1. Big Book Work Station By: Sarah Hagedornand Kendra Smith

2. Big Books Big books are usually one of the most successful stations in the classroom It is important to model to students what to do with the big books Big books are a way to practice reading and rereading familiar text

3. Activities Point to words as you read Use reading strategies modeled during shared reading Talk about favorite parts of Big Books Write personal connections or questions on sticky notes Act out story with partner

4. Materials Needed Familiar big books Class-made big books Props for acting out story Storage containers (pg 42-43) Highlighting tape Creative pointers

5. Selecting Big Books Choose a book that is: Slightly above reading level Large enough text for shared reading Easily dramatized Topic of high interest Has spelling patterns your class is studying

6. How to Introduce the Station MODEL FIRST!! Make an “I can” list: I can read a big book with my partner I can read the words with highlighter tape on them I can point to the words as I read I can write my connections

7. Tips: Modeling How to turn pages How to use a pointer How to use highlighter tape How to choose a big book and read it together How to use props to retell

8. Tips: How to keep it going all year long Keep new books in the station Change the child’s partner Add new pointers Small finger puppets Flowers Magic wands Halloween fingernails Class Made books

9. How to Assess/ Accountability Invite children to perform for class Have students initial sticky notes Have students turn in task cards

10. Differentiation Use task cards- Cards that promote word and letter study. Use a color system to identify cards for each skill level. (pg 182) Ex: Find a word you know Ex: Find a word that ends in a vowel Can change partners so students work with different reading abilities Provide a variety of books for your class

11. Cross-Curricular Ideas Drama - acting out History - ex: Columbus Writing - Favorite part of book Math - Create a class chart of favorite books Art - Illustrate part of the story

12. Limitations Big books are harder to find Big books are bulky Reading levels of big books are mostly lower level

13. Closure Let’s practice! Fold your paper hot-dog style. Then, fold your paper hamburger style. Unfold! 4.Write a connection you have to your story in each box as you read.