Checking In

It's almost time to get started with the Daily Five! I'm super excited to begin my 4th year of using the Daily Five with my first graders. One thing I've been thinking about lately is my method of having students check in when we begin doing rounds of D5. I've stuck with the method the Sisters originally suggested, which is a clipboard roster check-in.

I have found that this method works well for me (and my kids!) It gives me a quick glimpse of what each child is doing and also is a great visual for what they've been choosing. I do ask my kids to do Read to Self and Work on Writing every day, but they have free choice as to which order they complete them in as well as a choice of activity for the third round. When I notice that a child hasn't chosen one of the Dailies in a while (or is only choosing a certain one,) I can easily guide him/her towards making a different choice. For example, I've said something like, "JP, how about if you choose Word Work or Read to Someone for this session?" It still gives the child a choice but gives me a little piece of mind knowing he is choosing something different!

Checking in generally takes us less than 3 minutes using this method! That clean up/check in time also gives my first graders a chance to move around, chat about what they've been working on, and get their wiggles out! Once we've checked in, my first graders are ready to get back to the next session!

My sister teaches 3rd grade in another district and uses a popsicle stick method of checking in. Each child is given 5 colored popsicle sticks (one to represent each component of D5.) The students place a stick in a cup before each session to mark their choice. Her 3rd graders have been successful using this check-in method! This helps to ensure children are doing each component before repeating the activities.

I'm sure there are many, many ideas for check-ins out there! Which one do you use?

~Komos :)