Independent Reading

Independent Readingand Reading ResponseThere are few ideas more widely accepted than that reading is learned through reading.--National Reading Panel, 2000

Where in the day do students have the opportunity to learn more about reading by reading?

During independent reading!

Independent reading is a context within which children can see themselves as readers and build habits that can last a lifetime.

--Fountas & Pinnell, 2006What researchers sayRichard C. Anderson concluded from his study on the role of independent reading of trade books in childrens reading achievement that wide independent reading makes substantial contributions to childrens present reading achievement and their growth as readers over time. --Linda G. Fielding, Point of View: Richard C. Anderson, Reading Researchers in Search of Common Ground

The importance of reading as an avenue to improved reading has been stressed by theorists, researchers, and practitioners alike, no matter what their perspectives. it is generally agreed that practice in reading develops better readers.--National Reading Panel, 2000

When children are given adequate time to engage with texts on a daily basis, their improvement in literacy development is substantial. --Tony Stead, in Good Choice! Supporting Independent Reading and Response K-6 citing Stephen Krashen, The Power of Reading

Not only does having access to trade books motivate students to read, it also increases their reading achievement.--Guthrie, Schafer & Von Secker, 2000

and the professional literature confirmsA longstanding, highly respected body of research definitively shows that students who read more, read better, and have higher reading achievement. --Regie Routman, Reading Essentials

For more specifics on the importance of independent reading, consult:Allington, What Matters for Struggling ReadersAllington, What Ive Learned About Effective Reading Instruction from a Decade of Studying Exemplary Elementary Classroom Teachers, Phi Delta KappanFader, New Hooked on BooksNAEP Trends in Academic Progress Report Scholastic, The Impact of Trade Books on Reading Achievement a combination of two articles by Dr. D. Ray Reutzel and Susan B. Neumann Taylor, Pearson, et al., Beating the Odds, CIERA Report #2

is that independent reading matters.What makes it so essential to successful reading development?

The independent reading referred to and solidly supported in the researchis an integral part of a comprehensive literacy framework.provides daily time for sustained reading.offers choice while matching readers with just-right books.invites wide reading with a well-stocked classroom library.is purposefully structured and well-monitored by the teacher.is a meaningful experience surrounded by literate thinking and talk.

Why Independent Reading is Essential

Independent Reading as Part of a Comprehensive Literacy FrameworkIndependent reading is planned practice.Independent reading completes the gradual release. The teacher releases responsibility to students for applying new learning.Students have the time they need to orchestrate the strategies and skills they are learning during read aloud and shared reading.Teachers have the time they need to confer with readers, monitor progress, and continue the cycle of teaching and learning.

Without independent reading, where will students practice?If you were taking tennis lessons, and your instructor skillfully showed you how all the things you needed to know but never gave you time to practice, how effective would you be in putting it all together and becoming a tennis player?

When we teach reading, we are teaching children to do something. Children cant learn to swim without swimming, to write without writing, to sing without singing, or to read without reading.

--Lucy Calkins, The Art of Teaching Reading

The Importance of Sustained ReadingWhen given opportunities to read for extended periods of time, readers get better at reading by:Reading morequantity matters!Making reading a habitits daily and predictableReading widelyreaders have time to immerse themselves in a variety of genres, authors, and topicsBuilding fluencyExpanding vocabulary and background knowledge that supports comprehension Nurturing a sense of inquiry and desire to learndeveloping expertise on a topic of studyDiscovering preferencesdevouring favorites and gaining deeper understandings of texts they are committed to

The reading stamina that students develop also prepares them for the demands of lengthy passages on standardized tests.Choice in independent reading makes a difference. If given a choice, would you prefer to read a text youve selected or one that someone selected for you?

Of course, you would prefer to choose your own text. Why?

Choice Engages and Empowers ReadersReaders are motivated to read when, by choice, they read to satisfy their own interests.pursue their passions (favorite authors, topics, etc.).set their own purposes for reading (I want to read this text because it will help me learn more about ___.).meet their own goals.read what their friends have recommended.

