READING and WRITING OPTIONS: Grand Opening

Once the First Few Days minilessons have been finished, it is time for the "GRAND OPENING".  For this, I explain to the class what a "GRAND OPENING" is.  It is particularly helpful if you have a new store/restaurant opening in your area, that way the connection is made.  We talk about why we can't have the grand opening until all the areas have been explained and activities have been practiced (a store wouldn't open if they didn't have all the parts of the store ready, and a restaurant wouldn't open if they didn't have all their parts in order, either.  Of course, a "GRAND OPENING" causes a lot of fan-fare.  Balloons an streamers and ribbons are in order, and cookies and juice are a must!  The children get very excited about "Grand Opening" day, as we talk about it throughout the First Few Days mini lessons.  The Grand Opening celebration has helped set the mood that Reading and Writing Options time is important and we can celebrate that they are now open!