Creating a Classroom of Independent Readers:

Meeting the Goal of your Independent

Reading Program

 

(NB:  A two-part workshop -- you must sign up for both Session 1 & Session 2)

 

This workshop is based on the ideas and philosophies of Regie Routman, Gay Su Pinnell, Irene C. Fountas, Maureen McLaughlin, Mary Beth Allen and Debbie Miller. Guided Reading, Shared Reading, Paired Reading, Read Aloud – the final goal of all of these is to create independent, life-long readers.  But how?  How do you get your students to move away from the small group and make smart book choices on their own?  How do you get your students to sustain reading longer than 10 minutes? Teachers in attendance will learn the importance of and how to launch an Independent Reading program in their classroom.  

 

Research suggests that students who read more, read better, and have higher achievement.  A strong independent reading program supports all students regardless of ability.  An independent reading program has specific components unlike “Silent Reading” or “DEAR”.  Through short mini-lessons, teachers guide their students on how to choose books that are appropriate for them and how to apply reading strategies to better understand the books they are reading.  Once routines and procedures are established the teacher confers with students individually to discuss reading strengths and set appropriate goals.   

 

Teachers attending this workshop will walk away with doable ideas that can be implemented in their classroom the following day.

Independent Reading Program

 

I.    Definition and Importance of Independent Reading

 

II.     How to Build Excitement for Reading

• Classroom Library

• Book Talks

• Suggested Picture Books

• Sharing Your Reading Life

 

III.    Setting Routines and Expectations in Your Classroom

• The First 20 Days

• Reader’s Oath

• Building Stamina

 

IV.    How to Organize yourself and your students

•  Reader’s Notebooks

• Book Boxes

 

V.    Assessment and Accountability

• Watching!

• Student Conferences

 

VI.     Questions and Sharing

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 Audience:  Primary

 

Classroom Teachers Grades 2 – 4

 

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 Workshop materials:

 

 

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Presenter:

 

reference list.docxppt outline.docxJennifer Peacock

SJI International

Grade 2 Teacher

jennifer.peacock@sji-international.com.sg

 

Jennifer Peacock was born in Pennsylvania, USA.  She completed her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education at Cabrini College.  Jennifer then taught third and fourth grade in the Philadelphia School District.  During that time Jennifer completed her Master’s Degree in Education with a focus in Instructional Technology.  In 2003, Jennifer accepted a position as a fourth grade teacher in the Central Bucks School District in New Britain, PA. In June 2006, Jennifer moved to Singapore with her husband and currently teaches second grade at SJI-International School.  Jennifer's passion is literacy and teaching her students to love reading.

 

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Audiovisual requirements:

 

One computer with internet access, PowerPoint, projector/screen, and speakers

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