March/April Blog #7: Section 1-Not This...Is there enough time? And is time enough to support independent reading?

The last blog I wrote was on time too!  It seems as if time has become a major factor and even an excuse for some teachers.  I do find myself saying, "I just don't have enough time to do that."  But, after reflecting this chapter, I think that might be an excuse.  Yes, there are things we have to do and have to participate in, but what is my job?  My job is to educate twenty-one precious boys and girls.  It is my job to help them become independent readers and writers.  My favorite quote from the chapter was the first sentence, "Children learn to read by reading...but not without instructional support."  My students are going to learn to read, but they need my help and it is my job to make sure they become readers.  I HAVE to find the time.  It is not an option.  Independent reading is a must.  While reading, students gain knowledge more than just the words on the page.  They learn about the world, their interests, habits, and so many things. 

I have had to take a step back and reevaluate my schedule and what are musts and things that I could let go for my students to truely grow as readers, writers, and independent learners.  Then, I had to take a step back and reevaluate my indpendent reading time.  It is not just chose a book and take an AR test.  (It has been that in the past.)  I have to help guide my students of how to read, what reading looks like, how to think, what questions to ask, how to discuss their book before, during, and after reading, how to give their book meaning, and my list can go on and on. 

The more opportunities I can give my students during the day to read, the better it will be for them and me!  Now that I have reevaluated my schedule, independent reading is a MUST and happens EVERYDAY because it is so important!  My students and their parents are counting on me and I will not be doing my job if I did not allow my students the time to do this daily.  No more excuses!