LHightower

Chapter 4 is comprised of mini-lessons to teach the procedures of the reading workshop. I liked that it was broken down by specific grade levels. There were 20 mini-lessons to get you through the first four weeks of school. Some of the lessons included rules for using the book nook, how to choose the just right book, and how to conduct reading conferences.

The fifth chapter focuses on mini-lessons that teach specific reading strategies and skills. Some of the strategies are visualizing, making inferences, and looking ahead. Included was a list of 70 read-aloud books to teach these strategies. I realize that we have many of these books in our media center, but to do this program the way it's intended teachers really need to have many of these books in their classrooms. Students are supposed to be able to go back and refer to passages in the books. I can't imagine that the school system has the funds to furnish teachers with even a fraction of these books.

Chapter 6 is mini-lessons on literary techniques and literary elements. Some  elements lessons focus on the setting, characters' actions, and anticipating the ending. Lessons on techniques included symbolism, mood, and figurative language. Again, the book had another lengthy list of books that would be most helpful in teaching these lessons.