This free guide was created just for you.
Everything inside is designed so you can simply:
Print → Prep → Teach
No extra planning. No guesswork. Just language that sticks.
What’s Included
Teacher-Made Big Book (full text included)
Chant for Shared Reading
Picture Cards
10-Minute Monday Oral Language Routine
Learning Targets
Learning Log Prompt
These are ready-to-print materials you can use immediately in your classroom.
Just print, cut, and teach.
Step-by-Step: What To Do First
1. Print your materials
Big Book pages
Picture File Cards (print at least one set)
10-Minute Oral Language Routine
Learning Targets
Learning Log Prompt
2. Cut your picture file cards
Cut out the images for student use
Use these during your Free 10-minute Monday Routines
You can:
Print a second set for your chant
Or use the same set for both partner talk and your chart
3. Prepare your chant
Write the chant on chart paper
Add picture cards to the bottom for visual support
4. Start with oral language (Monday – Free 10 minute Routines)
Use the routine to get students talking first
Model language and have students repeat and practice with a partner
5. Move into Shared Reading (Use with my Shared Reading Toolkit or the 10 minute Oral Language Routines)
Read the chant together daily
Use pointing, repetition, and partner talk
6. Read your Big Book (use with my Big Book Coaching Toolkit or the Free 10 minute Oral Language Routines)
Connect the chant to the content
Build understanding through visuals and repeated language
Success Criteria
Learning Targets
I can tell my partner 2–3 details about the Panther chameleon.
I can explain that animals have needs to survive and live in special habitats.
Learning Log
Sketch and write about the panther chameleon and what helps this animal survive in its habitat.
Explain why or why not a panther chameleon would make a good pet.
What Students Are Learning (NGSS Aligned)
This lesson supports K–1 students in understanding:
Living things have basic needs to survive
Animals live in habitats that meet their needs
Organisms depend on their environment to live and grow
Aligned to NGSS K–1 Life Science: Organisms, Survival, and Habitats
Why This Works
Most teachers start with activities. I start with language.
When students see it, say it, and rehearse it, the reading and writing follow.
This is the Narrative Input Chart story from the freebie. You can keep it really simple. Just print the text, glue it onto story cards, and make an easy backdrop. Check out the photo for an example. If you want more support, I also have a full Narrative Input Chart guide, and in my extension packs the story pieces are already made for you.
This is the Pictorial Input Chart. It’s a simple way to build language and content together. If you want extra support, download my free Pictorial Input guide for step-by-step help with implementing this strategy.