Reader's Workshop: Book Bins and Star Books

Reader's Workshop is the time when students are given the time to "read" the books in their book bins. Each child has a book bin which includes a "Star Book" (Three Billy Goats, Caps for Sale,  or Where the Wild Things Are, etc.) that they have heard several times. They are now able to retell the story by looking at the pictures. The bin also includes an ABC book, a Dr. Seuss book and several Level A books which are simple sight word/picture books. Next wee, children will be bringing home a book from their book bin each night as part of their homework. They will love sharing these books with their family and reinforcing the reading skills and strategies they learned in school.

Presenting Group Reports in First Grade

 In Reader's Workshop, students are working in small collaborative groups researching topics of their choosing. There are ocean animals, rainforest, butterflies and penguins being discussed. We are meeting the Common Core Standards in First Grade for "Speaking and Listening - Comprehension and Collaboration" by having the children choose their topic and discuss, listen, and comment with each other to prepare for a group report. It is amazing to see and hear the level of conversation that these six year old students are having.  Group presentations will begin next week so that they can share what they learned with the class.

• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.1.1 Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 1 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.1.1a Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions (e.g., listening to others with care, speaking one at a time about the topics and texts under discussion).
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.1.1b Build on others’ talk in conversations by responding to the comments of others through multiple exchanges.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.1.1c Ask questions to clear up any confusion about the topics and texts under discussion.

 Researching the life cycle of the butterfly.

 Whales are the topic with this group.

Working together for their presentation.