Super "Real" Readers!

I have to start this post by saying that this idea was inspired by the amazing Hope King @ Second Grade Shenanigans. As soon as I came across it, I knew it had to be done! 

This week we have been trucking along with our Reader's Workshop/Daily 5 practice. I had it in my plans to teach the concept of "real" vs. "fake" reading from Tanny McGregor's "Comprehension Connections". This is already one of my favorite lessons...as it is always great to "trick" the kiddos into thinking that I am doing a great job reading, and then reveal...I didn't understand the words I read to them! (There is always silent stares, mouths agape in shock :)). But as soon as I saw Hope's lesson about turning this into a "super themed" lesson- I changed my initial plans and jumped on board. So here is a little glimpse into what we did:

First, we created our "Super Reader" class anchor chart cape together relaying what real readers do on one side, and what fake reading looks like on the other. This one is getting hung on our wall.

Then the kids created their own capes. I asked them to copy down all of the characteristics of only a "real reader" on their capes that we had identified. After that, I asked them to draw pictures representing what real reading looks like to go with their statements. 

Here is one of my student's finished cape! Check out those "super reader" drawings! I am pretty sure I see a flying book!

Finally, (the most fun part), we wore our capes while we practiced "real reading" of course, during our independent reading time. (We just punched two holes and added some black yarn to put them around their necks.)

Today my students took their capes home to share with their parents and wear as a reminder that we need to do "real reading" at home as well!

Such a "super" lesson- thanks again Hope!