Kindergarten Quandaries

We often get asked if Daily 5 can be used in kindergarten. The answer is yes. Daily 5 is used successfully in PreK–12 classrooms all over the world. Kindergarten students love their newfound independence, fourth-grade students appreciate choice, and eighth-grade students enjoy the extended time reading self-selected books. There is something about authentic reading and writing that increases accountability, engagement, and success for all ages. The key is knowing our students and staying true to the foundational elements of Daily 5.  

Implementing Daily 5 in a PK or kindergarten classroom looks very similar to implementation in grades 1 and up, with the biggest difference being that we take a little extra time to be sure students understand each component as it is introduced. Some kindergarten teachers start with the Read to Self I-chart on day one. Others take a few weeks to work up to the introduction of Read to Self. Below are links to a nine-part series that provides a glimpse into what Daily 5 looked like in my own kindergarten classroom.  

Launching Daily 5 in Kindergarten, Part 1—Teaching Independence

Launching Daily 5 in Kindergarten, Part 2—Three Ways to Read a Book

Launching Daily 5 in Kindergarten, Part 3—Read to Self

Launching Daily 5 in Kindergarten, Part 4—Work on Writing Foundation Lessons

Launching Daily 5 in Kindergarten, Part 5—Work on Writing

Launching Daily 5 in Kindergarten, Part 6—Introducing Choice

Launching Daily 5 in Kindergarten, Part 7—Word Work

Launching Daily 5 in Kindergarten, Part 8—Listen to Reading

Launching Daily 5 in Kindergarten, Part 9—Read to Someone