Teachers have to make it a priority to ensure students have time for independent reading. There are a number of things that can hinder teachers for allotting time for reading independently. Therefore, teachers must make a conscience effort to make sure independent reading is taking place in the classroom. Students can benefit greatly in their reading skills, especially struggling readers. . If teachers are truly aware of the value of setting time for reading, they will never forsake this time for their students. According to Routman, Reading Essentials, teachers should consider allocating at least fifteen to thirty minutes a day for independent reading.
Research has proven that struggling readers improve their reading skills by reading. According to Routman, a longstanding, highly respected body of research definitively shows that students who read more, read better, and have higher reading achievement. For this reason, teachers independent reading is vital in the classroom.
Teachers are often pressed for time due to the demands of teaching. Therefore, the first thing that gets put on the back burner is independent reading. This happens because most teachers feel that students are reading in other subjects. Therefore, it's okay to take the independent reading time to complete other assignments. This is unfair to all students, especially struggling readers.
You are so right Annette. The time is so limited that independent reading will get put on the back burner. I try so hard to make sure that time is sacred an never given up.
ReplyDeleteEvery subject is important so it is a time struggle every day.
Hi Annette,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your blog post that if we want to build independent readers we must provide daily time for independent reading. You shared several Routman quotes to support this point. What chapter from Reading Essentials did you choose to read for this module? In your own classroom practice have you seen a correlation between time given to independent reading during the day and student increase in motivation to read and in ability to read? When I taught fourth grade the more time I gave students the more they wanted to read, especially when I provided support through instruction and feedback with conferencing.