A major part of my Language Arts program is based on Joan Moser and Gail Boushey’s Daily 5. This is a literacy program that is structured in a way that will help students develop the daily habits of reading, writing, and working with peers that leads to independent literacy. The five parts of the program and reasons for doing them (or “urgencies”) are :
1. Read to Self: The best way to become a better reader is to practice each day with “Good Fit” books that you have selected yourself. It’s Fun!
2. Work on Writing: Just like reading, the best way to become a better writer is to write each day. It’s Fun! For my Work on Writing component, we make books in Story Workshop. We find stories in art and loose parts, and collaborate to edit our stories.
3. Read to Someone: Partner reading provides opportunities to practice strategies, improve fluency, check for understanding, and hear your own voice while sharing in the learning community.
4. Word Work: Expanded vocabulary leads to greater fluency in reading, therefore increasing comprehension. Becoming more proficient as a speller leads to writing fluency and the ability to get your ideas down on paper. We use the Words Their Way program to help us expand our vocabulary.
5. Listen to Reading: Just hearing fluent and expressive reading of good literature expands your vocabulary, helps build your stamina, and will make you a better reader.
Please click on The Daily 5 for more information.
