Foxwell Forest: Fancy isn't just for Nancy!

What's the only job where you can wear a princess tiara and pink feather boa to work and totally pull it off?

A First Grade Teacher! :)

And trust me not only do you pull it off, but your students also think that you are the coolest teacher EVER!

Today was our Fancy Day in honor of Fancy Y!

This is possibly one of my f.a.v.o.r.i.t.e. days in first grade! Yet when I say that I feel like a first grader, that sings "Best. day. EVER." after every special day we have! But, how could I not love this day? Engaged students. Hands-on learning fun. And fantastic fancy outfits adorned by both the girls and boys. Seriously-it is taking every bit of self control to not post pictures of my adorable fancy students decked out in their fancy attire. They were adorable!

This day is also perfect for the end of the year because the students love every second of it (natural motivation and focus then occurs!) and are learning and making great connections! In our Houghton Mifflin curriculum for Theme 9 Week 1 we learn about y as long e and y as long i. I tell the students that Y disguises itself at the end of words. One of the ways it disguises itself is that at the end of 2 syllable words it becomes a Fancy Y! So I send home an invitation inviting them to a Fancy Party in honor of Fancy Y!

The invitation explains for students to dress up in for a fun and tasty party! I was afraid that this would appeal only to the girls, but this is my second year throwing it and I have to tell you ALL of my students-both the boys and girls totally get into it. Like boys in ties and bowties. Girls in frilly dresses and flowing skirts. So much fun!

On the day of the Fancy Party we meet Fancy Y, read Fancy Y's favorite book (Fancy Nancy, naturally!), do a tasty word hunt around the room, make a class book of fancy y words, and have tasty treats (because what's a party without food!)

I use everything out of my Fancy Y unit. The Starry Game and Word Sort are great for review later in the week! This has become my best-selling product on TPT! If you need a fun activity for the end of the year or need a creative way to teach the Y as long /e/ sound, you can grab this unit by clicking on the button below!