Morning Message

This weeks readings explain how learning to read and write consists of learning and building on smaller concepts.  The NAEYC/IRA (1998) and Yopp & Yopp (2000) believe that literacy practices need to be developmentally appropriate.  In addition, Yopp & Yopp (2000) think that phonemic instruction is very important to literacy, but should be taught purposefully and only as part of a whole literacy program.  I really liked the idea of a morning message that was used by Donna Jarvis (2002).  I came across the video below that provides an excellent example of how a morning message can be used to practice reading, writing, and phonemic awareness all at the same time and in a way that exhibits practical uses of these skills.

She demonstrates many literacy-teaching ideas discussed in the readings.  I love how the activity incorporates chants and movements, and the students use sound associations from words they already know to determine unknown words. The teacher also helps guide their learning by leaving out parts of words and encouraging revising mistakes.  I would love to use this in my classroom because it teaches important literacy skills in a fun way and in a short amount of time.  Time management is very important in classrooms, as I've seen during my volunteer experiences, so this type of activity is ideal!  It makes me wonder how the concept of a morning message can also be used in subject areas like science or social studies?