4 Ways to Use Daily Language and Spiral Review

I have 4 ways I use daily language and spiral review to enhance my language arts instruction. Teachers have been using daily language and spiral review for years. It’s the way I start language arts class each day because it gives the students an opportunity to master different grammar and literacy skills. Watch for common mistakes on weekly grammar, vocabulary, and literature assessments and wrap those back into your daily bell ringers. Correcting the 2-3 warm-up questions together is an easy way to review many skills without needing a full lesson. 

There are many options for incorporating skills review and not all involve 2-3 questions at the beginning of class. Here are some of my favorite ways to sneak daily language review into other class instruction.

4 Ways to Maximize Daily Language and Spiral Review

1. DAILY QUESTIONS: The classic type of daily language. Complete two sentence corrections per day Correct and discuss as a group. It becomes part of the students’ routine and builds a thinking habit. To download a week’s worth of free daily language questions I use, CLICK HERE.
2. WEEKLY TESTS: Incorporate synonym, analogy, word category, and word relationship questions to weekly vocabulary and spelling tests. Students become familiar with these type of questions and analyze how words fit together on a regular basis. Adding these verbal reasoning style questions provides more standardized test preparation.
3. LONGER ASSESSMENTS: Include a short reading passage on literature and social studies assessments. Choose a paragraph or article that is related to the content of the test but is something the students have not seen. For example, on my mythology tests this year, I would add a different version of a story that we had read as a group. After reading the new version, the kids would have to answer multiple choice questions about the content of the reading selection as well as questions about style, main idea, theme, and various literary elements.
4. WRITING ASSIGNMENTS: When completing writing assignments, look for words that are repeated often. Generate lists in the margins that could replace overused words. Basically, create a synonym list or personal thesaurus. As students edit the writing assignment, discuss which words are stronger or weaker. Rank the words in order of importance. Determine why one word might be more appropriate than another. Students should be aware of the connotations different words create. THIS FREE RANKING WORDS paint chip activity can be a great way to get kids thinking about shades of meaning.

My daily language practice questions have evolved over the years. They now include more than proofreading and grammar skills. To download a free weekly sample, CLICK HERE. You could also read my original blog post about how my standardized test scores improved HERE. And, because back to school is on the horizon, you might need some ideas for a parent night handout like THIS ONE. 

Enjoy this last part of summer!

Caitlin (TheRoomMom)