90 Minute Reading Block

Bell Work: What is the time break down of a 90 minute reading block and a 120 minute reading block? Benchmark: READ9.0.1.2.0 Objective: The teacher will implement an engaging reading block. Essential Question: How do small group activities encourage student engagement? Vocabulary: centers, small flexible group instruction, whole group instruction, reading block, accountability, data driven instruction Ticket Out: Thanks, I’m good or follow-up

How do you break down the 90 minute block?

90 minute break-down 20-30 minutes whole group instruction (Teacher Lead) 45-60 minutes on small groups/centers (students are in small groups or individually working on an activity relating to the whole group lesson) 20 minutes on lowest 25% quartile (this group meets daily)

Whole Group Instruction Whole group instruction should be used to introduce new material. Introduce the story, vocabulary and the skill that you are trying to accomplish. Keep the talking focused and brief.

Integrate across the Curriculum Reading is one subject that can be taught throughout the curriculum. Teach social studies and science through non-fiction reading. Use writing to help connect your reading to the students. (Writing can be taught in the reading block, just don’t use this time to teach the mechanics, use it to help enhance the reading.) Do a book study, read chapter books, do a reader’s theater about social studies or science.

Vocabulary There are four types of vocabulary…listening, reading, speaking and writing. Vocabulary knowledge is one of the single most important factors contributing to comprehension. The materials used by children in grades 3-9 contain about 90,000 words, yet the average 6th grade student only has a reading vocabulary of about 20,000 words.

Spelling Spelling is a skill that should be taught in a small group or practiced in centers. Spelling should NEVER be taught whole group, unless you are teaching a phonics lesson. Spelling words should be introduced on Monday (5 minutes)and then it should be practiced in literacy centers or studied at home.

Why is flexible group time so much longer than whole group instruction?

Do the Research: Children learn best when they are actively engaged. Small groups promote independence. Student responsibility. Allows students to learn through self-discovery. Whoever does the most talking, does the most learning.

How do you create flexible groups?

How to manage centers Procedures, procedures, procedures. No more than 5 students at each center. Students know how to behave in class. The question is do they have to? So, set your standards high.

Ideas for centers. StoryTown has some great center activity ideas; however, feel free to come up with your own ideas as well. Vocabulary center Writing center Reading center Computer center Teacher-directed center Fluency center These are just a few suggestions. Feel free to create your own stations.

Teacher-directed Center This is the time that you need to individualize your instruction, to meet the needs of each student. Meet with your lower 25% everyday. This is a great time for enrichment of your high achieving students.

Remember: The one who does the most talking, does the most learning. Students enjoy self-discovery. Allow you students to work independently or in a small group. Allow your students to be responsible for their own learning.

Bell Work: What is the time break down of a 90 minute reading block and a 120 minute reading block? Benchmark: READ9.0.1.2.0 Objective: The teacher will implement an engaging reading block. Essential Question: How do small group activities encourage student engagement? Vocabulary: centers, small flexible group instruction, whole group instruction, reading block, accountability, data driven instruction Ticket Out: Thanks I’m good or follow-up

Questions and Comments On your way out, if you would please write your name on a sticky and post it on the poster to the side that applies to you: Thanks, I’m good or Follow –up.