Reading Groups and Centers

Each morning my Fabulous First Graders and I embark on a reading journey.  We begin with a mini-lesson, a short 10-15 minute lesson focusing on a comprehension strategy.  For the past couple of weeks it has been, Making Connections.  After the mini-lesson the students then have a chance to practice what we have discussed during read to self time, a time when they read from their book boxes of Just Right books.  After we read from our book boxes, the kiddos and I come together in a sharing circle.  We share what we think may help someone else in our classroom become a better reader.  Sharing circle is a great time for the students as well as myself, the teacher, to listen to the kids thoughts on what they are reading and check for comprehension of the strategy we have been working on.  After sharing circle we begin reading groups and centers.  I meet with 2 groups each day while the other students work in their groups on independent reading, writing, math and spelling activities.  This time of the day is a favorite for many students, they love centers and also enjoy getting to have small group instruction from me.