Today is the first day of my five-day series on using innovations in your classroom during writing workshop. For today’s post, I’m highlighting Fortunately by Remy Charlip.
This is a great book to use for innovations because its pattern is very easy to follow. It’s written in see-saw format, alternating pages of good and bad events. For example, the main character Charlie is FORTUNATELY invited to a birthday party, but UNFORTUNATELY the birthday party is really far away. FORTUNATELY he us able to take an airplane, UNFORTUNATELY that doesn’t turn out as planned. You get the point, I’m sure. =)
After reading this book at the rocking chair to a fit of giggles and guesses as to what will happen next, students head back to their desks to write their own version of this funny picture book. They can write about any topic of their choice, but must follow the fortunately/unfortunately pattern.
To make these books even more fun, I use a mini accordion foldable. Our books have seven panels so that they’ll always end on a positive event. I take a sheet of computer paper and cut it in half hot-dog style (so it’s long and skinny). Then you tape those pages together to make a super long and skinny piece of paper. Fold that paper accordion fan style every 2.5 inches and you’ll have a cute little book that students can’t wait to fill up with their very own innovation stories.
Be sure to check back for Day 2 of my Innovation Series. Don’t forget we’re working our way toward a $25 Amazon gift card giveaway for one randomly chosen follower if my blog reaches 250 followers by the end of this series on Sunday! In the meantime if you decide to purchase this book for your classroom, I’d love it if you used my link.
You’ve been tagged! Come see what it’s all about :o)
✿Valerie
All Students Can SHINE
This is the BEST book to use with kids, especially at the beginning of the year! It's part of our Being a Writer curriculum, but I love your idea of the accordion file 🙂 I always love how it brings my reluctant boy writers in immediately. Even later in the year, during free choice writing, I still see them going back to these pieces and adding to them.
~Stephanie
3rd Grade Thoughts
I agree about the boys. Anything that hooks them is golden in my book! =)
I love this book, too! Thanks for sharing your innovation! I look forward to seeing all of them!
Lori (luvyorkies@gmail.com)
Teaching With Love and Laughter
Thank you!
Hi Christi! I found your blog on TBTS. Love your writing unit. It makes me want to teach a higher level than Kindergarten (which is a feeling I don't often have!)
I'm just getting started with my own blog and I would love for you to visit!
Kinder-Craze
Thanks for sharing Christi! This is a great idea. Can't wait to read all of them this week! And I just shouted it out on facebook 🙂
~April from A Modern Teacher.com
Thank you!
Christie,
Love this too (and I have the book!)
Teresa
Confessions of a Teaching Junkie
Find me on Facebook!
Just getting a chance to sit down and watch all 5 of these 🙂
Great job! This foldable is wonderful. I love its use with a see-saw pattern book like this one.
Thanks!
Elizabeth
Fun in Room 4B
I can't get any of the videos on your innovations posts to work. Any suggestions? I am LOVING all of your ideas.
Thanks,
Ms. Smith
http://adventuresofmssmith.blogspot.com
I just checked them and they seem to be working. You might want to try watching them directly on YouTube instead of through Blogger. Here's the direct link: http://www.youtube.com/user/MsFultzsCorner