What is Reader's Workshop?

Wondering what our Reader's Workshop looks like? This video shows us action!

Here is an overview of our 90 minute literacy block...

Comprehension Mini-Lesson (20 minutes)

• Students gather on the carpet to hear a story and practice using comprehension strategies. Students use "Think-Pair-Share" to visit with their learning partner about the story that was read. Comprehension lessons come from the Making Meaning curriculum.

Independent Reading - Read-to-Self (30 minutes)

• Students find a cozy place around the room and read "good-fit" books independently.
• Teachers work with students individually or in small groups on reading goals.
• Mrs. Tarr (ELL), Mrs. Drier (Special Education), Mrs. Wikert, and Mrs. Vosburg (Reading Specialists) also work with students at this time.

 Vocabulary Mini-Lesson (10 minutes)

• Students gather back on the carpet and learn 4 vocabulary words each week. These words come from the book used in the previous week's comprehension mini-lesson. Again, students use "Think-Pair-Share" to discuss the meaning of the words taught with their learning partner. Vocabulary lessons also come from the Making Meaning curriculum

 Choice Reading (20 minutes)

• During this time, students can choose from the following...
• Read to Someone
• Listen to Reading
• Read to Self
• Teachers work with students in small groups or individually on reading goals.

Book Sharing/Reflection (10 minutes) 

• Students gather on the carpet to wrap up Reader's Workshop by sharing something they read, reviewing strategies, and reflecting on their reading.

* Reader's Workshop is my favorite part of our day. I love seeing the kids improve their reading skills and most importantly, learn to LOVE reading!

Technology

 Once during the 6-Day Cycle, we end up without any specials in the morning. I decided to create my own "special" and dedicate that time to learning about technology! We use the computers often throughout the year, but never really take time to teach specific skills. To start the year, I am teaching a bit of basic keyboarding. Look at these kids working hard at keeping their fingers on the home row!

 Later in the year, the students will use what they've learned about typing to publish one of their stories. I am also hoping to use this Technology time to have the students create podcasts and videos. Oh that possibilities of technology!

Here are some links to games that will help your child practice keyboarding skills.

http://www.abcya.com/keyboarding_practice.htm (Students type each letter repeatedly)
http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/keyboarding_games/homekey-kennys.html (A "Whack-A-Mole" type game using only the home row keys)