SPS Communication Arts
Initiatives
Reader's Workshop
Reader's Workshop is the delivery model used to teach all aspects of reading. It provides differentiated instruction to students as they work on areas of need in reading. It focuses on the teaching of reading skills and strategies that students apply to their own independent reading. Teachers investigate their students' needs, provide mini-lessons to address those needs, model good reading strategies, lead guided reading groups, set up literature circles, and confer with students as they apply what they have learned.
Reader's Workshop Instructional Configuration
Guided Reading Instructional Configuration
Writer's Workshop
Writer's Workshop is a delivery model used by teachers to teach writing. K-12 Communication Arts teachers in Springfield are asked to implement Writer's Workshop in their classrooms to provide students with the skills, desire, and confidence to see themselves as writers. It is a structured time where students are actively involved in creating their own texts. Writer's Workshop provides students differentiated instruction that focuses on their needs as writers.
Writer's Workshop Instructional Configuration
K-5 Writing Model
SPS Writing Model
6 + 1 Traits of Writing
6+1 Traits of Writing is "writing". It is our agreed upon understanding of what good writing is. Scoring guides for each trait provide clear expectations and a common language for educators to use with students. Educators use analytic scoring for the traits to provide feedback to students about their writing.
6 + 1 Instructional Configuration
6 + 1 Trait One Pager
Grade 7 DESE Scoring Guide for Writing
A "WAY TO GO" on Differentiated Literacy Instruction
When students are given CHOICE, TIME, and RESPONSIBILITY in class, results happen! The differentiated model of LITERATURE CIRCLES or BOOK TALKS will create an atmosphere where students read more, think deeper about their reading, write notes and responses, and have engaging conversation around literature that connects with them. See this SPS-created video for inspiration. A great resource is Literature Circles by Harvey Daniels. Mr. Daniels is scheduled to be at the Summer Literacy Institute in 2012!