In Pictures and In Words

In Pictures and In Words Book Study

I know it seems a bit crazy to be in two book studies this summer and trust me it took ever ounce of my effort I had to resist the Daily 5 book study, but I just love to read and learn.  The only time I find time to read is in the summer.  So when Mrs. Wills said she was doing this book study, I ordered my book immediately. 

Read More Here:  Ch. 1-6

It took me a while to work through the first six chapters however after I processed it a bit I realized that I was in the beginning stages of this with my class.  As part of my Daily Five, I would let my little ones create their own writing at least twice a week.  They could choose to write letters or create their own books.  Some of my little ones did create books.  The books were so cute; they read them to the class during rest time. However, many of the books went home incomplete.  Another thing I realized after reading the first six chapters, is I never conferenced or even looked at the childrehs' books until they completed the project. 

The author Katie Wood Ray made some really important points that made a lot of sense to me:

·      At the beginning of the year for my little kindergarteners, drawing is the best way for them to tell their stories.

·      When children create their own books they learn to make decisions.  For me this is was a light bulb moment because I think this is some thing I want to develop in my students  and by allowing them time to work on their illustrations I will be nurturing their ideas or decision making abilities.

·      My goal for the beginning of the year is to teach the children to sit at their tables for some “time” and put ideas on the paper.

Ray writes that in order for the children to do CREATIVE WORK

·      BUILD STAMINA (sit for a long time and work)

·      Work and focus on a project

·      Return to a project and add more details

Generally I start bookmaking in December but I am going to start this year in August. 

My Notes to Remember:

Buy several date stamps…..so students can stamp the page they are working on each day.

Create a Writing Conference Sheet to record student observations

Good Work Boxes…for students who do awesome work (Stop by Kindergarten Rocks and read more about this cute idea.  I want to make two or three boxes for my class.)

Kindergarten Rocks

Poster or Anchor Chart with writing samples for the writing center.  This is a great idea I found on Pinterest.  I want to create something similar to this. 

First Grade Fresh

Create your own book to role model for the children.

I need to Create Meaningful Mini Lessons about:

·      Making Meaningful Decisions

·      Gain Control and Ownership of Product

·      Be Purposeful with your illustrations

·      The materials you pick set the tone of your illustrations.

Most Importantly:  I want to set aside two center times for conferencing with the children.

Gather Books to Study Illustrations

{use familiar stories}

This is a collage of books I know my new little ones are familiar with and I would like to use at the beginning of the year to talk about illustrations. I really believe any book we read will be useful.