Launching the Reading Workshop
6 Dimensions of a Fluent Reader
six_dimensions_of_fluency_for_parents.pdf | |
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Click below to view/print the tentative reading workshop tentative calendar for September 2012
parent_launching_reading_calendar_2011_2012.pdf | |
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Reading Faster, Stronger, and Longer
Good readers pay attention to their reading experiences, trying to pinpoint what went well, and avoid what didn't. Your student identified a few things that help them have their BEST reading time. They are: having a quiet space, not having a lot of distractions, picking a "just right" book, having a comfortable spot to read, etc. Your children then filled out a page explaining their Most Productive Reading Spot, to be placed on a bulletin board in our room. Check it out at Open House.
Reading Logs
Every night students should: read for 30 min. (for now); fill out their reading log with: date, title, H (for home), page started and ended, number of pages, number of minutes, and a parent signature. These logs are reviewed frequently, both by the teacher, and by the students. They will be used in teacher-student conferences and student-student conferences. We will use them to look at: reading habits, reading genre, whether we abandon books, etc. Please help your child to fill out their log each night.
Good Readers Make Reading Goals
Students have been learning to make reading goals, both for in-class reading, and at home. They read for approx. 15 minutes, then check to see how many pages they've read. They then place their GOAL Post-It ahead in their book that same number of pages. Many students have found that in the next 15 minutes, they've been able to "beat" their reading goal. At the end of reading workshop, we count how many pages we've read altogether (in 30 min.) and set that as a goal for their at-home reading.
Good Readers Choose Tons of "Just Right" Books
Students talked about the characteristics of a "just right" book. We made a class chart which shows how a book can be too hard, or just right. They decided a "just right" book would: be interesting; follow the "Three Strikes Rule"- not too hard (3 mistakes or less on each page); not have too many words on a page or too many pages; be able to be read smoothly and quickly (like a conversation in your head); allow you to notice the punctuation; make you laugh/cry/feel nervous/ be afraid
Good Readers Read Faster, Stronger, and Longer
Good readers use strategies to read faster, stronger, and longer. They read with their eyes, not with their fingers, a bookmark, or their voice. They try to read on and on- don't make tiny lookbacks- it slows you down. They try to read with a "read-aloud" voice in their heads- smoothly and with expression.
Good Readers Awaken Themselves to Books
Good readers don't "sleep-read," they read wide-awake, paying deep attention to what is going on in the story. They read to create a picture or movie in their mind, with their best "in your head read-aloud voice." When readers start to "sleep-read," they have strategies to wake themselves up! Good readers can...go back an re-read, try to make a movie in their mind, or notice the attitude, actions, or the emotions of the character.
Good Readers Choose How They'll Feel About Books
Good readers have a good attitude about their books, and read them "like they are gold." They learn to give their books a chance- more than just a sentence or two. Try to have an open and positive attitude about your book. Good readers also know that it is okay sometimes to abandon a book, but they should do everything they can to fix it first. Try: have a good attitude, read the first one or two chapters, try making a connection with the character, try to visualize the characters and setting, or try acting it out a bit.
Good Readers Introduce Themselves to Books
Strong readers recommend books they love to others. They can do this by thinking of a friend who needs a book and what they like. Suggest a book you have read that they would enjoy. Also, if you need a book, find a friend who likes similar books and ask if they have a suggestion. To try it: Think of a friend- What are they like? What are their interests? What kind of reader are they? Then, think of a book you've read that may be of interest. Give a Book Buzz! Tell them a little bit about the book- something interesting about the character, something about the problem (don't give anything away), or an interesting or exciting part.
Scholastic Book Wizard
Parents- Scholastic offers a great tool on their website called the Book Wizard. You can look for books by guided reading level for your child. You can also find books by a variety of other choices, and look for books easier/ harder than favorites. Remember, when you search, make sure to check the button toward the top to look for the Guided Reading Level. These are the same levels we use in the classroom.
Good Readers Understand Their Friends as Readers
Having a reading partner to talk about books with makes stronger readers. Ways to interview new reading partners include... let the person being interviewed lead the conversation; listen well by giving eye contact; nod or gesture for them to say more; ask follow-up questions like..."Can you say more?" or "Why is that?"; take notes on important parts; listen, REALLY listen!
Good Readers Practice Ways They Can Talk About Books
Good readers talk about books with friends in a variety of ways. To deepen our understanding of books, good readers can...share parts that drew you in- exciting parts or parts that had a strong emotion; parts where you have a clear movie in your mind; figuring out tricky words; parts where meaning breaks down and you think, "Huh?" talking about your reading goals and logs; recommending books with a Book Buzz; making a prediction; or retelling a great part.