What is Reader's Workshop?

Reader's Workshop is an instructional structure that we utilize in our K-4 classrooms. The structure of Reader's Workshop is the same every day and at every grade level (See image below). The workshop begins with a whole-class mini-lesson on one specific skill and strategy. Teachers model or demonstrate the strategy, students have an opportunity to quickly try it out and then students go off to read independently and with partners for the majority of the workshop. Reader's Workshop is a structure that naturally allows for differentiation and meeting students' individual needs. While students are reading independently, teachers confer with students one-on-one and/or meet with small groups of students. The work that is done during these conferences and small groups is tailored to the specific needs of each student.

How Can I Support My Child at Home?

Critical to a successful Reader's Workshop are student independence, reading volume and stamina. Students need to be able to read independently for a sustained period of time so that they can continue to increase their reading volume and so that the teachers can meet the needs of the students in the class without continuous interruption. To practice this skill, try having your child read at home for increasing periods of time, using a timer as a visual cue. Set up a reading challenge: Can you read for 5 minutes without taking a break? What about 8 minutes? Building up your child's reading stamina of just-right books is an important skill at all grade levels.