Lori Henke- B\log #5- Plan for and Monitor Independent Reading/Make Assessment Instruction's Working Partner - Ch. 6 and 7 Routman

I feel validated after reading Ch. 6 of Routman's book.  I chose to read this chapter, because I believe that the Independent Reading portion of my ELA block is crucial to the student's success in improving in reading.  A number of strategies that are in the chapter are strategies and practices that we already have established in my classroom.  There is always room for improvement, but I feel like our routine for independent reading time is well established. 

One area that I will be changing  when I am conferencing with my students, is the "push" for them to challenge themselves with a book that is at the higher end of their reading level range.  After reading this chapter and the article in our after school session last week, I realized that one of the most crucial parts of independent reading time, is the  ease with which a child can read and understand what they are reading. 

I have also implemented a weekly goal, instead of a monthly goal.  I changed this after the Christmas break and I am noticing that the students are very motivated to reach their weekly goal.  It seems much more attainable for them to think of their goal as a weekly goal.  I like the way they are progressing. 

In Ch. 7, I really like the Independent Reading Rubric on p. 113.  Mrs. Parker made one for us to use during our reading conferences.  I really like using it with the students because it gives them the exact reading objectives that they will be graded on.  A copy of the rubric also goes home in the child's Friday Folder, so the parents are kept in the loop about the expectations with reading as well.