Small Moment Writing Mentor Text Linky

Well, today was supposed to be a regular school day. However, it is now another snow day. We've had so many (some for snow, some for predicted snow and some for freezing cold temperatures). So, goodbye spring break! Anyhow, I'm taking this precious time to do some things I needed to get done (and finally get back into the swing of blogging). 

I stumbled upon this Mentor Text linky by Emily @ The Reading Tutor OG, as I was checking out my friend's blog at Read With Me ABC. I love using mentor texts, and I'm always looking for more tried and true texts to use with my first graders.

This year, I used the mentor text suggested by Lucy Calkins in her Narrative Writing unit of study. It is called Night of the Veggie Monster by George McClements. Calkins references this particular book throughout this unit of study. Since it was included in the package, I thought, "Why not?".

The kids and I LOVED this text!!!! It is about a little boy who does not like to eat vegetables. One night, his parents served him peas, and the little boy turned into a veggie monster (he threw a tantrum). This text is so descriptive and just brings this story alive. It's such a great way to teach so much about personal narrative writing (bringing writing to life in words and pictures, small moment writing, word choice, paying attention to how writing looks/is read, etc.). 

So, if you haven't done so, head on over to The Reading Tutor OG (click on green Mentor Monday button above) to join the linky and/or to get some great mentor text ideas.

Flash Freebie....A Close Reading Book Look on a "Who Would Win?" Book

I should be finishing lessons plans, but...I just finished a 33-page Book Look based on the book titled Who Would Win? Polar Bear vs Grizzly Bear by Jerry Pallotta (we LOVE these books)! It is currently FREE, so head on over to TPT to download it! 

Do you use this series in your classroom? My first graders and I absolutely love them! When I was looking at the January Scholastic book order, I noticed that this one was a Storia ebook. Since this Friday is Teddy Bear Day in our school, I thought this would be a great book to focus on this week. 
I'd love to hear how you use them in your classroom!

January Writing Paper Freebie!!!

Happy New Year!!!!
It's been a while since my last post, but it's all good! Teaching, as we all know, gets super busy (and so does life with 3 little kids). I just uploaded a January themed paper pack to TPT, and it is currently FREE!!! Here's a sample of what's included:

So, if your little kiddos love to write like my first graders do, run over to Teachers Pay Teachers and get it soon (click on the image below to grab it now)!

Please leave a comment if you like the product, but don't mention that you grabbed it for free. That tends to get customers a little cranky when a product is no longer free. If you have any suggestions for future packs (I'll be working on a Feb. pack soon), send me a message.

Thanks for following my little ol' blog!