2nd Grade Resources

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Reading Tic Tac Toe (Monthly Reading Response) | Distance Learning | Google Slides

$3.00

*A DIGITAL OPTION/GOOGLE SLIDES HAS BEEN INCLUDED* Be sure to re-download! There are directions and links inside the pdf.

This thematic monthly Reading Tic-Tac-Toe Response helps students engage with their book and do something FUN, while also practicing standards-based reading skills. Plus, they have a choice. The directions require students to do 3 of the activities per month, but they can earn extra credit by completing additional activities. Seeing what your students create each month is most of the fun! This is a great way to give your students a creative outlet.

June and July will be added later this 2018-2019 school year for teachers and students that continue through the summer months OR you just want some fun summer reading practice for your students!

Examples of Skills Practiced:

Character Sketch
Point of View (Write from a different POV)
Sketch a Scene
#Booksmakefriends (recommend the book to a friend)
Elements of a Story
Context Clues
Figurative Language
AND MORE!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions, contacts, or concerns.

🛑 Are you a member of the TLL Membership? These materials are already included. If you are not a member, click here to learn more. The TLL Membership gives you an all-access pass to hundreds of ELA resources for teachers in Grades 3-5.

Let’s connect!

Reader’s Notebook Anchor Charts

Reading Tic Tac Toe (Monthly Reading Response) | Distance Learning | Google Slides

Biography Project {Grades 2-5} | Distance Learning | Google Slides

$4.50

*Google Slides and Print Option*

*Rubric Added!*

About this Product

This product came as a result of my students’ love of the biography series “Who Was…?” If you have not looked into this series, I recommend that you do! They are a fun, easy read that offers an engaging way for students to learn about historical figures and important people. Although this product is based on this series, this product could be used for any biography book or project. This is a nice way to integrate Reading, Writing, and Social Studies.

🛑 Are you a member of the TLL Membership? These materials are already included. If you are not a member, click here to learn more. The TLL Membership gives you an all-access pass to hundreds of ELA resources for teachers in Grades 3-5.

How I Used this Product

In my 3rd Grade classroom, I used multiple copies of the same book or books and paired students in partnerships. In my school, we have a 30 minute Reading Intervention Block. I began this project with students who were not pulled out or working with me in small groups during this time. This was a nice way for students to work independently or in partnerships. It also created an extension for what they could already do as readers. Plus, they had so much fun! I let them work on this project in their partnerships. This held several benefits. Many students who were not pulled out or working in small groups tend to be higher level students OR students who have untapped potential. Allowing them to work on a project like this can extend their learning, as well as find new ways to enjoy reading. While other students had special groups or went to see other teachers, it was nice for these students to have their own project too.

The Poster Page is a template that you could use for students to turn in with the essay or you could use this as a planning page and then have students create a larger poster on their own. I assigned it as homework and was pleasantly surprised at what my students turned in. I saw a wonderful increase in engagement by students who had shown little motivation or enthusiasm for reading. You can see the photos in the preview or in the product itself. Please know I updated the pages after the photos were taken with more detail and provided the poster template. Good luck to you with this project! If you have any questions, please contact me!

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My Opinion Matters! {An Opinion Writing Unit}

My Life is A Story {A Personal Narrative Writing Unit}

Buzzin' in Book Clubs {Book Club Reading Unit Resources}

Newspaper Article Writing Unit {Here's the Scoop!}

Opinion Writing for a Literary Response

Current Events Writing {What's the Scoop?}

Biography Project {Grades 2-5} | Distance Learning | Google Slides

Meet the Teacher Tool Box {Editable} | Distance Learning | Google Forms

$5.00

Meet the Teacher should be an exciting time for you to meet your new students and their parents. Don't stress about which forms you need, sign-in sheets, or having something special to share with your students. I've got you covered! ❤️

✋ This resource is included in the discounted Back to School Bundle!

What is included?
The following forms are included – all in an editable format for you to make any changes as needed.

Binder Divider/Cover: I like to keep all of my Back to School Items in one place (a binder). You can use this to divide between all of the BTS events so your materials are all organized and ready to go.

Special treat label: This is universal so that you can use it with any candy, healthy snack, or small gift for your new students. (Need Ideas?: Starburst, new pencils, cute erasers, something cute you find at the Target Dollar Spot, Goldfish crackers small snack bags)

Signs for Parents: I suggest printing these on card stock. You can fold them in half to make stands to direct parents where to sign-in, sign-up, volunteer, fill out forms, etc. A blank editable one is available too. (See font list if needed.)

Sign-In Sheet: This is a basic form for parents to sign-in for attendance purposes and to note how their child gets home on the first day of school.

Volunteer Sign Up: We all need a little help! This form will encourage parents to volunteer in the classroom and let you know who is available to volunteer their time.

Volunteer Form: This form lets parents give a little more information about the types of activities they would be interested in.

Classroom Scavenger Hunt: This fun little checklist will provide a nice activity to help your students become acquainted with their new classroom and know where the basics are located.

Student Information: This basic information sheet is very handy for you to have on hand. It gives a snapshot about their health information, family, siblings, interests, and also a spot to note any special holidays they celebrate.

Google Forms
Google Forms are available in case you want to skip the paperwork

Need a cute and easy way to introduce yourself to your new students and their parents? Looking for the right words to introduce yourself? I've got you covered.

This editable document is an example Meet Your Teacher template that you can type directly into and customize to fit your needs. I have linked to the fonts used inside the document, but you can change to use any fonts that you would like.

This document is a PowerPoint. You will need PowerPoint to edit the file.

Fonts Used (free for personal use)

Century Gothic

🛑 Are you a member of the TLL Membership? These materials are already included. If you are not a member, click here to learn more. The TLL Membership gives you an all-access pass to hundreds of ELA resources for teachers in Grades 3-5.

