Making the Most of Reading Workshop

I hope everyone is having a good week so far.  I am *almost* done with report cards.  

On another note, thank you to the bloggers that nominated me for the Liebster Award.  I am thrilled that other teachers enjoy my blog posts.

Today I want to share tips on how to help build reading stamina and managing your class while working with guided reading groups.

(sorry for the blurry picture)

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In reading workshop, we have been focusing on our stamina.  Although my class loves to read, I explained that stamina is doing something for a period of time without getting tired or giving up.  Each ice cream scoop represents the number of minutes.  The goal is to get the cherry on top.  My class loves this visual!!

To develop this concept even further, graph the number of minutes each day.  Students love to see the progress they make.  I highly recommend this especially for Kindergarten and 1st grade teachers.  Plus, you can work on comparing numbers so you are also hitting some math standards.

Guided Reading groups are fully implemented in the classroom.  I try not to leave the Guided Reading table, but I struggle with not immediately redirecting students.  

Catherine from The Brown Bag Teacher presented an idea that fits my need perfectly.  I use a plastic sleeve from Lakeshore and a dry erase marker.  Then, I draw a plus and delta sign.  When I first presented this idea to my class, a student asked me why I put a triangle instead of a negative sign.  Although he was making a connection, I explained that my job is not to point out negatives.  Instead, I want to discuss what we can improve on.

As I am working with my Guided Reading groups, I take brief notes on what is happening in the classroom. The last few minutes of reading workshop are devoted to reflecting on how to become better readers.  During this time, we celebrate our success and discuss what to work on next time.  When I first implemented this I acknowledged a reader of the day.  Even though all of my students are fabulous readers, I like to praise students who are going above and beyond.  

One smart tip Catherine mentioned: Since the list is sitting on your teacher table where all students can see, make sure you use student initials.  Sometimes I write things down that can be taken care of by giving the student a verbal reminder, but the class doesn't need to know about it.

Thank you Catherine for the fabulous idea.  This has helped me a ton!!

Liebster Award

Thank you to Stephanie over at A Touch of Class, Abbie from Steppin Up to First Grade and Katie from Living the First Grade Dream for nominating me for this award! The Liebster Award is for bloggers who have less than 200 followers but have great content and potential! 

1. Why and how long ago did you start blogging? I started blogging in July.  Over the summer I became involved on Twitter and I felt blogging was the next step for my professional growth.  I strive to be a lifelong learner.  My goal is to share my ideas, experiences, and tips for the primary classroom.  I love to collaborate and meet new teachers.

2. What one word sums up the heart of your blog and why? Learning.  I constantly read teaching blogs thanks to the BlogLovin' app.  I love having all of the blogs I follow in one place.  There are so many times that I read a blog post and I gain a new idea or lesson for my classroom.   I hope to do the same for teachers.  

   

     3. Is there something you learned late in your blog journey you wished you knew before? I created a blog planner after a few weeks in this journey.  It is such a time saver for me.  No more post it notes filled with ideas.  With my blog planner I organize my future posts.  This tool also keeps me accountable so I don't drift away from the blogging world.

4. What is your favorite past time other than blogging? I love to travel.  Most of my college friends live in Chicago so I fly out there every few months.  My family travels to Arizona, Florida, and South Carolina every year for vacation.  My mom's side of the family has been going to Hilton Head Island since she was in high school.  

5. How many hours per week do you dedicate to your blog?  My guess would be a few hours.  I try to write 2-3 posts a week.

6. What category of blog posts do you enjoy the most? Holidays.  

7. Where does your blog inspiration come from? I have many sources of inspiration... Twitter, Instagram (teacher accounts), Teaching Blogs, or my own experiences.

8. Which post that you've written are you most proud of? My post about writing in the primary classroom: HERE
  
9. Is there any post you have been planning to do, but have postponing it for a while now?

Yes!  I have been working on a post about reading workshop.

10. What is your favorite aspect of blogging? As a (beginning) teacher, reflection is an essential component to my growth.  I like having another method for reflecting on my classroom experiences and receiving instant feedback.  I also enjoy connecting with other teachers outside of my geographic area.

11. Which recipe, project, or idea on my blog would you be most likely to try yourself? I will join her Teacher Tip Tuesday linky!   

So here are my nominations for the Liebster Award:

1. Abbey from Tremendous First Grade Tales

2. Erin from Super in 2nd

3. Alex from the Kindergarten Connection

4. Rachael from 180 Days to Happy

5. Abbie from Steppin Up to First Grade

6.  Kim from DomiKiddos

7. Lisa from Pawsitively Learning

8. Allyson from Going Strong in 2nd Grade

9. Colleen from Literacy Loving Gals

10. Noelle from Giggles at Greene

11. Dawn from Revenge of the Thirds

To those who have been nominated, here are the "official" rules for accepting:
1. In your post, link back to the blogger who nominated you as a thank you and "shout out."
2. Answer the 11 questions given to you (the ones I answered above).
3. Nominate 11 blogs of your choice that each have less than 200 followers. Provide them with 11 questions to answer or have them answer the questions above.
4. Let your nominees know that they've been nominated and provide them with a link to your post so that they can accept.
5. Send your nominator a link to your post so that s/he can learn more about you as well! (You can just put your post link in the comments below!)

Book Talk Tuesday- Ralph Tells a Story

I am linking up with Deanna Jump for her Book Talk Tuesday link up.

A team member shared this book with me and it is now one of my favorites for the beginning of the year when implementing writer's workshop; it fits really well with the Lucy Calkin's framework.

                                        

^Front cover and summary of the book.

{front cover}

Great intro. to the story... this demonstrates authors always need to put their name on their paper and it is ok to write multiple drafts.

The beginning of the book starts off with Ralph having trouble coming up with a story.  I am sure many K-3 teachers have had a student mention that they don't know what to write about.  Some students need more time to brainstorm or pre-write.  

Because he doesn't know what to write about,  he "went to the water fountain, roamed the hallways, and tried everything."

... I don't want to reveal the rest of the book, but it is evident that the author does a fantastic job illustrating the frustrations a young writer may experience.  I model to students that it is ok to try new things and take risks.

{Back cover}

Books that Ralph has made.  I read each title to my class so they can see that there are so many topics to write about.  

Hope everyone is having a great week.  My week is halfway over since we don't have school Friday.