Saturday, April 6, 2013

Pass the Torch Linky


Get Ready for Bloggy Olympics!!!

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Join The 3AM Teacher, the Reading Olympians, and over 80 SUPREME education bloggers as we take you through a tour of the Reading Olympians Root Study Program!!

As many of you know, I teach a special ed class of 4th and 5th graders. We used the 1st grade level of Reading Olympians since that is the instructional level of the majority of my class.  I was very surprised at how well the kids took to the lessons.  I thought it would be a very challenging concept for them, but they really surprised me.  I did break the lessons into really small chunks for my kids.  We started off discussing that words are made of sounds, some sounds are made of 2 letters (diagraphs), and some words have special parts called prefixes or suffixes.  Prefixes and suffixes have the power to change the meaning of a word.  (All of that is included in the program ready for you to use.)  I began giving the class several examples of words with prefixes.  They immediately began making connections to words they knew and came up with some of their own words with prefixes.  We added these words to our anchor chart.



Then, we underlined the prefix of each word.  

Day 2:  We discussed the prefix -un.  We made an anchor chart for each prefix that we discussed.  Students helped think up the words for the chart.  Since this was the first day that we discussed a prefix, we wrote both the word and its definition on the chart.  We came up with several different sentences for each word.  



Day 3:  We discussed the prefix -dis.  This went well with -un since they had the same meaning.  When we learned about -un, the kids were able to come up with it's meaning without any help.  They had a much more difficult time defining -dis.  Instead of telling them what it meant, we made a list of -dis words.  Then, we discussed what each word meant.  After we defined several words, the kids were able to figure out it's meaning.  They were really pleased with themselves for figuring it out without me telling them.  


Then, the kids made their own anchor chart.  They wrote the definition of the prefix.  Then, we skipped down to the bottom of the page and the kids picked their favorite words from the class anchor chart.  Finally, they moved back to the middle box where they wrote a sentence using one of the words from their anchor chart and illustrated the sentence.  Here are a few examples from my kids.  (Their sentences are under each picture.)


Kayla disappeared after dinner.  (I love that the person is hanging upside down in the door frame!) 
I dislocated my shoulder while riding my bike.

I was dismissed from school and never came back.
 I was super impressed with the sentences that my kids came up with.  I think they really rose to the challenge of using "5th grade" words.  They really enjoyed learning how to figure out what new words mean by using prefixes.  I am continuing to use this program with my kiddos.  Next week, we are going to do several more prefixes.  I am planning on teaching 2-3 on Monday.  On Tuesday, I plan on moving on to suffixes.  Since they caught on to prefixes so quickly, I don't anticipate it taking very long to cover all of the suffixes included.  I can't wait to move on to the Jr. Olympians which teaches some common roots.  



Discover the program IN ACTION in more K-6th grade classrooms as you Pass the Torch!! Get ideas, discover the progression of the program, and enter the Raffle for a chance to win ONE of the three prizes listed below!!

First Place Winner : Gold Medal

  Prizes: Complete Reading Olympians Program
            $50.00 Amazon Gift Card
            50% off Discount Code for a 1-Day shopping spree at The 3AM Teacher's Etsy store!

Second Place Winner: Silver Medal

   Prizes: $25.00 Amazon Gift Card
              40% off Discount Code for a 1-Day shopping spree at The 3AM Teacher's Etsy store!

Third Place Winner: Bronze Medal

    Prizes: 30% off Discount Code for a 1-Day shopping spree at The 3AM Teacher's Etsy store!


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2 comments

  1. I am loving this pass the torch linky! I am discovering new ways to implement this into my 1st grade classroom. I am recovering from back surgery and will return to my classroom in one week. I can't wait to use this. I'm super excited!

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  2. Sounds like your students got a lot out of the program! I imagine your special education students would benefit from this type of word study. It is great to read about each teacher's approach with the program. Thanks for sharing!

    http://katesclassroomcafe.blogspot.com/

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