Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Tracking print--the FUN way!

One important part of teaching is to make sure that the students are engaged in learning, whether it be a whole group, small group, or independent activity. One way I encourage my students to remain engaged while reading (or counting) is using FUN print trackers!!


We have martian fingers from Really Good Stuff...

...googly eye sticks (made from googly eyes and a popsicle stick)...

...star pointers from either Walmart or The Dollar Tree...

and LASER lights!!

As you can see, we use a variety of tools to track print. The kids LOVE all of these, especially the laser! I introduce each tool to the students at one time and on separate days. Then during Daily 5 and reading groups, the students choose one to use to help them track print. Some choose one every time and some never choose one. I don't force it though I do HIGHLY ENCOURAGE some of them to use one if need be (if you get my drift!). ;)

What do you use to help your little readers track print?

18 comments:

  1. I love laser lights! I bought some last year and they were a huge hit in my classroom! I use the witch fingers too! I love the googly eye pointers! I need to make some of those!

    Marcy
    Saddle Up For 2nd Grade

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    1. Aren't they the coolest?! We had a great time using them.

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  2. Oh I *LOVE* the idea of having a variety of trackers to chose from. I don't know why I didn't think of that!

    I love that you posted this...thanks for sharing :)

    Sam
    Fun With Firsties

    P.S. Where did you find the laser lights?? I have never seen those before!

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    1. Bought them from Amazon! Search laser finger pointers and you will see several to choose from. I was pleased with how inexpensive they are. Thanks for coming by, Sam!!

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  3. I need laser lights...so fun. Dollar tree also has little fake fingernails that I use. And they have eyeball rings like oobie...was that his name? I have to make some more eyeball/craft stick pointers too. oh my...my list is growing and growing.

    Wallis
    First Grade Wolves

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    1. Obi Wan Kenobi?? Lol. Eyeball rings sound like fun!! Maybe I need to add to my collection.... ;)

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  4. Yes, please. Where did you get the laser lights?

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    1. Bought them from Amazon! Search laser finger pointers and you will see several to choose from. I was pleased with how inexpensive they are.

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  5. Walmart has the laser lights on to dollar toy section (:

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  6. My big kids love the little martian fingers for our multiples work we do in Math on the number line! Some of my girls even borrowed the fingers for a night and gave them new polish once they started wearing out lol :)

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  7. I love the way you organized these materials! I think I see a project coming on...

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  8. These are great ideas. Sometimes the kids who struggle don't want to finger point for some reason, but these options will make them want to do it! I got thelaser lights at Dollar Tree-4 in a pack for $1.oo
    Debbie
    debjac9@aol.com

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  9. Ha! These are SO cute!! These would help give my struggling readers a little bit more of a boost and feel excited! Thank you for sharing!!


    Young Teacher Love Blog

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  10. Ummmmm I would have too much fun with the laser lights! Love these!

    Denay
    The Gemini Teacher

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  11. I love the lasers! We use those, witch fingers, and Bugles! I think I need to make some of the googly eye sticks though! :)

    Cait
    Sliding into First!

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  12. Wow, these are soooooo cute. It's such an exciting way to get emergent or struggling readers inspired to read. Love them!
    Emma :)

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  13. I also use Christmas icicle ornaments or pencils with cool erasers on top.

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