Learning to exercise choice is a powerful experience in itself.What message do we send when we make all the choices?In what ways might choice be offered to students beyond that of self-selected text?

What difference would it make for readers to have choice in where they read? In how they respond to their reading?Choice Balanced with Just-Right TextThe importance of matching text with readers cannot be understated. During independent reading, students must be reading high-success textstexts that they can read with accuracy (95% or above), fluency, and comprehension.This ensures that students can monitor their understanding (know when they arent getting it) and can effectively apply the strategies and skills they are learning to problem-solve when needed.Quick, accurate reading also preserves energy for thinking deeply about text.However, students can still have choice among the texts that are just right for them.How will students know what just-right text is?Teach Students How to Select Just-Right Texts Even the youngest readers can learn simple criteria for selecting books:I like this book. I enjoy reading this book. I know almost all the words and I can figure out the words I dont know.My voice sounds smooth, not bumpy. My voice sounds like the teachers voice during read aloud.I remember what I read. I can talk about it with my friends.Use this or similar language in a series of think alouds to model selecting just-right books in K/1.Use shared writing to create a chart that your community of readers can refer to often. How might the criteria for selecting just-right text look different as readers grow and change?How could maturing readers be encouraged to expand and refine their text selection?

Selecting Just-Right Texts (contd.) Over time, readers can learn additional ways to preview and select just-right text:Notice what the title and cover reveal Seek favorite authors, illustrators, characters, topics, genresRead the front and back flapsSkim the book to discover what its aboutSample part of the textConsider their level of familiarity with genre, content, writing styleMonitor their understanding and know when they arent comprehendingIndependent Reading Invites Wide ReadingWide reading increases readers comfort and familiarity with different kinds of texts.Readers develop loyalty to authors, series, and characters.Readers sample different writing styles and discover their own mentor texts.Readers expand their knowledge of world and develop cultural understanding.Variety promotes flexibility in processing many kinds of texts.

Support Wide Reading with an Effective Classroom Library Have a range of texts appropriate for all levels of reading ability and interests.Include a variety of genres, balancing fiction and nonfiction.Have enough texts so the library is not depleted with regular use. Organize the library with students so they know how to access texts.Spark interest in reading with book talks and book shares.

For more information on building and maintaining a classroom library, visit the districts literacy website, Independent Reading link, to view a self-guided PowerPoint presentation on Classroom Libraries.

Independent Reading is StructuredWell-rehearsed routines and clear expectations pave the way for the important work of independent reading.

Explicitly model and practice routines with students.

Above all, readers should clearly understand the purpose for independent reading.

Establishing ExpectationsStudents will need to know:What to read (how to find reading materials and return them)Where to read Will they sit in their seats or choose personal reading spots?Appropriate voice levels (silent reading for fluent readersGr. 2 and up)Expectations for movement Will they have all the materials needed or is it okay to go back and forth to the class library, sharpen pencils, etc.?Expectations for book handlingIf and how reading will be recorded in logsWhat to do when assistance is neededHow to know when reading time is over

Establishing Expectations in K/1Use shared writing to create rules together and post for easy reference.

This is one example for a kindergarten classroom. Find your bookbox.Take it to your personal reading spot.Read quietly.Keep reading until you hear the music.Put your bookbox away.Come to the carpet to share.

Reading LogsReaders in Grades 2 and above may record what they read.Reading logs help students track the quantity and variety of their reading.This information is useful in: making informed reading choicesrecommending books to friendssetting goals and celebrating accomplishmentsReading logs may be part of a larger Readers Notebook in the intermediate grades.

Independent Reading at the Beginning of the Year in K/1Independent reading can begin on the first day of school.K/1 readers should have the opportunity to:Browse alphabet books, counting books, and other concept booksRead picture booksNotice and learn from the photos in simple informational textsBehave like readersDay 1 is not too soon to begin to see yourself as a reader!

