Organizing Reading Time in the First and Second Grade Classroom

Reading is a fundamental skill that lays the foundation for learning in all subject areas. For this reason, it’s essential to have a solid approach to organizing reading time in the classroom. In this post, we’ll explore how to organize reading time for first and second-grade students.

At the end of the article, I’ve included a Genially presentation containing all the relevant resource links.

Pre-Reading Activities:

Before starting to read, it’s important to introduce the book’s topic and cover with students. The cover can tell us a lot about what to expect in the book, and this is an opportunity to generate interest and curiosity among the students. It’s also a good idea to discuss any new vocabulary that might appear in the book using tools such as Quizlet’s Flashcards. This way, students are better prepared to comprehend the text.

During Reading:

While reading, the teacher should read aloud to the students and encourage them to follow along. Repeating sentences twice and using gestures and expressions can help students understand the story’s meaning without translation. Reading aloud helps students develop fluency, comprehension, and confidence.

After Reading:

After finishing the book, it’s important to ask students about their opinions, their favorite characters or parts, and to discuss any new vocabulary or concepts that were introduced. Completing small tasks related to the reading can help students recall and retain information. Platforms like Wordwall offer interactive ways to work on reading comprehension.

Reading Time Management:

It’s important to dedicate enough time to reading each day. One good approach is to read each book twice, once per week, and dedicate two sessions of 30 minutes each to each book. In the second session, completing a worksheet related to the book is a great way to reinforce reading skills and comprehension.

Conclusion:

Organizing reading time in the classroom is a vital task that requires careful planning and execution. By implementing pre-reading activities, reading aloud, and completing tasks related to the reading, students can develop their fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary skills. In addition, by dedicating enough time to reading each day, teachers can ensure their students are building a strong foundation for learning.