• Home
  • Blog
  • Amazon Shop
  • Freebies
  • SOR Curriculum
  • Facebook Group
  • SOR Padlet
  • Shop

Little Minds at Work

  • Pre-K
    • Alphabet Curriculum
    • Pre-K Literacy
    • Pre-K Math
    • Pre-K Math MINGLE
    • INSTANT Themes
    • Preschool Curriculum BUNDLE
  • Kindergarten
    • KinderWriting
    • KinderMath
    • Guided Math
    • KinderPhonics
    • CVC Curriculum
    • CVCE Curriculum
    • KinderBookKlub
    • KinderLiteracy
    • KinderGrammar
    • KinderCurriculum BUNDLE PT. 1
    • KinderCurriculum BUNDLE PT. 2
  • First Grade
    • FirstieMath
    • FirstieLiteracy
    • FirstiePhonics
    • FirstieGrammar
    • Firstievention (ELA)
    • FirstieMath Center Mats
    • FirstieMath Intervention
    • FirstieCurriculum BUNDLE
  • 2nd Grade
    • 2nd Math
    • 2nd Literacy
    • 2nd Phonics
    • 2nd Grammar
    • 2nd Grade Intervention (ELA)
    • 2nd Intervention (Math)
    • 2nd Science
    • 2nd Social Studies
    • 2nd Grade BUNDLE
  • Science of Reading
  • Close Reading

Dinosaurs Close Read

Hey friends! AHH it is so good to be typing again!  The past couple of weeks have been a little out of the ordinary!  I don’t always talk a lot about my personal battles, because sometimes I think we have enough stress as teachers and I don’t need to play any fiddles for you! 😛  As many of you know my husband and I have long tried to make our little family complete.  We have struggled, cried, prayed struggled,  cried, and prayed some more.  I just completed my second fresh IVF cycle.  It was full of surprises, like they can be “normal.”  Needless to say I got something called OHSS and because I was extremely dehydrated, passed out a few times, was told I might have blood clots, then told I didn’t, stayed in the hospital a few days, missed a lot of work…and all that in a week’s time!  I think I am finally on the mend and we will find out in less then a week if the IVF was a success.  I used to be selfish and ask why me…but I have realized that only God knows of the special plan that is my life.  Only He can make dreams come true…all I can do is put my faith in him and TRUST!
I’ve tried to catch up on emails, requests, projects, etc so no excuses…just life! 🙂
Our dinosaur close read was not last week, but the week before!  I was there most of that week, but it was a busy one so most of the pictures are from my phone so they might not be the best quality!  I have discussed my close reads so much that I don’t want to bore you, but I do like to show you how we are learning to incorporate the close read throughout our days.  This has made the close read even more meaningful!  If you are new to close reads click the words “close reads” in the right side of the screen and you can read more in detail how I run my close reads!

This close read was using another National Geographic ebook!  You can click the photo above to view the book!  I really LOVE these interactive books!  Just a few new spins on our close reads…

Monday: Day one {cold read}  Before I start with the book I have been spending some time building background knowledge about the subject.  I am not trying to front load the kids…I am actually trying to get them to unload their ideas!  We have struggled a little with EVIDENCE at times the kids want to tell what they think, heard before, etc.  By allowing them to share what they already know about dinosaurs, then reading the book I am able to help them realize what evidence means and what is facts/opinions they’ve heard before.  After the cold read on Monday I also have the students do a turn and talk after the book to state to their partner one new piece of evidence the book taught them about dinosaurs.

I am also now posting the week’s essential question through out the week on the board!


Tuesday: Vocabulary- As we read through the whole book the students raise their hands to ask about unknown words.  We also chart a few words that I have picked out and place realistic pictures for each.  Along with the pictures we make up actions for each of the words!  
I have started a simple pencil and paper review for vocabulary!  I am test running it and making sure it is a beneficial piece of data…once I tweak it for success I will add them in the close read packets!

Wednesday: Text Dependent Questions!  I love this day, as the students get to impress me with their evidence from the text!  We are also working hard on the week’s essential question this day!

Thursday: Collaborative Learning- on this day students discussed with their groups if they could have a pet dinosaurs using evidence from the book!

  

The following activities are found in my Dinosaur Mini Unit- which is a great bargain! 🙂

 

Also, found in my dino mini unit is a recipe to make fossils!  I premade the fossils at home and then had the students make their own imprints!  We also wrote about our fossils!

 

 


Click below if you are interested in the mini unit!  It is $4, but on sale through the end of day Monday!
 

