SAMPLE READING FIRST SCHEDULES
These sample schedules, selected from Georgia’s Reading First schools,
illustrate the range of possibilities available to educators as they seek to
implement Reading First within their own instructional contexts. The schedules
are organized by grade level. At each grade, examples of self-contained and
push-in approaches are provided. In addition, some of the schedules are for
individual teachers while others show how the activities of several teachers at
the same grade level are coordinated.
Kindergarten Daily Schedule
This kindergarten teacher has the support of a paraprofessional for small-group
time. Notice that differentiated instruction occurs during workshop time. Also
notice that there are three read-alouds each day.
7:308:10
8:108:40
8:409:30
9:309:50
9:5010:00
10:0010:15
10:1511:00
11:0011:15
11:1512:15
12:1512:45
12:451:10
1:102:00
2:002:20
2:202:50
Arrival, Breakfast, Attendance
Math Calendar
Math Lesson
Core Read-aloud: comprehension strategies; oral comprehension;
print-book awareness, story discussion, story selection vocabulary
(RED)
Snack and Bathroom break
Vocabulary: pre-teaching, functional definitions, sentence usage,
correlates with red section (BLUE)
Whole Group Phonics (GREEN)
Warming up, phonological and phonemic awareness, alphabetic
knowledge, pre-decodable and decodable books, poem read-aloud
Writing/Grammar (BLUE)
Word analysis, writing process strategies, grammar, usage, mechanics
Workshops
Includes: independent reading, listening center, working with letters
and words, computer
Every 15 minutes groups rotate to the next center until completing all
activities (Teacher works with a group, paraprofessional works with a
group and other group works on independent activities)
Lunch
Read-aloud
Handwriting/other language activities
Rotation: M-Computer, T-Media Center, W-Phys. Ed., Th-Phys. Ed, F-Art
Recess
Science/Social Studies – Theme related read-aloud
Intervention
2:503:00
Summarize, pack up backpacks, clean up
Kindergarten Instructional Schedule
To facilitate work with a push-in teacher, this kindergarten teacher begins the
day with small group work and then conducts traditional starting activities. Also
notice that the use of centers allows for intervention time with the teacher.
Time
9:00-9:45
Instruction
Small Groups: (Two teachers and one paraprofessional)
-Small group reading
-Core activities (wordless picture books, alphabet review, etc.)
-Practice books
-Leveled Readers
9:45-10:45 Whole Group:
-Opening Routine: Morning Message and Calendar
-Letter of the Day
-Read-Alouds
-Phonemic Awareness activities
-Fluency
-Big Book
10:45-11:20 Centers:
-Computers
-Listening Center
-LeapFrog
-Intensive work with teacher
-Writing Center
-Magnetic letters, Reading Rods
-Reading Center
Kindergarten Schedule
This kindergarten teacher has the support of a paraprofessional. Notice that all
children have time for whole group, needs-based groups, and intervention.
Notice that specials are blocked to allow collaborative planning time.
7:30 –
8:10
8:108:20
8:20 –
10:45
8:20 –
9:00
9:00 –
10:15
10:15 –
10:45
10:45 –
11:20
11:30 –
12:00
12:00 –
12:30
12:30 –
12:45
12:45 –
1:15
1:15 –
1:45
1:45 –
2:00
2:00 –
2:15
2:15 –
2:45
2:45 –
3:00
Arrival, breakfast, attendance, morning work &/or journals
News
Reading First
Whole Group/Core
Calendar, morning message, read-aloud, phonemic awareness, phonics, high
frequency words
Needs-based groups
(three group rotation – teacher-led group, parapro-led group, independent group)
– high frequency words, phonics library, initial sound activities, leveled reading,
word pattern boards, revisit literature, journals
Whole Group/Core
vocabulary development, practice book, summarize, review
Specials (Art, Music, PE, Lab)
Cooperative planning time with kindergarten teachers
Lunch
Recess
Health/ SS/ Science
(Theme related)
Math
Centers
Three-Group Rotation (teacher-led group, parapro-led group, independent group)
– hands-on activities, math-related computer games, manipulatives, practice book
Whole-Group/Reading
Summarize & review
Reading Intervention Groups
initial sounds fluency, phonemic awareness, phonics, etc.
