Independent Reading
What is Independent Reading?
Independent Reading involves children reading on their own or with partners. It is an approach that should be used at every stage of children's reading development. In Independent Reading children assume the responsibility for the learning demonstrated during more supportive components of a Balanced Literacy Program. The teacher becomes an observer, acknowledging and responding to the children's reading.
Independent Reading involves more than just reading books, but using all written materials found in the classroom. "Reading the room" becomes a popular activity. When "reading the room," children walk around the room with a pointer, reading everything displayed on the walls or on hanging charts. Pieces composed during interactive and shared writing can be highlighted as well as classroom-produced big books. Reading and rereading familiar text will support young children's need to behave like and enjoy the pleasure of being a reader.
An important role of the teacher comes in the selection and gathering of appropriate books. Books available for Independent Reading should include all those which have been used during shared and guided reading, as well as a large selection of new books which the teacher has acquired. Children should have access to high-quality books in a classroom library as well as access to a well-stocked school library for books which the children can choose by themselves.
Independent Reading is a powerful time for teachers to demonstrate reading for enjoyment. The teacher needs to be seen reading for his or her own enjoyment and pleasure.
Teaching Method
Independent Reading should be 7 to 15 minutes per day with no interruptions in the primary grades. Children should be expected to select some books or a book basal and read the book(s) and read without changing during the reading period. All students in the classroom should read.
Include opportunities for Independent Reading in Centers.
An adequate classroom library is vital to successful Independent Reading Activities. Teachers should build classroom libraries over a period of time to reach approximately twenty-five books per child in the class. Books can be arranged by author, illustrator, genre, series, theme or topic. Books that have been used previously in guided reading and shared reading should be made available to students as well.
The books should be displayed in a well-lit and easily accessible part of the classroom, such as a book nook or a comfortable place to read.
Resources
The Art of Storytelling. This ThinkQuest entry provides students with information about storytelling. It includes several folktales, along with tips for reading the outloud.
Independent Reading Lesson Plans from Sunshine's Online Literacy Hour. This site includes online activities, lesson plans, and resources to support teachers in developing literacy skills.
Book Adventure. Practice comprehension questions while earning points. This is great practice for ARP quizzes.