This morning we focused on Standard: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.K.5. Add drawings or other visual displays to descriptions as desired to provide additional detail. Together we reread the story Ghost in the House. We then discussed, as a group, the different characters that appeared in the story as well as the spooky noises that they each made. Their job was to then think of a new, different character that they could add to the story to come to the house. Each of them drew their new character and created a noise for them to make and write in the speech bubble. Afterwards, we came back together on the rug and they took turns sharing and describing their new character to their classmates. This closing activity also hit standard: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.K.1A Follow agree-upon rules for discussions (e.g., listening to others and taking turns speaking about the topics and texts under discussion).
In Kindergarten we are spending a lot of time focusing on Speaking & Listening as we set expectations for large and small group discussions. We are working on taking turns to speak and listening while others speak so we can add onto the conversation. This last part tends to still be pretty difficult, to actually continue a conversation on the same thread.
As the students are not writing independently, it gives us time to be able to do verbal storytelling and expanding on our drawings and ideas by expressing these ideas to others vorally. I try to capture as much of their stories and write them down for them as I can.
This sounds like an excellent companion to a story and for helping kids respond with drawing and explaining. Staying on topic is hard for kindergarten students so adding to a story like this keeps them in the story. Making the sounds and using speech bubbles is also motivating.
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