Happy Monday! Today was a great day! My class practiced "read to someone" and it was a fantastic success! My kids loved the EEKK poem so much, they asked for a copy of their own to keep in their fluency folder. They also did a great job at the "check for understanding" strategy and asked for mini strategy cards to use as bookmarks in their book boxes. I can't wait until reading groups and strategy groups begin! I've got a gumball "motivation" machine waiting in the wings that will be perfect with our Candy CAFE theme. Today I wanted to share one of the greetings we use during morning meeting! It's called the Rhythm Stick Greeting. We made our sticks on Music Smart day during the first week of school. We used 3/4 inch PVC pipe (cut to 8, 10, or 12 inch sections with a PVC pipe cutter) and colored electrical tape to create our sticks. We use them at least once a week during morning meeting or as a brain break activity. Students enjoy creating rhythms and leading the class in pattern making. Download the greeting chant and begin enjoying this activity with your kids! It's simple fun that lasts all year!