How to Structure the Classroom for Reading Blocks

Reading blocks help kids focus on the skills they need to develop.

Reading blocks refer to large chunks of time in the classroom dedicated exclusively to reading and literacy skills. Most K-12 comprehensive research-based reading plans include reading blocks each day, with daily and weekly goals for the teachers and students to achieve together. While technically a teacher could structure these blocks however she feels fit, more strategic ways abound that maximize learning, introduce skills more effectively and take into account the different skill levels that the average classroom contains.

Things You'll Need

• Reading textbooks
• Phonics-based tasks
• Decodable books
• Fun reading materials: paperbacks, comic books, other items

Instructions

1. Devote 30 to 45 minutes each day on either phonemic awareness, such as blending and segmenting word parts, or phonics and fluency, or vocabulary and comprehension, including pre- and post-reading strategies. Do these activities as a class.

2. Divide students into small groups of four according to their abilities, and have students work on simple tasks based on what you introduced to the class as a whole. For example, have students work on segments on sounds and blending words. Give them 20 minutes.

3. Give each group of students practice exercises to do together on word building with letters and a pocket chart. Try to have them do this with as little teacher support as possible. Time students for 20 minutes.

4. Give students in each group a decodable book and have them practice reading and sounding out words exclusively on their own. Walk around the room to monitor their progress. Give students 20 minutes.

5. Allow students to select any reading material of their choice, a paperback, comic book, picture book, whatever they like. Let students read for pure enjoyment without interruption for 20 minutes.

References

• Just Read Florida: Reading Blocks Structure
• Just Read Florida: 90 Minute Reading Blocks