Sometimes I have my second graders do things like finding things in the stories we are studying in class like: long vowel words, compound words, multiple meaning words, adjectives. They think these "treasure hunts" are fun. Other times, I ask them to "stump a partner" by asking important questions that can be answered or inferred from reading the text. One of their favorites is to look for words in the story that they think that others in their group won't know. They enjoy writing a letter to a character from a character. For graphic organizers, I do compare and contrast, making connections, cause and effect, fact and opinion, as well as summarize. I use a puzzle-shaped piece for making connections. They make predictions several times throughout each story. An "I recommend this book" board is an appealing activity. Students want to post their recommendations on this board and love to see what others in the class like. Also, we are doing AR and that is always useful as a time-filler/killer. Last week, I had them change the ending to a Henry and Mudge story. They enjoy these activities, especially when they get to share their results with the group. Drawing a picture to illustrate a favorite scene is a carrot I use tp get them to complete the seat work. I often have the kids write down comprehension questions that I type up and use for comprehension quizzes. A lot of these activities are prep for when I start literature circles.
I have my poorer readers re-read a passage several times. I give them a timer and they time themselves with a partner by reading for 1 minute. They re-read the same passage 3 times. The partner makes a positive comment after each re-read. The kids are excited because they can see how much faster and better they read after each passage. Then, the partner reads a different passage and repeats the same procedure. With my poorer readers I use a "cover your hand" (width) method. They read as many lines as they can that will cover their hand. Then, they have to stop and ask themselves questions about what they read. If they can't do it, they have to re-read, perhaps this time covering only 2 fingers. It's always amazing to me when students think they read a passage because they "read" the words. It takes quite a while for my poorer readers, especially, to understand that reading is thinking. ----- Original Message ----- From: Emily Schwartz Sent: Friday, October 20, 2006 6:09 PM To: mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] grade 2 reading workshop I also teach 2nd grade, and am wondering what I can add to my reader's workshop. Also, how is that working for your 2nd graders to have them write you a letter once a week? The 5th graders in our school do that, but I have wondered how well it would work with my 2nd graders. Thanks! Emily 2nd grade >From: Linda DeGreen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Reply-To: "Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies >Listserv"<mosaic@literacyworkshop.org> >To: "Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies >Listserv"<mosaic@literacyworkshop.org> >Subject: [MOSAIC] grade 2 reading workshop >Date: Fri, 20 Oct 2006 16:56:04 -0500 > > >I'd like some ideas and lists of authentic response (after reading ) >activities and also during reading work for grade 2 in a reading >workshop. I am trying to stay away from center type activities because >I want my students engaged in real reading, real reading work, and >written response. The problem I'm running into is that some cannot >sustain the 45 min during this time while I work in GR groups and >conference. I have them sometimes complete graphic organizers, choose >good fit/just right books, and a weekly written letter in response. We >use sticky notes to track thinking as well. We end reading w/share time >about 1x weekly. I'm just trying to gather more thoughtful (tried and >true) ideas. I've observed that students reading below level (C/D >level) where the books are so short-are done and just sitting >there-even though I believe that reading is never done!! They are the >ones I most worry about. Any advice? >Linda > > >_______________________________________________ >Mosaic mailing list >Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org >To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to >http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. > >Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. > _________________________________________________________________ Find a local pizza place, music store, museum and more…then map the best route! http://local.live.com?FORM=MGA001 _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
