Hey there, amazing educators! Today, we’re diving into the world of structured reading blocks in upper elementary, and trust me, it’s a game-changer. Imagine a reading session that’s not just a routine but a carefully crafted journey that ignites a love for reading in your students. Buckle up because we’re about to explore the why and how of a 90-minute structured reading block.
The Research Speaks: National Reading Panel and ReadingRockets.org
Let’s start with the heavyweights in the literacy world – the National Reading Panel and ReadingRockets.org. These research giants emphasize the crucial role of a structured reading program, especially in upper elementary. A well-designed reading block not only improves decoding skills but also enhances fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension – the pillars of proficient reading.
Why 90 Minutes?
Now, you might wonder, why a whole 90 minutes? Well, the magic lies in the depth and breadth of learning. A 90-minute reading block provides ample time to cover all aspects of literacy without rushing through. It allows for a balanced approach, ensuring that each element gets the attention it deserves.
*Initially, most upper elementary students still need advanced phonics skills. Either ones that haven’t been taught, OR ones that need reinforced. What’s needed for some, many times is good for all. This model will include explicit phonemic awareness and phonics instruction in a whole group setting. As the year progresses, this time may transform into a heavier focus on morphology and vocabulary and a lengthier time in small groups where the phonemic awareness and phonics skills become more targeted. In a typical 3-5 classroom, phonemic awareness usually will not be necessary in a whole group setting. This will be saved for targeted instruction in small group. However, small phonemic awareness activities can be used to “warm up” in a word study type of block, when connected to phonics. Research shows that phonemic awareness is not as effective in a whole group setting after 2nd grade, but may be necessary at times.
Now, these are not hard and fast times. These are suggested times. You, as the wonderful and knowledgeable educator in your classroom, have to take these times and make them your own. Some days you may need to lean into the phonics time a little more because students aren’t grasping the new concept. Some days you may need to pull back because you realize more than 60% of your kids already know the targeted phonics skill, so you are going to move it into small group instruction and spend more time on vocabulary and comprehension.
So why is it so crucial to have these times laid out so explicitly initially?
Breaking down the 90-minute block in upper elementary into segments that address all five elements of literacy is paramount for an equitable approach to reading instruction. Each element – phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension – plays a crucial role in developing well-rounded readers. Striking a balance between whole group and small group instruction ensures that both collective learning and individualized support are addressed.
One thing you’ll notice in my 90 Minute block structure, is that no matter what resource or curriculum you are using to teach, it will fit. The Science of Reading is interdisciplinary body of scientifically-based research about reading, it is an approach to reading instruction. That means that any SoR based program, is going to have similar components, or pieces of the program. I’m a firm believer in understanding the research and the why, so no matter what curriculum or program is thrown your way, you can make it work in your classroom!
Now. another part you will notice as we get more into the details of what activities you can use during thees times, is that I firmly believe it has to be engaging, especially the foundational reading pieces. Hands-on activities add a kinesthetic dimension, making learning more engaging and effective. This approach not only accommodates diverse learning styles but also allows educators to tailor their teaching to the specific needs of each student. By incorporating a variety of instructional methods and hands-on experiences, the 90-minute block becomes a dynamic and comprehensive space where students can thrive and those striving learners can find some success.
One of the non-negotiable parts of this 90 minute block is small group time. Without this large chunk of time, we will never reach all of our readers. Students walk into our classroom at all different points in their reading journeys, and have a vast difference in needs. There’s no way to hit all of those needs in whole group. Small group is where we get there! I will do an entirely separate post where I dig more into small groups, but the importance of them can’t be ignored.
In the meantime, the download at the end of this blog post helps you figure out where small groups fits in your 90 minute block!
Thanks for sticking around this long to read! The free download below will provide you with structured schedules for your 90-minute reading block. Get ready to have a clear roadmap for each part of your reading session, complete with activities that seamlessly fit into the schedule.
And don’t forget to come back for more! Next, we will start to break down small group structures, then we will dive into each of the 5 components of literacy, and I will break down the activities I suggested in the schedule provided!
The goal of all of those? A stress-free, organized approach to making your reading block the highlight of your students’ day. Together, let’s create a reading experience they’ll cherish for a lifetime!
Happy reading, don’t forget your free download below, and see you in the next post!
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