Snack/ Rest time
Dismissal
Kindergarten Schedule
Notice here how a group of 5 kindergarten teachers have shared push-in resources. Wholeand small-group time is different for different classrooms and matched to the degree of
needs of the children. Transition time is built in for adults who move from room to room.
K
Teacher 1
8:15-9:05
50 minutes
Small Group
3 Adults
9:05-10:00
55 minutes
Small Group
2 Adults
10:00-10:40
40 minutes
Whole Group
Total Whole
Group
40 minutes
Total Small
Group
95 minutes
TOTAL TIME
135 minutes
K
Teacher 2
8:15-9:15
60 minutes
Small Group
3 Adults
9:15-9:55
40 minutes
Whole Group
K
Teacher 3
8:15-10:00
105 minutes
Whole Group
10:00-10:45
45 minutes
Small Group
3 Adults
10:00-10:45
45 minutes
Small Group
3 Adults
Total Whole
Group
40 minutes
Total Small
Group
105 minutes
TOTAL TIME
135 minutes
Total Whole
Group
105 minutes
Total Small
Group
45 minutes
TOTAL TIME
135 minutes
K
Teacher 4
8:15-9:00
45 minutes
Whole Group
K
Teacher 5
8:15-9:10
45 minutes
Whole Group
9:00-9:55
55 minutes
Small Group
2 Adults
9:55-10:30
35 minutes
Whole Group
9:10-10:00
50 minutes
Small Group
3 Adults
10:00-10:30
30 minutes
Whole Group
Total Whole
Group
80 minutes
Total Small
Group
55 minutes
TOTAL TIME
135 minutes
12:00-12:30
30 minutes
Whole Group
Total Whole
Group
105 minutes
Total Small
Group
50 minutes
TOTAL TIME
135 minutes
Kindergarten Schedule
Notice that these three kindergarten teachers stagger their small-group needs-based time so
that they can share one push-in teacher. The teacher, the specialist, and the
paraprofessional each teach different parts of the literacy diet, with children rotating
through each of three stations.
Class A and Class B
8:25 Whole Group
–
Phonemic Awareness
10:00 Phonics
Fluency (poems,
chants, songs, nursery
rhymes, re-reads)
Shared Literature
Rich read-alouds
-Vocabulary
-Comprehension
Shared Writing
Class C
8:25 – Whole Group
9:15 Phonemic
Awareness
Phonics
Fluency (poems,
chants, songs,
nursery rhymes,
re-reads)
9:15 –
10:00
10:00 Small Group Rotations 10:00
–
Needs-Based
–
10:45 Instruction
10:45
Group 1 (Teacher) ISF
and PA
Group 2 (EIP Teacher)
Phonics and decoding
Group 3 (Parapro) LNF
Dictation of letters and
sounds
Small Group
Rotations
Needs-Based
Instruction
Group 1
(Teacher) ISF and
PA
Group 2 (EIP
Teacher)
Phonics and
decoding
Group 3
(Parapro) LNF
Dictation of letters
and sounds
Shared Literature
Rich Read-alouds
-Vocabulary
-Comprehension
Shared Wriring
Class D and Class E
8:30 – Small Group
9:15 Rotations/NeedsBased Instruction
Group 1 (Teacher)
ISF and PA
Group 2 (EIP
Teacher)
Phonics and
decoding
Group 3 (Parapro)
LNF
Dictation of letters
and sounds
9:15 – Whole Group
10:45 Phonemic
Awareness
Phonics
Fluency (poems,
chants, songs,
nursery rhymes, rereads)
Shared Literature
Rich read-alouds
-Vocabulary
-Comprehension
Shared Writing
Kindergarten Schedule
This kindergarten teacher uses both a paraprofessional and a student to monitor structured
activities during needs-based time. During that hour, children move through four stations, all
but one monitored by an adult. If children need intensive intervention, they get that during
social studies time.
