Diy Learning Cubes READING & ELA BUNDLE

Tree Top Secret’s Diy Learning Cubes READING & ELA BUNDLE

1 Thank You for Selecting…

DIY Learning Cubes

Single Teacher Classroom Use Only

Your individual purchase entitles you to reproduce this resource for your own classroom use.

Please refer teachers to our website www.treetopsecret.com if they are interested in purchasing this resource for their own classroom use.

No part of the file may be reproduced in any form, by any means, electronic or mechanical, without prior written authorization from Veronica Lopez. You may request permission by sending an email to [email protected]

Reading DIY Learning Cubes

Why DIY Learning Cubes? ...... 4 How To DIY Learning Cubes ...... 5

Learn the Alphabet...... 8 Upper Case and Lower Case ...... 9 Match Letter with Drawing ...... 10

Dolch, Fry, High Frequency, or Sight Words ...... 12 Types of Texts ...... 14 Main Idea and Details ...... 15

Vocabulary ...... 16 Multiple Meaning Words ...... 17 Figurative Language ...... 18

Characters ...... 20 Sequencing ...... 21 Cause and Effect ...... 22

Facts and Opinions...... 23 Synonyms and Antonyms ...... 24 Appendices ...... 25 Contact Tree Top Secret Education ...... 50

Why should we use learning cubes?

You have great demands on your time and attention. It’s a challenge to cover the curriculum with engaging instruction that helps students learn and also prepares them for assessments.

You need creative tools to help you… - introduce and reinforce curricular objectives - use effective instructional strategies - prepare formative and summative assessments

We call tools which can do all of the above… Versatile Pedagogical Tools.

DIY Learning Cubes are

Versatile

Pedagogical Tools

DIY Learning Cubes are versatile pedagogical tools which can be used to cover many objectives. They fit in with different instructional approaches and at any stage of a lesson cycle. Students can use them to work independently, with a partner, or in groups. They can stand-alone as a station or be integrated into other stations. Strategic placement and use of the DIY Learning Cubes will also help you re-capture what would otherwise be lost time.

Cubes: 1-inch foam cubes are ideal for your learning activities. They are quiet, inexpensive, smooth, easy to write on, sealable, small enough to store, portable, and easy to use. Some of our DIY Learning Cube activities recommend the use of two to three colors, but you can use a variety of colors if you do not have enough of one color to make a set. We have foam cubes available on our website www.treetopsecret.com . You can also find them in teacher supply stores, some craft and hobby shops, and online.

You can also create paper cubes from card stock and a template (Appendices A1 and A2 have templates for 1” and 1½ ” cubes). You can use white or colored card stock. You will want to add the letters, numbers, or words before you make the copies. You will be able to form the cubes with a little tape or school glue. Creating these paper cubes may be a little cheaper, but they do take a little time to make. The main drawback to paper cubes is they can easily be dented, bent, or even flattened. Add stability to the cubes by covering them in clear packing tape or Mod Podge ™.

Preparing Foam Cubes You can use pens and even pencils to add information on the foam learning cubes. However, the darkest and most durable option is to use permanent marker. Use a thinner tip marker if you are writing phrases or long words. The permanent marker ink will need a few minutes (or longer) to dry. If you find the ink is smearing, then you can apply a coat of sealer like Mod Podge ™ or Collage Pauge™ . You can purchase these in craft and hobby shops, discount stores, or online.

Consider creating larger cubes or rows of cubes by gluing individual cubes together. A small dot of hot glue in the center of a cube should do the trick. Be careful not to use too much glue, because it can create a mess as it spreads over the edge and may burn your fingers. Test your brand of hot glue on two cubes to make sure it adheres. Check the adhesion after a few hours to make sure the glue is holding.

Containers: Let your imagination soar when considering how you will display and store your containers. In most cases you will want to use opaque containers, but there are no hard and fast rules here. If you have some clear items on hand, then save your money and use those. Some activities work best when students don’t peek… they should close their eyes or look away as they remove a cube from a clear bag/container.

Here are a few ideas: • Cereal Boxes • Chip Canisters •Cinch Sacks •Cleaning Wipes Canisters •Coffee Cans •Cups

•File Folders (taped sides) • Food Boxes • Food Storage Boxes •Gift Bags •Glasses •Hats or Caps •Laundry Detergent Canister

•Lunch Boxes or Bags • Old Handbags • Paint Canisters (small) •Paper Bags •Pillow Cases •Plastic Flower Pots •Re-sealable Plastic Bags

•Sand Pails • Scarf (tied to form a bag) • School Boxes •Shipping Envelopes • Shoe Boxes •Small Cardboard Boxes •Socks •Supply Caddies •Tissue Boxes •Totes

Classroom Use: The DIY Learning Cube activities in this resource are designed to help students with various learning standards. Review the objectives for each activity and decide which are appropriate for your grade level. Follow the DIY instructions for all the activities you will be using. Store each activity in one box, bag, or container.

• Add the DIY Learning Cubes to your lesson plan. Use them to introduce an objective, practice a newly taught concept, reinforce a new idea, or review for a formative or summative assessment.

• Place the DIY Learning Cubes in strategic places around the room. For example: By the classroom door where students wait for lunch, P.E., or other class changes. Place a few by your desk or whiteboard. Reach for them to add some spontaneity to a lesson, ease the stress of complex or tedious instruction, or to transition into another subject.

