Teaching for Deep Comprehension: A Reading Workshop Approach

by Linda J. Dorn, Carla Soffos

Authors Linda Dorn and Carla Soffos describe the process of comprehension as a reflection of the mind-;a window into the reader's thoughts. In Teaching for Deep A Reading Workshop Approach they discuss comprehension from a socio-cognitive perspective -; specifically, how teachers can use the social context of reading workshop to promote deep comprehension. The book is framed around three guiding Can comprehension be taught?How does a model become a barrier to comprehension?When does a tool become the reason for reading? The authors mesh complex theories of comprehension with everyday practical examples in such a way as to help teachers develop a better understanding of what it means to comprehend while reading. The book's appendix contains a wealth of reproducible materials, including text maps, graphic organizers, book lists, and resource charts. Supporting the text is a DVD containing eighty-five minutes of video from a first-grade reading workshop (shared reading, author studies, share time), an adult book discussion, a fourth-grade reading workshop (mini-lesson and literature discussion groups), and other settings.

Genres: Education

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Tamera Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical, well-written. It’s good to remember things I’ve learned before, but forgot in the day to day. It doesn’t have to be complicated to teach reading. Programs and scripts don’t teach students.

[Mr. Holt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great resource to help align reading instruction with the rigor of the Common Core standards. A nice guide for Middle School teachers. Very informative and includes lots of great Mini-Lesson ideas. The 10 strategies proposed fit nicely into the idea of fostering a love of reading and understanding within our students. The next step from the Daily 5 and Cafe Menu system books, which are also great resources.

[Brianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for a book study I participated in at the school I teach at. I really enjoyed it! Lots of helpful information and lesson ideas. Teaching comprehension is an important part of first grade and this book gave me some new ideas to implement into my classroom. I also liked that it wasn't a boring read like some other book studies I have completed.

[Mindi · Rating 3 out of 5]

My district is adopting Linda Dorn's framework for reading workshops. Because we are a K-8 district, I was hoping for some discussion of how reading workshop looks in the middle school. Unfortunately, this book is geared K-5.

[Rachel Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of several professional titles used with RR/CIM trainings and meetings. The value added to small group lessons and helping struggling readers is great. This is a regularly referenced title in my collection. Easy to read and implement.

[Ann Yanchura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Dorn book speaks to teachers of older readers; I found a lot more in here that helps me in my work than in her other books. Those, although wonderful, are focused primarily on the emergent readers. Lots of best practices and the research to back them up.