Daily 5 Chapter 3

Here We Go… We have been learning all about the foundation of the D5, but now it’s time to start getting into the nitty-gritty and establishing the daily routine.

Where do we begin????

 The Gathering Place!!

I do not have any cool pictures of my “gathering place”. This will be my first year implementing the D5 in my classroom (Super excited)!!! I have a pretty strong feeling that my gathering place will be in the front of my room where my interactive Smartboard and dry erase board are located in my classroom. (My future classroom-bad picture but you get idea.)

In the book, the Sisters stated that the gathering place is where "the whole class comes together...regardless of the age of the children". This is because "distractions are limited...and students are able to turn and talk to each other." (This reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen. The family would congregate in the kitchen and socialize. People were face to face, eye to eye and it brought the family closer and united us throughout the years.) After reading this, I truly believe it is imperative to have an “official” gathering place designated in your room for D5. It can be a carpet area or set location but you need an “official” spot where everyone can gather together. Once you have gathered then the students can go to different areas around the room to complete their D5 work. KEY: Don’t forget to re-gather and share at the end. I plan to use student number sticks to pick a few students daily and allow them to share what they worked on during their D5 time.

Here is a picture of my numbered student sticks. I plan to draw out a few sticks randomly, the students whose numbers are on the sticks will share what they did during D5. I will flip sticks over in bin (I added color to bottom of the sticks so I know they have already been drawn through the week.)

Good Fit Books a.k.a Appropriate Books

This is all new to me… I was captivated with the section about picking appropriate books. I feel this is definitely something that needs to be stressed prior to beginning the D5. I will be making a polka dot sign to coordinate with my room. (I’ll post as soon as I have it completed for free) To boast excitement about the D5, I think I will also allow my students to bring in their favorite books from home to help increase their motivation.

I found these adorable I Pick posters on Pinterest and added the appropriate blog links-head on over and scoop them up!

Second Story Window

TeachEm2Think

Book Box Set-Up

I am excited about setting up my “good fit” book boxes.  At my school, we tier our reading groups. This year, I will be working with the struggling reader group. I feel it will be imperative to set up my book boxes to make them intriguing, interesting, yet reading appropriate for them. (Yes, I am up for the challenge!!) I feel the easiest way for me to ensure that my book boxes are tailored to my students needs, I plan on using the Fountas and Pinnell leveling system. My student’s will be assessed during the first few days of school and they will know their “letter-color zone”.

How do you set up your book boxes??? Do you feel it will be harder if you are teaching multi-leveled readers ranging from beginner to advanced?

Anchor Charts

I am super excited about anchor charts. I have seen numerous examples on pinterest and look forward to creating a few of my own with my reading group. The anchor charts will provide a permanent and visible reminder of the students learning a.k.a their recorded thoughts. If you need some ideas to help get your creative anchor chart juices flowing head on over to Google and type in Daily 5 anchor charts or click the link. 

Short Intervals of Repeated Practice

Simply stated, “this provides students with a way to hear and feel their learning” thus becoming a part of their default behavior and improved muscle memory.

Signals and Check-In

Hmmmm… what to use for my signal???? That is the big question. Wonder where I can find a chime. Whatever you decide needs to be continual all throughout the year. (P.S. make sure its not harsh!!) The daily chime signal will grab the student’s attention and notify them that’s it’s check-in time. The daily check-in will enable student’s to become more reflective with their learning.

Correct Model/Incorrect Model

I love this…. The teacher will provide the correct and incorrect scenarios of expected behaviors during the D5. This will enable the students to know exactly what is expected of them during D5.

Final Thoughts

My final thoughts on Chapter 3, It’s all about setting the stage for your student’s. Once you set the stage, they will take on the leading role a.k.a taking an active role in their learning.

I am looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this chapter. Don't forget to go over and see the adorable Jana of Thinking Out Loud.

We are co-hosting chapter three this week.

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