Reading Workshop Approach in the Middle Grades

(Grades 4-8) / Flex Course

PDI Course Number: 26T02 / UCSD Course Number: EDUC41450

Course Description

Are you interested in learning the whys, whats, and hows of implementing a reader's workshop approach in your classroom? Are you concerned about how to manage a reader’s workshop? The course begins by establishing the foundations of implementing a reader’s workshop approach in your classroom. Then, commonly used and easy to administer assessment options are provided that can help teachers build group reading profiles. Once groups are established, teachers learn how to choose appropriate leveled books, how to help students set realistic goals, and how to confer with students about skills and strategies for independent growth to achieve maximum results. Teachers will also learn how to create learning stations that allow students some voice and choice. Suggestions for motivating students including creating book talks are shared. Differentiation strategies are also provided so that teachers may reach students at all skill levels. There is also an emphasis on management and routines to help the reader’s workshop run effectively and efficiently. By the end of this course, teachers will feel capable of successfully implementing a reader’s workshop approach in the classroom. This course is worth 3 ⅓ semester units/5 quarter units (50 hours of training) from University of California San Diego (UCSD) Division of Extended Studies. For detailed information on university credit, click here.

"The content of the course was extremely relevant for me as a teacher implementing reader's workshop. I have already referred back to many of the resources as I set up my reader's workshop." - Elizabeth Speakman