Please reach out if you have any questions or I can support you in any way.
Jessica@theliteracyloft.com

Let’s connect!
The Literacy Loft Blog
The Literacy Loft on Instagram
The Literacy Loft on Pinterest
The Literacy Loft on Facebook

Meet the Teacher Tool Box {Editable} | Distance Learning | Google Forms

Guided Reading Strategy Cards

$2.50

This set of Guided Reading Strategy Cards includes 12 pages of cards with 12 different reading strategies (4 on a page) that can be used in guided reading groups to reinforce the reading strategy you are teaching. You might also find these cards useful to support students during Independent Reading, Conferences, or to send home for parents. The strategy cards can be printed on paper or card stock and then laminated. You can keep the cards on a binder ring or in Ziploc bags. In my 4th grade classroom, we used these cards during small group to help students “SEE” the strategy we were working on. You can find more information about these particular strategies in the book The Next Step in Guided Reading by Jan Richardson I hope you and your students find these cards useful!

Strategies Included:

*BME -(Beginning, Middle, End) a summarizing/retelling strategy

*Somebody-Wanted-But-So- A strategy to follow the plot structure and what the character wants in the story in order to summarize the story.

*5 Finger Retell- A retelling strategy to retell the characters, setting, problems, and events.

*Stop! Think. Paraphrase.- Helps students monitor their thinking.

*Who? and What?- Who is this part mostly about? What was the most important thing that happened? A strategy to keep track of the big events of the story.

*VIP {Very Important Part}- a strategy to focus on important things that are happening and character change.

*VIP {Very Important Part} Internal and External-a strategy to focus on the important things the character does (external) and how the character feels (internal)

*Ask Questions- a strategy to mark interesting parts with questions using What? How? and Why?

*It’s all about the Character!- Pay attention to the character’s action and dialogue.

*Green Questions- These types of questions can be found directly in the text. The author states the question exactly. I can GO directly to the text and find the answer. Who, What, When, Where, Why?

*Yellow Questions- I need to slow down and look in more than one place in the text to answer this kind of question. Compare & Contrast, Cause & Effect, Main Idea/Details

*Red Questions- The question is NOT answered directly in the text. I must STOP and THINK about the passage and what I know to help me answer this question.

🛑 Are you a member of the TLL Membership? These materials are already included. If you are not a member, click here to learn more. The TLL Membership gives you an all-access pass to hundreds of ELA resources for teachers in Grades 3-5.

Let’s connect!

Christmas Around the World Newspaper Bingo {Informational Text}
History of Earth Day Reading
History of Halloween Newspaper Bingo {Informational Text}
Memorial Day & Fourth of July Informational Text {Newspaper Style Bingo}
MLK Day Reading Bingo
Thanksgiving Informational Text (Newspaper-Style Bingo)
Valentine's Day Informational Text

You try the free Veterans Day Bingo by clicking here!

Halloween Reading Comprehension

$4.00

About this Product:
This is an informational newspaper-style text fun to use around the week of Halloween and can be used over the course of a few days. Bingo sheets are included, which have questions from the entire newspaper. Students read the informational text about the History of Halloween, pumpkins, and traditional folklore surrounding the holiday. Then, they answer questions from the “newspaper” in the bingo grid. The bingo grid comes in 26 different versions. Having each student use a different version of the answer grid will allow you to reinforce the content of the informational text by playing a game of bingo…possibly on the day of Halloween or at the end of the week.

The questions range from vocabulary, finding the main idea, using text features, as well as finding key details.

How to Play:
The first page is an answer key, which can be used to play the game of bingo. Cut up each square, place in a Ziploc bag or container of your choice and call out questions. Students must answer the question correctly and have 5 in a row. Up, down, or diagonally. Students can use counters, candy corn, or other Halloween treats to keep track of the questions called.

We hope you enjoy this festive activity as much as we did!!! 

-Jessica & Erin

This resource is part of the Reading Comprehension Bingo (Holiday Bundle)

You might also enjoy these other Reading Comprehension Bingos:

🛑 Are you a member of the TLL Membership? These materials are already included. If you are not a member, click here to learn more. The TLL Membership gives you an all-access pass to hundreds of ELA resources for teachers in Grades 3-5.

Let’s connect!

Email: Jessica@theliteracyloft.com

Rubrics, Charts, & Checklists, OH MY!

$6.00

This mini-bundle of resources includes:
Informational Writing Student/Peer Checklist
Informational Writing Teacher Rubric for grading purposes (2 versions)
Narrative Writing Student/Peer Checklist
Narrative Writing Rubric for grading purposes (2 versions)
Opinion Writing Student/Peer Checklist
Opinion Writing Rubric for grading purposes (2 versions)
Language Arts Short Response Rubric
Character Feelings and Traits Notebook Charts
Transitional Words and Phrases Notebook Chart
Words We All Should Spell Correctly Chart
Writing an Opinion Essay Chart
Writer’s Celebrate! 3-2-1 Style

This product is one that I see myself continuously updating and adding new material. hope you enjoy and I would love to hear your feedback about this product! I am always open to ways I can improve my products:)

How to use the Checklists:
The checklists are used to help students understand what is expected of them as they move through the writing process. In addition, the checklist requires them to reflect on themselves as a writer. In my classroom, I introduce the checklist shortly after we have started the unit so they can monitor themselves as we go along. As we move towards publishing our final draft, the “I’m done” declarations dwindle. I have found the checklist reiterates specific things students can work on as a writer. Furthermore, they are required to consult one another through peer editing and revising.

