M. Butler Blog #6 (Jan.Feb.) Routman Ch.6 Plan for and Monitor Independent Reading
Independent Reading is so important! This is when children get to practice what you have been teaching them in your small group/intervention/guided reading groups. We have Independent Reading time every morning as soon as students arrive! We start the day with reading everyday! Instead of doing morning worksheets, students unpack and get a book and go to the carpet. They can choose their book and read independently or with a partner. I love to hear them talk about the pictures, read simple sentences and find all of the sight words we have been learning all year. I was so thrilled to read that Routman supports this as an important and effective way to begin the day (on page 90). Since my class is a self-contained class for students with various significant disabilities that directly impact their learning, we spend most of our morning in reading and math intervention groups. Then, the rest of the day is a blur with lunch, recess, writing time, related arts, centers, and circle up! Routman suggests that 30 minutes be devoted to independent reading daily - there just is not enough TIME! Students are also required to read each night and complete a reading log. I liked how Routman explained the difference between Independent Reading and SSR and noted that the former is of primary importance! She also talked about the significance of having Independent Reading time in a kindergarten classroom.
My take away: As I work to improve the function of my reading area, reading center, non-fiction book selection and classroom library, independent reading is something else that is on my radar to tackle more intently. In reading this chapter, I have been reminded of the importance of having Independent Reading time each day. I also have taken away some great strategies and suggestions for monitoring this part of the day. She also talked throughout the chapter about the importance of modeling your expectations for your students. Show them how to select "just right" books, model independent reading, and model partner reading. And I appreciated her final thought in this chapter - "don't underestimate the power of choice" - it is essential!
Time is always a factor! It sounds like they are getting some IR time in the morning. When we were collecting data on reading engagement in the Reading Center, you expressed concern that perhaps it was a little long for their attention spans. Perhaps if you shortened your Center time by a few minutes, you could squeeze in some time before Center Time begins. (I would caution waiting until the very end of the day because when they get too comfy at the end of the day they can fall asleep!) Let me know if you give it a try! I always love how you are reflective and always seem to want to do what is best for your students!
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle,
ReplyDeleteIsn't time always the enemy when it comes to teaching? We never have enough for literacy and when we do, we need more! I loved Mrs. Brown's suggestion for evaluating how you are currently using time and where you may can borrow time from another activity to support reading to give more time for actual independent reading. Sincerely, Dawn