One of the things I struggle with the most is helping my students transition from 2nd grade to 3rd grade.
The Good Lord did not make me to teach K, 1st or 2nd grade. I tried 4th. Too many hormones – after Christmas. Before Christmas, I loved 4th grade. I am terrified to go anywhere near 5th. So you see, I am perfectly and wonderfully made to teach 3rd grade.
So this time of year can be a little, um…. well… painful.
When they come up to me and showing me every little thing they put on your paper? That makes me nuts.
When I’m in the middle of a mini-lesson and they want to tell a story about how their baby brother/sister/cousin fell off the bed? That drives me crazy.
When I give directions THREE times and they come up to me and say, “I forgot what to do.” Stop it. Stop it. Stop it.
I know that sometime in mid-October, my 3rd graders will come to school. It happens every year. I know this because my husband laughs at me and reminds me of this.
So, until then, I have to have some “saving my sanity” measures in place.
I created this next resource as a strategy to help my inclusion students last year, but I’ve found it’s also worked really well for my “3rd” graders this year as well. I can see this being a tool I use all year long.
I project this picture onto my ActivBoard and use the “Annotate over the Desktop” option to write out what they need to do step-by-step.
You can grab the PowerPoint version from my TpT store and type (or write using the annotate option via ActivBoard) right on top of the boxes.
At the bottom, I cross out the materials they do not need so they can see what should be out and on their table.
You can use the sample above as a reference for how it would look if you typed everything out. I find it easier to write them out using the “annotate” option with my ActivBoard. This makes it easier to “reset” after each activity or lesson.
Grab it from my TpT store by clicking on the banner below. I hope it’s something you can use!
Oh, yeah. Multiply that tenfold (and I have obviously rounded down from a hundred!) and you have second grade. None of whom seem to read/follow the directions I have carefully handwritten on the board, so maybe I can use something like this in a lower tech version. No ActivBoard…just a WhiteBoard 🙂 with a digital projector.
Thanks for the great idea!
I have the same problems! I'm loving this idea.
I am new to third grade from kindergarten and expected "mini adults." I am glad to know this is just a phase! I don't have an ActivBoard. Do you mind if I create a similar anchor chart for my classroom?
debinderry@gmail.com
It would be perfect with a whiteboard! You'll be able to write inside the boxes after you project it.
Another option might be to print it out poster-size and laminate it. Then you can write and wipe-off when you need to as well. 🙂
Thanks! I hope it's helpful!
It is definitely a phase. 🙂
Create whatever you need! I'm glad it's sparked different ideas!
This is genius!!!! Thanks so much for the freebie! My "3rd" graders are driving me batty!!! Hoping this will help! 🙂
Great idea! I usually xplain directions about 3 times and then they need to Ask 3 Before Me if they don't remember what to do. Still I like your visual chart for students to refer to. Thanks!
;0) Melissa
http://Www.moretime2teach.blogspot.com
Aw, shucks. 🙂 Thanks Diana! I hope it helps!
Oh lordy. Mine never even remember to Ask 3 Before Me. 🙂 Glad this is something you can use!
I'm so glad to hear it isn't just my class. I forget every year that they are still second graders until sometime in October. Although this year seems to be taking a little longer. Thank you so much for this idea. I always write out the directions but this is organized so well and with the materials. Wonderful!