Let's Discover ... Mammals!

This group of animals is HUGE!  There are over 5,000 different mammals in our world.

THAT'S A LOT OF MAMMALS!!

Students love learning about animals and as an educator I find they are perfect to use as a springboard for teaching key standards.

This packet on mammals begins with a poster sharing the characteristics of mammals.

There are also 8 vocabulary cards key to this study.

You will also find a KWL chart to gather prior knowledge.

I have provided two different forms of assessment as well as a mini book with informational text about mammals.

Because each child has their own book they can highlight key facts and vocabulary and then use these to gather information.

And let's follow that with a writing lesson using the graphic organizer shown on the previous slide.

Word work is plentiful and perfect for your literacy center.

There are 24 real life pictures of mammals.  I have provided a group discussion sheet for your class to compare and contrast the different mammals.

Finally you will get your class reporting on a mammal of their choice.

All tools from finding resources, gathering information and writing the report are available in this packet.  

I especially LOVE the writing clues and puzzle pieces for making sure all important information has been gathered.

Owls...Informational Text, Literature, and Research!

What a perfect time of year to use learning about owls as a springboard into your literacy curriculum.

Vocabulary for posting.

Informational text in mini book form.

3 print, fold and read books with informational text.

Hunting

Vision

Wise Old

Assessment and life cycle activity.

Using literature to gather real world knowledge and build comprehension.

Using Informational text to build literacy skills.

Writing about owls.

Gathering information to include in reporting about owls.

Word work

4 math games that focus on addition and subtraction.

Find it here.

It's Turkey Time So ... Let's Talk Turkey!

Find it here.

Meet those Literacy Informational Text Standards...Read, Gather Details, Report!

This cute little turkey can go home to decorate the Thanksgiving mantel or table.

This gobbler will decorate your bulletin board or room.

Two cute poems accompany the packet and are followed by comprehension activities.

Look at all the informational text and in so many forms.

Perfect for guided reading.

Here are activities on the Life Cycle.

Graphic Organizers for collecting information and using creative thinking.

Pages to create the final drafts.

Word work for your literacy center.

And literacy companions for your favorite turkey stories.

Exploring Animals

Animals all around.

Have fun exploring and discovering all about the groups, characteristics, and habitats.

These are the groups covered.

An anchor chart details characteristics of each group.

Informational text is detailed for each group and organizers for students to record information.

Word work activities for each group that include specific names of animals, insects, fish that are in each group.

There are three animal sorts and three compare and contrast.

Reporting is simple and self guided using the sheets provided.  They help students gather key information and prepare to report on it.

Larger pages are available for life cycles, identifying habitats, drawing and a cover to include all student reports.  **Not shown are differentiated writing pages.

For creative reporting there is this delightful flip book for your class to report on their animal.

Find it here.

Learning about Animals and Insects through Literature.

I can't think of a better way to teach young students about animals and insects than with literature.

Eric Carle has a number of books that make the "joy of reading" interesting and informative.

The packet begins with sharing a little bit about this special author.

It is followed by a book cover and graphic organizer for students to share favorite stories they have read written by this talented illustrator/author.

Grab this FREEBIE!

The example I am sharing with you is Mr. Seahorse.

This delightful story has a craft, vocabulary, literacy center (parts of speech) and word work to accompany it.  I am a firm believer that understanding vocabulary is key to learning.

It is followed by a number of activities.  Looking at definitions, story elements, story recall, and author's purpose.  It also includes an activity for writing what we have learned and sharing our opinion.

Informational text is also available in the form of a mini book.  The book ends with a glossary and recalling details.  The formative assessment is valuable for pre and post reading.

Each story in the packet has similar activities and each focuses on specific information.

Ladybug:  how help

Turtle/Tortoise: compare and contrast

Caterpillar: life cycle

Rooster: animal groups

Hermit Crab: protection

Find it here.