Teacher Notes

"Mrs.Thomas! We forgot to meet with our critical friend! I have to meet with them before I can start Daily 5!" This was a quote of one of my tier 2 students. On Thursday I forgot to have the kids meet with their CF before DAILY 5. They became so in tune to setting goals together and dialogue that THEY COULD NOT begin with out this component. This tells me that the CF piece of Daily 5 has a value and a purpose for my students.

Continuing...

This week I heard awesome conversations between students. Students were using our CAFE bulletin board to set Daily 5 goals for themselves. One student even said, "Mrs.Thomas I work hard when I know my CF will ask me what I was doing." Another student said, "Mrs.Thomas, I am going to practice stopping and reading again." Students practiced writing their goals before meeting with a critical friend and then sharing them verbally. The last day of the week we practiced thinking the goal in our head and then sharing. Students also evaluated themselves on the CF process.

Furthermore, students brought up their CF during their Goal-Setting Conferences. Parents were so excited to hear about the interaction their child was having with other students. Also, the first graders had such an easy time participating in the goal-setting because they had been practicing setting goals with their Critical Friend.

The Themes of the Right Answer...