organizing for instruction
There’s no one best way to teach reading and writing. Because students have diverse needs, effective teachers create balanced literacy programs by using two or more instructional approaches.
How Effective Teachers Organize for Instruction
How Effective Teachers Organize for Instruction
- Teachers use a combination of instructional approaches to provide effective literacy instruction because they understand that no one approach is a complete program.
- Teachers recognize that basal reading programs have strong skill components.
- Teachers present literature focus units to teach students about award-winning books.
- Teachers incorporate choice, literature, and response into literature circles.
- Teachers provide opportunities for students to read self-selected books during reading workshop and write on self-selected topics during writing workshop.
teaching with literature focus units
Many teachers use this approach to teaching. While about one week is spent on picture books, as many as 3-4 weeks may be devoted to a chapter book the entire class reads. Often these include favorites from the Caldecott, Newbery books, or other state award books.
Focus Unit Example: Charlotte's Web
Native American Unit
Focus Unit List
The Little Red Hen
Focus Unit Example: Charlotte's Web
Native American Unit
Focus Unit List
The Little Red Hen
teaching with literature discussion groups
Literature Circles is an exciting way to engage students in reading. This is due in part by allowing students choice-what book to read, schedule for reading, and type of responses. We will be participating in groups this week in class.
Harvey Daniels
Literature Circles Resource Center
Literature Circles
Harvey Daniels
Literature Circles Resource Center
Literature Circles
teaching with reading/writing workshop
One of the major strengths of this program is how it builds in differentiation for students by allowing students to choose their own book to read and their own topics about which to write, etc. Students are supported through individual conferences with the teacher where they discuss their work and performance.
independent reading
resources
Here you'll find hundreds of printables and activities that make powerful teaching easy. Visit the virtual file cabinet to find free classroom-tested activities you can print and use right away, including special activities in the seasonal files.You can also sign up for Candler's Classroom Connections to receive free teaching materials delivered to your inbox. If you are new to my site, please visit the First Time Here page and listen to my podcast welcome!
The link provided above is to the Reading Workshop Strategies section of the website. but you will want to review the entire website.
The link provided above is to the Reading Workshop Strategies section of the website. but you will want to review the entire website.