Welcome to BWMS

Mrs. Williamson’s Reading Workshop “There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.” --Walt Disney

Reading workshop immerses students in reading experiences that closely simulate the experiences of adult readers.

Workshop Procedures What to do…how to do…when to do….

Line up outside my door. Wait for me to open the door to come in-- there is a reason for waiting. You wouldn’t come in to someone’s house without knocking or ringing the doorbell, would you?

If you are late to class with a pass, please place the pass on my desk. If your tardy is unexcused, please sign the clipboard tardy sheet. The third tardy will result in a discipline referral.

You are expected to have necessary materials to begin class (pencil, paper, etc.); however, sometimes things happen. Pencils and paper are available for you to use. This is not an issue worth interrupting class; help yourself to these materials if you need them. Please do not abuse this gift.

Kleenex and hand sanitizer are for your use as needed. Please use these items only when needed and preferably NOT during whole-group instruction.

Use pencil sharpener during small-group or individual instruction. Do not use during whole group instruction as this can be very distracting. Also, use hand-held sharpener for colored pencils and specialty pencils.

These baskets are for work to turn in to me. Each period has a basket. If you are absent, turn in any homework in your class basket.

Also, if you are absent, please check my website as well as the absentee folder for any hand-outs. Absentee folder will be in this file holder along with the unexcused tardy clipboard.

When I ring this bell, I expect IMMEDIATE SILENCE and all eyes on me. This bell is MINE, and students are not allowed to ring this bell.

Please raise your hand to speak and wait to be recognized. This is the best way to give everyone the respect they deserve when they have something they’d like to share. Listen to others when they are sharing. It is rude to talk while someone else is talking—whether you’re in a classroom or not—it’s just NOT good manners!

You will be given two bathroom passes per nine weeks—use them wisely. Keep these in your pencil pouch in your reading binder. Fill out the pass and place it on my desk. Take a bathroom pass hanging by the door. You may not use the bathroom during a test, unless it is an emergency. Please try to use bathroom passes when you are not missing instruction or when a partner or group is depending on you.

The following areas are restricted to teacher only, unless you have been given permission by me: teacher’s desk area, filing cabinets, and storage cabinets.

The reading chairs are for during independent reading. We share and take turns. Only ONE person per chair!

The heart of my classroom is our library. Yes, you will be able to check out books from my library. First, I must register all of my students as you will check out books via the computer. Please note the majority of these books are mine; while I’m happy to loan them to you, I do expect you to take care of them and RETURN them to my library so others may enjoy them as well.

I like to reward success! This is my treasure box. I give out tickets for a variety of achievements. Once you have accumulated 20 tickets, you have earned a trip to the treasure box. I suggest you keep your tickets in your pencil pouch in your reading binder. I am NOT responsible for lost tickets.

Some final thoughts about how to “bee”have and interact with me and your classmates in our reading workshop. It’s going to be a GREAT year!