I used large Ziploc bags and filled them with hair gel, food colouring, and glitter. I found this idea here.
(for tracking print)
Inside the Power Tower tube are words printed on Dixie cups. Students stack the words they can read and see how high their tower can grow. My cups have the students' names on them for September, and I will be gradually adding sight words as they are introduced. This idea is from teachertipster.com.
Before you head over to that website, clear your schedule...you will spend hours watching Mr. Smith's videos. Not kidding. The Power Tower label can be downloaded here.
I tweaked an idea from here to create CVC word mats, using clip art from here and diet soda lids for the letters.
Students will place vowels on the words, using the picture cues to figure out the word.
Students use clothespin letters to make words. I found the idea here, and used various clip art found in Google searches.