Creating Lifelong Readers and Writers
Reading and writing workshop is the best way to teach literacy in my opinion. It is an approach to teaching reading that takes every area from phonics and word work to reading literature and writing to any audience for any purpose. Beginning as early and Pre-K and Kindergarten through the high school levels, reading and writing workshop can take place. What does it mean? How do you manage it? How can it work in your classroom, your school, and your district?
We will look at how a Literacy Workshop works, what components need to be involved, and how to manage it all from scheduling to setting it up in your training. It is a framework that allows the teacher to use time effectively so that students expand their reading and writing capabilities, but also connect with core curriculum knowledge. It has to be a flexible framework, and at the same time provide structure that is predictable. As you and your colleagues meet to discuss your plan for literacy, you will develop a common language and a common focus. Using a common language with definitions for “writing workshop” or “literature study”, allows you to help one another. It also helps students. It is easier to articulate the curriculum across the grade levels, you can allow learning to build on previous knowledge. Students know what is expected of them in terms of routine and responsibility. Their focus and the focus of the teachers is on continually expanding their skills and abilities.
Literacy Workshops include Language and Word Study, Reading Workshop, and Writing Workshop.
In the Language and Word Study, several components are discussed including:
- Interactive Edit
- Interactive Vocabulary
- Handwriting Lesson
- Modeled Reading/Writing
- Current Events
- Reader’s Theatre and Process Drama
- Choral Reading
- Poetry Share/Response
- Word Study
- Interactive Read Aloud
Reading Workshop components for training include:
- Instruction–Whole Class, Small Group, and Individual
- Literature Study
- Independent Reading
Writing Workshop components teach students what it means to be a writer:
- Independent Writing and the Writing Process
- Guided Writing–small group or whole class instruction that focuses on the writer’s craft and conventions
- Investigations–long term projects that involve using reading, writing and a variety of media resources to explore topics in depth.
After interviewing your administrators, literacy coordinator or literacy teachers, a plan will be designed to meet the staff development needs of your school. Marsha is available for training and on-going mentoring both on-site and by phone and email. Your teachers will be prepared to create a culture of reading and writing in your school. Literacy will become an integral part of your students’ lives.
