Monday, July 11, 2011

Rockin' Reading Workshop!

To read the content of this post, please click on the link below to visit Melissa's new blog:
http://www.inspiremeasap.blogspot.com/2011/07/rockin-reading-workshop.html


 

48 comments:

Janine said...

This is amazing! I have been reading up on Reader's Workshop because I am not having luck with literacy centers. This year I am co-teaching so we decided to dive head first into Reader's Workshop. Both of us will be doing guided reading while the other students are reading their chosen books and completing different assignments depending on what we are learning. I am definitely going to use your ideas!

Faithful in First

Janine said...

Just in case:

pinksmyink@gmail.com

Janine
Faithful in First

Miss Nguyen's Class said...

For reading workshop, I start every lesson with a mini-lesson then the kids will go on and read a book by themselves, listen on tape/cd, read with a partner, and work on writing. I use the Daily 5 and CAFE. I also do featured reader so everyday a student will read a book to the class. Everyone gets the opportunity to become a featured reader. While the kids are reading independently, I will confer with students one-on-one or have guided reader groups.

missnguyensclass.blogspot.com

email is stnguyen1@seattleschools.org

Everything Math in Grades 3 and 4 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Everything Math in Grades 3 and 4 said...

I start each lesson with a mini lesson and then my students apply that skill to their reading. While students are reading they are recording their observations in the Reader's Workshop Journals. Before Readers Workshop is pver we come back together and discuss what we've learned from our text. I'm currently do a book study over Reader's Worskop right now.

Thanks for posting.

Mrs. Shepherd
mysecondgradejournal.blogspot.com

Rachel Lamb said...

oh geez! Now I have another wonderful resource to buy! I too used to run myself ragged with centers. I secretly hated them, but was too afraid to admit it! I used the Daily 5 setup for workshop last year (my first year in 2nd) and really liked the chopped up blocks for my little kiddos and myself-admittedly ADD teacher. I am toying with not having any other options but independent/partner reading this year. I love the idea of graphic organizers and thinking maps for the contracts. I am sure I will have some boogers who need that all year! I think my comment is getting as long as your post! Thanks for all you guys post! Love it!!!
Rachel
www.mrslambsclass.blogspot.com

LaNesha Tabb said...

diiiiiid we just become best blog friends? I think so. LOL.
it's suuuuper nice to see someone else rant and rave over Kathy Collins. I have the biggest teacher crush on her.

I feel like we speak the same language and I love it!!
mrs tabb =)
First Grade Awesomeness

LaNesha Tabb said...

p.s. I'm going to facebook/twitter your sight because you ladies are awesome and workshop is awesome. period! =)
mrs tabb

Valerie said...

Thanks for this post! Reading instruction is my summer plan (after summer school ends) so I have been studying all the blog posts! I bought Kathy Collins' book for my kindle after reading this. Reading instruction has always been an area of difficulty for me and I've cycled through centers, packets of skills, pure reading, and a mixture of them all. Other teachers in my grade level do lots of worksheets (including other subjects like math practice, which I disagree with). However, I'm the newbie on the team so I have learned to keep my mouth shut after all my ideas are shot down. It's nice to see others working to put the children first so I can be inspired to think outside of the small box my school is stuck in!

Lindsey (The Teacher Wife) said...

I am SO happy you posted this! Thank you! Thank you!

Hollie said...

I use the Daily 5 and Cafe..or parts of it...but always looking for new ideas for my reading block.... Your Rockin Reading Workshop File looks awesome!! I love your blog!!

hollie.booth@blairschools.org

Unknown said...

I love reading workshop! It totally changed my thinking about kids and reading and teaching when I started teaching through RW a few years ago. I am a Kathy Collins mega fan, too. I saw her speak here in Ct. a year or so ago, got her autograph, and put it on my facebook wall cause I was just so dingdang happy. You really hit the nail on the head with this posting!

maddie said...

