FAQ: Which would I start with first, Daily 5 or Cafe?
For many of us here in North America, summer break has already arrived or is just around the corner. Twitter and blogs are a-buzz with what everyone is reading this summer both personally and professionally. Here at The Daily Cafe things are no different. We have been inundated with the question, "I'm planning my summer professional reading. What should I read first, Daily 5 or Cafe?" If we are really backed into a corner and absolutely must choose which to read first, we have to say Daily 5. It's the first book we wrote together after coming up with the system in our classrooms many years ago. Since it's all about fostering independence in our students, it's foundational to the teaching and practice that will take place in the literacy block. Once our students are taught how to be independently engaged in the literacy systems research supports (Daily 5) we then have the time and structure in place to do the down and dirty work of conferring and small group focused instruction - which is what Cafe is all about. That said, there is no specific order. Many teachers already have a strong handle on independence in their classroom so they jump right into Cafe. Others have an exquisite conferring model, but need support with helping their students build stamina, become independent and spend that independent time engaged in the act of reading and writing rather than 'activities.' So the order really is your choice. Do what best meets your needs. After all, choice is what we are all about for our students, shouldn't it be the same for us?
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