First graders have dived into readers workshop already this year. Readers start the year by building "habits" and practicing them each day. We stress the importance of building independence and learning some tricks to help with management of this time. Confidence, attitude, and a love of reading is highlighted during these first few weeks. Already, readers are using a variety of tools to build stamina, manage their independent reading time, and increase motivation. As students build management habits (getting started right away, not wasting time, keeping track of reading, making a plan for their reading, using quiet voices, staying in their spots) they are also beginning to learn a variety of strategies that will eventually become habits as well. Using new book boxes and exploring new titles, first grade readers have been practicing taking a "sneak peak" of new titles, "checking their sneak peak" and always doing something at the end of reading ( retell, find favorite part, think across pages, or reread.) All these beginning of the year strategies your child is working on will help them have a successful year as a first grade reader! 
Check out these shared writing poems/songs that your child is practicing with their class! Can they read them to you! (It is always helpful to look at the blog along with your child - they can tell you in more depth about their learning and fun in first grade!)
