How to Get a First Grade Reading Group to Stay on Task
Forty-two million American adults are unable to read a simple book, according to Education-Portal's website. Since most parents do not want their children to fall victim to this tragedy, reading skills are encouraged from a young age. First grade is a time when literacy skills need to be developed and strengthened since children are learning phonics skills and mastering sight words.
Keeping first graders on task during reading groups is important to ensure the development of healthy reading skills, as well as an appreciation for books and reading in general. Reading is an essential skill for many areas of life, so helping students read is one of a teacher's most important jobs.
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Instructions
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Create reading areas within the classroom that are free from distractions. An ideal reading area would have a few small round tables with three to four chairs at each. You can also have your students push desks together to create small reading areas if you have a smaller classroom.
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Remind the students of the reading rules and consequences prior to beginning the reading groups. Rules would be: waiting your turn to read, keeping quiet and paying attention while others are talking, and not making fun of anyone who is struggling to read any words. Consequences could be lost recess time or having to write an apology letter.
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Choose interesting books. Books with colorful pictures, large print and simple words work best for first graders. Boring books or books that are too difficult to read could lead to frustration and distraction. "The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn, "Today I Feel Silly" by Jamie Lee Curtis and "I Like Myself" by Karen Beaumont are excellent choices to start with.
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Place one student in charge of the reading group. Choose the most responsible student in each group to report any problems to the teacher or gently remind others to stay on task.
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Walk around to each reading table and stay for a few minutes. Listen to the children read and assist with any misread words. Use eye contact or hand gestures to keep other children focused on the reading group. A raised eyebrow or pointed finger can be a powerful classroom tool.
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Vary the reading skill level in each group. Placing all the struggling students in one group will only lead to problems and possible acting-out behaviors. Children with different reading abilities in each group help teach patience to advanced readers while teaching struggling readers new words and concepts.
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Set a timer and create a list to keep children on task in the smaller groups. You can create a sequential list of reading order and allow each child to cross off his name at his turn. Set the timer for a minute or two to let children know when to start and stop reading.
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Expect distractions and set a realistic time limit for the reading group. First graders have short attention spans -- start with 10-minute time limits and work to add more time as the children develop more patience.
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Tips & Warnings
Ignore small distractions if possible. Students have a way of disciplining or keeping on track other classmates who are disobeying the rules when they are in small groups.
Keep your book selection simple, yet challenge students to learn new words and concepts.
Add time increments of five minutes every few reading session until you can work up to half an hour.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit reading a book image by Marzanna Syncerz from Fotolia.com