The Rubrics
Reading and Writing grades are not so quick and easy anymore. Although I have the abstract mind of a Language Arts Teacher, when it comes time for grades and assessments- the “measurement” of my student’s progress can be a bit gray and I have struggled with giving my students’ a fair grade. The Writing rubrics included in this product are aligned to the checklists and allow you as the teacher to attach a grade to their final writing piece in an objective manner.

The Language Arts Short Response Rubric is a new one I am trying out this year and am very excited about!!! No longer are our assessments simply multiple choice-you got it or you don’t, a quick and easy grade. Questions and tasks are open-ended, which requires students’ to think more critically. In many standardized district or state assessments, students are required to respond to a task in an essay form AND ALSO a short response. As a teacher, assigning grades isn’t so easy anymore. I have often wondered how my classroom assessments are aligning to the district and state assessments as well as the standards overall. Alas, this product was born.

I don’t know about your students, but when my kiddos get a short response it is…definitely short!! They either answer in 2-3 words or a sentence or two that may or may not answer the question.  No more! This rubric will help you get students in the habit of answering short responses in complete sentences and require them to efficiently and quickly reflect on their work. Because after all, it is a SHORT response I use these at least once a week with a question about the current text or Read Aloud we are using in the classroom. They respond in their Reading Response Journal (or Reading Notebook). An added bonus is that throughout the year you can watch your students grow and become not only better readers, but also better writers

The Charts
Charts, charts, charts-I Love Charts. The problem is that we run out of wall space in our classrooms. I have found that students are sometimes more likely to use charts when they are at their fingertips- in their notebooks. I try to create the charts that they can continually refer to in their Reading and Writing work into half sheet versions they can simply glue into their notebooks. This product includes charts students can use in both Reading and Writing as well as a sample of charts found in the product My Opinion Matters!

🛑 Are you a member of the TLL Membership? These materials are already included. If you are not a member, click here to learn more. The TLL Membership gives you an all-access pass to hundreds of ELA resources for teachers in Grades 3-5.

Let’s connect!

Comic Strip Book Response

$3.00

🛑 Are you a member of the TLL Membership? These materials are already included. If you are not a member, click here to learn more. The TLL Membership gives you an all-access pass to hundreds of ELA resources for teachers in Grades 3-5.

This resource is a fun and interactive way to have your students respond to a book they have read. You might use this after finishing a Read Aloud or when students finish their Book Club or Independent Reading Book. This resource leaves a lot of room for creativity and individual response. I used this project in my classroom after we finished the book The Landry News by Andrew Clements. Students used their Reader’s Response Journal to take notes throughout the book. Once we finished the book, students jotted ideas in their notebooks about which characters changed (how and why). The theme charts included in this product are charts my students keep in their Reader’s Response Journals. You can find more charts like this here. These charts were especially helpful in planning for this project.

Students used their notes (although you could do this any way that works for you:) ) to answer the questions. Then, they created a rough draft sketch of their comic strip. Finally, students illustrated a colorful comic strip demonstrating their understanding of the text. This product lends itself to much creativity and is wonderful for an end of the year, keep-your-students-engaged activity!
If you ever have any questions or concerns, please contact us at Jessica@theliteracyloft.com.

Happy Reading!

Christmas Persuasive Writing {Candy Cane Mix-Up}

$5.00

🛑 Are you a member of the TLL Membership? These materials are already included. If you are not a member, click here to learn more. The TLL Membership gives you an all-access pass to hundreds of ELA resources for teachers in Grades 3-5.

About this product:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CC.RA.W.1 Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.

This product is a fun way to get your students excited about persuasive writing. Your students will write this piece from the point of view of an elf working in Santa’s Candy Cane factory. They are an elf who is put in charge of the factory when things take a turn for the worst. Your elves really want to keep their jobs (it is getting close to Christmas!)

This set includes the following items:
- Teacher Lesson Outline
- Student Scenario Page
- Three Planning Pages
- Transition Words Sheet
(plain and holiday versions)
- Hook Santa In Printable
- Endings Printable
- Two Letter Outline Printables

Christmas Persuasive Writing {Candy Cane Mix-Up}

Math Key Words for Problem Solving {Notebook Anchor Chart}

$1.50

About this Product:

This notebook chart is a 4 Square Organizer filled with Key Words for each of the four basic operations.

This chart could be used in several ways:

Teach your students how to determine what operation the Math problem is asking them to do by looking for key words. I have my students BOX the Math words in every problem- this would include the key words as well as the numbers they will work with.

As a Poster in your Math Center to go with task cards or other Math activities.

Glue into Math Journals as a tool for students to use during Independent Practice.

Send home with parents as a helpful guide to assist their students with homework.

Use the blank charts to generate the list of words with your students at the beginning of the year.

I hope you find this resource helpful for you and your students! Please take the time to visit my store and leave feedback! If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

🛑 Are you a member of the TLL Membership? These materials are already included. If you are not a member, click here to learn more. The TLL Membership gives you an all-access pass to hundreds of ELA resources for teachers in Grades 3-5.

Let’s connect!

Reader’s Notebook Anchor Charts

Happy Problem Solving!

- Jessica

Math Key Words for Problem Solving {Notebook Anchor Chart}

Stay Organized Checklists

$4.00

Stay organized with all the checklists and forms a teacher needs throughout the school year. All forms are editable in PowerPoint!

✋ This resource is included in the discounted Back to School Bundle!

What is included?

Student Checklist
Field Trip Checklist
Class List
Safety Procedures
Usernames & Passwords
Class List (Half Sheet to easily grab and go!)
Meeting Notes
Weekly To Do
Today's To Do
Lanyard Class list
Parent Communication Log
Class Schedule

Fonts Used (free for personal use)
KG One More
KG Eyes Open
KG Blank Space Solid
Century Gothic

🛑 Are you a member of the TLL Membership? These materials are already included. If you are not a member, click here to learn more. The TLL Membership gives you an all-access pass to hundreds of ELA resources for teachers in Grades 3-5.