8:00 –
8:30
8:30 –
9:30
9:30 –
10:15
10:15 –
11:05
11:17 11:47
11:50 –
12:20
12;20 –
12:30
12:30 –
1:10
1:10 –
2:00
2:00 –
2:15
2:15 –
2:25
2;25 –
2:35
2:35
2:45
Morning Procedures, Attendance, Sign-in, write date, letter preview, and
Alphafriend song
Literacy/Reading Centers
Teacher-led Small Group: Oral language activities, phonics, vocabulary, reading
Paraprofessional: Practice page and Phonics center
Student Helper: Writing and Listening center
Independent Group: Book center and various others depending on theme
The Daily News, Daily phonemic awareness, read-aloud, reading comprehension
activities, word work, letter reinforcement activities
Saxon Math
Lunch
Guided Recess
Bathroom and water
LAMP (library, art, music, PE)
Social Studies, Science, Health, Center, Individual Interventions
Snack, bathroom, pack
Journals
Review time
Car Dismissal
Bus Dismissal
Kindergarten Schedule
Notice that this teacher has taken the core reading series and divided the time into two
segments each day, one part taught by the teacher and the other taught by the
paraprofessional. Both teach at the same time, maximizing student engagement. There are
two separate small-group rotations, one including an independent literacy center and one
with the support of a specialist who pushes in to provide intervention.
8:30 – 9:15
9:15 – 10:00
10:00 – 10:45
10:55 – 11:25
Teacher
Group 1
Phonemic
Awareness
Phonics
Comprehension
Group 2
Phonemic
Awareness
Phonics
Comprehension
Target Group
(small-group
rotation)
Small Groups –
Needs-based
Paraprofessional
Group 2
Fluency
Vocabulary
Group 1
Fluency
Vocabulary
Target Group
(small-group
rotation)
Small Groups –
Needs-based
Literacy Centers
Intervention (EIP
teacher) Small
Groups – Needsbased
Kindergarten Schedule
These kindergarten teachers have the support of paraprofessionals who work with students
to develop automaticity in basic skills. Notice that they use literacy work stations to keep
their group sizes small.
Time
All Kindergarten
Classes
8:10-9:00
(50 min.)
Whole Group
Instruction
Morning Message
Phonemic Awareness
Read-Aloud/Shared
Lit.
Phonics
Small Group
Instruction
(Teacher)
Phonics Skills
Phonemic Awareness
Pre-decodable Books
Independent Readers
Approximate Time
10 min.
15 min.
10 min.
15 min,
Dimension
Vocab., phonics, fluency
Phonemic Awareness
Vocab., Comprehension
Phonics
Small Group
Instruction
(Paraprofessional))
Fluency
Sight words
Letter Naming Fluency
Letter sounds
Literacy Work Stations
Listening
Reading Corner
ABC/Word Study
Computer
Big Books
Writing
Retelling
Whole Group
Instruction
Read-Aloud
Choral Reading
Circle Time/Wrap-up
Approximate Time
15 min.
10 min.
15 min.
Dimension
Vocabulary, phonics
Fluency
Oral language,
vocabulary
9:00-9:45
(45 min.)
(15 min.
rotations)
9:45-10:25
(40 min.)
Total = 135 min.
First-Grade Schedule
This first-grade teacher works alone. Notice that simple literacy centers are
used to allow 20 minutes of needs-based instruction for each child each day.
Time
8:10-9:10
9:10-10:10
Class A, B, C
Whole Group
Oral Vocabulary
Shared Literature
Phonemic Awareness
Phonics,/Spelling
High Frequency Word Review
Fluency (reading of poems, charts, songs)
Small Group Needs-Based Instruction
(3 groups, 20 min. each)
Teacher
Decoding and Phonics
Dictation of letters and sounds
Core story
Leveled Readers
Fluency
Literacy Centers
-Reading (Fluency)
-Listening
-Making words
-Writing
-Computer
10:10-10:30 Whole Group
Read-aloud for Vocabulary and Comprehension strategies
First-Grade Schedule
This first-grade teacher works alone. Notice the number of read-alouds and the plan for
diversification by genre; also notice the use of center activities to facilitate flexible groups for
differentiated instruction.
8:00-8:10
8:10-9:30
8:10-8:12
8:12-8:25
8:25-8:40
Attendance, Lunch choices
Language Arts
Warming up Activity
Phonemic Awareness – oral bending, segmentation daily
Phonics – Introduction of sound/spelling card, sound/spelling story,
sound/spelling drill, blending, developing oral language
8:40-8:55 Dictation and spelling – word building, etc.