K/1 Independent ReadingVery soon, more reading materials may be added to students independent reading boxes:Songs, chants, poems, and other familiar text from shared readingSmall copies of familiar big booksGuided reading texts that students can read with accuracy, fluency, and comprehension

Some of these texts may still be read from memory. Just like in writing, students approximations should be accepted until the point at which they are ready to transition away from reading-like behaviors to reading simple texts by attending to print.

Time-on-task is an issue for all readers.How can teachers in Grades 2 and beyond ensure that independent reading time is spent reading?

What routines and expectations may be the same? What differences might there be?More Time for ReadingInstead of activities and centers, students may:browse and read from the classroom libraryread and/or retell previous read aloud textsexplore special bookboxes with books by one author or on one topicreread familiar poems and shared readingread from group bookboxes (books from guided reading)read with partnersread from own bookboxesThis expanded reading opportunity does not replace independent reading time. It supplements in a way that offers choice.Why can't this type of reading practice be considered independent reading? While this extra practice is valuable, its missing an essential element-teacher monitoring.

This key characteristic separates independent reading, as an essential element of a comprehensive literacy framework, from merely reading independently.

Monitoring Progress in Independent Reading through ConferringBeginning with the youngest readers, conferring adds dimension to independent reading. The teacher spends time side-by-side with students, listening to them talk about their reading and communicating a genuine interest in them as readers.Literate conversations push readers to think more deeply about text and about their processes as readers.Teachers learn about their students strengths and areas for growthvital information for planning future instruction.

Conferring: Text Selection

Through conferring, the teacher carefully monitors and scaffolds text selection:Is this text a good match with readers? Are students reading with accuracy, fluency, and comprehension? How deep is the level of comprehension?Is reading balanced (among genres, topics, authors)?Are students reading enough? (using time wisely)What are students interests?

Conferring: DifferentiationWith skillful conferring, the teacher also differentiates for readers.Specifically reinforcing what readers do wellPrompting students to apply problem-solving strategiesTeaching through 1:1 demonstrations when neededRe-teaching skills needed by this reader that other readers have already masteredModeling and engaging readers in literate talkEncouraging students reflective thinking about their own processes for solving words and making meaningSetting and monitoring reading goals

Conferring: Setting Goals Setting goals and assessing progress toward those goals is another key aspect of conferring.Goals should be matched to instruction, changing over time as readers grow, and worded so students clearly understand. When readers know what is expected of them, they are able to partner with the teacher in making progress.

Setting Goals with Primary StudentsWhat Im Working On reflects the current range of teaching and expected learning.Through discussion, the teacher and student identify strengths and set a goal to work toward.Then at the close of the conference, the teacher can remind the student of the goal and set an expectation for applying it in reading.

What might a conference look and sound like in the primary grades?It may be helpful to think of conferences on a continuum.

A K-2 Conferring ContinuumConferring with K-2 Students This is one way to structure a conference with emergent and early fluent readers. It is also appropriate for supporting below grade level readers in 2nd grade.Taking a running record is embedded in the conference. This step-by-step guide for primary conferring may be located on the districts literacy website at the Independent Reading link.

Conference Record KeepingConference forms are a matter of personal preference. Design a form to meet your needs.This form has space for a running record and includes questions from Literacy By Design to assess comprehension.

Conferring: How long? How many?Once a teacher has developed some fluency with conferring, conferences in K/1 should each take about 5-7 minutes.During a typical 20-minute independent reading time, that might mean that a first grade teacher:Confers with two focus studentsChecks-in with two other studentsOver the course of the month, in an average-sized class (25), the teacher would see every student at least once and some students more frequently, depending on need.

Conferring with Intermediate ReadersWhat principles of conferring remain the same?

What differences are there?Conversational toneTeacher learns about the readers strengths and needsSpecific reinforcement of what the reader is doing wellMonitoring text selectionTeaching/differentiationReflective thinkingSetting and revisiting goalsDecoding strategies are usually in place, so conferences with intermediate readers focus on depth of comprehension.Texts are longermeaning teachers may not have specific knowledge of their content. Generic questions can support teachers in monitoring comprehension.Conferences may include review of reading logs and sharing of a Readers Notebook. Probing Depth of ComprehensionThe teacher asks questions that will help to determine the students level of understanding.

