CAFE comes to the Lower School

Last year our K, 1, and 2 teams began using the Daily Five as a structure for our reading instruction time. It went so well that we pushed it to third grade this year. Our kids love the language and structure of the Daily 5; they feel pride in their developing stamina and their growing right to choose a spot to work/the work to do in that spot. They can explain each I-chart. They know what to do when it's time to get working.

This year we've taken the leap into the CAFE--the "what" of reading instruction. Our K-4 teachers have all committed to teaching specific comprehension, accuracy, fluency, and expanded vocabulary skills. They've each set up their boards and have begun their one-one reading assessments. Some have even begun goal-setting with individuals. I've heard from several teachers so far that the kids are digesting the strategies and are eager to show how well they can use them. What a joy to walk from room to room on the two floors of our lower school and see/hear/feel kids gaining confidence as readers. Thank you, Gail and Joan, for providing this excellent menu and all of its support. 

Here are a few of the CAFE boards I saw this morning (ranging from k-4 but in no particular order):