Showing posts with label daily 5. Show all posts
Showing posts with label daily 5. Show all posts
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Look How Accountable My Kids are During Buddy Reading
Now that I've given it a go, I thought I would answer some comments I received in my previous post. So, here's what I've found out . . . so far!
1. Elizabeth asked about how long it takes the kids to write responses.
The kids haven't had any trouble writing the responses, at least yet, and I think that is because of a couple things. One reason might be because they are writing on a post-it and there isn't a lot of room to write. Also, they have a buddy working with them and my kids have been great at helping each other with the responses. At the end of the round, I have the buddies share their responses on the microphone. (They LOVE to share and it seems like they always do a better job when they know they are going to share.) I then have the kids staple the post-its together and put them in my note basket so I can take a peek at them later. (Just between you and me, they are never going to see those post-its again!)2. Mrs. McElhinney asked if I have a list of books for various reading levels.
I searched all over the internet looking for lists of books that address reading strategies and found a ton of great lists. Then, I picked out the picture books I already had in my book baskets to use in the buddy bags. Even though the books aren't ability leveled, they are working out great and the buddies are helping each other out when one of them gets stuck!
Have a great day at your party if you aren't snowed in! I'll be thinking of you on your crazy day! Hope you'll be thinking of me!
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Trying to Keep My Kids Accountable While Buddy Reading
A couple weeks ago, my principal came into my room and the kids seemed to be doing a fabulous job at Daily 5 while I was teaching reading groups. I got a good evaluation, but also had a comment about a couple of boys buddy reading, who weren't bothering anyone, but who weren't really engaged either. Well, I don't know about you, but that just isn't okay with me!
So, I decided to come up with a way to get them actually reading with each other AND actually thinking about their reading. This video will give you an idea of what I have in mind.
I'm planning on starting this in my room tomorrow, so I will let you know how it goes. I think it is going to work well . . . but as you know, things don't always go the way you plan!
Have a great week and be warned . . . February 14th is coming and not only is it party day, but it's Friday . . . oh, and it is a full moon! Yikes! Hang on tight, it might be a rocky ride!
Friday, September 6, 2013
A New Twist on Our Station Cards
I really like the way I let my kids choose their own stations. Having the kids' pictures on the cards really helped with sorting the cards out at the end of the week.
However, I made a few adjustments this year. Not only did I put the kids' pictures on the cards, but I also put their pictures on the library card pouches that hold the cards.
Now when I sort, I get the pouches in ABC order then just match the pictures.
Now, you might wonder . . .why is Hilary just rambling on about cards and pouches? Well, if you would like to read about how my kids choose their own stations, {click here} to read more about it. There's even a video, so check it out!
If you want to save time and allow your students free choice, {click here} to get your cards set up and ready to roll!
Friday, September 28, 2012
Daily 5 Organization Video
On with the video! You may remember my blog post about using my stoplight pocket charts to help my kids choose their Daily 5 stations. Here is a pic of what it used to look like.
The charts look a little different this year. I separated the charts (there are 3 charts that Velcro together) so that there wouldn't be so many kids all in the same place trying to choose their stations. When the kids first come into the room in the morning, they get their cards and choose their stations for the day! I think this video will clarify how this system works and how it saves me at least 10 minutes each day on Daily 5 choosing!
Happy Fall!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Visitors for Daily 5
I had a couple of 2nd grade teachers ask to come and visit my classroom to see the Daily 5 in action. Of course, I said "Come on over!" When I told my kids that we were going to have visitors, one of the cutest little bugs you ever did see said, "Why do people want to see us all the time? Are we THAT good?" I had to laugh out loud and said "Yes, you are!"
And the kids did a great job, if I may say so myself! Of course, I did decide to do book clubs this week with ALL of my kids . . . so that was a little interesting, but I still think they did Fabulously!
As I was blog stalking tonight, I ran into an awesome blog! It's called 'Delightful Daily 5 Cafe' and I must say, it is delightful! Lots of good information and ideas as well as reflections.
And the kids did a great job, if I may say so myself! Of course, I did decide to do book clubs this week with ALL of my kids . . . so that was a little interesting, but I still think they did Fabulously!
As I was blog stalking tonight, I ran into an awesome blog! It's called 'Delightful Daily 5 Cafe' and I must say, it is delightful! Lots of good information and ideas as well as reflections.
Do you use the Daily 5? How do you think it works in your classroom? I'd love to hear your ideas and secrets to your success!
Have a glorious evening everyone! I really need to get some mom/wife stuff done!
TTFN!
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Independent Learners with Station Organization & a FREEBIE!
I am so excited! I LOVE the Daily 5, and it works really well in my room, but it was taking me so long to get my kids to their stations. I felt like I was wasting so much time!
One day I was talking to our building's Super Sub (every school has one of those, don't they?) and she told me that she had been in a room where the kids chose their station right when they came in the room in the morning. So, of course, I had to figure out how to make that work in my room. I feel like I'm a pretty smart person, but for some reason, this task was a strain on my brain!
So, I decided I would go to the new Lakeshore store that we have in Indianapolis. (Awesome, right? . . . it might be a bad thing though . . . I think I've already spent $300 in there!) I was so excited when I found this chart. I would link it up for you, but I don't see this particular one on their website. Each color can be a separate chart and they velcro together to make one big chart. I use these Command hooks to hang it on my wall . . . If you don't have any of those, you need to get some. They are AMAZING! AND . . . they are removable . . . but strong!