Please reach out if you have any questions or I can support you in any way.
Jessica@theliteracyloft.com

Let’s connect!
The Literacy Loft Blog
The Literacy Loft on Instagram
The Literacy Loft on Pinterest
The Literacy Loft on Facebook

Current Event Newspaper Assignment-What's the SCOOP? | Google Slides + Print

$3.00

About this Product:

Current Events are a nice way to integrate Social Studies, Reading, and Writing. Additionally, they are a wonderful way to keep your students connected to the community and world around them.

🛑 Are you a member of the TLL Membership? These materials are already included. If you are not a member, click here to learn more. The TLL Membership gives you an all-access pass to hundreds of ELA resources for teachers in Grades 3-5.

This resource addresses the following Common Core State Standards:

Common Core Reading Anchor Standard 1: Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.
Common Core Reading Anchor Standard 2: Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.

Common Core Reading Anchor Standard 3: Analyze how and why individuals, events, and ideas develop and interact over the course of a text.

Common Core Reading Anchor Standard 4: Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.
Common Core Reading Anchor Standard 6: Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of the text.

This product includes:

What’s the Scoop? Directions, Rubric, and Checklist?
This page gives the student directions for their assignment and then offers a checklist/rubric. In this way, students know exactly what is expected of them and how they will get their grade. This is also helpful for the teacher when grading the assignment.

What’s the Scoop?
This part of the assignment requires students to find a newspaper article and then answer Who, What, When, Were, and Why questions based on the article.

The Author’s Craft
This portion of the assignment requires students to think about the author’s perspective, angle, and word choice in the text/about the topic. Students will identify the author’s tone (positive, negative, neutral) and then give examples of the author’s word choice. Students will also identify two new words, give the sentence from the article that used the word, meaning of the word, and create a new sentence using the word.

Sum it Up!
Students will use the article as well as the answers to the previous questions to write a summary of their article.

Current Event Newspaper Assignment-What's the SCOOP? | Google Slides + Print

Reading Genres Posters

$6.00

This resource includes 50 Reading Genre Posters for your Reading area, bulletin board, or anywhere you want to help your students identify and choose books of varying genres. The genre posters included are listed below.

Posters Included:
Folktales
Fairy Tales
Mythology
Tall Tales
Fables
Legends
Nonfiction
Historical Fiction
Biography
Autobiography
Fantasy
Realistic Fiction
Science Fiction
Comedy
Humor
Horror
Scary
Drama
Poetry
Mystery
Sports
Classics
Adventure
Graphic Novel
Everybody
Romance
Dystopian
Fiction
Junior Fiction
Animals
Animal Story
History
Science
Suspense
Christian
Christmas
Holiday
Caldecott
Newbery
Memoir
Narrative Nonfiction
Fractured Fairy Tale
Nature
Travel
Expository Text
Nature
Travel
Buddy Reads
Inspirational
Comics
How-To
Relationships
Multicultural
Technical/Procedural Text
Genre (as a display header)

If you are looking for any posters that are not listed, please email us at jessica@theliteracyloft.com and we will be happy to add them for you.

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Reading & Writing Bundle #1

Buzzin' in Book Clubs {Book Club Reading Unit Resources}

🛑 Are you a member of the TLL Membership? These materials are already included. If you are not a member, click here to learn more. The TLL Membership gives you an all-access pass to hundreds of ELA resources for teachers in Grades 3-5.

Let's connect!

My Opinion Matters! {An Opinion Writing Unit}

Happy Reading!
- Jessica

Student Led Conferences & Goal Setting

$3.00

You might also LOVE...

Reader’s Notebook Anchor Charts

My Life is A Story {A Personal Narrative Writing Unit}

About the Product:
This product contains the following tools to help you conduct Student Led Conferences in which students have direction about what to share with their parents and more importantly- you have direction as a teacher to implement Student Led Conferences! Additionally, students have tools to help them set goals for themselves based on current grades or test scores. In our 4th grade classrooms, we used a Student Data Sheet for students to record and keep track of their data. Because districts use different assessments, I have provided a power point document which is editable so you can change to suit your needs. If you would like to use the same fonts I used, head over to KG Fonts to get your font fix. :) The other documents are generic enough that you can use them in your own classroom.

What this product includes
*Save the Date! - This document is editable to add in the dates and times for your Student Led Conferences.

*Welcome to our classroom! - This is a welcome sheet students can leave on their desks when the parents come in. Students also used this as an agenda/guide for going through the process and remembering the steps for their Student Led Conference. (This helps to work through the awkward moments of, “What do I say next?...”)

*Questions for Parents to Ask Your Child - This form is for parents to fill out during the conference. This serves as a guide to help parents ask their child questions while their child walks them through their work.

*Setting Goals - Ideas for improvement in Language Arts, Math, Science, Work Habits, and Behaviors. These are slightly a combination for tools to set goals and goals themselves. This will help students, parents, and you identify HOW to reach goals. In my classroom, students set goals based on their grades, test scores, or assessment data. Then, they used this sheet to identify ways to reach the goals they set. However, for some of your students- these may be the actual goals. Use this sheet to suit the needs of your classroom and your students.

*Goal Setting Sheets for Language Arts, Math, Science, Work Habits & Behaviors - These sheets can be completed in class or during the Student Led Conference. Students use the Setting Goals sheet to help them complete these sheets.

*Tracking my Reading Progress - This chart is a tool for students to track how many books they are reading each month. This can help you to monitor students’ Independent Reading as well as help students to set Reading goals.