• Place the DIY Learning Cube activities on an easy-to-reach shelf. Students can use them whenever there is a little time available. This could be in the morning before lessons begin, when they finish an assignment before others, during a subject or class transition, or while waiting on you or other teachers and students.

• If you use stations as a part of your instructional approach, then each DIY Learning Cube activity can be used as a stand-alone station. Simply add the activity as a new station to any rotation system you are already using.

• Integrate the DIY Learning Cubes into an existing station. For example, if you already have a station which focuses on place value, then add the Place Value DIY Learning Cubes to the activities for that station.

• Prepare sets of DIY Learning Cubes for students who are struggling with a learning objective. These can take the place of homework or work along with other homework.

• Add the DIY Learning Cubes to your game/reading/study corner. Students will begin to play with the cubes and begin to see them as much more than a lesson.

DIY: -You will need 5 cubes and one opaque container. - Add one letter to each side of the 5 cubes. -Leave one side blank (free throw) on Cubes 1, 2, 3, & 4.

How to Use: Individual, Partner, or Groups - First student removes a cube from the opaque container. - Student rolls the cube and recites the letter. - Student returns the cube to the container and shakes the container. - Each student repeats the process. - Students can use a stopwatch to record the time it takes to identify all the letters from A to Z.

Optional: One student can keep track of correct responses for everyone in the group or students can keep track for themselves.

Note: Students who work independently will need to be evaluated by another student or the teacher.

Cube 2 Cube 3 Cube 1 A F K

A F K

G H I J L M N O B C D E

Cube 4 Cube 5 P U P U

Q R S T V W X Y

DIY: -You will need 10 cubes and two opaque containers. - Label one container as Upper Case and the other as Lower Case. - Add upper case letters to each side of 5 cubes. Add lower case letters to each side of the remaining 5 cubes. -Leave one side blank (free throw) on Cubes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9.

How to Use: Individual, Partner, or Groups - Student removes a cube from the upper case cubes container. - Student rolls the cube and places it in the center of the desk. - Students take turns rolling cubes from the lower case container. They continue to do this until they find a match for the upper case letter. - Students continue the process until they have matched all the letters from A to Z.

Cube 1 Cube 2 Cube 3 Cube 4 A F K P K P A F

L M N O Q R S T B C D E G H I J

Cube 5 Cube 6 Cube 7 Cube 8 U a f k

U a f k

V W X Y b c d e g h i j l m n o Z

Cube 9 Cube 10 p u

p u

q r s t v w x y z

DIY: -You will need as many cubes as possible and two opaque containers. - Add one letter to each side of 5 cubes. -Leave one side blank (free throw) on Cubes 1, 2, 3, & 4. -Use additional cubes to create IMAGE cubes. You can add drawings, stickers, or stamps to these image cubes. Examples of easy to draw images are provided on the next page. -Place the number cubes in one container and the image cubes in the second container.

How to Use: Individual, Partner, or Groups - Student places all of the letter cubes on the table. - Student removes an image cube. - Student identifies which letter makes the sound of the first letter of the image.

Optional: Create additional letter cubes and use them to spell the names of each image.

Cube 1 Cube 2 Cube 3 Cube 4 A F K P K P A F

L M N O Q R S T B C D E G H I J

Cube 5 Cube 6 Cube 7 Cube 8 U a f k

U a f k

V W X Y b c d e g h i j l m n o Z

Cube 9 p Cube 10 u

p u

q r s t v w x y z

Drawings:

DIY: -You will need as many cubes as possible and one container. -You will need your list of Dolch, Fry, High Frequency, or Sight Words. If you do not have a list of these words, then a quick Google search will provide several options. - Add the words to the sides of each cube.

How to Use: Individual, Partner, or Groups -Students take turns retrieving and rolling the cubes. -Students recite the words. -Students use the first letter of each word to sort all A’s, B’s, C’s, etc. -Students can categorize the words (see examples of categories below). -Students can use the cubes to create short sentences. -You can provide fill in the blank sentences on sentence strips. Students can identify which cubes will complete the sentences. -Use additional cubes to create IMAGE cubes that match up to the sight or dolch word cubes. You can add drawings, stickers, or stamps to these image cubes. Examples of easy to draw images are provided on the next page. Students can then practice matching the sight or dolch words to the appropriate image cubes.

Examples of Categories: Example Actions GO Animals Colors Numbers People GO Places Positions Senses BIG ONE SEE UP Shapes

WHY

Drawings:

DIY: -You will need two sets of cubes. Each set should be a different color. -The number of cubes will vary depending on the number of Text Types and Books or Stories you want to include. -You will need two containers. Label one container as Text Types and the other as Books/Stories. -Add Text Types to the first set of cubes – A list is provided below, but you may want to add other types of texts. -Add names of Books/Stories to the second set of cubes.

How to Use: Individual, Partner, or Groups -Student retrieves and rolls a Text Types cube. -Students take turns retrieving and matching a Book/Story cube to the right Text Type. Alternative: Students can sort through the Book/Story cubes and group all the Fables, Myths, or other types of texts. -You can assign a set amount of time or have students work until they identify a set number of Text Types and Books/Stories. Optional: You may want to create a key or answer sheet which shows the matching Text Types and Books/Stories.

