Middle School and the Daily 5

[moore.ellenc]

I am moving back to middle school, seventh grade to be exact. I'm having trouble wrapping my brain around Daily 5, which I was only able to implement in a limited way with 4th graders this year. Ideas, Suggestions? What really is essential to look at from the beginning???

[srea]

Do you have your students all day, or for a period of time each day? That, of course, would make a difference in how you set up your day.

No matter what format you have, taking time to develop the "Steps to Independence" is of the utmost importance for Daily 5 to be successful. We often want to hurry this along, but the payoff of taking time up front is evident as we go forward.

[audie.rodgers]

I'm so glad I found this thread! I will be teaching 7th and 8th grade ELL classes on an AB daily schedule. I have never taught the Daily 5 / CAFE before and just purchased the books (and a membership to the sisters cite). I have no idea how to build/work a schedule for this. I will have one class for 45 minutes on both A and B days, then one class for 90 minutes on either A or B days. The ELL levels for these approx. 25 - 7th and 8th grade students is currently Level(s) 2-5. Any suggestions?
(thank you in advance!)

[srea]

Oh, how I wish I could sit and talk with you . I think you're beginning an exciting teaching adventure, and one that will greatly benefit your students!!.

First, I'd make sure to read the Getting Started ideas (either from the book or online). Online, you can find them under the CAFE tab on the home page. Give yourself time to establish the procedures in your classroom. It may seem like you want to dive right in, but you'll be glad you gave yourself and the kids that time as you proceed.

[audie.rodgers]

Thank you! Of course the master schedule changed at the beginning of the year :D. Now I meet with my ESL students twice a week for 90 minutes and once a week for 40 minutes. The students seem to like having a choice in what they'll be doing during our time together. I have them for reading and writing. Right now, I'm starting to use the CAFE strategies. I think the most difficult part for me right now is figuring out exactly what to work on with them. I have administered the LAS Links for ESL/ELL students (required - finished those about two weeks ago). And last week I took them all to the lab to complete an SRI test (required: Scholastic Reading Inventory). But those are the only two "assessments" available to me at this school (my 1st year at this school). Also, I now have two new students, an 8th grade girl who is a level 2 and a 7th grade boy who is a level 1 and knows almost no English at all. So at this point, I'm trying to figure out where to go from here! I do like the structure of the whole thing, though!