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Forms
For your convenience, we are making some forms and documents available for downloading.
To open any of these materials, you will need a copy of Acrobat Reader on your computer. Get Free Acrobat Reader Here.
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CAFE - Curricular Coherence, Working Together with Interventions (DOWNLOAD)
In September, our grade level meetings are characterized by lively conversations about our hopes and dreams for the students in our charge. By October they have taken on a new energy and sense of urgency. What more can we do for the students who are not meeting standard or making the progress we'd like to see? Many of our struggling students are receiving extra support via Title funds, Special Education services, English Language Learner support, tutoring, etc., but we don't always see the growth we'd like when our most at risk students leave us for fragmented portions of the day. How can we design really intentional and effective interventions for these students that will give us the needed results? . . . more . . .
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CAFE - Recording Your Reading History (DOWNLOAD)
Do you keep a Reading Log, carefully recording title, author, genre and comments regarding every book you read? Few of us do. So why do so many of us ask our students to keep a Reading Log? Is there a purpose in requiring our students to do this specific task, which so few of us do ourselves, or are we asking students to spend considerable time on a task that may not have purpose or meaning in real life? . . . more . . .
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CAFE - Cross Checking - Ready Reference Guide
The accuracy strategy of Cross Checking is one of the first four strategies we teach, or reinforce, to all of our students. It is one of those fundamental and essential strategies we find all kids benefit from knowing. If you aren't sure of what the strategy is, or how to teach it, download this Ready Reference form. It is one of our guides that you will find for each of the CAFÉ Strategies. . . . more . . .
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Daily 5 - What Sets Daily 5 apart for Students (DOWNLOAD)
Daily 5 is more than just five tasks. It is a system to teach all students the behaviors of independence and a structure to manage a literacy block. There are distinct and unique features to the Daily 5 which set it apart from other systems or structures we have used in our classrooms. We divided these features into two sections: What sets Daily 5 apart for teachers? What sets Daily 5 apart for students? . . . more . . .
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Q: Could I see a sample of your schedule?
A: We know that every classroom, school, school district and even state has its own idiosyncrasies with daily classroom schedules. Some years we get the most wonderful schedule ever, and other years - not so much. Seeing the way other teachers have scheduled their day can open up a whole new way of looking at our schedule, or it can affirm the decisions we have made. Check out these schedules below. We hope you have created your own coveted schedule!! . . . more . . .
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CAFE - Check for Understanding - Ready Reference Guide (DOWNLOAD)
Gail was discussing the strategies on the CAFÉ Menu when Cindy, a second grade teacher announced, "I could teach these skills and strategies if I only knew what you meant by each title. And how do I know my interpretation of the strategy is the same as my teaching partners? Wouldn't it be helpful to our students if we were using the same definitions and language?" . . . more . . .
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Daily 5 - Keeping Track of Daily 5 Choices (DOWNLOAD)
Children love knowing what will happen during each day. Many teachers put daily schedules on their board and review it with their class each morning. Children refer to this throughout the day. Once it is on the board, children own the schedule and keep teachers on task. Very often you will hear "Teacher, it's 10:30. We should be reading." There is comfort in knowing what to expect. As with any schedule, once children learn the structure and schedule of the Daily 5, they love it. Yet this schedule is different from the typical daily schedule in a few ways, both for the teacher and for the students. . . . more . . .
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CAFE - Lesson 1 - Beginning The Literacy Cafe Menu: Check for Understanding (ARTICLE)
We both love a good recipe. When someone cooks or bakes something we like, we ask for the recipe -- and then when it's given to us, we ask for even more advice. Are there any special tips we should know before baking in our wet Seattle climate? Are there any ways the veteran chef has changed the recipe to make it even tastier? We get as much detailed advice as we can before trying a new recipe. It's a funny thing though -- we want as many details as possible so the recipe will turn out well, but we inevitably end up adjusting the original to make it our own. . . . more . . .
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Daily 5 - Picking Good Fit Books (ARTICLE and DOWNLOAD)
Reading "Good Fit" books is absolutely imperative if students are to progress as readers. Children must spend the majority of their independent reading time engaged in books which they can decode and comprehend at very high levels. The challenge is how? How do we impart the urgency and know-how so students can successfully self select books they have a purpose for reading, are interested in, and can read as well as understand? . . . more . . .
