It’s no secret that a witch’s favorite subject in school is spelling. That’s exactly why first-grade teacher Mary Schilling led her class in a fun sequencing activity introducing procedural texts. 

The students read a spooky poem with a witch’s “secret recipe”. The recipe included bat eyes, ghosts, toad noses, broomsticks, and more. At first the students believed that they would actually be using those exact ingredients to make their own brew. They were pleasantly surprised to find out they would be including something more appetizing. As the lesson progressed the students created an anchor chart listing the steps to create the magical mixture.  

“My students learned how to read and follow procedural texts. In the next lesson, they were able to write their own procedural text. Besides getting to eat a delicious snack, I think the students enjoyed the stage I set for the lesson with spooky music and lights,” said Schilling.  

Schilling believes that students learn best by doing. Having an interactive hands-on lesson can help connect challenging concepts.  

“Children are naturally curious and learn best through active participation. The easiest way to engage them is through hands-on activities! Tangible experiences are more memorable and help children retain the information easier,” said Schilling. “My students still express how much fun they had, which makes my heart happy.” 

Once the activity wrapped up, the students enjoyed their very own witch’s brew. The spook-tacularly delicious treats were almost too un-boo-lievable.