Developing Independent Learners: A Reading/Writing Workshop Approach

The goal of teaching is to promote independent learning so reading and writing becomes a lifelong habit. As children become better readers, they also become better writers. A workshop format provides a literacy context for building connections between the reading and writing processes. In this two-part video series, Donnie Skinner and Vicki Altland demonstrate how they implemented reading and writing workshops in two Arkansas schools. Program 1: Exploring Literature in Third Grade In the first program, Donnie Skinner and third-grade students at Boone Park Elementary in North Little Rock, Arkansas, explore how literature is used to promote deeper comprehension during reading and writing workshops. The first part of the program demonstrates the components of writing workshop, including a mini-lesson for crafting a good lead, independent practice, and writing conferences. The second part of the tape illustrates the components of reading workshop, including a mini-lesson for teaching a visualization strategy, independent practice, reading conferences, and a literature discussion group. The features of the workshop include: guided demonstrations and think-aloud;guided practice with teacher assistance;independent practice with teacher and peer conferences;language interactions that promote deeper comprehension. Program 2: Conducting Research in First Grade In the second program, Vicki Altland and her first graders at Ida Burns Elementary in Conway, Arkansas, use a workshop approach to conduct research with nonfiction texts. Vicki scaffolds her first graders as they apply a ten-step process for conducting research, including choosing a topic, gathering materials, organizing information, and publishing the results. The features of the workshop include:mini-lesson with guided practice;group work with teacher conferences;group sharing with teacher assessment.

About the Author :
Linda Dorn is a professor of reading education at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where she is the director of the UALR Center for Literacy. She teaches graduate classes in literacy theory, research, classroom practice, and literacy leadership. She has twenty seven years of experience in education, including teaching at the elementary, intermediate, and college levels. Linda is the primary developer and lead trainer of the Partnerships in Comprehensive Literacy Model, a nationally recognized model that uses literacy coaches as agents of change. She has worked with many school districts across the United States and she has collaborated with several state departments on comprehensive literacy initiatives. She believes that school-embedded professional development is critical for supporting teachers in new learning. "The schools described in all our books use this approach for improving classroom instruction and student achievement. Our teachers use book clubs, literacy team meetings, and professional study groups." When writing a book, Linda's goal is to mesh theory and practice into a readable text. "I enjoy writing with my coauthor, Carla Soffos, who is also my friend and teaching colleague. We have developed a great working relationship." Linda is a native of Tennessee and received her Ph.D. in reading from Texas Women's University. She is married with three children, two stepdaughters, and five grandchildren. Carla is a literacy specialist with the Arkansas Department of Education. She has twenty-one years of experience in education, including teaching in the primary grades and Literacy Coaching. Carla is completing degree requirements for an Educational Specialist in Reading, with a research focus on intervention programs in comprehensive literacy schools. Carla and Linda Dorn have collaborated on several Stenhouse publications, including the books Shaping Literate Minds and Scaffolding Young Writers, and three video series: Results That Last, Developing Independent Learners, and Organizing for Literacy.