Book Club Schedule

One of the challenges of teaching reading in the upper elementary grades is negotiating the transition from guided reading (an instructional practice most often used to move lower readers to higher levels of proficiency) to student-led, discussion-based book clubs or literature circles. In my classroom, reading levels range from late first-grade to eight- and ninth-grade. Creating more opportunities for students to be independent and in charge of their own learning is developmentally appropriate for fifth graders, but many of my below-grade-level readers need more guided support. I drafted an initial schedule for our book clubs that I hope will balance these dual needs for independence and guidance. I see the book clubs as falling along a guidance-independence continuum. As the book clubs show readiness, they will meet less frequently with me, and more frequently on their own.

Reading Workshop Schedule

	Monday	Tuesday		Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
8:50-9:10	Minilesson	Minilesson		Minilesson	Minilesson	Minilesson
9:15-9:30	Group 2	Group 3	9:15-9:35 Groups 5 and 6	Group 2	Group 3	9:15-9:35: Groups 1-6
9:30-9:45	Group 1	Group 4		Group 1	Group 4	Reflection, Self-Evaluation
9:45-9:50	Share	Share	Share	Share	Share	Share

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Group 1	9:30-9:45		9:30-9:45		9:15-9:35
Group 2	9:15-9:30		9:15-9:30		9:15-9:35
Group 3		9:15-9:30		9:15-9:30	9:15-9:35
Group 4		9:30-9:45		9:30-9:45	9:15-9:35
Group 5		9:15-9:35			9:15-9:35
Group 6		9:15-9:35			9:15-9:35