It’s time for my reflections on Chapter 3! I love that we are getting into the nuts and bolts of D5 now. This is the putting it all together, getting organized and making it work . . . all starting to come together little by little. So here’s what I came up with while I followed along with Tammy’s guiding questions:
1. Establish a gathering place for brain and body breaks. (Do you call your gathering place anything special? A few of my teammates did. Annie called hers the “Family Room” and Kim calls hers the “Learning Space.” I need to come up with something better than “the carpet” lol!)
Ok honestly, I call mine ‘the floor.’ It’s not original, it’s not fancy but they know what I mean. “ok everyone, to the floor.’ I do have a nice area dedicated to meeting as a large group which is no easy feat in my little tiny room. Remember my floor plans:
You can see my ‘whole group area” right there in the middle. Unfortunately, I don’t have a picture of my meeting area without kiddos in it so that’s on my to do list for sure.
2. Developing the concept of “good fit” books (There are LOTS of examples of different good fit lessons in blogland AND Pinterest)
Although I like the “sisters” I PICK method, I think I will be looking for something a bit more ‘kinder friendly.’ I found these on pinterest and you click on them to go directly to their link.
From Zeekszoo.blogspot
I like this for the sisters example of ‘fitting’ like shoes.
From First Grader At Last Blog
From Mrs. Richards First Grade Blog
But I have to say, I really like these ‘simple’ ideas almost better. They’re very visual. Kinders ‘get’ riding a bike and Goldilocks. Just click on them to see the original posts.
3. Create anchor charts with students How will these be visual in the room? Where will you store them? What about small spaces?
When my students come in at the beginning of the year, my walls are bare. When we make anchor charts together, I just start tacking them up where ever I find space. By the end of the year the walls are covered. Since I don’t use the same charts every year, I don’t store them, but I DO think it’s time to start taking pictures of them because I can never remember what exactly I did the year before.
From Mrs. Terhune Blogspot
I do have to show you something I found for displaying them that I am loving . . . take a look at how this teacher can put her charts up and take them down with just some clothes pins . . . She HOT GLUED the clothes pins to the wall . . .love it!!! I’m so doing that.
I honestly don’t have space to hang the charts up or roll them up to save them for next year. For this year, I will probably post them until they are ‘mastered’, take a picture and put the picture in a book for students (and me) to refer to after they have been removed from the wall.
4. Short, repeated intervals of independent practice and setting up book boxes (How are you going to keep track of stamina? What will you use for book boxes? What are you going to put in those book boxes on the 1st day of school?)
Well you know what I’m using for stamina, right? But just in case, here’s a picture to link you to the printable if you would like it.
And as for book boxes . . . remember all my goodies that arrived the other day?
Well inside, this is what I ordered just for Daily 5 student book bins!
I ordered 30 of them just to be sure I had enough. ( Yes, they could stick as many as 30 or even more kiddos in my room but the most I have had is 27. ) So here’s the why and where. I choose these because they are plastic and I do not like to replace things every year. It’s too expensive to keep buying cardboard AND I don’t have the time to ‘cute up’ a cereal box or anything else. I would rather make the investment now and have them for several years. I purchased them from The Container Store.
And as for labeling . . . well you know how I LOVE vinyl chalkboard. So I cranked up my Silhouette SD (I’m saving for the big daddy someday but for now the SD will have to do.) and cut out some cut little labels.
By using the chalkboard vinyl I can easily erase and write a new name as students move in and out and at the end of the year. LOVE IT.
While I was ordering, I also purchased Really Good Stuff’s Universal Bin Label Holders for my book library totes. Have you seen these things?
I had to have them. I have tried velcroing on labels and those adhesive labels, but these little treasures go on ANY tote or container and all you have to do is make the label.
Yes, they do come with a little label for you to write on but I went ahead and made up my own that were . . . a better fit for me and that works perfectly in the holder.
What do you think? I think I’m getting a bit ahead of myself but I wanted to get my library going and couldn’t wait to share these with you. If you’d like them, please feel free to download a copy. All I ask is that you please consider following my blog and they are yours.
