I have 22 students with a different level of "high" reading ability. The first day we discussed the idea of literature groups and decorated name tags. I have taped the name tags to desks, so i can flip them down when my homeroom class comes back. Second day we read a story called "The Everyone Club." We discussed different clubs and related it to our reading club. We also voted on a mascot...they chose a shark.
I am worried about the transitions moving to and from classes. The kids are so loud and excited that they are distracted for at least 15 minutes afterward. Also, the timing between teachers is causing interruptions and even more distractions. How can we help timing and transitions?
2 comments:
Hi Pamela,
I don't know if you will be open to this idea or think it too far out of the box, but have you thought of how to "surprise" them into being engaged as they walk in? I was thinking of you being dressed as a character in a story they all just read or one you are about to read. You could spend a couple minutes talking as that character, either leading them to guess who you are or (with your character's name on the board) asking if they have any questions for you. Another day you could have a few props out of a story with which they are familiar and ask which character(s) used them, what they did, etc. These question/answer periods would need to be on an easy level if you want to limit the amount of time it takes (to get them more quickly on task of actual reading). (Check out what Tom Barrett did with this. http://tbarrett.edublogs.org/2008/09/18/
finding-their-voice/
Have you talked to your librarian and asked if they have any ideas? They have students come to them for a short time, where they have to get them on task quickly. Our local librarian used to be a kindergarten teacher and she seems to have dozens of tunes with associated hand movements that start fun and end calmly with an "and sit down to listen" or "put your hands in your lap," etc.
You could even try a few simple stretches, ending with one in their seats (ready to read).
I'm just thinking they might get on task more quickly if you start an activity where they are (physically moving) that takes them where you want them (sitting and reading).
Chastity
I think it is very refreshing to hear about ideas from teachers that teach younger students. I think as teachers get to the high school level and believe that students do not need that excitement in their learning.
Post a Comment