Independent Reading

Posted by Debbie DeSpirt Jul 23, 2007

Reading is an integral part of learning. Students from kindergarten to grade 3 learn to read but onward they read to learn. It is important for students to learn how to read in the early grades to allow them to read for information in the later grades.

Independent reading is one of several types of reading strategies for students. Independent reading is not the same as silent reading where children read for a specified amount of time. Independent reading allows students to choose their book but they must also do a variety of activities to demonstrate their understanding of the text. The main advantage of independent reading is students choose their book which will encourage them to read.

Often choosing a book is a daunting task. Students want a book of interest but often there is a wide array of choices. Set up a classroom library with several books that are the same. Boys and girls are more willing to choose a book with their friends and you have just initiated book clubs in the classroom.

Setting up a classroom library may be troublesome without certain parameters set in place. Use a library computer software to keep track of the books and the students reading logs.

Finally, encourage students to read fiction, non fiction, poetry and other styles of writing. Reading is reading and it does not matter what the child reads, just as long as they are reading.