You’ll notice on MY picture I have a little number in the corner. This is how I will label my books so that the kiddos know which book goes in which bin. If the book has a little sticker on the back with a number 1, they don’t have to remember if it’s an animal book or a reptile book or whatever, all they need to do is find book bin 1 and put it back in there. The picture labels are just a way to make ‘shopping’ for books easier for them. Also, just as a note: there are some labels with names of book characters such as Clifford or Franklin that have only the label written but not picture attached. I can’t place the picture on the label without getting into copyright trouble. So they are there for you if you want to cut and paste your own picture to them or leave them blank. It’s up to you.
I have also included labels for your leveled reader book bins as well. I’ll be using them the same way as I do with my other books but for leveled readers there will be a letter on the back of the book for easy referencing as to where the book should be placed.
5. Calm Signals and check in procedures (Do you already have a signal? How will you handle check ins?)
Admittedly, this is tough for me. I am not a ‘calm signal’ kind of girl. I’m a classity-class kind of girl. I like whole brain teaching class management because I know that my students have to respond to me when I say ‘class-class.’ I am willing to give a calm signal a try. This is what I’m contemplating. Have you seen these? Let me know if you have one and you like it. I’m still trying to find something that ‘fits’ me and my teaching style.
6. Using the correct model/incorrect model approach for demonstrating appropriate behaviors. (Will you keep track of inappropriate behaviors? If they are not doing what is expected, then they are calling out for attention…what other ways can you give them some extra attention so that they can be more independent during D5?)
Hmmm…I hate feeding into negative behavior. I do like how the ‘sisters’ have the students who are having the most ‘trouble’ with appropriate behavior, demonstrate the ‘right’ way to behave. I also believe that there will be some students that may just need to be given special ‘tools’ to keep them on track. That may mean being assigned a specific spot to work in or a specific partner. I’m sure it’s going to be a work in progress. I’m anxious to hear whatever one else is going to do for sure.
Well, that’s it for me for this week’s reflection. I’m anxious to hear from you all and remember to ‘follow’ me if you aren’t already so you can get all my latest freebies first.
Also, if you’re a blogger, link up to my bloggy pal Tammy’s Kindergarten Daily 5 Chaper 3 post by clicking below:
Keep reading!
Last year when I introduced Read to self to my students, I had only 2 students who really struggled with reading to self. I put one at an assigned spot and they did a lot better. Thanks for sharing all these ideas and reflections.
Ms. Kerri and her Krazy Kindergarten
I like the idea of assigned spot for those students who need a bit more structure Kerri.
Marsha
I LOVE the container store! I am with you on investing on quality products that last 🙂 Love it!! I gave you the One Lovely Blog Award! Head over to my blog to get it!
~Ashley~
http://www.teacherstreasurechest.blogspot.com
Thanks Ashley. I’m kind of a stalker of the container store. Love it.
Marsha
Thanks so much for your input and the labels! I do have the chimes as pictured and I like them a lot. The only thing is that you need to use them for specific things such as time to rotate stations etc. It can be inconvenient to always have to ‘go to the chime’ if needed. With WBT, you always have your voice with you wherever you are in the room- lol.
Ooooo I don’t know . . . I can’t keep track of my keys or my phone . . . I wonder if I won’t misplace that little wand. I’m still deciding. Thanks for your input.
Marsha
Love, love, love the numbers corresponding to the books. I will have to try that. Thanks for such a great idea!
Robin, your library will run itself once you go to that. It will take some time getting them all organized and getting the stickers on the books but it is so worth it. I was ready to pull my hair out because I had books everywhere before I went to that method.
I think your right about the books taking care of themselves.
Marsha
I absolutely LOVE my Music Wand! We just have to chime and the kids know what to do (come to the gathering area). It puts the responsiblity of clean-up & coming together in their hands instead of us being the ones to always “command” them to come together. ~Tracy
I have the No Yell Bell but I am thinking that I may need to get a couple of these wants. I think I would like them better.
This is great. I was looking for a way to set up my library. I don’t like how I have it now. But some of the pictures are missing. Do you know if there is something I need to do to fix that? Thanks!
