Language arts reflection: day 2

Today's lesson was definitly altered from my lesson plan. I am learning a lot about adjusting and tailoring my lessons to my students through this experience. I am lucky to have two back to back sections of the class. I get to see how my ideas work and make immediate adjustments in the next lesson. Today, the students began their first drafts of their personal narratives. The ability level of the students is more different than I expected. I needed to find a way to spend the time of students who had finished their drafts early and encourage students who had only started the first paragraph. Also, I found that having something for the students to do when they enter class after the break is crucial. Their focus during the second half of the block was so much better. I am proud of them for the work they did today on their narratives and I am excited to see the final drafts of each. Tomorrow is supposed to be an editing day but I am not sure if we will finish it.
I think I might talk about editing with a small group of students who are already done and then hope every one else finished their draft tomorrow.
As far as reading goes, it was a bit of a struggle since not all students have their books. When they don't have their books they need they are able to go to the library. Students entering and exiting the classroom makes it difficult for all students to focus. Tomorrow we are working on a chain of events. I think I will change my lesson plan again and have them make the chain with an example book that I read and then the rest of the time will be free reading time. That way they can get into their books and not worry about writing while they read.