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Saturday, April 7, 2012

Word Work Updates

Every now and then, I feel the need to spice things up for Daily 5, keep the kiddos engaged and interested. During my workdays before track in I hunted all over the lovely blog-o-sphere for new word work ideas. I've always loved this list of ideas from Christina Bainbridge. Definitely worth checking out.

On the far left in the green basket, are our Writing Folders from Really Good Stuff. I love those things. They really help the kids learn the writing process. We don't keep them in our desk because our grade level has to keep the same ones for 2 years before we replace them. So to keep them from the doom of what is often my kiddos' desks they live in the green basket.

Next is one of the new word work choices, ipad words! I found this via a pin on pinterest - Mrs. Gilchrist adapted the iphone idea into a larger ipad. I have a list of "ipad words" that goes with this. The kiddos have to first write the words in alphabetical order in the boxes with a dry erase marker, then they "type" them and hit "send". Seriously, it is the cutest thing for this apple-loving teacher to see. I told my kiddos that I would LOVE to have more ipads and have them using those for word work, but I'm not made of money so we make do. :)
Next up is Boggle Words. Anyone else out there ADDICTED to playing Scramble on their iphone? Me me me! I love this game and have seen Boggle bulletin boards for the classroom. I bought this set of cards by Rachel on TPT. I laminated 4 of the cards, put recording sheets in the folder, and voila challenging word work. I've explained to my kiddos that this choice is a challenge, that even adults find it hard! Therefore, this is not always the best choice for everyone. But I knew my higher readers needed a word work choice that was challenging and I can tell already that they love it. Sometimes we'll do one as a class in between rounds and I'm always shocked by how many words they find!

Bananagrams has always been a popular and favorite choice for word work and I don't think I'll ever get rid of it. I have a spelling list in a sheet protector and the kiddos use the tiles to spell their words and any other words they know. Scrabble Flash is a new one this year by the reccomendation of my coworker, Jim. It's basically like making words except the game self corrects and tells them which words are actually words! I love it! My kiddos can tell you what a stickler I am for quiet during Daily 5 but I do allow for the beeping of this fun game.

I forgot to take a picture of my last choice, Lacing Letters. Basically the letters have holes in them like beads and the kiddos lace their spelling words onto strings. Very kinesthetic. We've had that choice around for a while too.



4 comments:

  1. I use the letter beads too but we put them on pipe cleaners. I think it's a little easier and they don't fall off- but I also teach furst so they may not have as much control as your kdis do. Also, I'm a scrabble addict but have never played scrabble flash. Sounds fun. Thanks for sharing!!
    F is For First Grade

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  2. Just found your blog, and love it! It could be because we have the same style as you...could chevron, stripes, and bunting stay in style forever, please? But it's more likely it's due to your really fantastic ideas!

    Thanks so much for sharing!

    Halle & Jenna
    Across the Hall in 2nd Grade

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  3. This is a great post! I always love getting a glimpse into other classrooms and their word work. =)

    I have lots of word study *freebies* if you want to come take a look!


    Heather
    Heather's Heart

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  4. Even though I am lucky to have the "real" thing- I gotta use your iPad idea! LOVE LOVE LOVE! Thank you for sharing. Glad I found your blog on TBA :) I am new to blogger and having a blast! If you are interested in learning about integrating technology, maybe stop by my new blog! I am your newest follower!

    Mindy

    iintegratetechnology@blogspot.com

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