Three days into summer and I am LOVING it! Ohhh, it feels so good to relax. For those of you that are still in school - hang in there. You are almost there!!
Now, as you know, I've been out of the loop for awhile and letting my Google Reader pile up. I knew it was getting full and the more I thought about, the more overwhelmed I got. So, naturally... I avoided it.
Then... I finally got my courage up and logged in. And what did I discover? Oh yeah, that Google Reader will cease to exists in July. Umm?? Panic mode!! What? How will I keep track of all the blog posts I've read and all the ones I haven't?? How will I search my blog postings?? Wha---Wha---What??!?
AHHHH!! I don't like this one bit. Clearly, I'm not a huge fan of change.
But, I'm dealing.
So, what are y'all doing to solve this calamity? Are you exporting all your files? If so, what are you using and how do you like it. I need HELP people!!
Please advise.
On another note, how many of you teach text features?!
What? Really? Me too.
Small world.
This year, I found my students really struggled to remember the different text features and their purpose. Not quite sure why this was so hard, but... it was. We did all the classic activities: scavenger hunt, making posters, etc. and they still needed more practice.
I created another fun way for my students to review text features with the Text Feature Magic Square. I love Magic Squares because once the kids get the hang of how they work, you can use them for anything. It is a great way to review vocabulary and it is self-checking.
Step 1: Cut the squares apart.
Step 2: Locate the one square that has writing on all 4 sides. That is the middle square.
Step 3: Begin matching text features with its purpose. I used 2 different fonts and sizes to make it easy to differentiate between purpose and name of feature.
Step 4: Check your work! If done correctly, the edge of your reconstructed square should be blank (i.e. no words).
This is one of my favorite activities and my students l-o-v-e it! Please try it out and let me know what you and your students think! I had fun designing this one and was thinking about putting some more together with math and science vocabulary. Thoughts?
You can download this puppy for FREE at my TN store OR my TPT store. Yahoo!!
While you are there, please check out my other free items. Actually, everything is free. I'd love some feedback though and maybe a rating or two. Just sayin'. Hehe.
Also, don't forget about Fiction Friday. We are back up and rolling this Friday.
Happy Magic Squaring!!
The text feature magic picture looks great! I'm headed to your store now!
ReplyDeleteBethany
FabandFunin4th!
Awesome!! Enjoy!
DeleteI've been using Bloglovin' and I really like it!
ReplyDeleteI am going to investigate now. :)
DeleteCannot imagine how many posts must have piled up in your reader...I missed a day and had 67 new posts the next day. I have become addicted to google reader, so I am going to need a new plan as well. I was using Bloglovin, but it comes by email once a day so I am looking into Feedly.
ReplyDeleteLooks like I am your first follower! Left feedback, too. What about making each box separate? (So that you don't lose the black line when you cut them apart?) Just a suggestion from this super-picky gal...
Hooray Suzy! Thanks for leaving some feedback. I feel official now. I like your idea of separate boxes to keep the black lines AND I think it would actually be easier to make. Um?! Brilliant! Thank you!! ~Amanda
DeleteThat's such a great idea! It's also a good assessment and check for the kids...thank you so much for sharing!!
ReplyDelete:) Kaitlyn
Smiles and Sunshine
I also switched to Bloglovin but have heard good things about Feedly too. Your text feature poster is a great idea and I love the magic squares. Thanks for sharing! I am a fellow 4th grade teacher and your newest follower.
ReplyDeleteJennifer
Mrs. Laffin's Laughings
WHAT! I had no idea Google Reader was going away! This stresses me out just thinking about losing all the blogs I follow and posts I've loved in the bloggy world. Please let us know if you find any other websites that work- a new blogger over here is desperate ;)
ReplyDeleteAshley
Fifth Grade Features
I was also distressed by this news. I looked into it a few weeks ago and have been using Feedly.Its quite different, but I'm getting used to it! It has some cool features.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the awesome freebie! I am really excited to use it when we go back. My kiddos struggled with text features as well, which is frustrating because it seems so simple to us. I'm now following your store and hope you make more things like this.:)
ReplyDeleteKristin
iTeach 1:1
I love the Text features four square! Thanks so much for sharing this freebie with us!!! I can't wait to link up on Friday with your Fiction Friday post-but I'm not wishing the summer away either. I hope that you find an awesome solution to the disappearance of Google reader!
ReplyDelete:) Nicole
Tadpole Tidbits
www.mrscorbitt.blogspot.com
Awesome! I'm so glad it will be helpful to you and your students.
DeleteSo glad you're back blogging -- I've missed you! I tried Feedly and Bloglovin' and so far I think I like the way Feedly looks the most. Both have free apps, so I'm using them on my iPad.
ReplyDeleteI'm intrigued by your magic square -- going right over to download and check it out.
Julie
Math is Elementary
I grabbed your freebie, thanks!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I am using Feedly now and am getting used to it. :)
~Brandee
Creating Lifelong Learners
I love the square and can't wait to use it! I am using Feedly and now that I'm used to it, I love it! Thanks again for the freebie!
ReplyDeleteDana