We have been focused on Determining Importance within the text through this semester. We have had a great time using non-reading activities to help us develop an understanding of this strategy before, and along with, applying it in our reading.
To introduce the subject I use the creative activity of having the kids look through my purse and determine the items that would be important if I were to go to the gym this afternoon.
Then, I found THIS cute WS from iTeach 1:1 blog that we inserted into our reading notebooks and I had them go through THEIR backpacks to determine what were the VITALLY important items needed for a successful school day ... we found LOTS of "treasures" as we cleaned out looked through our bags.
TOPIC = Backpack
MAIN IDEA = Being successful at School (not on the way to or from school)
TOPIC = Backpack
MAIN IDEA = Being successful at School (not on the way to or from school)
I use Tammy's "Noodle Metaphor" (along with a notebook insert idea from Life in 4B blog) to help them remember the entire process ... since we are currently looking at figurative language, this worked out great in the discussion of what the noodles, water, combination, and strainer represented.
Anchor chart inspired by Life In 4B blog
In our guided reading groups, I have been using A-Z non-fiction books along with graphic organizers to help them practice finding the most important information for each section that helps them find the MAIN IDEA.
I gave THIS AMAZING MATH WORKSHEET (from iTeach 1:1 blog) to my partner teacher to help integrate "determining importance" into math.
mournfully reminiscing watching, it got me thinking about another, unique way to help my kiddos remember "determining importance" ... I showed the kids a video of my old Collage Acro/Cheer Gymnastic team. It is a GREAT example of determining importance. The audience has to practice this strategy throughout the performance since there are many things happening, however, there are usually big center moves that you don't want to miss even thought there is a lot of other stuff going on. Another great example to show kids this strategy would be to show a circus routine under the big top - LOTS of audience determining of importance going on there!
I gave THIS AMAZING MATH WORKSHEET (from iTeach 1:1 blog) to my partner teacher to help integrate "determining importance" into math.
MY LIFE Blending with SCHOOL (grin)
This week was my University Gymnastic Team's Home Show. As I was
Southern Adventist University Gym-Masters (2012) (available on Youtube)
MY LIFE:
Pictures from my University's Home Show 2013:
Hoop Routine
Chairs Routine
Contortionist Routine
Pairs Silk Routine
Group Routine
All of this was such a HUGE part of my life throughout high school and collage (see my post Reminiscent Gymnast). I had bittersweet feelings as I went back and watched the final home show! Always sad to not be still in it but great to still feel apart of such an awesome program - and reunite with old teammates!
Hi~I love finding other fifth grade teacher bloggers! It's nice to meet ya, I'm Brandee. I'm adding you to my list so I will check back often.
ReplyDeleteBrandee @ Creating Lifelong Learners
Thank you so much! I love finding upper elementary teacher's blogs too!
ReplyDeleteArts education has been slipping for more than three decades, the result of tight budgets, an ever-growing list of state mandates that have crammed the classroom curriculum, and a public sense that the arts are lovely but not essential.
ReplyDeleteArt
Hi Brittany, could you post a link to the graphic organizer you use for determining importance? I am trying to find a good one and am failing miserably! Thank you :)
ReplyDeleteHi Allie! My little sister spells her name just like you ;0)
DeleteOne graphic organizer I use in small groups comes from iTeach1:1 and is FREE. You can find that one at https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B7UKabgKKG-LaWxyY3NxaS1FTGM/edit. Basically, while the kids are reading your small group text they jot down the information that they feel is the most important.
The other graphic organizer is off of Reading A-Z so it has copy rights attached, but basically outlines what is the main idea - and the important details that support it. Kids look for these and complete the sheet while reading our small group non-fiction book.
Hope that helps!