What is CAFE and how do I use it?

Background on CAFE

In my classroom I use a resource called The CAFE Book by Gail Boushey and Joan Mosher. In The CAFE Book, Gail Boushey and Joan Moser present a practical, simple way to integrate assessment into daily reading and classroom discussion. The CAFE system, based on research into the habits of proficient readers, is an acronym for Comprehension, Accuracy, Fluency, and Expanding vocabulary. The system includes goal-setting with students in individual conferences, posting of goals on a whole-class board, developing small-group instruction based on clusters of students with similar goals, and targeting whole-class instruction based on emerging student needs. Reader’s Workshop in my classroom consists of the following components: mini-lesson, independent and partner reading, and share time. Many of my mini-lessons come from The CAFE Book. After I teach one of the reading strategies from The CAFE Book, I post the strategy on our CAFE menu under the correct heading. I refer to the posted strategies often during mini-lessons and strategy groups. Once several strategies are posted on the menu, I begin working with students on individual goal setting. Students’ names get posted on the menu as individual goals are determined. For example, if Megan is having a hard time comprehending what she reads, I will work with her to determine which comprehension strategy on our menu will help her with comprehension. After a reading strategy is chosen, Megan’s name goes on our menu under C for comprehension.