[readr]

For those of you who are currently implementing reader's workshop in your classrooms, could you tell me if you find it necessary to also have a designated DEAR time? I am trying to figure out my literacy schedule and don't seem to have enough time to do all I want to do.

Thanks for your advice! If it makes a diference, I teach k/1.

[liketeaching1]

I use a workshop approach to reading: shared read, mini-lessons, guided reading groups, reading responses, confering with students independently or in small groups, etc. However, the most important part of all this is letting the kids self-select "just right" books for their own reading time. I don't call it DEAR. It's a precious time that my kids use to read and become readers that enjoy literature. You can read a lot more about this on the blogs sections and also the Sunflower Room. Reading With Meaning by Debbie Miller is the basis of my reading workshop approach. I also use Growing Readers by Kathy Collins as she also gives a month by month mini-lessons.

[iluv2nd]

and my kids have two different "reading times" each day with different expectations. During the workshop, they read books at their independent reading level... where they can read and process the text relatively easily. I have a choice reading time where they can read anything they want (i.e. challenging texts and magazines, easy books, etc.). I think both experiences are important. You can call them whatever you want... My choice reading time is more like DEAR.

[AmyH]

I do Reading Workshop (or at least try to)
My RW:
12:30 - 12:45 Word Study
12:45 - 1:00 Independent Self-Selected Reading. (I also meet with kids during this 15-minutes, I know everyone is supposed to be reading, but I don't have any time to work on those individual targeted skills kids need to improve)
1:00 - 1:15 Mini-Lesson
1:15 - 1:45 Guided Reading/Book Club groups (I also have an Ed Tech during this time)
But this is for 4th and I see that you are K/1.

[readr]

This is a great help. Thank you for your responses. We do have choice time when they can read anything, and the library is always open for those children who have completed work. I started reader's workshop this week. It has been awesome. It is amazing what my children are doing in writer's workshop, and I am hoping we will get the same kind of results with reader's workshop.

[jerzgirl]

Hi,
Glad to hear that your workshops are going well. I have to put my two cents in here. Silent reading time is SO important. All of the current research stresses that in order to be a reader, children need to spend time reading. I went to Columbia University a few weekends ago to Lucy Calkins Reading and Writing Project conference and all of the presenters stressed how important this is.
My little ones read for 25-30 minutes daily from individual bookboxes. This time has increased from 5 minutes a day in Sept. They have really increased their reading stamina. They'd read longer if we had time. Reading Workshop is separate from this time.
I think the key to a successful silent reading time is teaching the kids to choose just right books. This is a process that takes a long time. I find that if they are reading material at their level, they are truly reading, and not fooling around or flipping through pages. After everyone is settled in, I conference with small groups or individuals. This is also a valuable time for me to see what strategies they are applying, strengths and weaknesses in phonics, and to learn more about their interests.

[kaycee1128]

I'm glad you have started posting on proteacher. Your posts are very insightful and informative. What is the recommendation from the reading and writing project on how much kids should independent read during readers workshop at this point in the year? My kids read easy 25-30 minutes like yours. Is this a good expectation or should I be trying to up that a little bit?