Every year, I end up making changes around this time of year. I tweak routines or classroom layout. I make resolutions about things like using the Word Wall more, being more explicit about my vocabulary instruction, and following through on class projects (like not taking three weeks to get students' finished stories typed).
What are your classroom resolutions for 2011?
Friday, December 31, 2010
Shared Reading Ideas
The latest issue of Reading Teacher discusses different approaches to use during shared reading:
Before reading:
-Choose 8-10 Tier 2 Words from the text
-post words on a chart
-ask students to generate possible sentences using two or more of the words
-ask students to predict what the text is going to be about
During reading:
--tally each word when used in context
-remind students to use the context to figure out the word's meaning
After reading:
-refine definitions
-generate new sentences
The author of the article, Ted Kesler, suggests having students snap when they hear the vocabulary words. I started this with my kids before break and it creates major enthusiasm.
My goal in 2011 is to be more explicit with my vocabulary instruction. I am expected to teach a core basal program, Scott Foresman Reading Street. The program lays out vocabulary words for each story so that part is taken care of. The program calls them Amazing Words. But I have found that I have to teach the selection and spelling words' meaning as well. Well, should always teach them. It's difficult to get in everything! If I can cover all the words, that's what I feel like I'm doing-covering, not teaching. I don't have time to get in depth with the words consistently.
When we go back to school next week, I'm going to tweak my basal routine and spend a little more time front-loading the vocabulary. I'm also going to try this routine with my Guided Reading groups.
More on the other shared reading strategies later.
- possible sentences
- using context clues
- repeated readings
- using our bodies
Before reading:
-Choose 8-10 Tier 2 Words from the text
-post words on a chart
-ask students to generate possible sentences using two or more of the words
-ask students to predict what the text is going to be about
During reading:
--tally each word when used in context
-remind students to use the context to figure out the word's meaning
After reading:
-refine definitions
-generate new sentences
The author of the article, Ted Kesler, suggests having students snap when they hear the vocabulary words. I started this with my kids before break and it creates major enthusiasm.
My goal in 2011 is to be more explicit with my vocabulary instruction. I am expected to teach a core basal program, Scott Foresman Reading Street. The program lays out vocabulary words for each story so that part is taken care of. The program calls them Amazing Words. But I have found that I have to teach the selection and spelling words' meaning as well. Well, should always teach them. It's difficult to get in everything! If I can cover all the words, that's what I feel like I'm doing-covering, not teaching. I don't have time to get in depth with the words consistently.
When we go back to school next week, I'm going to tweak my basal routine and spend a little more time front-loading the vocabulary. I'm also going to try this routine with my Guided Reading groups.
More on the other shared reading strategies later.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Oceans of First Grade Fun: Five Days After Christmas
Oceans of First Grade Fun: Five Days After Christmas: " The First Day After ChristmasLast week my blog crossed the 20,000 page view mark. I know it’s not a lot for you seasoned bloggers out ..."
The First Grade Parade: If Take A Mouse To The Movies
The First Grade Parade: If Take A Mouse To The Movies: "One of my favorite holiday books… And there’s SO much you can do with it! We had a little “If You Take A Mouse To The Movies” day..."
Swamp Frog First Graders: Spill the Counters
Swamp Frog First Graders: Spill the Counters: "Use six red/yellow counters. Spill the counters. Color the circles to show the red and yellow sides. Write a number sen..."
I'm in Love
Over Winter Break, I have discovered several blogs that are full of wonderful ideas and printables for K-2 classrooms. One blog leads to another, then another, ...Before you know it, your husband is home from work and you've spent half a day downloading center activities.
Check out some of the blogs listed above for fresh activities.
In math, we are working on number combinations so I thought Spill the Counters would be perfect. Hopefully it will help my kids with change unknown problems (13 + ___ = 20).
Check out some of the blogs listed above for fresh activities.
In math, we are working on number combinations so I thought Spill the Counters would be perfect. Hopefully it will help my kids with change unknown problems (13 + ___ = 20).
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