My students are in the process of completing student-led conferences.  We had our first round last week, and our second round is scheduled for this Thursday.  I loved doing student-led conferences when I taught fourth and fifth grade.  However, I have to admit that I was quite nervous to try this with my second graders.  So far, they are going very well.  I am extremely proud of how my students have grown to know themselves as learners.

One of our recent focuses has been reading fluency.  I wanted my students to have a way to share what they have learned with their parents.

I had students select a favorite “just right” book that they wanted to practice for a fluency reading.  They selected a passage from the book (or in some cases the entire book).  Students were given time in class for two days to practice their reading independently and with a partner.  The job of the partner was to give the reader one compliment and one suggestion.  Students had a different partner each day.

After having some practice, I recorded the students using the Smart Recorder app on the iPad.

Using the iPad to self-evaluate fluency

This is a paid app with lots of cool features that I plan on exploring.  However, if you are looking for a free app to record and save students’ reading, I recommend Voice Recorder.  You can easily save, organize and share recordings on this app.

After the students listened to their recordings (1-3 minutes), they evaluated their reading based on criteria we discussed in class.  Here is the form they completed.

Free fluency self-evaluation form

During the conference, I played a portion of the reading, and students shared their strengths and goals with parents.  Students were able to explain why they selected their goals.

If you’d like to download this form, you can grab it here.

I hope your conferences are going/went well!

Thank you!

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Teaching blogger for elementary teachers

Mary Wingert, licensed educator (K-12 Special Ed. & 1-8 General Ed)

I started teaching in 1993.   I have taught special education, fifth grade, and fourth grade.  I moved to second grade in 2015, and I am still there today.  

I believe in teaching strategies that are effective, differentiated, and engaging. I am looking forward to building a community of teachers who feels the same!  Read more here.