Throwback Thursday: Freebie!

Happy TBT!

 

I just walked in from my 2nd day back to work. Wow, I'm pretty sure my brain exploded around 11, and then again around 2:30. We are switching over to Unit Planning, while switching 100% to Common Core. I'm excited, but overwhelmed with how this is going to work with my students. I do know it's going to be a very busy year (already underway) and I will hopefully be a better special educator by the end of it (fingers crossed).

 

For Throwback Thursday (linky hosted by Cara from The First Grade Parade), I'm sharing one of my management visuals for using decodable books. Enjoy!

 

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Decodables, Monsters, & Freebies!

Do you use decodable books in your classroom?

 

This year, our 1st grade team is using decodables to reinforce our phonics lessons. Every lesson includes interactive whole group lessons at the carpet & then a follow-up activity. Depending on the skills, I often pull a small group and parallel teach the content with possible differentiation in the presentation and/or activity. So far, so good!!

 

The activities follow this flexible schedule:

 

Monday - word families (2 per week)

Tuesday - dictation

Wednesday - decodable books

Thursday - activity page (i.e.: cut & paste word sort)

Friday - exit ticket for the week

 

I ♥ the variety, plus it helps my students get into the routine = more time on task!

 

I'm differentiating the word families by creating our own word family book. I'm using The Teacher's Wife Word Family Book and color-coding as we go. My students LOVE creating a book! I'm doing this in two different classrooms, so at the end of the year we will have two terrific books to put into our library!

 

I'm not differentiating the dictation except to provide extended time. This is not my students' favorite activity, but it's SO useful for me to assess their mastery.

 

I'm really excited to be using the decodables this year! Last year, I worked with students that weren't ready to access the material, so the decodables were too difficult.

 

This past week, we established our routines for using the decodables properly. Because I don't work with the most enthusiastic readers (yet!), I tend to up the ante with clear expectations mixed with a bit of humor.

Click here to download the decodable signs!

 

 

 

The frames are from Teaching in a Small Town.
The font is from Kevin and Amanda.

UPDATE: I changed the font since posting this last September and the wording on the 3rd page (since you may not be a Ms. D!). The download is the revised version.

The first page is ready to use in your classroom! I added the next 2 pages to show you how we use decodables in our small groups. I inherited the monster fingers from another teacher, but this time of year you should be able to find them at your local party store. I'd love to hear your thoughts! Please leave a comment on how you use decodables at your school! Thanks!