Reading Rotations

Each day I see all my students in small groups for guided reading during reading rotations. Rotations last 15 minutes and they begin after a 10 minute mini lesson which introduces the skill/objective that we are targeting for the day or week during reading instruction. After the mini lesson, rotation 1 begins. The students can refer to the rotation chart if they don't know which station their group is visiting first. 

While the groups are at their stations, I am at the small group table with a about 4-5 students conducting a guided reading group. I prepare books for each group to read. The books are slightly above their independent level. As the students read in a whisper or in their heads, I will listen in and take running records. This will be a time when I can coach individual students or the group on specific skills that can help to push them up as readers. I can also take a running record. 

The other three rotations in my room include seat work, independent reading, and partner work. They require minimal preparation time for me; however, it is critical that the students are held accountable during each rotation. So whatever you assign, make sure that their is some accountability. For example, if they are reading at their seats, they should sticky note key parts or write a response in their journal. 

After 15 minutes, the groups rotate. I have 4 groups in my room. So we are finished after an hour. We come to the front of the room to discuss how we did as readers and debrief as a wrap up. 

Before, During, After Reading

The kids use post it notes to record questions they have about books they read or books I read to them. They post them directly on our cabinets under the correct category: BEFORE, DURING, or AFTER. They really love using the post it notes and the color coding helps with organization. 

Keep Calm and Read On

Here's how I decided to display the reading anchor charts that my class and I have created this year so far. 

Read Aloud Books for the First Week

I like to display the books that I will share during the week as read alouds on a recipe stand. Here are a few of my favorites!

I Can Board

Long ago, we use to post our objectives on the board daily...I'm not really sure who that benefitted.  Maybe it was for the teacher to remember what her goal for the day was or maybe it just looked good in case an administrator came in.  Now we realize it's more important to post "I can" statements for the kids that are at their comprehension level.  So here's my example. 

Rocking Chair Repaint!

What's a classroom without a rocking chair???
Rocking chairs say comfort...sit a while...relax...
I love having a rocking chair in my classroom.  This summer I found a steal at a thrift store! I got this old chair for 30 bucks!

Local thrift store steal! 30 bucks :)

Got this paint mixed at Home Depot...about $15

It needed a fresh coat of paint in a fun kid color.  I picked a mint green color.

 It doesn't show up well in the pictures but it looks great in person. I sanded it down just a little before I painted so that the paint would hold.  Then wiped it down.  Next I painted.  I only did one coat...it was enough for me.  I LOVE it!  And my students will too.

Bookshelf Make-Over

Today I decided to give my two old bookshelves make-overs. After years of use, I figured they deserved it...They are the regular old white shelves you see everywhere.

So I took the shelves and picked out some decorative drawer/shelf liner from the store {I bought mine at Target}. And I measured out enough to cover the back. Then I just covered the back just like I cover drawers in the kitchen! And magic happened! Look at how refreshing it makes my shelves appear!

Then I filled them with books...even better!

Pen and Marker Organizer

Well, if you are like me...you love pens, markers, basically anything that writes! I'm always looking for a way to organize my pens and things!  I ran into this easy to make pen/marker organizer.  Look how precious!

All you need is a cute shoebox, several toilet rolls, and a pair of scissors.

Start by trimming the rolls so that you can't see them when you place them upright in the shoebox.  

Put as many as will fit tightly in the box. If you don't put enough, then the pens will start to fall over. 

 Last, fill your rolls with all of your pens and markers!  Viola! It's a beautiful organizer!

Customized Covered Crates

Since last school year, I have been in love with the covered crates I saw on Pinterest.  I decided I would make my own!  It was actually VERY easy and pretty inexpensive too!
Here's what you need:

• crates ( I bought mine at Target for $3.99) :)
• plywood cut slightly smaller than the opening of each crate (they will cut it for you at Home Depot)
• fabric of your liking
• quilting padding or any other padding you have
• a tough staple gun

Look how precious!  I am going to use them around my small group table.  The kids will sit on them and I can use them for storage as well!  So clever!

First Time Blogger

This is my first time to start a blog of my own. It's really something I've been thinking about trying for a while ever since I started reading other teachers' blogs. I enjoyed them and learned so much from them that I thought I would like to give it a try myself.

A little background about me...I' ve been teaching since 1997 but for the last 4 years I have been out of the classroom working as an ESOL ( English as a Second or Other Language) Instructional Support Specialty Teacher.  This fall, I am taking an adventure back into the CLASSROOM! I am also in grad school getting my master's degree in Library Science. And I'm super excited!

I'm going to teach second graders, but on our campus we will be blocked.  So I will teach the language arts and social studies classes. The campus is opening this fall~ BRAND NEW! Very exciting! As soon as we are allowed to begin moving in, I will share pictures of my classroom~before and after I set it up.  

My goal is to use this blog to share how I implement reading and writing workshop in my class, as well as GLAD (Guided Language Acquisition Design) strategies. I hope you visit often and enjoy! 

Valentina