The majority of the time is used for reading and writing experiences and the reminder of the time is used for mini-lessons, recording the status of the class, for record keeping and assessment for the group share. The workshop is learner-centered and involves collaboration with teacher and peers. The author suggests that workshops take place 3-5 times per week for 45 minutes. The workshop should have predictable structure and routines. The students should be allowed to make decisions for their reading and writing. The teacher should have resepectful interaction with the students.
Reading Workshop should have these components:
- read-aloud
- shared reading
- mini-lessons or demonstrations
- guided reading
- independent reading
- literature study
- inquiry
- opportunites for response
Writing Workshop should have these components:
- write-aloud
- shared writing
- mini-lessons
- quided writing
- independent writing
- opportunites for response
I was confused after I read this article because it seems like alot of activities in one 45 minute period. Is it 45 minutes for each writing and reading or 45 minutes combined?
I think this article did a good job of summarizing the things we talked about today. I especially liked the First Graders Study Families section, as it made the workshop process 'come to life' for me. I like to have examples to learn from. I also like the summary page at the end, with the possible strategies listed.
ReplyDeleteI am thinking I would spend 45 minutes on each workshop, correct?
To answer the question yes, it is 45 min. for each (at least that is what we did).
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading this article. It highlighted the major points of balanced literacy and made everything come into focus. I especially liked the chart in the back that showed you how everything links together. Before reading this article, I was familiar with the "learning language" and "learning about language" pieces of balanced literacy; I was not however familiar with the "learning through language" component. I am excited to learn more about this piece of the puzzle because, I feel it is a great opportunity for independent learning and higher-order thinking.
Barbara - In my classroom, it is 45 minutes for each. I know some other teachers who alternate reading and writing days and use the entire 90 minutes to write one day and to read the next.
ReplyDeleteHere are my thoughts on the article:
“Students are not involved in doing workbooks or worksheets, but are immersed in reading and writing for real purposes based on their interests and individual abilities”
I believe this is the crux of reading and writing workshop. Full immersion in language and the opportunity to practice in authentic ways is so important for students.
“Read-aloud should occur daily in classrooms, as it has been proven to be the most important factor in children’s literacy development.”
Read-alouds are very important in the classroom, but I believe we have to be intentional and purposeful as teachers when we choose what and when to read. When used appropriately, read aloud books are invaluable teaching and learning tools.
This article helped me see that balanced literacy is at use at our middle school. This practical step-by-step guide helped my recognize that I have seen teachers using this model, mostly in language arts classes but also across the social studies curriculum. Getting to see a teacher put this in motion with her class helped me see how important informal assessment can be in addressing the strenghts of the students then building on them!
ReplyDeleteIn response to the Watching and Listening to children read article I am encouraged that I am learning new strategies that begin a lesson by pointing out what students know about a subject rather than merely stating the objective...("by the end of the lesson today you should be able to..."). Specifically, we can begin with,"Tell me everything you know about the subject." This seems like a subtle difference but I see it opening possibilities of forming purpose to our learning and added enthusiasm and student participation.
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