Dollar Store Literacy: Stacking Cups




While at the dollar store recently I decided to practice sight words by writing them on stackable cups. Yes, I got some strange looks from the cashier as I purchased 150 plastic shot glasses; I quickly mentioned that I'm a teacher and that seemed to clarify why I'd be drinking!


So the object of the game we played at school was to build a cup tower with a partner, but you can only add the cups of words you can read (or that your partner can help you read). I did this last year, but with little paper dixie cups that were hard to draw on because of the wax coating. When done, students have to read all the words in the tower. The best part is that they all stack up again nicely in a little basket for storage!

 What are your dollar store finds for your classroom?

                             





12 comments:

  1. Crystal @Primary on the ProwlAugust 4, 2013 at 10:00 PM

    I love the cup pyramid! I'm going to put that on my list!

    My Kinder-Garden

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  2. Whimsy Workshop TeachingAugust 4, 2013 at 11:55 PM

    I hopped over to your blog just now - love your zebra pattern letters!
    :-)

    Susanna

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  3. UnknownAugust 5, 2013 at 5:13 AM

    I love your funny pictures! I just discovered your blog(how cute!)and I am your newest follower! I also love that shot glass tower!

    teachingwithmrsbro@blogspot.com

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  4. First Grade CarouselAugust 5, 2013 at 5:52 AM

    Love the stacking cup words :)
    Thanks for sharing.
    Maria
    First Grade Carousel

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  5. LindsayAugust 5, 2013 at 6:36 AM

    Your writing prompts are so cute! What a creative idea.

    Lindsay
    Live Laugh & Learn in Second Grade

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  6. 24/7 TeacherAugust 5, 2013 at 7:05 AM

    Great freebie! I really like how it is a sample of the full product. Thanks!!!!

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  7. kinder-gardeningAugust 5, 2013 at 7:30 AM

    Hi Susanna! Those cup towers are a blast. Have you taught the kids how to un-stack them really fast? It's so neat. Teacher Tipster.com has a video of it. Thank you for the freebie!

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  8. The Teacher StudioAugust 5, 2013 at 3:42 PM

    So cute! I love the concept of your picture prompts--I'm wondering if they might be the perfect thing for some of my reluctant writers!

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    1. Whimsy Workshop TeachingAugust 6, 2013 at 7:57 AM

      Thanks, Meg! When I did things similar to this in class, the kids would be so involved with the funny picture that their writing anxiety would relax. For some, just the speech bubbles were enough of a challenge, but for others a whole page of writing happened!
      :-)
      Susanna

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  9. susan berkowitz, slpAugust 5, 2013 at 3:44 PM

    I really love your ideas today! And the differentiated levels in the writing activity are great. You asked for ideas, and I'd like to suggest adding more verbs/action words to the word list, for more narrative options. Just a thought from a SLP. LOL
    You always have great posts, love following your blog.

    http://kidzlearnlanguage.blogspot.com

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    1. Whimsy Workshop TeachingAugust 6, 2013 at 7:56 AM

      Thank you Susan!! This is just the sort of input I was hoping for. I will add that to my list for the second set. So happy you took the time to comment. :-)
      Susanna

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  10. furniture jeparaDecember 11, 2013 at 2:05 PM

    Hahaha this is verry funny man.. thanks to share. hope you blog keep succesfully :D

    mebel jepara

    ReplyDelete

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