Text Types TEXT TYPES Fable Adventure Story Science Books Folktale Art Books Fable Legend Technical Fable Directions Graph Myth Fantasy Form Info. Realistic Fiction Charts Map Info. Myth Graphs

Books/ Nursery Rhyme Maps Stories Hare & Limerick Tortoise Free Verse Narrative Poem Hare & Dialogue in a Play or Scene Tortoise Rosa I Am Changes Biography Zeus Parks Rosa in Autobiography Parks weather Miles History Books between cities Social Studies Books

DIY: -You will need two cubes or two index cards. Write Main Idea on all sides of the first cube and Details on all sides of the second cube. If you use index cards, then write Main Idea on one card and Details on the other card. -You will also need two sets of cubes. All of the cubes should be the same color. -The number of cubes will vary depending on the number of Main Ideas and Details you want to include. -You will need one container. -Add Main Ideas to the first set of cubes. -Add Details to the second set of cubes. Optional: Create specific sets of Main Idea and Details cubes which match up to a paragraph, passage, chapter, novel, book, unit, concept, or station.

How to Use: Individual, Partner, or Groups -Students place the two single cubes or index cards on the table. These cubes/cards create the two categories. -Students take turns retrieving and categorizing the cubes. -You can assign a set amount of time or have students work until they identify a set number of Main Ideas and Details. Optional: You may want to create a key or answer sheet which shows the Main Ideas and Details.

Main Ideas: Details: Examples There are for 4 major Paragraphs cell phone AT & T providers.

There are 4 major cell AT & T phone providers.

Recycling Breakfast There are Tornadoes Tons of Provides Vultures Millions of helps save is many are plastic energy for are dollars in Earth’s important. varieties destructive. bottles in the scavengers. property resources. of birds. landfills. morning.. damage. The most Candy is candy is given to sold during children. Halloween.

Main Idea Detail

Main Detail Idea Main Main Main Main Detail Detail Detail Detail Idea Idea Idea Idea Main Detail Idea

DIY: -You will need 2 different sets of cubes. Each set should be a different color. - You will need as many cubes as possible. - You will need two containers. Label the containers: Vocabulary and Definitions - Add your vocabulary or key words to the first set of cubes. Add short or one to two word definitions to the second set of cubes. OPTIONAL: -Create specific sets of vocabulary cubes which match up to a novel, book, unit, concept, or station. -Add a set of letter cubes and students can practice spelling the vocabulary words.

How to Use: Individual, Partner, or Groups - Each student retrieves and rolls a vocabulary word cube. - Each student takes turns retrieving and identifying the correct definition for the vocabulary word. - You can assign a set amount of time or have students work until they define a set number of vocabulary words. OPTIONAL: Use additional cubes to create IMAGE cubes that match up to the vocabulary words. You can add drawings, stickers, or stamps to these image cubes. Students can then practice matching the vocabulary words to the appropriate image cubes.

Vocabulary Definitions

Words Make something IMPROVE better

Make IMPROVE something better

Say what you Find your Work Notice PREDICT NAVIGATE DETECT think will way through something together happen something

Ask for REQUEST something

DIY: -You will need two sets of cubes. Each set should be a different color. -The number of cubes will vary depending on the number of Multiple Meaning Words you want to include. -You will need two containers. Label one container as KEY words and the other as Meanings. -Add KEY words to the first set of cubes. -Add Meanings for the KEY words to the second set of cubes. If there are not enough meanings for all six sides of the cube, you can use the following: Free, Roll cube again, or Draw another cube. Optional: Create specific sets of multiple meaning words cubes which match up to a novel, book, unit, concept, or station.

How to Use: Individual, Partner, or Groups -Student retrieves and rolls a KEY word cube. -Students take turns retrieving and matching a Meaning cube to the KEY word. Students can also begin by retrieving and rolling a Meaning cube, then retrieving and matching the KEY word for that meaning. -You can assign a set amount of time or have students work until they identify a set number of Multiple Meaning Words. Optional: You may want to create a key or answer sheet which shows the correct examples of Multiple Meaning Words.

KEY Words Meanings

Sound BARK a dog makes

Sound a BARK dog makes

Tree Speak Candy Roll BILL BOWL CHECK SINK covering loudly or made with cube In anger chocolate again

Draw SEAL another cube

DIY: -You will need 2 different sets of cubes. Each set should be a different color. -You will need two containers. Label one container as Figurative Language and the other as Examples. -Add the figurative language categories to one set of cubes. A list of categories is provided on the next page (you may want to add different or additional categories). -Add examples to the other set of cubes. A list of examples are provided on the next page. If the examples are too long, then consider gluing cubes together to increase the surface area. If that seems like too much trouble, then consider using sentence strips instead of cubes - you’ll only need the Figurative Language set of cubes and the sentence strips. -You may want to create a key or answer sheet which shows the correct examples for each Figurative Language category. Add a note to those examples which fit into more than one category.

How to Use: Individual, Partner, or Groups -Each student retrieves and rolls a Figurative Language cube. -Each student takes turns retrieving Example cubes until they find an example for the Figurative Language category. -You can assign a set amount of time or have students work until they identify a set number of examples for each Figurative Language Category. OPTIONAL: Provide blank cubes and have the students create their own examples. You’ll need to ask them to justify their conclusions.

Figurative Examples

Language A penny Categories ADAGE saved is a penny earned

A penny saved is a ADAGE penny earned He is in The Her smile Easy come, IDIOM PROVERB hot world is is a mile easy go. water. my stage. wild.

He is as SIMILE strong as an ox.

