For independent reading to be an effective use of time, it is essential to set clear expectations. Students need to know exactly what they should be doing during this time. It is also important to set expectations for yourself to ensure you’re making the most of your time. By establishing literacy look fors, you and your students will know exactly what to expect to see happening during independent reading.
Students’ Role in Independent Reading
Students need to have a solid understanding of their role during independent reading. What should this time look like? What should it sound like? It will take extensive modeling and practice for students to be able to effectively take on their roles during this time.
What should students be doing during independent reading?
- Students should be selecting the book they want to read. It can be from their book box or the classroom library. This time should not be spent going to the school library.
- Students should be focused on the text. They should not be walking around the room, talking to a buddy, or watching what others are doing.
- Actively thinking about the text as they read.
- Applying and practicing the reading strategies they’ve been taught.
- Writing about the text (optional). They can be taking notes to deepen understanding or reflecting on what they read.
Teachers’ Role in Independent Reading
The reality is it can be tempting to check your email or work on another task as students are reading quietly. But hold yourself accountable for adhering to your expectations! That will help you ensure that you’re effectively using your time.
What should the teacher be doing during independent reading?
- Establishing and reinforcing expectations.
- Setting a purpose for reading. Make students know what they need to accomplish during this time. It can also be creating class or individual reading goals.
- Observing students. Some behaviors to pay attention to: who is distracted, who is frequently changing books, or who seems frustrated or confused.
- Conferring with students. Meet with students one on one to talk about their reading, establish a goal, and provide a quick teaching point.
- Working with small groups. Another option is to pull small groups. You can reinforce the strategy/skill focus from the minilesson, remediate challenging skills, or extend learning for advanced readers.
- Record notes about students. Anecdotal notes are a great way to document students’ engagement levels, reading goals, growth, thinking about the text, and areas of struggle.
Ways to Establish Independent Reading Expectations
As we all know, students will not perfectly meet your expectations right away. You need to put in a lot of time and effort to help them be successful. So what can you do?
- MODEL, MODEL, MODEL. Students need to see exactly what you want them to do.
- Provide plenty of opportunities for practice. Have students reflect on how well they think they did with following the expectations.
- Remind students of expectations. While you’ll spend plenty of time on this at the beginning of the year, they’ll need reminders throughout the year. (Especially after holidays and breaks)
- Display independent reading anchor charts as visual reminders of expectations. They may also keep copies in their readers’ notebooks.
Just as with all other aspects of your instructional day, it is essential to firmly establish your expectations for students. This will help them be successful and make instructional time more effective.
You can also get started using the Independent Reading Posters in your classroom! Or download the FREE Good Fit Books Reading Posters below!
What other expectations do you have during independent reading? What other ways do you support students with meeting those expectations? Share in the comments!
Want to Learn More?
Check out the other blog posts in the independent reading series!
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