 If you haven’t checked out my close read packets you can see them below!  They are getting great reviews!  You can also click on one of the packets below and view my freebie nonfiction and fiction lesson to see how you like them!

These are my beautiful nieces who help me remember that the world keeps going even when we feel as though we can’t! 🙂  Have a great start to your week!


With Love,

Related Posts

  • Recap of Seeds and Butterflies OH MY!Recap of Seeds and Butterflies OH MY!
  • A Closer Look at Kindergarten Close ReadsA Closer Look at Kindergarten Close Reads
  • Recap of Week 8 and Peek at my Week 9!Recap of Week 8 and Peek at my Week 9!
«
»

Filed Under: Reading Tagged With: close read, Dinosaurs

Comments

  1. Amanda says

    March 31, 2014 at 11:28 pm

    Glad to see you are feeling better, Tara! I hope that everything works out; God has a plan for you and your family! 🙂

    Amanda
    A Very Curious Class

    Reply
  2. Lori Wessing says

    March 31, 2014 at 11:40 pm

    I continue to pray for you and your family…wishing you the very best outcome!! 🙂 Your situation breaks my heart and I know the heartache you are going through!! Praying for you Tara.
    Becky 🙂

    Reply
  3. Jaime Miller says

    March 31, 2014 at 11:58 pm

    I hope you feel better and am hoping for the best for you and your family! My sister is going through the same process and know how exhausting, frustrating, and how many emotions go into it. Wishing you and your family the best! 🙂

    Jaime

    A Spoonful of Learning

    Reply
  4. Chrissy says

    April 1, 2014 at 2:09 am

    We struggled w/ infertility for 5 years. We adopted our oldest son in May 2007 and our youngest in March 2010. I cannot tell you what a blessing my boys are after so many failed pregnancy attempts. Praying God's mighty hand is at work in your life as He grows your family in His time and His way. Waiting in His time & resting in peace is no easy task! Blessings to you and your hubby.

    Reply
  5. Anonymous says

    April 1, 2014 at 8:47 am

    Take care of yourself and you loved ones. When the time is right, your bub will appear. L xo

    Reply
  6. Jennifer White says

    April 1, 2014 at 7:31 pm

    LOVE it!
    Jennifer
    First Grade Blue Skies

    Reply
  7. Nicole Alderson says

    April 3, 2014 at 12:15 am

    I hope you are feeling better Tara! So sorry about all the complications- I'm thinking of you girl! I've been using your nonfiction pack and really it IS amazing! I've picked a few other texts that we've close read in between the nonfiction weeks and my kids are LOVING it! SO happy!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Subscribe!

Sign up to receive updates & monthly newsletter.

Find it Fast!

Follow on Instagram

☀️🌴 Guided Phonics + Beyond Summer School t ☀️🌴 Guided Phonics + Beyond Summer School to Home connections! These sheets have been carefully created to keep students using their SOR best practices over summer break! Each task is extremely quick yet effective. Students will continue to work on decoding, encoding, dictation, and high frequency words! These pair back to my Guided Phonics + Beyond units 2-6! Each unit comes with 6 sheets (aka 6 weeks). These are extremely easy to prep as you don’t need to print and staple huge packets! Each page is 1 week! Find these linked in my Instagram profile! #iteachk #tpt #sor #summerslide #guidedphonics #iteachtoo
❤️🧡💛FREE DOWNLOAD💚💙💜 Did you do ❤️🧡💛FREE DOWNLOAD💚💙💜 Did you download this free set of Guided Phonics + Beyond decodable drill mats? The free download also includes student trackers. These can be used for placing students in the Guided Phonics + Beyond curriculum units, mid-unit assessing, or end of unit cumulative assessing! Snag this free download linked in my Instagram profile! #sor #guidedphonics #iteachk #kindergarten #tpt
❤️🧡💛NEW SOR Guided Phonics + Beyond VIP ❤️🧡💛NEW SOR Guided Phonics + Beyond VIP Bundle💚💙💜 This is THEE must have bundle! This VIP is a bundle of bundles! 10 NEW bundles will be added to this! The bundle will grow over the summer - giving you a nice surprise each month! The VIP is currently priced to give you each bundle for $2.50-$3.00! What a deal! View the 10 bundles below! Bundle linked in my Instagram profile!

