During my first year as a teacher, I learned that daily warm-ups play an important role in the classroom. Not only does it give students structure, but it also helps them establish important skills that they will need in the ELAR classroom. For example, I designate Mondays for vocabulary skills. Students learn how to use the actual dictionary and develop the skills to write a sentence on their own with the new word and learn synonyms to help them with their writing skills. I pick an important word that they will learn within the week, and they will immediately recognize the word when they come across it during a lesson.
I use the Tuesday-Friday for important standards that they are learning throughout the week. I usually post a short reading with a question and students have to answer in a complete sentence. Having students write in complete sentences everyday helps them with their writing and it becomes a norm for them. This gets them ready when you start introducing short answer responses and essays. I sometimes throw in a fun writing activity for them as well, such as a story starter sentence stem or pictures. These short stories turn out to be at least one page at the end of the year. I have created a weekly warm-up sheet with the dictionary skills, and you can click on the link and purchase on TPT https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/ELA-Weekly-Warm-up-Sheet-12094822. I hope this helps and you can always reach out for any questions or ideas!
Have a great week!
Jennifer S. Rodriguez
Through The Middle And Beyond 
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