Thought I'd share a few quick anchor charts I have created with my kids with you all that I use to get our independent reading time up and going effectively.
I start the year by introducing the three ways to read a book: "Read the Pictures", "Read the Words", "Retell the Story". I demonstrate all three to the students, then give them several opportunities to practice while I monitor their reading. Retelling is something we work on all year long!
Another activity we do, which is very similar to the Daily 5 "I PICK" to find good fit books, is a lesson based on the text "Goldilocks and the Three Bears". I have used "I PICK" before as well, but I really like this lesson because it ties in this familiar story for the students. We read the text....
...then we discuss how we can take a lesson from Goldilocks in selecting books to read. "She" shares that we should not select books that are "too hard" or "too easy", but rather we want to read books that are "just right". We always tie it back to the whole papa bear, mama bear, baby bear deal! Here is the anchor chart we do with this text.
To assist my students in selecting "just right" books, I also teach them how to use the "Five Finger Rule". I expect them to use this rule each time they visit the classroom library as a quick reference to determine if a book is at their level. Here is the poster I have hanging in our classroom library reminding them how to use this strategy:
If you would like a copy of this poster for your classroom in English or Spanish, click here. This mini poster was inspired by an article on the site Colorin Colorado, check out the article on this rule they share here.
Going along with all of this, I also work with my students at the beginning of the year to identify the difference between "real" reading and "fake" reading. I discussed how I do this in a previous post. Click here to learn more about this beginning of the year reading lesson as well!
What are some of your favorite beginning of the year lessons to prep the kiddos for independent reading?
Love! And hooray for Colorin Colorado!
ReplyDeleteMarvelous Multiagers!
Such a great site!
DeleteLove your idea of using Goldilocks as a mentor text to teach about choosing a "just right" book!!
ReplyDeleteThanks! It's a good one and I love the connection to literature! I can't remember where I found it- but I won't steal the credit!
DeleteI love erading your blog, it lets me practice my spanish! :)
ReplyDeleteHaha....I am glad I could be of service!
DeleteWOW! I love your anchor charts! We definitely have to collaborate this year. What about pen pals?
ReplyDeleteThat would be wonderful! My kids would love it! Let's get it in the works!
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