*Setting Monthly Goals for Reading - This is intended to go with #6. When students are keeping track of how many books they are reading each month, they can use this data to set monthly goals.

*What did you think? {Parent Feedback Form} - This form is a reflection/survey for parents after the student led conference. Parents can complete during the conference or after.

*What did you think? {Student Feedback Form} - This form is a reflection/survey for students after the student led conference. Students can complete during the conference or after.

*My Progress Portfolio Binder Cover - This is a binder cover for students Progress Portfolio or some people like to call it a Data Binder. I personally prefer Progress Portfolio because in my classroom we keep a binder with tabs for each subject area. Students put work they are proud of inside the binder behind the appropriate tab. This sheet serves as a cover page.

*Sample Student Self-Evaluation - This is a form kept inside the Progress Portfolio used to track student’s data. This form is an example of how we used it based on the assessments in our districts and state. This product includes 2 editable Power Point files in which you might use this document based on your state and districts’ standards and assessments. If you need any assistance with this document, please contact me at Jessica@theliteracyloft.com

Also, MOST of my fonts come from Kimberly Geiswein Fonts on Teachers Pay Teachers. She offers them FREE for personal use. So, if you like the look of the editable documents, downloading the fonts will allow you to personalize them even more to suit your needs. Plus, her fonts are amazing and you might become slightly addicted! So, go enjoy some free fonts!

🛑 Are you a member of the TLL Membership? These materials are already included. If you are not a member, click here to learn more. The TLL Membership gives you an all-access pass to hundreds of ELA resources for teachers in Grades 3-5.

Please contact me if you have any questions or issues with this resource :) Jessica@theliteracyloft.com

Let’s connect!

The Literacy Loft on Facebook

Email: Jessica@theliteracyloft.com

Writing Charts

$2.00

These charts are for students’ use in their writing notebooks, but also for teachers! At the beginning of the year, one of the most important things we can do for our students is teach them how to get ideas for their own personal narratives. This will lead to better writing in other genres. More importantly, this will get students excited about writing! I like to focus on these key points at the beginning of the year:

Volume, Stamina, & Confidence

This chart is a simple tool students can glue into their notebook as a reminder of ways they can generate ideas for entries, drafts, or stories. Also, teachers can use these as teaching points for mini lessons at the beginning of the year. I would strongly advise teachers to teach students HOW to use this tool & model ways to get ideas, before giving to students. I have included 4 copies:

One half-page (so 2 on a page) for students with my examples
One half-page (so 2 on a page) for students with a blank t-chart
One full page with a blank t-chart
One cute colorful one which could be displayed in the writing center or however you choose.

By giving students a resource to get ideas, you may be less likely to hear, “I don’t have anything to write about…”
And when you do, you have a simple response:

“Let’s take a look at some ways writers get ideas…”

This chart could also be displayed in the classroom for students in the writing center. I would love to hear how this works for you! I appreciate any feedback

🛑 Are you a member of the TLL Membership? These materials are already included. If you are not a member, click here to learn more. The TLL Membership gives you an all-access pass to hundreds of ELA resources for teachers in Grades 3-5.

Let’s connect!

Happy Writing!
Jessica

Welcome Postcard

$0.00

✋ This resource is included in the discounted Back to School Bundle!

Who doesn't love snail mail? These Welcome Postcards are perfect to mail to your students when you get your class list. Your students will be so excited to get mail from their new teacher!

1. Edit the postcard to include your name and message on the mailing side. Or delete the text box if you want to hand write a message.

2. Copy back to back with your grade level.

3. Add a stamp and your students' addresses and you're all set!

The postcards include a cover for grades 1-6 and are editable using PowerPoint

Fonts Used (free for personal use)

Century Gothic

🛑 Are you a member of the TLL Membership? These materials are already included. If you are not a member, click here to learn more. The TLL Membership gives you an all-access pass to hundreds of ELA resources for teachers in Grades 3-5.

Please reach out if you have any questions or I can support you in any way.
Jessica@theliteracyloft.com

Let’s connect!
The Literacy Loft Blog
The Literacy Loft on Instagram
The Literacy Loft on Pinterest
The Literacy Loft on Facebook

State History Research Project {any state}

$4.00

This interactive, printable booklet is a fun way for your students to study any of the 50 United States. The booklet totals in 10 pages on the inside with a front and back cover. The pages are copied back to back and then folded to form a booklet in a brochure style format. Currently, this project also comes specifically for the state of Florida, which you can find here: State History Project {Florida}

Students will research the following about the state:
State Capital
State Symbols (Bird, Flower, Flag, Tree, Song, Animal, Nickname, Beverage, Butterfly, Seal, Wildflower, Fish, State Reptile) There is also a blank page for State Symbols so students can choose symbols they like.
State History
City History (Students can choose a city from the state or the teacher can assign each student a different city to give each brochure some variety.)
Animals Native to the City
Special Landmarks or Landforms
Important People
Goods or Resources from the Area

Throughout the booklet, there are boxes for each section in which students can draw and write about the state.

Teacher Tips:
Students can use the planning page to gather their information. Then, transfer their information to the booklet as a final product. Students can be creative by drawing pictures of each symbol, landforms, etc.

🛑 Are you a member of the TLL Membership? These materials are already included. If you are not a member, click here to learn more. The TLL Membership gives you an all-access pass to hundreds of ELA resources for teachers in Grades 3-5.

