HAND OF KNOWLEDGE AND CHARACTER GRAPH

Need something new to replace a worksheet?

Hand of Thoughts 

Children trace around their hand and write a story element (Who, what, where, when, why) in each finger.

*Children write five things they learned from a science or social studies lesson.


Character Graph



Draw the outline of a body similar to the one shown. Label with “see,” “hear,” “think,” “say,” “feel,” “go.” After reading a story use the character graph for children to recall details.


Star of Knowledge

Make a large star and write a concept in the middle. Children add facts and details in each point of the star.

*Write a number in the middle and five facts that equal that number.

SPIN A LEARNING WEB

Here are a few more ways to use spider rings to "web" children's interest.

Literacy
Children draw a spider web on a paper plate. Ask them to write a story about a spider on the back of the plate.

Where's Batty?
Turn four or five cups upside down as shown and write sight words (letters, numbers, etc.) on them. Explain that "Batty" is going to hide under one of the cups. Have children close their eyes and “hide” the bat under one of the cups. Children take turns calling out a word and looking under that cup for the bat. The child who finds the bat gets the next turn to hide it.




Arachnoids
What’s the difference between a spider and an insect? How many legs does a spider have? How many legs on 2 spiders? 3 spiders?

Bats
Is a bat a bird or a mammal? How can you find out? That’s right! Look on the internet and discover other interesting bat facts.

Graphic Organizers
Use attribute webs, Venn diagrams, T-charts, and other visual graphics to extend learning.

Sticky Drippy Spiders
Your students will also be delighted with this bottle. Pour about 1 cup of clear corn syrup in a plastic bottle. (The amount you need will depend on the size of the bottle. I really like to use larger round containers, but this was the only one I had on hand.) Add a few drops of red and yellow food coloring and swirl around to make orange. Add a few plastic spiders and watch them do their thing. (I used spider rings and cut the ring part off. I also put in a few bats.)



I Spy Bottle!
Several years ago we were eating in a Mexican restaurant in October and there were little Halloween toys in the spice bottles. It was interesting to watch adults, children, and families at every table trying to identify the objects. I guarantee this bottle will capture your students' interest!

You will need a clear plastic bottle or jar, salt or sand, and small seasonal toys. Fill the container 2/3 full with salt or sand. Insert the toys and then screw on the top. Shake.
*How many objects can the children find?

*Pass around the bottle and let each child make a complete sentence starting with "I spy a..."
*Have each child repeat what the previous child says and then add something they see. First child: I spy a spider. Second child: I spy a spider and a bat. Third child: I spy a spider and a bat and a cat.

*Ask younger children to draw what they see in the bottle.

*Have older students make a list of everything they find in the bottle.

*Can they write a story using the objects in the bottle?

*Use the bottle to reward children who are working quietly or children who are resting quietly.

Ring Hunt
Children love to hunt for eggs at Easter, but they’ll also have fun hunting for these rings in the classroom or out on the playground.

Spider Soup
This was one of my favorite Halloween activities! Get a large industrial size can of chicken noodle soup. Remove the wrapper and cover with construction paper. Write “spider soup” on the label. Take two packages of ramen noodles and crush. Put in a paper lunch sack and write “spider webs” on the front of the sack. Explain to the children that you’ll be having spider soup for snack. Show them the can and just LISTEN to their comments. Open the can and put it in a crockpot. (Someone will be sure to comment that they see spider legs and meat!) Show them the sack and explain that you will end crunchy spider webs to make it better. Dump those in and slowly cook until it is warm. Serve in paper cups.

VENNS AND TIME LINES

Did you know that John Venn conceived the Venn diagram around 1880 to teach elementary set theory? The Venn remains a useful tool to compare and contrast in our classrooms today.

Children can compare and contrast themselves with a friend. How are they different and how are they alike?

Children can demonstrate primary and secondary colors with Venns.

How about comparing books or characters with a Venn?

Animals (frogs and toads), plants (palm tree and cactus), or foods (apples and oranges) can be explored with Venns.

Letters (curves, lines, lines and curves) can even be sorted with a Venn diagram.

Time Lines
Time Lines are a visual way for children to recall the sequence in a story.

Time lines can be used to illustrate the life cycle of plants and animals.

Children can record the day’s events with a time line or use a time line to organize tasks that they must accomplish at school.

Time lines can also be used for history lessons or as an autobiography.
(What was I like when I was a baby…what am I like now…what will I be when I am grown.)

