
I think I might have mentioned this before, but I sort of have a thing for penguins. Seriously. This is the top shelf in my office. That doesn’t include the pillow pet I received for Christmas last year. {Sidenote: I asked my husband for it and he said no so I asked my dad. Once a daddy’s girl, always a daddy’s girl, I guess. ha!}
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Anyway, needless to say “penguin week” at school is one of my favorites. Each September, I bust out my very own Pierre the Penguin and build an iceberg in the hallway. We spend the week learning about nonfiction text structures, note-taking, and the basics of research using the different types of penguins. This all lays the groundwork for our Amazing Animal Reports in October.
One of my centers this week is reading penguin books (alone or with a partner for fluency). I realize I might have way too many penguin books (but can you ever really have too many books?!), but these are my favorites.
Many of us study penguins across a wide range of grade levels, so I wanted to share this
penguin learning chart freebie with you. I use these charts throughout my unit to document student learning and look for gaps in their research. At the end of the week, we use them as starting points for our paragraphs. You can grab it in my TpT store.
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I know I touched on centers in this post, so I’ll be back with more on that soon. I’m really loving my set up this year!


Thanks for the chart. We also do a report, so this would be a good way to ease into it…and who doesn't love penguins?
Oh, this is so cute!! I love penguins!
This is great!
The REAL Teachers of Orange County
This is an awesome idea for your classroom! I bet the students just LOVE to get in on your enjoyment of penguins. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Erin
http://adventuresinthirdgrade-brown.blogspot.com/
You know I love this! 🙂 When we get to nonfiction text features, I will be all over this.
The Science Penguin
Thanks for the freebie, Christi… saw it at Manic Monday! Great book ideas, too! I loved teaching my little guys about penguins.
Linda
PrimaryInspiration
Just came across your blog and wanted to say thanks for the fun penguin freebies! My sister and I have been obsessed with penguins and it's our special thing. This is both of our first year teaching (I'm in PreK and she is 4th grade Math/Science) and we are just pumped to share our love of penguins with the kiddos!
Was just perusing your freebies and found this – I have to admit I'm a little jealous that your school has Penguin Week! They're my favorite, and have been since I was in 2nd grade. Too fun! 🙂
Sarah Beth
Miss White's Classroom