Figurative Language Categories (This is not an all-inclusive list)

Adage Alliteration Allusion Hyperbole Idiom Metaphor Onomatopoeia Oxymoron Personification Proverb Simile

Examples for each category:

ADAGE ALLITERATION A penny saved is a penny earned. She sells seashells by the sea shore. You’re putting the cart before the horse. Casey cooked cupcakes in the kitchen.

ALLUSION HYPERBOLE Don’t be a Scrooge. I’m so hungry I could eat a horse. He is carrying the weight of the world. Her smile is a mile wide.

IDIOM METAPHOR Read between the lines. He is a night owl. He is in hot water. The world is my stage.

ONOMATOPEIA OXYMORON Beep Bitter sweet Buzz Clearly confused

PERSONIFICATION PROVERB The wind howled. A friend in need is a friend indeed. Time flies. Easy come, easy go.

SIMILE They fought like cats and dogs. He is as strong as an ox.

DIY: -You will need two sets of cubes. Each set should be a different color. -The number of cubes will vary depending on the number of Characters and Traits you want to include. -You will need two containers. Label one container as Characters and the other as Traits. -Add Characters to the first set of cubes. You can focus on characters from different stories, books, or movies. You could also focus on all the characters in one story. The example below uses characters from different books. -Add Traits to the second set of cubes. You could also use Behaviors, Actions, Quotes, Beliefs, or Points of View.

How to Use: Individual, Partner, or Groups -Student retrieves and rolls the Characters cube. -Students take turns retrieving and matching Traits to the right Character. -You can assign a set amount of time or have students work until they identify a set number of Characters and Traits. Optional: You may want to create a key or answer sheet which shows the matching Characters and Traits.

Characters Character Traits/ Harry Behaviors/ Loyal Potter Actions

Harry Loyal Potter

Always in Always Greg Heffley DaydreamerWants to SpongeBob Ramona Amelia trouble. be popular. Misunder- Quimby (Diary of a Bedelia Wimpy Kid) stands

The Grinch Mean

DIY: -You will need a paragraph, passage, chapter, entire book, unit, or short story. -You will need 2 different sets of cubes. Each set should be a different color. -The number of cubes will vary depending on the number of events you want your students to place in order. -You will need two containers. Label one container as Numbers and the second container as Events. - Add numbers to the first set of cubes. - Add an event from the story to one side of a cube (one event per cube). Leave the remaining sides blank.

How to Use: Individual, Partner, or Groups - Students place all the number cubes on the table. The cubes can be placed in the correct order ( 1 to 10). If they want to try something a little different, then they can do a flashback or remember the events from the end of the story to the beginning – the cubes would be placed from 10 to 1. - First student removes an event cube and places it where she thinks it may have occurred in the story. -Each student repeats the process until all the events are placed in the correct order. -Students will need to re-order the events when they realize a cube is in the wrong place. -Optional: Use additional cubes to create IMAGE cubes that match up to the story events. You can add drawings, stickers, or stamps to these image cubes.

Number Cubes 1 2 3 4 5 (You will need fewer or more 1 2 3 4 5 depending on the 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5

number of story

1 2 3 4 5 events. For The 3

Little Pigs example you would need 15 6 7 8 9 10 number cubes)

6 7 8 9 10 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 10

6 7 8 9

Story Events Example : Builds Wolf says:, Pig says:, Huffs Blows Builds Wolf says:, The 3 Little Pigs house of “Little pig “Not by a hair and house house of “Little pig of my chinny straw let me in.” chin chin.” Puffs down sticks let me in.”

Pig says:, Huffs Blows Builds Wolf says:, Pig says:, Huffs House & “Not by a hair “Little pig “Not by a hair & Puffs Pigs of my chinny & Puffs house house of of my chinny let me in.” chin chin.” again Survive chin chin.” again down again bricks All Rights Reserved ©2014 Tree Top Secret 21 READING Cause & Effect

DIY: -You will need two sets of cubes. Each set should be a different color. -The number of cubes will vary depending on the number of Causes and Effects you want your students to match. -You will need two containers. Label one container as Causes and the second container as Effects. -Add causes to the first set of cubes. -Add effects to the second set of cubes. Optional: Create specific sets of cause and effect cubes which match up to a novel, book, unit, concept, or station.

How to Use: Individual, Partner, or Groups -Students place different Cause cubes on the table. -Students begin to retrieve and roll Effects cubes. -Students match each Effect to a probable Cause cube. -You can assign a set amount of time or have students work until they identify a set number of Causes and Effects. Optional: You may want to create a key or answer sheet which shows the correct examples of Causes and Effects. Add a note to those examples which have several effects.

Causes: Effects Example from Weak The 3 Little Pigs Poor Planning Houses

Poor Bad Planning Result

Good House Smart Huffing Wolf Get Straw, Pigs are Build Result Falls Planning and Yells Sticks, or Afraid Houses Puffing Bricks Down

Build a Strong Brick House for House Protection

DIY: -You will need two cubes or two index cards. Write facts on all sides of the first cube and opinions on all sides of the second cube. If you use index cards, then write facts on one card and opinions on the other card. - You will also need two sets of cubes. Each set should be a different color. -The number of cubes will vary depending on the number of Facts and Opinions you want your students to match. -You will need one container. -Add facts to the first set of cubes. -Add opinions to the second set of cubes. Optional: Create specific sets of facts and opinions cubes which match up to a novel, book, unit, concept, or station.

