For some students, independent reading is a time of joy and discovery. For others...not so much. Try as you might to get students to choose books that interest them, sometimes they simply have a hard time maintaining focus or relating to the characters. It may be a matter of forgetting what they've read or connecting all the details in the plot. In any event, empathizing or connecting with … [Read more...]
Balanced Literacy Instruction: A Truce For The Reading War?
Unless you’re an elementary teacher, balanced literacy instruction may be a new concept to you. What is it, anyway? What happened to phonics? What about whole language? Which is better? Why does the pendulum continue to swing from one method to another? And why can Johnny still not read? Welcome to the reading war. These questions have been the heart of heated controversy for … [Read more...]
Independent Reading – The Foundation of Lifelong Reading
Successful independent reading is the end result of a well-executed balanced literacy program. It allows students the chance to “practice” the strategies they’ve learned through guided reading, shared reading, and teacher read alouds – the other components of balanced literacy. With level appropriate materials, students now have the skills they need to read on their own. That means … [Read more...]
