This quote has given me a lot to think about over the years, as I work to rid my classroom of stuff. Hence, I have used The Daily 5 for about five years. (maybe more). What I love the most about this practice is it is one of the most authentic practices in my classroom. In our class, we tease about the ten ways to become a better reader, and we put up each finger one by one as we say, "read, read, read..." The kids laugh each and every time we chant this. If I say I value reading, and we don't practice authentic reading and only do worksheets, kids don't get to value reading either. I have to give them plenty of time to practice...but I also have to give them plenty of time to succeed so they fall in love with the magic of reading.
The most important part about the book is that these ladies help you map out how to introduce each section of the Daily 5, play by play: Read to Self, Read to a Buddy, Work on Writing, Word Work and Listening. Each of these processes enhances reading and writing in a big way. I recommend that you take their advice and do this process slowly. If you rush to implement a strategy too quickly, the kids may practice it wrong, and you either lose value of this precious reading time or stamina.
Another reason I am a fan of the Daily 5, is that it provides me time to work with kids. In conjunction with The Café, another book written by the sisters, students are actively engaged in what good readers do to improve their own comprehension and accuracy. But that is another topic I will take up at another time.
Recently I had someone ask me how I set up book boxes for independent reading. Here's what I do. I teach the kids how to find a good fit book (also in the Daily 5 book.) The Sisters have a perfect lesson about that using shoes that fit perfectly. You should check it out! Then, I find 10-15 books at that child's level. In addition, I add Weekly Readers, and other level appropriate magazines, and guided reading books we have covered that week. Their box is full...and rarely, does a child have a chance to say I have nothing to read!
This year, I am going to try and introduce readers that are tied to our reading themes and change the books out more often to avoid books becoming stale or engaged readers become engaged chatters. :)
I am sure I will revisit this lovely topic, but I wanted to get the Whys into your hands while you still have some reading time left this summer. It's worth your time, and it actually creates time for the teacher. Let me know what you think!
Have a fabulous weekend,
Marie Wallace
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