Reading

This year we will be using Reading Workshop to guide our reading instruction. Each child will work on his/her individual reading level during our daily lessons and activities. We will be working with different units which include:

• • • • • • • • Building a Reading Life

              • Mystery

              • Reading to Learn: Grasping Main Idea & Text Structures

              • Character Studies

              • Research Clubs

Daily Reading Routine

Mini-Lesson

When Reading begins each day, we gather on the carpet and begin with a mini-lesson. During this time, a new "teaching point" or skill is introduced. We use various anchor texts to help enhance our learning of the skill. This skill is modeled and then students are given the opportunity to practice by "turning and talking" to their reading buddy.

Independent Reading

After the mini-lesson, students engage in independent reading of their just right books to master the skill that was just taught. They practice the skill (or another skill that they are currently working on) by using their Reading Notebook.

While students are reading, I either conference with individual students or conduct a guided reading lesson with a small group. During my conferences, I listen to students read, practice comprehension skills, and offer an additional "teaching point" for students to practice. I use a checklist to track my conferences and drive further instruction.

Closing

At the end of the lesson, students will have the opportunity to share what they have learned and self reflect.