Life of a Plant Mini Book

Doing a little updating to our science curriculum and plan on going into the life of a plant a little deeper.  We decided to update things a bit and instead of doing a unit on farming, we are going to focus on plants and what they need to survive, grow, and meet their needs.  This will be a great lead-in to our Pumpkin Life Cycle unit, where our first graders will get to apply that to a fun fall plant they are familiar with. Here is a mini book I created on plant life:

You can find it HERE at my TPT store.

Manners on the School Bus Mini Book

Last and final book in the Manners mini-books I plan to use this fall:  Manners on the School Bus.  This book teaches appropriate behavior children are expected to show on the school bus.  These skills will be taught during our PBIS lessons this fall during back to school week.

Text in this book:
Manners are important. Here are some good manners on the school bus.
To be safe I will stay seated and face the front.
I will keep myself and my stuff out of the aisle. It keeps everyone safe.
My head, hands, feet and all objects stay inside the bus to keep me safe.
When I wait for the bus I will be peaceful. That keeps everyone safe.
When I’m on the bus, I will use a quiet voice and talk about nice things. That is being respectful to others.
I will follow directions and listen to the bus driver the first time. That shows respect to the bus driver.
I can be responsible by being on time. I don’t want to miss the bus!
I will be responsible and clean up after myself.
I can tell the bus driver if something is broken or if there is a problem on the bus. That is being responsible.
Doing your best and following the rules on the bus keeps everyone happy!

You can find this book HERE at my TPT store.

Manners in the Hallway Mini Book

Just finished a little book called "Manners in the Hallway".  It is another book in the series of books I plan to use this fall when we teach the PBIS expectations for all the different areas at school.

Text in this book:
Manners are important. Here are some good manners in the hallway.
I walk in a single file line and think of line basics. That is being safe.
To be respectful, I will keep my hands to myself and think of personal space.
That is using body basics.
I will keep to the right. That is being safe.
I will go right to where I need to go.  That is being responsible.
To be respectful I will keep my voice off. That is also using body basics.
I will remember to use walking feet. That is being safe and using body basics.
I will greet others with a friendly wave.  That is being respectful.
If I drop something on the floor I will pick it up. That is being responsible
and keeping the hallway clean.
Doing your best and making good choices in the hallway keeps
everyone happy!

You can find this book HERE at my TPT store.

Manners in the Restroom Mini-Book

Here's a new mini-book about manners called "Manners in the Restroom".  Use at back to school time to teach bathroom expectations for behavior.  I plan to use this at the beginning of the year when we do our lessons for PBIS.

Text in this book:

Manners are important. Here are some good manners in the restroom.

I will wait my turn to respect others’ privacy.

I show respect by using a quiet voice.

I show respect by respecting school property and leaving the lights on.

To be responsible I can flush the toilet when I’m done.

I will think 2 for pumps of soap, towels, and minutes. That is being responsible.

I wash my hands with soap and water to stay safe.

I can do my best by keeping the bathroom clean.

To be responsible I can report problems to the teacher.

Good manners and making good choices in the restroom keeps everyone happy!

You can find this HERE at my TPT store.

Manners in the Lunchroom Mini Book

Here's a mini book called Manners in the Lunchroom that can be used when you teach PBIS expectations about the lunchroom. A good read aloud book to use with this book is called "Manners in the Lunchroom" written by Amanda Doering Tourville and illustrated by Chris Lensch. 

Made for easy printing on the copy machine. Simply select double sided, sort, and staple. Cut in half and add additional staples if need.

Manners in the Lunchroom text:
Manners are important. Here are some good manners in the lunchroom.
I will wait quietly in a straight line to be responsible.
I say please and thank you to show good manners.
I use walking feet coming in and out to stay safe. I think of line basics.
I keep hands and feet to myself to stay safe. I think of body basics.
I eat my own food to stay safe.
I show respect by using a quiet voice and talk about nice things.
I show respect by listening to the teachers.
I can be responsible by cleaning up after myself when I am done eating.
I will raise my hand when I need something. That is being responsible.
To do my best I can try everything on my tray.
Good manners and making good choices in the lunchroom
keeps everyone happy!

