I picked this up over a year ago based on word of mouth. I read it once and took a tepid liking to it. I talked it up with others, reread it, and warmed up enough to give it a go in my classroom. WOW! Call me a convert. I currently teach 4th grade and after using this "process" in my classroom this past year I am a believer. This way of "doing" reading is well researched, easy to understand, and can be modified easily. This is more kid based than teacher based, so if you want to sit behind your desk and grade worksheets stay away. If you want to make a drastic, amazing difference in reading ability and interest, however, grab this one!!!
And if you get the chance to attend a workshop with "the sisters" take the opportunity. You won't be sorry you did! ( )

I'm not convinced that my hour-and-a-half language arts schedule, with gifted fifth graders, can accommodate the Daily Five. (How do you do Read to Someone with novels?) But I really loved the step-by-step setup lessons for each of the components, and the general emphasis on model, model, model and practice, practice, practice. I realize that many of my expectations in the past were vague, leading to off-task behavior. The plan for making positive behaviors the "default" is worth the time and money spent on this book alone. ( )

The authors put a lot of thought into their way of getting kids to be independent readers and writers. I don't do everything just the way they do, but this book is an excellent guide. ( )

This is a great book to develop a Literacy Block with purpose and meaning. Students become self reliant and able to move through centers for literacy with little hands on from the teacher. This frees time for reading and writing groups. It's imperative to take the time to plan and implement the proceedures for this to be successful. ( )