What+is+Readers'+Workshop

Reader's Workshop is a framework  for reading instruction that provides students with a supportive environment and involves them in **authentic ** reading experiences that focus on the strengths and needs of each individual student.

The basic philosophy behind the Reading Workshop is to allow students to spend an extended amount of time reading authentic texts that interest them on a daily basis and to provide opportunities to talk about literature. The ultimate goal of a Reading Workshop is always to develop life-long passionate readers.

__**Features of Readers Workshop**__
 * Time to choose books, read, think about their reading, and interact with others over what they have read
 * Choice about books they read, their purpose for reading a particular book, and the strategies they use to help them comprehend
 * A sense of responsibility for their learning and their interactions with the teacher and fellow students - by setting goals, tracking progress and assessing their success
 * A classroom structure that allows them opportunities to work with the teacher, each other, and independently
 * A supportive community that fosters diversity and the development of self-confidence and self-esteem
 * Readers' Workshop should be rigorous and challenging, with clear expectations for students’ accomplishment

Readers Workshop empowers students to:
 * view reading as a **meaning-making** process, as opposed to one about words and word parts
 * identify and talk about many beloved titles, authors, and genres
 * **independently** choose books of interest at their reading level
 * **self-monitor** for understanding and use **fix-up strategies** when necessary
 * engage in **meaningful** reading for a sustained period of time
 * **discuss** and think about books with others