Halloween labeling fun.

Labeling is a fundamental building block for kids who are learning to write.  It is also one of those things that either you get right away, or you don't.  Am I right?

We started by drawing & labeling our families after learning the "How to draw a person" song.  Then we drew pictures of farms and labeled the animals.  I noticed that giving the kids a little push in the right direction made a difference.  I mean, the ones that can already write fill their papers with so many labels you can hardly see the background.  The confident ones label hed 15 times so their words orbit their picture like a halo.  But the ones who need a push seem to do much better with just a little help...like being given the initial sound.

I created this labeling packet for all of your writers.  The first 8 posters have blank lines with a word bank at the bottom.  They can identify the correct word and write it {once!} on the line.  For even more of a challenge, chop off the bottom and let them sound it all out on their own.  For additional support, go through it together {on the SmartBoard or in a small group} and allow them to help you find the matching word.  "Hmmm...I wonder which of these could say cape?  What does cape start with...?"

The next 8 posters don't have a word bank but the initial sound is already written.  Yes, there are a few that might trip them up {shirt, shoes} but that's where the different levels of thinking come in!  An answer key is included for that set.  Whichever you choose {hopefully a combination of the two} there's a space in the title to write the type of costume {or character} to finish it up.

The best part about this is that while it's perfect for Halloween time, it doesn't say the words Halloween, costume or trick-or-treating anywhere on the paper.  So your non-celebrators can still complete the activity.  Or if your kids aren't quite ready for labeling yet, use it when they are and just pretend the characters were over in dramatic play putting on a show.  ;)

I'm even going to laminate a few and put them in my writing center to use year after year for my friends who could use even more practice!

You can get all 16 printables at my TeachersPayTeachers store but those of you who follow me on Facebook already got a bonus freebie last night!  :)  Don't miss out...I love surprising my Facebook fans!