Monday, October 26, 2015

5 Finger Reading Rule with First Grade

This week, first graders are learning all about the 5 finger reading rule. It came from the book Goldie Socks and the Three Libearians. (Image from demco.com)

 
Some books are too hard, some are too easy, and some are just right! We can tell this by using the 5 finger rule. We choose a book, turn to a page inside, and read it. If we don't know a word, we put up one finger. If we get to 5 tricky words, it's too hard. If we don't get any, it's too easy. If we get 1, 2, 3, or 4 it's a just right book. During library, sometimes we choose books that are too hard but we ask for help when we get home!






Keep on reading, first graders!

Resetting Expectations

This week, we are taking some time after the Book Fair to reset the rules and expectations in library. Each student had the opportunity to add a sticky note answer to each question:
  • What are the expectations in library time?
  • What do you need to do to be successful in library?
  • What can Mrs. Coopman do to help you be successful?
  • What would/should happen if we don't follow the expectations?
  • The library is important because...
Then students got in groups, sorted the sticky notes into groups that made sense and summarized the answers for us. It helped reset the expectations during library time in order to use the 30 minutes the best we can!


In addition, I made a readers' interest survey to help students find books! I wish I knew how to attach it :)

Friday, October 23, 2015

Makerspace Round 2!

We had another BUSY Makerspace today! 4th graders signed in, so there were 31 during the first recess and I didn't even keep count during the second recess for 5th/6th graders. We had more duct tape projects...
 Knex building..
 Painting (which got a bit messy and I may rethink this!)...
 Crafts....
 And even some quilting!
Next week we will be having our costume parade at that time so we won't be open but November looks like some fun! We plan to do a little more structured duct tape projects with pens and pencils if students are interested. They seem to enjoy the freedom of choice so far!

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Kindergarten is Going on a Book Hunt!

Kindergarteners listened to the story We are Going on a Book Hunt (from demco.com) and did some actions!
 
It involves passing by books that are too easy, too hard, and finding a JUST RIGHT book for us. In Kindergarten sometimes that means finding something we really like to read and having someone to read it to us, or we can "read" the pictures of the story. Click below to see one of our Kinder classes doing the Book Hunt actions!

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Do you know what next week is?!


BOOK FAIR!

Next week our school will be hosting a Scholastic Book Fair! The cases were delivered today and will be set up by our fabulous PTO volunteers tomorrow. Feel free to shop online from October 1-20. 







Monday, October 5, 2015

Our First Makerspace

Our first Makerspace meeting was a success! A Makerspace is a place where students can create and follow their interests. Some include technical things such as coding and circuits and more. Others can involve tools and building. Ours is more of a craft and creation Makerspace. I have some acquired and donated items, such as knex, legos, playdoh, beads, pipe cleaners, duct tape, paint samples, yarn, and more for students to create with. We have 2 rules in our Makerspace: Use only what you need and Clean up. We had a successful first Makerspace meeting on Friday with many attendees during their afternoon recess.


Choosing materials: 
                                     
Painting and duct tape projects:
 Knex and building:
 Jewelry creation:
 Making weights with building materials and playdoh:
 Making bracelets with beads and pipe cleaners:

Unfortunately the Makerspace will be closed for the next 2 Fridays as we have book fair set up and tear down, but we will resume on October 23. Students in grades 4-6 are welcome to come at their afternoon recess and be creative!