Sometimes just getting started is the hard part! Use these five steps to help you start your independent reading unit!
These five steps are just a beginning, but hopefully they help you prepare well for your first independent reading unit!
Choose the day that students will need their book in class and start talking about it with at least two weeks’ notice (we recommend getting in touch with their caregivers as well).
Make your expectations clear about: -- Page minimum -- Genre specifications (example: Must be a fictional book) -- Date it must be in class (not started yet!) -- What students should do if they finish the book early?
Provide opportunities for students to learn about books that other students liked: -- Book displayed around the classroom -- Book Talks -- Book Speed Dating (resources to come!) -- A link to Choice Books for All
Check-in with students throughout the two weeks. If students are struggling to find a book, we encourage asking them these three questions: -- What are three book/movie/tv shows you have enjoyed recently? Why? -- What is a book/movie/tv show that you have hated? Why? -- Is there anything you might want to read? Once they have answered, use your expertise as an educator to help provide them with 3-5 book suggestions (or direct them towards Choice Books for All!)
On the day that the book is due, have students document their book and why they chose it. We also recommend having students make a plan for finishing their book between this day and the day it must be finished. (resources to come!)
We hope that these ideas make the process of getting started less daunting. Make sure you are subscribed to Choice Books for All to get newsletters and blog post updates!
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