What does it look like?

• All students independently read self-selected books that they canand willread
• Students share and recommend books
• Teacher meets with individual students to monitor progress (e.g., fluency, strategy use, book selection)
• Teacher models independent reading

What does it provide for students?

• Reading fluency practice
• Opportunities to enjoy and discuss reading
• Increased vocabulary
• Background knowledge
• Time to independently apply comprehension strategies and skills
• Promotes reading as a lifelong activity

How is it implemented?

• Provide an extensive classroom library with a variety of genres and reading levels
•   Model how to select appropriate independent reading books
•   Monitor student book selection and the use of previously taught strategies and skills
• Teach students how to discuss their reading

“ ‘Reading a lot’ is one of the most powerful methods of increasing fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension –and becoming educated about the world.”

K. E. Stanovich, Reading Research Quarterly, 1986

• Students choose books to read.  The teacher assists students in selecting “just right” books.

• Set aside an established time for daily independent reading.  Gradually increase the time as the year progresses.

• The teacher occasionally models independent reading.

• Students maintain a reading record and regularly set individual reading goals with help from the teacher.

• In order to combine assessment and instruction, include individual reading conferences as a regular part of your independent reading time.

• When conferencing with students, use open-ended questions that promote a full response such as the following:

with narrative text …

• Why did you choose this book?
• Can you summarize what you just read?
• What text connections can you make?
• What’s the problem in the story so far?
• What’s the main character like?
• What is the setting?
• What’s your favorite part so far?
• What’s happening in the story right now?
• Where have you used a strategy?  How has it helped you?

with informational text …

• Why did you choose this book?
• Can you summarize what you just read?
• What text connections can you make?
• What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned so far?
• What’s your favorite part?
• What else are you hoping to learn?
• How is this book organized?
• Where have you used a strategy?  How has it helped you?