Tips For Conferring In Reader’s Workshop
The dreaded conferring part of reader’s workshop! It can be so hard to fit in; however, we all know how important it is to meet with our readers individually. In a true reader’s workshop, teachers would meet individually with students during independent reading time. This can’t always happen because we all know what teaching is like. However, if you can carve time out at least once or twice a week to do this (and not with every student!), then that’s great! Keep reading for tips for conferring in reader’s workshop and a free printable.
Why Reading Conferences Matter
You may be thinking, “But I meet with my students during guided reading. Isn’t that enough?” While guided reading is important, it isn’t the only thing we can do to meet our students’ reading needs.
When we meet individually with students, we get to see a variety of things. We get to see:
- Books students are choosing to read during independent reading time
- How students use and apply past skills they’ve learned without actively being taught (like in guided reading)
- How students approach tricky words
- What strategies students use to comprehend what they read
3 Tips To Get Started With Conferring In Reader’s Workshop
Use A Conferring Sheet You Like
There are a lot of different ones out there. Make sure to keep trying until you find one you like. When looking for a conferring sheet I like, I look for room to write, how many different conferences I can fit on a page, organization, and cleanliness. You can download ours for free right at the bottom of this post.
Focus On One Skill
It’s easy to get wrapped into looking at every single thing your readers are doing. It’s important to only focus on one thing to have your reader work on. You may notice they need to work on pausing at periods, sounding out short a words, etc. However, pick the most important thing for them to work on until they meet with you again for a conference so you don’t overwhelm them.
Begin Your Teaching Point With Praise
I am sure you have heard of using the “sandwich approach” when giving feedback. That means, say a positive, then give the feedback, and then follow up with another positive. It’s still important to let our students know what they are doing well. This boosts their confidence.
I hope you find these 3 tips for conferring in reader’s workshop helpful! Check out these blog posts about teaching reading:
- How To Differentiate Your Guided Reading Groups
- How To Start Guided Reading
- How To Create A Guided Reading Schedule
Grab Your Free Reading Conference Page
Fill in your name and email below to receive your free guided reading workbook, which includes a free conferring page!
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