As I continue reading No More Independent Reading, I find myself nodding and agreeing more and more with each section.
In middle school one thing I have notice is that we as teachers like control. In the elementary setting they can take a little bit more chaos than we can, and I think that is partly why independent reading is much harder in middle school classes. As the book states, independent reading is key to students success. Why do we feel the need to control our students reading? Independent reading does not mean that we tell them what book to read, and watch as they read it independently. It means that the students have a choice and a say so in what they read. As stated on page 18 of the textbook: "Students read more, understand more, and are more likely to continue reading when they have the opportunity to choose what they read."
Does that mean we completely step away and let them read without any support? Absolutely not. I am guilty of this myself. I have often used our independent reading time as an extra 20 minutes for me to get things done, as we all know we struggle for time as teachers. However, I have taken the advice from our textbook and began conferencing and discussing with students. I have also cut out all of the other things that students would like to do instead of reading. While they may feel it is harsh that I'm not allowing them to study, draw, etc.... I now see how important independent reading really is, and how I have put it on the bottom of the priority list for far too long.
The book clearly states what we can do to support students during independent reading on page 33. These teacher behaviors include:
1. teaching students how to find books on their level,
2. modeling reading strategies for students,
3. feedback on their reading,
4. conferences with students while completing running records, discussions and goals,
5. student accountability,
6. and large and small group discussions about text.
These are just six of the many ways we can make independent reading more meaningful, and less of a "free time."
What are some ways you have made independent reading more meaningful in your classroom? (I am especially interested in you other middle level teachers, as our kids are often either all for it, or totally against it.)
Have you tried any of the six methods to support your students? What was the outcome?
Courtney,
ReplyDeleteI agree that independent reading is essential for student's success. As teachers, we must realize that this allotted time is vital to ensure students are successful. Therefore, we should assist students by providing them with support during the independent reading. During the conference, teachers learn so much about their students, and they should take the data to drive the instruction for future conferences. I realize that it's so easy to take this time to complete other tasks because of the demands that are placed on teachers. Teachers remember that students are our first priority. Therefore, we must do what it takes for them to be successful despite the many demands of education.
Ladies, both of your responses are powerful. I'm makeing a connection with Regie Routman. She too states independent, choice reading, is essential. I also fall short of the conferences and don't a lot time for doing that. Courtney there is a form in Routman's book pg. 109 that might help you.
ReplyDeleteCourtney, you raise some excellent points in this blog, especially about control. I always called it "organized chaos" in my classroom because no, I wasn't always in control, but it wasn't usually a free-for-all either. It's kind of like a beehive--you might notice the hum of activity, but it's productive! I love how you are trying out conferences and discussions with your students during independent reading. You might also find some of Nancie Atwell's work helpful--she works with older students, as does Penny Kittle!
ReplyDeleteCourtney,
ReplyDeleteIn your post, you stated that teachers should allow students to select books that they want to read. I feel this is vital because often times we pick books that are not of interest to students. Therefore, the students will not read the book that's given to them. This will force students to fake read.
In one of the articles, the author stated that teachers should allow students the opportunity to abandoned books. I think this is why the teacher is having great success in her classroom. The students are allowed to choose their book even if it means abandoning several until the right book is found.