Allison Catto's October Blog Post #3 - Miller, Section 1: "Not This"

          While reading Section 1, Not This, in Miller’s No More Independent Reading Without Support, I was reminded of a very crucial point when it comes to independent reading.  We cannot expect students to become better readers just by expecting them to read independently.  They do need to read a lot in order to become thoughtful, strategic, proficient readers.  They also need the tools that we can provide through instruction.

          When trying to find the “minutes” in the day to have independent reading time, teachers have realized how much wasted time they use during the day.  Calendar activities, schoolwide morning announcements, transitions, and lining up often use up many valuable minutes. 

          Students need a teacher to show them what behaviors need to be practiced as they read and the teacher needs opportunities to monitor and give feedback on how students are using those behaviors.  Teachers must model or “talk out loud” when working with students so they can “visualize” the process.  The feedback that students are given will help them become better readers.  I totally agree with the quote, “When we ‘set children loose’ day after day after day, with no focus or support, it can lead to fake reading and ultimately disengagement whether it’s due to lack of purpose or a perceived or actual lack of reading skill.”  It’s our job, my job, to equip my students with the tools they need to stay engaged and motivated when I’m not there!