Daily 5

Listening to Books Through Columbus Metro. Library

If you have not already taken advantage of the Columbus Metropolitan Library App., then you should definitely check it out! It is perfect for car rides for the kids, or even when you are lounging around the house! I love this app. and I couldn't wait to share it with you (I've already told the munchkins about it). 

Directions: Download CML app., and once you are there log in your library card information and save. In order to take advantage of the eBooks or eAudio Books you will need to download Overdrive in combination with CML. Everything is Free! Once on Overdrive you can add a library and download eAudio books at no cost to you. You have access to the books for 21 days (plenty of time for you and the kids to listen and return). Even better, NO FEES! Yay! 

Word Work- Creating synonyms and antonyms for the word happy 

Pictures from 3/17-21

Nevaeh working diligently on her work on writing choice during Daily 5. 

Alison and Noah using the dictionary to find definitions for their weekly words.

Nathan and Aiden working together at the writing table to find word definitions.

Students wrote about why the business they chose is important in the community.

March 1, 2014

Struggling with Fluency?

Did you know there are different types of fluency rates? 

Below is a parent guide of the lesson I used to teach the different types of reading rates. I use the analogy of switching gears. Cars change gears to move at the rate they desire to, just like the purpose of your reading.  

Our Reading Strategies

New Reading Logs

Click, Save, & Print if needed

We have WRITING GOALS now!!!!! Yay! Students met with me during reading group on Monday and Tuesday and created their very own writing goal to focus on (similar how the CAFE board works). 

Winter Break Reading Challenge

Below is a screen shot of the reading challenge for winter break.

Each marshmallow = 25 minutes

Due: January 7, 2014

Journal Writing Time

(10/18)

The three pictures below are from when we kicked-off appropriate writing foundations. 

Capitals! Verbs! Nouns! End Marks! 

pictured outside room 165

Below are some pictures of your little ones writing about our second Wetland experience! In our class we begin each writing session with creating the picture first, then adding words to complete the story. (10/2)

A whole group very focused on their writing.

Emarie, rereading her work.

Aiden, refocusing his ideas.

Lyndy hard at work.

Students can practice spelling their words, drawing picture definitions of their words, and/or using their words in sentences. There will not be a “test” on these words at the end of each week but instead I will be using their word lists during their reading groups.

While reading at home this week, I would like students to focus on the main character/s. Ask questions like, how does the main character react to the problem? How does he/she feel during the story? What causes her/him to feel that way?

Here is a list of character traits to help you as you are discussing characters at home this week (9/30-10/4). 

This week (9/16-20) your children were introduced to nouns and verbs! We created a Nancy/Norman Noun and Victoria/Victor Verb characters to show what we learned! They are displayed in the hallway for all to see! 

Displayed outside of room 165

Areas around our room

One of our word work areas

Daily 5 tasks, rules, procedures

Sound Focus Chart

Do you write like a 1, 2, 3, or 4? As I have been introducing each essential element to the Daily 5 routine, writing has been becoming increasingly important. Not simply the correct letter formation, but including key details and "sparkly" words in writing. Encourage your child to write like a FOUR! 

This week (second week of second grade) we are still focusing on building stamina and increasing our Read-To-Self ability. We created a "Mr. Check-In" that students use while they read. Mr. Check-In is a check mark with the words, who? what? when? where? how? why? scribed on it. The children use this to check their understanding of the book they are reading. Today (8/28) was a great start to checking for understanding while reading.

Every child has their very own book box located in the front of our classroom. Here is what they look like. Each day kids can change their books or keep them for as long as they would like. We are also focusing on picking books with Purpose (why do I want to read this?)  Interest (does this interest me?) Comprehension (do I understand what's happening?) Know (do I know most of the words?)

In order to build the best readers and writers in our children we need to continue to practice these important skills at home. Below are some interesting ideas you could incorporate into your daily routines at home.