How to Use: Individual, Partner, or Groups -Students place the two single cubes or index cards on the table. These cubes/cards create the two categories. -Students take turns retrieving and categorizing the facts and opinions. -You can assign a set amount of time or have students work until they identify a set number of Facts and Opinions. Optional: You may want to create a key or answer sheet which shows the correct examples of Facts and Opinions.

Facts: Opinions: Example from House is Pigs are The 3 Little Pigs Made of Lazy Straw

One Pigs are House is Lazy Made of Straw

Pigs say, Wolf Pigs Build Brick “Not by a The Wolf Pigs are Bricks are Building Huffs & Different House hair on my is Mean Smart the Best Houses is Puffs Houses Didn’t Fall chinny Materials Fun chin chin.” Down All Animal This Stories Story Have Teaches a Important Lesson Fact Opinion Lessons

Fact Opinion

Fact Fact Fact Fact Opinion Opinion Opinion Opinion

Fact Opinion

DIY: -You will need 3 different sets of cubes. Each set should be a different color. - You will need as many cubes as possible. - You will need three containers. Label the containers: Vocabulary or KEY Words, Synonyms, and Antonyms. - Add your vocabulary or key words to the first set of cubes. Add synonyms for those key terms to the second set of cubes. Add antonyms for those key terms to the third set of cubes.

How to Use: Individual, Partner, or Groups - Each student retrieves and rolls a key term cube. - Each student takes turns retrieving and identifying synonyms and antonyms for the key term. - You can assign a set amount of time or have students work until they identify 4 or more synonyms and antonyms. OPTIONAL: Use additional cubes to create IMAGE cubes that match up to the synonyms and antonyms. You can add drawings, stickers, or stamps to these image cubes. Students can then practice matching the synonyms and antonyms to the appropriate image cubes.

Synonyms Vocabulary QUICK or Key FAST QUICK Words

LARGE GLAD KIND PRETTY

GREAT

FAST Antonyms SLOW

BIG HAPPY NICE CUTE

SLOW

SMALL SAD MEAN UGLY SUPER POOR

Instructions: • Decide on number of cubes • Make copies on regular copy paper •Add letters, numbers, words, or drawings • Make copies on white or colored card stock • Cut • Fold along the seams • Tape or Glue

Instructions: • Decide on number of cubes • Make copies on regular copy paper • Add letters, numbers, words, or drawings • Make copies on white or colored card stock • Cut • Fold along the seams • Tape or Glue

27 Table of Contents…

ELA DIY Learning Cubes

Spelling ...... 29 Common and Proper Nouns ...... 31 Pronouns ...... 33 Adjectives ...... 34 Verbs ...... 36 Adverbs ...... 38

Capitalization ...... 39 Punctuation ...... 40 Contractions ...... 41

Conjunctions ...... 42 Interjections ...... 43 Prepositions ...... 44

Forming Sentences ...... 45 Writing Prompts ...... 46 Appendices ...... 48

Contact Tree Top Secret Education ...... 50

DIY: -You will need 50 or more cubes – 26 for each letter of the alphabet and additional cubes for extra vowels and common letters like f, g, l, m, n, r, s, and t. -You will need one container. -Add a single letter to each cube. -You will need a spelling words list. A list of commonly misspelled words is provided on the next page.

How to Use: Individual, Partner, or Groups -Students place all of the cubes on the table. -One student says the spelling word and may have to use the word in a sentence. -Another student or the remaining students in the group use the cubes to spell the word. -Students can check their work and keep a tally of correctly spelled words. -You can assign a set amount of time or have students work until they spell a set number of words. Optional: A set of letters for each student in a group would allow students to race each other. If you do not have any cubes, then you may want to add letters to tiles, plastic bottle caps, or square pieces of laminated card stock.

Cube 1 Cube 2 Cube 3 Cube 4 Cube 5 A B C D E

A B C D E

A A A A B B B B C C C C D D D D E E E E

E A B C D

Cube 6 Cube 7 Cube 8 Cube 9 Cube 10 F G H I J

F G H I J

F F F F G G G G H H H H I I I I J J J J

F G H I J

Cube 11 Cube 12 Cube 13 Cube 14 Cube 15 K L M N O

K L M N O

K K K K L L L L M M M M N N N N O O O O

K L M N O

Cube 16 Cube 17 Cube 18 Cube 19 Cube 20 P Q R S T P Q R S T P P P P Q Q Q Q R R R R S S S S T T T T

P Q R S T

Cube 21 Cube 22 Cube 23 Cube 24 Cube 25 U V W X Y

U V W X Y

U U U U V V V V W W W W X XX X X Y Y Y Y

U V W X Y

Cube 26 Z Prepare additional cubes with vowels and frequently used letters like f, g, l, m, n, r, s, and t. Z Z Z Z Z

Commonly Misspelled Words: a lot definitely miniature separate absence desert misspell sight accept Dessert necessary succeed accommodat embarrassed new their e environment No there

acknowledge except occur they’re acquaintance February of threw Antarctic forward off Through Arctic fourth personal to balloon height personnel too beginning it’s principal tried believe its principle twelfth

calendar judgment privilege two cemetery knew receipt weather climbed know receive Wednesday close knowledge received weird clothes library right whether Commitment lives safety woman dear loose school women deer lose scissors write

DIY: -You will need 1 single cube and 1 set of cubes. The single cube should be a different color from the set of cubes. -The number of cubes will vary depending on the number of Common & Proper Nouns you want your students to identify. -You will need two containers. Label one container as Person, Place, Thing, or Idea and the second container as Nouns and Pronouns. -Add Person, Place, Thing, Idea, Not a Noun, and Proper Noun to the single cube. -Add Common Nouns, Proper Nouns, and Drawings to the second set of cubes. Sample drawings are provided on the next page. Optional: Create sets of Common and Proper Nouns cubes which match up to a novel, book, unit, concept, or station.

