Here are some simple, yet meaningful ways to nurture Comprehension
and Collaboration.
SL.K.1. Participate in collaborative
conversations with diverse partners about Kindergarten topics and texts with
peers and adults in small and larger groups.
-Follow
agreed-upon rules for discussions (e.g., listening to others and taking turns
speaking about the topics and texts under discussion).
iPhone –
Write a capital “I” on an index card and tape it to a cylinder block to make
your iPhone. Pass the prop around
as children take turns making up sentences that being with “I…” Only the person with the iPhone can
talk!
*You can use a
toy microphone in a similar way.
Podium –
Make a podium for your classroom from an old music stand or large cardboard box
that the students have decorated.
Discuss proper etiquette when someone is speaking. What does it mean to be a good
listener? Let children take turns
standing behind the podium and reciting rhymes or telling stories.
Thumbs Up
Thinking – When you ask a question, tell the children to put their thumb
next to their chest if they know the answer. That will give everyone “thinking time.”
*Tell them to put
up additional fingers if they know more answers.
-Continue a
conversation through multiple exchanges.
Good News
– Start each day by going around the classroom and asking each child to say
something positive.
*Start this
routine by singing, “Tell me something good…”
Shut Your Eyes
Show and Tell – Have children shut their eyes as you do traditional show
and tell. After everyone has had a
turn talking, go around the class and encourage everyone to state something new
that they learned.
*Relate show and
tell to a unit of study, letter, shape, natural object, etc.
Partner Share
– Frequently divide children up into pairs so the can recall information, tell
what they learned, ask and answer questions, etc.