chants

For my beginning readers, around levels A and B, I try to start out with the following teaching points or content objectives in the first few sessions:

  point to all the words
  get your mouth ready
  use the pictures
  does it make sense?

Because I have struggling readers at this level in 1st and 2nd grade, I try to infuse shared reading into our guided reading sessions by making strategy chants or songs.

As a teacher of English Language Learners, I have found the use of chants or songs that use and define academic vocabulary to be the best means of teaching language and content.  Perhaps because so often, especially among K-3 students, the kids LOVE to sing the songs again and again. 

Last year, I had a favorite writing chant, which I used every day, and now thanks to my bilingual coach I have a great reading chant to share with you all!  (She gave me permission to post it.)  She even typed up a great series of lessons to teach the chant, vocabulary and content.  I'll post these soon too under lesson plans!