Tuesday, August 7, 2012

The Daily 5 - Chapter 3



 I'm blog hoppin with Mrs. Freshwater's Class & Thinking Out Loud for Chapter 3 of our book study.

This chapter has really helped me look at my teaching practices and how I can improve Daily 5 in my class.  In this chapter we read about the establishing a gathering place, good fit books, anchor charts, setting up book boxes, short intervals of repeated practice, signals and check-in, and correct model/incorrect model.  WOW, this chapter covers so many important pieces of Daily 5.  Here are my thoughts on a couple of the sections they covered.   

GOOD FIT BOOKS
When teaching Good Fit Books I have always used the shoes and books lessons "the sisters"  share  in their book.  These are great concrete activities that allow children to grasp the concept.  Last year I also read The Best Book to Read.  This year I plan to revisit these lessons throughout the year to help students continue to make smart book selections.  Click below to download my I PICK poster to use in your classroom.




 ANCHOR CHARTS
Along with Daily 5 I have also been reading Reading with Meaning and Comprehension Connections this summer.  These 3 books have really brought home the importance of anchor charts.  I then went to a math workshop for the common core and yes they used anchor charts too.  It looks like I may need a lot of chart paper this year.  When introducing each choice I plan to make an I chart with the class and post them at my group area.  I will post my anchor charts at my guided reading area to refer to as needed.  I remade my I charts to match my new anchor charts.  Click below if you would like to download my I Charts and Anchor Charts.
   




CHECK-IN
After reading this sections I wanted to make some changed to allow my students to have more opportunity to discuss how they did.  I don't want it to be all about me cheering them on.  I definitely plan to have my students do the Thumb check in.  I loved how they had students give a thumbs up in front of their heart to signal they new in their heart they were independent and successful with behaviors.  I also liked the sideways thumb to show they could do better and no thumbs down because everyone has some good behaviors.  This will be great to use with some of the whole brain teaching strategies I plan to implement.

Check out the other posts for Chapter 3 at Mrs. Freshwater's Class & Thinking Out Loud.