So after I found this awesome chart, I made three sets of cards that name each of the different stations. I added a number if I wanted a limited number of kids to go to a particular station. Click the pic to get a FREE EDITABLE template for yourself.
One day I was talking to our building's Super Sub (every school has one of those, don't they?) and she told me that she had been in a room where the kids chose their station right when they came in the room in the morning. So, of course, I had to figure out how to make that work in my room. I feel like I'm a pretty smart person, but for some reason, this task was a strain on my brain!
So, I decided I would go to the new Lakeshore store that we have in Indianapolis. (Awesome, right? . . . it might be a bad thing though . . . I think I've already spent $300 in there!) I was so excited when I found this chart. I would link it up for you, but I don't see this particular one on their website. Each color can be a separate chart and they velcro together to make one big chart. I use these Command hooks to hang it on my wall . . . If you don't have any of those, you need to get some. They are AMAZING! AND . . . they are removable . . . but strong!
So after I found this awesome chart, I made three sets of cards that name each of the different stations. I added a number if I wanted a limited number of kids to go to a particular station. Click the pic to get a FREE EDITABLE template for yourself.
Then I got out my station charts and added my kids pictures to them. You could just write names I suppose, but I didn't want to! :)
I updated my Daily 5 chart pack so that you can add pics or write names on your computer. You will have to have Microsoft Publisher to do that though. I tried to move it to Word, but I can't stand that program! I couldn't get it to do anything I wanted! If you have already bought my Daily 5 charts, be sure to go download the updated version!
I put each child's cards in a library card pocket with his/her picture, name, and number on the front. I alphabetize things in my room by first names . . . just makes sense to me! I then put the library pockets in some sort of container in number order. When the kids first get to school, they move their lunch stick and take their station cards. They take the cards to their seats and determine which stations they want to complete that day. (We only have time to do 3 rotations of Daily 5 in our Literacy block.)
When the kids choose their station, they check the colored card that is in the pocket. If their reading group color is in the pocket, then they don't choose a station for that rotation. They will only choose for the other 2 rotations.
Another great thing about the kids getting the cards, they have to choose different stations . . . after they have used both of their Word Work cards, they can't use them anymore and they have to choose another activity! I also have kids who leave for intervention, so I take out one of their Read to Self cards, and one of their Writing cards. They do have one Read to Self card, but that one is for RAZ-Kids. That kinda forces them to go to some of the other stations . . . and since we have other times to read to ourselves, and I do TONS of writing, I feel like it's okay to take away a couple of choices.
As the children choose, you will have some of your natural leaders make sure that all is right with the world . . . aka the chart! If there are too many people at word work, these little leaders will inform the others that there is a small problem! If there is an odd number of kids at Read to Someone, they will find someone to switch or move to that station! You know you have those kiddos! Let them lead . . . just be sure to make sure they aren't bullying or getting the same kids to move all the time! You ARE still the teacher . . . as much as they would like to take over your job! LOL
Now, while you are busy taking attendance, checking notes, and listening to stories about cats, dogs, owwies, etc., your day is getting set up!
After we get going, I just say . . . "Let me have my first reading group back at the table, and the rest of you get to work!" I have gained about 15 minutes during this block by doing this . . . and I'm sure I don't have to tell you how much you can do in 15 minutes!
It was really funny . . . Thursday, we were just cooking along and I said for the kids to get to their stations and they all said: "We already did 3 stations!" It was quite funny . . . but AWESOME!
If you would like to get the updated version of my EDITABLE station rotation cards, just click the pic!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Paper, Paper, Everywhere!
Have you ever felt
like you are buried in paper at school ... then you go home and your entire
kitchen table is covered with it? Yeah, me too!
All that paper has
made me really start to think about what I can do to help this age old...and
seemingly endless, problem.
It all started when I
wanted to use colorful copies for my students to keep track of their Daily 5
activities...I just didn't want to use black and white copies...how DULL...and
I knew what my school would say about too many color copies.....SOOOO, this is
what I did.
I went out and bought
heavy duty plastic folders that have the 3 prongs down the middle and heavy
duty plastic page protectors. Since I was making these at the end of the summer
when back to school supplies were on sale, I was able to afford them!
I then made my copies
of the reference guides that my kids use when they are doing Daily 5. The main
page they use is a sheet I made to help the kids manage and keep track of
the stations that they have gone to during the week. I put nice color copies in
the page protectors and when the kids have been to that station, they put a
check mark in the box....with a dry erase marker!! At the end of the week, they
wipe it off and are ready to go again!
Since this idea worked
so beautifully, I decided to put some of my other reference materials in the
page protectors. Some of these items include:
- a Daily 5 checklist
- a Daily 5 rubric
- an "I'm done" sheet
that is used for writing
- an editing checklist to check writing
before it is published
- a punctuation reference sheet
- a sheet of other ways to say something (i.e. Instead of saying 'said' I could say 'muttered')
- transition words
- a sample friendly letter
I think you get the
idea! The possibilities are endless and can be used in any grade level and with
just about any info your kids need.
So, now you know how I
cut down the amount of paper that is flying around my classroom...now, if I
could just do something about the kitchen table!
 |
| This is how the folders look and how the kids mark them. |
Check out some of the items that I put in the folders. Just click on the picture to see it in my store! Everything is 15% off until Saturday, September 10.
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