Independent Reading

Independent Reading:

Independent reading is our students' most treasured time of the reading workshop. Student choice allows readers to take ownership of their learning by choosing appropriate high-interest books. Students and teachers confer to monitor progress and set goals. Students are provided with regular, extended periods of time to practice skills and strategies taught in the workshop and to increase their reading stamina. They are also given opportunities to discuss, share, and write about their reading. At times teachers may offer students decodable texts to use during their independent reading time to practice specific phonics skills.

Teacher’s Role

• Ensure daily periods of time

• Provide comfortable flexible spaces

• Provide students with guided opportunities to select books from a wide variety of genres

• Maintain classroom library

• Provide access to the school library and librarian

• Provide access to digital materials including: ebooks, audio books, and subscription databases

• Observe and record progress

• Conference with students and provide positive feedback and support for setting goals.

Student’s Role

• Identify and set goals

• Choose appropriate books

• Build reading stamina

• Jot thoughts, connections, and predictions

• Conference with teacher to identify strengths and challenges

• Build independence

• Transfer and apply skills through other content areas