In my classroom, independent reading is one of those times where I conference with students and ask them to tell me about what they are reading. I ask questions about the characters, setting,and plot. I also ask them to read aloud so that I can check if the book they choose is a good fit for them. Often times I feel like the books are too easy. I ask them why they chose that specific book, and why not a chapter book. The answer is always the same. Chapter books are too long! My problem is not making time for independent reading, it is figuring out how to structure independent reading so that my students are engaged in reading as well as learning about themselves as readers.
Independent reading is an excellent time to assess students comprehension and fluency. The problem for me is that some of my students aren't reading! I also feel that my independent reading time needs more structure. I allow my students to read anywhere in the classroom but, I usually have to send them back to their desk because instead of reading they start to talk. I guess I need to really look at my classroom library as well as survey my students about what types of books interest them. I also believe I need to do more reading aloud so that I can expose my students to other texts they might not pick out otherwise.
Hi Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that independent reading is an excellent time to assess student comprehension and fluency through conferencing. You mentioned in your post how you want to restructure your independent reading block so that students are engaged in their independent reading and are actually reading. I want to find out from you what you thought about the ideas and points made in the Miller Moss section you read this month? What will you try out in your classroom? You mentioned how you want to find out what your students are interested in learning about so you can guide them towards books of interests and how you want to do more read alouds. I also want to encourage you to read Regie Routman as her book offers some wonderfully relevant and practical ways to motivate student reading through book talks and interactive reading. Thanks, Dawn
Ashley, you are certainly reflective about your practice! I love that. And, I agree that independent reading is is an excellent time for conferencing and we can learn so much about our students' reading through the conference. I wonder if perhaps you need to spend a little more time explaining your expectations to the students, helping them learn the routine and procedure of your independent reading time. I'm not sure what you use as a daily read aloud, but maybe trying a series chapter book, something might awaken a desire in your students to read more about the particular characters in the series.
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