Tell it in order you Will...Story Structure Activity for CCSS Key Ideas and Details

      Here we go with one of the most fundamental reading skills around; identifying story structure...and basically just being able to recall, or create, a cohesive story. This is a skill that we pretty much use our whole lives, helping us to make sense of just about anything we read. So, during a summer school session, with kiddos who were feeling pretty "summery".....I wanted to capture their attention, but make it worth their while. Hence....STAR WARS LEGOS!!!! Again, my secret attention grabber; anything LEGO! This story structure activity is quite labor intensive (again, had to keep it exciting), but the kids loved it. There is a basic "story mat", or worksheet, and several options of WEAPON FREE (except for a light saber, because, come on, can't have star wars without light sabers) lego figures. The kids can mix and match the character, or object of their choice, draw their own background, and write a super exciting beginning, middle, and end, underneath the flap they choose. Sounds confusing for kids? They are naturals! Here are some examples:

  

Here is a link to the story structure freebie. Here is a link to the actual story structure activity, which is no way affiliated with the Star Wars or Lego Brand; I don't claim any ownership over the characters, just over the labor put into aligning the standards and organizing this activity!

Lego Gospel Companion Booklet: The Last Supper

    During the teacher summer, we all know that it is not truly a "break"; mainly because those hamster wheels in our minds never stop turning, ever, like not even when we are sleeping....anyone else ever dream of the classroom? My hamster wheel has been pushing me to create a resource that I can use when teaching Gospel stories with the younger age kids, who sometimes (not always), need some visuals and tactile reinforcement to build their engagement. So, of course, being a teacher of First Communion, and always trying to expand my library of resources, I created my first "Gospel Companion" booklet based on the story of the Last Supper of Jesus.

    This resource is simple; doesn't have the Gospel story in it (hence; companion), and uses LEGOS! My secret to success with elementary students. LEGOS!!!! What kid would not be interested in learning about the Gospel with Lego Jesus and apostles? It has full pages (if you want to use only a single page, or spread the lesson out over a few days), and half pages to create a booklet. I LOVE using booklets. In my mind, it helps keeps things organized and structured (this may not actually be true for everyone else, but it works for me!). Check out the resource here: Last Supper Gospel Companion Enjoy!

Sidenote: The pictures are black and white, but the actual resource is FULL COLOR :-)