It's Tuesday, so that means it's time to link up with Holly @ Fourth Grade Flipper
A few weeks ago, I blogged about how I level my classroom library. If you missed it, click here to read about it. My goal is to get "Just Right" books in the hands of my students. Some of them do a great job picking "Just Right" books, but others still need some guidance. In order to help guide them to "Just Right" books, I give each student a shopping list. Take a look...
They received the shopping lists AFTER I've already assessed their reading level. None of the kids know which "color" represents which reading level. I did this on purpose because as I mentioned before, my students tend to be very competitive. To prove my point, when I handed out their shopping lists, some of my students first question was "Which color is the HIGHEST level?" I explained that it's not a competition and that they aren't all the same cookies. These colors represent which type of books are just right for YOU!
The dots represent the students current "independent" reading level and their "instructional" reading level.
So far, it seems to be working beautifully with the majority of the students. However, there are a few that I have to go shopping with and we use their list as a guide when we choose books.
At the beginning of the next grading period, I'll give the students all new shopping lists with different colors. If you are interested in trying this out, please click here. Even if you don't have your library organized like mine, I've included another shopping list you could use to give suggested books/series. Until next time...
This is a great idea. I don't really have this problem anymore when I teach 4th and 5th grade, but when I teach little kids, they care soooooo much about their color dot. I used to put dots on my books and quit because I found the kids would only read a book if it was A.R. which I don't necessarily agree with. Thanks for sharing! Alison Rockin' and Lovin' Learnin'
I like the idea of "shopping." I just wish my class were big enough to have a true classroom library. I seriously have the smallest room of my life! :)
I love the shopping list idea. Surprisingly, my 4th graders don't compare their reading levels amongst each other like I thought they might. We spend a lot of time discussing good fit books and how everyone has different strengths. There are always students that need guidance in the good fit book shopping department! Thanks for linking up. :) ~Holly Fourth Grade Flipper
This is a great idea. I don't really have this problem anymore when I teach 4th and 5th grade, but when I teach little kids, they care soooooo much about their color dot. I used to put dots on my books and quit because I found the kids would only read a book if it was A.R. which I don't necessarily agree with. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAlison
Rockin' and Lovin' Learnin'
Love this.. great idea! So glad I found you through Holly's linky :) I love finding fellow 4th grade bloggers!!
ReplyDeleteAmelia
wherethewildthingslearn
I like the idea of "shopping." I just wish my class were big enough to have a true classroom library. I seriously have the smallest room of my life! :)
ReplyDeleteMandy
The 4th Grade Journey
I love the shopping list idea. Surprisingly, my 4th graders don't compare their reading levels amongst each other like I thought they might. We spend a lot of time discussing good fit books and how everyone has different strengths. There are always students that need guidance in the good fit book shopping department! Thanks for linking up. :)
ReplyDelete~Holly
Fourth Grade Flipper