GJones

Chapters 1-3

I have used Reading Workshop and am a proponent for this wonderful program.  This book provides an excellent framework for those new to this approach to teaching reading.  With Reading Workshop you are actually facilitating the reading process.  Students take a great deal of ownership in their journey towards proficient reading.

Reading workshop has been divided into three sections: Basic Elements, Organization and Management, and Planning. I found the breakdown very beneficial to the novice Reading Workshop practitioner.  The most important aspect of this program is to allow the students to read.  A large quauntity of time must be allotted to Reading Workshop for it to be worthwhile to the students. A teachers role in this program is make long-term and short-term goals to accommodate reading growth.  Long-term goals are those that lay out the major ideas and concepts to be covered over the span of the year.  Short-term goals should address the mini-lessons that are covered in the duration of a week. 

The overall ambiance of the reading environment should invite independent and communal reading.  Reading in this environment, the Reading Workshop environment, is a living, dynamic subject that continually evolves with each reader. Autonomy of the learner should be nurtured via the workshop experience.  Students read independently, with a buddy, and in small groups.  Within these groups students complete tasks that are designed to utilize concepts covered in mini-lessons.  The repetition of these tasks are constantly sprinkled with new tasks and assignments to keep readers' interests piqued. 

The workshop community should also involve the community, especially parents.  Parents can play a key role in the success of the program.  They can help with the facilitating of the program by listening to read alouds, monitoring on-task behavior, and asking key concept questions to individuals and groups. 

Reading workshop affords ownership to the readers.  All reading selections are selected by the readers.  Teachers can assist in this selection process by picking book sets (trade books) of various levels and high quality to add to their classroom library.  Classroom libraries are the main source of books for the Reading Workshop so careful selections should be made.  This is where teachers have control over the program, along with the 15 minute mini-lessons. 

In conclusion, the Reading Workshop is a wonderful experience for both student and teacher.  It affords time and one on one interaction for the developing reader.  The Reading Workshop also provides an environment where readers can discuss strategies and utilize active reading to further their reading development.  I encourage all teachers to implement some form of the Reading Workshop into their pedagogic practices.  You will not be disappointed!

Yours brother in Academia Mayhem,

Gary Allen Jones, II