Reading Workshop        

 
 

To teach reading, we use the workshop model approach.  The workshop model of teaching uses curriculum, individually paced work, portfolio/performance assessment, self assessment, and individualized learning and evaluation.  The workshop model is broken into three parts that take approximately one hour to complete.

  
 
Possible Mini-lesson Topics

  • Routines and rules for reading workshop

  • Using sticky notes

  • Using the classroom library

  • Parts of a fictional text

  • Selecting a book

  • Responding to literature

  • Compare and contrast

  • Mental images

Mini - Lesson

The mini-lesson portion of the workshop model consists of a 10 to 15 minute mini-lesson that emphasizes a specific skill or strategy.  Previously taught mini-lessons are often revisited during the year.  Several days may also be spent teaching the same mini-lesson to allow the students to fully grasp the concept.  The mini-lesson often allows for students to practice the newly taught skill or strategy through pair-share activities, guided discussions, or think alouds. 

 

Possible Mini-lesson Topics

  • Independently reading
  • Logging books
  • Sharing books
  • Strategies
  • How to be a good listener
  • Literature Circle
  • Rubrics for Book Talks
  • Centers
  • Author Studies
  • Genre Studies
  • Attributes of fictional texts
 

 

 

 

Work Session

The work session of the workshop model can range anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the mini-lesson.  It is during this time that the activities will vary based on student needs. 

Activities

  • Independent Reading - Students read stories from their bag of books.  Their bag of books contain books that are their independent reading level based on the DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment) test results.  Students are required to log their books in their Reading Notebooks.  On occasion, they may also be required to respond to the story as well.
  • Guided Reading - Guided Reading is when the students read in small groups with the teacher to focus on select skills.  Please click here for more information.
  • Literature Circle - Literature Circle is when the students read a self-selected novel.  Students meet regularly to discuss the story.  Please click here for more information.
  • Reading Conferences - During this time, the teacher may confer with individual students to discuss a variety of topics.  The student may discuss a book he/she is reading, strategies being used, vocabulary, questions, and other topics related to reading.
  • Assessments - The teacher may also test students independently during this time.  These tests include DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills), DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment), Theme tests, and so on.
  • Centers - Students may also be using the centers during the work session.  For more information about centers, please click here.
 Handy Worksheets

Book Log 1

Book Log 2

Recording Mental Images

Thinking About Connections

Attribute Chart

Facts, Questions and Answers

Questions and Answers

Story Map 1

Story Map 2

Story Map 3

Story Map 4

Story Map 5

Story Map 6

Story Map 7

Predictions

Character Map 1

Character Map 2

 

 

 

Closing

The closing session of the workshop model can range anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes in length.  It is during this time that the students return to the gathering area and selected students share based on the mini-lesson.  For example, if a reading strategy such as questioning has been taught, students would share how they used questioning while reading.
Links of Interests:

Literature Circle          Reading Strategies          Guided Reading          Reading Centers  

Literature Related Activities