Kindergarten Daily 5 Book Study - Chapter 1

Hey Everybody! If you haven’t joined the Daily 5 book study, it’s not too late. This week Tammy from Live Laugh Love Kindergarten posted about chapter one. Each Thursday the host for the next chapter will post questions for you before reading and also allow for you to ask questions in the comments. The following Wednesday, that blogger will post answers to that week’s questions and a reflection of that chapter. You will have an opportunity to link up each week too so the learning will continue to spread online. This is very exciting! So, let’s get to chapter one’s questions.

1. How do I teach new behaviors?

Come August I try to remember that my little kindergartners know next to nothing about me, or my classroom. Some have never been in school before and those who have, were in other classrooms with different rules. I spend the first month (more if needed) modeling and practicing the desired  behaviors OVER and OVER to make sure everyone understands what the behaviors look and sound like, and that everyone can successfully demonstrate them.

2. How do I teach expectations?

This goes along with teaching behaviors, but modeling and practicing is key. First I make sure I am setting realistic expectations based on the kids. Some groups of students can handle more than others. Then I make sure the kids know what my expectations are. I TELL them, over and over. I SHOW them, over and over. And I hang up visual reminders as well. (because most can't read at that point - pictures are key!)

3. How do I monitor student behavior? whole group? Small groups? Individual?

Right now, I do the monitoring. I know the book is saying that students should be self-monitoring, but I haven't found a workable way to do that in my classroom yet. I'm hoping the rest of the book will help show me how to do that!

4. What do I do when a student is not exhibiting desired behavior?

I use a clip chart in my classroom to provide immediate consequences when students are not behaving the way they have been taught. There are consequences that go with each clip change including time outs, missed recess and notes/phone calls home.  What I like about the clip chart is that it allows you to reward good behaviors as well since kids can move their clips up too.

5. Whose classroom is it?

It's my classroom. I know it should be OUR classroom, but I have such a hard time giving up control. This year I want to work more on establishing the classroom as OUR home, and install in my students more responsibility for taking care of our class.

6. Locus of control?

I have a treasure box, and I give stars in their agendas when they reach the top level of my behavior chart. We also mark their colors in their agendas daily.

7. Where are supplies stored?

The students keep their supplies in their pencil boxes at their seat. They have what they need (pencils, crayons, scissors, glue, erasers) and I keep community baskets around the room with sharpened pencils, crayons, and markers in case they lose one or need a new one.

You can check out some great pins that our KD5 team has already pinned for you. It has some great things to help you get started with Daily 5!

Next up will be Caitlin from Kindergarten Smiles. She will be hosting Chapter 2. If you are not following her blog yet, then head on over right now!!!

Make sure you head over to Tammy’s blog to link up for chapter one and read all of her great thoughts on chapter one!!