Reading Workshop vs. Anthology Textbook

As winter break comes to an end (boo), I am letting my brain slowly start thinking about school related things again. I began thinking about my upcoming meeting about a reading textbook adoption. Which brings some worry and concern. I have been doing Reading Workshop with a mix of Guided Reading for about three or four years now. I LOVE how I teach reading, using small groups, LOTS of picture books, reading centers (using pieces of Daily Five). I can use different texts and really dig into nonfiction. It does tend to be a little more work.

When I  was asked to be in the reading textbook adoption committee I had mixed emotions. I know that because of Common Core the district is wanting to find a reading "program" to replace the old textbook, and they are pretty firm about having a textbook. I figure it's better to be on the committee and be able to voice my opinion then just be handed a textbook, but I'm also not willing to give up my Reading Workshop.

So here are the textbooks that my district is looking into adopting. Have you heard of or used any of them?? I would love to get some thoughts and opinions!

Reach For Reading

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Journeys

Benchmark Education Company Whole and Small Group 

McGraw Hill Reading Wonders

Scott Foresman Reading Street

Classroom Read Aloud (chapter book version)

The last day before the winter break I kept my students on edge and engaged by reading the December chapter of one of my FAVORITE read aloud chapter books Because of Mr. Terupt. Last year (and years prior) my media specialist came to all the fifth grade classes monthly and read this book to my students. At the end of the year we did a Skype visit with the author Rob Buyea. It was AMAZING!

So when I moved I told myself I would read this to my class. The book follows a fifth grade class (one of the many reasons I love reading this to my class), every chapter is a month in the school year, and in each chapter the main characters tell the story from their point of view! Did I mention how much I love this book?

Each of my students have a three prong folder in which they keep different entries and notes. I wanted a folder because I wasn't sure as to what exactly I was going to put in the folders. Each month/chapter they are given a sheet with each main character listed and a summary box. As I read the chapter they take notes under each character...they list things that happen, things they learn about that character, etc. 

Another thing that I add at different points of the month might be a character study map, prediction sheet, or whatever lessons we may be covering in class. I love that they are connecting what I'm teaching in my mini lessons with the book the entire class is reading. 

Now each student doesn't have a book, I usually project the book from my iPad Kindle app; therefore, I am not able to really do reading comprehension questions. But I do love how the lesson application pages are turning out. I hope to possibly have a packet made for this book...maybe by the end of the year. 

Here is another great part about this book....Mr. Terupt loops with his class to 6th grade!!!! The kids can't wait to get their hands on the next book!!

So that is probably one of my favorite classroom read alouds, here are a few others...what is/are your favorite? 

(great for fifth grade SS curriculum) 

(ReadWorks.org has a great unit on this one!)

Reading Stations

Just a little update on my reading tubs/groups....I am currently doing a lot of one on one during my guided reading time, but I do have a good rotation set up for my tubs.

Tub 1: Is Making Words

Have you ever seen this book? I love it and so do the kids. I usually type up a little half sheet of paper giving them a few clues as to how many three letter words...etc. I also started rotating in a word game that they enjoy (any competition is good for them). Therefore I have linked this game for you all...FREE!

Tub 2: Listening Station

We are currently listening to The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, I use some comprehension questions here and there, so I know they are listening!


Tub 3: Word Ladders

Again...another great resource! You can print a few, laminate them front to back, and have the students use vis-a-vi markers.

Tub 4: Boggle
I use my board that is on the wall, click here for the printables. I also found a great FREE worksheet for the students to show there work here!

Tub 5: Nonfiction Reading Comprehension

This is yet another GREAT resource! It is FULL of cross curriculum concepts. This is my independent work station. 

Tub 6: Media Center

I hope this give you a few ideas to help get you through the month. I know I am stretched very thin right now...it's crunch time for the GA Writing Assessment  and my remaining transition students are gearing up for the CAR retake, again. Not to mention those parent/teacher conferences just around the corner. Whew! I hope you all are hanging in there! 

Guided Reading and Math

Last year I started Guided Math and shared a few things with you all, including a checklist that I used with my students. It was a great tool and really held my students accountable. As I am about to begin letting my students run wild begin groups/centers I felt I need to streamline my checklist a little, as well as make it a little more "fifth gradish".

So here are both my Guided Reading and Guided Math checklists. Click on them to download them.

For math...it's pretty simple. After each mini lesson I always give them 5 to 10 questions/problems to work on at their seats, to check for understanding (that is seatwork). With with teacher...well that's pretty obvious. As part of a schoolwide initiative we are incorporating Exemplars. They will have to complete at least one a week. Finally my tubs...as you can see from the picture below I keep my different games/activities in numbered tubs. Now I don't plan to use all six of them every week. For instance this week I will use just two tubs...One: Roll A Factor game and Two: Multiplication War. As we learn other games and activities I'll add them in...maybe a few task cards here and there as well. I am going to use the little red sign to write what each tub contains in it.

As for reading this week...again pretty simple. Read and respond is independent reading and writing in their journal, this must be done daily. Meet with teacher...again pretty obvious. Listening...is my listening center, I usually check books on CD out of our public library and let the students listen to the books (I have a splitter, so 2 to 6 people can listen at a time). As for the tubs...like math I will not start or use all 6 tubs each time. I think I will start with Making Words, Word Ladders, etc. I want to eventually incorporate technology as a center as well. We will see how this goes!