Monday, July 23, 2012

Monday Made It #6



Ok...lots and lots of Monday Made Its today...so let's get started!  (I was a little bit of an overachiever this week, so stick with me!)  I actually had a few more ideas to share, but I'll save those for next week and give myself a week without creating something new...NOT!

Shades of Synonyms

Have you ever done those "dead words" with your kiddos?  You know, substitutions for the word "good" or the word "bad?"  I've personally done the dead word activity, complete with headstones, as part of a lesson on using the thesaurus to find synonyms for those words....or if you are a 6+1 sort of person...Word Choice! 

Independent practice of this skill in the form of a center activity will give me more time to work with my writers...that headstone activity takes up a lot of time and gets...old.  Student practice here is important!

Anywho...I have created this cute little center called "Shades of Synonyms."  Playing off the cute colors of these ADORABLE little lucite boxes that I picked up at The Container Store (love this joint!), I put together an activity that is based on a great vocabulary activity I picked up at one of the sessions offered at The Model Schools Conference in Orlando last month.



The presenter had us write 1 word on a sticky note with a total of 12 sticky notes.  Each word was a synonym for another word.  Think wonderful, terrific, brilliant, nice...all for the word "good."  Then, working together in a small group (partners, triads or foursomes), the group focuses on the words and puts them in order, kind of like on a paint chip sampler, with the lesser intense (weakest) word at the start and the most intense (strongest) word at the other end.  

The conversation we all had about the "word strength" of the words in the activity was pretty animated and lively and, at times, we checked out the meanings of the words and reset our rankings!  

Rigorous and relevant it was!  (This is a Model Schools thing...maybe your district or school is a part of this!)

To make your own Shades of Synonyms:

I have prepared two sheets of words with some synonyms that you can download, just by clicking on the list number. I felt that 12 synonyms for one word might be a little daunting for my 4th graders, so I culled the list to 7.   List #1 and List #2 have the lists that I have prepared for this activity.  Additionally, there is a word work sheet that you could prepare and laminate for your students, or, if you are like me, we keep a Word Play notebook and your kiddos could use a similar format...your call!  Find this word work sheet here.

In making the little lucite boxes, I just used 1 1/2 inch squares (using a square punch) and wrote the words on these little cards made of cardstock that I had in my scrapbookin' stash.  They were quick to make and my little sweeties will love handling these!  

If you'd like, include a box with a dictionary and thesaurus as this would be a marvelous opportunity to reinforce using these tools.  If you have technology readily available, do allow your students to use www.dictionary.com as another tool.

In my opinion, there are really no wrong or right answers that would require an answer key (unless having an answer key makes you feel better!).  In my classroom, the discussion that students would have in working their way through a Synonym Box would be plenty to observe and evaluate!

All the Colors in the Crayon Box Investigation:  Vocabulators...with a twist!

I've seen something called "Vocabulators" out in Blogland for quite a while.  Tara over at 4th Grade Frolics has them prominently displayed and has some great "how to" information on these wonderful word manipulatives.  Check out her blog entry here for more info.  There are others out there, but Tara's is my "go to" on Vocabulators and their uses!

I tried something similar with these mini paint cans from The Container Store.  I did find out the hard way that gumballs are a little heavy for these cans, so you really need to secure the bottoms and tops.  Hot glue works well here.  Then I put in the words.  You could use heavy cardstock or make little word blocks out of Fimo clay...I prefer the "Shrinky Dinks" medium myself.  I stamped the words on the Shrinky Dinks and threw them in the oven for about 2 minutes.  They turned out cute.  Here's one of the Color Cans for you to see, up close and personal!




Click here to get the recording sheet to go with the All the Colors in the Crayon Box Investigation Center!

The colors I used were red (scarlet, ruby, cardinal, crimson, vermillion), orange (tangerine, apricot, coral, salmon, cataloupe), yellow (gold, goldenrod, citrine, amber, blonde), green (emerald, chartreuse, loden, forest, olive), blue (azure, sapphire, periwinkle, cobalt, indigo), purple (amethyst, plum, violet, magenta, lilac) and pink (carnation, blush, rose, rouge, fuschia).

