Common Core Standards Kit

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by Carson-Dellosa to test out their Complete Common Core Standards kit for Language Arts.  I love testing new items, so I jumped at the chance to try a set.

Here is a video that explains all about the product!

My set came in the mail yesterday and it was a really great experience unboxing and checking out the materials.

I like that everything is clearly labeled in this set.  All the pocket chart cards are divided into each of the standards.

On one side - the standard is written and labeled for the teacher.  Which is a smart idea.  I always have to double check the original text of the standard to make sure I don't "miss" anything when I'm using the "I Can" Statements.

On the other side, the standard is written into kid-friendly "I Can" statements.  Love it!

The set comes in a case that houses all your standards.  Inside the case, the standards are split by blue dividers, which make it very easy and convenient for the teacher to find exactly the standard they need!

I think this is a great product to have in your classroom for Common Core.  However, I only have one issue.  The pocket chart cards are the smaller version.  These are not the long version, the cards measure 12 inches long by 2 1/4 inches tall.  These cards will not be seen across the room if you post them on the wall.  It's not a bad thing, I think their primary function would be in a small group setting.  The publisher, Carson-Dellosa recommends on the box to use the Daily Standards Pocket Chart.

All in all, I'm excited that Carson-Dellosa has created this product and I think it will enhance the learning of my students!!

Disclaimer:  This post is a review post of the product.  I only post about and review items that I would use in my own classroom and feel would enhance the teaching of my readers. The only compensation I have received was the original product that I used in my review.

Academic Vocabulary

This is my first year at my "New" Middle School and I've discovered that they have a strong emphasis on introducing Academic Vocabulary every other week.

Which is fine by me, I was doing Academic Vocabulary at my "Old" Middle School off and on the past three years. I've created a pretty cool graphic organizer and PowerPoint that helps me deliver the words in a quick and efficient manner. Because honestly, I usually have 15 minutes to cram the Academic Vocabulary into my day before zooming off to focus on Writing or Reading.

Within this graphic organizer, I have several parts:

• Word and Syllable Breakdown
• Part of Speech - BIG for 7th grade. I feel like I spend half my life on parts of speech!
• Variations, Synonyms, Antonyms
• Picture - Great for your ELL's or other struggling learners to have that extra "Link"
• Definition
• Practice Sentence

I based the majority of my Academic Vocabulary from Kate Kinsella's teachings. If you haven't heard of Kate Kinsella, you can find more about her here and here! (And heck - here too!)

So, here's the link to my graphic organizer on Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT). No worries - it's all FREE for now, I'm trying to build up my materials. What I love about this form - you can fit 4 words per side, so 8 Academic Vocab words total on ONE piece of paper! I come from a cash-strapped district... saving copies makes me happy!

I've also created a PowerPoint that matches the Graphic Organizer. It works wonders because the students don't have to wonder where all the information goes.

If you download either, please leave me a comment and tell me what you think! I'm always looking for great new ideas!