Hint for Pre-K teachers! Model using these graphic organizers with your students. It will increase their print awareness and be useful (prior knowledge) when used in future grades.

VISUAL GRAPHICS AND T-CHARTS

Hand of Thoughts

Children trace around their hand and write a story element (Who, what, where, when, why) in each finger.


Character Graph



Draw the outline of a body similar to the one shown. Label with “see,” “hear,” “think,” “say,” “feel,” “go.” After reading a story use the character graph for children to recall details.


Star of Knowledge

Make a large star and write a concept in the middle. Children add facts and details in each point of the star.


T-Charts

T-chart helps students sort information. It can be used to discriminate:

Odd and even numbers

Facts and fiction

Nouns and verbs

Science concepts (float/sink, magnet attracts/repels, manmade/natural, recycle/not recyclable, mammals/reptiles, etc.) 

Synonyms, antonyms

Positive/negative behaviors (friends/bullies, healthy foods/junk foods)

LET'S GET WEBBING!

Let’s explore how to use another popular graphic organizer today. You could model using webs for large group instruction, assign them for independent work, or use them for partner or small group projects. 

Webs can be done on any topic from science to literature, phonics, math, special friends – you name it! Webs can be done as a traditional bubble with lines coming off, or you can make webs that reflect your theme. For example: a spider shape, flower, tree, etc. Webs are open-ended and encourage creativity and thinking outside the box. 

Brainstorm – concept in the middle and then add comments

Phonics – letter in the middle and add words or pictures

Numbers – number in the middle and different ways to make that number

Shape – shape in the middle and objects that are made with the shape

Vocabulary – word in the middle with synonyms

Affixes – prefix or suffix in the middle with words made with the affix

Science or social studies– topic in the middle with facts

Writing prompt - facts to include

Special friend – child’s name in the middle with positive comments around

Assessment – This is a fantastic strategy to show individual learning. When you start a unit give children a sheet of paper and ask them to do a web about what they know on the topic. Date and save. At the end of the unit ask them to make another web with everything they’ve learned about the topic. Date and staple with the initial one. Send home with a note to the parents that says: “These webs show what your child has learned during our study of _____.”


How can you use a web today instead of a worksheet???

MAPS FOR THE MIND

Graphic organizers are super simple and super challenging for any grade level or any content area. These visual graphics can help children organize, brainstorm, and problem-solve. They also enable children to classify and visually “see” how things fit together. Think of them as putting a picture in the brain. And, they are perfect for differentiated instruction!

I found several good (free) websites where you can download graphic organizers and explore some of the skills they can reinforce:

eduplace.com/graphicorganizers
edhelper.com/teachers/graphic_organizers
teachervision.com

Today, let’s take a look at TIC-TAC-TOE: THIS IS WHAT I KNOW! (aka Lotus Diagram)

*CHALLENGE!  How could you use this instead of a worksheet today?

Phonics – put a letter in the middle and draw objects or write words that begin with that sound

Math – put a number in the middle and write different combinations that equal that amount

Tasks – children write the activities they need to do each day or during the week (They can color them in as they complete assignments.)

Affixes – write the prefix or suffix in the middle and then write words using the affix

Vocabulary or Spelling – children write words in each section and then the teacher calls out words for children to color in

Facts – write a science or social studies topic in the middle and then write facts about it in each frame

Directions – children listen and follow directions (For example: Put a smiley in the upper right hand corner. Draw a star in the middle section on the left. Write your middle name in the middle, and so forth.)

Word Bracelet
I was getting ready to throw away an empty tape dispenser when I remembered this idea. Write words (or letters or numbers or shapes) you are working on around the cardboard roll. Children who can read all the words get to wear the bracelet for the day. (Yea, dumb I know, but I bet your kiddles might like it!)

SONG FOR THE MIND!

How about a new video my webmaster just created to add some fun to the brain?

https://youtu.be/rtdqrRLzuik

SPIN A LEARNING WEB WITH SPIDERS

Here are a few more ways to use spiders to "web" children's interest.


Arachnoids
What’s the difference between a spider and an insect? How many legs does a spider have? How many legs on 2 spiders? 3 spiders?

Bats 
Is a bat a bird or a mammal? How can you find out? That’s right! Look on the internet and discover other interesting bat facts.

Graphic Organizers 
Use attribute webs, Venn diagrams, T-charts, and other visual graphics to extend learning.

