Balanced Literacy Approach
Shared Reading
Students share in the reading of big books, charts, songs and poems. Many of these texts have repetition or rhyme to help students feel success right away. Students practice fluency and accuracy as we read together.
Guided Reading
Students meet in small groups to read books at an instructional level. Students learn how to read new words and develop strategies to read more books independently. We focus on comprehension, accuracy, fluency, and new vocabulary words.
Independent Reading/Read to Self
Students have time each day to read books at his/her independent reading level. Many children are able to read the words independently. Some retell the story by using the picture clues. During Read to Self, students use a book bag containing books they have chosen. I am able to have individual conferences with students during this time.
Read Aloud
The read aloud is a time for students to enjoy a good story! I model fluency, teach comprehension strategies, and help students expand their vocabulary. We have lots of favorite books!
Daily 5
Adapted from Joan Boushey and Joan Moser, the 2 Sisters
Read to Self (with choices)
Students may read independently from their book bags, poetry books, big books, class charts or class books. Students work on building reading stamina.
Listen to reading
Students listen to a favorite book on an mp3 player. Students listen to the reader's fluency while enjoying the pictures.
Work on Writing
Students work on letter writing, list making, or continue working on stories from the writers' workshop.
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Read to Someone
Students read with a partner. They may read from their book bags or share a new text.
Word Work
Students work on letters and sounds (usually in the fall) or words (later in the year). Students may also work on rhyming, syllabication, word families, or spelling.
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Writers' Workshop
Students work on writing after a mini-lesson that teaches specific writing techniques and traits. Students may write a "Small Moment" story, an "All About" book, or a "How To" book.