First Grade Reading Skills Paper Bag Puppets, Anchor Charts, Graphic Organizers

This product contains 210 pages for first grade reading skills activities. It is perfect for introducing or reviewing first grade reading comprehension skills. Very Low Prep - High Engagement - So Much Fun

These Paper Bag Puppets will possibly be the best thing you purchase for Reading Comprehension Skills this year! Why? Because YOU and your students will absolutely love them!

They provide engaging ways to teach 8 different reading skills that are an important part reading comprehension. As far as reading crafts go, grab these READING PUPPETS for the WIN!

You already know that there are so many reading strategies to cover in 1st grade. And, if you are like me, you want the activities to be fun, right? When I created these paper bag puppets, I was on a mission for FUN in my first grade class. But... I also had the standards in mind. This is what I came up with, and.... as it turns out, this product is my all time favorite because my students LOVED each one. And.. they remembered the name of the skill/strategy.

Here's an example:

Student finds puppet on the floor... "Mrs. Lutz. I found someone's Inference Investigator on the floor."

What... did he just say Inference Investigator!?! I just loved that!

Karina said: "I LOVE this resource!!! Although it said it's for first grade, I used it with my kindergarten class. It really helped my students with reading comprehension. This resource is well-crafted and very creative. Highly recommended!" -

Emily said: I love how interactive this packet is for students and how the clever names stick with the students all year long!

How it works: I've used Story Elements as an example here. There are 8 skills in this bundle.

• Introduce the Skill: The choice is up to the teacher as order doesn't matter. You may choose to use the puppets as a review or introduction.
• The Anchor Chart: Use the anchor chart pieces to introduce the skill by creating an anchor chart. The anchor chart is composed of the same content as the thinking stems.
• Mentor Text: Grab a book to read from the Mentor Text List or use your special book.
• Introducing the Puppet: Use the colored teacher puppet to get the kids excited about creating theirs.
• Silly Voices: Make the puppet talk in a silly voice as you read the puppet's message Ex. Story Elements Sam: "Yee Haw! Let's round up the characters, setting, problem and solution!"
• The Poster: Every skill has a poster with the message from the puppet. Show and read the poster. Start a bulletin board if desired.
• Thinking Stems: Begin reading the mentor test. As you read, use the thinking stems to let "Sam" help the students understand the Story Elements. Example Thinking Stem: "Where does the story take place?" Allow Sam to ask this in his southern drawl and allow students to answer. The thinking stems will be attached to the back of the paper bag. See preview if you are a visual learner like me. :)
• The Read Aloud: Complete the book using the thinking stems, letting "Sam" ask the questions as you read.
• Making the Puppets: Allow students to make their puppet. They will need scissors, crayons and glue.
• Independent/Partner Work: Partner students or allow them to read to self using the same activity as above. As they read, they will ask and answer questions pertaining to the story elements.
• Duration: You may choose to have them do this for the duration of time you spend on this skill.
• Strategy Sticks: The following day you may wish to let them make a strategy sticks. It is the same information as the puppet, but using a popsicle stick. Allow them to take the Strategy Stick home to teach their parents what they learned. Example Homework Assignment: Read for 20 minutes using your strategy stick for Story Elements. Encourage them to use the silly voice when they teach their parents. They love this assignment!
• Graphic Organizers are included for each skill. Determine a time when you feel your students are ready to compete the assignment. You can also do one with your guided reading group or as a whole class assignment.

What's Inside:

• Anchor Charts
• Mentor Text Lists
• Graphic Organizers
• Posters
• Paper Bag Puppets in Color / BW
• Thinking Stems for Back of Puppets
• Bulletin Board Ideas
• Strategy Sticks - To Take to Parents and share what they learned

Skills Included:

• Making Connections: Connection Cat Purrs with their Best Cat Voice!

• Mental Images: Visualizing Vampire uses their Best Vampire Voice

• Asking Questions: Questioning Queen uses their Best British Accent

• Making Predictions: Predicting Pirate uses their Best Pirate Voice

• Character Analysis: Character Commander uses their Best Soldier Voice

• Making Inferences: Inference Investigator uses their Best Sherlock Holmes Voice

• Story Elements: Story Elements Sam uses their Best Cowboy Voice

• Retelling: Retelling Robot uses their Best Robot Voice

I hope your students fall in love with these puppets like mine did!

It was a sad day when we finished the last puppet. It kind of leaves a big empty hole in your classroom. :( Soooo.... why not try more puppets? Here's the Nonfiction Set.

Here are some for teaching Community Helpers.

Thank you so much for taking a look!

Great for English Language Learners, too!

Questions You Might Have:

• Can I use this resource if I'm using Lucy Calkins' Reader's Workshop? Yes. You may not be able to use it the way I've laid it out here, but you could fit it in in different ways. See suggestions below.
• I don't have much time for resources like this, but I really want to do this in my class. How can I fit it in? This is a great question.

Here are some suggestions.

1. Model with your read aloud then assign the puppet home for homework. Your students can then read their book to their parents using the puppet.
2. Have students complete the puppet during literacy centers and practice during independent reading time.

• When do I send the puppets home? I like to have the students keep the puppets in their reading folder until we have finished all of them. This way we can easily spiral reading skills that have been previously taught.
• How can I use the puppets during guided reading? Since guided reading is usually based on the skill level of the students, you could teach the skill that is most needed with your group. Each group might be learning a different skill with a different puppet. Or... You could have them all on the same skill, but have more difficult text for differentiation.
• Would this resource work for a sub packet? Sure. The puppets are an easy reading craft that could be used as morning work, early finishers work, literacy centers, etc.

Still not sure? This product has some Wonderful Feedback. Check it out!

"I am SUPER EXCITED about this purchase. I wish I would have found this packet sooner. I know my firsties will love these activities and I will enjoy using them to teach reading strategies that my kiddos need. I have been looking for a way to make these strategies more kid friendly and fun and this packet does just that. THANK YOU!"

"OMG! I am so excited to march in on Monday and start this! You are right! They will go bananas! Thank you for all of your creativity and hard work. I'm now one of your followers and looking for more great stuff to come! :) Thanks again!"

"This is seriously the best! These strategies are always hard for first graders to remember, but adding the characters to it has really helped."

"Can't wait for my kiddos to practice with these puppets! I have already done the predicting pirate and am excited to introduce the remaining characters!"

Click Here to try one puppet for Free!

More Reading Fun:

⭐ Phonics Readers Bundle

⭐ Diphthongs Phonics Readers Bundle

⭐ Short Vowels Phonics Readers | Multi-Skill

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