The Reading Zone
Chances are, if you don't love to read, it is because you have yet to find a book that speaks to you. I really didn't discover reading until fourth grade, and now I love it. If you trust me, I can help you discover your inner reader, too.
This school year, I challenge you to read 30 books of at least 100 pages this year. And, I will read my 30 books right along with you. Are you up for the challenge?????
So, let me be the first to welcome you to the READING ZONE.
Reading and Writing Workshop
In The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell states that in order to become an expert at anything, 10,000 hours of intense practice is required. So, to become expert readers, students will be expected to read a lot, which will build their reading stamina and fluency. This year, we will follow the Reading and Writing Workshop models. Students will keep a Notebook in which both notes and reading responses will be recorded. Some books will be read to students as we discuss and analyze them. Several comprehension strategies will be taught through mini-lessons, then students will practice the strategies. I will conference with students regularly to assess their development.
Both grammar and writing instruction are mutually beneficial. By reading aloud to students each day, they will see correct and varying models for sentence construction. By analyzing sentences and grammar choices by real authors, students will see a natural model for their own writing. Similarly, they will be taught to analyze writers' craft in order to emulate various literary devices used. Power writing will aid them in their writing fluency. Students will also be blogging this year to become familiar with writing for different purposes. Fourth and fifth grades are where we will see much growth.
s
This school year, I challenge you to read 30 books of at least 100 pages this year. And, I will read my 30 books right along with you. Are you up for the challenge?????
So, let me be the first to welcome you to the READING ZONE.
Reading and Writing Workshop
In The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell states that in order to become an expert at anything, 10,000 hours of intense practice is required. So, to become expert readers, students will be expected to read a lot, which will build their reading stamina and fluency. This year, we will follow the Reading and Writing Workshop models. Students will keep a Notebook in which both notes and reading responses will be recorded. Some books will be read to students as we discuss and analyze them. Several comprehension strategies will be taught through mini-lessons, then students will practice the strategies. I will conference with students regularly to assess their development.
Both grammar and writing instruction are mutually beneficial. By reading aloud to students each day, they will see correct and varying models for sentence construction. By analyzing sentences and grammar choices by real authors, students will see a natural model for their own writing. Similarly, they will be taught to analyze writers' craft in order to emulate various literary devices used. Power writing will aid them in their writing fluency. Students will also be blogging this year to become familiar with writing for different purposes. Fourth and fifth grades are where we will see much growth.
s