You guys know me by now. I am a huge spiral fan. I love anything that constantly reviews those key standards that they kids need to know. So I was super excited when Carson-Dellosa told me they were going to send me their new Common Core Language Arts 4 Today book! I am trying to get my hands on anything that will help me understand and implement the Common Core a little bit better in my room, and this looks like it just might work.When I first opened the book, I noticed that there was a "problem a day" type feel to it. The students are given a sheet that has four days worth of practice on it, where they read a teeny passage and answer some questions. It starts off easier on Day 1 and progresses to be a bit more difficult by Day 4. Day 5 is always an assessment of the skills that were practiced during that week.
Some weeks are comprehension practice. Some weeks are grammar skills. Some weeks are spelling and word work. Every other week is writing practice. But each week follows the same pattern of 4 days of practice with one day of assessment.
This book has 40 weeks of practice with all of the language arts Common Core standards in 5th grade. There is a neat little chart to help you know which standards are covered in which weeks so you can be sure you are covering them.
Ok...so there is the overview of the book itself. Now, here is the big question...what do I think of it??
I like it and can see it being used in my room as a warm up or as additional homework. The comprehension pages can definitely be added into my routine for comprehension homework. I like the grammar pages as well. Those will come in handy when teaching those skills to the kids.
My only wish is that it was a bit more "mixed up". It seems like the standards are grouped together a bit too much for my taste (like, one whole week is comprehension, then another whole week is writing, then another whole week is grammar...you know me by now that I like those three things all within one week deal)
Other than that, I think this really is a great tool to have to get the kids thinking about those standards that they need to learn and internalize. It provides an easy way for the students to get daily practice in without overwhelming them or taking up too much class time (which we all know is at a premium!)
Now here is the best part. Carson-Dellosa is going to send one of you a copy of this book too! It really will help you to supplement your current classroom practice and give your kids more exposure to those Common Core standards. Who wouldn't want that?? All you have to do is enter the Rafflecopter below. I put a lot of different entry choices in there so that you can have many different ways to win (I know not everyone is on FB or Pinterest or whatever, so I wanted to have at least one way that you could enter....if not more) You have until Tuesday to enter....so get to it!!
(you have to be a US resident to win...so sorry about that international friends)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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ReplyDeleteI'm using both the language arts and math for homework this year! One activity in each subject each night. Great for first graders!
ReplyDeleteI am trying to really breakdown common core....It has been a bit overwhelming....also looking at the new ELD standards for CA has added to my stress....I think this would be helpful.
ReplyDeleteWe are transitioning into Common Core this year and I'm a district grade level planner.
ReplyDeleteGlad to read this review! I had this book on my amazon wish list and wondered what others thought. We are just dipping into cc this year. I am on the math committee writing the units, but my true love is Lang arts! Thanks for sharing this book!
ReplyDeleteI teach in VA and we use the SOLs which are very close to the CC.
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE to use this in my classroom!
ReplyDeleteFirst year teacher in 4th grade, so this would definitely be helpful. Thanks for the opportunity.
ReplyDeletejkmatuch@aol.com
We are hitting common core hard this year...it's definitely going to be a challenge. I'm collecting as many resources as I can to help prepare my kiddos with what they need!
ReplyDeleteWe started teaching common core last year in my district with the modules from engageNY. This will be a good supplement to those.
ReplyDeleteMy school will be implementing common core this year. This would definitely come on handy!
ReplyDeleteI just moved back to the states so I'll be new with teaching with the Common Core. This will provide great review!
ReplyDeleteWe started common core this year. I'm trying to combine it with close reading for reading homework where the students will have one passage a week and a different activity to do with the passage each night. We'll see how it goes. I would love this fabulous resource...I love spiral review!
ReplyDeleteCommon Core is going to be very interesting for the self contained intellectually disabled population. We are struggling at how to even begin to start to implement this at the high school level - our students are functioning at a first to third grade level. Any suggestions would be welcome! It is very hard to find appropriate grade material at an appropriate age/peer level.
ReplyDeleteI teach in Iowa and we have the Iowa Core. They say it's the Common Core plus 15% more! I'd use this as some type of morning work. I too, would wish it'd be more mixed up!
ReplyDeleteWe have transitioned to Common Core and I had been thinking about how to create a weekly practice of skills all based around one reading passage. This seems like a great place to start!
ReplyDeletePolka Dots & Teaching Tots
705 of the students in NYS failed the new Common Core test. I will be using this book to meet the needs of the students in my class and differentiate instruction and homework.
ReplyDeleteoops70% not 705!
ReplyDeleteWe are starting to use common core. This would be a great resource for my 2nd graders.
ReplyDeleteWe are starting to use common core. This would be a great resource for my 2nd graders.
