To start off our Reader's Workshop, we focused on what it will look like on a weekly basis and an introduction to our library. Mini-lessons were given on book care, library sorting, and the difference between fiction and non-fiction. We also started a read-aloud book, The Mouse and the Motorcycle, by Beverly Cleary. The black bats love being read to every day!

This week, we started a new read aloud book, Mr. Popper's Penguins. The kids love getting read to everyday! We have begun to add sight words to our "word wall", in hopes that the students will familiarize themselves with words that frequent everyday text. One day, we focused on reading comperhension and did an activity where students recall what happened at the beginning, middle, and end of the story. A reading reflection helps us, and the students, recognize what they are understanding about a story, and where they need to focus their attention on in the future. After assessing the readings levels of the students this week, next week we will be able to work with the readings needs of our class.

This week we approached our RW time in a more structured way. Three times weekly, the teacher meets with small groups to work specifically on the literacy and emergent reading skills that group is ready for. The other students are expected to be independent readers who read with purpose, interest, and respect those around them. This past week and for the next few weeks we will work on establishing a strong, predictable format to ensure success during this special and important time.
During the months of September and October, we will become "readers who build good habits." Kathy Collins states it clearly when she outlines goals for the beginning of the year for young readers.
" the goals of the first unit of study are:
- Readers have reading identities and share them with each other.
- Readers take care of books and the classroom library.
- Readers understand the reading workshop procedures so that all readers can do their best work.
- Readers stay focused on their reading.k
-Readers think and talk about their books with others."

-Growing Readers pp. 66

In addition, we continue to enjoy the light-hearted humor of Mr. Popper's Penguins. Reviewing events and characters from the previous chapters naturally builds higher level comprehension skills.

On Friday, we met downstairs with Nancy's 1/2 grade Mustangs. We hope to start and maintain a healthy, year-long reading buddy relationship.
 

This week, RW was another enjoyable yet focused and quiet time. The Black Bats are getting used to the expectation of a quiet, focused, and enjoyable reading opportunity. We usually start our time with a group reading on the rug which is a quick "mini lesson" on a specific skills that they can immediately apply while they select books and read. This week, we discussed how taking a "picture walk" helps you to understand the story line, identify main characters and notice details about the setting. We also did a mini lesson on reading books multiple times. By reading something more than once, we can uncover parts of the story that we may not have noticed the first time. The students love discovering new content in familiar books.