Set a time in the daily routine for independent reading and establish routines and expectations for any regular independent sessions.

While the class reads silently, the teacher can take the opportunity to:

• observe students' reading behaviour;
• monitor their interest and enthusiasm;
• monitor their selection of texts;
• monitor their understanding of what they read;
• monitor the amount of reading they do.

The teacher can hold focused small group or individual conferences to glean this valuable information, without being intrusive. Above all, independent reading should focus on personal enjoyment.

Independent reading can also happen within the individual reading activities that happen during guided reading. See here for ideas.