During this week’s reading of “No More Independent Reading
Without Support”, I’ve read about several different reading studies that are nationally
proven to help struggling readers. I’ve also learned that it is beneficial to
allot varying times for struggling and good readers in the classroom. Teachers
should allow their students to choose their own types of reading sources or
genres so that they feel comfortable with what they read. I strategy that I
will change is the reading time allotted to each of my students in the
classroom. Allowing the same amount of time for SSR or DEAR would not normally
benefit struggling readers due to their inability to comprehend what they are
reading (based upon the complexity of the
book) within the same amount of time that it would take a good reader to
read. I will continuously monitor my struggling readers while providing
individualized and small group instruction when needed. Reducing the number of
minutes during independent reading can help prevent boredom with struggling
readers. I will remember to always differentiate my instruction when it comes
to having diverse learners in the classroom, and to provide multiple avenues or
mini-assessments to determine what my students know and what they choose to do
in order to meet standards or mastery of the daily activities assigned to them.
“The research says that IR is most effective when students choose their own
reading materials” (Miller & Moss, pg. 18, 2013). I’ve experienced success
for the past several weeks ago once I began giving my students the option of
“choice” when it comes to reading selections (low, mid & high level texts). I have my students write summaries
of book chapters that they have read, and how it relates to health and
real-world experiences. “Letting kids choose what to read motivates them to
read even when it is not required and gives students practice in selecting
their own books, which can contribute to out-of-school reading” (Miller &
Moss, pg. 19, 2013).
Hi Damonte',
ReplyDeleteIn this week's reading you discussed the importance of providing students with different time goals during independent reading in order to match their various levels of stamina. You also discussed the importance of student choice during independent reading and how you've been providing choice with your students by allowing them to choose reading selections that are at different reading levels but are all still based on the current content topics your students are studying.
Thanks,
Dawn and Melissa