Writing a Research Paper. Each year, I approach my 4th grade non-fiction unit with equal parts excitement and dread.
I am excited because along with my students, I always learn something new about an American business founder. I dread the unit because it involves a research paper, and it takes all of my teacher super powers not to jam a child into his locker when he looks up at me and says, “I’ve read EVERYTHING and there is no information about Henry Ford.” Fortunately, I also teach common prefixes, so I can calmly remind the student that REsearch means search again. Coaching these kids through their first research essay is a good thing, and they acquire so many skills because of it. As much as the process pains me, I repeat it every year. Prepping the Research Before letting kids loose on the Internet to find facts, focus on some sub-topics. An opened ended question is one that requires multiple sentences to answer. The Research Folder. Mini Offices Fo Students in Grades K-3. Mini Offices Page at Teaching Heart Grab some file folders and make your students a mini office to place on their desks during independent work time.
Below are some files and pictures from teachers in the US that use mini offices in their rooms. They have kindly shared their resources so that you could create your own offices. A special thanks to the sharing teachers below. If you are thinking of making these office for your classroom, I suggest you look through these pages and begin to get an idea of what you want on your office. Updated: July 4, 2005 If you have something to share send it to: cgallagher_1999@yahoo.com Amanda's Mini Office Files (PDF's) Files From Deb Green I will jump in, you use them as a portable ready quick resource for each student during any time they want to use it. Chrystal's Mini Offices Notes From Chrystal They will become personal reference tools.
I'm going to give one to each student so it's at their disposal whenever they need them. Chrystal's Files Hey Colleen! Printable File Folder Games. Fantastic Foldable Freebies Link Up! How can you transform almost any assignment into an adventure?
Use foldables! Foldables are so much fun to make, and when students create their own, they seem to take more pride in their work. Lately I've noticed lots of great blog posts by teachers who love foldables as much as I do, so I created this Fantastic Foldable Freebies Link Up. You can learn more and find other great examples of foldables at the bottom of this blog post. Note-taking Foldables Foldables are terrific for note-taking assignments based on informational text.
Below you'll find directions for making this rain forsest foldable. How to Make a Rain Forest Foldable: Give each student a large sheet of white construction paper - 12" x 18" was used in the examples above. Not only are foldables a terrific way to actively engage students, they're also great because kids can store them and refer to them later when studying for a test or completing an assignment.