You can find this book HERE at my TPT store.

Written by Carrie Hanson (Clip Art by Carrie Teaching First)
Illustrated by: Clip Art by Carrie, Edu-Clips, Creative Clips

Manners on the Playground Mini Book

I woke up with the world's WORST back to school dream this morning!  A long story short:  It was the first day of school, I'd had my classroom ready for weeks, I walked in the door and the kindergarten teachers had taken over our first grade classrooms!  We'd been transferred to kindergarten without being told.  I was left with an empty classroom with all my first grade stuff being kept hostage by the now new first grade teachers.  All the tables were removed from the kindergarten rooms and I was left with two tables, bare walls, and 17 desks.  Given no time to establish classroom rules, we were expected to go to a PBIS assembly.  My class had pockets full of toys and crayons and it was complete chaos! Talk about a major anxiety attack!

So I guess that led me to work on some back to school stuff I've had my mind on for a while. Here's my Manners on the Playground mini-book I'm going to use this fall when we teach about our PBIS expectations on the playground.  A good read aloud book to use with this book is called "Manners on the Playground" by Carrie Finn and Chris Lensch.

Text in this book:
Manners are important. Here are some good manners on the playground.
I can stay safe and play in the right place. Once I’m out, I stay out.
I will use things the right way to stay safe.
I use walking feet coming in and out to stay safe.
I can take turns, share, and be kind to show respect.
I wait my turn on the swings.  I take turns.
I share with others.  That shows respect to my friends.
I can be kind to others.  That means be NICE to show respect.
I will let others play with me. That is respect.
I show respect by listening to the teacher the first time.
I will be responsible and line up when the bells rings or the teacher blows the whistle.
I can be responsible and put things away when I am done with them.
Good manners and making good choices on the playground keeps everyone happy!

You can find this HERE at my TPT store.

Manners at School Mini Book

This last school year our school started using PBIS.  It's been a great way to teach consistent behaviors in our school.  We have always started first grade with a theme called "First Grade Work", which basically teaches our little people what its like in first grade.  Such a big change from kindergarten!

I wrote this book to go along with a book I use as a read aloud called "Manners at School" by Carrie Finn. "Manners at School" is read in my classroom at the beginning of the year (and even as a refresher when needed).

Text in this book:
Manners are important.  Here are some good manners at school.
I can be kind to others. That means be NICE.
I can look with my eyes and listen with my ears.
My lips are zipped when I listen. That shows respect.
I keep my hands to myself. That is my personal space.
I raise my hand before I talk. That shows respect to the teacher.
I share with others. That shows respect to my friends.
I wait my turn on the swings. I take turns.
I say, “Please.” I say, “Thank you.”
I cover my mouth when I cough.  No one wants my germs!
I clean up when the teacher says.
Good manners at school keeps everyone happy!

*****Printable Mini-Book:  You can find this printable mini book HERE at my TPT store.

*****1 page digital file now available.*****
I have also formatted this book in 1 page layout view so that you can view this book in any PDF viewing app on your tablet, iPad, PC or Mac.  You can find this file HERE at my TPT store.

Whole Body Listening Mini Book

So this school year I have REALLY used the term "whole body listening" a LOT!  I have some very wiggly and off task kids that have needed constant redirection just to focus and pay attention in class.  I wrote this book to use in the fall with all that in mind.

You can find this book HERE at my TPT store.

Here are the words to the book:
When I am at school I use my whole body to listen.
My eyes are looking at the teacher.
My lips are zipped.
Sometimes my teacher says, "Shhh!"
I sit cross-cross applesauce on the rug with my hands in my lap.
At my table or desk my hands are quiet.
I keep my hands empty, so I can pay attention.
Sometimes my teacher says, "Criss-cross arms."
I have quiet feet and quiet hands so kids can listen to the teacher.
My brain is thinking about what the teacher says.
I ask a question when I don’t understand.
If I'm looking and my lips are zipped, I'm listening.
And if I'm listening, I'm learning!

