MOVE IT MONDAYS VOL IV - CLASSROOM MOVEMENT SERIES

It's a miracle folks . . . I am actually posting this on a MONDAY.  I haven't written this series on the correct day since we started (not that I would have traded those commitments for the world sweet friends . . . I'm just sayin').  I may just need to have to jet out and buy myself a little GF cupcake to celebrate such a mighty feat :)  

Gotta love the frame - I heart you 3am Teacher!

With school looming, I wanted to offer up a killer Move It Monday today.  So, here's what I've got for you . . . 

PEN IT IN - SHORT E GAME

This activity popped into my head during my commute home from school three years ago.  I wanted a spelling game that helped my kiddos practice that short e sound, but I didn't want them to have to endure the same old drill and kill story.  Hence, this active spelling ditty was created.  I have used it with both Kinder (spring) and first grade classes (fall), but you could easily change the spelling pattern (i.e. vowel teams) and make it work for 2nd graders as well. This game also helps your kiddies hone their listening skills and manners.  Oh yeah, THREE birds . . . one stone :)

My babies in full on "trading action" . . . good heavens I miss this crew!

Here's how "Pen It In" always tends to roll in my room . . .

1. Provide each student with a tracing sheet (free download below) and a skinny Mr. Sketch marker of choice. (I hold on to these in my room and only break them out for very special occasions so this was a HUGE deal.)
2. Call out any short e word from the game sheet and have your children locate the word and trace it in marker.  I also have them mark the word with that short vowel swoop!
3. Continue to call out words until about 1/4 of the page is filled.
4. Keep activity interest high . . . (here's the activity kicker - that thing that keeps your kids coming back for more) . . . have your students trade smelly markers at this time.  
5. Instruct you students to stand behind their desks with pen in hand.  Select a music track and have the kids attempt to trade pens with others until the music stops.  I always frontload this big-time.  Please, thank you, and no thank you are a must.  I have kids sit down when they are no longer interested in trading.  **Need a FREE and fun tune?  CLICK HERE to pick up a copy of Ron Brown's Banjo Tune!**
6. Once the great trade has taken place, ask the kids to return to their seats to continue the hunt. (I have found that three pen exchanges seems just about right for this activity).

Workin' hard to find those words! 

Asking ever so nicely to "pretty please trade."

These two are done trading, so they are sitting down.

Obviously this cutie had a thing for black and brown smelly marker.
There are no "dots" on her nose yet, but by the end they all had colorful faces :)

So, that's Pen It In.  It's a glorified spelling game at best, but my kiddos always go bonkers for this one and work hard up until that little paper is filled.  What teacher could ask for more?  This game and others like it can be found in my Short E Packet: "Egg-cellent Activities" packet.

CLICK HERE to snag the game sheet!

Next Monday I will be hosting a linky party to go with this post.  Start thinking of different ways you get your kiddos up and moving throughout the day.  It doesn't have to be a standards-based game . . . you can link up with your favorite PE game, transition dance, school-wide event, etc.  The sky is the limit on this one.  I would love to have you jump on board and share a little somethin' - somethin' with us!  I need some more tricks and what better crew to ask??!!

I have a few other odds and ends for you today before I scoot.  First and foremost, a couple of lovely ladies are hosting awesome contests that I am lucky enough to be part of. Lacie and Megan are offerin' up some awesome goodies . . . click those buttons to read more :)

Finally, I am linking up with Tori over at Tori's Teacher Tips for her Look Where I Was Caught Reading party!  I have been thinkin' on this one for weeks now and everything I came up with was a little too risque for blog land (as I tell my kiddos, no "potty" talk allowed) or would have landed me in the pokey (oh, how I wanted to get in the fountain at the Venetian)!  With all this said, here's what I've come up with . . .

The only cool thing about this shot is my book - Finnish Lessons.
It's all about how they fixed the education system in Finland and it's now kickin' tail and takin' names!

I am a little disappointed in myself.  Sure, that booth is cool as all get out, but I fell a little short in the creativity department.  So, come on guys.  Please out do me and show Tori a little "reading" love - it won't be difficult!  This LINKY is so super rad and it deserves better :)

Thanks for taking the time to visit gang.  I will see you soon!