How to Use: Individual, Partner, or Groups -Student retrieves and rolls the Person, Place, Thing, or Idea cube. -Student retrieves and matches the Common and Proper Nouns cube to the Person, Place, Thing, or Idea cube. -You can assign a set amount of time or have students work until they match a set number of Common & Proper Nouns. Optional: You may want to create a key or answer sheet which shows the correct examples for each Common & Proper Noun.

Person, Common & Place, Proper

Thing, or Person Nouns Mom Idea

Person Mom

Place Thing Idea Not a Cafeteria Backpack Freedom Jump Noun

Proper Mr. James Noun

Drawings:

DIY: -You will need 2 sets of cubes. Each set of cubes should be a different color. -The number of cubes will vary depending on the number of Pronouns you want your students to identify. -You will need two containers. Label one container as Nouns/Antecedents and the second container as Pronouns. -Add Nouns/Antecedents to the first set of cubes. Make sure they correspond to the types of pronouns you have written on your pronouns cubes. -Add Pronouns to the second set of cubes. A list of pronouns and their various tenses is provided below.

How to Use: Individual, Partner, or Groups -Student retrieves and rolls a Nouns/Antecedents cube. -Student retrieves and matches the correct Pronoun to the Noun/Antecedent. -You can assign a set amount of time or have students work until they match a set number of Pronouns. Optional: You may want to create a key or answer sheet which shows the correct pronoun for each noun/antecedent.

Nouns/ Pronouns Antecedents

Sammy I

Mike Mike Laura Mike He She We They Laura Laura Me

Car It

Pronouns anybody everyone he her hers him his I it its me mine my our ours she that their theirs them they those us who whom whose you your yours

DIY: -You will need two sets of cubes. Each set should be a different color. -The number of cubes will vary depending on the number of Adjectives you want your students to match. -You will need two containers. Label one container as Adjectives and the second container as Nouns and Pronouns. -Add adjectives to the first set of cubes. -Add nouns, pronouns, or drawings to the second set of cubes. Sample drawings are provided on the next page. Optional: Create sets of adjectives, nouns, and pronouns cubes which match up to a novel, book, unit, concept, or station.

How to Use: Individual, Partner, or Groups -Student retrieves and rolls the Nouns and Pronouns cube. -Students retrieve and roll the Adjectives cube. -Students match an Adjective to the Noun or Pronoun. -You can assign a set amount of time or have students work until they identify a set number of Adjectives. Optional: You may want to create a key or answer sheet which shows the correct examples for each Adjective.

Nouns and Adjectives Pronouns Hot

Hot

House Bear Large Happy Brown Cloudy

Popular

Drawings:

DIY: -You will need 1 single cube and 1 set of cubes. The single cube should be a different color from the set of cubes. -The number of cubes will vary depending on the number of Verbs you include. A list of Verbs is provided on the next page. -You will need two containers. Label one container as Verb Tenses and the second container as Verbs. -Add Present Tense, Past Tense, Past Participle, Present Participle, With a Linking Verb, and Not a Verb to the single cube. -Add Verbs to the second set of cubes. Optional: Create sets of Verbs cubes which match up to a novel, book, unit, concept, or station.

How to Use: Individual, Partner, or Groups -Student retrieves and rolls the Verb Tenses cube. -Student retrieves and matches the Verbs cube to the correct Verb Tense. -You can assign a set amount of time or have students work until they match a set number of Verbs. Optional: You may want to create a key or answer sheet which shows the correct examples for each Verb.

Verb Tenses Verbs Present Do Tense

Present Do Tense

Past Past Present With a Did Done Doing is done Tense Participle Participle Linking Verb

Not a Verb Broom

Verbs Linking Verbs: accept leap appear add learn become answer lift grow mail applaud look approve make seem argue measure to be – am, is, are, was, were, been, being ask move bake navigate begin obey bite open pay break buy play catch pull cook push cut read dance run do see sell draw drive send drop sing eat sit explain sleep fall speak feel stop take fight fill talk find teach fix tell fly think follow throw forget try type forgive give understand go use grow walk hide wash hike watch hit wave wear jump know write All Rights Reserved ©2014 Tree Top Secret 37 ELA Adverbs

DIY: -You will need two sets of cubes. Each set should be a different color. -The number of cubes will vary depending on the number of Adverbs you want your students to match. -You will need two containers. Label one container as Adverbs and the second container as Verbs, Adjectives, Other Adverbs, & Clauses. -Add adverbs to the first set of cubes. -Add verbs, adjectives, other adverbs, clauses, or sentences to the second set of cubes. Optional: Create sets of adverbs, verbs, adjectives, other adverbs, and clauses cubes which match up to a novel, book, unit, concept, or station.

How to Use: Individual, Partner, or Groups -Student retrieves and rolls the Verbs, Adjectives, Other Adverbs, & Clauses cube. -Students retrieve and match the Adverbs cube to the Verbs, Adjectives, Other Adverbs, and Clauses cube. -You can assign a set amount of time or have students work until they identify a set number of Adverbs. Optional: You may want to create a key or answer sheet which shows the correct examples for each Adverb.