 

 


Where's Batty? 
Turn four or five cups upside down as shown and write sight words (letters, numbers, etc.) on them. Explain that "Batty" is going to hide under one of the cups. Have children close their eyes and “hide” the bat under one of the cups. Children take turns calling out a word and looking under that cup for the bat. The child who finds the bat gets the next turn to hide it.



Literacy
Children draw a spider web on a paper plate. Ask them to write a story about a spider on the back of the plate.

Sticky Drippy Spiders
Your students will also be delighted with this bottle. Pour about 1 cup of clear corn syrup in a plastic bottle. (The amount you need will depend on the size of the bottle. I really like to use larger round containers, but this was the only one I had on hand.) Add a few drops of red and yellow food coloring and swirl around to make orange. Add a few plastic spiders and watch them do their thing. (I used spider rings and cut the ring part off. I also put in a few bats.)



I Spy Bottle!
Several years ago we were eating in a Mexican restaurant in October and there were little Halloween toys in the spice bottles. It was interesting to watch adults, children, and families at every table trying to identify the objects. I guarantee this bottle will capture your students' interest!

You will need a clear plastic bottle or jar, salt or sand, and small seasonal toys. Fill the container 2/3 full with salt or sand. Insert the toys and then screw on the top. Shake.
*How many objects can the children find?

*Pass around the bottle and let each child make a complete sentence starting with "I spy a..."
*Have each child repeat what the previous child says and then add something they see. First child: I spy a spider. Second child: I spy a spider and a bat. Third child: I spy a spider and a bat and a cat.

*Ask younger children to draw what they see in the bottle.

*Have older students make a list of everything they find in the bottle.

*Can they write a story using the objects in the bottle?

*Use the bottle to reward children who are working quietly or children who are resting quietly.

Ring Hunt
Children love to hunt for eggs at Easter, but they’ll also have fun hunting for these rings in the classroom or out on the playground.

Spider Soup
This was one of my favorite Halloween activities! Get a large industrial size can of chicken noodle soup. Remove the wrapper and cover with construction paper. Write “spider soup” on the label. Take two packages of ramen noodles and crush. Put in a paper lunch sack and write “spider webs” on the front of the sack. Explain to the children that you’ll be having spider soup for snack. Show them the can and just LISTEN to their comments. Open the can and put it in a crockpot. (Someone will be sure to comment that they see spider legs and meat!) Show them the sack and explain that you will end crunchy spider webs to make it better. Dump those in and slowly cook until it is warm. Serve in paper cups.

   

IT'S FALL Y'ALL!

Fall, fall, the best season of all!

Pumpkins, leaves, and fun football!

Leaves Are Falling
(Tune: “Where Is Thumbkin?”)
Leaves are falling (Echo song. Children repeat each line.)
Leaves are falling (Flutter fingers down.)
To the ground. (Touch the ground.)
To the ground.
Red, orange, and yellow (Flutter fingers.)
Red, orange, and yellow
Falling down. (Touch the ground.)
Falling down.

*Let children dramatize being leaves and dancing in the wind. As the song ends they fall quietly to the ground.

*What happens to leaves after they fall from the trees? Later in the fall when there are lots of leaves on the ground demonstrate how to pick up a handful of leaves and crumple them in your hands. Explain how those leaves will decay and turn into soil.

Fall
Why do you think they call this season “fall”? What’s another name for fall?
What season comes before fall? What season comes after fall? Fall is a cool off time between hot summer and cold winter.

Signs of Fall
Brainstorm signs of fall and write them on the board. What kind of clothes do we wear in fall? What’s the weather like in the fall? Are there any special seasonal foods we eat? What kind of sports are popular in fall? What holidays do we celebrate in the fall? What do animals do to get ready for winter? What do plants do in the fall?

*Let children make an attribute web and label it with pictures or words of things that remind them of fall. Older children can do this as a writing assignment, but for younger children this can be an opportunity for the teacher to model writing and develop vocabulary.

Nature Walk

Go on a nature walk and look for signs of fall. Provide children with tablets, paper, and pencils so they can record their “observations” on the walk.

I Like Autumn Language Experience Chart
Let children dictate sentences about why they like autumn. Older children could write their own original stories about, “Fall, Fall, Best of All!”

Acrostic Poem
Write the words “fall” or “autumn” vertically down the side of a sheet of paper. Children think of a word that starts with each letter that relates to fall.

GOING BATTY

But wait...there's more to do with those plastic rings!

Literacy
Children draw a spider web on a paper plate. Ask them to write a story about a spider on the back of the plate. 

