Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Today and Every Day (Freebie)

I've known for a long time that conferring, though a powerful tool, doesn't automatically guarantee the writer will take what's given and consistently put it to use. I finally developed a tool that I hope will increase those odds ever so slightly. 

Since Lucy Calkins has taught me to say, "Today and every day..." to my writers when I'm leaving them with a strategy, I decided to name this tool the Today and Every Day Bookmark. 

When I confer with a writer, I draw the teaching point on their bookmark. (Drawing ensures access even after I leave them. Fluent readers obviously don't necessarily need pictures.) I made the bookmark nice and long so that I can add additional teaching points when the writer is ready to move on. By the way, the bookmark lives in the child's writing folder so it's always available during writing workshop time. It's also printed on cardstock for extra durability. Here are a few examples and a copy at the bottom just for you.  









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14 comments:

  1. A Simple Southern LifeOctober 7, 2015 at 5:03 PM

    I love that idea!!! The pictures are a great idea and visual for them.

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    1. TammyOctober 8, 2015 at 5:06 AM

      Young writers definitely benefit from the visual cues. I'm hoping this helps them apply what their learning. :)

      Delete
  2. Teaching Little MiraclesOctober 7, 2015 at 6:09 PM

    This is great, Tammy! Thanks for sharing!

    Thanks,
    Crystal

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    1. TammyOctober 8, 2015 at 5:07 AM

      Crystal, you're very welcome. Thanks for coming by.

      Delete
  3. UnknownOctober 8, 2015 at 6:08 AM

    I love this too! However, when I click on the link for the bookmark, it just takes me to my Google Drive, not the file for the bookmark.

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    1. TammyOctober 10, 2015 at 8:31 AM

      Stephanie, thanks for letting me know. I got it fixed.

      Delete
  4. LoriOctober 8, 2015 at 3:35 PM

    This is a wonderful idea! They can quickly see what they need to be focusing on in writing with the drawing. Thanks for the freebie!
    Lori
    Conversations in Literacy

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    1. TammyOctober 10, 2015 at 8:32 AM

      Lori, I like how it's working so far. I hope it continues to help these little writers of mine.

      Delete
  5. ChrissyOctober 10, 2015 at 3:41 PM

    Great idea!

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  6. Mrs. AndersonOctober 10, 2015 at 6:58 PM

    Thanks for sharing this wonderful idea!! Although I haven't been commenting on your posts, I do read them all. I read them on my phone and then for some reason I'm not able to post a comment. I haven't been keeping up with my blog either. I just don't have the time any more. I love reading your blog posts and have learned so much from you! Thanks for sharing!!
    Connie Anderson
    Welcome To First Grade Room 5

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    1. TammyOctober 10, 2015 at 7:26 PM

      Connie, thank you for reading my blog still. I'm honored really. I've missed your posts, but I understand the problem of time. :)

      Delete
  7. BarbaraOctober 11, 2015 at 10:31 AM

    That's really clever, Tammy. I just may have to try that:)

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