Julie Niedrach - Blog Post #1 - No More Independent Reading Without Support, Section 1

 Since I have been reading the research on the benefits of independent reading for better comprehension-based reading, I have decided to make a switch in my classroom to more independent reading with teacher support. I have become more educated on the teacher's role in conferencing while the students are reading independently.
 
 The problem teachers face today with independent reading is finding an adequate amount of time for the students to read independently without interruption. Students are transitioning in and out of classrooms all during the school day, so it is difficult to find a time when every student is in your classroom to participate in this reading time.  This creates a challenge to get every student involved in IR.  We know that is what will drive their love of reading, and also help them succeed in every other subject too.  So much is riding on their reading ability in all subjects, so it is a no-brainer to give them at least 20 to 30 minutes each day for increasing their reading skills. This will pay dividends in every future class.

In the article's example, they used a kindergarten and 1st grade class to "whittle" down some time from other activities, to make time for their independent reading.  In the 4th or 5th grade classrooms, those type of activities wouldn't be part of their day, so they would be loosing instructional time in other content areas.  Still, if it is important for students to make better gains in reading, teachers could find a way to create some time.  All good teachers want to implement the best practices so their students will succeed.  The independent reading with teacher monitoring is backed with solid research that proves the students will achieve, not only gains in comprehension, but also develop a lifelong love of reading.  Isn't that worth finding the time?