FY0113 Reading Workshop

Students become better readers by reading. Students also develop academic vocabulary by reading. However, it is not unusual for many Landmark College students to rarely read unless required. Many LIC and partial-credit students believe reading is boring, and that talking about reading is even more boring. This is a problem because reading and writing about reading is at the heart of the college experience. Reading Workshop will change students’ minds about reading. In Reading Workshop, students choose the books they want to read. Most class periods will start with either a mini-lesson where a reading or writing skill or strategy will be introduced or a class discussion about books. For the remainder of the class period students will either read or write about what they are reading. The teacher will circulate and conduct individual conferences. The pedagogical rationale for Reading Workshop includes the principles that students learn best when they construct their own knowledge and that choice is an important factor in motivation and engagement. When students choose their own books and share what they are reading with the other students, they look forward to coming to class, enthusiastically discuss what they are reading, and articulately write about reading. Credits: 0