1. SOR aligned task cards
2. SOR aligned sentences pocket chart builders
3. SOR aligned INSTANT printables
4. SOR aligned quick routines on a ring
5. SOR aligned center mats
6. SOR aligned gameboards
7. SOR aligned interactive notebooks
8. SOR aligned home connection sheets
9. SOR aligned comprehension passages
10. SOR aligned writing center

#iteachk #guidedphonics #sor #tpt #iteach
🧡🧡 BRAND NEW free downloads for Guided Phoni 🧡🧡 BRAND NEW free downloads for Guided Phonics + Beyond Unit 2 CVC! Snag two new freebies for your cvc work! Freebie 1 is 2 sets of new decodable stretch and blend word cards. Freebie 2 is a set of cvc sorts! It comes with a variety of styles! Download both freebies linked in my Instagram profile! #iteachk #tpt #sor #GuidedPhonics #iteachtoo
❤️🧡💛FREE SOR ASSESSMENTS 💚💙💜 Di ❤️🧡💛FREE SOR ASSESSMENTS 💚💙💜 Did you snag the new and comprehensive Guided Phonics + Beyond assessments and assessment manual! This 60 page free download can be used alongside any SOR program. The assessments can be used for end of unit assessing, end of year assessing, or unit placement with my Guided Phonics + Beyond Curriculum! The free download is linked in my Instagram profile! #sor #guidedphonics #tpt #tptfreebie #scienceofreading
❤️🧡💛HUGE Guided Phonics + Beyond Curricu ❤️🧡💛HUGE Guided Phonics + Beyond Curriculum FREE Update💚💙💜 I’m excited to share that I have added 2 new versions of 150 decodables to the Guided Phonics + Beyond Curriculum! You now can choose to print one page color or b/w decodables! These allow you to keep the feel/formatting of a book but on just one sheet! You can redownload anytime to access these! This makes 10 total versions you choose from for each decodable :) Redownload or view the program linked in my Instagram profile! #guidedphonics #sor #guidedphonics+beyond #iteachk #firstgrade
💚💚 17 UNIT 4 CVCE free downloads! These free 💚💚 17 UNIT 4 CVCE free downloads! These free downloads are found in my newsletter today! Be sure to check your inbox to snag these free freebies! If you’re not in my list DM me and I’ll get you added! #guidedphonics #iteachk #tpt #Sor #tptfreebie #iteachfirst
NEW and 50% off INSTANT Phonics Pop-It cards! A se NEW and 50% off INSTANT Phonics Pop-It cards! A set of 375 skill-based phonics pop-it cards. Snag it on sale linked in my Instagram profile! Comment below if you need a link to the pop-its! #iteachk #sor #tpt #scienceofreading #guidedphonics
SCIENCE OF READING DECODABLES: The Guided Phonics SCIENCE OF READING DECODABLES: The Guided Phonics + Beyond SOR aligned decodables are created to follow a systematic scope for sounds and high frequency words. Nonfiction and fiction decodable available. Each packet is skill based: cvc, digraphs/blends/double endings, cvce, and r-controlled/ending blends. View the sets linked in my Instagram profile! #iteachk #guidedphonics #tpt #sor #iteachfirst #firstgrade
Follow on Instagram

Follow on Facebook

Little Minds at Work

6 hours ago

Little Minds at Work
☀️☀️ Brand new FREEBIE! Snag this set of 115 INSTANT Summer CVC map it task cards! Download them linked HERE: bit.ly/3PvQLpm Happy *almost* summer break! ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Little Minds at Work

9 hours ago

Little Minds at Work
FREE DOWNLOAD! Download this set of Unit 2 CVC pocket chart sorts here 👉 bit.ly/3M4Nc7a ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Little Minds at Work

1 day ago

Little Minds at Work
😏😏www.facebook.com/WeAreTeachers/photos/10160358527228708 ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Little Minds at Work

1 day ago

Little Minds at Work
FREE DOWNLOAD! Download this set of Unit 2 Stretch and blend decodable word cards here 👉 bit.ly/3M4Nc7a ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Little Minds at Work

2 days ago

Little Minds at Work
😂😂www.facebook.com/WeAreTeachers/photos/10160365375168708Precisely. ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Follow on Pinterest

