Let me begin with a confession. I did not want to read anything related to school in the month of November because my mind has been consumed with thoughts of what is about to happen with Claire and Jamie in Outlander (which is my current "read for fun" book!). However, I made myself put that wonderful book down to read a chapter from Routman about guided reading. I'd say the chapter was worth my time (but not necessarily as entertaining!!). :)
A few years ago we began "guided reading groups" in 4th grade. We spent a lot of time looking for quality literature that we thought our students would enjoy and I have loved having the groups-for the most part. I do not think I have been successful at meeting with groups to focus on certain skills. I find myself doing this more in mini-lessons than actually pulling groups while others are reading. I prefer to sit with groups and listen to them discuss (which I guess is actually meeting with a group...). This class and this textbook have really made me think about the lack of daily independent reading time in my classroom. I have been convicted when it comes to this. Emily and I have been constantly discussing how we can restructure things so that our students have at least 20-30 minutes of independent choice reading every day. I appreciated Routman's discussion of guided reading and it's value in the classroom, but I also heard loudly that guided reading should not be completed daily and it SHOULD NOT take the place of independent reading. This has often happened in my classroom. I think that one of the most important things I gained from the chapter (again!) is the fact that I need to set and not compromise my independent reading time.
I also loved Routman's view of reading aloud. My first year I did an excellent job of pausing every afternoon for at least 20 minutes of reading aloud. I don't do that anymore and I miss it. It seems that I have exchanged that time for cramming in some more social studies or science. Is it worth losing my read aloud time? I'm not sure. I'm trying to figure out how to finish all the things I need/want to finish in a day. I'm going to try out the proposed schedule on pg. 158 and see how it goes!
I see value in guided reading because it allows me to focus on skills with certain groups of kids who may be struggling (or excelling) with the same kinds of things. I just need to figure out how to balance both guided and independent reading in my classroom! I'm up for the challenge!
And now, I'm back to reading Outlander! :)
Ha, Keri! I am your opposite--I bury myself in my "school" reading and long for a rendezvous with my "for fun" characters. I always find it quite ironic that my life is rather literacy-oriented and I spend most of my time daydreaming about the time I'll have one day (right?? maybe??) to read for fun!! :-)
ReplyDeleteI love how you point out that listening to a group IS a meeting! I think sometimes when we have very specific ideas in mind about what a conference/meeting/assessment looks like, we miss important opportunities to do each of those things. I also appreciate your reflection on making sure you include independent reading time, knowing that guided reading is important but not a replacement! I'm happy to work with you and Emily (and any other interested parties!) on looking at how to include both in your schedules. :-)
Hi Keri,
ReplyDeleteI love that you are reading for pleasure yourself and can share this joy of reading with your students. You are not the only one who has recommended Outlander as a series to me. I am going to put this on my Dec. reading list! I also appreciate the ways that you are open to the ideas and suggestions from Routman for increasing independent reading time and for prioritizing this time daily for our students. You are right to prioritize independent reading and a daily read aloud it will require some thoughtful restructuring. I believe it will be worth the investment. Thanks, Dawn