Clap, Clap, Clap

If someone walks into my classroom while kids are independently reading various texts around the room, they might hear what they think is random clapping.  That would about drive me batty, but the kind of clapping I'm talking about is proof kids are thinking.

The clapping comes from a brilliant classroom book idea I found on Pinterest.  Click on the picture to visit the original owner's blog, Chalk Talk.  

I modified it slightly by using sticker dots.  Each kiddo met with one of my parent helpers, clapped their first and last name, and put the stickers on their own page.

Voila, and now you have engagement, reading, and phonological awareness all wrapped up into one lovely package.

P.S.  Today is my first snow day in several years.  I've been waiting my turn.  Two years ago my district was the only one in the valley to go to school while everyone else had a snow day, and I had just had surgery.  I really needed that snow day.  Last year, nearly the same thing happened when almost every district had a snow day.  There were only a few of us who went to school, and I was having a really hard year.  I really needed that snow day too.  This year everything is dreamy, but I have report cards and conferences to prepare for.  I'll take my snow day.  It's my turn! :)