In this chapter of Debbie Miller's book she goes right to the heart of argument of how important independent reading is to our students. Independent reading reading is important because that is how children learn about the world around them and in order to become proficient readers they have to practice. I agree with Miller's assessment that for years we have been teaching students stuff "about" reading, but then they never got to use that information beyond that unit or test.
Miller also wastes no time in striking down the "there isn't enough time" argument. I loved her "guarding the bench" analogy and the suggestions for "benches" that we can remove from our day in order to gain the needed time for independent reading. I like the idea of teachers guiding and coaching students to be intentional readers, to have a set of skills that will help them make clearer meaning of a text. With students reading levels ranging from low to high, the only way to do this is through individual conferencing, providing a time for the teacher to talk to a student and help make the process visible to them.
You hit the nail on the head! The only way to meet the needs of all our readers is through time for them to read on their own level and teacher "coaching" or conferencing. Teachers learn so much about what their readers can do and what their needs are. I, too loved her guarding benches analogy. As teachers we can get into such a routine year after year and never stop to analyze what we are doing and if it is working. I love how she validates the right to make changes to what we have "always done" in our classrooms!
ReplyDeleteHi Carolyn,
ReplyDeleteI loved this chapter too because Miller reminds us that time is of the essence and while we can't make any more, we can make the most of what we have. Her suggestion of taking a careful look at our schedules and reflecting on what areas can be adjusted and restructured in order to provide the most time to what we value the most is a powerful one. I agree with her that the time students actually spend engaged in real reading, not just listening to the teacher tell them about it is our most valuable time in the classroom. Sincerely, Dawn