Have you read Smarter Charts yet? It was one of my favorite summer reads. (Look here if you're interested.) I feel light-years away from really having a handle on charts, but I think my charts and I are getting a little smarter at least. I thought I'd share a few that I've created so far this year.
Talking Tips: I see this chart growing or at least inspiring a chart about how to listen and what kinds of things partners say to each other when they listen well.
When You're Done You've Just Begun: I can thank Lucy Calkins for this idea. I've been making a chart for this concept for years. This one is just a whole lot easier to understand.
And look, it became a table chart too. I just took a picture and now each table of desks has one.
3 Ways to Read a Book: This idea comes from The Sisters and Daily 5. Again, this one is so much more simplistic than the version I used to make.
More or Less: This math chart could have started with pictures instead of numbers and then eventually grew by adding numbers. It could also be interactive by having kids change out the numbers.
Math Journals: I think in the future I'd give this one a better title, but I do like how it breaks down the steps for how we prepare our math journals. I also have been thinking about adding a step for partner talk. Without creating chart pollution, I can see how creating a separate chart for how to talk with a math partner could be useful too.
Smarter teacher + smarter charts hopefully = smarter kids.
I like your charts. I'm not doing a very good job at making charts this year, I'm not really sure why. Maybe I need to get that book to get me back on track. I really like all of your charts. Do you do all of in with the students or is some of it done on your computer. I always made them with the kids, but they never looked as good as yours.
ReplyDeleteKelly
I'm Not Your Grandpa, I'm Your Teacher
Kelly, you should definitely get the book. It's really helped me re-think how I make charts and how I break down the learning in my class into small steps too. None of my charts were done with computerized help. :)
DeleteWhen I see charts on Inspired Apple or First Grade Parade, I pale in comparison. Sometimes I also wonder if my kids will use the charts or will they just be up there. The other day, though, I saw one of my kids using my what to do in the morning chart. He was having a bad day and just couldn't remember what we do. This chart helped him be independent. I need to remember that. Thanks for your ideas.
ReplyDeleteKimberley
Kimberley, what you're talking about is totally what the authors of Smarter Charts want to hear. I'm not into cutesy charts that are going to eat up my own time, but I do want my charts to be useful like you.
DeleteI like how you take the charts, make a mini version and then place them on the tables. Great way for the students to actually be using them and the charts not just be decoration.
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Lori, I sure do want the kids to use the charts. I feel like everything about Smarter Charts promotes charts that kids can independently use.
DeleteHi Tammy! My school bought this book for all of us last year! I read it this summer and LOVED it! Your charts look great. They really changed the way that I see charts. I always had my reading strategy posters posted but because of this book I did them differently. We created the strategy wording and picture together (with guidance). It was one of my best lessons this year, I think :)
ReplyDeleteEm
Curious Firsties
Em, I'm not surprised you love the book as well. I feel like I've got a lot to learn, but my charts are getting smarter. :)
DeleteOh man, I'm so bad. I ordered that book on your recommendation. It arrived late summer and I put it away to read in September and I FORGOT about it! Good thing you did this post:) I'm going to find it right now and get started:)
ReplyDeleteBarb, you'll enjoy it. It's an easy read too. :)
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