Tuesday, June 7, 2011

3 Engaging Strategies

Hello! I am currently a 1st grade teacher. I have taught 1st grade for the last 4 years and I LOVE it! I find it difficult to engage and guide my students during "Writing Workshop."  Therefore, I have chosen to read the 6 + 1 Traits of Writing.  Three strategies I currently use to engage my students are:

1.  I create a ton of visual displays.  I use pictures and vary the colors I use to engage my students and to make it easier for them to refer back to the visual aid at a later time.  6+1 Traits of Writing suggests creating a poster with pictures that represent each of the writing traits.

2.  My students use choice boards during literacy workstations.  Since they are choosing their activity, they are more actively engaged.

3.  Technology! I have a Smartboard in my classroom and I use it to present almost all of my information.  The information is delivered in an interactive manner, which engages the learner.
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9 comments:

  1. BillJune 8, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    Visual displays with colors and pictures is a great way to remember information, I know that always works for me being a visual learner. And having the students pick their own activity pulls them in giving them ownership. Sounds like a great learning environment! William Pilgram, EDG 693.

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  2. Stephanie EbyJune 9, 2011 at 8:01 AM

    Hi Erin:
    I am also a first grade teacher and sounds like you have a lot of wonderful things going on in your classroom. I am always so jealous of everyone with a Smartboard. These things are so cool! I am; however, grateful for my document camera. I love that you have a lot of visuals hanging in your classroom. It seems that a lot of 1st graders really are visual learners.- Thanks, Stephanie Eby

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  3. blytheaJune 9, 2011 at 10:23 AM

    I taught first grade at my very first job and while I usually felt I had no idea what I was doing, Writing Workshop was my favorite part of everyday. I used Lucy Calkin's approach. I know in our district we have just this year adopted some of her things and my team teacher is loving it. If you ever have the chance I would highly recommend her stuff.

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  4. JenniferJune 9, 2011 at 11:57 AM

    Like a fellow poster above mentioned, you are so lucky to have a smart board. I have been asking for one for a few years now. I haven't heard of literacy work stations, is there a URL I could go to so I could learn more about them?

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  5. marci.haydonJune 9, 2011 at 3:57 PM

    We have Smart Boards in almost every classroom in our building. I recently got a Smart Slate, and I love being able to walk around the room and manipulate the Smart Board.

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  6. marci.haydonJune 9, 2011 at 4:44 PM

    Your kids are adorable! I didn't see the pictures until after I posted my comment.

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  7. hamiltonjosJune 10, 2011 at 11:51 AM

    What's going on Erin? We miss you at 9th! Jessica and I were just talking about you the other day. I can't believe how grown up Gentry is now! I didn't even know about Grayson. Congratulations!

    You will have to show me your Choice Boards for stations. I am teaching everything again next year and need to get back into the stations routine.

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  8. KathleenJune 10, 2011 at 12:38 PM

    I teach 2nd grade and it's my dream job! If I had to choose another grade I would choose 1st! I'm jealous of your Smart-board. I wish I had one in my class room!I think using the pictures is a great way to get children writing. Sounds like everything is going great.
    Kathleen Thelen

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  9. turnerfamJune 11, 2011 at 1:22 PM

    Erin,
    I would love to know your thoughts on the 6+1 writing traits. I teach fifth grade and we have the on demand portion as part of KCCT testing. I'm always looking for good solid strategies to teach writing.
    I love that you let first graders choose their activities, what an awesome experience!

    Heather Turner EDG693

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