Hanging out with Jack and Annie

If you don't know Jack and Annie, you are missing out!  They are the main characters of The Magic Tree House series.  This set of books is AWESOME.  They are perfect for my second graders and they are full of imagination and fun facts.  At the beginning of the year, the stories are a little high for my kiddos, but most of them grow into the books as the year progresses.  

To get the students interested in the books, I read one aloud during snack time (this also keeps the kids quiet!).  We read a chapter or two a day.  There is also a bit of mystery wrapped up into the stories so the kids are so eager to hear what is going to happen next.  As we read, we go over science and social studies concepts as well as reading and writing strategies.  They are full of so many "teachable" moments.

Why am I ranting and raving about Magic Tree House, you ask?  I got an email the other day about a new website.  It's called the Classroom Adventures Program.  It is full of supplemental materials to go along with all The Magic Tree House books!  There are lesson plans, information, activities, worksheets and more!  

*I have not been asked to review or promote this website.  I just thought it was too good of a resource to keep to myself!

Sometimes, I feel like my guided reading groups can get kinda boring.  I'm trying to spice them up a little (if you have any good ideas, send them my way)!  I created a mini card game and the kids love it!  It's really very simple.

After we read a story, the students chose a card.  

Then they read the card out loud and answered the question.

Told you it was simple.  I created fiction and non-fiction cards.  Most of the cards can be used with any book, at any level.  They could also be put into a center or used during partner reading.  I'm going to try the partner reading next.

 Check them out!  The packet includes fiction and non-fiction discussion cards.

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