You could certainly choose your own shades.  I just went for color words that often pop up in a fourth grader's reading.  It seems to me that kids are always coming up with a question like "What's crimson?"  Expanding that vocabulary could never hurt!

Random Facts of Weirdness

Ok...I did take a little liberty here with a play on "Random Acts of Kindness."  You all know that our kids are prone to picking up the weird, strange, and just plain odd facts that are floating around out there. (Think about the cute kid from Jerry McGuire, telling Tom Cruise how much the human head weighs.)  It seems like every morning, I get at least one little honey telling me something interesting.  Unfortunately, when you are trying to wrangle kids, collect homework, respond to notes from home and send lunch money to the office, these great facts get lost.

Enter Random Facts of Weirdness!  Last year, I decorated a composition notebook with a goofy pair of glasses and some neat scrapbook paper and text and set it out in my classroom for my students to collect these weird facts.  The student writes their name, the date, the interesting fact and where they found that fact.  (Sidebar here:  This is a great place to work with students on citation and great resources!  Sometimes, we find that we hear these interesting things on the radio...and radio is truly a source that is valuable!)

Eventually, the Random Facts of Weirdness takes on a life of it's own, and my students start seeking it out during silent reading time (Oh my goodness!  We can find facts in our independent reading...even fiction!), center time, math, science, and Morning Meeting time!  Any time of the day is an appropriate time for Random Facts of Weirdness!

When it's finished for the year, the previous version makes its' way to a place of honor in your classroom library.  I love that each year's class has the opportunity to make such a contribution to our classroom library!

Here's the 2012-2013 version:


I just picked up the composition notebook and the goofy glasses at Dollar Tree and attached using a hot glue gun.  The text stickers came from my scrapbook stash.  

Writer's Notebook

My wonderful 4th/5th grade team was fortunate enough to attend an AMAZING Writer's Notebook workshop series two years ago.  Aimee Buckner is a fantabulous presenter and was so inspiring!  She recommends that teachers keep a Writer's Notebook alongside their students.  Here is my third (I can't believe it!) Writer's Notebook.  


I show this to my students on the first day of school and then send them home with their own composition notebooks.  They have three days to personalize their notebooks and bring them back to share.  

We use the Writer's Notebook to collect seed ideas, lists, and the like.  It's a place where we send our ideas to germinate and we "harvest" those ideas when we need to take our writing to a published piece of work.  The kids love it and I'm always thrilled with their response to this notebook.

My colleagues and I have developed an approach that allows us to take this notebook to the next level.  Flip the notebook over and upside down, and then have your students record writing "mini lessons" in the back.  Your Writer's Notebook becomes much more functional as a resource for grammar and 6 Trait features, entered by the student no less!

Check out Aimee's book for more information about using the Writer's Notebook.  It's a quick read with lots of great ideas!


Teacher's Organizational Tool (TOT)

I've been seeing these binders all over Pinterest and have been dying to put one together.  Of course, each teacher has his or her own system, but this idea really does put everything together in one handy and super-convenient place!

I considered the digital version of this, until I came across these really great binder dividers at Staples.  I pulled everything together with some cute polka-dot frames and added a few finishing touches from my scrapbookin' stash to create something that's really going to work for me.

Here are a few pix of the finished product:





Keep Calm and Teach

Every year, I put together a little Back to School gift for my team.  This year, our school's theme is "Rock Star."  I turned to Melanie over at Schoolgirl Style and found her Rock Star theme.  She had these really cute "Stay Calm and Teach On" graphics, suitable for framing in her Teacher's Notebook store as a download.  I believe I paid less than $5.00 for all eleven color choices in one easy-to-use PDF.  

So, after downloading and printing these cuties, I mounted them on some great glittery paper and put them in frou-frou frames (IKEA, $2.50) for the girls and I to use as part of our rockin' good theme!  Lots of fun and really easy on time and the wallet!


So, if you are feeling the pinch and need a little decorating inspiration, stop by and check out Melanie's blog.  You'll be glad you did!



