Daily 5: Chapter 7

Jugglers spinning plates…

I can totally see this vision in my mind after reading The Daily 5! 

Keeping sight on this vision will likely help you stay on track and not get frustrated as you implement each different aspect of The Daily 5.  In the end, just like the juggler where all plates are spinning perfectly, you and your students will be perfectly rotating through Focus Lessons and Dailys!

The first part of Chapter 7 looks at putting all parts of The Sister’s plan in motion…at the same time…and in the order the students choose.  They discuss how letting go of the control and not telling the students which the 5 parts to work on is very difficult, even after doing this for so long.  However, they add that, just like adults, students will be much more interested in doing the work they think is important depending on their moods and how they feel each day.  They will have ownership and independence.

Check In is the time when students will let the teacher know which choice they want to work on first.  The teacher keeps track of this and makes sure the number will work out.  If not, adjustments are made in the group before students head off in different directions to work.  The Sisters say students are more accountable, therefore more likely to work harder, when their choices are said aloud.

After Check In, the teacher should release each group of students one at the time to cut down on the chaos and stampede that may occur.  I love the way they mentioned having students all sit with their eyes closed visualizing what they were going to do that day until their group was called.  What a great, positive way to start the working time!

The last part of Chapter 7 deals with Troubleshooting.  I could go into detail here and summarize each of the 10 questions addressed in the Chapter.  I think I’ll choose to let you Read to Self on that one.  My takeaway from the questions, which were all great with exceptional answers, is that no matter your grade level, no matter your student population, no matter your room size or arrangement, no matter you teaching experience, The Daily 5 or perhaps The Daily 3 for upper grades can be molded to conform to what you need!

As a Middle School Math Teacher – yes, a Middle School Math Teacher – I gleaned many great ideas and strategies from this book, which is exactly why I wanted to be a part of this awesome book study!  A good strategy is a good strategy no matter what.  The strategies behind the groupings, work stations, and conferencing times can completely be applied in my classroom.

I will admit that I can see this taking a bit of time to set up and a fair amount of work to get the routines set into place and running smoothly.  Do I think the time and effort would be worth it?  Absolutely!  I so wish my own children would have been in a Daily 5 classroom years ago!

I hope you have enjoyed this book study as much as I have!

Don’t forget that the second book study starts right after this one.  We will be going through another book from The Sisters, CAFÉ.

Check back here on Sunday, July 22nd for Chapter 1!

Enjoy J

Making It {and smiling}