Since our school does not have a reading curriculum (we just use guided reading as a strategy and go from there) I end up with a lot of question marks surrounding my structured reading lessons. I typically read a book to the students, possibly have them respond in their journals, and then dismiss them to silent reading. This works well as a base model, but can get stagnant and boring. So here is a brainstorm of things that I would like to try for next year.
Reading Block Ideas -
- Have students do quick constructed responses to literature, either read alouds or silent reading books, at least twice a week. This will help them get used to thinking about and responding to what they are reading. *I need to make sure that when I am teaching this next year I remember to walk them through the process for at least the first 5-6 times before turning them loose.
- I need to look through the America's Choice 30 day roll out as well as the Lucy Calkins books to generate ideas to help get reading time going.
- I should be leading book talks at least twice a week where we read a story and simply discuss it as a class, with no writing expectations. I could possibly record my ideas down on a chart to model for the class.
- Having students log the books that they read in class is a waste of time. Maybe I could give them a sticky note and they could learn to make a tally mark for each time they read a book (suggested by Lucy Calkins).
- I need to assign designated reading spots for both individual students AND peer groups so that they can get together and go immediately to their space and read.
- I need to collect RIP books more frequently, and only allow students to have them in their book bags for a week. This will help eliminate lost RIP books as well as give them more exposure to different titles.
Well, that's a good start. If you have any suggestions for things you like that you do in your class for reading I would love to hear it!!
