Monday, July 2, 2012

FACE of a Pirate, Binder Cover, and more Pirate FREEBIES

As you can see, I will be doing a Polka Dot Pirate themed classroom this year.  I have been busy creating all of the things that I will need in the fall.  Here are a few of the items that I have completed so far...there will be more to come, I'm sure!  :-)  Click on any of the pictures to download these FREEBIES.
FACE of a Pirate FREEBIE: This download is modeled after the CAFE literacy menu.  It is 23 page long and contains a FACE of a Pirate menu banner, FACE headers, and FACE strategy cards for you to use when you teach a specific reading skill.
F-Fluency
A-Accuracy
C-Comprehension
E-Expand Vocabulary

This download can be printed and used for an interactive bulletin board for use during guided reading mini lessons and/or silent reading time. Students can select a strategy to work on or you can select it for them. 

FACE of a Pirate is a FREE download that matches the Polka Dot Pirates {Classroom Themed Materials} which you can also download from my store by clicking HERE.

"The Daily 5 and CAFE" are trademark and copy written content of Educational Design, LLC dba The 2 Sisters. Educational Design, LLC dba The 2 Sisters does not authorize or endorse these materials."




 A pirate classroom needs a P.I.R.A.T.E. binder cover.  I have used binders in my classroom for the past six years and it proves to keep my students organized throughout the year.  I actually used Abby Mullins' (Babbling Abby and The Inspired Apple) rock themed binder cover last year and I loved it so much that I created my own pirate themed version that matches the same color scheme.  I like to use address labels on the inside of the covers so students know where to put everything.  Click on the picture to download this FREEBIE.
This FREEBIE is geared toward first grade but can be adjusted if you're planning on using it for a different grade level.  Just email me at michelle83mcelhinny@gmail.com tell me what grade you will be teaching and I will send you the adjusted document.

 On the inner cover, I like to have them store their reading logs for at home reading.  I print these out and glue onto a long sheet of construction paper, then laminate.  Click on the pictures to download these FREEBIES.
I fold the reading logs in half so it's like a folder and I staple the reading log sheets inside.  

I use NICKY's folders on the inside of the binder for my weekly skill sheet.  I use an electronic 3 hole punch on the folders in order to get the holes punched all the way through.  These folders are made of a nice glossy plastic that has 2 pockets inside and has a clear plastic pocket on the front and back.  The weekly skill sheet that I send home each week contains all the skills that we're learning that week, spelling words, and dates to remember.  I change this sheet each year depending on my theme.  Click on the picture to download the Word file of this FREEBIE.
 Inside the Nicky folder, they have 2 plastic pockets...Bring Back and Keep at Home.  This is where my students put their homework and other papers that need to go home.  On the back cover of the Nicky folder is where I put a homework helpers sheet.  This sheet varies each year depending on the needs of my students.  I may put a collection of math and literacy helpers or I may put a differentiated spelling choice sheet.  The back cover of my student binders are reserved for homework calendars.  I like to put all of the homework assignments on a monthly calendar, so each night there's no guessing on what to do.  Parents initial the box each night so I know that the homework was checked by a parent. 


Another Pirate FREEBIE is my Pirate themed sticker book.  I like to use sticker books in my classroom to motivate students to answer questions,  follow our classroom rules, and to do well on their weekly assessments.  First, I print them (in half sheets), cut them out, and paste onto a sheet of construction paper. Then I laminate the whole thing and fold the construction paper in half so it's like a flip book.  

These are the sheets that go on the inside of the sticker book. 

When they earn stickers, they place it on the spot.  They do not have to fill in the Free Space or the Treasure Box space.  When they reach the treasure box, they are rewarded with a trip to our classroom treasure box.    I even put more stickers in the treasure box and believe it or not, they want more stickers for their collection. We only have treasure box days once a week, so those that have reached the treasure box can select something.  I like to initial the treasure box square once they have received their prize.  This helps me keep track of who receives their prizes.


The last pirate FREEBIE that I have for you today: lettered polka dot ships.  You can use these lettered ships on your word wall, on your guided reading wall or book bins, etc. The possibilities are endless.  Be creative!  Click on the picture below to download this file.  The appearance in Google docs makes it look like a plain white ship, if you download the file...you will see the pretty polka dot ships.
I hope you have enjoyed all of these pirate FREEBIES!  I'm sure there will be more to come very soon, so keep checking back!  Enjoy the rest of your Monday...I know I will...The Bachelorette is on tonight!! :-) 

7 comments:

Lisa R. said...

Okay, so I'm seriously your biggest fan right now!! I have a pirate theme in my classroom that I love!! I am ready to jump up & down over these freebies. Thank you!!! :)
Lisa
Learning Is Something to Treasure

Michelle McElhinny said...

Oh, I'm so happy!!! I hope that you are able to represent "Our Sweet Success" in your classroom this year. Bring a little color into that pirate theme :-) I will be!

Cecilia said...

Thanks so much. I am right in the middle of setting up a Pirate themed classroom.

Anonymous said...

Where did u get the cute pirate clip art? I love it! I am doing a pirate theme too this year! Black and white polka dots and red and white stripes though! So fun!

Michelle McElhinny said...

Those pirate graphics are from Thistlegirl Designs.

Unknown said...

I know it has been over a year, but I was wondering if you could still do a pirate cover for the binder for me? I will actually be teaching a combined 2/3 classroom this year, so those two would be great, or maybe not have a grade on it all would work also. these are so great, and I love your work!

Michelle McElhinny said...

Thanks for your interest Marie. Just send me an email at michelle83mcelhinny@gmail.com and I'll get that custom binder cover made for you. :-)