The strategy that our workshop is based on is clusters, which is a web-like diagram that can be used to brainstorm and organize ideas. This strategy is great for grades ranging from 3 to 12, as it can be adjusted for different learning levels. There are two types of clusters, organized and unorganized. Organized clusters contain a few big ideas branching off of a main idea that is in the center, with more information branching off of those big ideas. An unorganized cluster involves a main idea in the center with numerous ideas branching off of the main idea. These clusters can be used individually, in groups, or as a whole class and are an effective strategy because they help students visualize their ideas in a fun, engaging way. This strategy also allows students to practice their vocabulary, writing, and thinking skills. In order to find out how to implement this strategy in your own classroom, watch our engaging and informative video!
ALPHABET BOOKS!
Words are structured by letters like how teaching lessons are structured by the basics, as the basics are what make up everything we learn. With that being said, wouldn’t it be easy to wrap up that thematic unit with something simple as just using the basics? That’s where Alphabet Books come into play. The Alphabet Book strategy is as simple as getting your students to choose a letter and make a connection to the theme with a word that starts with that letter. This activity gets the brain thinking and making connections by expanding their vocabulary and using their writing skills and more. It is great for students grades 3-8 and has so many options for ways to teach it. This strategy is a project that uses a collection of words and pictures representing each letter; this can then be made simple for a younger grade like using small phrases to explain the words, or can be more complex for older grades and challenge students to expand their vocabulary and write dense sentences and/ or paragraphs to explain their thought process. Overall it gives students multiple, meaningful experiences with the topic words that are used to make this alphabet book. If this is something that interests you, it is suggested to take a look at this video as it explains all that the alphabet books has to offer and more about when and where to use them!
Double-Entry Journals
Are you a new teacher? If you are, here is an excellent reading strategy that you will want to put in your toolbox! Double-entry journals give students a way to interact personally with the text, by reflecting on and writing about their understanding of the material they are reading. Students can use the text to form an opinion and then use pieces of text to support their opinions. By writing about what they are thinking, students show their thinking process as they read, allowing teachers to redirect or encourage students to be more effective readers. If you are struggling with monitoring students’ thinking and reading process and want to give students the opportunity to express their thoughts and become actively involved with the material they read, I encourage you to watch the demonstration video to have a clear idea of how you could implement this strategy in your future classroom!
Make Great Readers by Making Words!
The making words strategy allows for teachers to introduce a group of words in order for students to be able to recognize other words that use those same phonological sounds. This learning strategy teaches students about word and sound patterns to therefore make and connect words. Because this is a hands-on strategy, it allows the teacher to see if the students are identifying and understanding different phonological patterns.
Reading Logs For All!
Reading logs are a great way for students to think about the books that they are reading. Students are able to treat a reading log like a journal, where they write their reactions and opinions about the books they are reading or listening to. Reading logs also act as a great guide for teachers and parents to track their child’s reading and to see what reading level they sit at. The options of reading logs are endless! Teachers can create reading logs in a variety of ways to help their students gain better reading comprehension and understanding of what they are reading. For example, they can illustrate pictures, write favourite quotes, or talk about the plot. Reading logs give students the opportunity to be creative and explore their understanding of text and writing fluency. Reading logs can also come with some great incentives! Pairing reading with rewards in the classroom or at home can encourage longer periods of reading. By practicing reading at home, students can continue their reading practice which will make them more confident readers and writers in the future. Reading logs can be used for all ages of students, as well as being modified depending on the age and reading level of the students. Finally, there are many new reading log materials and strategies out there that can be introduced in the classroom to promote long term reading and having students meet their reading goals! Here is our video link. Enjoy!
Wild and Wacky Word Sorts
Word Sorts is an effective strategy that is fun for students, fun for the teacher and can be a collaborative small group activity! This versatile strategy helps students decompose words to better learn phonemic awareness, vocabulary, spelling, and pattern recognition. Students group words based on their similarities to other words, and there are many ways you as the teacher can differentiate this activity for your students. Come watch the video to learn more about how you can implement this activity in your classroom, in only 5 easy steps!
Word Ladders
Have you ever heard of Alice in Wonderland? Well the author – Lewis Carroll – actually developed this reading strategy! Mr. Carroll was a master of word play, twisting and turning words and meanings to tell stories, but with this strategy, he gave us a peak behind the curtain and left a trail for us to follow. Join us on our little rabbit trail as we hop along each step of the word ladder!