Isn't it funny how one little change can make all the difference sometimes? The kids have been loving reading to each other in the mornings. Yesterday, they each read four books to friends, and were quiet and excited. I can't really ask for more. We had about 20 minutes to read, and this is what we did to make it extra fun (and so simple).
I came up with 8 reading spots. I numbered sticks so the kids didn't know what number went to what spot. (I took out number 6 because I only had 14 in the room so I only needed 7 spots.) We have computer lab every other day, so I send part of the class to that and work with part. This activity is great when I want the kids reading, but I need to do bench marking or one on one work with the kids.
I also made three different sets of partner cards to use for different times, and chose one for the day. I paired up a higher reader with a lower reader this time. First we explained the rules. Each partner gets one book, reads it to the other partner, then listens to his partner read her book, then they return the book and get another if there's time. They have to be reading together. That's basically the rule.
Other times, I have them read the book to a partner, and have the listener tell the reader his/her favorite part or something for a follow-up.
After I name the groups of partners, each group comes up to pull a stick to find their reading spot. I tried to find fun spots- like behind the easel(the "fort)," under any table (which they call "the office" for some reason), housekeeping, by my desk, in special chairs, and in the hall.
After about 10 minutes, we gathered back on the rug, returned books, and I had them change partners, draw new spots, and do it all again.
The fort!
The coveted spot... in the hall!
Here's a tip I have learned over years of teaching reading. Ready... it's a biggie...
I think as teachers we want to teach. We want to help, solve problems, and fix things. But during guided reading, I've trained myself to be able to just sit there and wait when I'm reading with a student, especially this time of year when they have heard and used the reading strategies hundreds of times. It's hard. I WANT to say, "What do you do next? What do you look for? What are you going to use? What sound does that letter make? Did you notice anything in the picture? blah blah blah." It's so tempting to prompt while you're sitting there waiting for them to find those strategies in their sweet little heads, decide which one to use, and give it a try. But I know they hear my voice saying those things in their heads if I sit there quietly. Maybe they need time to try two or three. They can do it- and they do. It takes a little time, and patience for me to wait quietly and give them that time.
Obviously, I don't me to sit there mute, forever, and make the child frustrated- but sometimes the kids are just a little nervous and get in their own way. Sometimes they are just playing the waiting game, trying to wait you out so you'll do the work. When they know I'm not going to jump in, I can almost see them saying to themselves, "OK- pull it together. I can do this. I know what to do." Sometimes it's hard and awkward to just sit there. But that's ok, because when the child comes up with the strategy, it is so much more powerful than if I have prompted it. So, as hard as it is, I just sit and smile. And wait. The smile on that little face when they figure something out, and see they can do it, is worth the wait!
Dr. Jean's Insect Body song download
Bug and Insect Prezi
QR Code Packet for Listening Center
Writing Prompts with QR Codes
Favorite Bug Activities
Here are some fun crafts I found that are great to add to the bug fun.
Crafty Morning shared this bubblewrap painting beehive with fingerprint bees. So cute.
Or how about this cute bubblewrap bug?!
Bubblewrap also makes GREAT compound eyes when you have out materials for the children to build their own bugs!
Pink Stripey Socks shared these great egg carton bugs. I love the ant because you can really see those three body parts!
What a fun celebration after the Bug and Insect unit these would make from The Crafting Chicks!
Dr. Jean and I also put together this Summer Fun Journal Writing Prompts Packet to help keep our students writing over the summer. It's FREE at my TpT store if you would like to make some books for your students this summer.
Each prompt has 3 versions: one with all the same font (black and white); one with different fonts(black and white); one with fun fonts and colored clipart.
There are 4 different covers you can use for the book- OR you could print out some prompts, put them in a pocket folder for each student, and encourage the children to add "summer treasures" to the folder. They can include things like ticket stubs, pamphlets from trips, or pictures.
Finally, this picture. I've always loved this picture for some reason.
I don't even know why and never really thought about it. It just "spoke to me." One year my kids got it for me for Christmas. I was so excited! We moved it the other day, and when Jeff was putting it up he said, "I'm always surprised you like this, because who do you identify with in the picture? I can't see you wanting someone to hold an umbrella for you in the rain while you danced and had fun."
Not sure if he was expecting me to say, "OH NO- I identify with the maid. I want to be the umbrella- holder!" or what. But I do think there is something romantic about this dance in the rain and me this girl in my her red dress.
And of course I would hope that the maid and butler were secretly in love with each other, and after I danced, I'd trade places and hold the umbrella for them. So there you go. My dreams aren't all selfish. But I'm still going to be the one in the red dress. I don't even feel guilty about it.
Thank you for stopping by! Have a wonderful weekend!
That's so true about wait time! I try as hard as I can to make them figure things out on their own as much as possible, even if it feels like it's taking too long. It's so valuable for them to learn how to "get it" by using what's in their head...and a great confidence builder!
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