This year we are following the work of Lucy Caulkins Reader's Workshop. Reading Workshop is a powerful way to structure a reading class. Using this model involves encouraging students to choose their own books as well as providing significant amounts of time for them to read independently. By allowing students to choose their own books, you can foster a love of reading that will last a lifetime. Research shows that when children spend more time reading, they become better readers. With a little guidance and encouragement from a teacher who loves to read, students can learn to select appropriate books and discover joy in reading. Reader's workshop will begin with a mini-lesson, followed by independent reading. At this time, the teacher will work with small groups and conference with individual students. The workshop will end with a closing, in which all students meet again to discuss the skill/strategy they worked on that day.

The following are the units of study that we will teach this year:

Unit 1-Second Grade Reading Growth Spurt

Unit 2-Becoming Experts: Reading Nonfiction

Unit 3-Studying Characters and Their Stories

Unit 4-Bigger Books Means Amping Up Reading Power

Unit 5-Reading Nonfiction Cover to Cover: Book Clubs

Unit 6-Series Book Clubs