Battle of the Reversals! Who will win?
Did you hear the news? I have a hot new intervention to share with you about letter reversals. If you teach first grade, you are probably leaning toward your computer right now because you know you have those few special friends who could use this!
But there are some things you should know:
The intervention is not research-based. (WHAT?!?!)
It doesn’t come in a fancy box.
It does not have to be administered for 40 continuous minutes, 5 x a day, in a small group.
I don’t have graphs and color-coded data to share with you.
It doesn’t use technology.
Okay..so maybe it’s not a real intervention.
It uses a sticky note.
I get to make jokes with my kids.
We laugh.
It’s free.
It’s fast.
It’s fun.
It’s working.
I have a little sweetie this year (For this post, let’s call him Jay.) who is having a hard time with letter reversals. Specifically, the letter s. It is backwards a lot. A lot a lot a lot. During the first half of the year, we worked hard on reversals. But at this point in the year, I expect those reversals to start disappearing. So when I notice letters that are continually being written backwards, it’s time to squash it – because at this point, it has now become a habit.
Last week, during writing, I found myself repeating the same things over and over again to this student. “Flip that s around.” “Your s is backwards.” “Can you find the letter that is backwards again?” I was frustrated. He was frustrated.
To him, he is playing a game.
To me, he is self-correcting himself.
(Insert sneaky teacher laugh here.)
So that, my friends, is my new intervention.
Because sometimes, “Teacher Tested, Student Approved” is the best kind of research.
🙂
I love it Christina! I'm definitely using this next year. It sounds like you are having a great time with this- and they're the best kinds of lessons 🙂
Books, Bugs and Boxes
I love this idea! I have some kinders that are struggling and a lot of times kinders' writing gets overlooked because they are still learning letter formation… but really at this time of the year, they need eliminate the habit so they are ready for first grade! I'm going to try this with a few kinders and see how it goes. Thanks for the idea!
I am new to blogging and followed you! My blog is Daisy Designs ! Thanks again!
I am doing this! Great idea- I have some that still have A LOT of reversals this year. Thanks for a great idea. Carol
Girl! You may have just saved my life, ahem…sanity! What a great idea!
Brooke
How fun! You sneaky teacher!
Super cute idea!!
Jennifer
First Grade Blue SKies
Love it – I've got a 2nd grader who needs this!
Love that you put the responsibility back on him so it's meaningful. If we continue to just point out reversals, kiddos won't internalize their mistake and will continue making it. This is a fantastic idea!
Yet ANOTHER reason to love your brain!!! Thank you for sharing your SERIOUS BRILLIANCE!!!!!
Fantastic Idea!!! I have a few kids that might be battling several letters and numbers. Don't worry I won't do them all at once. Thanks for sharing this idea!
Kelly
I'm Not Your Grandpa, I'm Your Teacher
AAAAAHHHHHHHH! I love it! I have 2 students right now that are driving me CRAZY with backwards Ss! I can't wait to try this. Thank you so much for sharing your AmAzInG idea!
Karen Rowland
Adventures With Firsties
karenrowland112677@yahoo.com
This is just why I need to follow your blog! Great idea
Ahh, thank you! What a great idea!