Interest Surveys....
I have to admit. I have never found one that I just fell in love with. I'm talking...love, love, love, can't teach without it. It can be tricky. They are at different stages in their learning. Some can write short answers about what they like or don't like. Some can get a beginning sound down.
I know there are some out there to meet my ever-changing needs. But I just have not found it, yet.
So what is a teacher to do?
Make one...or...two.
Since we are departmentalized and I am a floating teacher that goes where the need is, I work with the same and different kids in math and reading. And I want to know different things about their interests in math and reading.
The reading one was easy for me. I knew what I wanted to know. Basically, I want to know if they like reading, if they read at home, and some preferences. But I work with struggling readers. I need the survey to be short, sweet, and easy. No frustration, please!!! Here is what I came up with:
After putting it to the test, I liked it. Karen read "Wild About Books" before she gave the survey and highly recommended this. She said it tied in nicely. I wanted to pass that little tip along :)
Then there was math....
This was not as easy for me to wrap my brain around. What I really wanted to know was how they interact with math in their everyday lives. But I just did not know what kinds of questions would lead me to this answer. So what did I do?
Texted Natalie (my teammate that now lives in Indiana.)
I knew she would have the answer. Her brain just works that way. And...yep...I was right. She sent me a LONG text of possible questions. This helped me get started. I was happy with the result.
I was able to find out who plays board games at home, which students have piggy banks, if they help to cook, if they have siblings that they share with, and many other little facts. Each question gave me some insight or glimpse into their math lives.
It was fun. They got to know me a little and I got to know them.
I may just have some interest surveys that I love, love, love now :) Do you have one that you really like?
If not, you can grab either of these for free by clicking on the pictures above or the links below:
Guided Math Interest Survey
Guided Reading Interest Survey
You can also see these surveys here:
http://www.classroomfreebies.com/2014/09/MM-9-8.html
Thanks Em. I'm looking forward to taking a better peek at these. I've not used interest surveys for the very reasons you mentioned. Thank you!
ReplyDelete❀ Tammy
Forever in First
I haven't ever found an early elementary one that I love either, so I just haven't done them. How did you administer these (one-on-one, small group, full group)? I'm thinking small group as most of my kiddos won't be able to read them. I'm looking forward to giving them a try!! Thanks :)
ReplyDeleteAmanda