Reader's Workshop...Daily 5...Work Stations...
DIY's...Centers...

I'm sure I left off a few "titles" for what we call our "Reading Block" or "Guided Reading Time".
Really, as an Instructional coach in multiple grade levels, and having taught Kindergarten, First, and Second grade,
 I don't think it really matters what we call our Guided Reading management system. But I do think there are some "must-haves".
 And, knowing that summer is a great time for reflecting, I'm hoping that teachers can take some time to reflect on their management systems, use what works, and, in testing strategy lingo, "slash the trash".
Must-haves:
1. Have a mini-lesson
     What comprehension or decoding strategy are you teaching this week? Teach it!









2. Let kids practice that strategy
   This means TARGETED work stations, centers, jots on post-it notes. If it's important enough to teach, it's important enough to practice, practice, practice!







3. Guided reading is the time to scaffold that teaching point! Yes, your children will also practice what they specifically need. But....practice the strategy, as well. So, when choosing books for groups, keep that in mind! Make sure they lend themselves to your teaching point for the week.

4.   Don't set a timer for guided reading lesson length.


5.  Give students time to practice the strategy through gradual release BEFORE you assess (give a grade). Don't expect mastery on Monday. Or Tuesday. Or....well, you know your kids, and the              strategies will differ. But, you know what I mean!

6.  Walk around the classroom and conference with kids between guided reading groups.



7.   Include a share time at the end of your Reading Block to close the lesson. Always have at least one of the students who worked on the strategy with you during guided reading share their learning. It's a good idea to have a random system (yes, Popsicle sticks...they just work!) to call on 2-3 other students to share. That will increase accountability. As a teacher in one of my workshops once said, "If you don't have share time, you have completely wasted everyone's time!" 
8. Anchor charts - made with the students. (You can re-write them more neatly later!)

What are some of your must-haves?

We have ALMOST made it! Another school year in the books! And, once again, I reflect. (I think that's a Reading Recovery thing.) 

I review what I have accomplished as an instructional coach.

I make goals for the coming year. The goal part is easy. I spent ALL day....(really not exaggerating here) in meeting with grade levels about the end of the year "stuff". Teachers yelled. Teachers almost cried. Teacher cried. Teachers looked completely, totally, and utterly #done.
And I was sorry...really, really, really sorry.
 So, reflecting...what can I do to help? This is MY job...to help! My first year on a campus, a campus filled with really wonderful teachers, truly fabulous people, was tough. 
I coached....they wanted an interventionist.
They looked at me as an administrator....I wanted to be a peer.
 I wanted their trust....they wanted me to earn it.

 So...I'm a fixer, (Aren't all teachers??) I have developed plans to START the new year, so the old year isn't quite so....well, overwhelming. (I mean...it is what it is and will always be. There is an END after all.) I will definitely post those....as it will be done in the SUMMER when I have more time!

Anyway, I'm at the computer downloading my 417 pictures from school. Isn't that what all humans do? Turn to a mindless task when the mind is tired?
But guess what?  All these pictures SHOWED me what I DID this year.


I helped set up Daily Five in a few classrooms this year!

Wiki Stix used to find sight words in Kindergarten "Read to Self"

Response sheets in "Read to Someone"

Word Work with magnetic letters

Look at these kids learning and working and actively engaged!!

Well, Georgia Heard. Of course I took a picture of her, and with her, and of all the slides in her presentation.

These are just the things I took pictures of! So, I know I did a LOT. 

Sensory writing using a mentor text...In November by Cynthia Rylant

At a new school.
In a new town.
Without friends anywhere near!

We started Reader's Workshop in 2nd grade!

Some pictures were on purpose.












Some were accidental videos...and I got to hear myself leading Instructional Rounds. (Not a bad learning tool. Not posting here...just sayin'.)
I'm glad I took the time after this LONG day full of an overbooked schedule to download these pictures.
My next few blogs will be about the INSTRUCTION that took place around these pictures.
But, for now, I'm just reflecting on my joy.
A new job.
 A new town.

 New friends. New learning.

And, as of now...I'm glad I made it! #done(ALMOST)