Robin Wright - Routman Ch. 6 & 7 - Plan for and Monitor Independent Reading/Make Assessment Instruction's Working Partner - Blog Post #5

     I chose to read these chapters because independent reading is something I definitely implement in my classroom, but I often question whether or not I am doing it "right."   As teachers, I have noticed throughout the years that it is really easy to get caught up with what everyone else is doing or what the research says.  This often times leaves us wondering if what we are implementing in our own classroom is good enough.  I have learned that what is best for my students, is best for my classroom. Chapter 6, Plan for and Monitor Independent Reading, confirmed that I am doing things right, but there is always room for improvement in everything we do.  Routman emphasizes that struggling readers need much more time to read.  The saying, practice makes perfect, really is so very true.  However, students have to be matched with a book that they not only enjoy, but comprehend as well.  This is so challenging for some of my struggling readers because they want to be included in that group that is reading the popular chapter books, like Diary of a Wimpy Kid and I Survived.  This is why Routman says that feedback is so important.  This conferencing is necessary to be sure that our students are applying the strategies that we have been teaching.  Conferencing is an ongoing process for me, one that I feel like I lack in and also one I am constantly trying to improve.  Everybody conferences differently.  Some take elaborate notes, some use random sticky notes and some don't take any notes at all.  Are any of these strategies incorrect?  I don't think so.  I know what works best with my students is that one on one interaction with me that they love to have.  When I conference with my students it is more of a laid back conversation that stirs up things they have connected their story with in their real lives.  It always leads to lots of smiles, laughs, and enjoyment for both of us. Yes, I try to focus on the skills and strategies, and we will identify verbs or practice our summarizing or expression, but to me the conversations about the books are the real teachable moments.  For those struggling readers that long to read the chapter books that are not right for them, Routman suggests partner reading.  This is something I have implemented many times in my classroom, but not during independent reading time.  I plan to use this strategy for some of my readers who I know are struggling to comprehend.  Routman has found that this idea increases reader involvement, attention and collaboration.
     Chapter 7, Make Assessment Instruction's Working Partner, emphasized what we have been learning in our monthly meetings, that a variety of assessments can be useful.  I must say that I have done more assessments on my students this school year then I ever remember doing.  From DRA's to IRI's to conferencing, I have found some of this helpful to guide my teaching direction.  I really liked how Routman included in this chapter a framework for an informal reading conference.  One of the suggestions that really stuck out was discussing their strengths while conferencing instead of always focusing on what they need to improve on.  I plan to use this framework to help me to continue to improve on my conferencing skills.