In first grade we teach children to read from left to right. We teach them different strategies to read. One of those strategies is called taking a picture walk. I would like to take a set of wordless picture books at the beginning of the year and really allow students to tune in and pay attention to the pictures telling about the pictures before giving them books with text. I can see how that this activitiy would really strengthen the skill of paying attention to the pictures and connecting those pictures with the words in the text.
I really liked how the article suggested that teachers begin with the entire class by allowing the children to take part in the writing process. Mrs. Reese allowed her students to work through 8 picture books as a class before allowing them to stem out individually. I thought it was a great idea how that she typed their books and put them together for them to share with each other and to read to the principal. I hope that I can get my hands on 24 different copies of wordless picture books to provide my students with as much choice in their individual projects as Mrs. Reese did.
The second article at the bottom of the page suggested that students write while listening to music. I have found this to be very successful. I allow my students to write while listening to classical music daily. I have done this now for 3 years and my students love it! The room becomes silent and students are working away while I conference with them.
