Lisa Littleton Blog Post 1 No More Independent Reading Without Support Section 1 NOT THIS Is There Enough Time? And Is Time Enough to Support Independent Reading? Debbie Miller

For the word ‘time” to be a short word, it often seems like a monster.  Scheduling does not get easier with experience. Where do we find the minutes? Miller suggests modifying practices in our day will help find time.  Not only is time important but we should provide opportunities for our students to practice independent reading on a daily basis.

We started using Reader’s workshop this year in kindergarten.  We have time for independent reading in our daily schedule.  Miller states “Children learn to read by reading…but not without instructional support.” I think that kindergarten is off to great start using the reader’s workshop.  We have taught how take care of books, the concepts of print and how to read a book by its pictures.  Our students are given a choice about what they read instead of us (the teachers) choosing for them.  Through the independent reading time, the children have shown growth.  Now that they are building stamina, we will have time to conference and offer feedback that helps them become better readers. 

I agree with Miller statements, “That it is our job to do everything we can to equip children with the tools they need to stay engaged and motivated when we are not there and the more opportunities we can give children to read, the better.”  I think we can instill a love for reading in our students by providing opportunities to practice reading independently.