At the beginning of kindergarten, we use a learning station model for our morning learning. As the year progresses, and the learning maturity and stamina of our students increases, we extend the time of these stations. Most recently, students have been traveling through four station rotations, each lasting for 15 minutes. In the spring, we transition from the station model into a workshop model. The workshop model spreads the activities students engage in out over several days, providing students with longer periods of engagement at each activity (20 - 25 minutes) and providing teachers with more opportunities for targeted, differentiated instruction.
We have decided to transition to our workshop model early this year, as our learners are ready for it! Knowing that this is a significant change of routine for the kids, we will take things slowly this week, walking the kids through the new routine. They love the Readers' and Writers' Workshop routines we have been doing in the afternoon, so I am confident that they will quickly adjust. This is how it will look...
We have decided to transition to our workshop model early this year, as our learners are ready for it! Knowing that this is a significant change of routine for the kids, we will take things slowly this week, walking the kids through the new routine. They love the Readers' and Writers' Workshop routines we have been doing in the afternoon, so I am confident that they will quickly adjust. This is how it will look...
Math Workshop will happen each morning before morning recess. During each Math Workshop, I will give a mini lesson and then students will be assigned to two of the three workshop activities. They will do each activity for 20 minutes. Math Workshop activities are: Math Menu ~ students are provided with a menu of games and activities that allow them to practice concepts they have been taught. They choose what they will work on each session, with the goal of completing all of the activities over two weeks. Some activities are independent and some require a partner. When the activities have been checked off, students can make choices from a "dessert "menu. Teach/Assessment ~ Each day, I will teach small group lessons that introduce new concepts and provide guided practice or work with students 1:1 to conduct formative assessments. ST Math ~ students will work independently on an iPad to deepen their conceptual understandings. | Readers' Workshop will happen between morning recess and lunch recess. During each Readers' Workshop, I will give a mini lesson and then students will be assigned to one of the three workshop activities for about 25 - 30 minutes. Readers' Workshop activities are: Book Bag Reading ~ independent practice reading just right book. Each day I will work with small groups giving guided reading instruction, holding reading conferences with students and conducting formative literacy assessments. Word Work ~ instruction and practice. Raz Kids ~ students will work independently on a computer or iPad to develop and practice their reading skills. |
In the afternoons, we will continue to do Writers' Workshop, Science, our Project Based Learning activities, Class Meetings and - of course - Choice Time!