The classrooms are ready, names are on tables and desks, supplies have been delivered, locker tags look shiny and new….the only thing left is to JUST ADD KIDS! Easier said than done…next week as we enter into the first week of school there will be a lot of new routines to learn, including those of the Reading and Writing Workshop. As the entire school plans to launch their readers and writers into a year full of literacy learning, it will be important to make sure we all take the time to nurture the routines and commitments that will carry not only us as teachers, but our students as well, through a successful year of learning. Here are some tips to keep in mind to make your launch a good one!
- Address them as readers and writers every single chance you get 🙂
- Teach your kids how your reading and writing workshop will go each and every day
- Teach them about the mini-lesson (what will it look like, sound like, feel like…when is it the teacher’s turn to talk and when is it their turn to talk)
- Introduce them to the classroom library and teach them how to use it
- Teach them how to organize their reading and writing “stuff”
- Work to build up their reading and writing stamina
- Give yourself the gift of “getting to know you conferences” in reading and writing so you can get to know your learners
- Work to foster an environment where everyone feels like a reader and a writer (including you!)
Enjoy those readers and writers!
The Life of a Workshop Teacher 