We’ve been doing stations this year using the Daily Five as well as our EPearl and Abra software. I took a short video the other day to show you how engaged the students are in what they are working on. Generally, we do Read to Self, Listen to Reading, Work on Writing, an Epearl station (digital portfolio) and ABRA , (which could be a Work on Words station). The first part of the video is just using the Daily Five and the last part of the video shows us using an ABRA and an ePearl station.
You are invited into our classroom to watch us work. It’s interesting though because just like you like your home to look nice and tidy when you have invited guests I feel a bit embarrassed as I’m not sure our classroom looks as tidy as it should. Between you and me that is an ongoing goal of mine – to have a neat and organized classroom.
I have been worried that doing stations like this would be too hectic and noisy but instead it is becoming the best part of the day. As well, I think it is a favorite of my students, too. I introduced each part of the Daily Five slowly making a t chart like the the two sisters suggested. We practiced correct and incorrect behaviours. We go over our t charts before we start stations. My hope is that soon I will be able to work with individuals or small groups while the rest of the class is independent and working quietly on their stations.
I used these two books to help me get started by Gail Boushey and Joan Moser “the sisters”.
Always remember learning is a messy activity!
Having said that you already have a highly organised and creative work area. This is a lovely post that I shared with Mrs E http://www.middlehampri1.posterous.com
We both feel that we belong to a digital staffroom, with some fabulous colleagues. If you like it and the children like it, you’re up and running. Thank you for sharing your teaching and learning approach on line.
Mr E
Hawes
Dear Mr. E,
It is always so nice to see a comment from you. Thanks for the link to your wife’s blog, too. What year does she teach? Are you at the same school? Thanks so much for your encouraging words.
from,
Mrs. Lynch
Dear Mrs Lynch and students,
I am amazed to see how autonomous all the students are, it has to be great for them, their development and their ability to assimilate new material on their own. As one of these student parent, I can assure you that I am glad that my son has a teacher who is constantly trying to improve her methods, for the student’s benefit.
I would add that the most important resource of our school system, are the teachers ( Do I really have to say that ??? ), they are the one who makes the difference, not that I am trying to say that the parents have no impact and no responsibilities. At a minimum we can give our great teachers the support the deserve. Mrs Lynch, you sure have our full support!
My son really enjoys reading, you sure are part of the equation…
Eric, listening to Tony Bennet Christmas music!
Dear Eric,
I put on some Christmas music after reading your comment. Thanks! I am amazed myself how engaged the students are with their reading and writing during the Daily Five. I definitely agree with the purpose of giving the students the time to read and write during the day to practice their skills. Thanks for all your family support. We are very happy that Leo’s brother is helping us with the food drive.
from,
Mrs. Lynch
Dear Mrs Lynch and children,
Thank you for sharing “A Look into our Classroom” with us all.
I really enjoyed watching and seeing just how far all the children have come with this system you have put into place within your classroom.
I love how the children are reading to one and other while others are hiding in a corner reading to themselves.
Its wonderful to watch the grow and just see how far they have all come. That is all because of you Mrs Lynch. I would have loved having you as my primary school teacher when I was back at school.
From your biggest fan down under,
AA.
Dear aa,
I have missed hearing from you because I haven’t been posting. I made sure I finished this post this weekend so we’d hear from you. So, thanks for your wonderful comment and encouraging words.
I guess Bianca is almost finished her grade three year. I know you are so proud of her and her accomplishments. She has made so many global friends, too. I just preordered Alice Miranda by Jacqueline Harvey. It will come out in March and I can’t wait to read it.
from your good good friend,
Mrs. Lynch
@ Mrs Lynch,
Thank you for writing back to me. Yes Bianca is about to finish grade three soon and school holidays are coming.
I am proud of her but I have to say that I have told her if ever the blog gets to much for her I told her she can stop it but up until now she is still blogging.
However she did inform me about a couple of weeks ago she is going to have a break over Christams as she put it ” her brain is hurting”
I just had to laugh out loud because I really feel she wanted to say that she is just tired.
Now take care and keep warm.
From your pal down under,
AA.
Dear Mrs Lynch,
Sorry I have bot been writing on your blog lately.
So far I am reading a book called Ivy and Bean I think the girl’s in your class might enjoy them. They are American.
I thought one of your student’s was reading a Geronimo Stiltion book.
Sorry I do not know any tips for the Daily five.
From your pal,
Bianca.
Dear Mrs Lynch,
Sorry I have not been writing on your blog lately.
So far I am reading a book called Ivy and Bean I think the girl’s in your class might enjoy them. They are American.
I thought one of your student’s was reading a Geronimo Stiltion book.
Sorry I do not know any tips for the Daily five.
From your pal,
Bianca.
Dear Mrs Lynch and students,
wow!wow!wow!
Me and my wife always wanted to see what it was like a day in class and this blog gives us the oppertunity to see just that.
I think stations are amazing i hear all about them
when talyssa rose comes home.All the students
seem to have lots of fun in your class room,keep up all the amazing work you do with our kids
thank you so very much.
andre and dominique
Dear Andre and Dominique,
It is always wonderful to see you visiting the blog and leaving us a comment. We love all your encouragement and support. Your daughter is an amazing student. I am so lucky to have her in my class.
from,
Mrs. Lynch
It was really interesting to see how your class work independently on their tasks – it seems that your routines are well embedded and I think that building up this independence in learning at an early stage is key to future learning. I am certain that teachers higher up the school will thank you for it in years to come! As for a tidy classroom… my mother has a little embroidered cloth in her kitchen which says ‘A tidy house is a sign of a misspent life’ – I often aspire to have a tidy house and/or classroom but there are more important things – such as the children’s learning, as you demonstrate here.
Dear Mrs. Monaghan,
Thanks so much for visiting our blog and leaving us such a lovely comment. Thanks for your wise words of encouragement, too.
I wonder what grade you teach and where you live.
from,
Mrs. Lynch
Hello again!
I teach Y3/4 (age 7-9) at Middleham School in North Yorkshire, England. We’re pretty close to Hawes (Mr E) and indeed I work alongside Mr E’s wife, who is the Y1/2 teacher.
You can visit our blog at http://middlehampri2.posterous.com
You have some great comments on your post – keep up the good work!
Mrs M