Daily 5 Linky Party...Chapter 1-Introduction

Tammy at Live, Love, Laugh Everyday in Kindergarten is hosting a book study and linky party for The Daily 5.  Check out her post and found out how others are doing it and you can too!

There's also a Pinterest board for all you "pin-aholics", just for Daily 5 freebies and ideas!

I am so excited to be part of this book study.  I will admit to be a Daily 5 newbie, but plan tackling it this year with a little help from my teaching and blogging friends!  Here is my answers to Tammy's questions, based on what I already do and what I *think* I might do...I'll probably change my mind once it's in practice.

1.  How do I teach new behaviors?
This one is probably the same as everyone else...model, model, model...I model and my kids model for each other.  I show them what I want...exactly!  Every minute of every day for the first 2 months, then review and model after major breaks, during holiday weeks and any other time we need it we practice all the way until day 178!

2.   How do I teach expectations?
The same as with new behaviors-with model and practice.  I show them the good, the bad and the ugly and they love it.  Always pick a "little angel" to help you do it right after you shown them how to do it wrong.  Works every time!

3.  How do I monitor student behavior?  whole group?  small groups?  individuals?
Hi, I'm Erica, and I'm a Type A control freak!  I used to have color groups that ended up being the same as their table colors and use a rotation chart.  But I found that by doing it that way, when the kids were sick of each other (I move seats every couple of months) they were short with each other and didn't work well together, so behavior in centers became an issue.  So then I went to putting kids in groups of 3 or 4 and using their pictures and a pocket chart.  This last year I went to groups of 2 and my literacy stations were actually a lit and math combo.  I'm hoping after next year to start Math Workshop and have separate math and lit stations.  I was going to try this year but as usual, I think I've bit off more than I can chew.  


When I've got a small group, we use the "3 before me" method and only interrupting for "B" emergencies-blood, barf and occasionally bathroom because we take a break right before.  If we don't then I'll allow it.  If we do, and they decided they "have" to go, it's a 5 minute time out. 

4.  What do I do when a student is not exhibiting a desired behavior?
Our school is a PBIS school, so we have a "hierarchy" of sorts when dealing with off task behavior.  It merged well with my color card system, but to be honest, just for work stations, I simply warn the student with 1 finger and then a "2" is a 5 minute removal from the station, which is usually pretty effective because my kids LOVE stations and hate to be away from them.  A "3" is removal from all of station time...boo hoo!  I very rarely get passed a warning because they love it so much.  Thank goodness! 

5.  Whose classroom is it?
It's ours...with some of my stuff :(  Sorry...control freak!  I have to work on that!

6.  Locus of control?
Again, control issues!  I do reward students, though.  I use the Rock Star folders/lollipop tree idea from Katie at Little Warriors.  Check out the post here!  

7.  Where are supplies stored?
I have a toy organizer with plastic bins that I got at Toys R Us.  Each bin is numbered and alternates literacy and math so my kids do one of each each day.  The numbers coordinate with the pocket chart and usually by the end of the first week of stations, they know what's in what bin.  I rotate my work station materials monthly, although most stay the same activity, just with new pictures or manipulatives.   What worked best for me this year is a zippered pouch with the supplies they need to complete the activity...crayons, glue sticks, scissors, etc, a gallon plastic baggie to hold the recording sheets if any, and a baggie for the game.  The kids were really good about telling me they need more of something when they get it out or at the end of the rotation.  

When we dismiss to stations, I allow the students to go anywhere in the room that they agree on with their partner.  This works well and gives them some choice during this time.

Next week, the study moves on to Chapter 2, hosted by Caitlin at Kindergarten Smiles!