A Real Time Work Log

I have a rolodex brain. I can start a task and then get lost in seventeen other tasks. So, I decided to open this blogpost because I am curious how long it will take me to prepare for a new idea for centers.

My students are able to rotate independently. I started with playdough, coloring, cut and paste, lego bricks, free drawing and the like. I slowly incorporated academic centers. (I have ideas for doing this better next year so students can feel more successful sooner.)

So now, I'm deciding to formalize centers and tracking with the Daily5 idea. So, I'm going to start the research now. 

It's 12:12pm. I'll let you know how it goes!

The Daily 5 Cafe Structure

Read to Self Center
- Picture books from read alouds

- Library/Book nook 
I have a few plastic floor-seats and some patio furniture pillows students use when they visit the library. I'm realizing now that I had better spend some time making the organization of the library very clear with labels, or students won't be able to pack up and organize the books before they leave. Maybe I only pull out a tub of books at a time, so they don't have to worry about cleaning up too much.

- Big Books from curriculum
We have giant books that are pretty to look at and fun to read. The novelty of the size is a quick acess point.

Reading to Someone Center

- Guided Reading Group

Students are already meeting with me! 

Work on Writing Center

- Writing with Maddie

The truth is, I've been upstaged by a cow puppet for a few years now. I use a puppet and my phone to make quick daily videos. The puppet reads their writing and then asks for help editing. I have the physical writing and the students edit it on a schedule so everyone gets a chance. 

In addition to that usual writing procedure, I will create videos of Maddie writing letters neatly. I will begin this with handwriting since we do writing every day. 

Listen to Reading 

- Epic! On Ipad

I do not have a full set of any device, and I have a personal iPad. I will create a playlist to match with physical books. Students can choose which book to read along with. This will be great because I want to reward their Epic! progress!

- Read Aloud

I have a lovely daily classroom volunteer, and I know the kids love hearing adults read. 

Word Work

Time to be super real - I'm going to hit the easy button on this one:

- Lexia

Since I don't have a set of Chromebooks, I can use the ones I have as a shared group bank. Lexia is heavy into word work, phonics, and building literacy. 


It is 12:36 and I have completed my plan. I took elements of the Daily 5 that I got from the website mentioned above. I had already done some work with Daily 5, and some research, so I was familiar with the elements and design. I already have my students organized into 5 groups - serendipity!

I have been wanting to structure more student discussion, and reading partners will be a great way to do that. I even have super cute, colorful cards that guide students through paired reading. 

I feel like I'll be formalizing some procedures and practices I have been meaning to get to.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Fun, Effortless Phonics Reinforcement Flex Games

Image
Phonics is the foundation of reading and writing, and reinforcing phonics concepts doesn't have to be a daunting task. In fact, it can be loads of fun with minimal preparation and materials. Today, I'm sharing five engaging phonics activities that require very little prep and few materials.  These games can be played as an entire class, a small group, or individually. Some of these games include elements of art and design, and others can be played with the whole class, making learning phonics easy and breezy! 1. Word Wall Art Materials Needed: sticky notes markers blank wall/poster board. How to Play:  Write a variety of words on sticky notes, each highlighting a different phonics concept (e.g., CVC words, words with silent 'e,' or words with consonant blends.) I also use word lists that you can generate by using AI tools like ChatGTP, or you can find free lists on TeachersPayTeachers, or Google. Stick these notes to the wall or poster board.  Ask the kids to choose a w
Read more

Fun and Active Phonics Games - Integrated and Standards-Based

Image
Teaching phonics to elementary school students is a crucial part of developing their reading and language skills.  I love to integrate different elements of the standards. Overlapping PE and Art standards makes learning fun and more engaging. By integrating physical education standards and Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for reading foundational skills, teachers can make learning phonics an active and engaging experience. I especially enjoy connecting PE and phonics because brain science tells us that movement increases the retention of information. Before I get into the games, here are the standards that they meet: PE Standards: Standard 1: Motor Skills and Movement Patterns    - Develop fundamental motor skills like running, jumping, and skipping.    - Engage in activities that promote coordination and balance. CCSS Reading Foundational Standards: RF.K.1: Demonstrate understanding of the organization and basic features of print.    - Recognize and name all upper and lowercase lett
Read more

Art, PE, Multi-Modality Phonics, Oh, my!

Image
Enhancing Phonics Skills: Five Interactive Strategies for Students Phonics is a fundamental aspect of early language development, serving as the cornerstone for proficient reading and writing skills. Integrating engaging activities into phonics practice can make learning enjoyable and effective. Here are a few more games that require very few materials and even less prep! 1. Partner Back-Writing  One creative way to engage students in phonics practice is to pair them up for partner back-writing with a whiteboard twist. This activity incorporates both kinesthetic and visual learning styles and aligns with California's PE standards and ELA standards. - Provide each pair of students with a word list. - One student writes a phonics word from the list on their partner's back using their finger. The tactile sensation helps reinforce word recognition. - The partner receiving the message writes the word on a whiteboard as accurately as possible. - Encourage students to switch roles for
Read more