I have been back in the swing of things for three full days {hump day already}!! Monday was a teacher workday for me. We spent the morning in meetings covering the usual teacher stuff. The second half of my day was spent working with my grade level and planning for the rest of the week. The students returned on Tuesday {yippee}!!!
After spending the month of December in what felt like total chaos I spent a good part of my Tuesday morning going over the rules again. The week before Christmas break really felt crazy with all the different activities going on, but this week we were back to business as usual. I must admit I love having structure. It makes my life feel like it runs a lot smoother. It give a hats off to you ladies that can fly by the seat of your pants all the the time. I am good at the occasional “let’s just wing it”, but I much rather have structure.
So, after going over rules I decided to borrow Jennifer’s idea over at Mrs. Laffin’s Laughings and using the One Word Project. I know many of you participated in the link up with Tara at 4th Grade Frolics where you picked your 2014 word you were going to try and follow. Jennifer came up with a great idea to use this in her 4th grade class as a writing assignment. After reading her blog post {click to read here} I decided I wanted to do this with my class as well.
I must tell you that I teach second grade, so I really had to explain why we choose one word. We even provided examples and discussed in detail as a class. Then we brainstormed some possible ideas and made a web chart with our ideas. I was a little nervous, because I wasn’t sure if they would grasp the idea. But they did!!!! I showed the class the video that Jennifer had made and they loved reading the words as they popped across the screen. Then they went to to work on writing their own paragraph for their 2014 word. They turned out better than I thought. They came up with great responses for 7 and 8 year olds. I have to give a shout out to Jennifer for sharing this excellent idea.
If your looking for a great writing activity I would definitely recommend this idea. Be sure to stop by Mrs. Laffin’s Laughings for all the details. Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek!!!
WOW!!! Your students' writing looks AMAZING!! I am so glad you were able to adapt this activity for your grade level (although it is really similar to what we did in 4th grade!) I really appreciate you taking the time to share your students' work. I am truly impressed!!
Jennifer
Mrs. Laffin's Laughings
I'm back to let you know I gave this post a shout out on my blog tonight. I want others to see how you adapted it for your younger writers. (BTW – Did you know you are a no reply blogger?)
Jennifer
Thanks! I went back in a fixed this for what seems like the 100th time. I don't know why it keeps knocking it out!!
Jamie
I too thrive on structure!! I don't know how people don't…but to each her own! I love how you adapted Jennifer's one word project. I was wondering if my 3rd would be able to do it and now that I see your 2nd did…I'm doing to give it a try!!
A Tall Drink of Water
I read about your One Word Project on Jennifer's blog! I love how you revamped it for your grade level. I teach 3rd and started this today. I think it went well… we're not quite done but I'm excited for what it will look like at the end! Great job!!!! I'll be sharing my 3rd graders and their One Word Projects later this week. Would love for you to stop by and see them!
Ana
Mrs. Bentin's Blackboard