I have a total of 27 years teaching experience . After I received my M.Ed. from the University of Florida (hence the name "HappyEdugator"), I began teaching in elementary school, where I taught pull-out remedial classes for grades 2-5 and a section of K-1. Then I taught Pre-K for 5 years, before I went up to Middle School, where I have been in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Last year, I went back to 1st grade in a private setting. I have traveled worldwide and am also fluent in Spanish.
I have a total of 27 years teaching experience . After I received my M.Ed. from the University of Florida (hence the name "HappyEdugator"), I began teaching in elementary school, where I taught pull-out remedial classes for grades 2-5 and a section of K-1. Then I taught Pre-K for 5 years, before I went up to Middle School, where I have been in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Last year, I went back to 1st grade in a private setting. I have traveled worldwide and am also fluent in Spanish.
Theme Graphic Organizer for Any Novel or Short Story. Helps students understand how to identify theme in a novel or a short story by looking at dialogue, conflict, and endings. Includes examples of each from literature, and uses a mnemonic device to remember what theme is. (THEME = THE MEssage) Supports Common Core Standard for reading Literature #2, Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text Includes a blank copy for students. - HappyEdugator
Rhyme in Poetry Practice Sheet. This poetry worksheet defines rhyme and then lets students actively identify the rhymes in ten silly sentences. There are more than one rhyming pair in the sentences,and rhyming word endings are not always spelled the same, so students have to look carefully. Also, there are some words that students may not be familiar with, so that presents an additional challenge and a way to develop vocabulary by introducing new words. Key included.
- HappyEdugator
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.5 Explain major differences between poems, drama, and prose, and refer to the structural elements of poems (e.g., verse, rhythm, meter) and drama (e.g., casts of characters, settings, descriptions, dialogue, stage directions) when writing or speaking about a text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.7.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama.
Comparison and Contrast Graphic Organizer for Fictional Literature. Use this simple graphic organizer to compare two fiction literary works. Students can compare two novels, two short stories, two narrative poems, or even a book and a movie. Compare literary elements, including character traits, setting, plot and conflict, tone and mood, and theme. Helps students prepare for new common core assessments that require comparison and contrast of different texts. - HappyEdugator
Shades of Meaning Verb Cards - SAID. Cut out and laminate these 16 different cards illustrating different synonyms of the verb "SAID" Helps students understand connotation. With guidance and support from adults, students acquire new vocabulary by defining word relationships and nuances in word meanings, sorting words into categories, choosing and acting out the different meanings. Aligns to Common Core Standards.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.K.5d Distinguish shades of meaning among verbs describing the same general action (e.g., walk, march, strut, prance) by acting out the meanings.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.1.5d Distinguish shades of meaning among verbs differing in manner (e.g., look, peek, glance, stare, glare, scowl) and adjectives differing in intensity (e.g., large, gigantic) by defining or choosing them or by acting out the meanings.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.2.5b Distinguish shades of meaning among closely related verbs (e.g., toss, throw, hurl) and closely related adjectives (e.g., thin, slender, skinny, scrawny).
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.3.5c Distinguish shades of meaning among related words that describe states of mind or degrees of certainty (e.g., knew, believed, suspected, heard, wondered).
Additionally, words can be used for spelling practice, writing practice, and word walls. Includes definitions for the teacher.
- HappyEdugator
Standards
L.K.5d, L.1.5d, L.2.5b, L.3.5c
Business Letter Writing. How to Write a Business Letter Handout. This technical writing handout is a handy guide on how to write a business letter. Shows how a business letter is formatted, and the six main parts of a business letter: heading, inside address, salutation, body, closing, signature. Includes a blank template, a handout on writing strategies, a persuasive map, and rubric.
Shades of Meaning Worksheet. Practice using connotation and multiple meaning words. Two sections. Practice A has students take a word with three meanings and match the meaning according to the context. Practice B has students match a sentence to the correct meaning of the word underlined. - HappyEdugator
Context Clues Practice Sheet. Several different context clue activities for students to do on this sheet that is a great review or quick substitute worksheet. Students have to define context clues, determine meanings of words in context, and write sentences using context clues.- HappyEdugator
Figurative Language Color Idioms. Idioms with color words. One sheet is a multiple-choice sheet and the other students have fun coloring the matching idioms and their meanings. Includes a chart of colors and their moods.Supports common core. Enjoy! - HappyEdugator
Rikki Tikki Tavi - Simple or Compound Sentences Practice Activity. This sheet has six sentences taken from the short story Rikki Tikki Tavi by Rudyard Kipling. Students need to determine if the sentences are simple or compound. Good partner activity.Key included.
Valentine Paper - Valentine Heart Theme. Valentine hearts border lined paper for young at heart writers. Students can write stories and poems on this paper that is great for Valentine's Day. 4 different styles.
- HappyEdugator
Parts of Speech. Students identify parts of speech in context in this quick print and go activity. Can be used for practice or assessment. Student identify the the part of speech of the 25 underlined words in the passages, and write the answers on their own paper. Key included. Enjoy! - HappyEdugator
The Monsters are due on Maple Street - Writing Response Questions. Evidence based. Ten questions that require students to analyze how the author's words and events in the plot drive the action, reveal aspects of characters, create suspense, and provide insight into tone and mood.Supports common core. - HappyEdugator
Thanksgiving Writing Paper - Lined Paper - Thanksgiving Harvest Theme. Writing paper for your Harvest or Thanksgiving celebration in your classroom. Four different designs. Two sheets have illustration boxes for students to decorate. Clip art includes choice of turkeys, harvest pumpkins, and pilgrims. - HappyEdugator
Limericks - Writing Limericks Handout and Activity Sheet. Fun St. Patrick's activity! How to write a limerick! Writing limericks handout explains the possible history of limericks, what limericks are, how they are patterned, and how they often contain figurative language like onomatopoeia, idioms, and hyperbole because they are meant to be funny. Activity includes practice activity with pattern, and writing an original limerick and illustrating it. A fun activity to do on St. Patrick's day, in the month of March, or anytime, really!.
Somebody Wanted But So Then. Fairy Tale Story Map - Students can use this story frame for writing a fairy tale and illustrating it. Graphic organizer for the story using Somebody Wanted But So Then pattern. Includes a box on the second page for student illustration. This can also be used as a summarizing strategy for students to summarize a story they've been reading.
- HappyEdugator
Reading Fluency - How to Assess and Develop Handout. Informational handout on reading fluency, how it is defined, measured, and developed. Includes a table of recommended reading rates and norms, and a list or websites and resources to get you started in helping your struggling readers. 4 pages. - HappyEdugator
An assignment to give at the end of the year to keep students engaged in their learning. Students will present a 3-5 minute speech reflecting on the people and experiences that made this year memorable. 3x5 cards required, and visual aids are strongly recommended. This is ready made for you to hand out to your kids. Included is the printable assignment sheet with guiding questions, requirements, and a grading rubric. Students will really enjoy telling their stories, and this will make a memorable and fun activity for the last week of school.
All About Me Puzzle - Back to School. Fun beginning of the year activity. Print and go! All you have to do is sign! Students will take the sheet home, decorate the puzzle pieces about themselves, cut out (optional) and return to school to share with the class. This can be given out at Open House and the kids can return them on the first day, or you can give it out as their first homework assignment on the first day of school! You can use it as a fun filler activity early in the year or anytime you wish. Includes a puzzle piece sheet to print out on card stock, and a letter to parents with a poem detailing student directions. - HappyEdugator
