Reading
Our class follows a workshop model for reading instruction.
Whole Group Reading
In whole group reading, students practice specific reading skills/elements and comprehension strategies through a whole-class mini-lesson or a shared reading lesson.
Small Group Reading
In small group reading, students apply reading strategies and skills to their on-level books. The teacher may confer with an individual student or meet with a small group of students to practice a specific reading strategy.
Independent Reading
The majority of reading workshop is dedicated to independent reading. During this time, students will read their on-level book, interact with the text using sticky notes, and share their insights with a partner. Students will meet with the teacher periodically to confer about their independent reading.
Reading Expectations
Students are required to complete a reading log (found below) that documents all reading - both at home and at school. Students are expected to read a minimum of 20 minutes at home each weekday, for a total of 100 minutes at home every week.
Students will write reader's responses at home and in class throughout the week. A reader's response is a meaningful reaction to the text. There is no required length of a reader's response, only that it should be thought-provoking and include enough detail to inform and enlighten the reader. The teacher will discus reader's responses during individual / group reading conferences.
Quizzes, story maps, and graphic organizers may also be assigned periodically. These too will be be checked and discussed during reading conferences. A reading workshop binder is provided so that students can keep all reading materials together and organized.
Whole Group Reading
In whole group reading, students practice specific reading skills/elements and comprehension strategies through a whole-class mini-lesson or a shared reading lesson.
Small Group Reading
In small group reading, students apply reading strategies and skills to their on-level books. The teacher may confer with an individual student or meet with a small group of students to practice a specific reading strategy.
Independent Reading
The majority of reading workshop is dedicated to independent reading. During this time, students will read their on-level book, interact with the text using sticky notes, and share their insights with a partner. Students will meet with the teacher periodically to confer about their independent reading.
Reading Expectations
Students are required to complete a reading log (found below) that documents all reading - both at home and at school. Students are expected to read a minimum of 20 minutes at home each weekday, for a total of 100 minutes at home every week.
Students will write reader's responses at home and in class throughout the week. A reader's response is a meaningful reaction to the text. There is no required length of a reader's response, only that it should be thought-provoking and include enough detail to inform and enlighten the reader. The teacher will discus reader's responses during individual / group reading conferences.
Quizzes, story maps, and graphic organizers may also be assigned periodically. These too will be be checked and discussed during reading conferences. A reading workshop binder is provided so that students can keep all reading materials together and organized.
Downloads
- Reading Log
- Reading Log Bookmark
- Reading Stamina Record
- Story Map Organizer
- Inferences Organizer
- Problem / Solution Organizer
- Plot Organizer
- Causes / Effects Organizer
- Literary Terms
- Nonfiction Terms
- Informational Text Structures
- Genres Overview
- Common Prefixes and Suffixes
- Prefixes, Suffixes, Roots Meanings
- Prefixes, Suffixes, Roots Examples Chart
- Comprehension Strategies Chart
- Fountas and Pinnell Level Descriptions
- Fountas and Pinnell Bookmark (Levels O-R)
- Fountas and Pinnell Bookmark (Levels S-V)
- Fountas and Pinell Bookmark (Levels W-V)
- Reference Sources Scavenger Hunt
RESOURCES
- Fifth Grade Learning Standards - Scroll down to see reading objectives taught in fifth grade.
- Newark Public Library - Search for books at the Newark Public Library
- Scholastic Book Wizard - Look up Fountas and Pinnell (F/P) reading levelos for books (called "guide reading" levels on this site). This is the level system used at Legend.
- AR Book Find - Look up AR levels and point values for books.
- Leveled Book List - Browse F/P book levels by title or by author
- Fountas and Pinnell (F/P) Benchmarks - Grade level instructional reading expectations (independent levels are one level lower).
- Reading Skills Practice - A collection of games and online practice quizzes related to specific reading skills
- Symphony in Slang - Idioms video
- Scholastic Scope - A fantastic collection of short stories and articles
- Time for Kids - A collection of timely nonfiction articles
- Reading Rewards - Track your reading, write reviews, and earn badges and rewards