Reader's and Writer's Workshop
The workshop model allows students to work both independently, in small groups with a teacher or peers and in partnerships. It helps to develop positive social experiences and promotes a sense of community in our classroom.
Reading...
Reader's Workshop is a very busy time in our classroom. A variety of experiences may be happening. It all begins with a something called a mini-lesson.
Mini-Lesson
During the mini-lesson, I will directly teach a skill or concept that will help your child become a better reader or improve on an existing skill. The mini-lesson lasts about ten minutes. During this time, the kids try the skill with me. Through this guided practice, they can take risks. Next, the class will try the skill out during their independent reading time.
IDR and Partner Reading
During independent reading time (IDR), the kids find a comfortable place in the classroom and "curl up" with a their book bags. The books that are in their book bags are at their reading level. These are books that they can read with 98% accuracy and comprehend without support. The books are a mix of genres (informational, fantasy, realistic fiction, poetry, etc.). They use these books to "try out" the mini-lesson that was introduced that day.
The class will learn to respond to their books in their reader's notebook, interact with peers through book clubs, and recommend books to friends!
Partner Reading
During partner reading time, students meet with peers for about ten minutes to share reading skills and strategies. They may read a part of a book that they have been working on for fluency, share a retell of a story, explain how they used a strategy taught in the mini-lesson, or any other encouraged reading task I ask of them. This facilitates friendships, social skills, expands and solidifies reading skills and is FUN! Sitting and chatting with a buddy!?!=GROWING AS A READER!!
Conferencing with the Teacher...
During the IDR and partner times, I will meet with individual students to discuss their reading. This is a one on one time where I check in to see how your child is applying the mini lessons taught, listen to their oral reading, check comprehension or provide a little bit of motivation. I also may meet with partners who may need some guidance to use their time wisely, discuss successful conversations, or provide some role modeling for working with a buddy.
Guided Reading/ Literacy Stations
I meet with reading groups several times throughout the week. During this time, I am "growing" your child's reading ability so they can read more challenging texts. Reading levels are determined by a variety of factors including fluency, accuracy and comprehension. Students read the same text using multiple copies at their own rate silently or softly to themselves. I listen in as they "turn their voice on" and check fluency and perhaps suggest something to help them as a reader. The group then comes together and we discuss the text and assess comprehension.
Students may also meet with me and be reading different texts but working on a skill they need to improve. For example, if there are a few students that do not understand how to use an index, I can meet with readers on different levels but discuss and review this concept with a leveled book that meets all readers.
Writer's Workshop
Writer's Workshop is very similar to the format of Reader's Workshop. The class will be introduced to the craft of writing through literature. Using literature as a springboard, writing skills will be practiced with guidance from the teacher. Writing conventions/grammar will be addressed as an ongoing skill daily.
A big part of the workshop model involves building a safe and caring classroom community. This helps students to become more motivated and perform better academically. They develop a sense of responsibility for their own learning behavior and also learn to want to help others.
Mini-Lesson
During the mini-lesson, direct instruction occurs. The class may listen to a read aloud, brainstorm ideas for writing, participate in shared or modeled writing, or discuss how we will work together.
Independent/Guided Writing Time
During this time, the class will write independently or may be working with their writing partner. I may be meeting with a small group of writers or conferencing with an individual writer.
Sharing and Reflecting
The students and I discuss what worked well and discuss concerns. Partnerships are reflected upon. We revisit the mini-lesson and children may share their stories.
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"Read Alouds" are used to teach reading comprehension. Children listen and interact with stories read by the teacher above their current independent reading level and gain meaning through a group interactive experience. Reading Strategies are introduced and supported through guided practice and partnerships. Strategies are then transferred into independent reading books where your child will read at their level.
Vocabulary and Word Work will be integrated through our daily reading and writing work. Vocabulary from literature used is reinforced and encouraged in language activities and writing experiences. Word work (spelling) is a separate part of the day when targeted skills can be presented, practiced and applied.