ReplyDeleteWe are starting to use common core. This would be a great resource for my 2nd graders.
ReplyDeleteLooks great- I need more Common Core resources.
ReplyDeleteI can see this book as a good warm-up each morning and I love resources that pinpoint exactly which Common Core standards are being covered when.
ReplyDeleteI'm in PA, and we are not implementing common core until next year. We are trying things out this year. I could see this book replacing my daily language review. I would love to have something more aligned with the common core standards. Thanks for the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteThis would be great to use during Extended Day with my kids! I have started Common Core, but it is really difficult for my Special Ed students.
ReplyDeleteWe did some transition to common core last year but will be full on this year. I'd probably use the book as morning work and of homework. It depends on what my district suggests and provides.
ReplyDeleteWe started Common Core but mostly just focused on math last year. This year I hope to really get into the ELA standards. I've used the Math 4 Today books as morning work, so I think the ELA ones would probably work just as well.
ReplyDeleteWe started implementing Common Core last year. My grade level is going to use the Math 4Today version for homework.
ReplyDeleteEmilyK
We are implementing common core in language arts for the first time this year. I need help with morning work and homework especially. This would do the trick.
ReplyDeleteLooks like it could be a worthwhile addition for the classroom.
ReplyDeleteWe are implementing CCSS in math and language arts this year. Testing in 2015, I am teaching 4th grade this year.
ReplyDeleteWe are just implementing ELA Common Core this year! I think this would be awesome to use for when students arrive in my classroom!
ReplyDeleteWe are just starting the transition to Common Core this year. I think these resources would help make the transition so much easier by providing a map to use.
ReplyDeleteThis will be our 3rd year with the Core. I had 2nd grade, now will go back to 3rd, where it will be my first year with the Core in 3rd grade.
ReplyDeletesusanlulu@yahoo.com
We are implementing CCSS (or as they're known here Idaho Core Standards) in both ELA and Math this year.
ReplyDeleteIn my district we are implementing CC in both ELA and Math this year in grades 2-5. Last year K and 1st grade implemented it. That book would be great to have this year.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great resource for those of us just starting in with CCSS.
ReplyDeleteLooks like it could work for some manageable homework! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteJenny
http://captainplan-it.blogspot.com/
OH that looks like a great resource...looking for anything that will help!
ReplyDeleteThis book looks great! Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteErin
The E-Z Class
I think I would use this book as their "bell work" or morning work when the students come in.
ReplyDeleteWe implemented Common Core last year. I would use this for morning work.
ReplyDeleteWe are doing blended Common Core this year in 3-5. We will do a full implementation next year. Luckily, I started doing some research last year and have already incorporated some things into my room. It's a lot to take in and it doesn't hurt to have some time to process all of the information.
ReplyDeleteAlison
Rockin' and Lovin' Learnin'
Anything that helps organize and review the CC will be of great help.
ReplyDeleteI am teaching 4th grade math and science and would use this as bell work to help support our language arts teacher since reading is an area that our kids struggle with. Thanks for offering this opportunity!
ReplyDeleteWould use this as a daily center or in the same way as we do your Spiral Math! :) Would assign a page (?) each day to be completed on their own. Then, we would first meet in small groups or partners to discuss the work, followed by a whole class discussion. :)
ReplyDeleteI am not using Common Core, but the skills covered in this book will be a great way to provide that extra practice for my 4th graders.
ReplyDeleteI think this would help give the kids some reinforcement while I am realigning the rest of my curriculum. :)
ReplyDeleteHelen Jo
Sounds great! I'd love to try it out.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a perfect supplement for my curriculum. I would use it as repetitive practice homework to aid in mastering the standards. Thanks for the chance to win it!!!!! My fingers are crossed.
ReplyDeleteWe are going to common core this year AND standard based testing/report cards. Feeling overwhelmed. Need all the materials I can get!
ReplyDeleteI am in Texas, so no Common Core for us officially, but our standards keep getting closer to Common Core (and many match up quite a bit already).
ReplyDeleteWe've begun the cc standards and this sounds like a great way to make sure I'm hitting them all.
ReplyDeleteWe are implementing the Common Core in our school district. This would be a great resource to use in addition to what we have been given to teach.
ReplyDeleteLove this idea and thanks for your honest opinion. We are in our second year of "unpacking" the fourth grade common core standards.
ReplyDeleteWe are putting Common Core into all lessons this year. Like you I want to learn as much about Common core as possible so I can use it as much as I can. I don't think any of us can learn too much about Common Core in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteWe've been phasing in Common Core, so we aren't full swing yet. I think this is something I would likely use for morning work or homework, as our curriculum is pretty meaty and we barely have time to fit it in as it is! It sounds like a great way to reinforce skills that you're teaching in other ways throughout the day!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a great way to review. I would love to use this in my classroom.
