SEVEN QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Use these questions to begin preparing for your independent reading unit. When changing the dynamics of your classroom, it is important to think through each component.

BACKGROUND:

Providing choice is an essential aspect in developing students’ 21st century skills. As the world only becomes more interconnected with a high volume of information, it becomes even more important for students to be equipped to make thoughtful and informed decisions. By providing low-risk opportunities for students to make decisions for themselves, you can teach them how to be strong decisions makers and complete the task before them.

"Choice, acknowledgement of feelings, and opportunities for self-direction were found to enhance intrinsic motivation because they allow people a greater feeling of autonomy" (Deci & Ran, 1985, 2000)

QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

Before you begin, we encourage you to walk through the following questions:

What is your purpose for including independent reading in the classroom?

1. How will you prepare students to be successful during this assignment?

2. How do you want to feel during the unit planning and process?

3. How do you want students to feel during the unit?

4. How will you hold students accountable? (Check the blog for more ideas!)

5. What will a summative assessment look like for this unit?

6. How will you create a culture of reading in the classroom?

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