If I could have any unique animal it would be...

It has been a crAzy week!  Today was the first day of our spring break, so as you can imagine, there was a lot of excitement yesterday.  And, lots of excitement calls for a change of pace.  

We have been working super hard on opinion and persuasive writing.  The kiddos have written and given speeches, written letters, and most recently they have been writing petitions.  For this last day before break we needed some fun.  I gave the students this task:

If you could have any unique, made-up, or weird animal, what would it be?

Create this animal by using construction paper.  However, paper can only be torn!  No scissors allowed.  Once your creature is created, you need to create an advertisement convincing your audience that they need your animal.  What would it do?  Why would somebody want this animal?  Your advertisement needs to have the following parts...

1. Bold, brave thesis statement

2. Reasons and explanations why this animal is needed

3. A heart-string story- to evoke the emotions of audience

This activity was so much fun.  For an entire hour, the room was filled with laughter, smiles, enthusiasm, and excitement.  And the best part?  The kiddos were so proud of their work.  They wanted their writing to be read and to show off their creatures to everyone!  I could have put up all 24 projects because they are just so darn cute, but I selected a few favorites to share with you!  Enjoy!

I will leave you with this last image.  My two pesky cats did not want me working on school this afternoon.  It was almost as if they were saying "It is spring break.  No school work for you!"

Happy Easter~

Heidi

Aging... It has been confirmed

In high school I was always told how young I look.  And, I knew that I should appreciate that.  I knew that eventually I would reach a point where that might not be the case.  Well little did I know, that point would hit in my mid-twenties.  Even 3 years ago- as I was student teaching and graduating college, people would look at me and say "Boy!  I really thought you were 18!"  

So last year, I began to notice that I didn't get that type of compliment anymore.  And, honestly, as much as I love teaching and working with kids, I can definitely feel that I am older because of it.  Well, this was all confirmed today when a dear student of mine looked at me and asked; "Ms. T?  When are you going to retire?"

It was all I could do not to laugh as I tried to say with a straight face "hmmmm... well, I am only 26 so I guess not for 30 more years!"

Ha!  Gotta love 3rd Grade!

Spring? Are you here yet?

On Friday, we woke up to snow.  No lie, April 4th brought us a spring snow storm.  Luckily it was melted and gone by the afternoon.  The kiddos and teachers alike are all going stir-crazy!  It is time for the weather to remember what month it is!

In honor of (fingers crossed) spring, and our spring break next week, I am offering a freebie: the "Jelly Bean Apostrophe" practice page.

Last week we read Greedy Apostrophe by Jan Carr and Ethan Long.  I just love this book.  The kids really get into it- especially if you let yourself go a little crazy with expression!  This book follows an apostrophe who is rather selfish.  He turns every noun that has an "s" into a possessive.  By the end of the book the kids have a good grasp of when to use an apostrophe and when not to use an apostrophe.  

Please head on over to my TPT store to download this practice activity! It is bound to make you and your students think "spring!"