Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Workshop Wednesday -- Reading Group Organization

I believe that it is safe to say that spring is almost here in southeastern Wisconsin. (My son was in northern Wisconsin this weekend and they still had several inches of snow....Ughhhh!!!)   Look what was peeking up at me today when I got home from school...


 
 
 
 

You may notice that the ground around these little cuties is soaking wet.  That's because it's been raining here pretty much non-stop since Monday night.  I think I even saw some animals starting to pair up in anticipation of the ark that is soon to arrive!  :)

I'm linking up again with Jivey this week for her Workshop Wednesday.  Last week was my first week, and I got so many awesome ideas from her linky that I just had to come back!



 
 
This week's topic is about tools we use to organize and keep track of our reading groups.  After reading through her post, I knew exactly what I wanted to write about!  I have tried keeping written anecdotal records,  yet always seem to miss something because I can't write as fast as my mind races sometimes.  So this year, I have brought my iPad into the classroom and use the Confer app to group my students and take anecdotal records.
 

I really feel that it has kept me organized with my record keeping and helps me put students together for reading, writing, and math groups.  Plus, when it's time to prepare report card comments, I have everything right in one place! 

I can input records for different subjects throughout my day.


Inside each subject, I can keep track of when I meet with students for instruction or intervention, note what was taught, and add ideas for next time.




I can also review past notes for each student to see trends.
 

These notes can be shared between my iPad and iPhone and I can download the data into a Google doc if I wanted to share it with another teacher or specialist.  (Thanks to the iTunes Store for these screenshots.)  This record keeping system also works great with Daily 5.

If you decide to give Confer a try, let me know what you think!


7 comments:

  1. Oooooh!!! I need to do that! Can it run without wireless access? Thanks or linking up!
    Jivey
    ideas by jivey

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it can run without wireless access! Next time you connect, it should sync. : )

      Delete
  2. Thanks for posting about this app! It looks so easy to use...I just downloaded it and am playing around with adding my kiddos now!

    Glad I found you! :)

    Amanda
    Learning to the Core

    ReplyDelete
  3. This looks amazing!! I love it and already have it pinned:) Thanks for the tip!
    ~Holly
    Fourth Grade Flipper

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love this idea/app. Maybe it can be my justification for buying an iPad! =) I usually just use a spiral or sticky notes.

    When you were talking about Spring, I was thinking we have it pretty good here in Texas. The other day it was in the 50's and I was complaining about the cold!

    I am happy to be your newest follower. I would love for you to hop over and visit when you get the chance.

    Heather
    Heather's Heart

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love this idea! I use my iPad all the time in the classroom and can't wait to use this too!

    Misty
    Think, Wonder, & Teach

    ReplyDelete
  6. I've heard a lot of people use Confer or either Evernote for record keeping on the kiddos. I'm teaching history this year, so I haven't used either one. BUT-that is subject to change. Thanks for the review! :)

    Shannon
    I Run Read Teach

    ReplyDelete

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