Literacy Block -- 74-85 Minute Instructional Model
READING WORKSHOP:
WRITING WORKSHOP:
Other Components
- Teaching method with the goal of explicitly teaching strategies to skillfully comprehend text
- Emphasis is on the skills & strategies that one needs as a reader -- not the content of the text
- Students read authentic texts that focus on the strengths and needs of individual students as readers
- Emphasizes the importance of student engagement and interactions between readers and text
- Focuses on the goal of fostering lifelong readers
WRITING WORKSHOP:
- Method of writing instruction that involves coaching students to write for a variety of audiences and purposes
- Based upon four principles: students will write about their own lives, they will use a consistent writing process, they will work in authentic ways, and they will develop independence as writers
- The teacher acts as a mentor author, modeling writing techniques, and conferring with students as they move through the writing process
- Direct writing instruction takes place in the form of a mini-lesson at the beginning of each workshop and is followed by a minimum of 25 minutes of active writing time
- Each workshop ends with a sharing of student work
- Focuses on the goal of fostering lifelong writers
Other Components
- Minilesson (5-10 minutes): The main purpose of this time is to engage the students in reading and other literacy activities. This may include the following components: the teacher leading the class in shared reading, or a time in which the students and teacher can set goals, resolve problems, share ideas, or work on writing skills. Teacher-student interaction during this time promotes the development of a supportive and successful community of learners. This method of instruction focuses on the goal of fostering lifelong readers and writers.
- Small-Groups: Students receive differentiated, guided instruction in reading and writing skills.
- Computers: Students work independently using a variety of technology-based literacy devices including, but not limited to Read 180 software, Flocabulary, Peardeck, and Quizlet.
- Independent Reading: Students are engaged in independent reading practice with self-selected reading materials at their appropriate interest/reading level to ensure that they build their literacy skills.
- Read Aloud: The teacher reading aloud to model reading strategies, model fluency and offer access to grade-level literature.
- 1:1 Conferring: Student and teacher meet in a 1:1 conference focusing on the reader/writer and what they need to grow in these areas.