Continuing Word Work in 2014

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 I found myself opening notes on my iPhone constantly the past week as I tried to take a little break. I would jot down a thought or a new idea as I watched holiday movies.  How many times have I watched Elf and never thought about a writer's notebook until this year? Watching Walter struggle for ideas for the next BIG book and finally his partners pulled out their notebook full of ideas. The conversation continued about the importance of word choice in describing broccoli as the main character in their next BIG story. I was thinking that would be a perfect clip to share in our writing circle the first full week.

I have been thinking about how to continue to build enthusiasm for word work. Most of my students have started word notebooks first trimester, and I want their thinking about words to continue to grow. But I need them to transfer the word word collecting into word work writing. I rearranged my word work area before holiday break. My goal is to continue to make word work an integral part of our classroom but more interactive. I am going to use the dry erase board for students to collect but more importantly add words to it from their JR books.  Collecting words, copying sentences from their books and encouraging an interactive place for word work.

My other focus will continue to be "playing with words."  Yesterday, I went to my favorite bookstore, Fundamentals, and purchased 3 new word games. I automatically started thinking it would be fun the first week back to play a new word game during the first 10 minutes of word study.  My students haven't been playing the word games (pictured above) very much, and i think we will spend some time exploring the old and new games. Just perhaps they might become popular during indoor recess in the upcoming months.

Parts of Speech About the Rules?

Common Core has parts of speech woven into Language Standards grades K-5.  My concern is always the same every year. How do I transfer the knowledge of parts of speech to my students' writing?  Every student can tell me a noun is a person, place or thing. There are singular and plural etc. Basically stating the rules, but the most importantly is the transfer to student writing. I have shifted my focus of parts of speech instruction this year, I did not spend time reviewing “rules” but we jumped into parts of speech through our read aloud:  Big Words for Little People.   First we brainstormed what they already knew about parts of speech. As you can see from the picture, the students knew several important characteristics. As I read the story, I asked the students to record new words or exciting words. Finally the students created advertisements for their word using the brainstorm list which you can see around the anchor poster.  

Lastly the transfer came to their own writing, the students collected 5 words from the word wall and wrote them in their writer's notebook.  I asked them to use those five words in their first graded writing assignment of the year. Making the connections between word study, reading and writing.  Several students used all five words; however, some of the students needed to change their list of five by referring back to the word wall.  What an important lesson to remember as a writer. It's so much better than focusing on just the rules after all it's about the writing. 
 

Sharing writer's notebook favorite spot in front of Xander our gecko.

Out of the Mouth of 5th Graders

We just completed our first full month of individual reading goals. As I read their reflections, I just stopped and started copying their thoughts onto my iPad.  These ideas are the #1 reason I continue to teach with workshop and allow students to choose their own reading goals. I am so proud of every student for their growth and perspective. 

I've been expanding my vocabulary with my word notebook, and it’s helped me to understand the book more.

I can read simple text very fluently. 

I am choosing JR books better and previewing now. 

I have improved a lot and even reading more genres. 

Status makes me more organized and has helped me push my reading.  

I am very focused in my book and I did not like reading before 5th grade.  Goals have helped me stay and enjoy in Newbery Club. 

When I got my word notebook, I collected 5 words and I used them in my narrative. I used all 5 words in one day in my writing. Instead of playing video games at home I am reading my book. (love this one)

I've started to read other genres, which I have not tried, and now I am reading nonfiction. 

I have read so much more than in 4th grade.  

I have kept up with hard, high reading levels in Newbery Club.

I have already achieved more goals this year than 4th grade. (it's only Nov. 1)

I now know because of my word notebook that vocabulary, reading, and writing are all connected.  PRICELESS! 

OLW: October Gratitude

Yesterday was one of those special days.  It started at 8:00 AM, fifty minutes before students typically arrive at school. Bill (librarian), Margaret (kindergarten teacher) and I met with Newbery Club. This year we have 17 students who are all reading at least 2 books for each club meeting. Today the top winners included:  Counting by 7’s, Center of Everything, The Mouse with a Question Mark Tail.  The conversation began with how all of these stories were very confusing and several students struggled when they started these books. After listening, the three of us supported them by explaining that higher-level text can flow back and forth with setting, flashbacks for characters and the importance of tracking their reading. By the end of club, the conversation shifted and students were using stronger examples from the text.  You can’t begin to appreciate a group of boys and girls who love to read and more importantly enjoy having a conversation with their peers and teachers. Off we sent them with their new list for the next two weeks. Of course, I had already had a three of the books on the next list to book talk.

Excited to see so many ideas for exploring vocabulary. Love the illustrations

Later in the day, when I was tired and feeling frustrated, two students asked if they could talk to me.  I asked them to join me at the round table for a conversation and they arrived with a smile. When they sat down, they wanted to tell me how much they love their word notebook.  Both students have never collected vocabulary words, and they just wanted to thank me for having a basket of fun word notebooks to choose from and more importantly for encouraging them to start their own word notebook. By the way, these two special memories were not in my lesson plans for yesterday.

Set up to support Newbery Club and reading Navigating Early