Some districts or schools have a standard language arts block that they follow or use the suggested order of the reading curriculum. The following examples are samples of what this block of time may look like. All teachers should be sure they cover all of the essential components in a systematic and regular manner.

Kindergarten language arts block

• Reading aloud (15 minutes)
• Shared reading or interactive writing (15 minutes)
• Reading workshop (40 minutes)
  • Work with two groups per day, alternating
  • Other students working on language arts related activities
• Writing workshop (20–30 minutes), includes sharing written work and reading pieces aloud

First grade language arts block

• Sustained Silent Reading: open choice (10 minutes)
• Reading aloud (20 minutes)
  • Using different times during day for a total of 20 minutes: (1) Shared reading or interactive writing (20 minutes); (2) Direct Instruction in reading groups (60 minutes)
  • Work with two groups per day, alternating
  • Other students working on language arts related activities
• Writing workshop (40 minutes), includes sharing of written work

Second grade language arts block

• Sustained Silent Reading: open choice (20 minutes)
• Reading aloud (15 minutes)
• Shared reading (25 minutes)
• Direct Instruction in reading groups (60 minutes)
  • Work with two groups per day, alternating
  • Other students working on language arts related activities
• Writing workshop (60 minutes)