1. Framework

Familiarize yourself with the instrumental foundations that make the Daily 5 structure so successful and unique.

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Essentials

1.1 Build relationships: trust and respect

Teacher believes all students are capable and worthy.
Teacher provides opportunities for all students to develop their skills as independent learners.

1.2 Brain-compatible focus lessons

Lesson’s length equals age of students (age = min. For example, 8 yrs. = 8 min.).
One to four focus lessons taught daily, depending on curriculum

1.3 Length of sessions is based on student stamina

Teacher watches students; when stamina wanes, all students are called back.
Length of session is determined by student stamina.

1.4 Brain and body breaks

Teacher watches student behavior to determine when breaks are optimal.
Teacher provides opportunities for brief movement when needed to reset and refocus attention on learning.

1.5 Focused sharing

Students share their reading and writing between sessions or at the end of Daily 5.
Teacher keeps track to ensure everyone has the same opportunities to share.

1.6 Student choice

Students choose between the five tasks each day.
Students must do some type of reading and writing each day.
Students choose what they do first, second, and so on, and stick with that task the whole session.

1.7 Teacher choice

Teachers confer, meet with small groups, and assess during each session, based on conferring notes and students’ needs.

1.8 One to three sessions each day

Schedule allows for one–three sessions each day.
Sessions can be in one literacy block or divided throughout the day.

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