Reader’s Workshop in Second Grade By: Mrs. Ross

 

 

 This past summer the second grade teachers attended a Reading Summit Conference, a 4 day training that taught us many reading strategies to implement in our classrooms.  The training validated our belief that children become better readers the more they read! We also know that good readers are always asking questions, predicting, visualizing, and inferring.  The Reading Summit gave us a practical framework to guide our reading instruction in our classrooms.  We know the benefits of implementing Reader’s Workshop will empower the students of TWE to be better readers who love to read!

In order to encourage thinking and questioning while they read, second graders have been enjoying “Book Talks”.  These circle talks involve them meeting with a small group, reading, and discussing a common book. They are learning “talk moves” which are hand signals to keep their talk time organized and productive.  We have a sign that means “I agree with you”, a sign for “I’d like to add on to your thought”, and a sign for “I have a new thought”.

Answering questions such as, “How can you relate to the character? How did the character change? and What can you infer about the character based on his  actions?” helps the second graders think critically about what they are reading.  Knowing they will be sharing ideas, asking and answering questions during their book talk time keeps them accountable for understanding what they are reading. Plus, it’s just fun to talk about books with friends!

As you read with your children at home, here are some questions you can discuss with them:

How can you describe the character?

How did the character change?

How is the character like you?

How is the character like a character in another book?

How is the character like someone you know?

What do you predict will happen next?

Did you agree with the ending?

What was your favorite part?

What type of text are you reading? (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, etc.)

 

The real experts of Reader’s Workshop have this to say about reading:

“Your heart beats as one with the character.” –Lauren, second grade

“I wish I could just read all day!” –Angela, second grade