If you’re just getting started with reading workshop in your classroom, start with this post. It tells all about the parts of the reading workshop and how to set it up in your classroom. Then, check out these reading workshop supplies that will keep you organized and make implementing it much easier.
Reading Workshop Supplies
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Reading workshop has completely changed my reading instruction. I love it because my students are engaged in meaningful reading and are working toward their individual goals. However, it required a complete transformation of my classroom. These reading workshop supplies help everything run smoothly.
#1 – An Easel
An important part of your reading workshop lesson is the minilesson. You want a space in your room where your whole class can gather and an easel to display your anchor charts. I also stock up on chart paper and flair pens because I go through them quickly.
When we’re ready to begin the minilesson, my whole class moves to the carpet in our classroom library. They sit beside their reading partners and get ready to find out the focus of the day’s lesson. I always end the minilesson with a task students need to do in their books. I write it on the easel, so they can easily see it if they forget what to do. Then, we come back to this area at the end of the lesson for our share.
#2 – The Reading Strategies Book
This year, my school district adopted Lucy Calkins Units of Study for reading workshop. That program outlines exactly what to do and say for each reading workshop lesson. If you don’t have a program like that, The Reading Strategies Book by Jennifer Seravallo is an amazing resource! I used to to plan every minilesson the past few years. I picked a strategy my students needed to practice and used the anchor charts and suggestions in the book.
There is also a Writing Strategies Book that is equally amazing for writing workshop.
#3 – A Full Classroom Library
Your students are going to read hundreds of books during reading workshop, so it’s really important to have a well-stocked classroom library. I have four bookshelves full of books, and I’m always looking for new titles my students will love.
Here are some tips for finding free and cheap books for your classroom library and some tips for organizing your library.
#4 – Book Boxes
Since your students are going to spend at least 30 minutes a day reading, they need somewhere to keep those books. I started with cardboard book boxes, but I had to replace them every year. Then, I decided to invest in plastic book boxes from Really Good Stuff, and they are still in great condition after 5 years.
My students keep other materials in their book boxes in addition to their books. They have a reading notebook and folder. They also have a pencil case stocked with pencils, post-its, and bookmarks. That way, when they move to start reading, they have everything they need. They use the post-its to mark important parts, pencils to take notes, and bookmarks to mark their spots. That prevents them from getting up and walking around during reading workshop.
#5 – Comfy Pillows
My students’ favorite part of reading workshop is finding a comfy spot to read. I have pillows around the room, and we have a rotating schedule to show who gets to use them each day. That prevents arguments and makes sure everyone gets started right away.
If you want help planning your reading workshop lessons, head over to the Teach Without Tears TPT Store to check out my reading workshop lessons for grades 1 to 5.
Check out these tools that will keep your classroom organized.
Don’t miss these other amazing resources for your classroom!
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What Do You Think?
What supplies do you use for a successful reading workshop?
Let me know in the comments below.
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