Purpose & Some General Rules
 

  October, 2005-2006

 

Dear Students,

      I am planning a unit called Reader's and Writer's Workshop. The purpose of this workshop is to help you become better readers and writers. I know this will take you some time to master and I don't expect you to learn everything in a short amount of time. However, I do expect you to do your best and to have a little fun while you learn.

    I can remember learning to read when I was in grade one. I remember how the teacher sat us down on a mat and read to us, then she did something magical- at least it was to me- she had the book copied out on chart paper and then we tried to read it as she showed the pictures. She then read the book again and again we tried to read it. Guess what? I knew most of the words the second time. I thought- WOW! I CAN READ.

    From this experience I developed a love of reading. I want you to have that same experience. I want you to help me, help you develop this love.

   I wrote my first poem in grade three. My teacher brought her own poetry about a little mouse into the class. I loved the way she made us feel about our own writing. She made books of our writing and we got to keep them! I felt like and author.

   I hope you will feel as proud about your reading or writing this year. Please let me know if you do something you are proud of.

   During workshop if you find things that help you understand what you read please tell me and I will try to find similar strategies for you.

   Do not hesitate to ask for help. I am here for you to learn.

   Happy Reading and Writing.

                                                                       Sincerely,

                                                                      Mrs. Moran

Please look at the following before we begin.

  1. Make sure you look at the overall assessment of reading/writing workshop.

  2. Make sure you view the EXPECTATIONS page for general information.

  3. I expect you to follow these guidelines when you work in your groups. Also to follow the discussion guidelines.

Group Behavior Guidelines

  • Stay with your assigned group or partner.

 
  • Never interrupt the teacher while she is with another group or student.
  • Pause and think for a moment, before asking questions. If you still can't figure it out ask your partner or group leader first before going to the teacher.
  • Try to discover ways to solve a problem on your own and then share it with your group.

 
  • Reread the class chart that lists strategies which have been modeled and practiced.

 
  • Brainstorm with your group to see if you can get the solution to a puzzling section before you give up on a difficult activity.
  • Be a risk taker. If you are wrong, then you can always erase it and do it over. It is through our mistakes we learn the most.
  • If none of the above works, go on to another step in the task and come back to that part another time. Then ask your teacher when he/she is free.
  • Do not just sit and give up! Help yourself by attempting to begin the activity.
  • One person in the group must make sure all names are on sheets and have students date them. Find out if you have to put them in your portfolio or hand them in help everyone complete this. Take responsibility to hand the sheet in.

FAQ's

1. What is a Just Right Book?

        When you pick up a book, read the front cover, back cover, look inside if it has a jacket read about the author. Then read the first paragraph- if there are more than five word that are too difficult the book is too difficult right now you may be able to read it in a months time, if there are no words that are too difficult read on or if there are only two words that are difficult then the book is "just right". [http://www.tooter4kids.com/classroom/how_to_choose_a_book.htm]

     Perhaps it is a book that you really are interested in reading and you are willing to work hard at- that is look up words and do strategies to help you understand the text- then you may try to read it.

       

2. How do I  fill in the Sign In/Out form?

     Simply write your name under the heading, then write the day's date, skip the next column for when you are finished the book, and go to the title column and write the title of your book there. When you are finished reading don't forget to write down he date you are handing the book back.

3. How do I write a reading log entry?

     Go to this site for the information you will need.

 

4. How is the classroom library- book bins organized?

     There are two book shelves containing white baskets. One book shelf  is for Fiction Books- mostly novels and the other book shelf is for Non-Fiction books- mostly informational text.

     On the Fiction Bookshelf I have the books organized in baskets by genre or interest. For Example the genres I have available are: Adventure, Middle Ages, Historical, Multi-Cultural, Science-Fiction, Troubled Teens, Animals, Mystery- I have two High Interest baskets; one for girls and one for boys.

     On the Non-Fiction Bookshelf I have the books organized in baskets by subject. For example: African Canadian, Informational, Biography, First Nation Canadians, Science Topics, Biographies, History, Poetry, Land & Sea, Canadian Geographic, The Body, Comics, and Autobiography.

5. How do I care for books?

     Wash your hands. Never bend the books while reading. Use a bookmark that you make, do not dog ear the pages. Always put the books back in the correct basket. Look at the wall charts- they show where your book belongs.

 

6. What is an appropriate noise level?

     When you can hear everyone in your group talk. Use quiet tones, not a whisper, but low! Use two inch voices.

 

7. How do I use my notebook?

     Go to this site for the information.

 

8. How do I remember the questions I need answered while I read?

     Use sticky notes to mark important parts or to remind you to ask someone a question or to use this part as an oral discussion point later during the sharing part of Reading workshop. Ask the teacher for a few.