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ReplyDeleteI teach 5th grade and CC has not been fully incorporated at my grade level. My county decided to begin CC in the primary grades first.
ReplyDeleteThis is our first year of fully implementing CC, but we are still being tested on our State Standards. I would use the books for daily practice!
ReplyDeleteMeagan
My teaching partner is moving from K to 4th and would LOVE this!
ReplyDeleteI love spiral practice/reviews too! I've been drooling over these, I think they'd be great for homework. It'd be nice to get a week's worth of homework on a single sheet of paper!
ReplyDeleteI'll be starting common core this year and this book would help me keep track of standards and making sure I'm using constant review!
ReplyDeleteThis looks very helpful as I merge IEP and rti documentation with CCSS!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of using this as a warm-up each day.....making sure that you hit each standard as a review!
ReplyDeleteSiobhan
sconnor@midlakes.org
Ooh! I would love this. We are having to make up our own resources to supplement as as we still are working with Open Court and it is not Common Core Aligned.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of using this to supplement all of the other things we are doing to implement the Common Core. I would definitely use it with my students!
ReplyDeleteI'm a first-year teacher about to start using Common Core in my classroom, and I would love all the help I could get!
ReplyDeleteMy district is beginning CCSS this year! I was even on the ELA curriculum mapping/planning team and I'm still nervous about the transition. This book would be incredible for me!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Jamie
http://www.mommywifeteachercook.blogspot.com
This will be my second year with CCSS and what've I've learned is that it spirals within the year and throughout the years. I wold probably use this as an early finisher, or warm up. My homework has changed, no worksheets more real world problems and reading response.
ReplyDeleteMelissa
Ms. Chae Charges In
I teach in Virginia and teach with the Standards of Learning in mind. This book seems as though it would align well with our SOL's and I'd probably use it as part of my morning work routine.
ReplyDeleteI'm entering year 4 of the common core standards. Pretty sure Delaware was allll over them the moment they came out, partially due to Race to the Top! I'd use them for morning work and homework, where I do most of my spiraling! =)
ReplyDeleteMeg
Third Grade in the First State
My district is just now implementing CCSS and I am trying to find resources to supplement our core programs and this looks like a great find.I could see using this as a morning work or homework. Thank you for the review.
ReplyDeleteSarah
Would love to win!
ReplyDeleteI need this!!!
ReplyDeleteI would love to use this for homework or warm up! Thanks!l
ReplyDeleteI would use this for homework and remediation.
ReplyDeleteI am hoping to use this for warm-up activities or remediation! Thanks for the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI agree, anything that gives us a better understanding of the core standards! Thank you for offering this! I would love it for my 5th grade class!
ReplyDeleteI am the lead teacher in 3rd grade this year and am looking for anything and everything to help us implement Common Core!!! I want it!
ReplyDeleteI would like to use this as a homework option to keep my students practicing at home.
ReplyDeleteI would like to use this as a homework option to keep my students practicing at home.
ReplyDeleteLove this...the switch to common core is kind of stressing me out, this would certainly be helpful in the classroom!
ReplyDeleteI've been eyeing this book for awhile. I've spent far too much money already on school materials and we have not had an increase in 4 years. I would use this book during our "Do Now."
ReplyDeleteWe implemented the CCSS in K-1 two years ago. This book would be great for daily warm ups or bellringers!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great book. We have no specific English curriculum so this is a great way to get it into and linked to common core
ReplyDeleteNew to common core this year!
ReplyDeleteI would love a copy to supplement existing materials.
ReplyDeleteI am teaching in a new district with a new reading series. I would love any additional help in implementing all the new standards!
ReplyDeleteWe've started Common core. I'd love to use this as a warm-up or as homework.
ReplyDeleteI just purchased the Common Core 4 Today math book. I like what I see and would be interested in the language arts book!
ReplyDeleteSounds very interesting.
ReplyDeleteWe are starting CCSS in Math only this year and next year ELA so this book would be great to use here and there this year as we transition! Thnx!
ReplyDeleteWe are implementing CCSS this year, and this book would be a great help for Language Arts.
ReplyDeleteChanging grades this year so any new resources would be great
ReplyDeleteI am in NY so we have Modules to use, but this sounds great to add to that!
ReplyDeleteWe're starting ELA Common Core this year. I think I would use this book as morning work. Thanks for the chance to win it!!!
ReplyDeleteI would love this for my special needs classroom. We are starting CC this year and I am freaking out just a little bit.
ReplyDeleteThis would be a great addition to our morning work routine. My team has been looking for something just like this!
ReplyDeleteThank you for letting us know about this activity. This will surely give us great lessons specially in English that can definitely enhance our grammar usage and it also leads success when it comes to writing.
ReplyDeleteproofreading and editing services review.