8:55-9:05 Decodable Book
9:05-9:15 Comprehension – oral comprehension, etc. (RED)
9:15-9:25 Vocabulary – Word analysis (BLUE)
9:25-9:30 (Read-aloud #1 – poem or short story)
9:30-10:30 WorkshopIncludes: independent reading, listening station, word works, writing, word wall,
computer (Every 15 minutes the groups rotate to their next center until
completing all 4 centers) Exception: when individuals are pulled to work with the
teacher
10:30Math Lesson
11:15
11:15Lunch
11:45
11:45Math Meeting
12:10
Read-aloud #2 – chapter book
12:00-1:00 Rotation
1:00-1:30 Social Studies/Science through literature
(Read-aloud #3 – fiction/nonfiction)
1;30-2:00 Center activities (intervention, remediation, enrichment – based on individual
needs)
2:00-2:30 Writing – Complete core reading lesson
Blue section on writing process strategies/English language conventions
2:30-2:50 Recess
2:50-3:00 Read-aloud #4 – newspaper/magazine/tradebook
First-Grade Schedule
This first-grade teacher differentiates for students by using literacy work stations
to facilitate small groups. The focus of small-group time is development of
automaticity and is linked directly to DIBELS indicators.
Time
8:55-9:55
(60 min,)
First Grade
Teachers
Whole Group
Instruction
Shared Literature
Phonemic
Awareness
Phonics/Spelling
9:55-10:45
(50 min.)
Small Group
Instruction
(Teacher)
15 minute
groups
Phonics skills – LNF,
NWF
Phonemic
Awareness – PSF
Basal Story
Decodable books
Leveled Readers
Sight Words
10:45-11:10 Whole Group
(25 min.) Instruction
Read Aloud
Choral Reading
Total = 135 min.
Time
Dimension
20 min.
15 min.
Vocabulary/Comprehension
Phonemic Awareness
25 min.
Phonics/Decoding
Literacy Work Stations
(2-3 students to a station)
Listening
Reading Corner
ABC/Word Study
Retelling
Writing
Big Books
Computer
20 min. Vocabulary, phonics
5-10 min. Fluency
First-Grade Schedule
Notice that this first grade teacher has the support of a special educator who works with all
students for 15 minutes on basic skills. Students also work in literacy centers.
Time
First Grade Teacher
Time
Dimension
8:55-9:55
(60 min.)
Whole Group Instruction
Shared Literature
Phonemic Awareness
Phonics/ Spelling
Approximate Time
20 min.
15 min.
25 min.
Dimension
Comprehension, vocabulary
Phonemic Awareness
Phonics/ Decoding
9:55-10:45
(50 min.)
Small Group Instruction
(Teacher)
Basal story
Leveled Readers
Sight Words
Small Group
Instruction
(Special Ed.
Teacher)
Phonics Skills – LNF,
NWF
Phonemic
Awareness
Decodable Readers
Approximate Time
20 min.
5-10 min.
Literacy Work Stations
(2-3 students per station)
Listening
Reading Corner
ABC/Word Study
Computer
Big Books
Writing
Retelling
Dimension
Vocabulary, phonics
Fluency
(15 min.
rotations)
10:45-11:10
(25 min.)
Whole Group Instruction
Read-Aloud
Choral Reading
Total = 135 min.
First-Grade Schedule
These five first-grade teachers share two push-in specialists, so they stagger their needsbased instruction.
1
Teacher 1
8:30-9:15
45 minutes
Whole Group
9:15-10:00
45 minutes
Small Group
3 Adults
10:15-11:00
45 minutes
Whole Group
1
Teacher 2
8:30-10:00
90 minutes
Whole Group
1
Teacher 3
8:30-9:00
30 minutes
Whole Group
9:30-10:05
35 minutes
Whole Group
10:00-10:45
45 minutes
Small Group
3 Adults
Total Whole
Group
90 minutes
Total Small
Group
45 minutes
TOTAL TIME
135 minutes
Total Whole
Group
90 minutes
Total Small
Group
45 minutes
TOTAL TIME
135 minutes
10:05-11:00
55 minutes
Small Group
2 Adults
11:00-11:20
20 minutes
Whole Group
Total Whole
Group
85 minutes
Total Small
Group
55 minutes
TOTAL TIME
135 minutes
1
Teacher 4
8:45-9:30
45 minutes
Whole Group
9:30-10:05
35 minutes
Small Group
2 Adults
10:05-11:00
55 minutes
Small Group
1 Adult
1
Teacher 5
8:15-9:00
45 minutes
Whole Group
9:30-10:05
35 minutes
Small Group
2 Adults
10:05-11:00
55 minutes
Small Group
1 Adult
Total Whole
Group
45 minutes
Total Small
Group
90 minutes
TOTAL TIME
135 minutes
Total Whole
Group
45 minutes
Total Small
Group
90 minutes
TOTAL TIME
135 minutes
First-Grade Schedule
In this school, three classes provide needs-based instruction in flexible groups,
with only one adult, while two have push-in support. Those teachers have more
at-risk children. Both use simple literacy centers.
