Apologies

For some reason, Blogger doesn;t seem to like the last post! I have edited it several times now, and every time I publish, it cuts some chunks out! So annoying!

Anyway, there were supposed to be 4 downloads mentioned in it:

Fluency Chart

Accuracy Chart

Punctuation Chart

PowerPoint of all 3

Hope this works!

Deb

Paired Reading - Free Downloads

Paired Reading is just one part of my reading lessons. A group sometimes uses this as an independent activity whilst I am teaching another group. Moving away from my main comprehension strategy, paired reading is used to develop fluency and accuracy.

I am sure we have all had children reading in pairs before, but these charts help them to focus. Each pair has a reader and a listener and they both focus on the objective I have set them from the chart.

I have made three charts so far - here in PDF format - Accuracy, Punctuation. I have laminated each chart and use a peg on the side as a pointer to the objective I want the pair to work on in that session. They both know what to focus on when reading and listen out for as the listener.

My Year 3's have taken to this like ducks to water! They enjoy being mini-teachers and helping each other and make a huge effort to work on the objective set. It keeps them well-occupied for a 20 minute session and is starting to help them to become more accurate.

One point, the accuracy objectives are specific to the needs of my ESL children and some of the difficulties they face. You may need to alter them for native English speakers.

I have put all three charts in a Primary Resources website, which was updated again last Friday. Thanks to Gareth for all his hard work updating his amazing site so regularly.

Deb

Aesop's Fables ABC from Story Arts

In addtion to the other online fables resources mentioned in a previous post, I have found an Aesop's ABC, containing 26 fables. They are very short and simple, but quite useful.

It is from the Story Arts website, which has some useful links and lesson ideas for storytelling.

I'm working on an assessment rubric for fables at the moment and will post it later in the week. There are also several lessons on fables on the recently updated Primary Resources website.

Deb

Guided Reading - Prediction

The main comprehension strategy we are focusing on for the next few weeks in guided reading is prediction. As it is Year 3, we are expecting the children to re-predict as they read on through the text and explain their reasons for doing so.

I have told them they are to be detectives, looking for clues and evidence in the text which they need to share with the rest of the group to justify changing their predictions. We are looking for clues from what has been said, done or what the author meant.

To support this, I have made a simple graphic organiser for them to write their reasons on. I have also made 2 on an A4 sheet, as they are likely to re-predict more than once. Once the children are used to explaining their reasoning, we will stop the sheets altogether. I just think they need a bit of prompting at the moment.

The files are both in PDF format. Email me or leave a message if you would like the orignal Publisher file so that you can adapt it.

Deb

The Bullying Online National Survey

I have been contacted by John Carnell of Bullying Online and asked to give a mention to the National Survey they are performing.

They would like children, teachers, parents and adults to complete the survey. John explains:

Bullying Online has launched the biggest ever survey into the effects of bullying in UK schools. We are asking Pupils, Parents, Adults and Teachers what their experience of bullying has been....The results of
the survey will be given to the UK government so for the first time they will
know the true extent of bullying. Already we are seeing some interesting
patterns that will completely blow away many of the established thoughts on bullying.

The main Bullying Online site, which I have mentioned before, has loads of useful information and advice.

Please spend a few minutes completing the survey and have your voice heard. Also, pass on the link to your colleagues or e-mail it them from the 'email this post' link below.

Many thanks.

Deb

An Interesting Online Visual Dictionary

I came across InfoVisual today and although I havent spent too long exploring it, I think it could come in quite handy, particularly for science topics and MFL.

There are currently only five topics available and you click on the images rather than words. The picture then turns into a more detailed, labelled diagram of that image. There are sound effects and animations available on some of the entries too (you need QuickTime). Another interesting feature is that you can select English or French, so it may be useful for MFL lessons!

There is a very useful Help page to show you how to make the most of the features available. Definitiely a site I will pop back to as they are hoping to add more topics!

Deb

Back To School

The holidays are over and it is all systems go. I just wish my brain would engage! I actually went back to school last Wednesday, but the children start on Monday! As always happens before the children return, tonight will be a sleepless one! Does that ever change??

I hope you all have a great first day back and keep up the great work both in school and with the blogging! It does make life easier for us all!

Deb

Sawatdee Pee Mai

Happy New Year to everyone out there. I hope all your dreams and wishes come true.

Deb