Under Construction

So my blog is still under construction and I am trying out all the links, buttons and ideas involved. So much it can be overwhelming! Anyway just wanted to post about a few activities this week.

I teach second grade in Hawaii and am very fortunate to work at a terrific school. I use centers for my literacy block and am always looking for new ideas. I just finished reading "The Daily 5" by Gail Boushey & Joan Moser. I actually read it cover to cover in one afternoon. I wish I would have read it before school started! Such great ideas.

I loved the book box idea to help kids stay on task while reading, so I just used ziploc bags that I had to start them off. I chose a few books for each of the kids and then let them choose some to place in their bag. WOW! My kids loved it!! All week they asked if they could get their book bags and read. We made a chart of what Reading to Self looked like and they took complete ownership of it.

Kids that normally wander around were so on task and so proud that they could read what was presented to them.  I love to sew and have decided to make some bags with handles so they can carry them around easily and hang them on their coat hook to save room. As soon as I get them done I will post pics:)

I also came up with a simple design for some Exit Passes this week. I recently attended a literacy training that emphasised students should be writing about everything all day.  It's hard to find the time for it all so I am starting simple. An old idea of what you did in school today to give to your parents or someone at home.    Just click on the picture to download.

Students have to fill out their pass to leave class. I think this is a fun way for students to think about their day and write down their ideas. Hopefully you can use this and find it helpful for your own class.

Well I'm off to figure out how to get my blog out there for everyone to check it out.