I hope you have as much fun as we did! Please contact me with any questions!
Happy Teaching! :)

Let’s connect!
The Literacy Loft Blog

The Literacy Loft on Facebook

Email: Jessica@theliteracyloft.com

State History Research Project {any state}

Raving Reviews - Sampler Opinion Writing Unit on Book Reviews

$2.00

This product is a small piece of my Book Review Unit that is growing larger than I imagined! In my 4th grade classroom, we completed a small Opinion Writing Unit on Book Reviews. My kids LOVED it! I began this unit by explaining to my students that “reviews” are a special type of Opinion Writing that a writer writes based on their experience. There are reviews on EVERYTHING! Restaurants, Movies, Video Games, EVERYTHING! I also told my students a funny little story about when I went to try a new Chinese restaurant by my new house and found that my mother had written a review- and it was not a good one! Needless to say, I tried somewhere else. My students got a nice chuckle out of that and it was a nice way to get them excited about Book Reviews. I then showed them the website Crixut.com, which are Movie Reviews written by kids. Even though they are movie reviews, they are excellent examples of a Review and Opinion Writing written by kids. This is just an idea to help you get Book Reviews & Opinion Writing up and running in your classroom.
This sampler includes:

“Building a Book Review” Anchor Chart- This helps to explain the structure of a Book Review. I have included two versions depending on the needs of your classroom. Their essays could be 4 or 5 paragraphs.

“A Book Review” (stepped out version) - This version is for those students who need a little more scaffolding or you could use this as a homework assignment or in a center.

“Planning my Book Review” - a planner for your students to organize their writing Boxes and Bullets style. There are two of these planners, one for a 4 paragraph essay and one for a 5 paragraph essay.

“A Book Review” Publishing Paper- this is the final landing spot for their Book Review with a small window for them to include an illustration of the book cover.

“Bookagram” – an Instagram inspired book recommendation sheet. If you are interested in purchasing this product alone, please see my Bookagram product.

🛑 Are you a member of the TLL Membership? These materials are already included. If you are not a member, click here to learn more. The TLL Membership gives you an all-access pass to hundreds of ELA resources for teachers in Grades 3-5.

Let’s connect!

Raving Reviews - Sampler Opinion Writing Unit on Book Reviews

Reading Guide for Independent, Partnership,Book Clubs {any fiction novel}

$3.00

This resource is a tool for your students to use when reading independently, in Reading Partnerships, or in a Book Club. The guide comes in three versions, which are all the same except to state Independent, Book Club, Reading Partnership.

These 6 pages can be copied front and back, then stapled together to give students a purposeful task when reading their novel. The document guides students through their novel and asks questions about the characters, setting, plot, etc. The guide could be used with any book and could be shortened to only using the first 3 pages.

The guide can be used with any fiction novel and could be shortened to only the first 3 pages, depending on your students. I created this resource to give structure to some of my struggling students as well as students who are ESE or ESOL. However, the packet works with any and all students! The guide helps students pay attention to the important stuff in books such as:

characters
point of view
theme
new words
secondary characters
finding evidence
asking questions
retelling events

In addition, students are required to set goals for finishing their book. This will help students and YOU monitor how long it takes them to finish books.

This packet can also be a great resource for assessing your students’ understanding of independent reading books. You might use this for grading purposes and/or to help facilitate reading conferences or Book Club and Partnership Conversations. In my classroom, this was a great way for students to read in Partnerships. Students would read the same book independently, answering the questions. Then, they would meet together to discuss their responses.

This might also be helpful for parents to help their child reading independently at home.

You might also enjoy my Book Club Unit and Resources which is packed full of resources to help you implement Book Clubs and Reading Partnerships in your classroom!

🛑 Are you a member of the TLL Membership? These materials are already included. If you are not a member, click here to learn more. The TLL Membership gives you an all-access pass to hundreds of ELA resources for teachers in Grades 3-5.

Let’s connect!

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests about this product, I would love to hear from you!
Happy Reading!
-Jessica

Reading Guide for Independent, Partnership,Book Clubs {any fiction novel}

Christmas Writing {Rudolph's Missing!}

$5.00

🛑 Are you a member of the TLL Membership? These materials are already included. If you are not a member, click here to learn more. The TLL Membership gives you an all-access pass to hundreds of ELA resources for teachers in Grades 3-5.

About this product:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

This product is a fun way to get your students excited about writing details, as well as writing for a specific purpose and audience.

Your students will use good details in order to make a missing poster for a lost Rudolph. Then, they will need to use their good details to write an article that will appear in the North Pole Times!

This set includes the following items:
- Teacher Lesson Outline
- Student Scenario Page
- Planning Pages
- Poster Printable
- Paper Outline Printable

We hope you enjoy this festive writing activity!
*Teaching with Coffee

Classifying 2D Shapes-Polygons,Triangles, & Quadrilaterals, Oh My!

$3.50

This resource offers various ways to help your students classify and sort polygons including triangles and quadrilaterals. Several resources are interactive charts students can include in their Math Notebook/Journal as a tool. This enables students to have anchor charts at their fingertips.

The sorts work best if you use manipulatives. If you do not have manipulatves, I have included paper polygons students can cut out.

🛑 Are you a member of the TLL Membership? These materials are already included. If you are not a member, click here to learn more. The TLL Membership gives you an all-access pass to hundreds of ELA resources for teachers in Grades 3-5.

What this Product Includes:

*Types of Polygons (interactive chart for Math Notebook) Students draw a picture and identify the number of sides and number of angles for each polygon.

*Polygon Sort with 4 Squares (no labels) a sorting mat for any types of polygon you choose. You could use manipulatives or the cut out squares included.

*Polygon Sort with 6 squares

*Polygon Sort with a Venn Diagram

*Polygon Sort with 3 Circles *(I used this to sort polygons with 1 pair, 2 pairs, or No pairs of parallel sides)

*Polygon Sort- Labeled with 1 Pair , 2 Pair, or No Pairs of Parallel sides

*Polygon Sort Cut-Out Shapes- I used manipulatives for all of these activities, but included the cut out shapes with the activities in case you do not have access to manipulatives.

