The emphasis of the Writers Workshop is on authentic work products and a portfolio that evidences student work over time. Reading Guided Reading provides strategies for classroom instruction in grades K-3 in which students learn to read. Teachers work with small groups on individualized reading levels. Students move to Literature Circles in grades 4-5 as they become independent readers and read to learn. Four to five students work in small groups discussing novels chosen according to student interests.
Students lead discussions to determine an agenda and tasks.
The teacher acts as coach, observing group interaction, developing mini-lessons as needed and elevating the level of reading in the groups. .