Our first grade teachers use the research-based 
Daily 5 program as a strategy to build independence and stamina in their students in reading and writing. The Daily 5 provides a scaffolded approach so that teachers can tap into their students’ intrinsic interest in reading and provide the necessary support as they grow.
First grade students start by reading to themselves; then, the teachers and students discuss things that can interrupt their reading. For example, students shared that moving around the room could disrupt their reading time. The first grade teachers teach the students specific behaviors that they need to follow when reading a book and then work with the students to set a goal for the day. For example, the goal for the first grade classes is for students to be able to read quietly for seven minutes. Once the first grade students are able to read for 10 minutes, then the class moves onto the next step of the Daily 5 which is working on writing.
By the end of the year, the first-grade students will be able to read and share with a classmate. First grade teacher Ms. Castro shares, “The Daily 5 empowers students to make their own choices and be independent. It allows us as teachers to work with smaller groups, and reach students where they are in a more efficient way.”
The Daily 5 is just one of many programs that we use at Galloway to support student learning and foster the curiosity and intrinsic desire to learn that is in each child!