NF Text Feature Magic Square + Google Reader Help!!

 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!!