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Join The 3AM Teacher, the Reading Olympians, and over 80 SUPREME education bloggers as we take you through a tour of the Reading Olympians Root Study Program!!

To get started with Reading Olympians, I printed the raps for each set onto different colors of cardstock. (I made two sets of the copies so that I would have enough cards for each student with a few extras). This method goes along with my Task Card Love <3 as students or the cards can move around.

I also printed these babies on the same color cardstock as the set it matches.

Next, I made copies of the Journals for students. (We are still on the Nike Set).

During our first lesson, students received the rap cards randomly and worked on the 4 quadrant sheets in their journal until they felt that had thought of everything they could. Mainly, I wanted students to generate as many words as possible using the root. I explained that they could move on to other roots, but would likely be able to keep previous roots in mind and would probably come up with new ideas. You could have studenst work in partners to generate words, but my group is having a talking/playing issue, so I wanted this step to be independent.

After a few sessions of doing the steps above, I have students play a brainstorming "game":

* I put students in groups of four and everyone has a writing utensil. I give them a ledger-sized sheet of paper or chart paper.
* Students record one prefix on each side of the paper to prepare for the brainstorming session.
* I set the timer for 5 minutes and all students silently record words that contain one of the prefixes. (The group decides which one to start with first; it really doesn't matter as long as they only work on one at a time). Students do not analyze the appropriateness of the words at this time, it is simply a brainstorming-get-it-on-paper session.
* When the timer goes off, students get 1 minute to discuss the words recorded and mark off any that do not fit the prefixes' meaning.
* Students flip the chart over and begin the 5 minute brainstorming session again with the new prefix.
* When the timer goes off, students get 1 minute to check their words and mark any off.

In the next lessons, we go through a whole-group sharing session where students report out the words they came up with. Students get 1 point for words that no one else came up with and -1 for words that we deem do not fit the meaning of the prefix. (Keeping score has been harry-and unnecessary for motivating my students, but if you have time for it, it could be a fun element).

As groups share words, I type them into a google doc so that we can all keep up and have a record for later.

I just started using the program 3rd quarter to work out any kinks and figure out how I wanted to do it so that I am fully implementing it starting at the beginning of the year next year. I can't wait to learn how everyone else is using the program and putting their own spin on it. (I'm sure I will make some tweaks next year as we go 1-1 laptop, like having students generate their word lists in group googledoc documents, then I can simply pull each groups set of words up on the smartboard to discuss. This would be a major time saver (and might allow me to better do something where I am keeping score). If you have not started implementing the program, I say, GET TO IT. Print out the Nike Set and just set yourself a goal of using it with the time you have 4th quarter to see how you want to use it in your classroom next year. I totally recommend the purchase!


Discover the program IN ACTION in more K-6th grade classrooms as you Pass the Torch!! Get ideas, discover the progression of the program, and enter the Raffle for a chance to win ONE of the three prizes listed below!!

First Place Winner : Gold Medal

  Prizes: Complete Reading Olympians Program
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Second Place Winner: Silver Medal

   Prizes: $25.00 Amazon Gift Card
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Third Place Winner: Bronze Medal

    Prizes: 30% off Discount Code for a 1-Day shopping spree at The 3AM Teacher's Etsy store!

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