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Design - Ginny's Classroom Map (DOWNLOAD)
It's hard for us to imagine that some of you have been back to school for weeks. Most of us here in the Northwest are just beginning our pilgrimage back to set up our classrooms in anticipation of th . . . more . . .
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Five Levels of Support for Barometer Children (DOWNLOAD)
Wouldn't it be wonderful if every student was independent following the 10 Steps to Independence instruction? "Ahh, yes," we think as our minds momentarily float in that pleasant day dream. The truth is, the daily routine we are embroiled in provides us with rich opportunities to practice patience and provide support to that one child (or possibly few children) who will not be successful without additional practice and scaffolding. It is worth our effort! At the end of the year, we often say "Ahh, yes." for real when we see the growth and progress that our most challenging students have made. The specific steps we take to scaffold Barometer Children are outlined below. . . . more . . .
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Daily 5 Literacy Block (DOWNLOAD)
In our book, we created a visual look at the structure of The Daily 5 in the classroom. It is a variation of the traditional workshop model with a short, focused whole group lesson, brief whole group lessons in between each round and sharing at the end.
The form below gives an alternate view of the Daily 5 Structure and comes from our friend Lynn Senecal, who has graciously agreed to let us share it with you. Lynn has taken the structure and moved it from our circular representation to a linear view. . . . more . . .
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Design - Library Makeover, Part III (DOWNLOAD)
The past two Tip of the Week entries addressed Classroom Libraries, a Fresh Way to Organize. The first part of the series featured the process we went through to organize our class library. In the second portion, we posted a couple of looks at the library table of contents. In this third and final portion of the series, we focus on the tubs themselves. A big part of setting up a classroom library which empowers children to independently self select and return just right books is making sure the tub labels are child friendly. Some teachers have students create the labels for tubs as shown in the photo above. Others create the labels on their computer. Do whatever works best for you. We wrap up our Library series this week with copies of labels for tubs that you can use as is, or as a springboard for your own personalized library. . . . more . . .
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Daily 5 - Graphing Stamina (DOWNLOAD)
We know from experience that making a goal visible helps us stay motivated to achieve it. Our kids aren't any different, so we use this graph to help inspire the growth of stamina in our rooms. We introduce it on day one and update it daily so students can see how long they were successful at Reading to Self, Working on Writing, etc. We have found that our students are able to push themselves a bit farther when we record their progress and make it visible. We think you'll like it too. . . . more . . .
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Design - Phases of an Environmental Change
This download details the phases we go through when making an environmental change in our classrooms or any classroom we help redesign. This is especially helpful if you are already in the particular classroom. If you are moving to a new school, you will skip the part where you move all the furniture out...you have already done that! This form dovetails with our other Design downloads . . . more . . .
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Daily 5 - Circular Graphic (DOWNLOAD)
Here is one look at the big picture of The Daily 5 and how it works within a literacy block. This chart is similar to the graphic on page 14 of our book, The Daily 5. When we originally developed this form, it was in an effort to show the similarity between a traditional 'workshop' model and The Daily 5 structure. The biggest difference with The Daily 5 is that instead of one focus lesson, one work time, and one sharing time, three to five smaller workshops are woven into the literacy block. Each 'round' of Daily 5 includes a focus lesson, as well as an independent work time which allows the teacher to provide small group and one on one instruction. . . . more . . .
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Daily 5 - The Daily 5 Linear Graphic (DOWNLOAD)
On page 14 of our book, The Daily 5, there is a circular graphic of how we originally visualized this structure. Then our friend, Lynn Senecal from the Quebec school system, showed us the linear representation she created. We love how her brain works and have found her depiction makes the structure clear for people who may struggle with our illustration. We are grateful to Lynn for giving us permission to share her graphic, and for letting us modify it to show how flexible the structure is for meeting the needs of various age groups as well as the differing time constraints facing each of us. . . . more . . .
