Angie Smith’s Blog Post 1: Miller Section 1: Not This: Is there Enough Time? And is Time Enough to Support Independent Reading?

Just like most teachers I often find myself asking, “Where can I find more time in the instructional day?  If only I had one more hour.  Thirty more minutes.”   Miller’s question “What benches are you guarding?” was a powerful question that I needed to ask myself.  As Miller worked through the course of a school day, I reflected on my practices as a teacher, and the value of those practices for my students.  I realized that there are “benches” that I have been guarding that are not necessary.  I realized that there are precious moments in my day that could be better spent elsewhere, including reading.  

I have to admit that I struggle with independent reading time in my classroom.  Most of my students really do not know what to do with a book.  They already have a sense that they cannot read the words, so they quickly flip through the pictures.  Some do not have the stamina to peruse a book for more than thirty seconds.  After I read this section, I sat and thought about what independent reading could/should look like inside my classroom of special needs students.  Through focus lessons, I can continue to teach my students how to picture walk and think about the text.  During conferencing I can focus on my students’ ability to communicate what they are “reading.”  I truly believe that this will build inside them a desire to read, and thus improve their success in becoming independent readers.