Reading Olympians and Warriors Root Programs

I know that I have blogged about Krista and Julie's Root Programs before (see previous post), but I have just has such success with these programs that I wanted to share with you how the program works specifically in my classroom. 

I guess I should start from the beginning.  Man, this could be a LONG post!  This summer my plan was to find some way to better teach Greek and Latin roots.  This is a concept that is now found in the Common Core State Standards.  Not to mention, how great it is to know the meanings of roots.  Root instruction not only improves vocabulary, but comprehension as well.  During my TpT searches, I found the Reading O program and FELL IN LOVE!  So, I started the school year back in August using the original Reading Olympian Program.  This program contains 10 "sets" of 10 prefixes, suffixes, and roots in each set.  I began with everyone starting with the Nike Set, which is the first set in the program. I modeled my expectations for completing the root packet and putting together the root rings. I gave the students one week to study the roots and then I assessed them.  After the first test, the students started really working at their own pace through the program.

Here are some guidelines I have set up for implementation in my classroom: 

• Students take their root test on Thursday.  If they pass, I give them the next set to work on in class and as homework.  It is due no later than the following Thursday; however, students may test before that date.  Again, students work at their own pace. 
• I consider passing 80%.  If a student makes an 80%, he or she does have the option to retake the following day, but it's not mandatory.  If the student scores below 80%, the student is required to retest the next day. 
• If a student, who makes less than an 80% on the retake, he/she is given the packet to complete again and it's due on or before the next Thursday. 

Okay, you are probably wondering how I keep up with this MADNESS!  Well, actually it's pretty easy and I will show you how it works for me. 

Here is the storage system I use to keep copies of the packets and the assessments. 

Here is a look inside.  I keep a supply of packets and assessments for each set.  When a student is ready to test, I take up their packet and give them the assessment.  If they pass, I pull out the next set's packet and I write the due date at the top.  Since students are testing at different times, their packets are ALWAYS due on a Thursday, but they are free to test anytime before that date.  This just helps me keep track of kids so I don't have a student on the same set for weeks. 

Another way that I visually keep track of the students is with this incentive chart.  Excuse the blurry picture...I was trying to make it so the names were not legible.  Hopefully, you can still get the point.  The students put a sticker on the chart every time they pass a test.  I can look at a glance and see who has fallen way behind. 

 

I think the thing that makes this program SO motivating is the incentives.  This is my Reading Olympian bulletin board.  Each student has a chain necklace.  As students pass their tests, they receive a bead to add to their necklace.  After the student passes all of the test in the Reading Olympian program, he/she receives a dog tag for becoming an "Olympian".  Once the students become an Olympian, they begin the next set- the Warriors.  This reviews 50 roots from the Reading O set and introduces 50 new roots. 



Above you will see one of my advanced student's necklace.  She has earned her Olympian tag and since she is on the Warriors set, I give her a tag instead of a bead every time she passes a test.  She is moving right through the program.  She does have extra beads because I give the students beads as a reward for when they find prefixes, suffixes, and roots in their AR books or other reading materials.  One student brought me in a box of Aquafresh toothpaste to show me it had a root in the name.  LOL!  

I have the tags in plastic Ziploc baggies, but my beads are stored in this container.  I actually stole this from my husband.  It's a fishing tackle box, but it works like a charm.  

The students have a root packet to complete and they have to put their root cards on a ring  for classwork/homework.  Here are examples of those.  They are great for studying and reviewing previous sets.

Well, this how the root program works in my classroom.  I just can't say enough good things about this.  I have been contacted by many of my parents who have complimented the effectiveness of the program and how they themselves have been learning the roots with their children.  My students LOVE the program!  It's one thing they NEVER complain about doing!  And of course, I see the results in the classroom.  My students will be MAP testing the first week of December.  I have no doubts that their scores will have improved immensely because of this program.  I'll keep you posted on that.  ;) 

I want to end with this....Krista and Julie have not asked me to blog about their program.  I do not receive kickbacks or anything from their sales.  I just believe in this program SO much and wanted to share my successes with it.  As you know, TpT is running a HUGE sale!  If you have not looked into this program, I encourage you to check out the Reading Olympian website and their two programs.  It was the BEST money I EVER spent!  I know you won't regret purchasing either program.  You can check them out here. 



Thank you for taking the time to read my LONG winded post!  Please let me know if you have questions about anything you have read.  I would be glad to help.  If you have specific questions about the program, I can try my best to answer them, just based on my experiences.  However, I know Krista and Julie would be glad to answer questions as well.  :) 

Have a wonderful Monday evening!  Hopefully, you have done lots of Cyber Monday shopping!