Time
8:15 –
9:00
9:00 –
10:00
Class A, B, and C
Whole Group
Phonemic Awareness
Shared Literature
-Vocabulary
-Comprehension
Phonics/Spelling
Fluency (re-reads, poems,
charts)
Flexible Grouping
Small group
differentiated instruction
(Teacher pulls needsbased groups from
heterogeneously
grouped Literacy
Centers)
Time
8:15 –
9:15
9:15 –
10:00
Group 1 – Teacher
-Leveled Readers
-Independent Readers
Pupils’ Editions
-Vocabulary
-Comprehension
-Fluency
Literacy Centers
1. Reading
2. Listening
3. Word Study
4. Writing
5. Computer
10:00 – Whole Group
10:30
Read-alouds (rich
literature)
-Vocabulary
-Comprehension
Strategies
Class D and E
Whole Group
Phonemic Awareness
Shared Literature
-Vocabulary
-Comprehension
Phonics/Spelling
Fluency (re-reads, poems,
charts)
Small Group Rotations
Needs-based Instruction
Group 2 (EIP or Sp. Ed
Teacher)
Phonics and decoding
Decodable Readers
10:00 –
10:30
Group 3
Literacy Centers
1. Reading
2. Listening
3. Word Study
4. Writing
5. Computer
Whole Group
Read-alouds (rich literature)
-Vocabulary
-Comprehension Strategies
First-Grade Schedule
In order to accommodate the intervention schedule, this teacher has one small-group
rotation in the morning, with the help of a paraprofessional, and another in the afternoon,
with the help of both a paraprofessional and a specialist.
8:30 – 9:15
9:15 – 10:00
10:00 – 10:45
12:20 - 12:50
Teacher
Group 1
Phonics
Fluency
Vocabulary
Comprehension
Group 2
Phonics
Fluency
Vocabulary
Comprehension
Target Group
(small-group
rotation)
Small Groups –
Needs-based
Paraprofessional
Group 2
Fluency
Vocabulary
Group 1
Fluency
Vocabulary
Target Group
(small-group
rotation)
Small Groups –
Needs-based
Literacy Centers
Intervention
(Small Groups –
Needs-based)
Second-Grade Schedule
These second-grade teachers balance whole-group time with needs-based
time by using literacy centers. Groups can be formed and re-formed based on
assessments.
Time
8:109:10
9:1010:10
Class A, B, C, and D
Whole Group Core
Shared Literature
-Comprehension Strategies/Skills
Vocabulary/High Frequency Words
Phonics/Spelling
Fluency (Re-reads, poems, charts)
Flexible Grouping
Small group differentiated instruction (Teacher pulls needs-based
groups from heterogeneously grouped Literacy Centers)
Literacy Centers
Reading Center
Fluency Center
Listening Center
Writing
Word Study
Computer
11:3011:45
Whole Group
Read-alouds (rich literature)
-Vocabulary
-Comprehension
Second-Grade Schedule
This second grade teacher works alone, teaches reading in the afternoon, and
makes use of the web. Notice that comprehension strategies are part of both
whole-group and small-group time.
10:50-12:30
70 min. – includes
30 min. for lunch
12:30-1:35
65 min.
1:35-2:15
45 min.
