Does anyone out there teach 4th grade using a workshop format for all the main stuff--reading, writing, math? How do you do it? How do you keep it organized? How do you work smarter, not harder?
When I started teaching {14 years ago}, I started in first grade. I did mini lessons and then workshops. Students practiced skills at center activities while I taught and retaught and assessed small groups and individuals. I love this style of a classroom. This took tons of prep work!
I can find many resources for teachers who still teach this way in 3rd grade and below. Why not 4th grade?
I did a workshop format in Math this past year. I had many struggling mathematicians. I was able to spend more time practicing with them. Kids loved this format. I did not have to drive myself crazy planning, but it was more work than whole group instruction. I felt like we got loads more done--even though my students' state test scores do not prove that. In my heart I know this is good.
I'm wanting to do more of it with Reading/Language Arts. I think this would be a good time to do this, since we are beginning to implement Common Core Standards. It seems to be a more flexible year. I want to take what I used to do in first grade and apply it to the developmental level of 4th graders and the curriculum. I do NOT want to make center activities "cute busy work or worksheets." I want kids to really learn and practice with authentic tasks whenever possible.
I'm open to feedback! Any suggestions? Resources?
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