I Surrendered to the Power of Choice!

If you've followed our blog very long, you know that Kristi and I were both skeptical before beginning the Daily 5. We just didn't know if it would work for us.

 

 

Of course, when we actually tried it, we fell in love! And so did our kiddos!

 

I was teaching first grade and attempted letting them choose what they did in each round, but it just took way too long and it was hard to keep track of their choices. I quickly gave up on choice and created a rotation chart which worked wonderfully for the control-freak in me.

 

I started the Daily 5 in second grade this year that same way.

 

Then I was reading (again) about the power of choice in the Daily 5 reading structure. That and the feeling that my kiddos were getting a little "bored" with their routine had me thinking...

 

2nd graders, end of the year, surely we can do it...

 

So I did it.

 

I surrendered.

 

I told the kids we were going to try it on Thursday and Friday.

 

And guess what?

 

It worked...wonderfully.

 

Afterwards, I asked the kids if they liked it. All of them except two raised their hands. The first boy (after my own heart) just likes structure and routine. The other one said, "I didn't just like it. I loved it!" LOL!

 

Guess that means the power of choice is here to stay in my classroom. I have a few ideas on how to manage it this time so the students and I will be happy! I'll talk more about that and let you know how our first full week of choice goes next Monday. 

 

P.S. If you have purchased our Telling Time Mega Pack, go redownload it. I've added 8 worksheets that can be used as practice pages or assessments! Enjoy!