Miller- Chapter 1- Yes to Independent Reading!
I have always supported independent reading. The more children read, the better readers
and writers they become. Many do not get
to experience the world outside their own community and reading does provide
the opportunity to “travel” and learn.
It is difficult to
find the time because there is so much pressure to become proficient in so many
standards. However, if the younger
students do not become well- versed, independent readers, they will struggle
with all areas of the curriculum as they advance. I loved the reference to the
benches/practices one might be guarding.
I am guilty of several of them!
I am confused as to what the district guidelines for the
independent reading will be. There have been
(what I consider) negative references to taking quizzes on computers in several
articles. If book selection is guided
and the reading time is closely monitored, I see no harm in letting the
children take a quick basic comprehension quiz.
Again, the key here is monitoring and adjusting as the children read. Without the guidance, the time does become
DEAR or SSR time and is wasted time.
Assisting in the search for the right books for each child,
helping them feel successful as they read, and facilitating adjustments to the
reading levels and genres when necessary all aid in creating a love for reading
for students of all ages.
I was guilty of guarding a few benches, too. It is good to reflect and reevaluate sometimes. And, I think the fear the author has with online quizzes is the emphasis on them instead of reading . . . focusing so much on the score and the reward that goes along with score. It is exactly what some children need. Others enjoy a book but are discouraged by their lack of success on lower-order questions. As a teacher, I sometimes had a hard time finding the balance.
ReplyDeleteI love the bench-guarding image, too! I think Miller & Moss caution teachers not to use computerized testing as an instruction replacement during IR--the instruction from the teacher during conferences is the key to success during this time. Your prior experience with Renaissance lets you know the strengths and limitations of the program--so you can use it wisely!
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