ADJECTIVE PUMPKINS + SPOOKY WRITING FREEBIE

So, I am a little behind on this post.  I had grand plans to get 'er up nice and early today, but alas, I hit a little roadblock.  Here's the "cliff notes" version of my latest drama . . . 

Oktoberfest started off wonderfully yesterday afternoon.  The fall weather was glorious, the polka bands were delightful, the company was grand, and I even did the ever-fabulous Chicken Dance.  However, somewhere in the middle of all the fun I picked up a case of food poisoning.  I know it wasn't the suds, cuz I was the DD - only got to partake in one little mug to kick off the afternoon. Well, after about an hour of excitement, the worm seriously turned on me.  I managed to tough it out for three ill hours out in that field before I begged to leave.  And . . . I made it though the LONG drive home just in time to spend some quality time with the "bowl."  Don't even mention the word food around me right now (especially brats, cabbage, and/or taters) . . . I am still quite green and I can't even begin to think about anything other than clear liquid. Needless to say, I am a little slow today.  **Sigh**  Despite this little hiccup, I already marked my calendar for next year's event.  What can I say??  I heart October.

Anyway, it's time to woman up and get on to business today. (Thanks for feeling sorry for me . . . hehehehehe.)  I have some poison-free October goodies for you.  Both activities always BIG hits in my room.

First up today, I bring you Adjective Pumpkins.  My babes completed this little craft on Friday and they were in kid heaven.  I always use this activity to fully introduce adjectives . . . otherwise known as "give me more" words!  For some reason they relate very well to this theme and are able to really "grasp" what I'm sellin' in the parts of speech department . . . thank you Halloween :)

I love the imaginations on my little babes.
The pumpkin body is priceless!!!
These are going to make the best bulletin board :)

They came up to pick out an adjective card . . . so many fun choices (above).
Each and every sweetie worked their heart out and had a blast (below).

She nailed this one! 

This doll added curly leaf hair and a bow.  So cute.  

I will follow up this week with the corresponding center activities that are also included in this pack . . . two follow up writing activities, a little adjective hunt, and a few other independent sorting activities.  With this theme they don't even notice that they are working!  BOOM :)

To learn more about this easy-prep pumpkin pack, CLICK HERE.  It's only $3.50 in my TPT store :)

Next, I bring you Sketchin' Out Spooky Sentences - FREEBIE.  This one always delights my kiddies.  I think it's the whole BREAKING the classroom writing rule of ALWAYS drafting your sentence before illustrating that draws them in right off the bat.  Yup . . . they get to sketch first.

Here's how I roll with this one.  First, stock your center with a handful of Halloween or strange/spooky directed draws.  Ed Emberly has oodles of rockin' ones to choose from (see examples below) or you can simply print out multiple free directed draws from the Internet.  

Next, the kids get a worksheet template and use the books to help them sketch out a spooky scene in one of the boxes.  When finished, they write a detailed sentence to go with their sketch.  They complete this task twice.    

Here's a photo of one of my cuties in action last year.  

Finally, the kiddies color up their masterpieces (I like colored pencils).  This assignment also always lends itself to a wonderful round of "author's chair." 

More examples from my students last year.  So silly!!!

If you are interested in trying this ditty out with your class, CLICK HERE to snag it for free in my TPT store :)

Alright, I am off to stretch out of a bit and catch the end of the Denver game.  I heart me some Broncos.  I will see you all again very soon.  Hugs and merry Sunday :)