When using Scholastic Book Wizard to determine the book's reading level, be sure to click on Guided Reading (A-Z).
Readers’ Workshop will follow a workshop format, based on the writings of Lucy Calkins of Columbia Teachers College. Workshops begin with a targeted mini-lesson, followed by students practicing the specific skill. They are then given an opportunity to apply that skill independently in their own reading. Leveled trade books, picture books, core novels, poetry, and nonfiction texts will be used for instruction. Specific strategies for comprehension, decoding words, building vocabulary, conducting book talks or Book Clubs, and writing in response to literature are examples of skills and strategies that are taught. We will conduct whole class, small group, independent, and partner reading. It is imperative that independent and shared reading take place at home with your child. We will read aloud to the children several times each week to expose them to some of our favorite stories, as well as to develop strong listening skills.
Writers’ Workshop continues in fourth grade, also following the workshop model. Targeted mini-lessons on specific writing skills and strategies are presented at the beginning of the workshop. An important part of the writing process is demonstrated through teacher modeling, and then the students are asked to practice the skill independently. Our writing program is based on the “Six Plus One Traits” of writing and the Lucy Calkins’ Writing Program. Each child will keep a notebook or folder and will learn to organize and develop ideas, as well as edit and revise pieces throughout the year. Both content and mechanics will be emphasized. We will focus on how to write a multi-paragraph personal narrative, a persuasive essay, a realistic fiction piece, and nonfiction pieces. Lessons used to reinforce grammar and language concepts also are taught during Writers’ Workshop. The writing skills from Writers’ Workshop will be applied to all other curriculum areas during the year.
Writers’ Workshop continues in fourth grade, also following the workshop model. Targeted mini-lessons on specific writing skills and strategies are presented at the beginning of the workshop. An important part of the writing process is demonstrated through teacher modeling, and then the students are asked to practice the skill independently. Our writing program is based on the “Six Plus One Traits” of writing and the Lucy Calkins’ Writing Program. Each child will keep a notebook or folder and will learn to organize and develop ideas, as well as edit and revise pieces throughout the year. Both content and mechanics will be emphasized. We will focus on how to write a multi-paragraph personal narrative, a persuasive essay, a realistic fiction piece, and nonfiction pieces. Lessons used to reinforce grammar and language concepts also are taught during Writers’ Workshop. The writing skills from Writers’ Workshop will be applied to all other curriculum areas during the year.
