Graffiti Tables...

What are Graffiti Tables?

We've all been to Macaroni Grill--right?  One of the best parts (I think) is being able to write all over the table.  I don't know if it's because I miss being kid or it makes the time until I get my food go faster?  Whichever, it's still such a creative idea and we've taken this concept to the classroom.  Here's how!

My colleagues and I recently went to a workshop that introduced this new idea of "Graffiti Tables".  Basically, it's an interactive, hands-on way to teach guided reading groups.

How does it work?  Each Friday we cover our reading table with large sheets of butcher paper.  We design our weekly tables based on the unit theme and skills for that particular week.  This idea is innovative because it can be adapted and differentiated for ANY and ALL grades.  We use our table design to teach guided reading throughout the week with our leveled readers.  Our table designs not only include our unit theme and skill for the week, but practice with word families, word building, rhyming words, vowels, etc., etc., etc. ......

You can tweek and change it up to fit the needs of your kiddos or teaching style!

Below are some of my past Graffiti Tables...

Unit Theme:  Different Types of Weather

Skill:  Identifying Main Idea and Details (umbrella=main idea, rain drops=details)

Unit Theme:  4 Seasons

Skill:  Setting (identified settings in their window)

"-and" word family in the flower

letters of the week in the sun

word building in the tree

I wanted to get this post on my blog (since I haven't been around in weeks) and introduce you to one of my new favorite things I'm doing with my littles :)  Hope you can take this idea with you...

Have a great week, everyone :)