Live, Love, Laugh Everyday in Kindergarten: Chapter 1 "Things To Think About" {Guided Reading ...:
1. Getting things done in the allotted time: I think this is probably the hardest part about Reader's Workshop. I have found it useful to use a timer early in the year. I set up a timeframe for my morning with all the components I want to include. Last year, it looked something like this:
8:45-9:00- SRA Phonemic Awareness
9:00-9:15- Phonics Instruction- letters/sounds, family words, Systematic, Sequential Phonics, etc.
9:15-9:30- Systematic Sight Words
9:30-10:15- Small groups/Centers/Seatwork
You have to learn to let it go and remember that it is important to teach skills in a short time period but every day repetition.
2. Noise Level: This must be addressed when I am modeling early in the year. It takes a lot of practice and reinforcement. I also have 1 group with me, 1 group at centers, and 1 group working at their seat. That means there are only 6-8 students up at a time. Also, including listening center and computer center with earphones is a big help.
3. Interruptions: Again, this is reinforced and rewarded early and often. We meet and discuss HOW the problem was solved without having to talk to me. Early on, I circulate and facilitate whenever a problem arises and we can talk about how to solve the problem. I find that if I am consistent, it is not a big problem. I also do a "walkabout: between each group so I can talk to whoever had a problem.
4. How do I know the students are reading their self selected books?: Each morning, I choose 2-3 students to get a book out of their book box and read it to me. They never know when I will pull their name. If they read it with no mistakes, they may read it to the class later in the day. They sit in my rocking chair and have "storytime". Having each child read to me also gives me a chance to do a running record or make anecdotal notes on every child at least twice a month.
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