We have been practicing our best reading during Reader’s Workshop each day.  We have been building our stamina (currently reading independently for about 13 minutes) and working to stay focused and use every second to read during independent time. Each day, we come together on the rug, learn something new, practice together by turning and talking to a partner, and then practicing by ourselves at our seats. We have learned: how to choose a book, how to handle books with care, to “read” the cover and the pictures to gather information during a picture walk, to use the problem/solution chart to stay focused during reading, and how to read with a partner. Here, Ms. Stern recorded us reading during private time. We watched the video and noticed all of the things that were going well. We also discussed the things that we should concentrate on improving next time.

After we finish our private time, we quietly change seats and meet with our reading partners. Partners sit side by side, use library voices, share only one book at a time, and engage in accountable “book talk” to discuss what they read. The different ways we have learned are: read to your partner, read together (choral reading), take turns (buddy reading), and repeat after your partner (echo reading).