What Do I Write About?

"I don't know what to write about!"  

Is that a common complaint in your classroom?  I created a graphic organizer for my students to fill in with writing topics that matter to them.  We fill in the chart at the beginning of the school year and they keep it in their Writing Folders all year.

Any time a student comes up to tell me that they have no ideas for Writer's Workshop, I tell them to check their chart:

Usually, at least something jumps out at them and they are off and writing!

Check it out for free in my {TpT} store!

I'm linking this freebie up with: 

Interruptions Solution and a Freebie!

The beginning of the school year is a challenging time.  We are trying to welcome our students into a new classroom, calm their fears and establish routines (oh yeah, and teach).  It also seems to be a time of a lot of classroom interruptions.  I feel like my phone is always ringing or there is always a knocking on the door.  Perfect time for students to act out and talk!

One thing I teach my students right from the get-go, is to find something to do if I get interrupted.  Usually they get out a book to read.  However, at the beginning of the year I haven't quite introduced the library yet.  So, what to do?

I created an activity packet for back to school time.  The students will keep this in their "Work" folder.  I'll introduce it to them, but only give them a few minutes to work on it.  I then instruct them to get it out if there is an interruption.

There are 7 different activities and 3 writing prompts for the students to work on.

{TpT}

{TN}

Now for your freebie!  A Back to School Word Search!

I'm linking this freebie up with:

Go check them out for more great freebies for your classroom!