Working Reading Workshop

     I currently teach 4th grade, and I have taught 5th and 3rd grade in the past.  I love reading workshop, I have taught it for 10 years.  I have changed it a lot since my first go around.  I use Fountas and Pinnell to set up my reading workshop (go buy it, if you don't have it!).  I have narrowed it down from 20 days to about 15, which is easy to do when the students have had it each year like they do in my district.  I take a lot of time to set up routines during reading workshop because it really helps me to be successful the rest of the year. 
     No interruptions please!
    To help filter interruptions during guided reading, I have 3 routines.

           1.)  I wear a special necklace (bulky like Mardi Gras beads) when I am doing guided reading groups.  This is a visual signal to my students that this is a no interruption time.
           2.) "Ask 3, before me."  I use this saying all the time.  You have to be okay with reading workshop not being entirely silent.  I allow my students to whisper to ask questions or to clarify an assignment.  This helps solve 2/3 of problems.
         3.)  The patience touch is last line of defense against interruptions.  If a student still has a question or problem, they place their hand on my shoulder.  I touch their hand and they remove their hand.  This lets them know I am aware they have a question, and I will get to them when I have a chance.  Some students go back to their work space, and I call them back to answer their question.  Some students stand and wait to let me know they think it is super important.

      Now that you have no interruptions, what are students doing if they are not at your guided reading table.  A lot of teachers do different things.  I meet with 2-3 groups each day and have a group go to the library or computer lab.  The rest of the time, I have utilized a task list of activities for students to complete.  Below is a picture of the "bank" of activities I use.  Some of these are word study activities and activities that go with the mini-lesson or shared reading.  I always start with silent reading at least 10 minutes to 20 minutes.  I also do a response letter only every other week because I do grade and respond to each letter (4 a nine weeks).

     I always end my reading workshop with a 5-10 minute share time, and I usually relate it back to the mini-lesson or shared reading lesson.  I try to vary up the different ways I let the students share to keep it fresh!
               Waterfall- every student shares one thing quickly.
               Pick a stick- You have each student's name on a stick and you randomly choose one.
               Turn and Talk-  Students talk to a neighbor
               Buzz groups- This is small group discussion, and is explained in Fountas & Pinnell book.       
               Discussion-  A whole group discussion.
               Volunteer-  Students raise their hand and I pick someone.

           I hope you find some ideas you can use in your classroom!