Five Reasons for Children to Read "Out Soft"

My students read "out soft" for many reasons in the classroom.

First of all, I'll bet you've already figured out the meaning of "out soft." Although I made up the term, the students understand what it means right away. I'll introduce this idea at the very beginning of the school year, and make sure the students know that reading "out soft" means the children are able to hear their own voice as they reads, but wouldn't disturb the person sitting next to them. An adult might call this "barely audible." As you might have guessed, it's the opposite of "out loud," which requires volume and projection. You might call it whispering, but the term "out soft" is just more fun!

 

We practice. Some children, by nature, struggle with turning down the volume and turning off the projection, but they do get it.Once they get it, they are empowered!

1. Understanding directions.

 

 

This little trick has helped many little ones. Plus, it has helped me as well! Sometimes directions are hard to understand, but I've found that when reading those same directions loud enough to hear yourself, they can make a whole lot more sense! Seriously, how many times has a child come to you confused about written directions... then you ask the child to read the directions to you, and suddenly they'll say, "Oh, I get it!"  Works like a charm!

2. Reading Warm Up 

 

 

I always start reading groups with a warm up. The children are trained to arrive at the reading table, choose one of their books, and start reading "out soft." This not only prevents down time while waiting for the stragglers, but it gives me a chance to listen in and do some assessing. Sometimes I'll give them something specific to warm up with. 

 

Studies show reading words in phrases increases fluency, so I often have the children warm up with these phrases: Fry Sight Word Phrases One little hint: be sure the sight words are easy for the children so they can build the fluency when practicing them as phrases.

These sets are similar to the above, using different lists. Reading Warm Up Phrases

3. Aid Concentration 

 

As you know, many children struggle to concentrate on independent reading. They are distracted by just about anything, including their own thoughts. I find having these children read "out soft" really helps them pay attention to their reading!

4. Reading with a partner.

 

Reading with a peer is a wonderful strategy that should be used frequently in the classroom. Think about it, 50% of the children are all practicing their reading skills, while the other 50% are listening and guiding the readers. It's a win-win! Plus, the children love it! But when all the children are interacting at once, they'll need to be reading "out soft!"

 

5. It helps the memory.

 

When children hear themselves, it helps the memory. This works with word reading (see #2) as well as important science facts, and even math facts! When I use these practice cards with my students, I encourage lots of repetition, but I also encourage the children to say the entire fact "out soft." Fact Fluency Practice Cards

 

 

This same system is available on Boom Learning:  Boom Learning Fact Fluency System Bundle

How else can children learn by reading "out soft?"

What Are You Doing This Summer?

Congratulations on making it through this school year!

 

 

I don't know about you, but it usually takes me about a week of being a total slug before I'm ready to think about what's next. 

 

Then it's time to get going. What is next?

 

If you're working with children this summer, it's best to build community with some teamwork games! Check out this blog post: Working at Summer Camp? Or Summer School? How to Get Started!

 

If you're working with children this summer, it's GOT to be fun! Whether you're teaching summer school, tutoring, or working summer camp or day care, you've got to do something to get those kiddos to "buy in!" For most, themes are the way to go! The image below brings you to a blog post with many ideas for bringing a camping theme to your program. See Camping Week!

 

Another fun theme that has plenty of ways for summer learning fun, take a "trip" to the beach! Seashore Week!

 

 

Whether or not it's an Olympic year, you can have your own Olympics. Boy, do the kiddos love this one! Academic Summer Games: A Celebration of Learning!

 

 Looking for a little something to get you started? This post shares 6 different freebies that will get you going for summer learning fun! A Few Summer Dollar Deals!

No matter what your plans are this summer, there's no doubt that pampering yourself is in order!  Here are 5 things you'll want to think about doing this summer: 5 Summer "Must Dos" for Teachers

No matter what you're doing this summer, I hope that it is spectacular!

 

 

How Can I Prepare for the Last Weeks of School?

What do we really need to do during those last few weeks of school?

Hopefully, by this point in the year, you are done with testing, and pretty much finished with all the "have tos."  Even if you're not quite done teaching everything, I hope you have some time for some end-of-the-year fun!

 

Here are some things you can put into your plans for the last few weeks of school:

 

1. Deepen Learned Skills

 

 

Brain research tells us that we need to review skills in order to maintain them and to deepen them. That means fun activities and games to practice those important skills you've built all year! 

 

This bundle has several fun options for reviewing and deepening skills!

 

2. Prepare for summer habits

 

We want our students to continue some important habits they've developed through the school year. This is a great time to introduce some fun games!

 

Here are the links to a few posts that tell about classroom games that can be played at home:

 

Ten Easy Learning Games

Ten Reasons My Students Play Lots of Games 

 

Plus, here's one to encourage them to enjoy reading! (This is one you can work on all year!)

Relax and Read

3. Make the Last Days Special

 

 

It's time for using those skills they've worked on all year for some fun projects!

