Creating Lifelong Readers

1. Creating Lifelong Readers by Linda Templeton ENGL 7701/Dr. Cope 07/07/2004

2. After researching Reading Workshop methods… I HAVE QUESTIONS…ON TOP OF QUESTIONS!

3. According to Reading Workshop Survival Kit all I need to do is…

4. Focus on reading and everything else will fall into place, but those nagging questions…

5. Muschla’s Reading Workshop Elements state: • Reading is paramount – No problem. • Reading is respected & celebrated – What if students don’t respect & celebrate reading? What then? • Students have input into what they will read – What if students don’t have a ready opinion about reading selections? How do I nurture their opinions? • Various materials—nonfiction, articles, novels, short stories, plays, and poetry—are components of the class’s reading experiences – No problem.

6. Reading Workshop Elements Continued… • Reading skills are taught in context – No problem. • Sufficient time allotted for reading – How do I structure time on a block schedule? • Reading is a means of communication – Agreed. • Students are encouraged to become actively involved with their reading – What if students don’t get involved? What do you do then? • Students are encouraged to respond—verbally & written – What about the reluctant speaker?

7. Reading Workshop Elements Continued… • Students assume responsibility for their learning – What if they don’t? • Students are encouraged to read at home – What if they don’t? • Cooperation and collaboration are encouraged – Agreed. • Classroom filled with books & reading materials – No problem.

8. Reading Workshop Elements Continued… • Reading gives rise to writing – How can I connect Reading Workshop to Writing Workshop---on the block schedule? • Language used as a tool for learning – Agreed. • Students & teachers become partners in learning – I can do this. • A sense of belonging to a “reading” community is promoted – I like this concept; do you ever involve parents in the “reading” community? If so, how?

9. Now….who wouldn’t want to be a part of a classroom that has these elements?Words spoken just like a true English teacher, but I am willing to give it a try.