Extending Stories

One of my favorite post reading activities I tried this year was having students write a "sequel" to our book.  I was surprised with two things: First, they were super excited not only to write and illustrate their sequels, but also to read them to the class. Second, it started a huge trend of students going home and writing their own books and bringing them to school, excited to share.  Definitely adding this to my rotation of extension activities. 

Below are some of their books they created at home, just for fun.  It wasn't an assignment: they were inspired. 😍

30 Second Dance Party

One day, my school's CFO asked what technology I wanted for my room.  All I wanted was this 30 Second Dance Party.  A week later, he showed up with it for me as a surprise.  It is SO MUCH FUN.  Like the name implies, it plays dance music for 30 seconds.  When I hit the button, we get up, dance, and when it's over I tell them they have to act "like nothing happened." It is hilarious.  It is great for class community.  By the end of they year, they would start their own dance circles and conga lines.  

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