I am so lucky to have a class full of 1st and 2nd graders who love to practise their spelling words! Seriously...when we have a spare 5 minutes or if I have early finishers, they ask if they can write their spelling words! Favourite ways to do this are on the individual white boards and of course using the jumbo pencils that I posted about HERE.
We have implemented a new literacy program for Grade 1 and 2 this year, as part of a trial program. Part of that involves us having our class doing literacy centres while I am doing guided reading... nothing new for most of you out there, I know!! The only downside to this has been that the amount of time that we are required to spend on guided reading AND writing every day, has taken our spelling time away (OK, I am pretty OC when it comes to spelling, so I was 'borrowing' time from science and computer lab, to ensure that my kiddos got their spelling and handwriting practise in)!!
Anyhoo... I first saw some fabulous spelling gems over at the lovely Tara's blog, 4th Grade Frolics, a while back. I decided to put a pirate themed twist to them and my kiddos LOVE this spelling centre!!
I bought clear glass gems from a local cheapy shop and then used a sharpie to write the letters onto the sticky side of small round dots. I just stuck these to the flat sides of the glass gems and voila....pirate treasure letters! I store my pirate treasure gems in an old instant coffee can.
I have used the fabulous graphics from the very lovely Kirsten at KPM Doodles, to make up the centre into a packet to share as a FREEBIE.
The packet includes a storage container label...
Two worksheets with different pictures, that you can either just photocopy or laminate (which is my preference, as we have a photocopy limit)...
And lastly, I know that sometimes people are not able to get hold of the clear glass gems, so I have included alphabet circle sheets in the packet, so that you can just print them out onto yellow card, cut and laminate them, and there you will have gold pirate coins :)
CLICK HERE to download the Pirate Treasure Spelling packet.
I hope that you can find this spelling centre useful and that your kiddies have lots of fun using it to learn their spelling words.

















This is so cute. I am going to get some gems this weekend:) I am always looking for new spelling centers:) I have always wanted to visit Australia. It's on our list for the next big family trip!
ReplyDeleteAloha,
Corinna
Surfin' Through Second
Hi Corinna! Thanks so much for stopping by and for your lovely comment! I hope that your kiddos enjoy this centre:) Hope to see that you get Down Under sometime! I have always wanted to go to Hawaii:) Happy weekend to you!
DeleteThank you for sharing this wonderful idea. I LOVE it!
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog and I am now your newest follower.
Carolyn
Sowing Seeds of Learning
Hi Carolyn! Thanks so much for stopping by and for following along:) I am so glad you like this idea and hope that you can use it! Popping over to your blog to say 'Hi'! Happy weekend to you:)
DeleteI just found your blog, I love it! I am your newest follower. I love the spelling activity, I am going to go look for gems today.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing,
Barbara
happyteachingfirst.blogspot.com
Hi Barbara. Thank you so much for stopping by! It is lovely to 'meet' you:) Good luck with your gems, and I hope that your kiddies have lots of spelling fun with them :) Happy weekend to you!!
DeleteThank you so much for the freebie! I am your new follower! I love your ideas! I am new to blogger and I just added my blog to TBA- this is so exciting! Maybe stop by my blog if you are interesting in integrating technology!
ReplyDeleteMindy from OHIO :)
iintegratetechnology@blogspot.com
Hi Mindy:) Thank you so much for stopping by and for your lovely comment!! Welcome to blogger and to TBA!!! I LOVE technology and am struggling at my current school as all I have in the classroom, technology wise, is one networked computer....argh!!!! Popping over to yours to say Hi:) Happy rest of the weekend to you!
DeleteWe do something similar, but I love your pirate twist. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteBarbara
Grade ONEderful
Ruby Slippers
Hi Barbara! It always makes me smile to see that you have stopped by:) Very true...I haven't reinvented the wheel here, just that my kiddies love anything to do with pirates, so I thought someone might find this version useful :) Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend ~ xx
DeleteWhat a cute center activity! Thank you so much for sharing!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Jody Lynne! You are very welcome:) I hope that you can find it to be useful! Thanks so much for stopping by!! Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Deletear-har! thank you! my boys will love this! They are a minority in my room, and I think they'll be ecstatic! great to see a fellow Aussie, too :) i grew up in a small town in NSW, but am teaching in Brissie. I love your stuff! Donna
ReplyDeleteHi Donna! Thank you so much for stopping by and for your lovely comment! Lovely to 'meet' you:) I am thrilled that you will be able to use this with your class ... hope your boys like it:) Happy weekend to you!!
ReplyDeleteTina, you're so creative, I think some of my grade 3 kiddies will enjoy this one.
ReplyDelete