Reader's Tool Box - Stategies to "Build" Better Readers!

Saturday, July 16, 2011


I've just posted an item at Teacher's Pay Teachers to make a Reader's Tool Box.  I used this "Tool Box" pretty much everyday last year at Guided Reading.  When a child struggled with a word, we'd pull out the tool box and find a tool to "fix it". 

Best if all, it's ONLY $3.00!   I'd love for you to check it out.  And, for the first 5 people to leave me a comment below (with your e-mail) - I'll send one to you for free :)




Create a "Tool Box" of reading strategies for your readers. Fun tools suggest strategies that "build" better readers. This download consists of 12 pages:

1. Photos of a sample Reader's Tool Box that I use in my class. (Plastic box purchased a Michaels Arts and Crafts.)

2. Reader's Tool Box Cover (to put on your own box, file or large envelope to hold the "tools").

Strategies/Tools included:
3. Saw: Look at the first letters. Get your mouth ready.

4. Hammer: Sound it out.

5. Pliers: Look at the pictures.

6. Handsaw: Break the work into parts.

7. Wrench: Skip the word and come back to it.

8. Screwdriver: Take a running start and re-read the sentence.

9. Tape Measure: Does it make sense? Does it look right? Does it sound right?

10. Bonus! Mini Tool Kits printed two-to a page. Print, cut and laminate so each student can have their own mini tool kit!

12. Photo of tools (to show how they can be cut out).

Suggestions: Print tools in color on cardstock, cut around the tool shapes and words then laminate. Place in a box. Put the cover onto the box lid or purchase a box as shown in the photos.

28 comments

  1. What a cute idea! Love it!

    stnguyen1@seattleschools.org

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  4. This is an amazing idea!! I love it!!!

    thepolkadotowl@gmail.com

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  5. Hi Cindy. This is a fabulous idea! Like the ladies above, I love it!! Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful idea! I am your newest follower and I found you through a pin on Pinterest. Happy new week to you ~ Tina :)

    tmrubie@gmail.com

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  6. This is adorable! What a perfect visual to use with my kinder kiddos! Thanks for sharing!

    arianne.edwards@gmail.com

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  7. That is a great idea! I LOVE it!

    Cathy I.
    mrsirwinsclass@gmail.com
    Mrs. I's Class

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  8. Love, love, love this idea!! The toolbox is a great idea:)
    plutj@wwcsd.net

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  9. Wow! That is super cute! ashleyharris31@gmail.com

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  10. Fabulous idea! Thanks for sharing I found your website through pintrest!

    katiegordon2@gmail.com

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  11. Awesome!! Just found your website...and i love it! I'm your newest follower.

    Gladys
    teachinginhighheels@gmail.com
    http://teachinginhighheels.blogspot.com

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  12. Now I get to be your latest follower! I LOVE this idea so very much. I am off to buy it! THANKS! Kim at www.saylorslog.blogspot.com

    P.S. I too found you through pinterest!

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  13. I LOVE this! So sad I'm late for the freebie but I'm going over to TPT to buy it :) You rock! Thanks!!

    www.teachhappiness.blogspot.com

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  14. Just wanted to say what a good idea this is! It appeals to boys and it looks appealing. dianken@bellsouth.net

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  15. Gotta get this! It is so dad-gum cute! :)
    Alisha

    http://stevensseconds.blogspot.com/

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  16. I LOVE this! So cute! I am going to use this during my small group instruction! I can't wait! Can you tell me where you got the actual blue tool box? to store these in?
    Thanks so much!

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  17. Thanks for your nice comments! I got the blue box from Michaels :)

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  18. This is just darling! Thanks for sharing your cute idea!
    First Class with Mrs. Mac

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  19. Cindy,
    I love the Tool Box idea and want to buy it, but TPT has a $3 minimum. Can I Paypal you $1 and you e-mail me the file? I'd appreciate it!

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  20. Karina - could you contact me and give me your email? You can send a message through TPT.

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  21. This is awesome. I can see this making RTI a little more manageable for regular classroom teachers. I love it :)

    http://rtiandyou.blogspot.com/

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  22. Hope you can give us all PM for these instructions. Thanks!

    custom boxes

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  23. I absolutely LOVE this!! I'm just getting started and building my "teacher tool box". Will definately be looking for your posts!

    Thanks.
    Lisa
    thebakers_4@yahoo.com

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  24. Looks like I'm finding this a little late, but it's still a good idea. I like the idea of having the smaller copies to keep in the students' interactive reader's notebook (I'm all for the Reader's Workshop and Writer's Workshop)!

    Anyway. I'm new to blogging, and I found your blog through some random clicking from Pinterest. (My goal for the upcoming months is to make it to Pinterest!! LOL) If you get some time later, come visit me at Floating Through First Grade

    -Carrie

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  25. Hi love this but when I go to buy its says $3.00 not a $1.00 ???

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  26. This article is very interesting and effective. Thank you and good luck in the upcoming articles.

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  27. the good thing is i learned much more than i expected

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