As I read Section 1 Not This I was challenged by the author to reevaluate how I use independent reading during the school day. For the past few years I have made time for independent reading, usually crammed at the end of the day. As I was reading it became clear that just setting time aside for independent reading with support from the teacher. Like most, my one hesitation with doing this consistently was the idea that there was not enough time during the day. But the more I read the more I realized that there is time in the day, I just have to find it.
I loved the analogy of the soldier guarding the bench when nobody had a clue as to why. As I reflect on my usual daily schedule I am challenged to see what time I set aside for different activities when maybe they are necessary. I am realizing I spend more time on things like morning work and packing up during dismissal. The time I can cut away from these everyday routines can then be used for student support during independent reading time.
Going forward, I am going to make better use of independent reading time with my students. Conferencing with them about what they are reading will allow me to gain insight to their success and struggles as a reader and will help me create an individualized learning path to help them become better readers during their time in my class. I am also excited that this will allow me to spend meaningful time with individual students to create an atmosphere where readers can be comfortable and confident in their skills and abilities.
Caleb, I really like the way the article got you thinking about your practice as a teacher. Those "found" minutes in your day will be very meaning and helpful! I will want to hear some of what you learn about your students as readers.
ReplyDeleteCaleb, I too have left my independent reading time for the end of the day. But, lately I have been thinking that I really need to make time during the day for independent reading as well. I had placed it at that time of the day as a "calming down" part of the day so that while the students are reading, I can gather my thoughts and really focus on my small groups who need extra help. I will be making better use of independent reading time as well.
ReplyDeleteHi Caleb,
ReplyDeleteOne of the qualities I appreciate about you the most is your thoughtful reflective practice. You take time to consider what instructional practices work, which don't, and what you are going to do to improve it. This reflective practice is what this chapter was all about. We know that there is never enough time for everything we need to do but as teachers we have to make sure that we are spending time on what we value the most. If there is not enough time for what we value, we have to call out what is taking up the time instead and we have to work to minimize it and to carve out the time for what is most meaningful. I know that the time you invest in conferencing with your students during independent reading will pay off easily in the investment in your classroom community, not to mention providing insight into each of your students as readers. Thank you! Dawn