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Reading Workshop
Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.
About Reading Workshop: In a 10-15 minute mini-lesson, the students are taught a reading skill by demonstration and guided practice. Students spend 30-45 minutes reading independently with a "just right" book (see below to learn more about just right books!). At this time the teacher will be moving around the room conferring with students, reinforcing various reading skills, and teaching small strategy groups. The students' job during this independent reading time is to keep track of their thinking by jotting on post-it notes or in their reading journals. At the end of independent reading time, the students will have an opportunity to meet as a class or with their reading partners for 5-10 minutes to share (possible share topics- something from their book, a strategy they are using to help them be successful, or something they are struggling with). Just Right Books: A "just right" book is exactly what it sounds like- it is not too hard and not too easy for the student. It is a book that a student can read with 96% or better accuracy and good comprehension. Many of the books in our classroom library are leveled, using Guided Reading Levels. Each student is given his/her independent reading level, and should read many books on this level in order to move up. Remember, you must practice and work hard at something to get better at it! If there is not a level on a book, students can use the "five-finger rule" to see if it's a just right book. Students should read a page of the book in question and put up a finger for each word they don't know. If they have five fingers up before they reach the end of the page, then the book may be too hard. How You Can Help At Home: "There are many little ways to enlarge your child's world. Love of books is the best of all." — Jacqueline Kennedy
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