Reading Routines!

Setting up Reading Routines takes time, but it is worth it!  Part of our Reading Block involves small group reading meetings with me, so everyone else needs to know what to do during this time because my time with groups or individuals is important.  But, it's not just about keeping kids busy so that I can meet with small groups.   It's also about making the most of the reading time, and working on things that will help move their reading along.

First, we started with the routine of Read to Self.  The more they read, the better they get.  But, what they read is just as important.  So, we talked about making Good Fit book choices for Read to Self time.  Each students has a book box to keep the book(s) they are reading.  We went over the expectations for both students and teacher, and the key word is RESPONSIBILITY!

The next routine we talked about was Responding to Reading.  This one will take longer to develop, and will continue to evolve over the year.  I have been reading a Humphrey the Hamster book to help model the process.  We are using a Response Starter page that they have glued into their Reader's Notebooks.  Right now we are focusing on asking questions as we read.  For example:

• "I wonder..."
• "How did..."
• "Why..."

The key word for Responding to Reading is THINKING!  Great readers think about what they read and tune into what is going on in their brain!  The chart prompts students to think about ways they are responding and reacting to what they are reading.  

 Next week we will be working on more Reading Routines - Word Work and Listening to Reading.