Student Writing Prompt Pictures

A few weeks ago I was picking up a prescription at my local pharmacy and was given a free calendar.  I have no use for another calendar but I hung onto it because the pictures were so pretty.  I knew the different landscapes would make interesting writing prompts for my first grade friends with writer's block.  This week they are learning about using descriptive words in their writing and these are sure to ignite their creativity! 

I cut apart the calendar and glued the pictures onto the top half of large pieces of construction paper.  Then I glued writing paper to the bottom half of the construction paper.  I wrote directions at the bottom of each and laminated.  These beauties will go in my writing center.  

My students will be so excited to write with dry-erase markers and because they are laminated they will wipe clean to be used over and over again.

How do you inspire your young students or your own kids to write more? 

Sight Word Chant Sticks!

Today I'd like to share a fun craft I whipped up for my classroom.  Every day my first graders and I spend ten minutes focusing on high frequency words on our word wall.  The kids are expected to know 200 high frequency words by the end of first grade.  

Let me be honest.  Word wall time is not my favorite time of the day.  I am desperately in need of some new ideas.  

Imagine my delight when I stumbled upon these babies on Pinterest!

Word Wall Chants Sticks!

Growing Kinders typed a collection of chants and is sharing the PDF.  {{THANK YOU!!}}  You can download it by visiting her page.


Here are my sticks:

The sticks fit perfectly in a Crystal Light container.  


Word wall time will never be the same.  :)

Cut Clutter in the Classroom!

Today Feathers & Fingerprints is going back to school!  

Let's think for a minute about all those back to school supplies you just bought for your kids.  Pencils, fat markers, skinny markers, dry erase markers, erasers, crayons, glue bottles, glue sticks, baggies, scissors, folders, notebooks, and tissue. Did I miss anything?

Now imagine you are a teacher.

In a public school classroom with limited space.

And multiply that list times 22.

Are you overwhelmed?  Me too.  That's why my classroom uses "community supplies."  Meaning, all of our supplies are stored together and shared.  A few bottles of glue on the shelf and 15 in the closet.  I've found this cuts back on the clutter around the room.  And there is less waste.  And I ask parents for less supplies.  It is much easier to make sure 5 bottles of glue are closed tight rather than 22!

So how do I get my 6 year olds to share markers?  Easy!  Wood marker holders!  
{I stole this idea from an art teacher!  Its brilliant!} 

Wood Marker Holders

Three years ago I bought a 2x6 and cut it into 8 inch sections.  I used the drill press to drill 10, 1/2" holes in each.  My husband graciously routed the edges and I gave them a good sanding.  Last, I used 5-minute epoxy to glue the marker caps in the holes.

Each table in my classroom has a marker holder.  You can see from the pictures they have been used a lot!  About a week ago I brought them home to pull out the old {worn out and broken} marker caps and decided to add smaller holes for skinny markers.  This time I used a 3/8" bit and drilled 8 holes across.  I also gave them a face-lift by painting the edges different colors.

I'll take my improved marker holders back to school tomorrow to glue the new marker caps.  Trust me, they transport much easier without markers in them!


Reasons why I love these:
*no lost caps
*no markers on the floor
*no fights over "who stole my marker"
*dried up markers can be quickly replaced
*broken caps can be pulled out with pliers




Do you have a genius storage solution for your classroom?  Please share!