2-even, 2-odd, and 4-even shared their binder covers and told us about who they are as readers. They did some independent reading while I did assessment conferences with individual students. We all talked about how these conferences are one way I get to know readers, and how they help me "see" things like comprehension, accuracy, fluency, and vocabulary knowledge. While students read, they noticed what was hard about reading for a sustained block of time. We talked about ways they can help themselves stay focused: turn the chair away from others, wear headphones or earbuds, and/or take small breaks.
Other classes spent time getting to know common features of magazines, reading magazine articles, and sharing their questions/confusions. It's these questions/confusions that lead to learning, and it's important for students to notice them and be willing to share them. Many students came away realizing that they are not noticing what they don't understand when they read. This will be an important area of growth for us as we move forward.
