Must-Have Resources for Reading and Writing Workshop

I’m here to share some of my Must-Have Resources for Reading and Writing Workshop.

My top must-haves include:
Must Have Resources for Reading and Writing Workshop- Young Teacher Love by Kristine Nannini

A great classroom library that is organized for your students, easy for them to use, and contains a whole plethora of books is so important. Students need to feel like they have access to many different types of books. They need to be exposed to informational texts, literature, graphic novels, magazines, etc. I organize my library with book baskets and organize the book baskets by genre, series, authors, Newbery Award Winners, and more.

Must Have Resources for Reading and Writing Workshop- Young Teacher Love by Kristine Nannini
Must Have Resources for Reading and Writing Workshop- Young Teacher Love by Kristine Nannini

Must Have Resources for Reading and Writing Workshop- Young Teacher Love by Kristine Nannini

Another must-have resource is strong mentor texts. Mentor texts are the foundation of Reading and Writing Workshop. Each mini-lesson should model for students a new strategy through the use of mentor texts. I typically take the summer to organize all of my mentor texts for my mini-lessons throughout the year. I put a lot of love into choosing a terrific mentor text for each lesson. Mentor texts can be both picture books and chapter books. Below are just a few of my all time favorites
Must Have Resources for Reading and Writing Workshop- Young Teacher Love by Kristine Nannini
Must Have Resources for Reading and Writing Workshop- Young Teacher Love by Kristine Nannini





Must Have Resources for Reading and Writing Workshop- Young Teacher Love by Kristine Nannini
Anchor charts are important because they make thinking visible when both the teacher and students record content, strategies, processes, and more during the learning process. It’s important that students have a role in helping to create the anchor charts. This gives them ownership in their learning. I make sure to keep current anchor charts posted in our room for students to refer to. By posting anchor charts, the learning remains relevant and current to students. Also, they help remind students of prior learning and help them to make connections as new learning happens. 
 

Must Have Resources for Reading and Writing Workshop- Young Teacher Love by Kristine Nannini
Must Have Resources for Reading and Writing Workshop- Young Teacher Love by Kristine Nannini
Must Have Resources for Reading and Writing Workshop- Young Teacher Love by Kristine Nannini
Must Have Resources for Reading and Writing Workshop- Young Teacher Love by Kristine Nannini

1.) A writing notebook
2.) Sticky notes to jot down thoughts while reading or writing
3.) Pencils
4.) Book bins to hold self-selected books, binders, sticky notes, and notebooks
5.) Binders to hold Student Data Tracking Binder papers and any other handouts 

Must Have Resources for Reading and Writing Workshop- Young Teacher Love by Kristine Nannini
Even though we follow the Workshop model for both reading and writing, we still make time to track our learning and understanding in my Student Data Tracking Binders. You can read more about my Student Data Tracking Binders HERE.
With my Student Data Tracking Binders, students:

  • Are introduced to the standard through “I Can Statements”
  • Rate their understanding of a standard
  • Take a pre-assessment to determine their knowledge of a standard
  • Graph the results of their pre-assessments
  • Continue to rate their understanding of the standard throughout the unit
  • Take a post-assessment to determine their knowledge of the standard
  • Graph the results of their post-assessments

Must Have Resources for Reading and Writing Workshop- Young Teacher Love by Kristine Nannini

Must Have Resources for Reading and Writing Workshop- Young Teacher Love by Kristine Nannini

Must Have Resources for Reading and Writing Workshop- Young Teacher Love by Kristine Nannini

I have written numerous blog posts about the benefits of having students track their own data. With Student Data Tracking, my students test scores have raised significantly and their intrinsic motivation and self-efficacy have gone through the roof. They are an extremely important part of our Reading and Writing Workshop time.

20 Comments

  1. Can you tell me where I might find the genre labels you have on your book baskets?

        1. Kristine Nannini says:

          Hi Haley- Please send me an email. Thanks!

    1. Kara Schu says:

      Could I also get a copy of your genre labels? Thanks :)

  2. Do you have a comprehensive list of the mentor texts you use?

    Thanks!

  3. Wow! I am new to your blog and I am in love! This is my second year of teaching and first year in 5th grade teaching all subjects. Do you sell your genre labels by any chance, they are perfect!

    1. Kristine Nannini says:

      Hi Emily- Thanks so much for your kind words! You will love 5th grade! Send me an email at nannini.kristine@yahoo.com for the labels. Thanks!

    2. I am interested in your genre labels as well. Great work:)

  4. Peggy Zola says:

    Hi there! LOVE your blog and all the goodies that you post! I also follow you on FB! Is it possible to get the genre labels that you show in the photos above? Please and thank you in advance!

  5. Hello! I just love the look of your new blog! I am going into my third year of teaching 5th grade, and I am thankful to have your resources! We do not have an ELA curriculum. I was wondering if you have a year at a glance of what and when you teach it? Thanks for all that you do!

    Lauren

    1. Kristine Nannini says:

      Hi Lauren- Thank you for your kind words! While I don’t have a pacing guide or curriculum map I follow, I’d be more than happy to explain my process. If you’d like, you can send me an email at nannini.kristine@yahoo.com.

  6. What size book bins do you use? I’ve looked at reallygoodstuff.com and they have all sorts of sizes. I just love the ones you use in your classroom. Do you find that you can fit traditional sized picture books into your bins? Thanks

  7. How can I get these sheets? I would love to print them. Thanks

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