Independent Reading Pp

Alicia Swenson and Kelly Hagen CI 560 October 15, 2009

The opportunity to practice reading alone.

Texts used during independent reading vary

from texts children have read in shared

reading lessons, books that they have read in

guided reading, individual choices, or writings

during interactive

writing lessons.

The panel found little convincing evidence that traditional sustained silent

reading (SSR) improves students’ reading comprehension in school.

Findings of the National Reading Panel (National Institute of Child Health and

Human Development, 2000)

Research doesn’t show that encouraging reading improves reading.

Reading Today , IRA President Timothy Shanahan (2006)

Krashen (2005) argues that the NRP erred in its analysis of the research of SSR.

He and many other educators maintain that long-term studies are more likely to

show positive results.

Is in-school free reading good for children? Why the National Reading Panel

report is (still) wrong. Phi Delta Kappan, 86, 444 – 447.

Enjoyment reading is encouraged by many researchers and is a benchmark in the Minnesota State Standards.

Read from and respond to a variety of fiction, poetic and nonfiction texts of increasing complexity for personal enjoyment.

Free Reading

SSR s ustained s ilent r eading

SQUIRT s uper qui et r eading t ime

DEAR d rop e verything a nd r ead

Voluntary Reading

USSR u ninterrupted s ustained s ilent r eading

Structured Independent Reading

Why?

To provide students with self selected reading time along with support .

Typically 30 minutes in length.

Five key elements.

The teacher provides guidance in the students’ text selection.

Students keep records of what they read.

Both teacher and students participate in mini-lessons and discussions

from time to time

Students reflect on what they read.

The teacher is not reading during the entire reading block.

According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) on Reading and Writing Assessments.

By fourth grade the average boy is two years behind the average girl in reading and writing.

By the age of seventeen the average male score is 14 points below the average girl.

Boys around the world score less well than girls in reading and writing and have lower motivation to read and write. Between the ages of 5 and 12 boys are 60% more likely to be retained. They are three times more likely to be placed in reading and learning disability settings. X

Many boys view reading as an activity for girls and are there by less likely to read. The way many boys are taught to read goes against the way they love to be which is playful and active. Boys are lacking in good male role models as readers.

“ From our experience we have seen that when boys value reading they read more, achieve academically, do better on standardized tests, and have a richer more meaningful life.”