Hi Carly! Great question:) I just put a little x next to their name and take off one point for homework that week. Their homework is being prepared with a book each day. Hope this helps!

Hi Aimee! I am so thrilled that you are going to make workshop happen for your ELL students next year! It really is the best way to support students with so many varying needs and levels. My classroom is set up in desks grouped together in fours. I change the seating arrangement every month or so and during work time I let students sit where they want as long as they are productive. If not, I move them to designated spots around my room or back to their assigned desk. I place a few desks off by themselves for this purpose. I absolutely love picture books to teach various writing skills! If you you search “mentor text picture books” on Pinterest you will find tons of inspiration. I should do a blog post about my favorite picture books and how I use them to teach writing:) Thanks for the idea! Let me know how things go and don’t hesitate to contact me with any other questions you have!

Hi Nancy! Thanks so much for your comment. During a novel unit I try NOT to do quizzes/tests. Instead I assess based on student discussions, one-on-one conversations/conferences and their writing responses (sometimes an essay, other times just quick writes). It is really obvious when a student has or has not done the reading or is trying but just struggling. Each week students engage in a discussion with a small group and I am just an observer of these discussions. Students actually come up with the question for these discussions as well. I have my clipboard or iPad with me and a student roster. When I notice a student is not engaged or participating or is confused it is usually a sign they are falling behind or struggling with the reading. So, I put a star next to their name and make sure to check in with them during silent reading time to see what’s going on. I feel like assessments should be geared toward supporting students who are struggling with the book rather than punishing them with a bad grade. I hope that makes sense! Feel free to comment with any further questions or comments you have:)