Fairy Tale Frenzy

We have been having the BEST week so far (and it’s only Tuesday) reading Fairy Tales. I think part of the reason it has been so fun is because the kiddos are familiar with the stories so we are able to dig deeper. Even though the stories are familiar, there are still so many teachable moments.

Yesterday, we read The Three Bears by Paul Galdone. Typically, I like to read either the James Marshall versions or Paul Galdone versions.

Throughout the week, we keep track of the stories we have read by recording on a story element chart. I made my version poster size and the students have their own copy. It is helpful for them to see the similarities and differences in the stories that we read.

After we do the whole group lesson, we have been mixing up different literacy activities to accompany the stories. Yesterday, we did a re-tell with pictures. I modeled for the students and then had them color and cut out the pictures to re-tell with their reading buddy. They sprawled out on the carpet and used their “roller-coaster” voice to re-tell the story using as much detail as possible. I was watching and listening for them to include character names, use story telling words (beginning, middle, and end), and sequence the story in the correct order 🙂

Something else I love doing with these stories is character analysis. When I first pose the question, “Who do you think the bad character is in this story?”, most of them answer the bears. Then we start talking about what happened in the story and it leads to this activity. After we do this activity where we analyze Goldilocks using adjectives to describe her, they all change their minds. This is the perfect opportunity to talk about how readers have to think about the character’s actions because it might not match their outward appearance.

Then of course, we have “thematic” handwriting to go along with each story that we read each day.
Today, we read The Three Little Pigs by Paul Galdone. 

There was a lot of writing involved today! They did a re-tell with writing, drew and labeled the characters from the story, and illustrated their favorite part.

They also wrote about a house they would build if they were a pig (text-to-self) connection. They had some pretty commical answers because they wanted to keep the wolf out, of course! 

Someone asked about glitter…

So then, we had to put glitter on all of the houses because glitter makes the world go ’round.

Whew…

We still have Jack, Red, and The Frog Prince left this week! There are a few hours left and you can enter to win this unit {click the picture to enter if you haven’t yet}.

Non-fairy tale business now. Make sure to head over to my friend’s, Amanda from Mrs. Pauley’s Kindergarten, to check out her new blog design! She is also have a giveaway to celebrate her new design.

And I know you know.

I know you know that I know…but just in case.

TpT is having a 3 million strong sale starting on Thursday. I already have started loading up my cart. You can also link up your blog (not your store…) over at Blog Hoppin’. We are also hosting a “Show Us What You Bought” linky that will start on March 1st. Hop over to Blog Hoppin’ to read more about it!