It's around this time of the year that our second graders are introduced (or reintroduced) to contractions. They really love contraction word work when they are given a variety of fun ways to practice. Take a look at the steps I take to teach a fun contraction lesson at Thanksgiving time.
Thanksgiving Read Aloud
My favorite way to kick off our action with contractions is with a read-aloud of Franklin's Thanksgiving. Franklin's Thanksgiving is a delightful story about friendship and being thankful for friends. It leaves a message for young readers about the value of kindness. Definitely an added bonus!The first time I read the story, it's for pure enjoyment, but usually leads to a discussion about being thankful for our friends. Depending on time and my particular group of students, we write about friends we are thankful for and the ways we show our appreciation for them. You can download this free set of Thanksgiving writing templates that we use.
Contractions Lesson
Together we brainstorm and make an anchor chart with contractions made from the second word being "not, am, is, are, will, and had." It's amazing how excited my kiddos get and how successful they feel during this lesson!
Paired Reading and Contractions Hunt
After I finish reading, I pair them up for a paired reading and to record every contraction they find in their notebooks. Franklin's Thanksgiving is perfect for this assignment, not only because it is a seasonal book, but because it is full of contractions! Here's an example from one of my contraction detectives.I LOVE pairing up students to work cooperatively on a mission like this. They take turns reading page by page. This helps them to stay much more focused when looking and listening with a set goal in mind.
Contractions Foldable
I created this contractions foldable for the kiddos to use as extra practice. They can use it at a literacy center or as a post-lesson activity.
This FREE Thanksgiving foldable provides teachers with a fun way to review contractions in whatever way they choose.
November is a great month to review contractions, as well as many other important skills before Thanksgiving break. I especially like having this Thanksgiving-themed I Have Who Has Contractions Game and these November Math and ELA No Prep Printables on hand for quick and easy, yet meaningful, reviews.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy my free foldable!
If you like using craftivity-type of learning activities, you might want to check out my Halloween-themed Teaching Geometry Skills Spider Glyph post.
This blog post contains an affiliate link, which simply means I will make a few pennies from Amazon should you purchase the book.
What a wonderful post, Anita! I love your blog design too. So fresh and fun! Thanks for the great freebie!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Carla! Glad you like them!
DeleteWonderful ideas!! Great FREEBIE!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Michele!
DeleteThanks for sharing your great ideas!
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome!
DeleteThank you for the contraction printables. I plan on using these with my first graders.
ReplyDeleteFirst Grade Schoolhouse
You're welcome, Mona! I'm sure they will enjoy them, especially with the Franklin read aloud.
DeleteHow cute is this! What a fun way to work with contractions!
ReplyDeleteChristine Maxwell Hand to Heart
Awww...thank you, Christine! I love using texts for teaching lessons like this.
DeleteMy children love Franklin ~ so I know they'll love this! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI know! Aren't the Franklin books the best? I'm sure they will enjoy it!
DeleteThanks for sharing these ideas, Anita. Franklin books have a special sweetness!
ReplyDeleteLinda at Primary Inspiration
Yes aren't they wonderful!
DeleteThank you for sharing your wonderful ideas! The contraction freebie is so cute! I love your new blog design! So bright & crisp! Great photos too! ;)
ReplyDeletePeggy @ Primary Flourish
Awww...thanks, Peggy! You've taught me a lot!! :)
DeleteThank you for sharing this great activity! I am excited about the giveaway as well:)
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! Isn't it an awesome Giveaway!? Can't wait to see who wins.
DeleteWhat a great post and freebie! Thank you for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteBrinca Into Bilingual!
You're very welcome!
DeleteThanks for your post! I taught kindergarten and never had to teach about contractions but your idea would have been a great teaching tool!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda! I'm sure kindergartners would still love a Franklin read-aloud with a discussion (and perhaps a simple writing activity) about friends and kindness. :)
DeleteWhat a great and fun way to teach contractions! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGlad you like it!
ReplyDelete