-Stephanie
No, there are a handful of labels that have only a written label and not a picture due to copyright laws. I am not able to place a picture of Clifford on the book label or Franklin on his book label. However, if you decide to cut and paste the picture to the label before laminating and displaying, then you can. I contemplated removing them all together but figured I’d throw them in there for those that might want to do their own ‘clipart’ magic on them.
Marsha
Ok Thank you! Just wanted to make sure I wasn’t missing something! I’m glad you didn’t take them out. Thanks! 🙂
I have been doing some thinking on calling my carpet area something. Last year it was just “the carpet”. And I think everyone in my school might call it that, actually. But I sort of like the idea of renaming it. I’m trying to go theme-y next year, working on something with moose and cupcakes- so I was thinking about maybe calling the carpet area “The Kitchen”. After all, it’s the heart of the home, and I can go cutsey with “Let’s Cook Up Something Good” with the different lessons, or say “What’s Cookin’ Cupcake?” whenever I please, or call my kids Apprentice Bakers. If I do thinking caps next year I could do chef hats. But maybe that’s overboard…theme teaching is new territory for me, so I don’t know. Could my personality even handle the sugar shock? Hermmmmmm…
And as for a silent signal- I used a cheap windchime I found at a pharmacy. The sound was pleasant enough, and the kids came to understand that if they heard it, they would find me standing on the carpet ready to speak to the whole group. During meeting times when the kids were at their centers, I had a desk service bell that I would only chime once if there was a need to adjust the volume. I didn’t have to say anything to anybody- just one tap and they all got a level quieter. Those wands look interesting though, I’ll have to check them out.
http://themeekmoose.blogspot.com
Wow! Sounds like a very cute theme with lots to work from. I say go for it. If you don’t like it you can change it next year.
Marsha
Thank you for this great post! I am reading my book and following the discussion and it is awesome! Thank you for your labels. I love the colorful border! I am setting up my kindergarten library this summer. I have only sorted them in bins like this in first grade, but I a going for it this time. Thank you for your help and your book boxes are great!
Cindy, you always have the nicest things to say which means alot coming from you. You are such a great teacher. It’s like giving me an A for the day. Thanks.
Marsha
I love the labels. However, I noticed on page 3 that the picture with 123 has the word “Farm” under it. Thanks for your hard work!
Jen
jenerator_8@frontiernet.net
Yikes! Ok everyone there is an error I need to fix on one of labels bit I’m not near a computer until later this evening. Please wait to download them til then. I’m sorry! I actually lost this entire file at about midnight the other nite and ended up staying up until 230am remaking them. That will teach to stay up past my bedtime. Again, sorry for the inconvenience. As I always yell my students, teachers make mistAkes too. . . Everyday!
Marsha
A Differentiated Kindergarten
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Stop Watch! I am SO doing that! :o) I too just bought some book bins (I got went with Really Good Stuff) and I am making myself some labels for those and my library book baskets. I organize my library in the same way with the coordnating numbers. The first year I did that I thought I had died and gone to Heaven! The library seemed to take care of itself. I also have a basket where kids can put books if they run out of time and don’t get to put their books away or if the book is missing a number. That way books don’t just get shoved in the first place they see.
Ooooo I love the idea of a running out of time basket. I’m might have to make a label for that one.
What do ya think?
Marsha
This is amazing! I am new to KG (taught Grade 5/6 this year)and was thinking of implementing Daily 5 in my classroom, but was not sure about it! Thanks for all these great ideas!!!
You’re very welcome. Keep stopping by and make sure you follow my blog so you can get all my freebies as soon as they’re out.
Marsha
I implemented Daily 5 last year as a first year kindergarten teacher. Loved it! I use Really Good Stuff book boxes though I had to start off with cardboard ones from Ikea until I had the money–so glad when they arrived! I recommend deciding a “home base” for your book boxes during mini-lessons. I used wind chimes to signal, and this meant for the students to put items away and take the book box to their desk and come meet on the carpet–“gathering spot”. When we were done with our final round, I would ring chimes and tell them to put their book boxes back on the shelf.
