Miller (2013), Section 1: Not This: Is There Enough Time? And Is Time Enough to Support Independent Reading?
I was very interested in reading this book. I related with Miller right away when she mentioned that her D.E.A.R. time became "Drop Everything and Find Waldo." My students try to find absolutely anything else to do, but read. When I was reading this, I became hooked. I needed ideas to get my students into reading. Duke starts out by saying that you have to provide them with the tools to "know how."
You first have to provide them with time. There are a number of ways to waste time during the reading block. Some of the things mentioned, I agree with, and of course some I feel are really important. Something that has been said in the past as good practice, is now being said as a waste of time. For instance, reading while the students are reading. They suggest that the teacher conferences with the student, which I do think is a BETTER idea than just watching a teacher read. They suggest that the teacher conferences with the student and explains how to read independently. "Independent Reading in silence without the kind of support described in this book means these children suffer in silence, " states Miller. This quote stood out to me and made complete sense. I look forward to reading on for the ways to teach them to independently read.
Allison, this is the same chapter that I decided to read. I also became hooked after reading the first page. I remember when I was in school, the teacher would read while the students were reading too. That didn't do anything for me personally. I agree with you in the fact that having the teacher conference with the students is a much better way to ensure that independent reading is taking place. I too, look forward to reading the next chapter and finding out more ways to teach students how to independently read.
ReplyDeleteI know your students will benefit greatly as you continue to search for ways to help them become stronger and more independent readers. Please share what is working and what is not in future blogs!
ReplyDeleteHi Allison,
ReplyDeleteI loved the common sense approach Miller takes to independent reading too and how she asks us to really look at not just what we are doing, but how we are doing it to determine if we are maximizing our time. Time for independent reading is important but if this reading is not supported with conferencing and instructional mini-lessons targeted to students' needs we don't have a way of determining what they are getting out of their reading and we are giving up the opportunity of enhancing that time. Conferencing during IR definitely maximizes the time spent reading. I am glad that you are open to trying this out. Sincerely, Dawn