THE DO'S OF INDEPENDENT READING

As you start your independent reading unit, start thinking through the following DOs of independent reading.

As you get started, we encourage you to DO the following:

• DO consider why you want to include independent reading in the classroom
  

• DO determine how you will implement independent reading

  • During a predetermined unit? (Poetry or Grammar units pair well with independent reading units!)

  • Throughout the school year?

  • As summer reading?
    

• DO decide what you want your students to experience during this unit.

  • Do you want students to master a specific standard?

  • Do you want students to read from a predetermined genre?

  • How will you structure class time? (I find providing consistent time for students to read the book in class is helpful)

  • Will you provide a book list for students to choose from?

  • How will students find the book? (I keep it open - local public library, online retailer, local bookstore, or my classroom library)
    

• DO set clear expectations for your students.

  • What are the minimum number of required pages?

  • Will the students need caregiver approval to read the book?

  • Is any genre okay? (I always have a parent or two encourage their students to read a self help book)

  • What will students need to do besides read the book?

to book lists