KRS Newsletter - Literacy Edition
By: Joanne Sims, Shelly Emann and Kathy Koop
Reading and Writing Workshop Model - The methods we utilize to immerse our students in reading and writing.
Within the literacy block, students participate in reading and writing workshop. The workshop models include the units of study outlined within the Madison School District English Language Arts curriculum. Below are descriptions of the components of the reading and writing workshop:
Reading Workshop
Mini-lesson- The mini-lesson takes place at the beginning of reading workshop. During this time, the teacher clearly states the teaching point for the day. The teacher then models the skill or strategy being taught. Finally, the students are given a chance to practice the skill or strategy while still gathered together.
Independent Reading Time/Conferring- At this time, students are reading independently, and practicing strategies they have learned in mini-lessons. During the independent portion of the workshop, the teacher confers with students one-on-one or in small groups.
Share- At the end of a workshop, the teacher takes a couple minutes to wrap up the day’s work with a teaching share. Many times the point a teacher makes in the share comes from specific student work from that day’s workshop.
Writing Workshop
Mini-Lesson- The mini-lesson takes place at the beginning of writing workshop. During this time, the teacher clearly states the teaching point for the day. The teacher then models the skill or strategy being taught. Finally, the students are given a chance to practice the skill or strategy while still gathered together.
Independent Writing Time/Conferring- At this time, students are working independently, and practicing strategies they have learned in mini-lessons. During this time, the teacher is conferencing with students about the work they are doing as writers. This is also time for small group lessons.
Share - At the end of a workshop, the teacher takes a couple minutes to wrap up the day’s work with a teaching share. Many times the point a teacher makes in the share comes from specific student work from that day’s workshop.
Read Aloud:
This is an opportunity for teachers to model behaviors of strong readers. These behaviors include fluency, how engaged readers think about text, and strong discussion skills. Read alouds throughout the year cover a wide range of levels, genres, lengths and themes.
Here at KRS, students read books independently at their "just right level", while also being instructed at a higher level to progress their skills.
Literacy - Home to School Connection
Literacy in the News
Story Time From Space - Astronauts reading from space.
About Writing - http://www.readwritethink.org/parent-afterschool-resources/tips-howtos/help-child-write-story-a-30593.html
Parent Resources
Copies of the resources are available in the KRS Office.
Coming to KRS in March!
Author Visit For All KRS Students- Matthew de la Pena - March 11, 2019
The author's visit is sponsored by the KRS PTO - A big thanks to our PTO!
Short Bio from Author de la Pena's website:
Matt de la Peña is the New York Times Bestselling, Newbery Medal-winning author of six young adult novels (including Mexican WhiteBoy, We Were Here, and The Living) and four picture books (including Love and Last Stop on Market Street). In 2016, he was awarded the NCTE Intellectual Freedom Award. Matt received his MFA in creative writing from San Diego State University and his BA from the University of the Pacific where he attended school on a full basketball scholarship. de la Peña currently lives in Brooklyn, NY. He teaches creative writing and visits high schools and colleges throughout the country.
For more information, follow this link. http://mattdelapena.com/books/last-stop-on-market-street/
AND...Coming next month!
One School, One Book Program - https://readtothem.org/programs/one-school-one-book/
Thank you to the KRS PTO for their support of the program. The PTO will purchase a copy of the book for every KRS family.
Second Grade Reading Program with Madison High School Athletes
In February, our KRS 2nd graders will once again enjoy a morning with books read aloud by athletes from our very own Madison High School under the direction of Athletic Director Mr. Sean Dowling and the 2nd grade team of teachers here at Kings Road School. The program is called Second and Seven and strives to teach young students how important education and reading are through positive role models. High school athletes discuss why getting good grades early on helps aspiring athletes make the sports team of their dream later in high school. More information on this nation-wide literacy program can be found here: https://www.secondandseven.com