Nonfiction and Small Group Session Notes

[Notes from a session with Lindsay Mann]

Think about your nonfiction resources: Mini lessons don't matter if they don't match the books your kids will be reading.

Nonfiction:

• Big skills: key details, main idea, compare/contrast
• Kids need to hang on to key details across the text
• Kids need to be asking questions as they read, but also trying to answer those questions (across all of the pages)
• From what we think we know to what we learn!
• Tony Stead books
• What do I think I know (Kids think they know a lot, and that is usually what sticks)
• Use "Think, Confirm, Revise" chart to hold post-its or as a whole class chart during a read aloud



Think, Confirm, Revise Chart

• What did I actually learn from the text that I can support with my text evidence
• Noticing, Marking and Talking off the text!

In order to know what to teach, try reading the books your kids will be reading. Spy on yourself as a reader and pay attention to what you are doing as a skilled reader. Turn what you are doing into a teaching point. Think about doing this at a staff meeting!

Know the Facts!

• Assessing big skills of readers
• On-the-run
• Stop and Jot

Teache the Importance of the Illustrations!

Stop and Notice how the picture supports the words on the page

Pull Strategy groups using:

• Running records -- Are there a bunch of kids that need the same strategy (Does not need to be same level)
• Comprehension work -- Stop and jots during read alouds

Small Group Strategy Lesson

Who: Kids on various levels

What: Gather them with baggies in hand and provide a quick demo and then coach into their independent reading

When: When you notice that kids need the same strategy!

Where: On the rug or at a rainbow table!

Why: You can reach more kids as they read in their independent books!

Think of a small group as a sprinkler: Spray, move, spray, move, spray, move

Go around your group giving little "sprays" to each kid

Let small groups be more powerful than mini lessons. Don't just divide your class up. Small groups can do better!

Do not force a kid into a group where they don't belong! In reading workshop there is no need to! If a kid doesn't belong, confer!

Consider creating small groups "On the Run!"

• Create a checklist of things you might look for, quickly find kids that need help with on of those things, and pull a small group right then and there.

Guided Reading Small Group

Who: Kids on the same level (A-J)

What: Select a book on their level and plan

Sample Schedule: (1st/2nd Grade)

8:15 Morning Meeting (15) -tuck in a read for fun

8:30 Read Aloud (15)

8:45 Word Study (30)

9:15 Writing Workshop (45)

10:00 Reading Workshop (45)

10:45 Shared Reading (3 days/week) OR Interactive/Shared Writing (2 days/week)

11:00 Lunch (45)

11:45 Special (PE, computers, etc.) (45)

12:30 Math (45)

1:15 Science (3 days/week) OR Social Studies (2 days/week) (45)

2:15 Read Aloud or Storytelling (

Planning for Units Across the Year

• Overview
• One unit for 6-7 wks
• Growing Readers
• Important to have units, but don't forget what your kids need