Whole Group Core
30 min. – Comprehension
Strategies
15 min. – Vocabulary
25 min. – Fluency
Small Group Rotation
15 min. – Phonics/Decoding
15 min. – Vocabulary
15 min. – Comprehension
Strategies
20 min. – Fluency
Intensive Intervention
Literacy Centers
Phonics/Decoding
Writing Workshop
Teacher
Core Instructional Manual/
Materials
Website –
www.eduplace.com
Teacher
Core Instructional Manual/
Materials
Website –
www.eduplace.com
Teacher
Intervention Materials
www.eduplace.com
Second-Grade Schedule
Notice the use of literacy work stations so that children can practice and
reinforce their literacy skills while the teacher works with small groups. That
structure allows her to provide differentiated instruction, with more work with
phonics and decodable books for those students who need it, and more work
with grade-level materials for those who do not need additional phonics.
Time
8:25-9:25
(60 min,)
9:25-10:25
(60 min.)
Second Grade
Teachers
Whole Group
Instruction
Time
Dimension
Shared Literature
Phonics/Spelling
Choral Reading
Sight Words
20 min.
15 min.
15 min.
10 min.
Vocabulary/Comprehension
Phonics
Fluency
Fluency
Small Group
Instruction
(Teacher)
Phonics skills
Basal story
Decodable books
Leveled Readers
Literacy Work Stations
(2-3 students to a station)
Listening
Reading Corner
ABC/Word Study
Retelling
Writing
Big Books
Computer
10:25-10:40 Whole Group
(15 min.) Instruction
Read Aloud
Total = 135 min.
15 min. Vocabulary/comprehension
Second-Grade Schedule
These teachers have different whole-group and small-group times. Teachers with more atrisk children have more support from push-in specialists.
2
Teacher 1
8:15-9:00
45 minutes
Whole Group
9:50-10:30
40 minutes
Whole Group
10:30-11:20
50 minutes
Small Group
3 Adults
Total Whole
Group
85 minutes
Total Small
Group
50 minutes
TOTAL TIME
135 minutes
2
Teacher 2
8:15-9:00
45 minutes
Whole Group
2
Teacher 3
8:15-9:05
50 minutes
Whole Group
9:00-9:55
55 minutes
Small Group
1 Adult
9:55-10:35
40 minutes
Small Group
2 Adults
9:05-9:50
45 minutes
Small Group
2 Adults
9:50-10:05
15 minutes
Small Group
1Adult
10:05-10:30
25 minutes
Whole Group
Total Whole
Group
45 minutes
Total Small
Group
95 minutes
TOTAL TIME
135 minutes
Total Whole
Group
75 minutes
Total Small
Group
60 minutes
TOTAL TIME
135 minutes
2
Teacher 4
8:20-9:05
45 minutes
Small Group
2 Adults
9:05-9:35
30 minutes
Small Group
1 Adult
9:35-10:35
60 minutes
Whole Group
Total Whole
Group
60 minutes
Total Small
Group
75 minutes
TOTAL TIME
135 minutes
2
Teacher 5
8:20-9:15
40 minutes
Whole Group
9:50-10:30
40 minutes
Whole Group
10:30-11:25
55 minutes
Small Group
1 Adult
Total Whole
Group
80 minutes
Total Small
Group
55 minutes
TOTAL TIME
135 minutes
Second-Grade Schedule
Time
8:109:10
Class A, B, C, and D
Whole Group Core
Shared Literature –
Comprehension Strategies/
Skills
Vocabulary/High Frequency
Words
Phonics/Spelling
Fluency (Re-reads, poems,
charts)
Time
8:109:10
Class E
Whole Group Core
Shared Literature Comprehension Strategies/
Skills
Vocabulary/High
Frequency Words
Phonics/Spelling
Fluency (Re-reads, poems,
charts)
9:1010:10
Flexible Grouping
Small group differentiated
instruction
(Teacher pulls needs-based
groups from heterogeneously
grouped Literacy Centers)
9:1010:10
Small Group Rotations
Needs-Based Instruction
Group 1 – Teacher
Leveled Readers
Independent Readers
Pupils’ Editions
Vocabulary
Comprehension
Fluency
Literacy Centers
1. Reading Center
2. Fluency Center
3. Listening Center
4. Writing
5. Word Study
11:30- Whole Group
11:45
Read-Alouds (Rich Literature)
Vocabulary
Comprehension
Group 2 (Sp. Ed. Teacher)
Phonics and Decoding
11:3011:45
Group 3
Literacy Centers
1. Reading Center
2. Fluency Center
3. Listening Center
4. Writing
5. Word Study
Whole Group
Read-Alouds (Rich
Literature)
Vocabulary
Second-Grade Schedule
Notice that this second-grade teacher has carefully specified both the
materials and many of the instructional strategies that will be used in wholegroup and needs-based time. This teacher has the assistance of a special
educator.
