Reading Workshop Information
Reading Workshop is a time where we learn about all the fun of becoming a reader! We will spend a lot of time reading books together this year. There are several components of the workshop:
Modeled Reading (or Read Aloud): where a reader will share a book and model good reading strategies
Shared Reading (using enlarged text): we will practice reading together as a group every day
Guided Reading (small groups): when small groups of students will read in text at their level and practice the skills and strategies we've learned in Modeled and Shared Reading.
Independent Reading: when students practice reading in books they choose
Modeled Reading (or Read Aloud): where a reader will share a book and model good reading strategies
Shared Reading (using enlarged text): we will practice reading together as a group every day
Guided Reading (small groups): when small groups of students will read in text at their level and practice the skills and strategies we've learned in Modeled and Shared Reading.
Independent Reading: when students practice reading in books they choose
From the Writer's Corner
Like most things we learn, becoming a writer is a complex process. One of my favorite quotes is: "What I think I can say; what I say I can write. What I write; I can read. What I read makes me think" (Unknown). The entire language arts program is built upon this very foundation. This year your child will take part in the Writer's Workshop where he or she will be expected to be the author and write for a sustained period of time. Our workshop will use a combination of teacher modeling, guided practice, practicing with partners and independent writing.
In the beginning, we will start with drawing and labeling. The important thing about young writers is to remember that they are all at a different place. Some scribble. Some just use random strings of letters. Others are starting to formulate words and sentences. Below you'll find a developmental continuum of writing for young children. Your child will be writing in one of these ways when Kindergarten starts. It's my goal to move them along the continuum and help them see how many doors writing can open. Wherever your child is on the writing continuum, it's my goal to help move his or her thinking forward and to help them discover their writing potential.
We will focus on the mechanics of writing, just not all at once! I like to tell kids they can get their good ideas down on paper THEN we can go back and fix it up. We'll only be fixing one or two things at a time so that no one gets discouraged and shuts down. You'll be amazed at some of the things some of your young author's will produce this year!
In the beginning, we will start with drawing and labeling. The important thing about young writers is to remember that they are all at a different place. Some scribble. Some just use random strings of letters. Others are starting to formulate words and sentences. Below you'll find a developmental continuum of writing for young children. Your child will be writing in one of these ways when Kindergarten starts. It's my goal to move them along the continuum and help them see how many doors writing can open. Wherever your child is on the writing continuum, it's my goal to help move his or her thinking forward and to help them discover their writing potential.
We will focus on the mechanics of writing, just not all at once! I like to tell kids they can get their good ideas down on paper THEN we can go back and fix it up. We'll only be fixing one or two things at a time so that no one gets discouraged and shuts down. You'll be amazed at some of the things some of your young author's will produce this year!