I was inspired when seeing what the teachers at the Ron Clark Academy where doing. they were creating AMAZING lessons that got the students excited, but still kept them learning. One lesson that I saw was something called Camp Share-a-Story. I loved it so much that I have been doing it ever since. You can go all out or keep it simple. If you want to go all out, create a camp sign out of construction paper to hang on your door. Inside, pop up a tent or two. Bring in a fake fire (one of those flame lights could work). A long time ago, I had a camping themed classroom for the year and so I use my felt fire from that. I also make pillows that look like logs for the students to sit on, so those also come out during Camp Share-a-Story. If you have a Christmas tree, you could even put that up to simulate a wooded area. Bring a camp chair for the students to take turns sitting in as they share their stories. Bring lanterns or a flashlight in for the reader to use. Set your smartboard to display an outdoor theme and play outdoor sounds for an added touch.
This year, I could not find all of my things, so we went super simple. I brought a lantern and a little sign that welcomed the class to the campfire. We sat in a circle on the floor and that. was. it. Easy, right? Even though this year was simplified, the students were just as excited!
Every year, I bring a little treat for my class to enjoy once we have read all of our stories. With a camping theme, what could be better than s'mores? Since we cannot have a real fire, I make s'mores pops, which are super simple. Start with one of those oversized marshmallows. Poke a lollipop stick in the middle. Dip in melted chocolate flavored almond bark. Dip in crushed graham cracker crumbs. If you use almond bark, this will dry relatively quickly, probably in an half hour or so. Stick into a clear treat bag and tie the back with a piece of twine or a twist tie.
One year, we did essays about different animals. To end the unit and share our writing at our author's celebration, I created an animal circus theme. Students got to share their writing from under the big top. Reflection sheets were filled out about each essay that listed positive things and how the student could improve next time. Once all the essays were read, students got to get some cotton candy that we made on our machine.
To say that this circus theme built excitement would be an understatement. It was the perfect way to celebrate these young learners and one I hope they have never forgotten.
For me, the circus transformation ways super easy because it was created around mostly items I had already from previous years. One year my classroom theme was the circus and I sewed this fun circus tent. I had other circus decor that I used that year that I brought back for my circus transformation. It was so fun!
With a little creativity, you can make writing amazing and celebrate it in big ways!
If you want to find out more about how to spice up your writing block in the classroom, be sure to also check out these other blog posts below.
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