End of Day

Today I am guest teaching in a very nice 1st grade classroom. My students are with their STEM specialist and when they back from specialist it will be dismissal time. Being as I don't need to prepare anything (other than a note to their teacher, which I already wrote) I thought it would be the perfect time to write a new post.

The end of the day is often a chaotic time in any classroom. To help eliminate the chaos this teacher had a great idea: She uses read aloud or Tumble Books. Before they left for specialist, all students stacked their chairs, packed their back packs, and put them with their coats at their table spots. When the students return from specialist students will put on their coats, stand by their table spots and wait for buses to be called. While they wait they watch a Tumble Book.

Tumble Books are picture books online, that are read aloud to students. The words are posted with each page and are highlighted as they are read. Some of the pictures include small animations and they also include music in some parts of the books. Information is posted with most of the books telling the reading level and  how long they run for - typically just a few minutes, making them a great brain break or reward.

"Porcupining" is one of my favorite Tumble Books.

I've shown this story in many classes I guest teach in.
 

I strongly encourage schools that have smart boards or lap top projectors to get a subscription to Tumble Books. If you want to try them out, Dakota County Library has a subscription to Tumble Books. You can access it by first clicking on the "For Kids" link and then the "Building Literacy" link.

Note: You now have to have a Dakota County Library card number and pin to access Tumble Books through their web cite.