Magic Reading Fingers

Tracking print is an important part of learning to read.  It helps children keep their place in the text and helps build fluency.  It's a core print concept in Kindergarten and 1st grade.  By second grade, students are usually able to track text with their eyes.  Your Kindergarten and Firsties can simply track print with their fingers, but I think it is a lot more fun to give them a special tool!  I found these finger puppets in the party section at Target.

 Couldn't believe they were only $2 for a pack of 12!  Get in my cart!

We don't just use these special tools to track print, I use "magic pointers" for various activities in my guided reading groups and even during whole group instruction.  Here are a few ideas...
-Find letters, sight words, spelling words, or vocabulary words on the page you are reading.
-Have students identify specifics in the text...  "Point to the main character..." "Show me a picture that shows the main character is upset."
-Identify parts of the book.  "Point to the title."  "Show me the spine of the book."  "Point to the illustrator's name."
-Use magic reading fingers for rereading text.
-Model how to track print using your very own magic reading finger.  Students will love watching the monster dance along the page.
-Oriental Trading has some fun things that you could use for reading fingers as well.  I love these spooky Martian Fingers & Arrows!

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