For someone who is terrified… like scared to the bones… of spiders, I find it odd that I actually enjoy teaching about the creepy crawlers. Put a spider in front of me, and I’m capable of squealing as loud as my 4-year old daughter. BUT, plaster their pictures in books, and I’m all over that! I mean, they are actually pretty interesting creatures, ya know?! And, I definitely salute mommas who can have up to 2,000 babies… even if you are a spider 🙂 ONE baby is all I can handle right now, ha!
I pulled out this chart that I’ve used for the past few years. It’s really withstood the test of time. I’ve been feeling guilty about doing all the writing on my charts, so this time I gave my kids the pen and let them write all of our info. Is the spelling perfect? No! Is the handwriting perfect? No! Are the sticky notes straight? NO! But, it’s kid-made, so that’s makes everything okay!
It’s been hanging in our room all week with these spiders I made for decor.
My kids LOVE reading these books I borrowed from our school library. I put books on the white board that match the season or what we are learning about. Their eyes light up when I change out the books!
After reading some books about spiders, we made this chart as a class. Once again, my students did the writing. I realized that I drew my spiders wrong! Their legs should be attached to the cephalothorax, not the abdomen! Even teachers make mistakes 😉
While we were reading the nonfiction books, we noticed that there were quite a few diagrams of a spider’s body. So, I gave my kiddos a piece of paper and let them go at it! I think this has been their FAVORITE activity so far!
We also made this little spider craft that you can find in my TpT shop for FREE HERE!
I love how they all had the same patterns, but their little personalities still shine through! I always tell them that it does NOT have to look just like mine!!
Side-note… my kiddos work in partners A LOT, especially when completing activities like this. When you have 2 people cutting, it just makes things go a lot faster. And, they are so used to working in partners that they don’t argue about who takes it home, or ask me questions about it. It saves me a lot of time and paper!!! If you are looking to incorporate things like this, but don’t have the time, give it a try 🙂
Next week we will be fully engaged in our spider research and reports. I stretched my spider plans over two weeks this year because my kids just love learning about these guys. I have to say, I’m glad we aren’t finished tomorrow because it has been so much fun!
Hi, I'm Amy
Hey, y’all! My name is Amy Lemons and I am passionate about providing students with both engaging and effective standards-based Math and ELA lessons.
We LOVE your spider research! We do it every year! It's in my plans for next week and works perfectly for so many of the new Common Core Standards about integrating technology and shared research! 🙂
Totally loving your creativity of putting their spider diagrams onto a spider web and making a chart. Looks awesome!
You're not the only one who has incorrectly drawn spiders…trust me!! 🙂 One thought on “KWL” charts. I now use a “What we THINK” “What we WONDER” chart. Seems that too many students wrote incorrect comments on the “Know” section. (e.g. Bats are black.) I've always thought this could mislead students. ..just my thoughts. Will add your super labeled spider diagrams to our unit next week. THANKS!!
Even the smallest of spiders can freak me out! Your crafty spiders are cute, though! 😉 ❤Teri A Cupcake for the Teacher
Love all the spider activities! So fun! I really love the idea of working in partners to do crafts and such! I'm always trying to think of ways to use less paper! A Tall Drink of Water
Oh my goodness, I LOVE the diagrams they made!!! I think the Post-It chart is so smart too! I can't stand spiders either, but they are definitely cool in books where they can't get you 🙂 🙂
I love your charts with all the kids' writing! I have never seen the line of spider books “The Library of Spiders”. I will be looking for them:)
9 Responses
Those spider reports are adorable! I am having a giveaway on my blog. Come and check it out!
Alyse
Keep Calm and Apple On
We LOVE your spider research! We do it every year! It's in my plans for next week and works perfectly for so many of the new Common Core Standards about integrating technology and shared research! 🙂
Totally loving your creativity of putting their spider diagrams onto a spider web and making a chart. Looks awesome!
Lindsay
For the Love of First Grade
Super Cute Post!
You're not the only one who has incorrectly drawn spiders…trust me!! 🙂 One thought on “KWL” charts. I now use a “What we THINK” “What we WONDER” chart. Seems that too many students wrote incorrect comments on the “Know” section. (e.g. Bats are black.) I've always thought this could mislead students. ..just my thoughts. Will add your super labeled spider diagrams to our unit next week. THANKS!!
Even the smallest of spiders can freak me out! Your crafty spiders are cute, though! 😉
❤Teri
A Cupcake for the Teacher
Love all the spider activities! So fun! I really love the idea of working in partners to do crafts and such! I'm always trying to think of ways to use less paper!
A Tall Drink of Water
Oh my goodness, I LOVE the diagrams they made!!! I think the Post-It chart is so smart too! I can't stand spiders either, but they are definitely cool in books where they can't get you 🙂 🙂
I love your charts with all the kids' writing! I have never seen the line of spider books “The Library of Spiders”. I will be looking for them:)
Tammy
The Resourceful Apple