I'm in a fifth grade classroom right now and I spend most of my time there in the morning with a couple afternoons. Over the past 7 weeks I feel like we have been doing the exact same thing every single morning: vocabulary (definition, sentence), daily prompt, read story (silent, partner, listen to tape, or teacher read), answer questions oral and then on paper. I have been trying different ways to mix it up except sometimes it is hard to come up with ideas all on your own. I guess my question would then be what are some different ways for different age groups that you can practice vocab and so on instead of doing it the same way every single day...
Another questions that I have been thinking about is reading and math blocks. Most classes have literacy in the morning and math and everything else in the afternoon. Do you think that it makes a difference which time you have these subjects? What do you think about some days mixing it up so there is math in the morning instead of the afternoon and the same with literacy...
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Hi Lauren! I know that there are couple of different ways to teach the vocabulary. There are even fun games to teach the vocabulary. For example two students stand in front of the room with their backs to the blackboard. The teacher writes a vocabulary word on the board and the students have to pick on classmates to give them clues as to what the word is. The student who say the word first remains standing while the other sits down and allows someone else to come up.If the teacher wants to to do something that kids can enjoy she can find the way how to do it.
The class schedule plays important role on behalf of students learning. I think in the morning they have to start not with drawing but with math, because in the morning kid's brain is fresh and able to think better then after lunch.
In regards to mixing up your instruction, there are several different things that you can do to practice vocabulary or literacy skills. Personally, I like to get the kids writing. I find every way I can to get them writing, either creatively or narratively. I like to get them thinking and practicing their writing. As for vocabulary, have them edit their writing to 'put away worn out words' by using a thesaurus--this way, they are not only increasing their vocabulary, but they are also practicing with synonyms and a reference book.
As for the schedule, I do see that it makes a difference what time of the day a particular subject takes place. Students seem more eager to perform first thing in the morning, and less likely to perform very well in the afternoon after they've had lunch and/or P.E. However, I do feel as though things should be changed up a bit to get the students prepared for middle school--do all students have math in the morning in middle school? I also think that a change-up every now and then is good for breaking the routine and monotony.
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