Last summer we (Amy and Wanda) were deeply engrossed in discovering what research says most benefits students as they become readers, writers and lifelong learners. As a result, the structure of our literacy block may look and sound a little different this year, and we are EXCITED!
It won’t be long until you hear your child talking about “The Daily Five.” The purpose of this blog is to fill you in on what The Daily Five is all about, so you don’t have to nod your head while wondering what in the world your child is referring to.
The Daily Five is a way of structuring the reading block so every student is independently engaged in meaningful literacy tasks. These research based tasks are ones that will have the biggest impact on student reading and writing achievement, as well as help foster children who love to read and write. Students receive explicit whole group instruction and then are given independent practice time to read and write independently while teachers provide focused, intense instruction to individuals and small groups of students.
• Read to Self
• Work on Writing
• Read with a Partner
• Listen to Reading
• Word Work
There are very specific behavior expectations that go with each Daily 5 component. We have been spending our first weeks working intensely on building our reading and writing stamina, learning the behaviors of the Daily 5 and fostering our classroom community.
Last week, students worked their "Read to Self" stamina up to 30 minutes, and "Read with a Partner" successfully for 25 minutes! This is great news! This week we will introduce "Work on Writing", and then "Listen to Reading" and "Word Work." The students are very excited and proud of their new skills.
We have also been spending time learning about your child’s strengths and greatest needs as a reader in order to best plan for each student’s instruction.
Students will be spending most of their time actually reading "Just Right Books", which research supports as the number one way to improve reading. We anticipate the motivation and enjoyment of reading will skyrocket when this gift of choosing their own books is accompanied by extended practice and specific reading instruction for each individual child.
As you can see, we are excited about giving your child the opportunity to be involved in a structure that will have a positive effect on their education.
Please think of our classroom as you visit garage sales or clean your own child’s bookcase. It is our goal to make our classroom library as appealing as your favorite bookstore for browsing.
*Homework will begin this week. Look for it in the Go-Home Folder on Wednesday (9-30).
Let's Go to the Movies!
Friday, October 16
~Where the Wild Things Are~
Our class is invited to see Where the Wild Things Are (rated PG) at the Galaxy Uptown Gig Harbor on Friday, October 16th. Since we will be reading the book aloud to the class, it will be a very fun experience to see the movie together. The time for the showing is not yet posted on Fandango or the theater website. When we learn the time, we will update this information. Keep the date open for a fun time!
Friday, October 16
~Where the Wild Things Are~
Our class is invited to see Where the Wild Things Are (rated PG) at the Galaxy Uptown Gig Harbor on Friday, October 16th. Since we will be reading the book aloud to the class, it will be a very fun experience to see the movie together. The time for the showing is not yet posted on Fandango or the theater website. When we learn the time, we will update this information. Keep the date open for a fun time!
Upcoming Events:
October 9th, Friday No School (teacher work day)
October 23rd, Friday 6:00 - 8:00 PTA Fall Festival
October 30th, Friday 2:20 - 3:20 Class Halloween Party