What is Matter? Mini Book

This year we added a new theme to our curriculum:  States of Matter.  Scrambling for resources on Pinterest and Teachers Pay Teacher will get you by...but after you do the unit the first time through, you realize creating your own materials to meet your teaching style and what you want for your classroom is the route you need to follow. It just takes time. We've been done with the States of Matter unit for a month or more and I finally ended up creating this.  I used my States of Matter Doodles clip art set as well as Educlips Matter clip art set to create this mini book.

You can find this HERE at my TPT store.

Here is the text:

Matter is all around us.

Everything on Earth is made of matter.

Matter can be a solid, liquid, or a gas.

A solid has its very own shape.

The particles are close together.

A liquid takes the shape of what it is in.

The tiny particles are spread out.

A gas takes the shape of what it is in and moves freely.

The tiny particles are spread out.

Water is a solid when it is frozen.

Water is a liquid when it is at the right temperature.

When water is heated, it turns into water vapor (gas). This is evaporation.

When water vapor gets cold it turns back to water. This is condensation.

The water we have on Earth keeps going around and around.

This is called the Water Cycle.

The water we have on Earth keeps going around and around.

This is called the Water Cycle.

Holidays Around the World Mini Book Bundle

Just put together a Holidays Around the World Mini Book bundle that includes:

• Holiday Traditions Around the World Mini Book (includes Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Christmas, Las Posadas, and Diwali)
• What is Kwanzaa?
• What is Hanukkah?
• What is Christmas?
• What is Las Posadas?
• What is Diwali?

If you'd like to see the exact words in these books you can look at each item's description in my TPT store.  Or click on the links to take you to my blog post for each of the books where you can see the words to each book.

You can find this HERE at my TPT store.
You can find this HERE at my TN shop.

SAVE by buying all these book in the bundle!

Holiday Traditions Around the World Mini Book

Great book to use as an introduction to a few of the Holidays Around the World.

You can find this book HERE at my TPT store.  Scroll down to see the words and content included in this 22 page mini book.

Holiday Traditions Around the World Mini Book

There are many holidays around the world. 
This book is about Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali,
Christmas, and Las Posadas.

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday in December.
It is called the festival of lights. 
Children get a small gift each night.
A candle is lit on the menorah each night. 
The middle candle on the menorah is called a shamash. 
It is the helper candle.
Children play with a toy called a dreidel.
Jewish chocolate candy coins are called gelt.
Jewish people eat latkes. They are a potato pancake.
They eat sufganiyah or jelly-filled donuts.

Kwanzaa is an African holiday in December that lasts for 7 days.
It is a harvest festival to celebrate African culture.
The colors of Kwanzaa are red, black, and green.
The flag is called a bendera.
A kinara is a special candle holder for Kwanzaa.
One ear of corn is placed on the mat for each child.
People drink from the unity cup to remember their ancestors.
They say, “Let’s pull together.”
The fruits and vegetables remind people
of the food that people in Africa ate.
Children get homemade gifts on the last day of Kwanzaa.

Christmas is a holiday celebrated in December
by many people all over the world.
People decorate a tree with ornaments.
They put gifts under the tree.
A Christmas wreath is put on your house
to decorate your front door.
The elves help Santa fill his sleigh with toys.
Rudolph and the reindeer pull Santa’s sleigh through the sky.
Santa brings presents for children
and fills their stockings on Christmas Eve.
On Christmas morning, people open presents from each other.