Generic questions can support this conversation even when the teacher has not read this specific text.

(Fiction)Have you discovered a problem? Tell me about it.What have you noticed about the main character? (traits, change over time, etc.)Whats happening right now?

(Nonfiction)What have you learned or want to remember?What have you noticed about how this text is organized? How is that helping you read and understand?

Monitoring Comprehension Many factors may affect depth of comprehension. In conferences with intermediate readers, the teacher is also monitoring:Use of strategies to comprehend (e.g., inferring, connecting)Just-right text (Does the reader have the necessary background knowledge?)Fluency and pacingSelf-monitoring and use of strategies to fix-up meaningAbility to learn and use new vocabularyWide reading

Skillfully, the teacher uses this information to guide the student in appropriate waysinform future instruction

Returning to the tennis metaphor--what does an instructor do to ensure that you experience success in learning tennis?The instructor watches you try your hand at serving (practice). S/he assesses your skill level, and then moves to your side to guide you, helping you with your delivery right at the point of need.

Conferring is the teachers opportunity to assess need during practice and then mentor and teach right at the moment that students need it most.

Every child should feel successful when the conference is over and the teacher moves on.

Independent Reading is Surrounded by Literate Thinking and TalkThe literate talk that begins in read alouds is the basis for the thinking and responding that readers will eventually do independently.Teacher modeling and discussions in read aloud teach readers how to think and talk about text. The richer the talk, the deeper and more insightful the responses. Beginning in kindergarten, readers can use these models to think about and respond to their independent reading.

Literate talk is facilitated by choice of read alouds. They should be meaningful and memorable texts that excite and inform students and help them understand themselves and the world. Reading for Life: The Learner as a Reader

Reading Response in K/1Readers first need to experience success in responding during whole group. Teachers can encourage students to participate in: predicting and inferringmaking meaningful personal connectionscomparing/contrasting texts and authorsdiscussing characterstheir traits, their choices, lessons learnedsharing new learningsupporting thinking with details from illustrations and from the textdeveloping favorite authorsestablishing purposes for readingexpressing opinions and evaluating textsreflecting on reading processesQuestions to Spark Literate ConversationSharing after Independent ReadingExtend the opportunity to apply these models for thinking and talking about text to independent reading.Model and encourage literate talk during individual conferences.Bring students together at the end of independent reading for sharing. Make this a special time to share: Something learned from readingSomething noticed about textSomething a student has learned about him/herself as a reader

Independent Reading Share (contd.)Drawing the reading community together to share after independent reading supports all readers.

With increasing sophistication, readers can talk about: Success in problem-solving textSuccess in applying strategies to understand textReading recommendations

Book Talks and Book Shares

Use this time to give book talks.Offer a brief overview.Read a short passage that includes to spark interest.Make connections between topics, authors, genre as appropriate.Share why the book is worthy of reading.Students can use this model for preparing their own book sharespromoting books they believe would appeal to other readers.

52Moving into Written ResponseAs readers continue to be immersed in a wide variety of quality literature and literate conversations, they become smarter with words and ideas about texts and about the world.Discussions, independent reading share, and conferences have all been a sort of oral rehearsal for written response. Its time to take it to writing. Students words and ideas are begging to be heard!

Reading Response in K/1The earliest responses can take the form of pictures with simple text.

Arthur is fune.

Reading Response in First GradeAs readers grow in their ability to think and respond, they can be expected to spend more time on the written portion of response.Teachers may use shared writing to create responses (to read alouds) beginning with simple sentence stems:I (we) likedI learnedI feltI thinkI noticedI wonderIt reminds me ofThese simple stems can be glued inside a Reading Response Journal.Writing is thinking on paper. With experience, readers will develop more fluency of thought and written responses will become more complete. The sentence stems they may have depended on to get started can be found embedded in a larger response.

Poetry ResponseWhen poetry is an integral part of students daily reading lives, they enjoy responding to it, too.These stems may get students started, but later their responses will increase in complexity.This poem makes me feelThis poem reminds me ofThis poet likes toThis poem is special becauseI like this poem because

In closingFinding time may be the greatest challenge of all.

