"First Chapter Friday is a way to introduce students to new books they probably wouldn't choose for themselves. The teacher reads aloud the first chapter of a book to the class. While students are listening, they use the doodle notes worksheet to write down thoughts, predictions and there is a space for them to draw out what it is they see in their minds while they listen to the teacher read. I have used this with students as a first chapter Friday activity, but I also tweaked it and had students use it as a note taking guide while they listened to audio recordings of The Outsiders. This worksheet and activity can be used in a variety of ways and tweaked to meet the needs of students. Students loved having a space to draw their notes and ideas. I try to incorporate some sort of creative aspect to student work and assignments when possible. I believe it benefits students because it provides them with a space to process what they are hearing in real time vs students sitting and just listening." -- Ms. Sudiswa, 7th Grade Reading

“When I mentioned wanting to do more reading in our writing classroom Ms. Sudiswa excitedly shared her idea of First Chapter Fridays and the materials that she had on hand. It was so nice to have a ready to implement and engaging lesson given to me. Another perk - my kiddos have LOVED the activity. I am so thankful for the collaboration between contents!” -- Ms. Miranda Pierce, Collaborating Teacher, 6th Grade Writing

From person that nominated her: On Fridays, she selects 2-3 different books to introduce to students. This exposes students to books they may not self-select; if they are interested in reading the book themselves, they can check it out. This also allows them to hear fluent reading. Recently, she tried a new step in which she gave students a graphic organizer to record thoughts, questions, and predictions as she read. They also had a space to draw what they were picturing in their minds as she read.