1. Teaneck Public Schools Teaneck, NJ
Investigating Nonfiction: Using the Workshop Model for Success in Reading, Writing and Mathematics
Teaneck Public Schools
Teaneck, NJ
Copyright © 2007 by D. Spollen-LaRaia & B. E. Weller. All rights reserved.

2. To Contact Presenters
Deirdre Spollen-LaRaia Supervisor of Literacy, K-12
Dr. Barbara Elder Weller Supervisor of Mathematics, K-12
Tyrone Bryan Grade 3 Teacher, Lowell School
Debby Kless Grade 5 Teacher, Benjamin Franklin Middle School
Please contact us to see student work samples.

3. Program Logistics
4-week, 20 day program designed to serve struggling readers, writers entering grades 1 through 6
Focused on the structure of nonfiction texts and strategies for reading nonfiction text
Students composed their own investigation of a self-selected topic
Emphasis on higher process skills in math: attacking and solving problems, representing problems and solutions, and reasoning
3 ½ hour program followed the workshop structure
Title I funded program
In-class support by ESL teacher

4. Program Goals
Increase or maintain the reading level of identified at-risk students
Teach explicit comprehension strategies germane to nonfiction text
Connect mathematics to reading and writing via nonfiction literature
Develop and incorporate the Workshop Model across disciplines
Build students’ problem solving abilities and reasoning skills in math
Review and solidify basic math facts
Provide sustained professional development

5. A Day in Summer School... 1 Hour of Reading Workshop
Strategy Instruction/Mini-Lesson
Nonfiction Independent/Guided Reading
Transitional Math Games
1 Hour of Writing Workshop
Individual Conferences
1 Hour of Math Workshop
Literature Connection/Mini-Lesson
Mini-Lesson
Small Group/Independent Work

6. The Workshop Model Mini-lesson Exemplar Texts Independent Work
Guided Writing
Independent Writing
Student-Teacher Conferences
Share/Reflection

7. Student Products: Nonfiction Investigations
A way of presenting information that students have researched
A way for students to provide important information about a topic without writing a full in-depth research paper
Differentiates learning experiences for all students
Includes many of the features found in a nonfiction book
Allows students to make application of taught comprehension strategies
Makes connections to science, social studies, and mathematics content through reading and writing

8. Features of Nonfiction Text that Support All Content Areas
Key features support readers in navigating through resources
Provides access to rich content
Allows readers to access information efficiently
Provides readers with a deeper understanding of content
Extends information and student learning beyond the text
Organizes the information
Frontloads vocabulary, diagrams, tables

9. Key Features

10. Scaffolded Reading Experiences
Post-it Notes
Organizes student writing
RAN (Reading and Analyzing Nonfiction Text)
Extends literal understanding of the text
Raises questions about the topic
Boldfaced Vocabulary
Develops vocabulary knowledge

11. RAN Strategy What I Think I Know Confirmed Misconceptions
New Information
Wonderings

12. Embedded Professional Development
Looking at Student Work through Protocols
Support collaboration, inquiry and problem solving
Keeps conversations focused on teaching and learning
Individualizes instruction
Gallery Walks
Builds community
Shares ideas

13. Micro Mini-Protocol ©
This protocol is designed to imitate the firm time structure of the mini-lesson within the workshop model.
1. Presenting Teacher: (1 minute)
Focus Question: What is my next teaching point for this child?
2. Group Feedback: (4 minutes)
- Identify one strength as evidenced by the student work
- Present one suggestion for a possible future teaching point
3. Presenting Teacher: (1 minute)

14. Gallery Walk Structured walkthrough of classrooms
What do you notice?
What can you take back to your own classroom?
Collaborative discussion to share practices

15. Gallery Walk Organizer
Classroom/Bulletin Board
What I Noticed
What I can take back to my classroom

16. Parent Connection Parent Orientation on the third day of the program
Information on the program structure
Tips for helping children at home
Celebration of Student Work
Open house for parents, teachers, administrators
Progress Reports
Overview of child’s performance in the program
Tips for helping children prepare for September
Bilingual Teacher on staff

17. Program Results Comparing June & September DRA. Scores
Program Results Comparing June & September DRA*Scores *Developmental Reading Assessment by Joetta Beaver
Summer 2003
86% increased or maintained
45% increased DRA 1-3 levels
41% maintained DRA level
14% decreased one DRA level
Summer 2004
92% increased or maintained
53% increased DRA 1-3 levels
39% maintained DRA level
8% decreased one DRA level
Summer 2005
88% increased or maintained
59% increased DRA 1-3 levels
29% maintained DRA level
12% decreased one DRA level

18. Program Results (continued)
Summer 2006
84% increased or maintained
Summer 2007
TBD

19. Extensions and Beyond…
Model extended to a 4 month after-school program for students in Grades 1-4
Workshop Model used during the regular school day by teachers immersed in the summer model
Nonfiction Investigations utilized school wide by kindergarten
Use of multi-leveled social studies texts in middle school
Summer program 2007 will include students entering Grades 1 through 8
Research-based materials; Lucy Calkins Units of Study in Teaching Writing, Marilyn Burns Nonfiction Math Collection, Make it Real by Linda Hoyt
Embedded Professional Development
Parent Orientation & Celebration

20. The Model Applied to Our After-School Support Program
Using a common text – non-fiction picture book with a math focus or connection
Supports children to make meaning across subjects
Reading–writing connection
Math–writing connection
Rich discussions – content area talk enhancing writing skills
Embedded professional development
Family connections – newsletters, updates

21. Professional Resources
Calkins, Lucy Units of Study for the Teaching of Writing. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.
Hoyt, Linda Make It Real: Strategies for Success with Informational Texts. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.
Stead, Tony Reality Checks: Teaching Reading Comprehension With Nonfiction K-5. Portland, ME: Stenhouse.