Class Schedule
2009-2010

Reader's Workshop (Self-Selected Reading). Each student chooses a book at his/her reading level. Each week, the students are required to write a letter to the teacher about any book they have read in class that week. If reading a fictional story, they may write about the story's problem, solution, character development, setting, or gem words (descriptive language). They may be asked by the teacher how the story relates to other stories they've read or to prior real life experiences they may have had. They may be asked to create a different ending to the story or to add a new character. They may also be asked if they would recommend the book to others and why. Each week the teacher writes a letter back to the child in his/her journal to provide an ongoing discussion about literature. This format is identical to the one used for their Reading Response Journals that will be sent home as homework.

If the book they write about is nonfiction, the child writes in a fact book instead, but is also required to read some fiction each week. Letters to the teacher may record new facts they've learned or any questions they have, further research they want to do, etc.

To encourage "active reading", colored post-its are placed on any parts of the story the child chooses. The student records his/her reactions to the reading on these post-its (e.g. "I did that too." "I wonder why they did that?" "I think the dog is in trouble." "Good gem word here.") At the end of the reading, the post-its are used to review the story or its chapters, and can be useful in the write-up that follows or in further discussion of the text. In cases where the entire class is reading the same literature selection, students are encouraged to verbalize using the post-its for reference. Please use this process at home with Home Reading selections, as you will find it helps young readers fully engage with reading in an active, thoughtful manner.

NOTE: In January 2010 we'll begin "Book Club Discussions" requiring two parent parent helpers to assist by guiding discussions. Three Book Clubs meet simultaneously. Each group is assigned a book to read and then given 20-30 minutes to discuss aspects of the reading. Initially, the teacher or volunteer guides the discussion with specific prompts and questions. The ultimate goal is for each group to incorporate self-reflections, questions, and observations as they discuss a book without an adult leader. Book clubs will be a continued practice through fifth grade.