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themes
By Marcie

(OK--I had some trouble posting this, so hopefully this works)
Anyway--I'm in a very similiar situation. I teach 6-7 grade, mostly math, reading and English. I have 95% LD, a couple ED, and two MMR. I too, started out
with absolutley no books, lots of ideas, and very little ability to put those ideas into action. However, over the course of time, I've collected lots of books, watched other teachers, and borrowed more ideas and materials. This is one of my favorite "themes" that we do each year: Inventions.
We start with "how-to" reports. Then we each pick an invention to do a short report

on. (I have found a pick with short 1 page stories on inventions.) Then they write a poem on that invention. We also look into advertisements, and the "hooks" that are used. Finally, the students each invent something (it doesn't have to work). All of this ends with an "Invention Convention", in which the students share their inventions, and present them to other classes and administators. It's amazing all of the skills that are pulled together for it. I've done it 6 years now, and it only gets better. If you'd like more information, let me know. Also, as far as teaching story elements. I like to use picture books. They are short enough to finish in one class period, so the students aren't having to remember elements of the story that may have been read a week ago. Anyway, hope all of this helps a little. Good luck!