I was blessed to intern with an amazing teacher who was already a pro at Reader's and Writer's Workshop. I've never thought for a SECOND about teaching in any other way! Loooove Reader's Workshop. I had an interesting experience this year when I moved to a more challenging school in my district.... my first graders had a much more difficult time managing reading independently. If you ever run into this problem, I gave them a lot less independent reading time and gave them much more partner reading time. Towards the very end of the year, we broke it down like it was September again and talked about what good readers were going to be doing, what they would look like, what it would sound like, etc. I didn't even meet with students during the week when we were really hammering in these expectations, I was moving around the room, making sure they were all READING, not just staring at the book. We started doing book shopping more often to keep interest high, and we set a HUGE goal for ourselves. They were reading maybe 10 minutes a day. We set 30 PERFECT reading minutes as our goal for the end of the year. And step by step, we attempted one more minute every day. I honestly didn't think they would make it to 30, but they did! It was amazing. A huge realization for me about how much I really needed to break it down for them, even if I'd already done it. Reteach when necessary! :)

Chrissy said...

"Growing Readers" made a huge impact on my teaching! Thank you for sharing your ideas and processes. I'm printing this post!

ReadWriteSing

Mrs Laird said...

I teach first grade. I love this concept and I purchased/downloaded your pack from TPT. I am still doubtful that my first graders will be successful. I wanted to purchase the two books you cited but I am having trouble finding the Guiding Reading and Writers. I have only been able to find a copy designated for Grades 3-6. A little help...

Mrs. Shepherd said...

How do you assess your students?

Becca n Joey said...

I started writer's workshop with my first graders about 4 years ago and then started reader's workshop with the next year. It was AMAZING to see how it transformed my class and my way of teaching. The kids loved it and by the middle of the year they knew the routine backwards and forwards. They knew exactly what was expected of them. This is such a great post!!!
P.S. have you read Reading with Meaning by Debbie Miller?? It is a great book for Reader's Workshop ;o)

A. Reed said...

love it!!! off to purchase this. What is the star font called? I love it!!

Ashley
www.justreed-ashley.blogspot.com

Ashleigh said...

I'm glad you posted this too. I've always felt sort of guilty for not doing centers or other activities during my reading workshop. My first year teaching my principal handed me the Guided Reading and Writing book and told me to do it just like the book said, so I had never done anything else.

Teacher Mum said...

Reader's workshops are brilliant. I am a strong believer in building up reading stamina.
I think you are amazing for sharing your resources so beautifully. TpT was down last night when I tried to purchase your resource, so am off to shop right now.
Keep sharing - we are loving it.

Brittany said...

Wow! This is awesome! I've tried my hand at reader's workshop for 3 years now, and I still don't feel like I've got it right. Thanks for sharing your ideas! I'm definitely going to check out your packet on TPT.
A Day in First Grade

The Schroeder Page said...

This is an amazing post! Thank you for sharing. I just purchased your file. I am also a follower and I am adding your button to my blog. Will you do the same for me?
☮Monica
The Schroeder Page

jennifermeyer1 said...

Thank you so much for this post! Going to check out your pack on TPT now!
Thanks!
Jen Meyer

Tina said...

I just found your blog, and I LOVE IT!

http://quenchyourfirst.blogspot.com

Katie said...

This looks awesome! I purchased your Reader's Notebook on TpT and I tried to redownload the file, but the Rockin' Readers Workshop was not there. Any suggestions? Dying to read this!

Lesson Plan SOS Teachers said...

Mrs. Laird-as far as I know the Guiding Reading and Writers is only available for grades 3-6. I checked the Fountas and Pinnell web site and that's all that was listed.

