When you walk into Leslie’s classroom, you know that the classroom is set up for gorgeous learning! She shared some of the small things that make a big difference, that allow the teacher to focus on the children because everything is organized, and enable the children to be independent in a caring space alive with learning sparks.
In grade one, of course, lots and lots of reading is paramount. Leslie’s home reading program has children able to quickly and independently choose “just right books” and take them home in their book bag each week.
They can also take home a “theme bag” of books every two weeks on topics that excite them.
And they also have their reading workshop books (the groups and bins organized and ready for the parent volunteers).
The bell rang before I’d even finished dashing around the classroom trying to soak up everything! The students clearly knew the routine, taking off boots and coats, putting books in place, checking the agenda (I love the visual dayplan!) and sitting at their desks with their Bee Books open.
In a room full of favourite things, the BEE book, I think, is my favourite: Bring Everything Everyday. Students take the BEE book home nightly and return it each morning. In it is their sharing book, a zippered bag for forms and money, planner sheets, newsletters and a word work pouch. While the students listened to the announcements, Leslie checked their planners and then, announcements done, students put the BEE books in a bin and sat at the carpet. Another favourite thing: using male Velcro, she wrote each child’s name so they know where they should sit at the carpet.
After a few minutes of welcome and questions with thumbs up/thumbs down answering about their Halloween evening (they were amazingly quiet and respectful despite a no doubt sugary and late evening), they organized into reading groups. One of the groups was an independent group and they quickly (and very happily) recited all the things they could do for their workshop – reading on their own, reading together - what they could read (so many options!) - where they could read – at the carpet and on the soft couch! Two girls immediately began reading a classroom poem from a chart stand – complete with actions.
Another meeting to attend and a reluctant goodbye. Of course, no one noticed me leave. Everyone was so thoroughly engaged and the quiet hum of reading and thinking and learning played back to me like music all day. Another gorgeous teaching and learning environment in our neighbourhood.
In grade one, of course, lots and lots of reading is paramount. Leslie’s home reading program has children able to quickly and independently choose “just right books” and take them home in their book bag each week.
They can also take home a “theme bag” of books every two weeks on topics that excite them.
And they also have their reading workshop books (the groups and bins organized and ready for the parent volunteers).
The bell rang before I’d even finished dashing around the classroom trying to soak up everything! The students clearly knew the routine, taking off boots and coats, putting books in place, checking the agenda (I love the visual dayplan!) and sitting at their desks with their Bee Books open.
In a room full of favourite things, the BEE book, I think, is my favourite: Bring Everything Everyday. Students take the BEE book home nightly and return it each morning. In it is their sharing book, a zippered bag for forms and money, planner sheets, newsletters and a word work pouch. While the students listened to the announcements, Leslie checked their planners and then, announcements done, students put the BEE books in a bin and sat at the carpet. Another favourite thing: using male Velcro, she wrote each child’s name so they know where they should sit at the carpet.
After a few minutes of welcome and questions with thumbs up/thumbs down answering about their Halloween evening (they were amazingly quiet and respectful despite a no doubt sugary and late evening), they organized into reading groups. One of the groups was an independent group and they quickly (and very happily) recited all the things they could do for their workshop – reading on their own, reading together - what they could read (so many options!) - where they could read – at the carpet and on the soft couch! Two girls immediately began reading a classroom poem from a chart stand – complete with actions.
Another meeting to attend and a reluctant goodbye. Of course, no one noticed me leave. Everyone was so thoroughly engaged and the quiet hum of reading and thinking and learning played back to me like music all day. Another gorgeous teaching and learning environment in our neighbourhood.
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