Sorting Our Syllables

My class has been learning so much in our phonics program the last few weeks. We've been learning about reading and writing words with vowel digraphs, r-controlled vowels, y as a vowel, schwa, and consonant-le patterns. When attacking an unknown word, students are encouraged to break it down into syllable chunks. It's important that they understand syllables in order to identify new words. Each day, I reviewed a different syllable type (VCCV, VCV, VCCCV, and VCCCCV) with students and we practiced spelling words that fit the syllable types on dry erase boards, the Promethean board, and in the air :). On the last day of the week, my students partnered up and completed a syllable sort together. The kids worked really well together and I was able to see how much they learned throughout the review lessons during the week! I love watching their 3rd grade brains in action!!!

(Oh yeah...and it was Breast Cancer Awareness Day! :D My kiddos look smashing in pink <3)

(permission was given for use of photos by parents/guardians)

*Be sure to check back for more centers and printables regarding syllable types and centers!*

Writing Tip from Room 5

How often do you hear, "I don't know what to write about" in your classroom? I hear it more than I'd like. My district uses an amazing writing program called Being a Writer that really sets kids up for success. They create a "Writing Ideas" section in their journals that we add to frequently. Even with this support in place, I will still get a select few that draw blanks during writer's workshop.

I decided to make themed word lists which I wrote on clip art, colored, and laminated. When students get that writer's block, I let them choose an object from the bucket. They are challenged to locate at least 5 words on the picture that they think they can use to tell a story. Just scanning the word lists tends to help them get beyond that difficult moment they are experiencing in getting started.

Some of the themes I have currently include parties, Thanksgiving, autumn, time, money, desserts, general food, injuries, pets, summer, and the list goes on. I have made 25 clip art lists so far and plan to make more as the year progresses.