Blog of A Jenna

Literacy is like the secret handshake to the club of knowledge, and educators are the gatekeepers to this magical realm. In our quest to make reading and writing a hoot, let's take a whimsical journey into the fantastical blend of The Secret Stories and the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI). Separately, they are like peanut butter and jelly, but together, they're more like peanut butter and marshmallow fluff! In this blog post, we're going to explore some delightfully goofy ways to combine The Secret Stories and UFLI to turn literacy into a whimsical adventure. Cracking the Code of The Secret Stories The Secret Stories is like a treasure map that leads us to the land of phonics and decoding. It's all about using quirky stories and visual cues to demystify the wonders of the English language. The Secret Stories spills the beans on those secret phonics patterns, making them as unforgettable as your favorite knock-knock joke. 1. Storytelling Shenanigans : Div...

1. Pirate Word Hunt: - Write words with "ar," "er," "ir," "or," and "ur" sounds on small pieces of paper or index cards. - Hide the word cards around the classroom or a designated play area. - Give each student a pirate-themed map (you can draw a simple treasure map) with empty spaces corresponding to the hidden words. - Students go on a word hunt, finding the hidden cards and matching them to their maps. - The first student to complete their map wins a "treasure" (a small prize or sticker).  ~ printable google doc word list 2. Pirate Sound Bingo: - Create Bingo cards with words containing "ar," "er," "ir," "or," and "ur" sounds. You can make these cards in advance or have students create their own on blank grids. - Call out words that fit the "ar," "er," "ir," "or," and "ur" patterns randomly. - Students mark the words on their...

Teaching phonics to elementary school students is a crucial part of developing their reading and language skills.  I love to integrate different elements of the standards. Overlapping PE and Art standards makes learning fun and more engaging. By integrating physical education standards and Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for reading foundational skills, teachers can make learning phonics an active and engaging experience. I especially enjoy connecting PE and phonics because brain science tells us that movement increases the retention of information. Before I get into the games, here are the standards that they meet: PE Standards: Standard 1: Motor Skills and Movement Patterns    - Develop fundamental motor skills like running, jumping, and skipping.    - Engage in activities that promote coordination and balance. CCSS Reading Foundational Standards: RF.K.1: Demonstrate understanding of the organization and basic features of print.    - Recognize and...

Phonics is the foundation of reading and writing, and reinforcing phonics concepts doesn't have to be a daunting task. In fact, it can be loads of fun with minimal preparation and materials. Today, I'm sharing five engaging phonics activities that require very little prep and few materials.  These games can be played as an entire class, a small group, or individually. Some of these games include elements of art and design, and others can be played with the whole class, making learning phonics easy and breezy! 1. Word Wall Art Materials Needed: sticky notes markers blank wall/poster board. How to Play:  Write a variety of words on sticky notes, each highlighting a different phonics concept (e.g., CVC words, words with silent 'e,' or words with consonant blends.) I also use word lists that you can generate by using AI tools like ChatGTP, or you can find free lists on TeachersPayTeachers, or Google. Stick these notes to the wall or poster board.  Ask the kids to choose a w...