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Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Ocean Unit Activities, a Freebie, and a Giveaway!

My first graders have really been enjoying our under the sea adventures! There's so much to learn and so many exciting activities to do. What I love most about this topic is that the children can learn so much on their own, by reading nonfiction books and articles. I paired them up and gave each pair a nonfiction dolphin or shark book and they filled out their own tree maps.


Then, I transferred all their information to a giant sized tree map that I hung in a pocket chart. (This activity is part of my Dolphins and Sharks Activity Pack. You can click the picture for more information.)


We also completed a 3-2-1 Nonfiction Reading Strategy Graphic Organizer. First, I modeled how to complete the graphic organizer.  Then, the children completed one at a station. Being able to read informational texts effectively is a fundamental quality of successful readers. After reading nonfiction books or articles, this graphic organizer helps the children summarize what they have learned. You can click either image to get a copy for yourself. If you download it, please leave me some feedback at my store. Thanks so very much!



Here is a picture of one of my ocean display tables (before the children had at it!) It doesn't stay so neat looking for very long!



I  hope that you all enjoy your week!

20 comments:

  1. I love that you let the kids come up with their facts - what great independent practice!
    Nicole
    Rowdy in Room 300

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    1. It's amazing how much more interested they are in reading and writing and learning when they can choose their own materials and be in charge of finding their own facts. I love their excitement!

      Lori (luvyorkies@gmail.com)
      Teaching With Love and Laughter

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  2. Thanks so much, Sara and Jen!

    Lori (luvyorkies@gmail.com)
    Teaching With Love and Laughter

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  3. It's so important for students to be able to manaage all of the information in informational texts. I love the activities that you had them do- the tree maps and 3-2-1 reading strategy!
    Lori
    Conversations in Literacy

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Lori! Even my lower students have been successful.

      Lori (luvyorkies@gmail.com)
      Teaching With Love and Laughter

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  4. Love the idea of your display table!! I usually scatter the theme around the room, but it totally makes sense to put it in one central location!

    Jessica Stanford
    mrsstanfordsclass.blogspot.com

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  5. Looks amazing, Lori! We are studying the Ocean now too! The kids really love the unit so far. Happy (almost) Friday!

    Ѽ Alessia
    Mrs. Albanese’s Kindergarten Class

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  6. Thanks, Jessica and Alessia! We're having tons of fun!

    Lori (luvyorkies@gmail.com)
    Teaching With Love and Laughter

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  7. I love how the display turned out. I didn't get a chance to head down there and see it. : )

    Cara
    The Teacher's Backpack

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    Replies
    1. That's too bad because a lot of it was yours! LOL! Thanks again, Cara!

      Lori (luvyorkies@gmail.com)
      Teaching With Love and Laughter

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  8. I love the idea of the tree map in pocket charts!!

    Danielle

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  9. Thanks for the freebie. I had grabbed it when you first posted it.(I am hopping over from Classroom Freebies Manic Mondays :)) I think it is adorable with the cute graphics at the top. I love the ocean theme and the display tables. Great ideas :)

    Heidi
    My (Not So) Elementary Life

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  10. Thanks so much! I appreciate the comments! :)

    Lori (luvyorkies@gmail.com)
    Teaching With Love and Laughter

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  11. Thanks for the freebie! I love your display table! Be sure to come by and pick up my freebies.

    Waving from The Teacher's Chatterbox,
    Rebecca

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  12. Thanks for the freebie! It looks great. I LOVE the pocket chart tree map!

    The Kindergarten Center

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  13. I really like your 3,2,1 activity. It's perfect for my second graders. Your give away looks pretty awesome too. . . Maybe I can win that too. Then I'd be as happy as a clam!
    Patty
    Second In Line

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  14. Nice blog. I'd love to teach more about oceans. Hoping that with the move to common core I'll have more time.

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Thank you for taking the time to comment. I love to read them!

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