Daily 5 Book Study: Chapter 6

First of all, what a great bunch of information!

Intensive work (and play) in writing and word study also supports reading development (pg. 79 on Kindle version.)

From the book:  Thoughts on Writing


*Writing is always developmentally appropriate because each student is working at the best of his or her ability.


*Model in writing first!  Bring in a strategy and then have students work on their stamina in writing.  Students should be able to write for at least a 30 minute blog of time when stamina is built to its fullest!


*Brainstorm with your students to make a list of behaviors that would be essential for good stamina!  Start with 3 minutes of stamina and then call the group together to talk about what happened within the group.


*Help students find those 'just right' places to sit to do their writing.


From the book:  Thoughts on Word Work


*Work on:  high frequency words, word patterns, vocabulary through unique words.  Remember that Daily 5 doesn't tell you WHAT to teach or HOW to teach it....if it is a framework for the WAY TO PRACTICE the skill or strategy. and USE THE MATERIALS that are provided


*Again, find those 'just right' places to work on around the room.  <Note from Jenn:  I recommend finding different places for each aspect of the Daily 5....don't sit in the same place all the time!! When I did Daily 5 when I taught 4th grade, we mapped out where we were going to sit and I provided that for my substitute.  This past year I had students find their 'just right' place to take tests to reduce cheating and it worked great, too!>


*Brainstorm possible materials to use.


*Brainstorm behaviors that are expected.


*Model how to up materials responsibly


*Have a word study notebook for students to work in so that you can chart new ideas, new concepts, and growth!




I have a lot of fun teaching Word Work so I am going to share as many open ended Working With Words tips and websites as I can think of....here goes!!


1.  Build, Mix, Fix <use magnetic letters>
2.  Syllable Sorters
3.  Word sorts--speed sorts, picture sorts, etc.
4.  Bendaroos/Wikki Sticks
5.  Building Blocks
6.  Activity Cards
7.  puzzlemaker.com
8.  Paper chains <write a spelling word on each link>
9.  Adding machine tape....how many words can you write...who has the longest spelling tape?
10.  The word ___________ reminds me of ________ because...
11.  Make your own matching game
12.  Foam letters
13.  Find-a-word  <use books to find spelling words like in a word hunt>
14.  Playdoh
15.  Stencils
16.  Ransom <cut out magazine letters to  make the words>
17.  Hangman
18.  Wheel of Fortune
19.  Word Plays
20.  Trace magnetic letters and decorate a word poster

Hope this helps!