INDEPENDENT READING = EFFECTIVE INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES Terry Stapf Jenny Miller

OVERVIEW  The “Why?”  Independent Reading NOT in Isolation  Tracking Independent Reading  Teacher as a Reader

WHY DO WE NEED INDEPENDENT READING TIME IN THE CLASSROOM? What ONE WORD comes to your mind when you think about the importance of giving students reading time in the classroom? “A child sitting in a quiet room with a good book isn’t a flashy or marketable teaching method. It just happens to be the only way anyone became a reader.” ~The Reading Zone by Nancie Atwell

INDEPENDENT READING IS NOT SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS IN ISOLATION “Oh I’ll come back, they’re just reading.” “If you finish early, read your book.” “You can do your make up work during silent independent reading time.” “He’s not really read because he doesn’t like it.” “I’ll just do my reading time for homework.” “He’s just reading ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ right now for fun.”

INDEPENDENT READING IS NOT SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS IN ISOLATION -Connecting it to minilessons -Applying reading strategies -Taking thinking and learning to higher Bloom’s levels

WAYS TO CONNECT IR TASKS TO MINILESSONS 1. You need to have an IR task – identifiable, achievable and measurable 2. Break down minilessons to allow for students to show their understanding (application)

STUDENT NOTEBOOK PAGE:

APPLYING READING STRATEGIES: -Use anchor charts -Use sticky notes, exit tickets, dry erase boards, notebook pages -Confer with the student  Clearer picture of the comprehension level of the child  Understanding of student reading level and interests  Data  Differentiation

BLOOMS TAXONOMY

HOW DO YOU TRACK STUDENT READING? -The importance of it… -How to do it quickly… -What to do with that knowledge…

ARE YOU A READER? -MODELing the reading -Keeping up with new books and trends  Book talks and book trailers -Social Media is your friend! -Visual reminders:  Posted book list  Travel with a book  Book displays -Know your books so you can recommend books!

QUESTIONS: Terry Stapf – reading specialist  Smarts Mill Middle School  Jenny Miller – reading specialist/literacy coach  Smarts Mill Middle School 