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CAFE - Cross Checking Lesson Plan (DOWNLOAD)
Cindy, a teacher at Gail's school, once remarked during a conversation, "I can teach the strategies if you give me a clue as to what you mean by 'flip the sound', or 'cross checking', etc. Shouldn't we all be consistent with our terminology and teaching so we don't confuse the students?" We realized she was right! We all peek at the CAFÉ Menu through the lens of our own background knowledge, and it would be really helpful if we could synchronize our understanding and vocabulary. . . . more . . .
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CAFE - Steps for Conferring (DOWNLOAD)
When people started asking us to share what our conferences with children looked and sounded like, we had to step back and be really cognizant of the elements that created their structure. We began taking notes, writing down exactly what we were doing and saying, and e-mailing them back and forth to each other. As we poured over them, a common thread became apparent…we weren't focusing so much on what they were reading and how they liked it and when they thought they would finish, etc. (an informal conference), but had shifted to a conference that was more like a coaching . . . more . . .
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CAFE - Conferring Sheet Sample - Part I (DOWNLOAD)
Our conferring used to consist of in-depth conversations with students which focused on their family, their feelings about reading, elements of story grammar and good summaries. We believed that in order to have a meaningful conference we had to have first hand knowledge of the text so we could hold them accountable for really reading, and not, as Cris Tovani coined, "Fake Reading." We were, to some degree, the reading police. Subtly over time our conferences took on the roll of support . . . more . . .
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CAFE - Conferring Sheet with Icons - Part II
(DOWNLOAD)
This form reflects our newest form that we include in our Pensieve. We use it to scaffold teachers who are new to using a conferring notebook. It will help keep your conferences short and focused. This is the blank version of the Sample Conferring Sheet seen in the first part of this series. The icons are intended to be visual reminders of conference components, but if you prefer a form without icons, stay tuned for part three of this series. . . . more . . .
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CAFE - Conferring Sheet, Reading - Part III (DOWNLOAD)
If you prefer a conferring form without icons, here it is. We run them back to back and keep a copy for each child in our pensieve. When the form is full of writing, we replace it with a clean one and transfer the full one to our assessment notebook or student file. These become an invaluable source for celebrating growth . . . more . . .
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Daily 5 - Launching Read to Self (DOWNLOAD)
Do you ever wish you had the Cliff Notes to a book you have read? We know exactly how that feels. While we were creating the Daily 5 we use to take note paper into our classrooms to jot down what to teach that day so we could also reflect on teaching and learning. . . . more . . .
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Design - Establishing an Environment for Learning
(DOWNLOAD)
A few years ago we started teaching classroom design courses, which have been very well attended. We all spend so much time in our classrooms that it isn't surprising we want them to be and feel beautiful. So, how can teachers get started when thinking through a new classroom design? This is the first tool we share when teaching our "Trading Spaces" classroom design courses, the strategies for working through a new design step by step . . . more . . .
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Design - Reflection On Classroom Environments (DOWNLOAD)
Thinking back on our first years of teaching, the environment we created in our classrooms looked very different then than it does now. Yet at that time the space reflected what we believed; the teacher, needed to have complete control over the classroom, curriculum and childrens behavior. The room was set up for quiet since our teaching was evaluated on the amount of noise that was produced in our rooms; little noise...great teacher, much noise...teaching was deemed out of control. At one time in our teaching history we even had student desks in rows with our teacher desk looming in the front of the classroom facing the students. . . . more . . .
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Design - Layers of Classroom Design (DOWNLOAD)
Have you ever thought of redesigning your classroom environment but didn't know where to begin? Setting up a classroom at the beginning of a new school year can be overwhelming. There is so much to think about...where do the student desks go? How about the paper on the wall, what about the teacher desk? With so many questions swirling in our heads, we needed a systematic way to reconstruct our rooms. This system really works for us, and we think it will help you as well. In fact, we follow these steps every time . . . more . . .
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Design - Seven Steps to Designing Physical Space (DOWNLOAD)
Once the reflecting process and planning for your classroom environment is complete (or you are just tired of thinking about it and want your room changed RIGHT NOW) - these 7 steps may be just what you need to get started. When reconfiguring a classroom or moving into a new one, it can be tricky to see the space through new eyes. Some of the phrases that we hear or have used ourselves that interfere with change are, "I have to have the room set up this way because it's how I always do it." Or "My desk has to go over there." To begin with a clear head we move . . . more . . .
