Jeanna Tate blog 1 - Is There Enough Time?

              Is There Enough Time?  And Is Time Enough to Support Independent Reading?

Providing a quiet block of time for independent reading each day with support, is crucial to grow successful readers.  We as teachers must make time within the daily schedule to make this a priority.  Independent reading alone is not enough.  Teachers must conference and give support during this time. 

Many years ago, a day in my classroom included whole group instruction, small reading groups, shared readings, and self-selected reading.  While self-selected reading was important, it was just one small part.  There was a small, limited classroom library with little or few informational texts in which to choose.  Students enjoyed choosing books and sharing but it was difficult to conference with each student as often as I needed to do so.  I was not sure if the texts were too easy, too difficult, or just right. Over the past few years, I have come to realize if I establish routines and procedures for independent reading early in the year, create the proper environment, and make record keeping for conferences easy, I can produce better readers!  In the beginning students may have to retell a story or read it through pictures but this is an important stage to develop successful readers.  When my students feel successful with this and easy readers they begin to develop a love for books.  Share time with other students, teachers, and principals is important as the independent reading time comes to a close.  This allows them to share a good book, tell something about reading, and give a purpose for reading.

Time for independent reading is vital.  If we want students to become better readers we must give them plenty of time to practice each day in a warm, inviting, supported environment!