Getting the Teacher Started with Read to Someone
I've just started putting my classroom back together again after it got its summer cleaning, and I'm already beginning to think about what I'll do differently this year.
Listen to Reading already got a bit of a makeover last year when I added the portable CD players, thanks to a Donors Choose grant. I've put each of them into small plastic containers, along with several books, so children can move about the room freely with them. I'm planning on getting rid of one of the two stationary CD players that I also have, but this still means 6 kids can be doing Listen to Reading during a session.
One other major change I'm thinking about is creating lots of open space in my room. I love little nooks and learning spaces, but I also want to have plenty of open space for groups of children to work together.
As I continue cleaning and remodeling, I'm sure I'll have more to add! What changes do you plan to make this year? Do you have advice for those who are just getting started?
**UPDATE!!! 8/3/12
I've spent a little time in my classroom this week and am doing a complete room overhaul! I've rearranged the layout of the entire room and am currently in the middle of reorganizing my book baskets for the classroom library.
I am literally "unpacking the boxes" that I wrote about in my Getting Started with Read to Self post. After much contemplation, professional reading, and discussions with friends, I am absorbing those leveled tubs into the rest of my classroom library. I will keep one very small section of leveled books to be used as a resource when I confer with children... but that's it. It was a conversation I witnessed on Twitter between Donalyn Miller, Patrick Allen, Stephen Krashen, and Paul Hankins that made this decision final for me, as well as Donalyn's follow up "Guess My Lexile" blog post. More pics to come once this huge project is finished!
**UPDATE!!! 8/3/12
I've spent a little time in my classroom this week and am doing a complete room overhaul! I've rearranged the layout of the entire room and am currently in the middle of reorganizing my book baskets for the classroom library.
I am literally "unpacking the boxes" that I wrote about in my Getting Started with Read to Self post. After much contemplation, professional reading, and discussions with friends, I am absorbing those leveled tubs into the rest of my classroom library. I will keep one very small section of leveled books to be used as a resource when I confer with children... but that's it. It was a conversation I witnessed on Twitter between Donalyn Miller, Patrick Allen, Stephen Krashen, and Paul Hankins that made this decision final for me, as well as Donalyn's follow up "Guess My Lexile" blog post. More pics to come once this huge project is finished!
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| Whew! One small portion of the classroom library is finished! |
Thanks for the info. I love hearing about the Daily 5!
ReplyDeleteApril
Wolfelicious
I recently got my degree in Early Childhood education and am now a pre school teacher. During my student teaching experience, my cooperating teacher started using the Daily 5. I thought it was a great way to encourage self-sufficiency in reading/writing among students. I hope to one day teach first or second grade and want to use the Daily 5 in my classroom. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to you!! Daily 5 really is a wonderful tool!
DeleteI just found the Daily 5 a few weeks ago and am eager to implement with my first graders this year. I created a schedule today and made new seating in my classroom to make additional space for children to work together...so exited!
ReplyDeleteRemember to take it slow! It will definitely pay off in the long run.
DeleteHmmm, I thought I commented here before. I'm like you I like the nooks and learning spaces, but I'm loving the open spaces better these days. I'm so glad I found your blog, I'm trying to finish reading The Daily 5 and want to implement this year.
ReplyDelete☼Libby
First Grade Dual
If you are on Twitter, there is a great support system through the #d5chat hashtag. There are also live chats using that same hashtag. Good luck! :)
DeleteHi Laura!
ReplyDeleteI just stumbled upon your blog via Pinterest and wanted to thank you for your "Getting the Teacher Started" series. My situation is a bit unique because I homeschool (formerly taught 5th grade), so I'm doing the daily 5 with just two kids, lol! This is my first year trying the daily 5 in a HS environment, and your ideas of keeping it simple have really helped!
I'd love to hear more about how that is going for you! I can imagine it will be quite successful, even with just two kids. :)
DeleteLast year I did Daily 5 with Cafe with my fifth graders and loved it! After 7 years in fifth I am moving to first. I am so excited (and a little nervous) to do daily 5 with the wee ones! I had open seating in my fifth grade room and plan to do the same in first. Some teachers think I am crazy I do not have a desk for every child, but they love it. I use exercise balls as seats, floor pillows, and bean bags for seating. I am so excited to read your tips to get a teacher started.
ReplyDeleteHave a great school year!
I am thinking about alternative seating options, too! Right now, I do have enough tables and chairs for all 24 students but am toying with the possibility of changing that. Hope you have a wonderful year in first grade!
DeleteThank you for this thoughtful post.. it is helpful & your post motivated me..thank
ReplyDeleteOnline Diploma