  • Completely transform your teaching with these FUN & engaging, yet still rigorous, lessons and activities! These INSTANT Theme packets are perfect preschool and kindergarten offer engaging, hands-on material for each themed set. The INSTANT Themes packets are completely comprehensive...toss in a few hands-on manipulatives and let the learning begin. Click the pin to see all the themes included in the money-saving bundle!
    Completely transform your teaching with these FUN & engaging, yet still rigorous, lessons and activities! These INSTANT Theme packets are perfect preschool and kindergarten offer engaging, hands-on material for each themed set. The INSTANT Themes packets are completely comprehensive...toss in a few hands-on manipulatives and let the learning begin. Click the pin to see all the themes included in the money-saving bundle!
  • Completely transform your teaching with these FUN & engaging, yet still rigorous, lessons and activities! These INSTANT Theme packets are perfect preschool and kindergarten offer engaging, hands-on material for each themed set. The INSTANT Themes packets are completely comprehensive...toss in a few hands-on manipulatives and let the learning begin. Click the pin to see all the themes included in the money-saving bundle!
    Completely transform your teaching with these FUN & engaging, yet still rigorous, lessons and activities! These INSTANT Theme packets are perfect preschool and kindergarten offer engaging, hands-on material for each themed set. The INSTANT Themes packets are completely comprehensive...toss in a few hands-on manipulatives and let the learning begin. Click the pin to see all the themes included in the money-saving bundle!
  • Searching for CVC word activities for kindergarten? These hands on activities are highly engaging and simple to prepare. Click the pin to check out a huge variety of CVC word activities, including some freebies too!
    Searching for CVC word activities for kindergarten? These hands on activities are highly engaging and simple to prepare. Click the pin to check out a huge variety of CVC word activities, including some freebies too!
  • Searching for CVC word activities for kindergarten? These hands on activities are highly engaging and simple to prepare. Click the pin to check out a huge variety of CVC word activities, including some freebies too!
    Searching for CVC word activities for kindergarten? These hands on activities are highly engaging and simple to prepare. Click the pin to check out a huge variety of CVC word activities, including some freebies too!
  • Searching for CVCE word activities for kindergarten? These hands on activities are highly engaging and simple to prepare. Click the pin to check out a huge variety of CVCE word activities, including some freebies too!
    Searching for CVCE word activities for kindergarten? These hands on activities are highly engaging and simple to prepare. Click the pin to check out a huge variety of CVCE word activities, including some freebies too!
  • Completely transform your teaching with these FUN & engaging, yet still rigorous, lessons and activities! These INSTANT Theme packets are perfect preschool and kindergarten offer engaging, hands-on material for each themed set. The INSTANT Themes packets are completely comprehensive...toss in a few hands-on manipulatives and let the learning begin. Click the pin to see all the themes included in the money-saving bundle!
    Completely transform your teaching with these FUN & engaging, yet still rigorous, lessons and activities! These INSTANT Theme packets are perfect preschool and kindergarten offer engaging, hands-on material for each themed set. The INSTANT Themes packets are completely comprehensive...toss in a few hands-on manipulatives and let the learning begin. Click the pin to see all the themes included in the money-saving bundle!
  • Completely transform your teaching with these FUN & engaging, yet still rigorous, lessons and activities! These INSTANT Theme packets are perfect preschool and kindergarten offer engaging, hands-on material for each themed set. The INSTANT Themes packets are completely comprehensive...toss in a few hands-on manipulatives and let the learning begin. Click the pin to see all the themes included in the money-saving bundle!
    Completely transform your teaching with these FUN & engaging, yet still rigorous, lessons and activities! These INSTANT Theme packets are perfect preschool and kindergarten offer engaging, hands-on material for each themed set. The INSTANT Themes packets are completely comprehensive...toss in a few hands-on manipulatives and let the learning begin. Click the pin to see all the themes included in the money-saving bundle!
  • Completely transform your teaching with these FUN & engaging, yet still rigorous, lessons and activities! These INSTANT Theme packets are perfect preschool and kindergarten offer engaging, hands-on material for each themed set. The INSTANT Themes packets are completely comprehensive...toss in a few hands-on manipulatives and let the learning begin. Click the pin to see all the themes included in the money-saving bundle!
    Completely transform your teaching with these FUN & engaging, yet still rigorous, lessons and activities! These INSTANT Theme packets are perfect preschool and kindergarten offer engaging, hands-on material for each themed set. The INSTANT Themes packets are completely comprehensive...toss in a few hands-on manipulatives and let the learning begin. Click the pin to see all the themes included in the money-saving bundle!
  • Completely transform your teaching with these FUN & engaging, yet still rigorous, lessons and activities! These INSTANT Theme packets are perfect preschool and kindergarten offer engaging, hands-on material for each themed set. The INSTANT Themes packets are completely comprehensive...toss in a few hands-on manipulatives and let the learning begin. Click the pin to see all the themes included in the money-saving bundle!
    Completely transform your teaching with these FUN & engaging, yet still rigorous, lessons and activities! These INSTANT Theme packets are perfect preschool and kindergarten offer engaging, hands-on material for each themed set. The INSTANT Themes packets are completely comprehensive...toss in a few hands-on manipulatives and let the learning begin. Click the pin to see all the themes included in the money-saving bundle!
Follow Me on Pinterest

 Tara West © 2017 - Privacy Policy