The Daily 5 Has Changed My Life...

It is only fitting that my first real post is going to be all about the Daily 5.  The Daily 5 was created by The Two Sisters; Gail Boushey and Joan Moser.  "The Daily 5 is more than a management system or a curriculum framework - it is a structure that helps students develop the daily habits of reading, writing, and working independently that will lead to a lifetime of literacy independence."  Since I have started structuring my classroom using the Daily 5 (about 2 1/2 years ago), I can't believe I ever structured it a different way. We are all reluctant of change.  If something works, why reinvent the wheel?  Well, what if something works better?  When I finally decided to take the plunge and dive into the Daily 5, I soon realized I was going to have to give up a lot of control in the classroom.  The day the children began to take charge of their own learning was the day I became a Daily 5 believer!  Before I continue, this control did not shift over night, not even over 4 months.  I have been tweaking and changing things for almost 2 years.  Hard work pays off.  This is the first year where I can actually say I am at a great place in my teaching and I truly believe I have created an optimal learning environment. I always give credit where credit is due and I am so glad that the Sister's system works.  So thank you Sisters.  The work you do continues to make me a better teacher! I have created many documents over the years that all coincide with the Daily 5.  I will be posting these documents here for all that are interested.  I believe that sharing and collaborating is the key to great teaching! I have benefited greatly from so many teachers out there who were willing to share their great ideas.  I am here to pay it forward! Stay tuned for more about the Daily 5.