Predictable ChartsPredictable Charts

Julie RolfJulie Rolf

Bay Colony ElementaryBay Colony Elementary

Dickinson ISDDickinson ISD

Predictable charts are a Predictable charts are a type of interactive type of interactive

writing.writing.Predictable Charts: * are multilevel* build meaning* help with the acquisition of: * concepts about print, * phonemic awareness * the speaking, reading, writing

connection.

Key Features of Key Features of Interactive WritingInteractive Writing

* Write for Authentic Purposes.* Share the task of writing.* Use conversation to support the process.* Create a common text.* Use the conventions of written language.* Make letter sound connections.* Connect reading and writing.* Teach explicitly.* Group children based on learning goals.

(This list is from Interactive Writing by McCarrier, Fountas &Pinnell)

ResearchResearch

* “The teacher’s role is critical in helping children learn accurately. If she works alongside of a child letting him do all that he can but supporting the activity when he reaches some limit by sharing the task she is more likely to uncover the cutting edges of his learning.” (Clay, 1991)

Research ContinuedResearch Continued

“Our research team found that much can be accomplished in just a few minutes of interactive writing because the teacher draws children’s attention to powerful examples selected from a text in which they are heavily invested with meaning.” (McCarrier, Fountas, &Pinnell, 2000)

Research ContinuedResearch Continued

“The high engagement present in interactive writing lessons and the lively pace it requires creates an ideal setting for helping children keep the meaning of a text in mind while focusing on the details of print.” (McCarrier, Fountas, & Pinnell, 2000)

Predictable ChartsPredictable Charts

Five Day PlanFive Day Plan

Monday & TuesdayMonday & Tuesday

Sentence Dictation* The teacher begins the dictation by

giving the children a pattern sentence to follow.

* For our large classes, it is best if half of the class dictates their sentence on Monday and half of the class dictates their sentence on Tuesday.

WednesdayWednesday

Touch Read Sentences* Each student will come up and

touch read their sentence.* By touching each word as they

read their sentences, many children will learn to track print.

ThursdayThursday

Sentence Builders* Write a few sentences in large

print on sentence strips.* Cut the words apart and put them

into a plastic bag.* The students are then asked to be

sentence builders and put the sentence together.

FridayFriday

Making the Class Book* Cut all sentences apart and put into

plastic bags. * Model gluing the teacher sentence on a

blank piece of manila paper.* Model drawing an illustration that fits the

text.* Let the children loose and monitor.* When they are finished, you are ready to

bind your pages into a book!!!

ExtensionsExtensions

* Very capable students will be able to run with the concept of making pattern books. Let them! My friends love making their own books “from scratch” and including those in the reading center too! I have a “Light Bulb Lab” in my room that is dedicated to this activity.

ModificationsModifications

* Less capable students will greatly benefit from this technique. Creating extra predictable charts and books in a small group setting increases their confidence. Observe your less capable students, notice what they have trouble with and make that your focus when you work in a small group with these special friends!

And…..And…..

* Laminate the pages, and make sure to put your books into the reading center!

* At the end of the year separate the pages for each student and have them make a cover. This is a wonderful keepsake and makes for good practice over the summer!

ReferencesReferences

Making Alphabet Books, Hall, Dorothy P. 2002 Carson-Dellosa Publishing Company, Inc. Greensboro, North Carolina

Interactive Writing, McCarrier, Andrea Pinnell, Gay Su Fountas, Irene C. 2000 Heinemann Portsmouth, New Hampshire

The End!The End!