Good morning everyone!
I just wanted to share a few pictures of Read to Self in my classroom. We have made it up to 35 minutes stamina - they might be able to go longer than that, but we always have more stuff to accomplish and have to move on.
You probably notice that all the pictures are dark - well, for Read to Self we keep the lights off. After lunch we come in, have about 10-15 minutes of a read-aloud (at the moment we are reading Beezus and Ramona), they grab books from their book boxes, and find a spot to sit, lay, or rock. Some kids like to sit at their desks, but most of them love to relax and read. Hey - they are reading, that's what counts!
Here's another view of my classroom during this time. We use carpet squares, t-shirt pillows, sweatshirt jackets (yes, they bring sweatshirts because our room is either freezing cold or really stuffy warm), or their backpacks to get comfortable. I let them head to the computers to take AR tests during these moments too.
Just this past week I showed them how to turn their chair upside down to make it a recliner (Thanks Pinterest!), and they really loved that idea. Now it's a little more crazy trying to walk around to get to the kids to conference with them, but it's still manageable. Maybe it's because it is a hassle to walk around that they really stay in one spot and focus more? Either way, I'm loving it!
What does your classroom look like at Read to Self time?
I'm linking up with Amanda at Teaching Maddeness
for her Friday Flashback Linky - maybe you would want to spice up
Read to Self time as well - add more ways for students to relax and read.
The giveaway ends at midnight tonight! Tomorrow it will be time to announce the winner - if it's you do you know what you want? $10 Teachers Pay Teachers or Teacher's Notebook gift card?
Have a great day!
It really looks like your students are all engaged with their reading. I saw the chair trick on Pinerest as well. I teach first grade so I'm a little hesitant right now to teach them this. Maybe a little later!
ReplyDeleteKaren
An Apple a Day in First Grade
They love to read. I agree about 1st grade though - it might be a little young to flip over a chair without injuries.
DeleteHey Emily, love the blog. I am your most recent follower. Looks like your kiddos are enjoying their reading time! I will have to try the "reclining" chair trick. My third and fourth graders will probably love it!
ReplyDeletecindi
Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteGreat pics!! My room looks very similar to yours during read to self. Students are allowed to sit or lay anywhere in the room as long as they are focused. I like the chair idea, but my room is not carpeted so I'm not sure how it will work. Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteKatrina
Teacherofscholars.blogspot.com
P.S. I'm always looking for new upper grade blogs so I'm a new follower.
Thanks for following me!
DeleteThanks so much for linking up Emily! SSR is one of my favorite times of the day! I also let my students get "cozy" to read...I have enough cozy reading areas for everyone. I've never seen the reclining chair trick, but I LOVE it! Your students are definitely engaged!
ReplyDeleteAmanda
Teaching Maddeness
It's one of the few times in the day that they really can all be quiet at the same time. :) A work in progress to be sure.
Delete