Alphabet-Tastic FUN & a FREEBIE!!

We are plunging into the alphabet. We learn one letter a week for the first two weeks, and then move to two letters a week. How do you do your letter study? I really want all letters introduced by the second semester. Each year my class has such a wide range of learning abilities. Some kids can read like second graders while others don’t know what a letter is. It can be challenging meeting everyone’s needs, but it is doable (says the teacher that doesn’t sleep, lol). I have handwriting worksheets for my kids, but I really wanted something more. So, last night I got a wild hair and whipped up this little ditty. Well…not so little. It’s a 215 page phonics packet with all kinds of activities. Yes, handwriting activities, but also centers and things great for whole group or RTI interventions. I am hoping this will make my life so much easier. J You can click on the picture to get more information on this unit.

 

When I introduce a letter, I use Frog Street Press’ phonics DVD, charts, and songs. Here is a preview of what the DVD looks like. 

The kids love Mr. Pencil! We also make charts with pictures the kids bring from home. I forgot to take a picture of one though. I will try and add it tomorrow. J We learned the letter Nn yesterday. Here are a few pages from my new unit for a freebie…take a test drive! J Just click on any of the pictures to download. 

I hope you are having a great week! I am ready for the time to change…I think. I have been recovering from a sinus infection I am sure caused by the crazy Texas weather. Cold one day, blazing hot another. I am sure hubs would love to move and my asthma would probably love me, but I couldn't imagine being anywhere else.

So, inquiring minds want to know…how do you teach phonics?

I asked FB followers for their funny school stories that I can share with you. I will close with this one from Ann Greene.

“I was sitting with one of my grade level teachers before the school year began and we were looking at the names of our new students on our rosters and generating our birthday lists. After a few minutes she says "Hey look! I have two students with the same birthday. I don't think that has ever happened in all the years that I have been teaching." A few more minutes go by and she excitedly blurts out "Wow! Look at this! I have three students with the exact same birthdate! That is amazing! I have never had that happen before!" As we are oohing and ahhhing over the irony of this...all the sudden she bursts out laughing. She is laughing so uncontrollably with tears streaming down her face. She tries to speak between the gasps of laughter but simply cannot. Finally she regains control and says..."I just remembered! I have triplets in my class this year!" And the uncontrollable laughter continued for at least another 10 minutes. We still laugh about it when we tell the story to others.” THANKS Ann for sharing!! J