BIG BOOK WORK STATIONBy: Sarah Hagedorn and Kendra Smith

Big Books Big books are usually one of the

most successful stations in the classroom

It is important to model to students what to do with the big books

Big books are a way to practice reading and rereading familiar text

Activities Point to words as you read Use reading strategies modeled

during shared reading Talk about favorite parts of Big Books Write personal connections or

questions on sticky notes Act out story with partner

Materials Needed Familiar big books Class-made big books Props for acting out story Storage containers (pg 42-43) Highlighting tape Creative pointers

Selecting Big Books Choose a book that is:

Slightly above reading level Large enough text for shared

reading Easily dramatized Topic of high interest Has spelling patterns your class is

studying

How to Introduce the Station MODEL FIRST!! Make an “I can” list:

I can read a big book with my partner

I can read the words with highlighter tape on them

I can point to the words as I read I can write my connections

Tips: Modeling How to turn pages How to use a pointer How to use highlighter tape How to choose a big book and

read it together How to use props to retell

Tips: How to keep it going all year long

Keep new books in the station Change the child’s partner Add new pointers

Small finger puppetsFlowersMagic wandsHalloween fingernails

Class Made books

How to Assess/ Accountability

Invite children to perform for class

Have students initial sticky notes

Have students turn in task cards

Differentiation Use task cards- Cards that promote

word and letter study. Use a color system to identify cards for each skill level. (pg 182)

Ex: Find a word you knowEx: Find a word that ends in a vowel

Can change partners so students work with different reading abilities

Provide a variety of books for your class

Cross-Curricular Ideas

Drama - acting out History - ex: Columbus Writing - Favorite part of book Math - Create a class chart of

favorite books Art - Illustrate part of the story

Limitations

Big books are harder to find Big books are bulky Reading levels of big books are

mostly lower level

Closure

Let’s practice!1. Fold your paper hot-dog style.2. Then, fold your paper hamburger

style.3. Unfold!4. Write a connection you have to

your story in each box as you read.