Don't forget...sharing is caring!  I made a second set of each activity for my friend, "The Wonderful Linda!"  How about you?  Could you take one of these ideas (or any idea from a Monday Made It) and make a duplicate for a colleague/wonderful wonderful friend?

Here's to a creative and fun week!

Nikki

40 comments:

  1. I love the random facts of weirdness idea! Super cute! I"m going to pin it if you don't mind.


    Adventures in Room 5

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow, you were busy this week! I love the synonym stackers! I think I might use this idea with my middle schoolers! Your weirdness book is too fantastic and how cute that each years book goes into the classroom library! Just fantastic

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for joining me and thanks for the reply! I think the synonym stackers are really appropriate all the way through high school...

      When we participated in the "post it" synonym activity, a room full of adults was actively engaged and very motivated.

      This sold me on it...plus, my kiddos always need work with extending vocab!

      Delete
  3. I love your cute vocabulators and shades of words. At Halloween we put words to sleep and came up with some great words.

    ✣ Miss Nelson✣
    Miss Nelson’s Blog

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love the "putting the words to sleep" idea!

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing!

      Delete
  4. I love ALL of your projects! Those little boxes from The Container Store are too cute and the Random Acts of Weirdness notebook is the coolest idea! I bet the kiddos love it! I am hoping to work on my TOT this week as well....:)

    Vicky
    Keep Calm & Imagine

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by Vicky and leaving me with some feedback!

      Let me know how the TOT goes...everyone has such different ideas!

      Nikki :)

      Delete
  5. Wow! You have been busy! I love all of your ideas. I've been working on my TOT this past weekend as well. Yours looks so fabulous!

    Krista
    stellar-students

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Krista! I've been watching as others put theirs out there...but to put one together for yourself is important and I know I will get a ton of use out of mine.

      Let me know how yours turns out!

      Delete
  6. Oh my goodness! Your ideas are incredible! Thanks so much for sharing! I am a new follower and am looking forward to reading more.
    Happy Teaching,
    Laura
    TIPS: Teach, Inspire, and Prepare Students

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for joining up with me Laura!

      I love how blogging brings us all together and look forward to heading on over and checking out your space real soon!

      Have a Marvelous Monday!

      Delete
  7. Replies
    1. Thanks for coming by and joining me today! I had a ton of fun putting stuff together!

      Delete
  8. Wow,you have been very busy! I love the synonym and color ideas. Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by! Please come back anytime!

      Delete
  9. Thanks for sharing all these wonderful ideas! I like how you made an extra set for you friend...sharing is caring...I like that! You've inspired me to do the same!
    Thanks,
    Diane
    schoolhousetreasures

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by and thanks for sharing Diane!

      Lucky lucky friend to have someone like you!

      Delete
  10. OKAY THANK YOU!!!!!! I love the Random Acts of Weirdness and for sure am going to pin this. I too always get students coming to tell me something interesting they read or something weird. What an awesome way to allow them to share it! Super cute. I have 2nd graders so as far as reading some of the facts back... it may be hard for a few of them... but still too cool of an idea not to try it out. This was a fabulous post with a wealth of information and I am so thankful you took the time to share it all.

    Amanda
    Reaching for the TOP!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks for stopping by Amanda! I agree with you, I know some of my former 2nd graders would struggle a bit with this, but you always have those kiddos who are soooo ready for this and their enthusiasm usually carries everyone forward. I can see some kiddos buddying up to help those who can't commit to a full entry!

    Glad to have you on board!

    Nikki :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love the random acts of weirdness! I taught 5th last year and my kiddos would have LOVED this. They were all about those books that listed random facts and they always wanted to show me and everyone else. Great idea!!

    rene'

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know what you are saying Rene! My kiddos really got into those National Geographic fact books that Scholastic started carrying...there were always plenty of facts from there in the Random Facts of Weirdness.

      Another good spot that upper grades really glommed onto: the "You Wouldn't Want to Be..." books. Tons of interesting (and, at times, gross or gory) facts there too!

