How to preview a book

Good readers preview books before they start reading.  This helps the reader gain information about the characters, setting, problem and genre. This information helps the reader create meaning as soon as they start reading. 

Steps to preview a book

1.       Look at the front cover

2.       Look at the back cover

3.       Read the table of contents

4.       Read the first few pages.

I often talk to my students about the importance of trying on a book like trying on our clothes.  Readers need to check to see if the book is a just right fit.  By previewing a book before you choose to read it, readers will gain enough knowledge to know if the book would be interesting to them. 

Metacognition- Thinking about our thinking

Good readers monitor their understanding as they read.  Today we learned about Metacognition or thinking about our thinking.  I modeled this lesson for the students and showed them what it looks like to think about their reading as they read.  This will help them have a deeper understanding texts and it will be an ESSENTIAL skill for them as we start to tackle more complex texts this year! 

WOW!  We have covered a LOT in a week!

What is reading workshop?

Reader’s workshop is a research based approach to teaching reading.  Students will participare in a MINILESSON daily.  This is a 10-15  minute lesson where I will model a skill or strategy.  They will have 30 minutes of IDR (Individualized Daily Reading) where they practice the skill or strategy.  Reader’s workshop concludes with a 10 minute share where students can celebrate what they learned through their practice. 

Students in my class all read self-selected books!  Since they are choosing their own literature to read, they MUST make sure they are choosing a just right fit book. 

IDR Expectations-

·         Stay in one spot

·         Read the whole time

·         Stay focused and THINK about your reading

·         Complete your daily task

·         Only talk at approperate times- READING DISCUSSION ONLY!

·         STAY ON TASK

Real Reading vs. Fake Reading

Real readers:

·         Look at a book

·         Eyes are moving

·         Sit still

·         Turn pages at the right pace

·         Get lost in the book

·         Sometimes mouth words

·         Can answer questions about their reading

Fake Readers:

·         Look at the book for a second then look around the room

·         Look at the teacher

·         Move around

·         Flip though pages

·         Exchange books before they’re done

·         Waste time

I PICK strategy

This week we learned a strategy for choosing a just right fit book for independent reading. The strategy we will use is called I pick.

I -  I look at a book

P –purpose    What is my purpose for reading?

I- interest    What am I interested in reading?

C- comprehend    Can I understand what I’m reading?

K- know    Do I know most of the words?               

During reader’s workshop, students will be reading self selected books! It is VERY important that students read a book that is on their independent reading level, but still content appropriate.

We also learned about the structure of reader’s workshop.  Students will have a daily Minilesson that will be strategy based.  They will have time to practice the strategy using their self selected text independently, with a partner, or in a small group.  Reader’s workshop closes with a time to share what we have learned throughout the lesson.

I’m really looking forward to discussing reader’s workshop with you on Monday! Students are very excited and anxious to get started reading!

First Day!

WOW!  We had a great first day!  We had fun getting to know our classmates!  We also reviewed the expectations for common areas in the school as well as classroom procedures.  Students will begin rotating to their classes tomorrow for shortened content sessions.  Their full content sessions will begin on Monday.  Students need to bring their completed forms to school tomorrow along with their favorite book to share during reading rotations. 

We will be having a meet the teacher/curriculum night on Monday.  We will meet in the library at 5:00.  You will be able to rotate and follow your child’s schedule.  This will allow us time to discuss each of the academic blocks your child will rotate through.  We look forward to meeting you!  Don’t forget, your child will get a FREE HOMEWORK PASS if you attend! 

Welcome to the Blog!

Welcome 5th grade parents and students!  I hope that you will find the information on this blog helpful!  Here you will find information about reading instruction for 5th grade students.  You will also find a calendar of events, language arts websites and much more!  Since I will be teaching reading to the entire grade level, this blog will serve as my newsletter.  Thanks for stopping by!