As far as stamina, I love the stop watch! I am going to combine this with my use of unifix cubes. When you are practicing stamina, the unifix cubes work as a quick visual for the students to see how they are doing by comparing several practice sessions side by side. I will use the stopwatch to record our longest time. I did rounded up/down the minutes. I think that is close enough for kinders.
My library is by topic and numbered. I was able to assign a student the job of putting books away in the afternoon, outside of our reading block. Worked perfectly! I need to start a blog…my replies are just too long. lol
Thanks for sharing all your ideas April. You obviously know what your’re doing when it comes to Daily 5. It’s nice to have som veterans chime in. Thanks a ton.
Marsha
Ok, new version (corrected this time-I hope) is up for the labels. Thanks for your patience guys.
Marsha
I LOVE the reading stamina idea!!! BTW, head on over to my blog and check it out. Make sure you join because I’m doing a giveaway in the next 24 hours!!!
Thanks Kate, I’ll check it out.
Marsha
I have the Really Good Stuff catalog in my bag w/those labels marked and I’ve been debating whether or not I should order them….well you just made my decision so easy and made my day!!!! thanks so much!!
I love them Kathy. I can put them on anything!
Marsha
Thanks for the great ideas! I love the clothes pins HOT GLUED to the wall andthe numbers on the books. I have my books sorted by theme and wanted to print matching labels for them, but it was costing a small fortune for labels and INK!!
I also have the wand and when I ring it my kids say “Hocus Pocus Time to Focus”and get to where they need to be!
Tammy
The Resourceful Apple
I love the ‘hocus pocus’ saying Tammy. I might just have to ‘borrow’ that one.
Marsha
I love the idea of the music wand, where did you get them from?
Angela
The Daily Alphabet
If you click on the picture it will take you to the link Angela.
Marsha
Your blog is amazing. I teach 3rd grade and I wish you taught 3rd so I could get some amazing differentiated ideas from you. I really like the way you break down your activities for Math. That’s going to be my goal this year: try and differentiate more. Thanks for inspiring me. 🙂
Amy, think of how much easier it will be to differentiate in 3rd grade though. At least (ideally anyway) your students can read simple instructions. That would be great! You can do it. Take baby steps and write if you need some help.
Marsha
Hi Marsha,
I’m your newest follower! I am so excited to see your fantastic ideas! I do something similar with my guided reading books. I use books from http://www.readingatoz.com. Thankfully, the books have the letters on them already. That’s one of the first mini-lessons of the year. I will definitely switch to using the numbers for the rest of my theme books. Every year at the end of the year, it’s hard to find the appropriate home for all of the books. They are so messy!
Also, I LOVE the idea of an “Out of time” basket!
Maureen
http://kdg-frogs.blogspot.com
Hi Marsha,
Although I have been teaching for 20 years, I am new to the ‘blog world’. I LOVE how it is connecting teachers all over the world to share ideas, tips etc. How awesome is that?! I think it is time for me to reorganize my thousands of books for my classroom library and your post has given me many things to consider. THANK YOU!!
Fabulous post Marsha and I love the idea of posting anchor charts, keeping them there. After awhile take pictures and turn them into a reference book…good idea!
jeannie
Kindergarten Lifestyle
I am very interested in the universal clips, I already have the book bins from Really Good Stuff and LOVE them. My book bin labels are always falling off. I may have to try those!
LOVE your stamina clock! Great post! 🙂
Mary
Mrs. Lirette’s Learning Detectives
I’m glad I popped over. The stamina stopwatch is awesome. I’m your newest follower. Please check out my blog if you get a chance. Calling Plays in 2nd Grade.
Shanell
I love your book labels…exactly what I’ve been looking for! I’m your newest follower 🙂
http://www.notjustanyteacher.blogspot.com
I’m back-tracking now reading all of your posts on Daily 5 since I am planning on implementing it this year in my class. I am learning a ton, thank you!! I love these books labels-they are perfect because I just ordered really good stuff’s book bins for my library. I was wondering if there would be any way for you to upload an editable label, so that I could add some of my favorite authors? I would appreciate the help, but I know you’re a busy lady! Again, thanks so much for all of the work you do- reading your blog this summer is helping me to make better sense of how to run my first classroom 🙂
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