Independent Reading
According to Lyons and Pinell (2001), Independent Reading is a time when students self-select and independently read appropriate books. This portion is Balanced Literacy provides an opportunity to apply strategies that are introduced and taught during teacher read aloud, shared reading, and guided reading. When materials are appropriate and students can read independently, they become confident, motivated and enthusiastic about their ability to read.
Children make great contributions to their own learning when they are given some control and ownership of the reading process. The self-selection process of Independent Reading places the responsibility for choosing books in the hands of the student. This teaches them that they have the ability to choose their own reading materials and that reading by themselves is a valuable and important activity.
While students are free to choose what they like, they must be encouraged to select a variety of literature and to select materials at their independent reading level. Independent means 95% to 100% accuracy as defined by running records. These materials should be able to be read without teacher support. It is at the independent level that comprehension, vocabulary extension, and fluency are improved. To determine their independent level, diagnostic testing is used to measure the fulency rate. Several examples of diagnostic tests are Jerry L. Johns BRI, Dominie, Kit-Kat, etc..
In addition to the self-seletion part of this component, teachers will conference with students on what they read. The conferences should reflect on concepts about print, comprehension, predicting, etc as well as the enjoyment of the book. The teacher should try and conference with 4-6 children per day.
Reference:
Lyons, C. and Pinnel, G. (2001). Systems for Change in Literacy Education. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.
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1 comment:
This seems familiar to me. It is usually used in elementary schools during their 90 minute reading block. I like this component and use it in my classroom daily. Independent reading is a requirement for this block. One mistake that can be made during this time is allowing students to choose books that are not on their level. Independent reading is ineffective if the students are not gaining any insight from what they are reading. It is very difficult to gain insight if they are not understanding the words they are reading. Teachers need to make sure students are able to select level appropriate materials.
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