This document summarizes a presentation about engaging early learners. It discusses using choice, voice, self-regulation, and the gradual release model to engage students. Specific engagement strategies mentioned include using pictures to connect to stories, having students explore artifacts from characters to develop theories, observing explorations and revising plans, asking open-ended questions, and using math centers and online videos for literacy.

1. Engaging Our Early LearnersBurnaby District DayFeb. 25th, 2011Faye Brownliewww.slideshare.net

2. Engagement ChoiceVoiceSelf-regulation

3. The Gradual Release ModelModelGuided practiceIndependent practiceIndependent applicationPearson & Gallagher (1983)

4. Connect: from pictures“How is he feeling?”“How can you tell?”

8. Little Beauty - Anthony BrowneCandlewick Press, 2008

9. Character Grab BagPut 4-5 artifacts of a character into a grab bag.Pull out one artifact at a time and have students sketch how this might be used in the story.Students sketch again after each artifact is pulled out. Share the developing theories.Students can write after all the artifacts have been shared – a story for this character OR can work in a group to create who this character is and what their life is like Read the story.

10. Observing Explorations in a Full-day KNicole Daneault and Debra VanderwoodCoquitlamReview from yesterdayWhat worked?What would you change for today? What is your plan for today? What will you need?Language “What should I notice?”“tools and materials” – not toysReview of todayHow did explorations go today?‘Have you a plan in your head?”

11. How to ask the question so the child develops the answer…

18. Math Centres – gr. 1/2Michelle Hikada4 groups1 with Michelle, working on graphing (direct teaching, new material)1 making patterns with different materials (practice)1 making patterns with stickers (practice)1 graphing in partners (practice)

19. With your partner, choose a bucket of materials and make a bar graph.Ask (and answer) at least 3 questions about your graph.Make another graph with a different material.

22. Online literacy videoswww.sd72.bc.ca Literacy VideosClustering from TextSquigglesIt’s All in the Bag

23. ReferencesGrand Conversations, Thoughtful Responses – Brownlie (2005). Portage and Main Press.Student Diversity, 2nded(2006) – Brownlie and Schnellert. Pembroke PublishersIt’s All about Thinking – Humanities, Social Studies and English (2009) – Brownlie and Schnellert. Portage and Main Press.Assessment Instruction of ESL Learners – Brownlie, Feniak, McCarthy. Portage and Main Press.