Washi Notebooks

I wanted to share a quick project I did with my class today. We called them Washi notebooks :)

This is what you need:
- Notebooks
- Mod Podge
- Brushes
- White construction paper
- Washi tape

Step 1: Mod Podge the cover of the notebook. I used mini notebooks, but you can easily use regular composition notebooks.

 

Step 2: We used white construction paper to cover all the words from the cover. I knew the tape would notcover the words, so we were ready to add a white background. Mod Podge over the construction paper. Let it dry.

Step 3- Use the washi tape to cover the construction paper.

Step 4- Trim the edges and tada! Your Washi notebook is all done :)

Any washi tape lovers out there? Hope you get inspired and begin creating :)

Retelling Wands

The last two weeks, the kids and I did our last review on retelling fiction and nonfiction. I knew I was about to start doing running records and I needed one more change to drill teach these in a different way.
My five leveled groups had two books: one fiction and one nonfiction. The kids met in groups and read with a buddy. We described, defined and retold each element orally and in writing.

We reviewed every single fiction and nonfiction element of the story. 

My students used my latest product, and loved it :)

Find it HERE. 

60 pages:circles to create your wands, full page posters (colored background) , half way posters (using less ink), and all the retelling in writing forms.

Turn a paint stick + paint spray + Velcro into a wand. 

Use when your students are Reading to Someone (and checking for understanding), retelling during a running record or retelling in writing. 

 Retelling in writing.

I had to try something different and this seemed to do the trick for most of them. They were asked to offer evidence from their text and I was so happy when I saw the results.  

I'd love to hear your thoughts. What do you do with the kiddos who do not get author's message?

Ready to win one? Let me know if you are following my blog via Google friend and via Bloglovin' and your name will be entered. I will pick two winners tomorrow night.