Diwali is India’s biggest holiday of the year.
It is celebrated in October or November each year.
Diwali started as a harvest festival
that marked the last harvest before winter.
People would celebrate and pray for success in the new year.
People in India get together with family.
They light clay lamps, light fireworks, hang lights,
and have bonfires to worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
There are 5 days of Diwali.
On day 1 people buy gold and silver for good luck.
On day 2 people decorate their homes.
On day 3 people pray, eat, and light fireworks.
On day 4 people visit family and friends and give gifts.
On day 5 brothers visit married sisters
to show how much they love them.

Las Posadas is a Mexican holiday in December that lasts for 9 days.
People in Mexico decorate their home with the poinsettia.
Each night children dress up like an angel,
a shepherd, and Mary and Joseph.
People carry candles as they walk
down the street to the party. They sing songs.
Then they have a feast, break a piñata,
play games, and drink hot chocolate.
On the last day of Las Posadas,
families go to church at midnight.

Written by Carrie Hanson
Clip Art by Carrie Teaching First

Check out my mini-books for each of these holidays:

What is Hanukkah? What is Kwanzaa?
What is Diwali?
What is Christmas?
What is Las Posadas?

What is Christmas? Mini-Book

This year we plan on adding a few different holidays to our Holidays Around the World theme in December.  Last year we added Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, this year Diwali and Las Posadas.  I created a mini-book for each of those holidays so wanted one for Christmas as well.  Here is my "What is Christmas?" Mini-Book:

• Christmas is a holiday celebrated in December by many people all over the world.

• People decorate a tree with ornaments.  They put gifts under the tree.

• A wreath hangs on your door to decorate for Christmas.

• People go shopping or make ornaments for the ones they love.  They wrap the gifts in paper and put a bow on top.

• Santa lives at the North Pole with Mrs. Claus. The elves help Santa make toys for children all over the world.

• The elves help Santa fill his sleigh with toys for Christmas Eve.

• Some families go to church on Christmas Eve.

• The reindeer pull Santa’s sleigh in the night sky.

• People make cookies at Christmas. They leave them out on Christmas Eve for Santa to eat.

• Santa puts presents under the Christmas tree while everyone is sleeping. He fills your stocking with goodies.

• On Christmas morning, people open gifts from each other.

You can find this mini book HERE at my TPT store:

Written and Illustrated by:
Carrie Hanson
Clip Art by Carrie Teaching First
www.ccteachfirst.blogspot.com

Las Posadas Cut Apart Sentences

Sentences included in this set:

• Las Posadas is a holiday celebrated in Mexico.
• People decorate their homes with poinsettias.
• People carry candles down the street.
• It is a time to sing songs and celebrate.
• They break a piñata and drink hot chocolate.
• Families go to church at midnight on the last day.

Illustrations by:
Clip Art by Carrie, EduClips, Graphics From the Pond

You can find this HERE at my TPT store:

Las Posadas Mini Book

This is a kid-friendly book about the Mexican holiday called Las Posadas:

• Las Posadas is a Mexican holiday in December that last for 9 days.
• People in Mexico decorate their home with the poinsettia
• It is a flower with bright red leaves.
• Las Posadas lasts from December 16 to Christmas Eve.
• Each night a children dress up like an angel, a shepherd, and Mary and Joseph.
• People carry candles as they walk down the street to the party.
• A different family has the party each night.  People sing songs and celebrate.
• Then they have a feast, break a piñata, play games, and drink hot chocolate.
• People break the piñata to wish for happiness, food, and the well-being of others.
• On the last day of Las Posadas, families go to church at midnight.

You can find this mini book HERE at my TPT store.

Written by: Carrie Hanson
Clip Art by Carrie
www.ccteachfirst.blogspot.com
Images: cactus, notes, thought bubble, table, lamp, couch, chair, jar, DECEMBER 16-24, Christmas candle w/holder, hot chocolate, moon, cross

Creative Clips by Krista Wallden
www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Krista-Wallden
Image: smiley face

EduClips
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Educasong
Images: Las Posadas characters (Mexican boy/girl, Mary, Joseph, nativity, donkey, pinatas, poinsettia, candle)

Graphics From the Pond
www.frompond.blogspot.com
Images: scribble background

"What Is Diwali?" Mini-Book

Last year we added Hanukkah and Kwanzaa to our Holiday unit to beef it up a little bit.  We wanted to add a little more this year, so I decided to do a little research and write this short mini-book about Diwali.  This mini-book tells the basics of the Diwali holiday.