*Classifying Quadrilaterals (Version 1) contains the number of parallel sides, sides of equal length, right angles and give the quadrilateral as many names as possible (ex: polygon, quadrilateral, parallelogram, rectangle, square, etc.)

*Classifying Quadrilaterals (Version 2) Students identify the number of parallel sides, sides of equal length, right angles. Then, students give the quadrilateral as many names as possible (ex: polygon, quadrilateral, parallelogram, rectangle, square, etc.)

*Name that Quadrilateral! Classifying Quadrilaterals (Version 3)- Students identify the number of parallel sides, sides of equal length, right angles. Then, students give the quadrilateral as many names as possible (ex: polygon, quadrilateral, parallelogram, rectangle, square, etc.

*Classifying Quadrilaterals (Anchor Chart for Math Notebook) Completed Chart that describes the characteristics of each type of quadrilateral

*Classifying Quadrilaterals (Anchor Chart for Math Notebook) This chart is for students to describe the quadrilaterals in as many ways as possible (i.e 2 pairs of parallel sides, 2 sides of the same length, etc.) You could also use this chart for students to list all the names of the quadrilaterals.

*Classifying Quadrilaterals (Anchor Chart for Math Notebook) This chart is the same as the one above except without lines.

*Types of Triangles (interactive chart for Math Notebook) Students draw a picture of the 6 types of Triangles
*Talking About Triangles- Students identify the size of the angle, the length of the sides. Then, students give the triangle as many names as possible.

Classifying 2D Shapes-Polygons,Triangles, & Quadrilaterals, Oh My!

State History Project {Florida}

$4.00

If you are interested in this product for ANY STATE, please check out this product:
State History Research Project{any state}

This interactive, printable booklet is a fun way for your students to study the state of Florida. The booklet totals in 10 pages on the inside with a front and back cover. The pages are copied back to back and then folded to form a booklet in a brochure style format. Students will research the following about the state of Florida.

-State Capital
-State Symbols (Bird, Flower, Flag, Tree, Song, Animal, Nickname, -Beverage, Butterfly, Seal, Wildflower, Freshwater Fish, Saltwater Fish) There is also a blank page for State Symbols so students can choose symbols they like.
-State History
-City History (Students can choose a city from the state or the teacher can assign each student a different city to give each brochure some variety.)
-Animals Native to the City
-Special Landmarks or Landforms
-Important People
-Goods or Resources from the Area

Throughout the booklet, there are boxes for each section in which students can draw and write about the state.

Students can use the planning page to gather their information. Then, transfer their information to the booklet as a final product. Students can be creative by drawing pictures of each symbol, landforms, etc.

🛑 Are you a member of the TLL Membership? These materials are already included. If you are not a member, click here to learn more. The TLL Membership gives you an all-access pass to hundreds of ELA resources for teachers in Grades 3-5.

I hope you have as much fun as we did! Please contact me with any questions!

Happy Teaching!

Let’s connect!
The Literacy Loft Blog

The Literacy Loft on Facebook

Email: Jessica@theliteracyloft.com

Fiction and Nonfiction Reading Tic Tac Toe (Monthly Reading Response) Bundle

$4.50

This thematic monthly Reading Tic-Tac-Toe Response helps students engage with their book and do something FUN, while also practicing standards-based reading skills. Plus, they have a choice. The directions require students to do 3 of the activities per month, but they can earn extra credit by completing additional activities. Seeing what your students create each month is most of the fun! This is a great way to give your students a creative outlet.

Examples of Skills Practiced:

Character Sketch
Point of View (Write from a different POV)
Sketch a Scene
#Booksmakefriends (recommend the book to a friend)
Elements of a Story
Context Clues
Figurative Language
AND MORE!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions, contacts, or concerns.

🛑 Are you a member of the TLL Membership? These materials are already included. If you are not a member, click here to learn more. The TLL Membership gives you an all-access pass to hundreds of ELA resources for teachers in Grades 3-5.

Let’s connect!

Christmas Around the World Newspaper Bingo {Informational Text}
History of Earth Day Reading
History of Halloween Newspaper Bingo {Informational Text}
Memorial Day & Fourth of July Informational Text {Newspaper Style Bingo}
MLK Day Reading Bingo
Thanksgiving Informational Text (Newspaper-Style Bingo)
Valentine's Day Informational Text

You try the free Veterans Day Bingo by clicking here!

Fiction and Nonfiction Reading Tic Tac Toe (Monthly Reading Response) Bundle

Valentine's Day Informational Text

$4.00

*DIGITAL OPTIONS HAVE BEEN INCLUDED FOR GOOGLE SLIDES AND FORMS/GOOGLE CLASSROOM* Be sure to re-download! There are directions and links inside the pdf.

About this Product
This is an informational newspaper style text fun to use around Valentine’s Day. Included in this product are Bingo sheets which have questions from the entire "newspaper." This activity can be used over a few days. Students read facts and information about the history of Valentine’s Day from the newspaper and then record their answers in the bingo grid. The bingo grid comes in 26 different versions. Having each student use a different version of the answer grid will allow you to reinforce the content of the informational text by playing a game of bingo…possibly on or around Valentine’s Day. The questions range from vocabulary, finding the main idea, using text features, as well as finding key details.

How to Play

The first page is an answer key, which can be used to play the game of bingo. Cut up each square, place in a Ziploc bag or container of your choice and call out questions. Students must answer the question correctly and have 5 in a row. Up, down, or diagonally.

This resource is part of the Reading Comprehension Bingo (Holiday Bundle)

You might also enjoy these other Reading Comprehension Bingos:

🛑 Are you a member of the TLL Membership? These materials are already included. If you are not a member, click here to learn more. The TLL Membership gives you an all-access pass to hundreds of ELA resources for teachers in Grades 3-5.

