Setting Goals for Reading and Writing

I know that learning goals are huge in our school board, and around the globe, and I understand the importance. They are absolutely in place in my classroom, but during both reading and writing I felt like something was missing. My students just aren't focused on them. I'm sure I'm not the only teacher out there who'd agree... right...?!

During writing, I've been using my Writing Goals Monitoring Chart to focus my students on one particular personalized writing goal.  We've used sticky notes with student names to identify their goals.

I know that my students know where these goals are displayed, and they can usually sometimes verbalize their own without visiting the chart, but I really have been feeling like there needs to be an additional layer of focus for them. Since we've been talking a lot about buddies in relation to water safety, I thought I could create writing buddies for them. I took each of these posted goals and turned them into a Writing Buddy!

I created little stands for these using colored binder clips, because I didn't want them just floating around on top of the desk and ending up under the papers. I just clipped it on, then removed the metal arms:

I really was impressed with how the kids reacted. They were pretty excited. Score one for the teacher!

Now, to tackle reading. I LOVE my CAFE board. It is looking great, the kiddos know their stuff, and I see them look to it when they are stuck with something.

That said, many of them have trouble remembering between our "appointments" which of these goals they should personally be focusing on.

I came up with a way to incorporate their goals right into the book bags they use for Read to Self and Read to Someone! (I got these great nylon bags at the dollar store, and they're perfect!!)

 

So far, this is working brilliantly! Score TWO for the teacher! :) Take a closer look at my Writing Goals Clip chart here:

and my Writing Buddies here: