When Two Vowels Go Walking

After saying this rhyme to kids many times, I realized that some of them really had no idea what I meant . . . now we're all on the same page.  

Reading Strategies Bookmarks

By printing these back to back, you have three bookmarks.  It's a quick way for me to provide a visual prompt by simply pointing to strategy during a reading group.  The vowel pictures on the back are also right at hand when needed. 

Blends

I know some of these are technically digraphs...but the kids and I just call them all blends!  

Vowel Posters

I had a difficult time finding vowel visuals that didn't have confusing pictures (iguana can be said with a short i or a long e!) so I made my own.

Writing Folder

I have found this is more apt to get used than a separate book of high frequency words. I encourage my students to use the vowel pictures when stretching out unknown words when they write.  Just like the math folder, I use clear packing tape to "laminate" the entire thing. You could also open the folder and put it through your laminator (slow speed), then cut the pockets back open with a scissors.  I haven't done it yet, but have thought about using some kind of velcro marker for students to track where they are in the writing process.

Math Folder

All of my students have this taped to the front (p.1), back (p.2) and insides (p.3 cut in two parts and put on the front of each pocket) of their math folders.  It provides an easy access resource that is always with the student during class or at home for homework.  We refer to these constantly during class.  I have larger posters of most of these that I hang around the room, too.  I use clear packing tape over the whole page--that way it also turns into a wipe-off surface that can be used with dry erase markers.