Tim Rasinski Workshop (Fluency)

I think teachers fall into two categories: Those who love to attend workshops and those who hate them. I happen to fall into the former category. What could be better...a day off from school, a nice lunch, an opportunity to interact with colleagues and, best of all, a chance to learn something that can have a positive impact on students. Over the course of my career, I've been to tons of workshops. I must say, most of them were enjoyable and beneficial. Today's workshop was given by Professor Tim Rasinski. If you teach reading, you probably recognize his name. He is noted for his work on fluency and he didn't disappoint.

Tim began the workshop by asking us to join in singing three patriotic songs: Grand Old Flag, God Bless America, and Hail to the Chief. Timely, yes...linked to reading and fluency? Well, judging by the expression on some faces, that was questionable. Thus began a very unique workshop experience. Soon after the last notes faded away, Tim explained that singing is a sure-fire way to enhance both fluency and comprehension. He elaborated on the value of using songs to provide background knowledge related to our cultural literacy, have students discuss words found in song lyrics, and track text as they sing. Music was always a part of the day when I was a classroom teacher. I was delighted to recognize that I can continue to use music and it will actually benefit my struggling readers. Unlike some workshops, the day didn't go downhill from there. Professor Rasinski is quite entertaining. He has a beautiful speaking and singing voice and an engaging style. Although I am familiar and have used many of the activities presented, it was a wonderful refresher and I feel inspired to make fluency activities a regular part of my classes. The best part of the workshop, was that all of the activities that Tim discussed are research based. Tim shared some impressive statistics. I am convinced that fluency practice needs to be enbedded in every literacy program and feel eager to find ways to incorporate more of this in our school and with my students. Following is a list of some of the highlights of this workshop:

WORD WORK:
Making Words - Rasinski showed us a way to use do this activity on worksheet in lieu of using
word tiles. Much easier! The important element is that the teacher is "with the
kids" all the way and there are many opportunities to discuss words.

Word Ladders: Students start with a word and continually change it to make various words.
The last word relates to the first word in some way. Check this site to find
word ladders ready to use: www.wordsmith.org/anagram/ Select the
advanced setting then select "Print candidate words only".

Vocabulary Time Lines: Used to teach students to recognize and use a variety of words instead
of overused words. Create a continuum and have students come up with ideas.
Example: Hot______________________________________Cold

"Harvest" words: Have students choose interesting/unfamiliar words from text. Discuss them, then be sure to put them on word charts that hang around the room.

FLUENCY INSTRUCTION
Components: Accuracy - Modeling - Assisted Reading - Practice - Phrasing - Synthesis

Rasinski discussed and modeled many examples of materials and activites related to fluency instuctions and stressed the benefit of "repeated readings". Data reveals excellent reading growth in students who regularly engage in fluency instruction. Some of the ideas I think are most valuable are:

• Reader's Theatre
• Having students make tapes for other students
• Using songs and song lyrics
• Paired reading

Obviously, these are just a few of the highlights of this workshop. I would encourage all educators to check out Tim Rasinski's website (http://www.timrasinski.com/) as well as the books he has published by Teacher Created Materials. Very powerful resources that are simple and fun to use.