Thoughts On Independent Reading

Kids need time to read in order to become stronger readers. It’s as simple as that - if we want kids to become better readers then they need time to read. If that’s the case, then independent reading should benefit student's’ reading. Well, that’s sort of true.

What’s Happening with Independent Reading in Classrooms

For the last two years, I have heard from students that they are required and expected to have their elementary students read independently each day. But, they do not think it’s effective or even a good use of time for their students. When I ask about how they are implementing independent reading, they tell me that the students select a book and read by themselves for anywhere from 10 minutes to 30 minutes.

I was disappointed to hear how this is being implemented because my students are absolutely correct - this is not an effective use of time. When students are reading independently in the classroom, they need a purpose for the reading - or a focus on what to pay attention to or what to try to implement when they are reading and they need to do some type of work to ensure that they are reading during this time and trying out the focus. Otherwise what can happen is that kids do not actually read during this time. They may read for a bit, but then will become bored and either stare at the page or simply flip through the book.

Adding a Focus

In order to support kids during independent reading, they should have something that they are focused on during this time. For example, if you have been teaching them to pay attention to the characters in the book during your whole class reading instruction, they can try this out when they read independently. This allows the students to focus an aspect of comprehension during independent reading time - they are trying out what you taught on their own without your direct support.

Including a Deliverable

Do you want to check and see if the students were able to apply the comprehension focus to their independent reading? Have them complete a post-it note (or two or three!) where they share the characters and what they learned about them. They can submit this or put it in their reading notebooks so that you can check to see how they are applying the comprehension focus you taught.

Students should complete some type of task so that there is accountability for their reading.

Students who are proficient readers tend to love and enjoy independent reading because they tend to understand the foundational reading skills. Independent reading can play an important role in strengthening reading skills, but there needs to be an intention behind this time.

Consider How Much Time Should Be Spent on Independent Reading

Reading stamina is important and has been a topic that has been in the news lately. We want our kids to be able to read for longer periods of time, however, you need to be mindful of the amount of time they are in independent reading time. If you are teaching the primary grades, you may need to start with 5-10 minutes of independent reading and this can increase throughout the school year. For the upper grades, the students can start with 10-15 minutes of independent reading and again, you can build on this throughout the school year. The point is to keep the students engaged and interested in the reading and then want to return to reading.

We want our students to be able to read for longer stretches of time while also understanding what they are reading. Think about how you can make this time of the day intentional and connected to what you are teaching during your reading instruction.