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Daily 5 - Check-In Form (DOWNLOAD)
Oh yes, we have tried just about every Daily 5 check in system you can think of! We've had children fill out charts or choices in personal notebooks. They've placed their name, magnet, clothes pin or push pin on a bulletin board or white board. If you can think of it, we have probably tried it. After many years of experiments and countless gimmicks, charts, and ways to check in, we have found having children verbally check in and tell us their Daily 5 choice for that round, as in Nancy Atwell's "Status of the Class", to be the most efficient, . . . more . . .
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Daily 5 - I Pick A Good Fit Book (DOWNLOAD)
What were you looking for the last time you went to a book store? How long did you stay? If you purchased a book, was it a challenging book or a "Good Fit" book? What factors went into your selection process? After we examined how we choose books, it changed the way we help children pick a perfect book. Reading "Good Fit" books is essential if students are to progress as readers.The real challenge is teaching children a simple method of choosing Good Fit books, giving them a tool they take with them each time they go to the library, book store or classroom book area. This simple, yet complex tool empowers children and their families to overcome that difficult statement…"I can't find . . . more . . .
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The Daily 5 Tasks - Creating a Sense of Urgency (DOWNLOAD)
When we are committed to trying something new, it helps to have something concrete to refer to. If you are like us, you might want to download this quick reference to the Daily 5 Tasks. They have been neatly written and confined to one page so you can post them in your room or carry them in a notebook. . . . more . . .
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Daily 5 - 10 Steps to Teaching and Learning Independence (DOWNLOAD)
This download is a staple for our Daily Five presentations. We think these 10 steps are what set Daily Five apart from any other system. These are the steps we use to teach students how to be independent at just about anything.In addition to Daily Five tasks, we've used them in Math, Science, even with . . . more . . .
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CAFE - Reading Writing Checksheet (DOWNLOAD)
The reading writing check sheet is a big picture of who we have met with one on one. It is the first sheet in our pensieve and the second form we consult before standing up from a guided group to head off to our first conference during that round of Daily 5. The first form we check is the calendar. We look to see who we have made an appointment with, and make a mental note to visit with that child or those children first. Then we consult our reading writing check . . . more . . .
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Daily 5 - Launching Listen To Reading (DOWNLOAD)
Listen to Reading is typically last to be launched. The routine and consistency with which we launch each Daily 5 component is predictable and comfortable for the children.This consistency, which carries over to each launch, allows Listen to Reading to launch pretty seamlessly. We still create an "I" chart for reference, but by now you can probably guess what goes on it! . . . more . . .
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CAFE - Writing Conferring Sheet (DOWNLOAD)
This is the writing version of our reading conferring sheet. We run them back to back and keep a copy for each child in our pensieve. When we have filled the form with our conferring notes, we replace it with a clean one and transfer the full one to our assessment notebook or student file. See the links below for more information on conferring as well as conferring sheets that we have made availiable . . . more . . .
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Daily 5 - Launching Word Work (DOWNLOAD)
Each of the Daily Five has a launching chart. By the time we introduce Word Work, students are very accustomed to the routine of starting a Daily Five component. This Daily starts with setting materials up and putting them away and builds on gaining stamina with the materials. Again, you will see a pattern to this Launching Chart. The consistent template will . . . more . . .
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CAFE - Word Collector (DOWNLOAD)
This simple form is a great tool for the children who are focused on increasing their vocabulary. It makes collecting, learning and retrieving vocabulary easy, helping student's comprehension increase as well as incorporate the new words into their writing and conversations. Whether you use this form or have the students make their own in . . . more . . .
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Daily 5 - Launching Read to Someone (DOWNLOAD)
Start teaching the many behaviors of Read to Someone well in advance of the day you launch it. This launching chart will help you identify the important behaviors, for example, how to sit next to your partner, what book to read, and how to choose a partner. Take it slow with this Daily. Preteaching the behaviors will make the actual launch go very smoothly. . . . more . . .
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Daily 5 - Launching Work on Writing (DOWNLOAD)
The first day we introduce one of The Daily Five components, we say we are launching that Daily. After reading about launching Word Work, you may want a quick reference sheet. That is what the launching charts are all about. We are hoping to provide you with a synopsis of the most important information, a . . . more . . .
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