Reading Workshop
A workshop teaching model consists of one short, focused lesson each day, which is followed by a longer time for students to engage in real, productive practice. In Reading, this means that I may teach a ten-minute lesson, followed by up to forty-five minutes (later in the year) of Independent Daily Reading (IDR) of student-chosen books. At this time, as students read to themselves, I am able to confer with some students one-on-one, teaching to their individual strengths and needs. Or, I may take that IDR time to meet with small groups of students who may be reading at the same level (guided reading), working on a similar skill (strategy group), or delving into the same topic, character, or author study (book clubs). This format gives me the flexibility to meet every student's needs while ensuring that all students get an ample opportunity to engage in authentic reading experiences.
In second grade, students move into more difficult levels of books by practicing familiar and new decoding strategies, while staying focused on comprehension and meaning. These skills and strategies are organized in four categories, using the acronym C.A.F.E. - Comprehension, Accuracy, Fluency, and Expanded Vocabulary. Strategies are posted in the classroom and referred to often!
Second graders practice reading like "grown-up" readers and talking with peers about their reading. They practice reading as an act of thinking, as they respond to characters and plot, make and revise predictions, and explore themes. With partners and small groups, they develop communication skills by focusing on their thinking as they discuss books at their appropriate reading level. This may seem like a tall order for second graders, but with guidance and practice, I assure you they are capable!
In second grade, students move into more difficult levels of books by practicing familiar and new decoding strategies, while staying focused on comprehension and meaning. These skills and strategies are organized in four categories, using the acronym C.A.F.E. - Comprehension, Accuracy, Fluency, and Expanded Vocabulary. Strategies are posted in the classroom and referred to often!
Second graders practice reading like "grown-up" readers and talking with peers about their reading. They practice reading as an act of thinking, as they respond to characters and plot, make and revise predictions, and explore themes. With partners and small groups, they develop communication skills by focusing on their thinking as they discuss books at their appropriate reading level. This may seem like a tall order for second graders, but with guidance and practice, I assure you they are capable!
Writing Workshop
Writing workshop follows the same format as reading - one short, focused lesson followed by a period of authentic student writing. Students choose their own topics to develop into writing pieces, guided by teacher instruction. As students write, I am able to conduct individual conferences or small groups for students working on the same skills. We focus on developing the Six Traits of quality writing: Voice, Organization, Ideas, Conventions, Word Choice, and Sentence Fluency. Each of these traits is equally important to developing engaging writing that readers will love reading!
Second graders begin to write longer, more detailed stories and also start to develop their writer's voice. They take more risks than they did in first grade, they revise much more enthusiastically, and they are more aware of their audience. Time is given for writing personal narratives, opinion/persuasive pieces, nonfiction, poetry, and fiction. Students will also be given free time for writing what they choose.
Second graders begin to write longer, more detailed stories and also start to develop their writer's voice. They take more risks than they did in first grade, they revise much more enthusiastically, and they are more aware of their audience. Time is given for writing personal narratives, opinion/persuasive pieces, nonfiction, poetry, and fiction. Students will also be given free time for writing what they choose.
Word Study
Did you know the English language has 44 phonemes (distinct sounds), but only 26 letters? That is why we have so many strange letter combinations that make seemingly unpredictable sounds. No wonder spelling can be so difficult to learn! Word study is more than just memorizing spelling words. In word study, children are taught to understand spelling patterns and rules by carefully studying and comparing words and their features. In second grade, we will spend a lot of time on long vowel patterns, as well as learning some trickier, but still common spellings, such as diphthongs (two vowels that make a new sound together).
Reading AloudOne of the most important ways to build literacy is to read aloud to children. Reading aloud gives children the opportunity to experience stories, vocabulary, and language patterns that are above their independent reading level. Listening to an enthusiastic, engaged adult reader gives children a model for how to read with expression and creates a joyful shared experience. Paired with meaningful discussion, well-placed questions, and opportunities to share their own ideas, read alouds help children develop the thinking, comprehension, and communication skills that are the heart of literacy.
Reading aloud to your child at home is just as important. This simple act of enjoying a good story together shows your child that books are valued in your family. As you read, be sure to talk to your child about the characters' desires, feelings, and decisions. These conversations give you a peek into your child's thinking and contribute to the development of a rich intellectual life. Want to find new books to enjoy with your child? Check out Reading Rockets' Picture Book of the Day! -----> As children begin reading chapter books to themselves in second grade, it may be tempting to stop reading aloud to them. I beg you not to do so! Reading chapter books aloud to your child is the best way you can equip them to navigate these longer texts, and truly understand them, on their own! I suggest reading one or two chapters a night, stopping to talk about what is happening, share your reactions and predictions, and think about what you would do if you were in the character's place. You will be amazed at how closely you and your child can bond over a really intriguing story! |
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