Sunday, September 25, 2011

Super Spelling Slippers

When I first started teaching 1st grade, there was a great debate at my school (ok, it wasn't so great) about whether or not first graders should take spelling tests. As a result, first grade teachers in my district are able to choose whether or not to do spelling tests in their classrooms. I chose to go with the spelling tests for 3 reasons.

1. I work really hard to make spelling (even the tests) fun in my room.

2. I want my students to be prepared for 2nd grade (where they will all be expected to take weekly spelling tests).

3. Data is good. It helps me plan instruction and intervention.

Before we take our first spelling test, I read Fancy Nancy Splendid Speller to the class. This story covers everything from "eyes on your own paper" to "I'm going to be happy if you try your best". My students loved this story and I love Fancy Nancy (a win-win)!


How about the fun part? I invite my students to wear Super Spelling Slippers during the test each week. Wearing Super Spelling Slippers is completely optional for my students. Many students who chose to wear them have reported that they feel like they have extra spelling power with their Super Spelling Slippers on during the test. I also wear my own Super Spelling Slippers during the test each Friday.

Here is a picture of some of the Super Spelling Slippers in my room this year.


It's all about how much fun you make it. :)

Posted by Kimberly at 3:51 PM
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23 comments:

  1. Amy Coates@ SweetExpectations8 or TheClassroomPet.blogspot.comSeptember 25, 2011 at 4:52 PM

    Do they bring the slippers each Friday or do they stay at school?

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  2. TinaSeptember 25, 2011 at 4:56 PM

    What a fun idea--- I think I'm going to do it!!

    Quench Your First

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  3. Jenn BatesSeptember 25, 2011 at 5:12 PM

    That is A-DORABLE!!! Love the slippers! Hmm..not sure where I would store 30 pairs of slippers, though!
    Jenn
    Finally in First

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  4. Jennifer K.September 25, 2011 at 5:23 PM

    love this idea, I'm going to have to grab that book! Do your students keep the slippers at school all week or just bring them on Fridays? Any other tricks for making practicing spelling words fun? How many words do you do a week? Can you tell I'm just getting started with spelling words?! I'd be grateful for any info on how you do things ")

    Jennifer @ Herding Kats In Kindergarten

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  5. KimberlySeptember 25, 2011 at 5:25 PM

    I give my students 2 options. They can either keep their Super Spelling Slippers in their locker or they can just bring them on Fridays for the test. Some kids want them at home to help them "study". :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ginger SnapsSeptember 25, 2011 at 5:57 PM

    This is sooo cute!

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  7. Mel DSeptember 25, 2011 at 6:04 PM

    I just ordered Pete the Cat books on Amazon...argh! I would've ordered this book too! What an adorable idea. My little firsties get so much anxiety during the test..this is such a fabulous idea! Thanks for sharing!
    Peace, Mel D
    Oh the Places We’ll Go

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  8. Fran KramerSeptember 25, 2011 at 6:05 PM

    I am always amazed by the creativity of teachers.
    This is so adorable and motivating.
    Fran

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  9. KristinSeptember 25, 2011 at 7:07 PM

    LOVE IT!!!!! Whatever works, right? I am definitely doing this! I pass out plain m&m's during Math tests. The kids start out saying they're m&m's but I quickly brainwash them into thinking that they're MATH PILLS that help them do their very best. It's nice that the m&m's have an "m" on them for "math". :) Thank you for the great idea (as always!)!!!!
    A Teeny Tiny Teacher

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  10. Sarah CooleySeptember 25, 2011 at 7:30 PM

    Cute! What a fun little idea!!

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  11. UnknownSeptember 25, 2011 at 9:03 PM

    I love this idea!! THanks for sharing! And what cute slippers they have!
    I'm your newest follower!
    Rebecca@teachingfirst-abc.blogspot.com

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  12. BarbaraSeptember 25, 2011 at 9:11 PM

    That is SO cute. I love it!

    ❀Barbara❀
    Grade ONEderful

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  13. BarbaraSeptember 25, 2011 at 9:13 PM

    PS Just became a follower :)

    ❀Barbara❀
    Grade ONEderful

    ReplyDelete
  14. Jen RSeptember 26, 2011 at 2:45 AM

    So cute! I think I might start doing that for my 2nd graders :)

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  15. Ms. MSeptember 26, 2011 at 6:52 AM

    Very cute.

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  16. Tamara L. ChilverSeptember 26, 2011 at 10:23 AM

    So fun and cute!!!

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  17. AnonymousSeptember 26, 2011 at 4:32 PM

    Really cute... great idea thank you!

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  18. AnonymousDecember 31, 2011 at 5:24 AM

    Such a great idea! I found this post via your 11 in 11 Linky Party post! I think my little friends and I will start sliding into our slippers once we start spelling long vowel words...we always need a little extra magic to help us remember that super silent e! :)
    Thanks for sharing!
    Jenn
    A Pirates Life for Us

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  19. joho1970January 1, 2012 at 8:25 PM

    LOVE it and going to purchase this book!

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  20. Teaching Little MiraclesMarch 29, 2012 at 3:06 PM

    Love this idea! What a great way to make it fun for the kids! Can't wait to try it!! Thanks for sharing!

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  23. Lisa ResnickDecember 21, 2018 at 10:35 PM

    Thanks for sharing this great post.

    ReplyDelete

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