Section 1: Not This
Is There Enough Time? And Is Time Enough to Support Independent Reading?
After reading Section 1 in Debbie Miller's book, No More Independent Reading Without Support, I feel like I have probably been the reading teacher that has tried to use independent reading with a purpose but have failed. My independent reading time for the past couple of years has been first thing in the morning as students come in the room. Students are instructed to make their lunch choices, turn in homework, and find a place anywhere in the room to read. The biggest struggle I see most is keeping social groups from forming where little to no reading is happening because of a talking and/or disruptive student. Independent reading then becomes my constant correcting or redirecting. My strong readers love independent reading time, and I feel they benefit, but my struggling readers keep more struggling readers off-task. I don't feel that we have the distractions, or benches to guard, like the younger readers do. Our biggest challenge is making sure we get in all the standards for the day or week that need to be covered. Independent reading often takes the back burner to the rigorous pace that we run in the higher grades. I would love to see all students attempt to read more at home so that they would actually have the opportunity to get lost in a great book and continue on the journey once they get to school, but the distractions are even more real once they are in their home environment.
What a great way to spend the first few minutes of the day--especially since 30 minutes is about all you have before students start leaving for band and strings, etc. No doubt that those who have a hard time paying attention will distract others when they can, and redirecting can get old after a while. It might be time for some consequences. Another thing you could do is try Epic. Students take an interest survey when they sign up that helps the computer provide books that would interest them. This might hold their attention a little better than a tradition book . . . not sure, but it's worth a try. :)
ReplyDelete