Let’s connect!

Email: Jessica@theliteracyloft.com

Self-Assessment Scales {Superhero Theme}

$1.00

These 4 posters will have your kids feeling like super learners! The posters follow the Marzano self-assessment scale with hand signals to help engage your lessons.

The posters say:

1: I need help. I don't understand.
2: Where's my sidekick? I can do it with some help.
3: I got it! I can do it all by myself.
4: I'm an expert! I can teach a friend!

🛑 Are you a member of the TLL Membership? These materials are already included. If you are not a member, click here to learn more. The TLL Membership gives you an all-access pass to hundreds of ELA resources for teachers in Grades 3-5.

I hope this resource helps your students reflect on their own learning WHILE having fun at the same time!

Let’s connect!

Please email me at Jessica@theliteracyloft.com with any concerns or questions.

- Jessica

Self-Assessment Scales {Superhero Theme}

Back to School Brochure

$3.00

✋ This resource is included in the discounted Back to School Bundle!

Give students a parents a snapshot of your classroom with this Back to School Brochure. The brochure is a trifold with an EDITABLE front and back. Three different versions are included with an example of information that you might provide. Grade levels include Kindergarten - 6th Grade

Sample Information Included (a blank editable version is also included)

Meet the Teacher
Contact Info
Websites
Homework
Behavior
Schedule
Birthdays
Attendance
Miscellaneous
Field Trips
Supplies
Wish List

Fonts Used (free for personal use)

KG One More

KG Eyes Open

KG Blank Space Solid

Century Gothic

🛑 Are you a member of the TLL Membership? These materials are already included. If you are not a member, click here to learn more. The TLL Membership gives you an all-access pass to hundreds of ELA resources for teachers in Grades 3-5.

Please reach out if you have any questions or I can support you in any way.
Jessica@theliteracyloft.com

Let’s connect!
The Literacy Loft Blog
The Literacy Loft on Instagram
The Literacy Loft on Pinterest
The Literacy Loft on Facebook

Back to School Booklet {First Week Activities for Grades 2-5} | Distance Learning | Google Slides

$3.50

*A DIGITAL OPTION HAS BEEN INCLUDED FOR GOOGLE SLIDES/GOOGLE CLASSROOM* Be sure to re-download! There are directions and links inside the pdf.

✋ This resource is included in the discounted Back to School Bundle!

This printable booklet is a wonderful way to get to know your student as well as build culture and classroom community throughout the first week of school. There are 6 total pages for the booklet. Each of the following activities are on a half sheet of paper. The booklet-style format may help you save paper and also provide a final small project for display at Open House. The activities included in the booklet are:

•Me, the ___ Grader! - There are 4 of these pages for each grade level 2-5. Students can draw a photo of themselves, or a favorite book in the box, or any other creative illustration.

•The Basics of Me - An all about me page, with another spot for a selfie!

•My Family - Students draw and write about their family.

•Interest Inventory - This is a useful tool to find out more about what your students care about!

•The Way I Work - This is a tool for students to reflect on the way they learn best, which will also help you identify students’ learning styles.

•Classroom Scavenger Hunt - Students identify the basics of the classroom and where to find things like tissues and the pencil sharpener.

•Class Birthdays - Students list who has birthdays each month. You can use this information to create a class chart or bar graph.

•The Reader in Me - A Reading Inventory/Survey

•The Mathematician in Me - A Math Inventory/Survey

•A Good Classmate (Is, Says, Does, Thinks) - This 4 Square chart can help you and your students generate a class chart and open the doors for discussions of what it takes to be a good classmate.

•A Good Teacher (Is, Says, Does, Thinks) - This 4 Square chart can help you and your students generate a class chart and open the doors for discussions of what it takes to be a good teacher.

•My Class - (Back Cover) A reflection 3-2-1 Style Students draw a picture and/or write the name of 3 New Classmates, 2 Questions I Still Have, and 1 Thing I am Really Excited About

The first week of school is a busy one! Hopefully, this booklet will keep your students engaged, provide opportunities for you to get to know your students, and help build the classroom community that is oh so important at the beginning of the year! An added bonus is that all of the getting to know you activities are in one place, rather than the piles of paper!

🛑 Are you a member of the TLL Membership? These materials are already included. If you are not a member, click here to learn more. The TLL Membership gives you an all-access pass to hundreds of ELA resources for teachers in Grades 3-5.

I would love to hear how this works for you! Please take the time to leave feedback! If you have any questions or concerns, please email me at Jessica@theliteracyloft.com

Happy Teaching!
-Jessica

Let’s connect!

Email: Jessica@theliteracyloft.com

Back to School Booklet {First Week Activities for Grades 2-5} | Distance Learning | Google Slides

Reading Logs {The Bundle}

$6.00

Reading Log Bundle

This Reading Log Bundle includes Reading Logs for the entire year! Each of these Reading Logs are sold individually in my store. By purchasing the bundle, you will save over 50%! These Reading Logs are thematic by the month and include the following columns:

Date
Title and Author of Book
Number of Pages
Number of Minutes
Parent Initial

If you have already purchased any of the Reading Logs and would now like to purchase the bundle, please contact me: Jessica@theliteracyloft.com. I would love to work with you to get the rest of this product.

If you are not interested in purchasing the bundle or would like to look more closely at the individual Reading Logs, click on the following link below. Thank you for stopping by!

Individual Reading Log

🛑 Are you a member of the TLL Membership? These materials are already included. If you are not a member, click here to learn more. The TLL Membership gives you an all-access pass to hundreds of ELA resources for teachers in Grades 3-5.

Let's connect!