta either! At least we both have wonderful fifth grade classes to "show" Fall too!
ReplyDeleteIt's such a bummer not having a true fall isn't it? Glad you have a good class too :)
DeleteI love decorating my classroom - and as much as I love fall and have hung up pretty leaf garland...the kiddos won't know what hit them when Christmas rolls around :) As soon as we come back from Thanksgiving break, my classroom turns into a winter wonderland!
ReplyDeleteI am also reading The Kid Who Ran for President to my fifth graders - we just started, but I'm loving the opportunity to share the story with my students while discussing elements of the election process.
My partner and I have been brainstorming ideas to teach the election. We're thinking of doing a mini-unit on poling and voting (with ballets) and then perhaps having a classroom election where a candidate can do a mini-campaign. Do you have any plans for doing a class election or any activities that can help the students relate to the national election?
I don't usually do that b/c of the "popularity" issues the 5th graders are already struggling with with self-esteem issues etc. But I saw a coke/pepsi election (maybe on Pinterest...most likely since I live on that), which I thought might be a cute way to tie it in. If you order a scholastic book order in October they will send you a mini election kit too which looked pretty neat.
DeleteIt would be so amazing if we all actually got the extra time we were wishing for!!! We just found you through Farley's Currently and are now following. We would love it if you stopped by sometime!
ReplyDeleteKatie & Lisen
Second Grade Smartypants
Will do...thanks for stopping by!
DeleteCongratulations on your weight loss! I could stand to lose some myself! I appreciate you commenting on and following my blog! I'm following you too!
ReplyDeleteLori
http://thereinspiredteacher.blogspot.com/
Thanks Lori :)
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