Reader's Workshop

This may sound strange, but I seriously get all giddy inside thinking about starting Reader's Workshop. I have read so many blogs about teachers starting "Daily 5" that it makes me want to go to Staples, get chart paper, book boxes and journals! And Start a classroom!  

You see Daily 5 is a literacy program developed by Gail Boushey and Joan Moser. They are teachers and coincidentally  sisters too! I just love, love everything they do. The literacy block begins with a mini lesson. Mini lessons range from how to get started in a center to reading comprehension strategies.  During the literacy block, five activities or centers are taking place. They are read to self, read to someone, listen to reading, working on writing, and spelling/word work. Children are given the choice to decide what activity they will work on. During the course of the week, the children will go to every center. Centers usually last anywhere from 20-30 minutes. Depending on the day, there are usually three rounds of rotation. Children have a lot of independence and choice in this type of teaching. Which might worry some. But this system works - I saw it when I was a paraprofessional and I was mesmerized! It works because the teacher spends a lot of time in the first couple of weeks of school going over the appropriate behaviors.  The teacher models and reviews what "good readers" do over and over again. Through practice and repetition the children develop good habits and learn what their 'job' is during the centers. 

Daily 5 uses a lot of chart paper to write down important information regarding particular centers and are showcased around the room.  Children can refer to these charts if they need to be reminded of a strategy, or a word. For example, during read to a partner, children should sit close to each other,  use a whisper voice and take turns reading. Children are busy working in their centers therefore, this is a good time for teachers to pull reading groups or conference with students.

There are so many wonderful things about Daily 5. Children are actively engaged in their work -they have ownership and pride. Children want to read, write in their journals, independently read and read with a partner. They get excited when they have something meaningful to share and when their work is valued. This system creates the foundation for active learning and engaging children to do what they love. It encourages children to read and write and enjoy the process as well. 

Taking the time in the beginning of the year to instruct and model expected behaviors  benefits the children, the teacher and creates a community within the classroom- it really pays off.  Reader's Workshop becomes part of the daily routine and children look forward to having it everyday. I will definitely be implementing Reader's Workshop in my classroom!