"What is Diwali?" Mini-Book:

• Diwali is India's biggest holiday of the year.
• Diwali is celebrated in October or November each year.
• Diwali started as a harvest festival to mark the last harvest before winter.
• People celebrate and pray for success in the new year.
• People in India get together with family.
• They light clay lamps and fireworks, and have bonfires to worship the goddess of wealth.
• These are 5 days of Diwali.
• On day 1 people buy gold and silver for good luck.
• On day 2 people decorate their homes.
• On day 3 people pray, eat, and light fireworks.
• On day 4 people visit family and friends and give gifts.
• On day 5 brothers visit married sisters to show how much they love them.

Clip Art Sources:
Clip Art by Carrie, Melonheadz Illustrating, EduClips

You can find this HERE at my TPT store.

Earth Day Mini Book

I decided to create an Earth Day Mini-Book to use with my first graders.  They really enjoy being able to read the books that I've written and LOVE to reread and color the pictures during their free time.  I wrote the words to this story during school one day as I was listening to my student teacher teach a lesson.  I knew she'd be taking over full-time the Earth Day week, and we didn't have a lot of "good" materials for the kids to "read".  Not that I'm saying this is "good" material, but I tailored it to what I know that my students should be able to read independently.  I guess by "good", I mean letting my students feel successful in reading!

The clip art illustrations I used in this book include text labels to help direct the readers to the words they may need help with.

Here are the words to the story, "How Can I Help Earth":

• We should help keep planet Earth clean.
• Don't litter on the ground.  Put garbage in the trash or recycle bin.
• Recycle instead of sending so much to the landfill.
• Turn the water off when you are done.
• Take a quick shower instead of a bath.
• Turn the lights off when you don't need them on.
• Walk or take the bus instead of driving.
• Plant a tree to help our Earth.
• We hold the world in our hands.

You can find this mini-book HERE at my TPT store.

Clip Art sources:

• Clip Art by Carrie
• Creative Clips:  cherry cupcake, glass with straw, plate (http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Krista-Wallden)
• Melonheadz Illustrating:  girl and boy standing by the school bus (www.melonheadzillustrating.blogspot.com)
• A Sketchy Guy:  boy shooting into trash can, recycle truck, kids cleaning the Earth (http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/A-Sketchy-Guy)

Oceans Mini Book Set (5 Emergent/Early Readers)

This mini book set consists of 5 different books:  1 book for each of the oceans.  Each page has picture labels and pictures that help early readers figure out unknown words.  These work great for your study of the continents and oceans and gives facts that students can write about later!  Check out the text below so you know exactly what is in each of the books.

You can find this Oceans Mini Book set HERE at my TPT store.
You can find this Oceans Mini Book set HERE at my TN shop.

As a great companion to this set, check out my Continents and Oceans Mini Book set of 7 books HERE at my TPT store.  Or HERE at my TN shop.

Atlantic Ocean:
The 5 oceans are between the continents.
It is the 2nd biggest ocean.
The Atlantic Ocean is between North American and Europe.
The equator divides the North Atlantic and the South Atlantic.
It was the first ocean to be crossed by ship.
The Gulf Stream carries warm water from the Gulf of Mexico to Europe.
Icebergs from the Arctic Ocean float into the North Atlantic.

Pacific Ocean:
The 5 oceans are between the 7 continents.
The Pacific Ocean is the biggest ocean.
It covers almost one-third of the Earth.
It is bigger than all of the continents put together.
It is between Asia and Australia and North America and South America.
The Pacific Ocean is the deepest ocean.
The islands of Hawaii are in the Pacific.  They are in the middle of the Ring of Fire.
The Great Barrier Reef is in the Pacific.  It is off the coast of Australia.

