The Daily Cafe

Kindergarten — when to start conferring or working with groups?

#1

Hello, I have just started Daily 5 — we are 5 days in on building stamina for Read to Self. The children have made it to 6 minutes, and Read to Self is the only one I have introduced. I’m just thinking ahead — how do you know when to start conferring or working with groups? I know I’m a little ways off — but hoping to keep things rolling and get there soon!

In addition, I have a Title 1 Reading teacher with me during my 45 minute Daily 5 block. The goal is that we will eventually BOTH be conferring and pulling groups - but for right now, do I dare have one of us pull a group or confer, while the other monitors stamina? Or should we have the whole group continue to keep building for a bit longer? Thanks, in advance!!!

#2

In general, reaching stamina of about 10 minutes is a good time to start groups or conferring. However, if your kiddos are doing 6 minutes well, it seems like a good time to try one of you with a small group or conferring. Actually, I’m thinking it might be easier to start with one on one conferring.

In the latest info I heard presented at Ft Worth recently, it was suggested that if you have a couple of “barometer kids”, you could start conferring with them about behaviors. That might help you build stamina, as well.

A couple of weeks ago in a first grade class I was visiting, the teacher had each child identify which Daily they were doing (only had Read to Self and Writing in place), and then identify which behavior they were going to work on. I thought it was a powerful way to start the round.