It's a perfect time of year for putting on a play or performance of some sort. These activities build important reading skills as well as building community and teamwork.  Here's a post with more information on Dramatics in the Classroom. 

I absolutely LOVE Boom Learning Digital Task Cards! These are easy to assign, and the students love them! Check out this bundle: Science and Social Studies Vocabulary Building Bundle

These are a great way to develop vocabulary for Science and Social Studies. They use brain-researched strategies such as Retrieval Practice, which is explained here:

Here are a few more resources that follow this strategy that are perfect for end-of-the-year review!

Fun and Engaging Digital Science Topics Practice and Review cards Deck #1

Fun and Engaging Digital Science Topics Practice and Review cards Deck #2

Fun and Engaging Digital Social Studies Topics Practice and Review cards Deck #1

Fun and Engaging Digital Social Studies Topics Practice and Review cards Deck #2

4. Share Memories

This is a great time of year to sit back and enjoy the special memories the group has made this year. 

 

It's easy to make a memory book, or a slide show with photos from the year. I've always had the children write down their favorite memories from the year a few weeks before the end of the school year. This gives me time to type things up into a nice book. I've also found parents are quite helpful in donating photos from school events.

These are special memories for them (and you) to cherish forever. I still have memory books from many years past, and I love remembering my former students!

 

5. Enjoy them

My favorite thing to do at the end of the school year is to take the time to enjoy these special children. I know, it's not easy! Between end-of-year testing, packing up the classroom, and report cards, there's little time left. But these kids are totally worth it, aren't they?  Here's a blog post that suggests some fun ways to enjoy the students. Take time to Enjoy them!
 

Enjoy these last few weeks with your students!

 

Introverts vs Extroverts in the Classroom

 In the mid 1980s I took the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality test and found out I was an ISFJ.

That stands for: Introverted/ Sensing/ Feeling/ Judging. 

That's my personality type. It took me a while, but after a lot of research, I grew to understand and appreciate what it all means, and who I am.

The part I struggled with the most? The introverted part. I guess I just didn't understand what an introvert is. I knew I enjoyed my time with people, so I must be an extrovert, right?

Then I realized I was stuck on myths and didn't quite understand what those words meant.  

 

Here Are Some MYTHS About Introverts:

• Introverts are shy.
• Introverts want to be alone.
• Introverts are anti-social.
• Introverts are quiet.
  
• Introverts don't take risks.
• Introverts don't like fun.
• Introverts are hard to get to know.
  

Here Are Some MYTHS About Extroverts:

(Note: Sometimes this is spelled extravert. Either spelling is acceptable.)

• Extroverts love to talk.
• Extroverts are happier than introverts.
• Extroverts are more confident.
• Extroverts don't listen.
  
• Extroverts are loud.
• Extroverts are "attention hogs."
  
• Extroverts are the "life of the party."
  
• Extroverts don't experience anxiety.
  
• Extroverts never need "alone time" 
• Extroverts are easy to get to know 

There is some truth to most of these statements about introverts and extroverts, but there is a whole lot more to these stories!

 

Here Are Some TRUTHS About Introverts:

• Introverts are quickly drained by social interaction.
• Introverts enjoy alone time.
  
• Introverts are good listeners.
  
• Introverts are reflective.
• Introverts are observers.
  
• Introverts prefer small groups or one-on-one to large groups 
• Introverts prefer to think things through before talking or acting.
  
• Introverts take longer to make decisions.
• Introverts like time with friends, but prefer to do it on own terms.
  
• Introverts experience anxiety about making phone calls.
  
• Introverts prefer to write rather than talk.
  
• Introverts have difficulty with multitasking and adjusting to a constantly changing environment.
• Introverts need quiet to concentrate.
  
• Introverts can be perceived as "stand-offish" or even "snobby,"
  
• Introverts don't like being the center of attention, but don't want to be ignored.

Here Are Some TRUTHS About Extroverts

• Extroverts don't mind being the center of attention, and often love it.
• Extroverts take well to networking.
  
• Extroverts show feelings easily.
• Extroverts love to talk.
  
• Extroverts prefer to talk through problems.
• Extroverts make quick decisions.
• Extroverts prefer to work with background noise.
  
• Extroverts get bored when alone for long periods.
  
• Extroverts acts before thinking.
• Extroverts feel energized and inspired by socializing.
  

 Now Here's One BIG Truth About Introverts and Extroverts:

 

It's a scale! No one is completely introverted or completely extroverted!

We all draw from both sides!

Sometimes people use the term "ambiverts" for people who fall near the middle of the scale. I prefer not to use that term because pretty much everyone shows indicators of both preferences at some point. However, most people lean more toward one preference or the other.

