Narrative Bat Writing & Silly According Bats

Narrative Bat Writing & Silly According Bats:  I always love adding a fun craft to my writing projects.  These according bats are simple and cute.  I found them at iheartcraftythings.  One of my favorite narrative topics is:  The day a bat visited our classroom!  Once the students complete their creative narrative, they get to make these cute bats.  The simple art project motivates the students to complete their writing.  My students add feet and extra details.  Enjoy!  

LINK to Narrative Writing Ideas

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Newspaper Apple FALL Art

Newspaper Apple FALL Art:  I love making these newspaper fall apples.  I found the idea on Frog Spot Blog.  They are a great addition to the Johnny Appleseed activities I blogged about.  They make an AMAZING bulletin board.  I love the contrast of the apples on the black paper.  I have my kiddos paint 12 X 12 newspaper with red watercolor paint.  Then they paint a 6 X 12 newspaper in green watercolor paint.  Once dry, the students trace different size apple templates (made out of file folders) using pastels (I am sure crayon would work too.)  I love having them add designs to the apples.  The kiddos cut out the apples and leaves and mount them on the black construction paper.  Enjoy!

LINK to Johnny Appleseed Post

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Hip! Hip! Hooray! Johnny Appleseed Day!

Apple Day - Taste Test - Johnny Appleseed Day: Nothing says FALL like Johnny Appleseed. I love having an Apple Day in my classroom around September 26th - Johnny Appleseed Day! I have created a letter home asking for supplies and apples, an apple taste test chart, an apple taste test graph, 2 note taking options for taking notes on Johnny Appleseed and a writing paper.   All are available at my TPT store:  LINK We make applesauce in class along with enjoying hot apple cider. We have an apple taste test and read and learn about Johnny Appleseed. I have given some links to resources that I love using. One is from www.readinga-z.com and the other is www.jr.brainpop.com. Reading A-Z has a Level O storybook on Johnny Appleseed.  Brainpop Jr. has a great Johnny Appleseed video that is normally FREE during the month of September.  I have my students take notes on Johnny Appleseed while watching the video or reading the storybook.  Once we are done with our taste test and applesauce making, I have the students write an informational writing about Johnny Appleseed using their notes.  Add some apple artwork and you have a super cute bulletin board!

Photos of applesauce making, apple taste test & note home requesting supplies: 

LINK to above resources: TPT STORE

Narrative Writing Ideas

Narrative Writing Ideas: I find it interesting that each group of 3rd graders I get, come with different strengths and interests. Some classes need more guidance on topic ideas when writing then others. This year I have a mix - students who can generate their own ideas for writing easily and students who need a little more support. This writing pack I created comes with an easy to use graphic organizer along with generic narrative writing paper and 7 topic driven narrative writing ideas for reluctant writers. I can't wait to dig in and use this new resource with my students!

Enjoy! KimDo what you love... Love what you do!https://theheartofthirdgrade.blogspot.com/
TPT LINK

Fun Run Memory Catcher

Fun Run Memory Catcher:  After a big school event, I love capturing my students memories in words and pictures.  Our school Fun Run is coming up.  I designed this Fun Run Memory Catcher to help my students capture the event!  I can't wait to see their before and after pictures.  I plan to take actual photos of the students and glue the photo to the back of the paper! I made the paper generic so it could be used by any classroom teacher who is having a Fun Run!  Enjoy!  FREE PDF:  LINK

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Writing: Things I Love About Fall

Writing: Things I Love About Fall:  Fall is here!  I love having my students celebrate fall by creating a writing capturing what they love about fall.  This lesson has a brainstorming sheet, first draft graphic organizer and 2nd draft writing paper.  Pair it with your favorite fall art project and voila ...  you have a gorgeous bulletin board! 

You can find these printable resources at my TPT store:  LINK

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Walking on Air

Walking on Air:  Science is a passion of mine!  I love passing on that passion to my 3rd-grade students.  I always start the year with this fun science activity!  My students are posed the question:  Can you walk on air?   We brainstorm together and record our ideas (both individual and group) in our science notebooks.  We then vote to see which ideas we will test.  Day one was using balloons to tape to our feet.  The students record their findings on trial #1:  It was unstable, the balloons popped, we needed support to walk.  On day two, we try out the second idea.  This year one of my students thought of using a structure to put on top of the balloons.  I have used a card table in the past.  This year my students suggested using our small red roundtable.  It worked perfectly.  We then record our findings for trial #2:  Yes, we were able to walk on air by using a platform to balance us on the balloons (the student answers varied).  I LOVE starting with this activity as a way of showing the students how to capture design, redesign and data collection in their science notebooks... and ... it is just so amazingly amazing - Even the teacher can walk on air!

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Ideas, Ideas, Everywhere

Ideas, Ideas, Everywhere... No matter where I am, I seem to be thinking about school.  I love this red frame I found in the clearance center at Aaron Brothers.  It was $2 and I have already found great uses for it.  I backed it with some construction paper, printed out a quick sign and "viola" - I had the perfect 1st Day of School memory frame for the kiddos to hold.  I changed the sign and took pictures of my 3rd graders with their first-grade buddies.  Keep your eyes open!  There are ideas and deals everywhere!  What has been your best school deal?

Do what you love... Love what you do!