Sheryl Hilton Blog Post 6:Routman's Chapter 6&7

Plan for and Monitor Independent Reading Chapter 6 and Make Assessment Instruction’s Working Partner Chapter 7

The classroom teacher at the beginning sounded familiar. I too had to carve out time for independent reading in my schedule. I have to admit reading independently was my least favorite time of the day simply because I had not been shown the proper way to implement independent reading. I have a huge selection of books but they were not labeled and made available to students to “check out”. They were in boxes in my closet that I changed out seasonally and put in tubs for students to look through. There was no ownership or choice involved with my system. I have since learned how to manage “read to self” time. My reading center allows students choice in the books they have in their bags. Time was spent setting up procedures and building stamina at the beginning of the year. Mini lessons allow me to target skills that will help them become independent readers. I am able to monitor student growth by pulling students to listen to them read. I take notes that help me individualize instruction as well as group students with similar abilities. I am much more aware of my student’s strengths and weaknesses than before.  I have grown to love this time with my students.

I was reminded in chapter 6 that it is good to assign something specific for students to be looking for in their reading. I have done this before with great success. I will have to revisit it. It is a good way of keeping them interested and on task especially with young readers.

The beginning of chapter 7 made me want to stand and give an “amen”. We have given our fair share of tests this year to our kindergarten students. Testing takes away from instructional time and the results do not always yield the necessary information for us to use to guide our instruction. With independent reading and guided reading groups, I am constantly evaluating my students and their needs. Our DRA 2 testing has been the most beneficial test we have given our students. We need to look at the test that gives us the most accurate data that also shows growth. I feel that we could do away with a few of the tests that are administered throughout the year. I see the importance of testing but there needs to be a way of cutting back.