Time
8:25-9:25
9:25-10:25
(60 min.)
Time
Dimension
Whole Group
Instruction
Shared literature
Phonics/Spelling
Choral Reading
Sight Words
Small Group
Instruction
(Teacher)
Basal Story
Leveled Readers
20 min.
15 min.
15 min.
10 min.
Small Group
Instruction
(Sp. Ed.
Teacher)
Phonics Skills
Sight words
Decodable
books
Vocabulary/Comprehension
Phonics
Fluency
Fluency
Literacy Work Stations
(2 students to a station)
Listening
Reading Corner
ABC/Word Study
Retelling
Writing
Big Books
Computer
10:25-10:40 Whole Group
(15 min.) Instruction
Read Aloud
Total = 135 min.
15 min.
Vocabulary/Comprehension
Third-Grade Schedule
This third-grade teacher begins the day with comprehension strategy instruction
and makes time for needs-based work by using both cooperative and
independent activities. Notice that there are two blocks for science and social
studies.
7:45-8:15 Morning Work/Write down homework
Interventions (Buddy Reading)
8:10-8:20 Announcements
8:20-9:20 Whole Group
-Strategy Focus
-Comprehension Skill
-Word Work (spelling, structural analysis, phonics, vocabulary)
-Writing and Language (Grammar and Writing)
9:20Leveled Readers Needs-based Groups
10:20
-Reading Group 1
-Literacy Centers Group 2 (Fluency, Partner reading, Comprehension,
Listening, Phonics, Writing, Computers)
-Independent Work Group 3 (Silent Reading, Skill review)
10:20Whole Group
11:00
-Teacher Read-aloud (Comprehension, Vocabulary, Strategy Focus)
-Writer’s Workshop
11:00Lunch
11:30
11:30Restroom Break
11:35
11:35Recess
11:55
11:55Water and Restroom
12:00
12:00Math
1:15
1:15-1:35 Science/Social Studies
1:35-1:40 Transition for specials
1:40-2:25 Specials (Art, Music, PE, and Lab)
2:25-2:30 Restroom
2:30-2:50 Science/Social Studies (Dismissal)
Third-Grade Schedule
These third-grade teachers have created time for differentiation by using
centers. Notice that one center involves writing about reading, an activity
perfect for third graders and very simple to plan.
Time
Class A, B, and C
11:10-11:30 Whole Group
Read-aloud (rich literature)
-Vocabulary
-Comprehension
11:30-11:40 Whole Group
Grammar (Core)
12:15-1:00 Whole Group Core
Shared Literature
-Comprehension Strategies/Skills
Vocabulary
Spelling/Decoding/Word Study
1:00-2:00
Small Group Rotations
Needs-Based Instruction
Group 1 - Core Reading with Teacher
Comprehension
Vocabulary
Fluency
Group 2
Writing about Reading
Word Study
Group 3
Listening
Fluency (Buddy Reading, Whisper Phones, Retelling)
Computer
Third-Grade Schedule
This third-grade teacher has the help of a special educator. Notice the
strategies used to monitor independent reading while students work in the
listening center.
Time
Class E
11:10-11:30 Whole Group
Read Aloud (rich literature)
-Vocabulary
-Comprehension
11:30-11:40 Whole Group
12:15-1:00
1:00-2:00
Grammar (Core)
Whole Group Core
Shared Literature
-Comprehension Strategies/Skills
Vocabulary
Spelling/Decoding/Word Study
Small Group Rotations
Needs-Based Instruction
Group 1
Core Reading with Teacher
-Comprehension
-Vocabulary
-Fluency
Group 2
With Sp. Ed. Teacher
Writing about Reading
Working with Words
Group 3
Listening
Fluency (Buddy Reading, Whisper Phones, Retelling)
Third-Grade Schedule
During needs-based time, this teacher differentiates using the core materials –
students reading at grade level can work with the core story and students
reading below grade level can use the leveled readers that come with the
core.