Verbs, Adverbs Adjectives, Other Adverbs, Loudly & Clauses Talk (verb)

Talk Loudly (verb)

______we go He’s at the Working Terrific to school, we office, ______Busily Really Before Where (verb) (adjective) must eat he was told breakfast. to wait. (clause) (clause)

Loudly Very (adverb)

DIY: -You will need 2 single cubes of one color and 1 set of cubes of a different color. -You will need 2 containers. Label the first container as Capitalization Rules and label the second container as Capitalized or Not. -Add capitalization rules to the 2 single cubes. Some of the rules are shown below. You may want to use different rules or add more rules on another cube. -Add two examples to each side of the Capitalized or Not cubes. Be sure to include examples where the words should not be capitalized.

How to Use: Individual, Partner, or Groups -Student retrieves and rolls a Capitalized or Not cube. -Student finds and presents the Capitalization Rule cube which explains why a word should be capitalized or not. -You can assign a set amount of time or have students work until they identify a set number of words which should be capitalized.

Capitalization Capitalization 1st Word Rules Rules in Countries Sentence

1st Word In Countries Sentence 1st Word I Names Titles Cities Months Holidays in a Quote 1st States Words in a List

Capitalized Capitalized or Not it is red. or Not italy It is red. Italy

it is red. italy It is red. Italy

You and i. mary judge Lee dallas english march thanksgiving “he did it”. You and I. Mary Judge Lee Dallas English March Thanksgiving “He did it.” •cat •Cat ohio •dog •Dog Ohio •rat •Rat All Rights Reserved ©2014 Tree Top Secret 39 ELA Punctuation

DIY: -You will need 1 single cube and 1 set of cubes. The single cube should be a different color. -The number of cubes will vary depending on the number of Words, Phrases, and Sentences you want your students to punctuate. -You will need one container. Label the container as Words, Phrases, and Sentences. -Add punctuation symbols to the single cube: . ? ! , - ( ) -Add Words, Phrases, and Sentences to each side of the set of cubes. Be sure to leave out the punctuation. -Optional: Create sets of words, phrases, and sentences cubes which match up to a novel, book, unit, concept, or station.

How to Use: Individual, Partner, or Groups -Student retrieves and rolls a Words, Phrases, and Sentences cube. -Student uses the Punctuation cube to find and present the missing Punctuation. -You can assign a set amount of time or have students work until they punctuate a set number of Words, Phrases, and Sentences. Optional: You may want to create a key or answer sheet which shows the correct punctuation for each Word, Phrase, and Sentence.

Punctuation Words, Phrases, and The fire Sentences . is Period crackling

The fire . is Period crackling

How did Fire A fire Don’t start ? ! , - the fire needs a fire Question Exclamation Comma Dash start oxygen ever! Mark Point fuel and heat. Start the campfire in 3 ( ) hours by 4 Parenthesis p.m. and it will be ready to cook dinner. Correct Punctuation: The fire is crackling. How did the fire start? Fire! A fire needs oxygen, fuel, and heat. Don’t start a fire-ever! Start the campfire in 3 hours (by 4 p.m.), and it will be ready to cook dinner. All Rights Reserved ©2014 Tree Top Secret 40 ELA Contractions

DIY: -You will need 2 sets of cubes. Each set of cubes should be a different color. -The number of cubes will vary depending on the number of Contractions you want your students to identify. -You will need two containers. Label one container as Single Words and the second container as Contractions. -Add Single Words to the first set of cubes. -Add Contractions to the second set of cubes. A list of contractions is provided below.

How to Use: Individual, Partner, or Groups -Student retrieves and rolls a Single Words cube. -Student retrieves and matches the correct Contraction to the Single Word. -You can assign a set amount of time or have students work until they match a set number of Contractions. Optional: You may want to create a key or answer sheet which shows the correct contraction for each single word.

Single Contractions Words

I am I’m

You are Could Let Do have us not You’re Could’ve Let’s Don’t

Are Aren't not

Contractions: aren’t could’ve didn’t doesn’t don’t hadn’t he’d he’ll he’s I’ll I’m I’ve isn’t it’s let’s she’ll she’s should’ve shouldn’t that’s they’ll wasn’t we’d we’ll we’re we’ve weren’t what’ll where’s you’ll you’re you’ve All Rights Reserved ©2014 Tree Top Secret 41 ELA Conjunctions

DIY: -You will need two sets of cubes. Each set should be a different color. -The number of cubes will vary depending on the number of Conjunctions and Words, Phrases, and Clauses you want to include. -You will need two containers. Label one container as Conjunctions and the second container as Words, Phrases, and Clauses. -Add conjunctions s to the first set of cubes. -Add words, phrases, and clauses to the second set of cubes. Consider using images on some of the cubes.

How to Use: Individual, Partner, or Groups -Student retrieves and rolls a Words, Phrases, and Clauses cube. -Student finds and presents the conjunction cube which matches the word, phrase, or clause. -You can assign a set amount of time or have students work until they identify a set number of Conjunctions. Optional: You may want to create a key or answer sheet which shows the correct Conjunction for each word, phrase, and clause cube.

Conjunctions: Words, and Phrases, because and Peanut before Clauses but and Butter for ______if Jelly nor or since so though Peanut when and Butter whenever ______Jelly while yet red eat ask Letter A but or for before _____ not chicken ______beef a pencil Letter B yellow

He barks when ______he hears the doorbell.

