Our youngest learners, Really!?

Many of you want to know how Daily 5 works with young learners who are non-readers.  We are thrilled to share with you the notes below from one of our readers, Karen, who teaches preschool!  

Dear Sisters

I wrote a few weeks back about using The Daily 5 with preschoolers. I wanted you to know, we had our first stamina session yesterday. (The kids are aged 2.6, 3.2, 3.7, 3.9, 4.1, 4.4 & 4.5)
 
We discussed what it would look and sound like...I gave them their "very own, very special book bags"...they did so well! So our first time out was 5 minutes long!!! I was soo pleased. We followed up with another session of how did it sound, look, etc. Then they were off again for another 3 minutes....It was great! (I took pictures I was so amazed!) I'm going to turn the pictures into a book for their bag...(Ben can read. Beth can read. etc.)
 
I just wanted to share my joy!
 
Thanks so much!
 
Karen

Sam  Age:  3 years 2 months

Bethany,  Age:  3 years 9 months

Benjamin, Age 2 years 6 months

Just a short time later, Karen wrote yet again with some nuggets of wisdom for those of you who teach little ones:

We've had several more successful days since I emailed! I am amazed that my 2.5 year old does so well! 

As you can see, we use "book bags" or colorful gift bags instead of boxes...I reinforced them with contact paper, so they should hold up pretty well.

We did 6 minutes both today and Monday, and will strive for 7 minutes next week. We still start and end with the teaching/reinforcing/encouraging session as I think that helps them remember what they are supposed to be doing. Read to Self is the first order of business after Circle Time.

We do some sort of "word work" twice a week, and journaling the third day. For this age, word work is more like letter work, as they are just learning how to print (and some just to recognize) the alphabet. We did stamp our names once, and find the letters of our name in shaving cream to match to a name card...those were both well liked. Journaling is dictated to myself, - I've seen children blossom through this activity, and therefore am anticipating great things.

We also have a "Listen to Reading" time as a group (2-3 children) the book is either on tape, or read by my assistant, so the only piece we don't yet do is reading to each other.

Sincerely,
Karen in Maine

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