TPT Blogger Swap

Erin at Learning to be Awesome hosted a fun TPT blog swap.  The purpose of this was to swap a product with a fellow TPT seller, use the product, and write a review of it.  What a blast!  I was so lucky to be paired with Amy Mezni at TeachingIdeas4U.  Amy's products are interactive and engaging.  (Keep reading to find a way to win this product!!!!) It was difficult to pick just one product to use!  I chose Amy's Book of Donuts Book Report Craftivity Project.  It fit so well with the current targets for my fourth grade intervention group.

So, what exactly is this project?  Students read a book at their reading level at home. (We modified this part so that the students could read the book with me, and I could support them with their fluency and decoding.) Students then create a book report by using a variety of text structures including characters (protagonist and antagonist and identifying their traits), theme, conflict, point of view, and book review.  Definitions of protagonist and antagonist are provided as well as a visual for differentiating character traits and character emotions.  (Also included is a list of 25+ traits and emotions each.)  Upon near completion of the project, the students complete a checklist to ensure their projects are finished in their entirety. When the projects are finished, a rubric is filled out by both the student and the teacher.   

My particular group read the book Chrysanthemum together as our focus was also on decoding and fluency.  We reviewed and talked about what is meant by protagonist, antagonist, point-of-view, etc.  Next, we started our project, beginning with the rough draft and citing evidence from the text.

With a bit of guidance, clarification, and feedback, they revised their work. They cut out their donuts and began writing complete sentences to share their thoughts.

Before beginning the messy, gluing process (yes, messy even in fourth grade but still fun!), they were asked to triple check their responses using the rubric as a guide.  Finally it was time to glue!

And … the finished project!

This activity was a perfect balance of instruction and engagement.  It reinforced targets the students are working on this trimester but in a way that was motivating.  They are so proud of their finished projects.  They are perfect for our winter conferences coming up next week!

On a personal note, I really enjoyed working with Amy.  She shared great ideas and resources with me and offered tips to this "newbie" blogger and TPT seller, none of which she had to do but did because she is just that awesome.  I am so thankful and very appreciative!

TeachingIdeas4U and I are each giving away the set of products that we swapped.  You can check out her blog here to read more about the Winter Prefix Practice activity that she used from our store.  Enter on our blog.  Enter on TeachingIdeas4U's blog!  The giveaway starts at midnight tonight and runs through Sunday at midnight.  Good luck!

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