The Daily Five. Fostering Literacy Independence in the Elementary Grades

Customer Reviews

Practical!

2008-07-25
The Daily Five: Fostering Literacy Independence in the Elementary Grades is a hands-on, practical book that can be readily implemented in any classroom. It's an easy read with great ideas, and a step-by-step guide. Thank you to the Sisters!

More work for students, less work for the teacher- and VERY effective!!!!

2008-07-22
My first year, I tried using centers. It required a lot of work and management from my perspective. Also, some of the kids would just get going on something and they'd have to stop. With the methods of The Daily Five, the kids had choice (five choices). They could really get into what they were doing, whether it was reading a book, writing a story or working on vocabulary. When I would announce the end of literacy, sometimes they would beg for just a few more minutes. Because of this format, distractions are minimal and I was able to really focus on my reading groups. Team work was abundant and the kids learned a lot. Even my principal remarked on it! (I worked with 3rd graders my first year and 1st graders my second year. Both classes were integrated ESL classes.) This takes the literacy block to a whole new level. (I should add that I did not follow the methods perfectly since it was my first year using it, but the results were still amazing.)

The Daily 5

2008-07-12
I heard so much about this book, so I decided to purchase it. What a great resource!! I have done many of the ideas in this book individually, but not together as an organizational piece. Great book! Great examples! Great Motivator!

Very helpful!

2008-07-01
I am a first grade teacher and wanted to improve my literacy program by getting away from using worksheets during centers. This book offers great practical ideas including lessons and charts to use for "reading to self", "reading to someone" and "listening to reading" which I will implement in my classroom. I currently have a fairly successful Writer's Workshop and do a lot of making words activities but the book offers ideas in these areas as well. So many books just deal with concepts of literacy but this one breaks the teaching procedures into easily followed steps that I am excited about trying out with my next group of students. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking to create an authentic learning atmosphere in a classroom and get away from a "packaged" curriculum so every student can work at their reading/writing level independently.

Great

2008-06-20
Recieved item on time, right when we were told it would arrive. Book in very good condition.

Literacy Instruction

2008-05-26
The Sisters tell how their method evolved over the span of their teaching careers. Their method is practical, gives students responsiblity and keeps students involved in literacy activities. They give step by step procedures for implementing.

The Daily 5

2008-05-22
This book is a quick read with great charts and information in getting started using this approach. The daily five really streamlines the student activities/routines that are practiced during independent work as the teacher works with small groups. I plan to use this approach in my classroom next year. The best part is that it will work with any school system's standards.

the daily 5; fostering literacy independent in the elementary grades

2008-04-02
WOW!!!...is all I can say. I am on my 14th day of "training." I can see a lot of pride in my students. THEY take the ownership of their learning with this fantastic program. I have found that I do, indeed, spend much less time maintaining those students that I am NOT currently working with. No "gentle reminders," "pulling cards," "deducting time from recess," etc. They are so proud of their ability to use stamina (a big word they really like to refer to)and build their mental memory.
This is my 13th year of teaching. I highly recommend using this. It is very successful with my first graders, even though others felt it wouldn't.

I can see the light after reading this book

2008-03-08
After reading this book the light was definetly turned on. It is very easy to read and explains every step for implementing this in your classroom. I love how it teaches students to become independent and gives the teacher an oportunity to work one on one or in small groups.

Worth your time and money

2008-02-28
When I first heard of Daily 5 I thought, "Sure, another fad for classroom teachers." but what I've found is that it truly is a management system that allows me to teach. I am only part way through implementing, but it has already made a huge difference in my ability to focus on students who need help or who are ready for more. The biggest moment of truth was when my I.E.P. student who fights reading by himself every step of the way, read to himself for 15 minutes and was disappointed when it was time to stop. Well done Sisters!