Our Cool, Crazy Clubs

We read a book called Cool, Crazy, Crickets.  It is about some kids who decide to form a club.  They choose a name, build a clubhouse, come up with rules and a mascot.  The thing that stuck out to us was the the kids in the book had to problem solve to be successful because everyone had different ideas.  We wanted to try it in our classroom.  I explained to the kids that they were not allowed to fight with each other.  They had to listen to everyone's ideas and work together to be successful.  The kids all agreed.  I split them up into four different groups, gave them a piece of paper and set them free to form and name a club.  They chose a mascot and colors and made up rules.  When they had finished Miss Howell and I helped them design and build a clubhouse.  It was so amazing to watch them work together.  They were able to work on math projects, read their A.R. books, eat snack and lunch and write about their club all in their clubhouse.  It was great to hear them problem solve and work together.  Great job kids.
The Planning Stage:

The Club Posters and Clubhouses 

Reading and doing math in the Clubhouses 

The Academy Award goes to...

First, we read through the script of a Reader's Theater story called "Sun And Ice".  Next, the boys read half of the parts and the girls read the other half.  Then, each of the kid chose a part out of a cup and read through their own parts.  Some of the kids were ice, some were clouds, some were seeds and flowers.  We had a sun and a narrator.  Then, each of the kids made their own costumes and practiced their parts.  Last, the whole class performed the play for our librarian, Mrs. Edwards,  our counselor, Ms. Ann and Miss Howell. The kids were adorable and put on a great show.

The Seeds 

The flowers 

The Clouds 

The Ice 

The Sun and The Narrator 

The show goes on... 

 

The Reading Train

Each reader sat next to their learning buddy, who became the listener.  They formed a train.  Miss Melanie blew the whistle and the reader began reading.  The listener carefully listened.  When the whistle blew again, the listener told the reader two things they did well.  We called them 'glows' they included: great job reading fluently, good expression, great job on pronunciation, good speed etc. They gave them one grow (something they could do a little better) like, speak louder or they helped them figure out words.  The kids read twice and then changed jobs.  It was a great opportunity and taught the kids to be good listeners and give positive feedback.  Not to mention they did such a great job on reading.