READING WORKSHOP

The three main elements of literacy instruction, decoding, fluency, and comprehension, are taught as part of a balanced literacy program at CBRSD.  Craneville employs a research-based reading and writing curriculum developed by Columbia Teachers College in grades K-5. The Teachers College Reading and Writing Project has a deep and enduring understanding of the foundations of literacy instruction. The units of study from TCRWP provide us with learning progressions that align to the Common Core Curriculum Standards and follow a workshop model of delivery.

You can access the CBRSD Grade 5 Curriculum Roadmap for Reading here.

UNITS OF STUDY IN FIFTH GRADE READING

Quarter 1	Interpretation Book Clubs: Analyzing Theme
Quarter 2	Tackling Complexity: Moving Up Levels of Nonfiction
Quarter 3	Argument and Advocacy
Quarter 4	Fantasy Book Clubs

Read Aloud: Reading aloud exposes students to books on and beyond their current reading level. This enables students to enjoy and appreciate the world of literature, while giving them a glimpse into their future reading lives. It is a way to expose students to cultural and social issues that they are faced with daily. This exposure leads to rich conversation and reflection about both the literature and important worldly topics.

Partnerships: Students need a chance to talk about the books that they read. Discussing books is an integral part of developing strong comprehension skills.Students throughout the year are paired with a long term reading partner. These partnerships develop into meaning, fruitful, and trusting academic relationships. Reading partnerships build reading stamina, provide time to talk about books in authentic ways, increase accountability during reading workshop, teach students to problem solve independently, improve listening skills, strengthen expressive language skills, provide opportunities for rereading and rethinking, and provide a cheerleader, coach, and helper when the teacher is working with other readers.

Independent Reading: During independent reading, students are reading books at their appropriate reading level. It is crucial that students spend this time (in school and at home) in their "just right" books because this is when they practice their skills and comprehension. Students are expected to build up stamina until they are reading for at least 30 minutes at a time.