Where's Batty?
Turn four or five cups upside down as shown and write sight words (letters, numbers, etc.) on them. Explain that "Batty" is going to hide under one of the cups. Have children close their eyes and “hide” the bat under one of the cups. Children take turns calling out a word and looking under that cup for the bat. The child who finds the bat gets the next turn to hide it. 

Arachnoids
What’s the difference between a spider and an insect? How many legs does a spider have? How many legs on 2 spiders? 3 spiders?

Bats
Is a bat a bird or a mammal? How can you find out? That’s right! Look on the internet and discover other interesting bat facts.

Graphic Organizers
Use attribute webs, Venn diagrams, T-charts, and other visual graphics to extend learning.

     

       

*As I was making these I realized how they align with higher level thinking skills. I know teachers are always looking for critical thinking strategies to use with little children, so how about this: WOULD YOU RATHER BE A SPIDER OR A BAT? WHY?

Sticky Drippy Spiders
Your students will also be delighted with this bottle. Pour about 1 cup of clear corn syrup in a plastic bottle. (The amount you need will depend on the size of the bottle. I really like to use larger round containers, but this was the only one I had on hand.) Add a few drops of red and yellow food coloring and swirl around to make orange. Add a few plastic spiders and watch them do their thing. (I used spider rings and cut the ring part off. I also put in a few bats.) 

I Spy Bottle! 

Several years ago we were eating in a Mexican restaurant in October and there were little Halloween toys in the spice bottles. It was interesting to watch adults, children, and families at every table trying to identify the objects. I guarantee this bottle will capture your students' interest! 

You will need a clear plastic bottle or jar, salt or sand, and small seasonal toys. Fill the container 2/3 full with salt or sand. Insert the toys and then screw on the top. Shake.
*How many objects can the children find?

*Pass around the bottle and let each child make a complete sentence starting with "I spy a..."
*Have each child repeat what the previous child says and then add something they see. First child: I spy a spider. Second child: I spy a spider and a bat. Third child: I spy a spider and a bat and a cat.

*Ask younger children to draw what they see in the bottle.

*Have older students make a list of everything they find in the bottle.

*Can they write a story using the objects in the bottle?

*Use the bottle to reward children who are working quietly or children who are resting quietly.

Ring Hunt
Children love to hunt for eggs at Easter, but they’ll also have fun hunting for these rings in the classroom or out on the playground.

GOING BATTY

Is a bat a bird or a mammal?  

Look on the internet you'll discover amazing bat facts.  

(I learned a few new things today at this site: https://nayturr.com.)

Where's Batty? 
Turn four or five cups upside down as shown and write sight words (letters, numbers, etc.) on them. Explain that "Batty" is going to hide under one of the cups. Have children close their eyes and “hide” the bat under one of the cups. Children take turns calling out a word and looking under that cup for the bat. The child who finds the bat gets the next turn to hide it. 

Graphic Organizers
Use attribute webs, Venn diagrams, T-charts, and other visual graphics to extend learning. 

          

                                          


Oral Language - Critical Thinking

WOULD YOU RATHER BE A SPIDER OR A BAT? WHY? 


Sticky Drippy Spiders
Your students will also be delighted with this bottle. Pour about 1 cup of clear corn syrup in a plastic bottle. (The amount you need will depend on the size of the bottle. I really like to use larger round containers, but this was the only one I had on hand.) Add a few drops of red and yellow food coloring and swirl around to make orange. Add a few plastic bats and spiders and watch them do their thing. (I cut the ring part off these.)



I Spy Bottle! 

Several years ago we were eating in a Mexican restaurant in October and there were little Halloween toys in the spice bottles. It was interesting to watch adults, children, and families at every table trying to identify the objects. I guarantee this bottle will capture your students' interest! 

                                       
You will need a clear plastic bottle or jar, salt or sand, and small seasonal toys. Fill the container 2/3 full with salt or sand. Insert the toys and then screw on the top. Shake.
*How many objects can the children find?

*Pass around the bottle and let each child make a complete sentence starting with "I spy a..." 

*Have each child repeat what the previous child says and then add something they see. First child: I spy a spider. Second child: I spy a spider and a bat. Third child: I spy a spider and a bat and a cat.

*Ask younger children to draw what they see in the bottle.

*Have older students make a list of everything they find in the bottle.

*Can they write a story using the objects in the bottle?

*Use the bottle to reward children who are working quietly or children who are resting quietly.


Ring Hunt
Children love to hunt for eggs at Easter, but they’ll also have fun hunting for plastic rings in the classroom or out on the playground.