GR&W

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Home : 2002 : November : 18

GR&W
By J/IA

I check this board all the time, and I agree--I'm always eager to hear how it's going for everyone. I'll give the low down on my classroom, and I hope more will do the same.

The kids come in and check in similarly to the
classroom depicted in the book. I even have the same binder and checklist. They then get organized and read independently. It is supposed to be work time as soon as they are settled. After about 15 minutes we meet for circle, part of which is some shared reading or read aloud, and the reading minilesson. They then go move into workshop mode. I meet with groups as does a special needs teacher

who comes up three mornings per week for 45 minutes. That is guided reading for the lower readers and literature study for the higher ones. I've struggled to fit in both guided groups and literature (by choice) groups. Ideally it would be great, but I can't seem to find the time, also the kids seem to get confused when they are reading so many texts at once. They also are so reluctant to let go of their independent reading books. I am still working on helping them see that they can do that at home and that in class we can read assigned novels. The novels I'm selecting are overlapping to social studies. That has meant Native Americans and now will be Explorers. I've also struggled to get them to keep up on their lists in their response folders. I use the three prong folders and that has worked well.

As for response journals, that is a work in progress. We use the rubric that was on this board at one time, and most of them are writing entries that are about a 2 or 3. From time to time I'll get a 4, but it is very rare. They put off their letters until the last minute. I need to do some MLs on pacing yourself throughout the week so your letter has some meat in it.

After a short break, they have word study (buddy study system), then writing workshop. I did the "getting started with independent writing" schedule, and now am focused on teaching the Six Traits model, which my building uses.

Overall things are going well. The kids are reluctant to do assigned work, when I give it because they are so into "workshop mode". I will try to do more assignments (in balance with workshop) to better prepare them for middle school next year.

It is a work in progress for sure. Can't wait to hear from everyone else.