Daily Five

You may have heard your child say they are doing "Daily Five" every day while they are in their flexible reading group. You are probably wondering what Daily Five consists of and means. Well, Daily Five is a reading structure to help teach students how to be independent. There are five different choices they have been taught and can make every day. Each choice is an authentic learning experience, and allows them to be responsible for their own learning. While students are making their Daily Five choice, I am either reading with a literature circle group, working with a small group on a certain skill, or reading with individual students. Here is a brief description of the Daily Five choices:

Read to Self:

Students are expected to read independently to themselves for that round of Daily Five (approximatley 25 minutes). They may read books from their book bags (books they are reading daily like chapter books) or books from our classroom library. Students may also choose to read their literature circle book. They will find a quiet spot in the room to curl up with their favorite book. Many of them are reading chapter books, and enjoy reading on in their books each day. Students also practice comprehension, accuracy, and fluency strategies during this time.

                                          Max is practicing "Read to Self" with his chapter book.
Read to Someone:

Students practice reading with a partner. They each take turns reading by reading one page at a time. They keep each other accountable by "checking for understanding" at the end of the page. They ask each other comprehension questions and help their partner to solve unknown words. They really enjoy this Daily Five choice because they are working together with a partner. I have seen lots of reading growth with the kids because they are helping each other to decode the words. Sometimes a peer can help more than a teacher!

Listen to Reading:

Students listen to a book on the computer during this choice. Two students share a computer and listen to the same book. The words are printed on the bottom so they can follow along with what they hear. This promotes fluency because they are able to hear an experienced reader read the text. The kids especially love this choice!! The books they listen to are similar to movies, but are based on quality children's books. Their favorite is Knuffle Bunny!!

Work on Words:

Students are allowed to use a variety of materials to practice making words. They choose words from the word wall to practice spelling. This helps them find spelling patterns and sounding out words. Some of the materials they are allowed to use are: magnetic letters, dry erase boards, dried beans, play dough, Wiki sticks, fuzzy sticks, and alphabet stamps. These things are very inexpensive and are a great choice to practice spelling words as well!

Kharis is using Wiki sticks to make her words. Wiki sticks are wax sticks that can be used to form shapes.

DeAnna is using play dough to make her word. She is using the "snake method" to form her letters.

Work on Writing:

Students practice their writing during this choice. We brainstormed a list of writing topics, and they can use their imagination to work on writing. They are expected to write the whole time. If they come to a word they don't know, they should sound it out and underline it. Then, move on! They are allowed to spell words incorrectly, but should focus on writing down all of the sounds they hear in the word. Please have them practice this at home. They are not expected to be perfect spellers!

We just learned Work on Writing last week. Cameran was so excited about it that she decided to teach it to another friend during indoor recess. It was so precious I just couldn't resist taking a picture. I love to see how excited they are about learning!

Each day we have 3 rounds of Daily Five. If a student is not working with me or another adult during this time, then they will be making a Daily Five choice. They are allowed to choose one of the five options for each round. I record their choice, and they must do all five before they may start over again. Daily Five has helped my students become independent and self sufficient. I love to see them grow and learn!