2.09.2012

How to Make a Valentine AND a Friend!

 
I have no input on how to get a valentine date or what to buy for valentine's gifts...but I do know a little about how to make a valentine. Aren't homemade valentines the best!? We were focusing on informational writing so I had my students write a procedural "how to" story...write it like a first grader who has never, ever made a valentine is going to read it and make a valentine.

We talked about sequence words, the sequence of the procedure, transitioning from one step to another, and being descriptive in our directions. We can't just say "cut out a heart", we have to describe HOW to cut out a heart. It really got their gears turning!

They worked VERY hard on this project, and their reward was joining up with a first grade class, making valentines with them, and giving the valentines to a local radio station to give to kids who need a little extra love on valentine's day. They worked so well with their first grade friends, and on the walk back to class they were already thinking of "directions" we could write for a St. Patrick's day project with our new little buddies. My students have such big hearts!


Here is a graphic organizer to help with this project.



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9 comments:

  1. LOVE this idea! It would be perfect for my 5th graders.

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  2. Thank you! I hope you get a chance to use it! ;) Thanks for the comment!

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  3. Hi Tracey! I think you have a lovely blog- come on over to www.lightafire3.blogspot.com to see your award! :)

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  4. This is a great idea!

    Your blog is amazing! I had to stop and stare at the moving fish for awhile as I was so surprised they were moving. LOVE IT!

    Mrs Poland
    Think, Wonder, & Teach

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  5. I have awarded you and your school of fish The Lovely Blog Award. Stop by to pick it up.

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  6. Love your blog!!! It's so awesome! Love the moving fish! Thanks for stopping by my blog and following! I tell my students to think of explaining things to a 2 or 3 year old, lol. But how clever to say first and them have them practice with the first grade!! Love that idea! Will definitely have to think about doing that with our first grade, so fun! Also love the idea of giving them to other kids! Thanks for the organizer! I'm your newest follower! :)

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  7. Tracey,

    Your blog is amazing! I love the swimming fish and all of your wonderful ideas!

    This is a great activity. I am all about hearts in my classroom and being a helpful heart....this is perfect AND it is a way to learn and have fun!

    I am your newest follower and would love for you to visit me when you get the chance! =)

    Heather
    Heather's Heart

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  8. Thank you so much for sharing. I will use this next February! I'm in Georgia, too, so we'll send our Valentines to the JOY FM. :)

    ✿.。.☆♪♫*❤*Melly*❤*☆.。.✿

    stapelrsstrategies@gmail.com

    Stapler’s Strategies for Sizzlin' Second Graders!

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