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Author's Purpose

Happy Fall,
I am so excited that I have finished my Author's Purpose packet. I have used parts of it for many years in my classroom, but this year I feel that I am doing a much better job of hitting this topic multiple times. My students get it, and understand the concepts. Below is a preview of the packet available on TPT:
My TPT Store

I would be happy to answer any questions on how I use these products in the classroom.

Personal Narrative Completed Stories

My students have finished their personal narrative stories and I love how they came out. The transition from the graphic organizer to the rough draft template was very smooth. The kids are really understanding the concept of adding details to their sentences and providing examples of each topic. I chose to use the blank final draft paper so the students can illustrate their own party, we topped each page with a party hat. I have already started revamping other writing projects, using these same formats. You can find the personal narrative pack on my TPT store.
Personal narrative completed work

Personal Narrative using "Step Up to Writing" format


     I am taking a fresh look at writing this year and I wanted a better way to teach my Personal Narrative Lesson. Every year my grade introduces personal narrative by describing a birthday party that they have attended or had for themselves. We also use the "Step Up to Writing" program. I really wanted a way to combine the two. So, I created this graphic organizer to generate ideas.

Day 1: Today I instructed the students to come up with three parties that they have attended, then they listed three events that happened at each of the parties. Next, I had them star the party that they felt they could elaborate on. On the bottom of the sheet I added a word box. I asked the students to write down words that they thought they would use in their writing. This was a little more difficult for some than others.
I wanted to use the word box for two reasons:

1. Generate ideas of things to write about.
2. To see how they are using their applied spelling rules.
After they finished, I collected the papers. Some could only come up with four words of their own, I thought this was a good start for this format. I will expect more from them as we move through the year. I will correct any words in their word box before they begin writing.

Day 2: Students will use their organizers to begin the writing format on the "Step Up to Writing" form that I created.
I will be back later in the week to let you know how it went.

Graphic Organizer get it here.
Here is a sample of the rest of the writing bundle that I will have available on TPT soon.







     Hello, my name is Karri and I am new to blogging. My close friend Kimberly at Anchors Away in First Grade told me she was starting a teaching blog and that I should do one too. So here I am, always up for a new adventure.
     I searched many blog designers and decided on one. With all of the excitement of blogging, the wait was going to be 10 weeks. My husband said he could do it in 2 weeks (mind you he has never designed one before). So he started watching tutorials and 10 weeks later, here we are. Lol, love the Hunny's intentions. Still have a few things to finish, but we will get there. My tech support and social media consultants will be my 14, 11, and 8 year old kids. They promise to keep me up on what I need to know. I don't feel old until they take the phone or device out of my hand to do it quicker.
     I just started my 19th year of teaching and I am still loving every minute. My students teach me so much, I can't wait to see what they will teach me this year. Before making the move to 2nd grade, I taught PE to K-8th grade students and coached middle school sports. After college, teaching PE was not in my "game plan" but, I am glad that it is the path my career took. Sports and Physical activities really opened my eyes to how many different types of learners there are. I knew once I moved into the classroom my eyes would always be opened to recognizing how my students learn, and how to adjust my teaching to fit their needs. I hope to use this blog to share everything my students teach me and the tools that I use.
     What I have learned most over the years is that you should always have a "Game Plan". I always ask myself, " Where do I want my kids to end up and of course, what is my 'Plan B'?" We all know that 'Plan B' is used more often than not. Thanks for reading, and I am looking forward to being part of the blogging adventure.