Jan Zeiger

Posted on 8/02/09

Mary,

Have you looked into the Four Blocks approach?? I'll be using a
modified version of this. :)

Jan

On 7/24/09, G. Johnsen wrote:
> Mary - I have a few ideas...hopefully you can use something
> from this...
>
> First off, I'm a HUGE supporter of chunking time. I believe
> it helps you take advantage of student focus during the
> day. :) I split my time into three parts: an hour
> for "Protected Reading Time" (required by our district), 45
> minutes for Language Arts, 15-20 minutes for a mini-lesson.
> I'm certain you could fit this into your time frame if
> needed. I do this structure EVERYDAY.
>
> During protected reading time (9-10am), I rotate and meet
> with small groups (3 or 4 groups, up to 6-7 kids per group).
> While they are not meeting with me, they work on literature
> projects, language arts games/websites on the computer,
> partner read, or independent reading activities at their
> level (basically, I create rotating centers - start easy.
> This time is leveled and differentiated for them.
>
> During the language arts block (mid-morning), they correct 2
> sentences on the board (2 mistakes per sentence), then move
> on to their 1 vocab word for the day. As they're doing
> activities for their vocab word, I am walking around spotting
> their sentences and making correction marks. After we go over
> sentences and vocab together as a class (and they correct
> theirs), we do Measuring Up!. In Measuring Up!, you're
> focusing on one ELA standard per week (or thereabouts).
>
> In the last 15-20 minutes (usually after lunch or afternoon
> recess), I teach them a quick mini-lesson. e.g. spelling
> patterns, idioms, synonyms, etc.
>
> I find this to be very easy management-wise. Also, they know
> exactly what to do every day...without my immediate
> assistance! It's great. I also believe in keeping things
> simple - not too many different types of concepts or problems
> all at once. I like them to focus and get really
> good/comfortable with certain skills.
>
> Hope you find this helpful!
>
>
>
> On 7/22/09, mary wrote:
>> I have never taught language arts/literature before. I'm
>> apprehensive about how to structure my 85 min block of time
>> five days a week. I'm very 'left' brained and need routine
>> to get through this. I'll listen to any advice.

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