READING and WRITING OPTIONS

Reading and Writing Options are also often commonly called Literacy Corners, Literacy Areas, or Work Stations.  I first began implementing Reading and Writing Options five years ago.  Over the years they have slightly changed from year to year, as I search for that "Just Right Fit" for me and my students.  This web page will give you an overview of my class' Reading and Writing Options time.  Just as there is no such thing as a "one size fits all" for our students, there is no such thing as a "one size fits all" for classroom teachers when it comes to Reading and Writing Options.  

 

During Reading and Writing Options, students continue to practice what they've learned during our Writer's Workshop and Reader's Workshop.  Our class has three 20-minute Reading and Writing Option sessions.  Two sessions are designated for Reading Options, while the remaining session is strictly for Writing Options.  While students are reading/writing independently, I meet with reading groups.       

Read through each tabbed section to find out more (see below for explanations).

Table of Contents:

1. A Bit of History - Information about Moving from 10 Literacy-Based Centers to 5 Reading and Writing Options

2. Reading Options - Independent Reading, Buddy Reading, and Listening to Reading

3. Writing Options - Alphabet & Word Word and Writing Table

4. First Few Weeks - Timeline How Routines, Expectations, and Activities are Introduced, Established, and Practiced

5. Work Boards -  Information about how I Manage and Keep Informed about Student Choices

6. Grand Opening - Celebrating our Progress and Looking Toward the Future

7. Charts - Anchoring Our Learning for Future Reference

8. Learning Logs - Accountability in a (Mostly) Worksheet Free Classroom

9. Standards Align - Aligning Standards and Benchmarks to Work Option Activities

10. Labels and Signs - Keeping our Work Space and Materials Organized

11. Resources - Teacher Resources for Research and Planning