      Teach on and thanks for joining me today!

      Delete
  13. I love your writer's notebook! I am doing something similar with my interactive student notebook. I had so much fun creating mine, I hope my 7th graders do as well!

    Great blog, I'll have to take some time to look around :)

    Teaching and Tech

    ReplyDelete
  14. Nice to hear others who are using the Writer's Notebook format. This is one thing I am doing right now that is non-negotiable! I learn more from my kiddos here than anywhere else!

    So glad you were able to stop by!

    Nikki :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thank you for stopping by my Monday Made It! Oh my goodness! I just spent a ton of time looking at all your WONDERFUL ideas that I can use!! I love the Random Facts of Weirdness and the Writer's Notebook idea. I need a better way to organize my students' ELA journals without having a new journal for each topic. I just put the book in my amazon cart:) I forgot that I was already a follower (I have looked at so many blogs the past few weeks that it is hard to keep track!) but am SO happy I dropped by:)
    ~Holly
    Fourth Grade Flipper

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you stopped back! I stopped by your blog today and it looks like you've been pretty busy yourself!

      Love sharing with you!

      Delete
  16. Wow! You got so much done! I love every bit of it. I could go on and on about each one. I'm going to have to pick up this book that you recommended. Thanks for sharing!
    I'm your newest follower!
    Learning In Wonderland

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for dropping by! I hope you do choose to pick up Aimee Buckner's book. She also has a Reader's Notebook book as well. Both books are terrific and I love her no-nosense approach!

      The next best thing to seeing Aimee is her YouTube videos. Check her out!

      Nikki

      Delete
  17. Nikki,
    Super cute and creative as usual! Thank you, thank you for the blog awards! I am sorry it has taken me so long to respond, I had a hard time getting back into the swing of things. I am working on my response post now! Keep the creative ideas coming! I hope you are enjoying what is left of your summer vacation!!

    Megan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by Megan! I don't blame you for taking a little time to get back into the swing of things! It's hard to believe our summer is just slipping away!

      Take care!

      Delete
  18. OVERACHIEVER IS RIGHT! Love your stuff. Your "Random Facts of Weirdness" is a wonderful idea. You're right about kids. They remember that stuff! I was just reading about the importance of including student work in a classroom library. That's an awesome way. Additionally, your blog name is amazing.

    Courtney

    flockingtofifth.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by Courtney! It is always a hope that I have something to offer someone...which is why I find blogs so doggone amazing! Stuff that we do daily and see as ordinary can be extraordinary to another!

      Thanks for sharing! I'm looking forward to visiting your blog soon!

      Nikki

      Delete
  19. I LOVE your random facts of weirdness book! I think that I am going to have to make one for my classroom. You are so right about them coming in with something to tell you and you really do not have the time right then to listen!! Great Idea!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by an checking out my blog! I appreciate your feedback on the Random Facts of Weirdness book. I always think I'm a little off-kilter, but this has been one project that is striking a chord with others!

      How fun is that?

      Nikki

      Delete
  20. I love your random acts of weirdness! Thanks for sharing all of your fabulous ideas!

    Mrs. B's Nook

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Dee!

      Thanks for jumping on board here! I'm so glad people are interested in the Random Facts of Weirdness! What does that say about us as teachers? :)

      Nikki

      Delete
  21. I'm your newest follower..woo hoo...I'm glad I am!! Lots of great ideas here, can't wait to see what you come up with next. I'm definitely doing the random facts of weirdness journal. I had one or two kids last year that would ALWAYS come up to me and say..."did you know.." so this will be great! It will also encourage others to find facts to include in the journal! Love your blog!! And will continue to check it all out!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah! Glad to have you on board!

      Let me know how the Random Facts of Weirdness goes in your room!

      Maybe there's a blog entry in this somewhere!

      Delete
    2. UGH! I searched for those funky glasses but no luck! I bought the notebook and printed out the cover title...hoping to find some glasses soon! =)

      Delete
  22. Keep looking! I found these in the toy aisle tucked in by the magic tricks and whoopie cushions!

    ReplyDelete