Blog 5: Comprehensive Literacy Framework
     In their book, Catching Readers Before They Fall, Johnson and Keier refer to the classroom environment as a comprehensive literacy framework.  This framework includes reading and writing to children, with children, and by children during every school day.  Johnson and Keier agree that these components be included every day, but that the frequency and duration will differ based on the needs of the students.
    In chapter 5 they talk about the components of a Comprehensive Literacy Framework.  The framework they support and discuss states that writing is a key component in children learning the reading process.  Marie Clay says, " Writing can contribute to the building of almost everything."  Therefore, reading and writing workshop should be included in our instructional plans everyday. 
     I agree with the facts that reading and writing workshop be taught everyday.  My concern is....TIME!!!  I have my 4th grade class for ELA and Science from 7:45-11:30.  During this time, there is a 45 minute activity class from 9:55-10:40 and a 15 minute recess from 11:15-11:30.  I have 3rd grade ELA and Science from 12:00-2:45 with a 45 minute activity time and we dismiss at 2:45 so we have to stop and make sure we have everything ready to go home.  I know I am not the only one in this "boat" that there just never seems to be enough time in the day.  I do like the fact that Johnson and Keier suggest that the frequency and time spent on each component will differ and that you are not locked into an amount of time for each component.
    I have enjoyed reading ideas from others in this class and have started to look at how to work with these ideas.  I don't want to leave things on a negative with my comments about time, this has just been a real struggle for me.  But we are working it out and making it happen.  I really love what I do.
    Merry Christmas to all and to all a good year.  I welcome the start of the new year and a new semester with exciting ideas.