Do your kids love and adore cutting snowflakes from paper? Every year, my kids can't get enough, so I finally channeled that energy into something academic (mwah ha ha!) and made this writing activity:
The premise is very simple: Students will write how-to pieces instructing others on how to cut a snowflake. This activity allows us to work on transition/linking words, steps in a process, and clarity in their writing.
I have two publishing pages: one is a bit more holiday-themed, but since we're finishing these up after the break, we will be using the little penguin choice instead :)
Kids l.o.v.e.d. the planning work we did for this and trying to make their snowflake as unique as possible:
For fun, after they publish, I have them switch their pieces with their writing partner. As they read each other's how-to, they will be following along with scissors and paper, trying to cut out an identical snowflake. At the end, they will compare snowflakes and see how well they did :)
There are rubrics for students and teacher included, so it will be a perfect way to get back into the swing of things and get a grade down for some ELA Standards :) Can't beat that!
If you're interested in this packet, it's in my TpT Store.
Stephanie, this packet looks great! Thanks for sharing your talents with us!
ReplyDeleteI too am trying to enjoy these last few hours. I have a feeling tomorrow morning's going to hurt - it's amazing how quickly your body can change its sleep schedule! :)
Have a great day tomorrow,
Cathy
cathy@missversteeg.com
www.missversteeg.com
You're so kind, thanks! My mentor teacher once told me to not finish every project before a break because it takes us all a bit of time to reacclimate, so I'm glad we have that to go back to :) Have a great last few hours!
DeleteThat sounds like such a fun activity. I need a fun activity that is content based to get my kids back into the swing of things. I also go back tomorrow and I am not looking forward to it. If it were up to me, tomorrow would be pajama day. :-)
ReplyDeleteJennifer
Darling Little Learners
I love the sneaky feeling that comes with doing fun activities that also align to our plain ol' standards ;) I was just doing laundry and realized I am only washing PJ's- yikes! I was a lazy gal this break (it was perfect!) Good luck tomorrow :)
DeleteLooks like a really fun project! I have a few of those "didn't get to finish" things waiting at school for me too (though not as fun as making and writing about snowflakes....the Columbian Exchange will have to do ;) haa haa)
ReplyDelete~Stephanie
Teaching in Room 6
haha! You crack me up :)
ReplyDeleteOoh! Love this idea! I would have loved to have used it last week. I went back on Wednesday. I can't wait to use this! Have a great last few hours!
ReplyDeleteChristine
Leapingintothird.blogspot.com
I can't believe you guys had to go back so early :( Hopefully this can help you get through the long full week :) Thanks so much!
DeleteStephanie, are these 6-sided snowflakes, or 8-sided? I teach my students to do 6-sided. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI leave it completely open-ended, so the kids come up with all sorts of shapes and sizes :)
DeleteHi Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteFor the second year, I'm using this activity in my classroom. I blogged about it with links to this blog post and your store. I thought you would like to know! Have a great week!
Jan
http://laughterandconsistency.blogspot.com/2014/12/a-very-late-five-for-friday.html