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!
