In a world of over-scheduling and too many options, it’s easy to say, “I just can’t find the time.”
But how we spend our time is clear evidence of what we value. And in the classroom, how we have students spend their precious time is no different.
So, if we value reading – authentic eyes-on-print reading – then we’ll want to make sure that independent reading has a clearly defined place on our daily schedules that we fight to protect with the ferocity of a mother lion protecting her cubs.
The only way any of us ever get better at anything is by spending LOTS of time immersed in doing it. Whether you are learning to dribble a basketball, play the piano, crochet a potholder, or fly a plane, time spent DOING it is how you improve. The same is true with reading.
Because dedicated independent reading time is so important to growing REAL readers, it simply can’t be left to chance. It can’t be a fill-in activity, a now-and-then activity, or a when-time-allows activity. We need to commit to it by actually putting it on the schedule and not letting other things squeeze it out.
So, how much time is enough? The good news about finding time for independent reading is that you can start small. If independent reading is new to your students, you can start with tiny bits of time and gradually build stamina. So, for the first couple of weeks or so, you can start by blocking off about 10 – 20 minutes. Eventually, you will want 30 – 45 minutes, depending on the age of your children. They won’t be reading for the entire time, but the independent reading time will be sandwiched between a focused mini-lesson at the beginning and a time for reflection at the end – two activities that will help to steadily increase the quality of the daily reading experience.
I’ve shared some Possible Stamina Goals for Grades K-5.
How is the time spent? The structure is simple.
- You bring your class together in your classroom gathering space .
- You provide a mini-lesson to support them as readers by teaching either a routine or a strategy.
- They go off to read independently.
- You provide differentiation through individual conferences and small groups.
- You gather them again to reflect on and celebrate the day’s successes.
When you give your kids great books and time to read them, amazing things will sill start to happen. I promise.
Abundant independent reading is an essential, and way too often overlooked, component of reading success. If ever there was a simple starting point for authentic literacy, this is it.
Let them at the books! Get them reading. . . Every single day.