Also, there was a question about how we assess students during reading workshop.
For us, we start the year with reading interviews where we ask the kids about what types of books they like to read, what they do when they come to a tricky word, if they think reading is easy or hard, etc. We also hold informal reading conferences where we look through their book selections (are they choosing books at their just-right level, what genres are they reading, are they completing their reading contract choice boards) and look at what strategies they are using. We also look through their reading logs to see how many books they are reading and what types they are selecting. At this time we might also listen to them read to record their fluency rate, decoding skills, and comprehension of the text.
In addition to this, we also use Reading Contracts. With these, the students choose different graphic organizers to complete during their independent reading time. These, along with other reading responses, give us a nice picture of their understanding of the text. We also take anecdotal records during guided reading time.
As for formal assessments, our district uses Fountas and Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System to determine the student’s instructional reading level.
I hope this helps!!

Amanda said...

OMG! I just spent the last 4 days at a summer institute with trainers from The Teacher's College Reading and Writing Project and it is EXACTLY what you are saying!!! It's so much to take in an so different from what we are used to. The only thing is, I LOVE daily 5, but it sounds like it doesn't really fit with this model...

Stephanie884 said...

I just purchased your TpT file and as a first year teacher right out of college... my jaw dropped when I was going through the amazing mini-lessons, reading contracts, and everything!!! I can't tell you how much time, effort, and worries I believe this will save me :) I hope to wow my principal and myself when the upcoming year is over! Again thank you so much!!

Melissa said...

Wow!! I am SO impressed with this post and how you organize and run RW in your classroom. I have been using RW for the past 4 years and have really loved it and the effects, but I can certainly see how many of your ideas would boost it a lot. I am on my way over to TPT RIGHT NOW to grab your packet- and then start planning from it. Thanks!!

Lory said...

Fabulous!!! I love the extras that you've included in your RW. I've been running RW for many years and looking for an extra kick (for myself and my kiddos)this is it. Thank you so much for sharing your talents.
Lory
Lory's Page

Madisen L said...

I loved the idea of Reader's workshop!! I just graduated, and I will be teaching 3rd grade in the fall (aka two weeks)eek!! I work at a private school, and the students have a WIDE range in reading abilities. By wide I mean I have a 3rd grader reading at a 7th grade reading level. Yah, crazy! When I first heard this I thought how am I going to be able to teach students that are reading between a 3rd and 7th grade reading level!! Behold reader's workshops!! I am incredibly excited to start doing this in my classroom! I will definitely look into your packet!! Beth Newingham also has some fabulous resources that I'm going to use as well.

Any suggestions for smooth first year of reader's workshop? (is there such a thing?)

Madisen
http://5professionsinoneateacher.blogspot.com/

Ginger Snaps said...

Our school is starting reading workshop this year and gave us the first part of the Fountas and Pinell training! I was a little skeptical at first about the kids being able to read on their own, but this post made me feel better! I will be purchasing your Reading Workshop TPT unit!!

Bookworm1 said...

All I can say is thank you! I have help a deep dislike for centers, stations, and now even the Daily 5. No matter how hard I work it still turns into play time. I am definitely implementing the Reader's Workshop during my guided reading groups; never have I been so excited to be able to oust stations! I know this is going to take time, but I am more than ready for it. Thanks again!
Tara: 15 year 2nd grade teacher veteran

Anonymous said...

I have been thinking about what my student's are working on during independent work time, and I am not satisfied. My district wants the children to be engaged in reading and writing about their reading. I am thinking this Reading Workshop idea will be perfect for my class. I cannot wait to try it! Thanks!

jessma said...

I would love to start something like this in my classroom. I am so burnt out on what I have been doing and need a change. However, I am a bit confused on what exactly you put in your children's notebooks. Can you give me a bit more detail? I am one of those who needs A LOT of details in order to see it happening in my classroom :)

Lesson Plan SOS Teachers said...

Hi, jessma-
Send me an email at teachers@lessonplansos.com and I can send you some pictures of my students' notebooks. :)

M said...

Last summer I was lucky enough to go to Columbia Teacher's College and take the week long Reader's Workshop. It was AMAZING! This year in class my kindergartners would read for 30 minutes! Even those not "reading" were looking at the book for details and clues and retelling the stories. They would sit back to back with a partner and read for 10-15 minutes and then sit shoulder to shoulder and read. I paired the students by reading ablility and gave them their own reading spot on the floor. Unfortunatley this fall I will be moving to 1st grade after 18 years in kindergarten. I really wish I could return to the Reading and Writing Project this summer for 1st grade training.