DIY: -You will need two sets of cubes. Each set should be a different color. -The number of cubes will vary depending on the number of Interjections and Emotions you want to include -You will need two containers. Label one container as Interjections and the other as Emotions. -Add Interjections to the first set of cubes. -Add Emotions to the second set of cubes. A list of interjections and emotions is provided below.

How to Use: Individual, Partner, or Groups -Student retrieves and rolls an Emotions cube. -Students take turns retrieving and matching an Interjection for the Emotion. Alternative: Students can roll an interjection cube, then write a sentence to match it. -You can assign a set amount of time or have students work until they match a set number of Interjections and Emotions. Optional: You may want to create a key or answer sheet which shows the matching Interjections and Emotions. Be sure to add a note for interjections which can be used with several emotions. INTERJECTIONS ah hot dog well done aha humbug wow Interjections aw hurray yea bye jeez yes Aw darn just kidding yikes dear me look yo Aw duh my yow Eeek never Hooray Darn Wow Oh my gee no EMOTIONS golly no way anticipation Eeek good oh disgust

Emotions great oh my hope ha ouch joy Sad hallelujah pow love hello rats pride Sad here shh relaxation hey sorry surprise Happy Mad Excited Confused holy cow uh-oh hooray um Afraid

DIY: -You will need as many cubes as possible and one container. -Add one Preposition, one Noun, one Verb, one Adjective, one Interjection, and one Pronoun to the sides of each cube. A list of Prepositions is provided below.

How to Use: Individual, Partner, or Groups -Students take turns retrieving and rolling a cube. -Student identifies which of the words is the Preposition. They can also identify which is the Noun, Verb, Adjective, Interjection, and Pronoun. -Each student should keep a list of the Prepositions and/or other terms they have identified. -You can assign a set amount of time or have students work until they identify a set number of Prepositions. Optional: -You may want to create a key or answer sheet which shows the correct examples for each term. -Consider using images for some of the terms.

Prepositions: Find the Preposition about for on above in across inside among into on around near

at next car jump small Wow before on behind opposite below past he beneath through beside under In this example: between until On – Preposition beyond up Car – Noun with Jump – Verb but by within Small – Adjective Wow – Interjection following without He - Pronoun

DIY: -You will need 2 single cubes and 4 different sets of cubes. Each set should be a different color. -The number of cubes will depend on the number of Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives, and Adverbs you want to include. - You will need six containers. Label the containers: Articles, Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives, Adverbs, and Punctuation. - Add Articles to a single cube. Add Punctuation to a single cube. Add nouns to the 1st set of cubes, Verbs to a 2nd set, Adjectives to a 3rd set, and Adverbs to a 4th set.

How to Use: Individual, Partner, or Groups -First student rolls the Articles cube, then the Nouns cube, then the Verbs cube, then the Punctuation cube. The adjectives and adverbs cubes are optional. The student has to form a complete sentence. If one of the words or punctuation does not make sense, then the student loses his turn and the next student takes a turn. -You can assign a set amount of time or have students work until they create a set number of sentences. Optional: Use drawings for some of the nouns and adjectives.

Articles Nouns Verbs

A Person’s Physical Name Action

An The A An An A Food A Place A Thing Mental Linking Physical Mental Animal Action Verb Action Action

The A Job Linking Verb

Adjectives Adverbs Punctuation

. Color Loudly Period

. Color Loudly Period ? ! , - Location Size Shape Amount Busily Really Before Where Question Comma Dashes Mark

Feeling Very

DIY: -You will need 6 different sets of cubes. Each set should be a different color. -The number of cubes will depend on the number of Texts, Conflicts, Time Periods, Settings, Characters, and Details or Events you include. -You will need six containers. Label the containers: Types of Texts, Conflicts, Time Periods, Settings, Characters, and Details or Events. - Add Types of Texts to the 1st set of cubes, Conflicts to a 2nd set, Time Periods to a 3rd set, Settings to a 4th set, Characters to a 5th set, and Details or Events to a 6th set. Consider using drawings on some of the cubes – Sample drawings are provided on the next page.

How to Use: Individual, Partner, or Groups -Student writes down the result of each of the following rolls: Student first rolls the Types of Texts cube, then the Conflicts cube, then the Time Periods cube, then the Settings Cube, then the Characters Cube, and then the Details or Events cube. -The students uses all 6 results as a writing prompt and writes a few sentences, paragraph, or essay. -Students in a group can vote on which prompt is the best and use it as the prompt.

Types of Conflicts Time Texts Periods Man vs. 1800s Man

Man vs. 1800s Man

Fable Myth Man vs. Man vs. Man vs. No 1900s 2000s Present Future Nature Self Society Conflict Non- A Job Pre- Fiction Historic

Settings Character(s) Details or Sports Bad School Events Team Weather

Bad School Sports Team Weather

House Park Zoo Movie Singer Animal Alien Great Bad Star News News

Museum Students

Drawings:

Instructions: • Decide on number of cubes • Make copies on regular copy paper • Add letters, numbers, words, or drawings • Make copies on white or colored card stock • Cut • Fold along the seams • Tape or Glue

Please let us know if you have any questions: [email protected]

Find additional resources & support on our Tree Top Secret Website

http://treetopsecret.com/

Stay in Touch…

https://www.facebook.com/treetopsecret

https://twitter.com/treetopsecret

http://www.pinterest.com/treetopsecret/