SSR Conferencing

“In the real world we have conversations about books… “In the real world we have conversations about books….. we share what we like and sometimes even share a memorable part. We get ideas for other books to read-and sometimes someone even gives us or loans us a book they think we might like. These informal conversations about books with friends and relatives play a big role in motivating our students to read. As much as possible try to conduct your conferences with children as conversations centered on the book.”

Question to Consider: How will you model? What will your conferencing sheets look like? What kind of books will the students have access to? What resources will you use? What kind of encouragement/feedback will you provide? How will you accommodate less proficient and advanced readers? Will there be follow-up activities?

GOALS OF SSR To introduce children to all types of literature To encourage children’s reading interest To provide instructional level reading To build intrinsic motivation for reading

Before Implementing Conferencing: -make sure your SSR block is up and running -your students should be able to read quietly independently -you should be circulating room, sharing books quietly with children, monitoring for appropriate SSR behaviors *model and demonstrate what will happen in the conference whole class

As with all things: DEMONSTRATE! *prepare a student and model this process for the class - come prepared to talk about their books - decide upon which book they will discuss - choose one part of the book they would like to share - the student then shares the part - the student then discusses why they chose that part *repeat the demonstration several times until no longer necessary

Logistics every child once a week 3-5 minutes consider which children may need more time consider easier materials for less proficient readers consider enriching materials for advanced readers

Tips Increase the time gradually Don’t begin conferencing until the routines are in place Make sure your children know how to get ready for their conferences Keep your records simple and consistent Make new rules as you see a need To save time move to the child

View your conferences as conversations not interrogations!