Illustrations and Comprehension

Hello friends!  My second graders have been learning all about Common Core Literature Standard 2.7-using illustrations to understand story events.  We used one of my favorite stories to practice: Officer Buckle and Gloria.  I was really inspired by Lesson Plan SOS's Guided Reading with Pizzazz packet.  There is a sheet in it called Picture Descriptor.  Students describe with words an illustration in the story.  Then, their partner has to find the illustration based on their clues.  It was super fun!

During small groups, I gave them picture books to do the same type of activity with, except this time they used index cards.  They loved doing it so much, I just couldn't say no.  I was amazed at how well they were able to put their thoughts into words, and how much attention they are giving to details in the illustrations.

I made a die for the Common Core Standard Literature 2.1 to review with during small groups the same day.

I used the illustrations lesson for my instructional observation this week {If you teach in Tennessee, you know what I am talking about!}  I wanted to share these little pep cards I use.  They are especially handy during observations, because you can redirect a student without having to stop teaching. 

Only ten days and 2 hours left until Christmas break!  Yay! 

And by the way, I really don't have that much damask print in my house!  I just noticed how much these pics had in them!  Whoa! 

Merry Christmas!