Time
9:0010:00
(60 min,)
Third Grade
Teachers
Whole Group
Instruction
Read Aloud
Core Story
Phonics/Decoding
Spelling
10:0011:00
(60 min.)
Small Group
Instruction
(Teacher)
15-20
minutes
each
group
Core Story
Leveled Readers
11:0011:15
(15 min.)
Whole Group
Instruction
Choral Reading
135 min.
Time
Dimension
15 min.
30 min.
15 min.
15 min. on first
day of week
Small Group
Instruction
(Sp. Ed. Teacher)
Vocabulary/Comprehension
Vocabulary/Comprehension
Phonics
Phonics Skills
Sight words
Decodable
books
15 min.
Literacy Work Stations
(2-3 students to a station)
Listening
Reading Corner
Working with Words
Retelling
Writing
Poetry
Computer
Fluency
Third-Grade Schedule
Notice that this teacher builds in more time for fluency and comprehension. Needs-based small groups focus on
fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary rather than decoding.
Time
7:30-8:15
Monday
Morning Work
Tuesday
Morning Work
Wednesday
Morning Work
Thursday
Morning Work
Friday
Morning Work
Fluency Reading
Journals
Word of the Day/DOL
Fluency Reading
Journals
Word of the Day/DOL
Fluency Reading
Journals
Word of the Day/DOL
Fluency Reading
Journals
Word of the Day/DOL
Fluency Reading
Journals
Word of the Day/DOL
Word Work
Word Work
Word Work
Word Work
Word Work
Vocabulary (10 min.)
Spelling (10 min)
Vocabulary (10 min.)
Spelling (10 min)
Vocabulary (10 min.)
Spelling (10 min)
Vocabulary (10 min.)
Spelling (10 min)
Vocabulary (10 min.)
Spelling (10 min)
Read-aloud
Fluency (10 min.)
Core Instruction
Read-aloud
Fluency (10 min.)
Core Instruction
Read-aloud
Fluency (10 min.)
Core Instruction
Read-aloud
Fluency (10 min.)
Core Instruction
*Comprehension
-Vocabulary
-Fluency
*Comprehension
-Vocabulary
-Fluency
*Comprehension
-Vocabulary
-Fluency
*Comprehension
-Vocabulary
-Fluency
9:30-10:30 Small Groups
(Teacher/Parapro,
and Literacy
Centers)
Fluency (30 min.)
Vocabulary (30 min.)
Comp. (30 min.)
Small Groups
(Teacher/Parapro,
and Literacy
Centers)
Fluency (30 min.)
Vocabulary (30 min.)
Comp. (30 min.)
Small Groups
(Teacher/Parapro,
and Literacy
Centers)
Fluency (30 min.)
Vocabulary (30 min.)
Comp. (30 min.)
Small Groups
(Teacher/Parapro,
and Literacy
Centers)
Fluency (30 min.)
Vocabulary (30 min.)
Comp. (30 min.)
Small Groups
(Teacher/Parapro,
and Literacy
Centers)
Fluency (30 min.)
Vocabulary (30 min.)
Comp. (30 min.)
10:30-10:55
Grammar/Writer’s
Workshop
Specials
Lunch
Math
Social Studies/Science
Sustained Silent
Reading/Buddy
Reading
Dismissal
Grammar/Writer’s
Workshop
Specials
Lunch
Math
Social Studies/Science
Sustained Silent
Reading/Buddy
Reading
Dismissal
Grammar/Writer’s
Workshop
Specials
Lunch
Math
Social Studies/Science
Sustained Silent
Reading/Buddy
Reading
Dismissal
Grammar/Writer’s
Workshop
Specials
Lunch
Math
Social Studies/Science
Sustained Silent
Reading/Buddy
Reading
Dismissal
8:15-9:20
Read-aloud
Fluency (10 min.)
Core Instruction
*Comprehension
-Vocabulary
10:55-11:30
12:00-12:30
12:30-1:30
1:30-2:00
1:55-2:25
2:30
Grammar/Writer’s
Workshop
Specials
Lunch
Math
Social Studies/Science
Sustained Silent
Reading/Buddy
Reading
Dismissal