Classroom Craft

Tomorrow is the 20th day of school.  I can't believe how this year is flying by.  I ADORE my class.  They are LOVELY.  I won't even complain that I am full at 18, while my teammates are at 14, 15 or 16.  Mine are THAT lovely!  (I have not been able to say that in a few years, so please forgive me for going on and on!)

Now to the reason for this post....Reading Comprehension!
My class always seems to struggle with going back to find the answers when answering comprehension questions.   They just don't want to make the effort.  This year, I wanted to make going back to find the answers fun, so.....We are using Prove It Wands to prove our answers.   I whipped these up this summer.  (Some are just fly swatters, princess wands, etc.  I made the others.)

These are used with big books and instruction.

This is a dowel rod wrapped in duct tape.  I hot glued the wooden monkey to the top.  

These are used by each student when they are reading (during whole group or independently).

I spray painted popsicle sticks and hot glued a sparkly foam star to the top.  Sorry it is not a great picture.  They are bright and colorful in real life!  

SO easy and the kiddos love them so far!  They can be used for so many things.   I can ask the kids who the main character is and with a glance I can see who is pointing to the main character.  (Quick formative assessment without a paper and pencil or a "conference" with each student!)  They can also be used to help students track print or as a spacer between words when writing.

We will eventually move from the wands to using sticky flags/notes to prove our answers but these are a great first step.  When their newness wears off, the sticky notes will be something new and exciting!
If you want to see some other Classroom Craft ideas, check out the linky sponsored by Jo-Ann Fabrics below!

Meredith