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Use high frequency words, new vocabulary, or even math problems for this classic activity! The templates below are designed for primary students to create their own unique bingo cards. [For teachers who wish to generate multiple bingo cards themselves, web-based tools are available including Teach-nology and The Language Menu site (requires free registration).] The first template is a Word form with a drop-down, teacher-created word list. The second template is a Powerpoint document where text boxes are dragged into the bingo squares (to drag a text box, click to select it, then click along the outer edge of the text box to drag (imagine grabbing the outside edge of a cardboard box to move it - sticking your hand inside the box won't do it -- same thing with a text box!).

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 Fill-in BINGO template (Word)

Instructions for modifying fill-in BINGO template (.pdf)

Encourage students and their parents to view these short videos from home to practice high frequency sight words and reinforce classroom skills. Each word list has 2 activities. The Listen and Learn activity allows the child to hear the words pronounced correctly before repeating the word out loud and hearing it in a sentence. After familiarizing him/herself with the word list, the Review and Practice activity provides practice in reading the sight words without the aid of the teacher’s voice. For more ideas on creating interactive activities for primary students, visit Shallowford Falls Elementary School web site in Marietta, GA.

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This clever use of an Excel spreadsheet allows teachers to customize a spelling review sheet for young students (K/1st). Students see the word, then practice its spelling by retyping the word. Feedback is automatically provided so students immediately know if their spelling is correct. If incorrect, students can try again. The version linked below includes 10 lists of 10 words each. The lists become progressively more difficult.

Credits:

Mary Marino (ARO), Amy Grabkowski (Okte)

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Spelling Word Activity (Excel)*

This easy postcard template allows students to type a message and mailing address in a format that can be printed, folded and cut to resemble a real postcard. After printing, students can hand-draw a picture for their postcard.

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The September 2006 issue of The Reading Teacher included an article by Leah Wasburn-Moses identifying 25 web sites recommended by teachers to support teaching and learning of  phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and text comprehension. Sites were selected  based on 1) alignment with National Reading Panel (NRP) findings, 2) diversity of materials, 3) possibility for practical classroom application, 4) comprehensiveness and 5) applicability to a variety of educational settings.

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Designed for kindergarten students, this activity encourages early readers to publish informative reports in a fill-in-the-blank style. Using Microsoft Word, teachers create a customized "form" for students to complete. This allows children to express their comprehension of a subject without being limited by writing ability.

Credits:

Meg Springli, Marcia Elving and Ilka Morse

Links:

Activity Template (Word)

Instructions for Creating a Form (.pdf)

Related web resources

Students of all ages love to have their work published. Use the following templates to create 4, 8, or 12 page folded booklets using Microsoft Publisher templates. The original project was created for first grade students but can be adapted for any grade or subject. Students need only to type into pre-made text boxes. Teachers may choose to print blank worksheets ahead of time and have students hand-write their stories before typing them on the computer. Booklets are designed to be printed double-sided.

Credits:

Harriett Murphy (Karigon/1st), Sue Morrissey (Karigon/1st) and Brenda Fensterer (Lab Aide)

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Publisher Templates*: 4 pg  8 pg  12 pg

Worksheets: 4 pg  8 pg  12 pg (.pdf)

Student Sample (.pdf)

Help students practice early literacy skills by looking at a picture, determining the beginning sound, and then typing the letter that represents that beginning sound. When students type the correct letter, a "smiley face" appears as feedback. If incorrect, students can try again.

Credits:

Stacey Shinski (Chango Computer Lab Aide) and Gail Pietrafesa (Lead Teacher)

Links:

Beginning Sounds (Excel)*

Screen Capture of Beginning Sounds Activity

Elementary students can create Kid Pix slide shows to demonstrate knowledge of a topic or to celebrate special occasions. In this example, each student created a page with text and an illustration to commemorate Father's Day. Later they recorded their voices and eventually all slides were combined into a sildeshow.

Credits:

Randy Johnson and Soheila Hexemer (Skano)

Links:

Father's Day Slideshow sample by R. Johnson's 1st grade class, June 2003 (.mov  550K)

Blend traditional literacy with technological literacy. Use laminated paper keyboards for language arts lessons.

Small (2 per page): Word file(editable) or pdf format
Giant (prints on 6 pages): Publisher file or pdf format (print, then tape together)