READING and WRITING OPTIONS 

Writing Options: Word Work

Spin and Write Words, Names, or Rimes

Objective:

Students may play in partnerships, but I prefer them to work interpedently at this center.  They use a spinner (we use the ones that came with our math series - - they are transparent spinners you place over the game board).  Once they have spun, they record the word in their learning logs. 

Materials:

Transparent Spinners

Pencils

Learning Logs to Record Spins (Answers)

Recording Sheets:

• Rimes

• Uppercase Letters  

• Lowercase Letters  

• Blank Game Board

• Numbers  

• Sight Words

When to Introduce:

After student names have been added to the WORD WALL, Name Bottles have been made for each student, and a NAME GRAPH is created, I then introduce this activity.

How to Introduce:

Divide students into partnerships.

Be sure each team has a "Spin A NAME" game board.

Be sure each team has a transparent spinner [a spinner can also be made using a pencil tip and a paperclip].

Be sure each team has a sheet of paper to record their spins (or they may use their learning logs).

Model for students how to shuffle the cards and put them face down between the two partners.

Model for students how to place the transparent spinner on the game board.

Model for students how to spin, read the name the spinner landed on, and how to record their spin on their recording sheet.

Allow time for students to practice the activity in a small cooperative group.

Add the activity to the NAMES Corner (center).

Differentiating:

Have students write each name, word, or rime spun.

Have students write a sentence for each name, word, or rime spun. 

Storage Ideas:

"Spin A " game board are laminated (or put into a sheet protector).

The game board and spinner are then put into a poly/plastic document envelope that is labeled with the activity picture and title.

The poly/plastic/vinyl envelope can be purchased at Wal-Mart, Target, or any other office supply store.

The envelope is stored in the NAMES Corner (center) in a pull out drawer system from Sterilite.