Randy Bomer, in Time for Meaning, suggests that what we really mean when we say that there is not enough time, is that its hard to choose and control what we do with the time we have.

He further suggests that finding clarity of purpose makes it easier to find time for the things we value.

So, what is the real purpose for independent reading? It goes well beyond increasing student achievement.If our goal is to help children compose richly literate lives, then we need to give them time each day to do just that.--Lucy Calkins, The Art of Teaching ReadingReading Log

Title:___________________________Author: ___________________________Date: __________Genre: _____________Rate the Book:________________________

Title:___________________________Author: ___________________________Date: __________Genre: _____________Rate the Book:________________________

*Dont Bother **Okay ***Really Good**** A Real WinnerName ________________

What Im Working On:

When I am reading,

_____I can create pictures in my head.

_____I can think, What is this book mostly about?

_____I can make my reading match the print in the book.

_____I can notice when my reading doesnt make sense.

_____I can use what I know about spelling patterns to figure out new words.

_____I can get my mouth ready for a blend at the beginning of a word.DLT, March 2009Conferring with Primary Readers

1. Ask the student to read the guided reading book that was held back from yesterday. 2. Take a running record on the oral reading.

3. As the child is reading, think about:

- what you can specifically reinforce that the child is doing well

- what teaching point would be appropriate to help the readernot just support the reading of this text

4. Focus on meaning first. When the student has finished reading the book or passage, engage him/her in conversation about the text. Be sure to ask questions (can use questions from LBD Part 3) that will help you assess the level of understanding the student has related to your current teaching focus (ex. determining importance in LBDTheme 12).

5. Specifically reinforce what the child did well in reading to you.

6. Make your teaching point. Your teaching point is differentiation for this student and may include:

- a connection to your specific reinforcement (perhaps the student wasnt doing something consistently, but you reinforced the attempt; the teaching point can piggyback on the childs thinking and promote consistency)

- a demonstration of a reading strategy

- reteaching of a comprehension skill

- word work (have a letter and blend chart, Magna Doodle, and/or magnetic letters handy to demonstrate with)

7. Bring the conversation to a close with a question designed to link your teaching to actual practice and build reading independence. Here are some ideas:

So, what are you going to work on now in your reading?

So, what are you going to remember to do in your reading?

What did we talk about today that you want to remember to do when you are reading?

We talked about how good readers ______ . Can you remember to do that today?

We talked about how good readers _____. You can remember to do that in your reading!

DLT, March 2009

Assessing Progress in Second Grade: Theme 3

Student ____________________________

Date ________________

Running Record/Miscues Title of Text:

SR:

TP:

Skills/StrategiesSupporting Reading IndependenceNotes

ComprehensionAsk questions Did you ask yourself a question while you were reading? What was it? How did it help you understand?

How does asking questions help you remember what you read?

What kinds of I wonder questions can you ask yourself before you read a text?

How is asking questions while reading a story different from asking questions while reading a nonfiction text?

How have you improved at asking questions?

Can you always answer the questions you ask as you are reading? Why or why not?

Creating Images Can you describe a picture you made in your mind as you were reading? What in the text helped you do that?

How can creating pictures in your mind help you understand what you are reading?

Is creating pictures in your mind easy or challenging for you? Why?

PhonicsCVVC ee/ea

oa/ow (flow)Does the student notice and use these patterns to read?

TES: Assessment

Sept. 23, 2009

NameDateConference Notes

Dear Mrs. ___,

I read Poppleton Chapter 3 The Pill. I noticed that Fillmore asked for only sweets to take a pill. That is the most ridiculous thing I ever heard of in my whole life.

From M_____

Dear M___,

Why do you think he did that? Was it an excuse to eat sweets?

Mrs. ____ A Letter

Theres a letter in the mailbox.Whose could it be?Theres a letter in the mailbox.I hope it is for me.

It reminds me of when I send a letter but I didnt get a prize. Sometimes I think Im going to win but I dont.