Southern Ocean
The 5 oceans are between the 7 continents.
The Southern Ocean goes around Antarctica.
It is about two times the size of the United States.
It is very cold in the Southern Ocean.
Penguins live on Antarctica and swim in the Southern Ocean.
In the winter over half of the Southern Ocean is covered in ice and icebergs.
The Southern Ocean used to be called the Antarctic Ocean.

Arctic Ocean:
The 5 oceans are between the 7 continents.
The Arctic Ocean is by the North Pole at the top of the Earth.
It is the smallest ocean in the world.
In the winter almost all of it is covered in ice and icebergs.
Polar bears live and swim in the Arctic Ocean..
The walrus swims in the Arctic Ocean.
The ice is melting all the time.  The walrus will not have a place to rest.

Indian Ocean:
The 5 oceans are between the 7 continents.
The Indian Ocean is the third biggest ocean.
The Indian Ocean is the warmest ocean.
The Indian Ocean is by the equator.
It is between Africa and Australia.
The Indian Ocean is "land locked" because it has land along three sides.
Ships carry oil through the Indian Ocean from the Middle East to all parts of the world.

"Staying Healthy" Mini Book

This has been on my to-do list since last February, and I finally got around to doing it!

This mini book is an easy reader to teach about healthy habits: dental health, personal hygiene, and physical fitness.  You can find this mini-book HERE at my TPT store.  Download the preview to see the entire book before purchasing.

"Staying Healthy" by Carrie Hanson

• You need to do a lot of things to keep yourself healthy.
• Eat good foods to keep your body healthy.
• Drink juice instead of pop.
• Eat fruits and vegetables instead of candy and cake.
• Drink milk for strong bones and teeth.
• Go see the dentist two times each year.
• Brush and floss your teeth every day.
• Take a bath or shower every day.
• Use soap and shampoo to get he germs off.
• Wash your hands before you eat.
• Use a tissue when you blow your nose.
• Exercise to keep your heart healthy.
• Listen to the doctors. They will help you get better when you are sick.
• Try to sleep for eight hours each night.

Hanukkah and Kwanzaa Mini Books

Still plugging along and getting some things made for the new upcoming unit in December.  Finished my Hanukkah and Kwanzaa mini books this week.  Can't wait to use them...as I even learned a lot making them!  We've always done the Scholastic News each year that BRIEFLY tells about Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, but I've never done any reading up on it until now.

These mini book are by NO MEANS an independent read for first graders.  They are more of a shared reading whole group or in a guided reading group for students to learn about the two holiday traditions. Older or more advanced first grade children will be able to read them.

You can find them HERE at my TPT store.

How a Pumpkin Grows Packet

Just finished this tonight.  Wanted a mini-book to match my new cut-apart story for "How a Pumpkin Grows" that I made last weekend...then I started adding to it and it bacame this new "How a Pumpkin Grows" packet I just put up for sale on TPT!  I am so excited to use this new stuff!

You can purchase this HERE at my TPT store.

Included: 

1. How a Pumpkin Grows Cut Apart Story:  Students cut apart the story and piece it back together using the picture clues and what they know about how a pumpkin grows.  Can be used as an assessment piece after reading the mini-book.

2. How a Pumpkin Grows Mini-Book:  Easy reader with picture labels.  Similar clip art pictures as the cut-apart story.  Simply copy double-sided and have your copy machine staple on the left hand side.  Cut in half with a paper cutter and add additional staples for reinforcement.

3. How a Pumpkin Grows Writing:  Picture clues included in the picture box to the left.  Handwriting lines included to keep your early learners organized as they write the sentence to match the picture.

4. Life Cycle of a Pumpkin Sequence Cards:  Display in your pocket chart or on your bulletin board.  Use at a center to have your students put back in order.