Here's a quote from THIS article that explains it well:

"Extroversion and introversion refer to where people receive energy from. Extroverts are energized by socializing in larger groups of people, having many friends, instead of a few intimate ones while introverts are energized by spending time alone or with a smaller group of friends

The big takeaway: It’s not how you act but what situations you thrive in and get energy from." 

 

Well-Known Introverts

• Bill Gates
• Mark Zuckerberg
• J.K. Rowling
• Abraham Lincoln
• Meryl Streep
• Steven Spielberg
  
• Emma Watson
• Mahatma Gandhi
• Elton John
• Lady Gaga
• Audrey Hepburn
• Albert Einstein
• Eleanor Roosevelt

 Well-Known Extroverts

• Oprah
• Tom Hanks
• Steve Jobs
• Bill Clinton
• Martin Luther King Jr.
• Jim Carrey
• Madonna
• Winston Churchill
  
• Ben Franklin
  
• Beyonce 
  

 

Believe it or not, I recently read this information (in THIS article) that shows a significant difference in how brains react.

"Introvert brains react differently to dopamine than extrovert brains do. That's a chemical that turns on the reward- and pleasure-seeking part of your brain. Introverts and extroverts have the same amount of the chemical, but extrovert brains get an excited buzz from their reward center. Introverts, on the other hand, tend to just feel run-down by it."

I've been studying this stuff since the 80s, and this really explains WHY we have these personality differences! We're chemically different!

I suspect by now you've thought about which side of the scale you fall upon, as well as your students. One thing to be careful about: when introverts are comfortable with someone, they'll become quite chatty! Don't let that lead you to believe they're extroverted! (Many people have confused me with being an extrovert because I become passionate about certain things, like brain research, and won't stop talking about it!) 

There are plenty of introverts as well as extroverts in your classroom. (Studies show it's close to 50-50.) It's impossible to cater to all their needs, all the time. (Nor is it in their best interest.) But here are some suggestions for supporting each preference and helping them be successful in your classroom.

 

Suggestions to Support the Introverts in Your Classroom:

• Make sure there are "quiet" times in your classroom.
• Give them time to think before they are expected to talk.
• Know their interests and passions and encourage these.
• Be sure to have one-on-one time with these students.
• Post a daily schedule and stick to a routine so they'll know what's coming up.
• Do "Reader's Theater" or a class play. (Believe it or not, many introverts shine with these genres!)
  
• Make sure there are places where they can be by themselves. (nooks and crannies)
• Help them work to develop friendships. (This is very difficult for introverts!)
  
• Use notes or email for communication.
• Remember, introverts get lonely, too! Make sure they have interactions with others and an opportunity to bond with classmates. Just keep it on a small scale!
  

 

Suggestions to Support the Extroverts in Your Classroom:

In general, most classrooms are designed for extroverts. (Just look at the amount of students in the room!)

• Give them plenty of opportunities to talk.
• Let them "call out" sometimes, without require raising hands.
• Give choices: work alone, with a partner, with a group.
  
• Give choices: oral report, written report.
• Allow for group discussions on what they're learning and books they've read.
• Be flexible with the schedule.
  
• Embrace them. 

 

 

Suggestions to Support the All Students in Your Classroom:

• Share information about introversion and extroversion and help them understand who they are. Make sure they know they are an important part of the classroom! (Make sure there are plenty of reminders that one way isn't better than the other way!)
  
• Include Morning Meeting in your day, and make it clear that this is a safe place.
• Be a role model, verbalizing your respect for the differences in students. Show that you celebrate those differences. 
• When setting up your classroom, include areas for large groups, small groups, and individuals. Let children use them all.
  
• Give choices: work alone, with a partner, with a group.
  
• Give choices: oral report, written report.
• Give choices: read with a partner, read alone. 
• Touch base with all students daily, whether it be a group conversation, a one-on-one conversation, or just a quick not. They all need you.
  
• Don't hesitate to challenge them by going out of their comfort zone, but only a bit. (We don't want to traumatize them!)
  
• Embrace them for who they are. Celebrate who they are. Enjoy who they are. 
  

Years ago, I did a series of posts about the Myers-Briggs Personality Types, which I learned about during my Masters program. Here's a post about Introversion and Extroversion:

Myers-Briggs Part 2: How Do You Find Your Energy?

 

When I grew to truly understand what an introvert is, I grew to be proud of who I am. Unfortunately, this didn't happen until I was in my 30s. Hopefully, our children will learn who they are and appreciate themselves at a much younger age!

 

 

The Final Lesson:

All types need each other! 

 

Introverts become artists, writers, architects, librarians, psychologists, scientists, chefs, ITs, journalists, and accountants. 

 

Extroverts become managers, real estate agents, lawyers, politicians, salespeople, managers, event planners, nurses, life coaches, and human relations specialists.

Don't we need ALL these people? Of course, since most people fall closer to the middle of both preferences, our children really can be anything they want to be!

And I've known many, many teachers who fall under both preferences who are highly successful!