Thanks for your great post. If you ever get the chance to attend the summer projects I would definatley encourage you to go.

waiting4brianna said...

I'll be teaching 3rd grade for the first time this September and I'll definately be doing Reader's Workshop. When I taught 1st and 2nd, I always had such a hard time trying to find "engaging" activities for my students when I was doing guided reading groups.
Last year I taught Kindergarten. I had 7 years experience teaching Kindergarten, but it had been six years since I taught it. I started the year using Literature Centers. The kids loved the centers, but they were time consuming. I implemented parts of the Daily Five and introduced "Read to Self." We spent a lot of time practicing how to build our stamina to read for longer amounts of time. We talked about the ways to read a book and how to pick "Just Right Books." By the Spring all of my kids were reading and they could all read independently from their book bins for at least 30 minutes at a time. This gave my assistant and me time to read with students one on one and to read with students in small groups. Without a doubt I have never had a class of Kindergarten students that read (or wrote-thanks to Writing Workshop) as well as this group of students. I know this proecess is going to look different in Kindergarten, but it's amazing how it can be effective even this young. I'm really looking forward to implementing a Readers Workshop this year.
Thanks for your post. It's helpful to read what other teachers are doing in their classrooms. I need to go over to TPT now.

Dawn

Cyndi-Lu said...

Wow. Just wow. I can't believe how much thought you have put into everything. I have been teaching 16 years and am totally inspired by what you have created. I'll be downloading these goodies (and more of yours)at the TPT sale tomorrow. I just wish I had gotten them sooner so I could really dig into them during the summer break. Thanks so much for sharing your ideas and creating such wonderful resources. I'm a fan!

Lesson Plan SOS Teachers said...

Hi, Cindi-
Thanks for your kind words! We love helping teachers and we're happy you found the resources helpful!! :)

Teacher said...

We do reader's workshop at our school with mini-lessons just as you described. Each student reads their own "Just Right" book. The one problem I am having is checking their comprehension and helping them to really think about their books. Often my students just finish a book and take a new one. I'd like them to complete some sort of culminating book report. Any ideas?

Lesson Plan SOS Teachers said...

Hi-
Great question! I have my students complete a sheet that goes along with the mini lesson (they use their guided reading book to complete it). Then, I have them glue the sheet into their reading workshop notebook. All I have to do is grab their notebooks when I need to check their understanding.

If they don't complete the activity during reading workshop time, they put it in their reading workshop book bin and complete it during any free time they might have. This bin holds their books, notebook, and clipboard).

I hope this helps! Nicole :)

Alana said...

Great article. I teach second grade and was sitting down to look at plans for "Reading Doctors" in which I assign higher level readers with struggling readers. After reading through this article, I am switching my approach to pairing readers with similar reading levels together. Thanks for all the insight. I look forward to implementing the new readers' workshop in my classroom!

teachermom said...

Can you explain the difference between book buddies and reading partnerships please?

Anonymous said...

I sooooo love this idea! I am beginning my second year in 3rd grade. (I was a stay-at-home mom for 16 years and just got back into teaching.) My school does not have a central school library. The only books are the ones that I "stole" from my own children. My library has grown to almost 500 books. I'm having a real challenge finding a site to stick with and label my books. I found the Lexlie site. But how do I sort them? By level? Genre? Help!

Mrs. Dobbs said...

I have a really dumb question. I LOVE this idea, and I purchased the Reading Binder. I'm REALLY excited about putting this into play, but my hangup is what your lesson plans actually LOOK like. Could you share a picture or something so I know how to write down what I'll be doing for my official "gotta be turned in" lesson plan? Thanks so much for all your hard work and willingness to help the rest of us!

Unknown said...

Thank you. Love the reading choice board

Unknown said...

Choice board is great!

Post a Comment

 
Blogging tips