Workshop Overview

Readers Workshop is a way to teach students to engage in authentic reading experiences. This immersive 3 day workshop is designed to empower educators working with students in Grades 3 to 8, equipping them with the knowledge, strategies, and practical tools needed to foster a lifelong love of reading and to enhance overall literacy outcomes.

During Day 1, we will take a deep dive into the latest research on reading comprehension and explore the cognitive processes that underpin it. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the seven critical comprehension skills that students need to become proficient readers. There will be an opportunity to develop a toolkit of techniques to support students at different skill levels, ensuring no reader is left behind.

On Day 2, the focus will shift to setting up the Readers Workshop. Participants will explore various structures for running a successful Readers Workshop, creating a space where students are excited to engage with texts. We will also look into how workshop methods can be used to nurture students’ abilities as thinkers, inquirers, and communicators.

Finally, on Day 3, the emphasis will be on personalization of learning and the role of reading conferences in the Readers Workshop. Participants will have an opportunity to unpack the art of effective one-on-one reading conferences. There will also be an emphasis on developing skills to assess individual student needs, provide support, and build strong reader-teacher relationships. This will happen through exploration of the concept of reading projects and their role in promoting engagement and comprehension.

Throughout this workshop, participants will experience a blend of theory and practice, with ample opportunities for hands-on learning. Participants will engage in interactive activities, collaborate with peers, and work in grade-level groups to create customized reading units.

Facilitator:

Heather Onderick

Heather Onderick has over 20 years experience in the classroom and as a learning leader. She has worked to design learning rooted in the American, Singaporean, Ontario standards and also with the Common Ground Collaborative framework. She has worked as an ELL teacher, an elementary classroom teacher and middle school Humanities teacher. Heather’s areas of expertise include universal design for learning, concept driven curricular design, student centered coaching, AI in education and reading and writing workshop. Outside of school, she is an avid reader, aspiring chef and dedicated traveler.