I love getting lost in a book and living and breathing the characters. I want my students to know this feeling. I want to help them find the book, author, or series that will take them to another place and let their imaginations run!

This would be perfect for me! I am doing my action research inquiry on reading assessments.

Independent reading is a great way to monitor individual reading skills, but hard to get kids interested and motivated. There are always those kids that need the extra push to get started, and commonly get distracted with the silence. I would like to learn a good way to make independent reading fun!

I start the kids the first week of school with independent reading. New build up to 20 minutes but now I guess I need to challenge them (and myself) to 30. I am interested to find out how to incorporate the instructional time during this thirty minutes.

When students self-select books for independent reading a have choice about what they read, they get excited and interested about books. Teachers can guide students choices and this leads children to relish books and really identify who they are as readers!

Independent reading allows children the opportunity to truly connect with characters without the interruption of group comments. It empowers a reader to be a sharer of stories.

It is SO important that children spend time reading. Conferring with students will help them to become better and more critical readers.

Independent reading is the cornerstone of lifelong readers. It is the place where students can practice with text they want to read and topics that interest them. It is the place where they can challenge themselves or get cozy with an old favorite. It should be done daily and not cancelled due to time constraints…it should be the priority.

Getting them engaged in reading is so important. We are just starting a new Reading Workshop Endeavor and I can’t wait to get the children reading from day 1!

We expect students to practice math skills that they learn in class. Practicing reading is equally essential, so of course we should provide time in class for students to read independantly.

I love the idea of independent reading because I am a voracious reader myself. I would love for my students to experience be transported to another world the way only reading can do. Unfortunately, by the time they get to me, they don’t care about reading anymore. I am appreciative of any ideas to get my students excited about books.

I teach first grade and introduce indepenedent reading to my students the first day of school. During the rest of the year students read independently while I teach small groups. Independent reading is very important for students to use the reading skills they learn during small group instruction.

Independent reading is the key in student success. Try get to comprehend reading, enjoy reading, improve in reading skills, but most importantly it will help them for their future success. This program supports students needs.

I always loved to read and I hate seeing kids who don’t. I think it’s so important to encourage them to read about anything–even if it’s comic books or stories based on TV shows, they are invested and enjoying themselves! One of the most difficult things for me as an EC teacher is helping students with major attention deficits build their stamina for reading.

Love using strategy groups based on Jennifer’s book! Would be great to have another way to assess my second graders.

I am a huge supporter of independent reading. In my early years teaching I didn’t give 30+ minutes, but I made it into a center the last few years giving them this time & have seen how much the students grow. They love it! I am always looking for new things regarding independent reading. I hope I get the opportunity with this kit!

I love independent reading time with my Special Education students! It gives me time to work with students while everyone is engaged in a book of their choice at their level. Everyone has reading contracts as well so not only are they reading, practicing comprehension skills, and getting independent support from me, they are learning to be independent and make their own choices.

Independent Reading has always been a hallmark of my classroom – to see the students thoroughly engaged in their books is such a rewarding experience. And when the students start reading the same ones (or the same series) and start giving suggestions to each other, what a community they become!

I have a combined second and third grade class. This year I had many behavioral challenges this year with students who could not focus on anything, except independent reading. They loved getting a science/non-fiction book and just absorbing fact after fact. The majority were boys, and it became so important to them, that independent reading became a reward after finishing their work. If they were terrific during work time, I would provide a few minutes for them to share their reading and tell a friend what they learned that da;y. I love independent reading!

I teach third grade and use reading workshop. I teach a mini lesson and then the kids go find their spot and book to read. After a few minutes of monitoring, I pull a small group. I try to do this 4 days a week and then use the 5th day to conference. The kids love being able to find a place and their own book and read uninterrupted. I know I always did as a kid! This year I am adding more things into my reading area to help my ADHD kids-puppets, more phonic phones, felt storyboards, etc.

My students love independent reading! There were days when I only planned on 20 minutes, but ended up stretching it almost to 40 because they were all so into their books@

I love giving independent reading time to my students. Last year we worked on finding just right books for each student. I always knew when students had a book too high for them because they would not be reading. When everyone had a “perfect” book, behavior was wonderful.

Independent reading is so important. Yet with limited time, it is the first thing we take away in order to get the instructional piece in.

I always start the day with independent reading. That way I don’t have to give extra instructions to late commers. During this time I usually take either 4 running records or an extra guided reading group with one of my target groups. Also if somethig happens in the morning an urgent message from a parent I know my students are not just sitting and waiting, but having a valuble learning experience!

A love of reading is one of the best gifts we can give a student. A large classroom library and time to read independently are key. I also select read alouds that begin a series. Many students are inspired to continue reading the series on their own.

I teach students who are at least one and sometimes several grades below in reading. I have found that the biggest indicator in their success is time for independent reading. I have made it a part of our class time every day (this is difficult in middle school) and encourage them to find a place where they can read at home. I work all year long to add to my classroom library as I learn about new books or have specific requests from students.

I truly value learning more about the reading process in the classroom. It’s so important that we make the time for students to read independently in the classroom.

Teaching students to be independent reading is so important. It opens up the world to them. I can’t imagine a day without reading.

Last year I gave mini-lessons on close reading strategies and then had students read their independent books. It was also a great way to have students search for examples of grammar rules, too. Students loved that they were reading their books and just had quick check ins. Win-win situation.

Independent reading gives students the freedom and choices needed to get hooked for LIFE with reading. It would be helpful to learn more about assessment and parent involvement in book clubs.

Independent reading is a vital part of our day in my first grade classroom. It is where they are able to take the skills and strategies that we discuss and try out during our whole group time and use and try them out on their own in books that they are choose and work with. It is a challenge for some to find the books that are just right for them, but it is amazing the excitement they exhibit when they can read those books all by themselves.

I’m a third grade teacher and I’ve definitely seen the benefits to daily independent reading. I incorporate DEAR or drop everything and read time for 30 minutes everyday. Students need that time to escape in a book of their choice at a level they are comfortable reading on yet appropriately challenged. I encourage my students to read for a purpose by completing book project activities when they finish a book. The activities incorporate vocabulary and comprehension but are disguised as a fun learning game or project. The students love getting to choose their own project when they finish their book. Such a rewarding experience to see non readers become excited about reading. The independent reading assessment kit would be a wonderful tool to incorporate in my classroom!

I really need to work on the “being at peace” with what will happen to the books as the kids enjoy them.

I have my K’s read independently. While they are reading, I can conference with individual students or work with a small group. Independent reading looks differently at the beginning of the year than the end. Students are often reading the pictures. Independent reading in K is not quiet!

I love to read and share my favorites with my students throughout the year. I believe it is vital for them to not only see adults read, but to see what we get out of it. The challenge for me is to get that message across to to adults in my students’ lives. I cringe when a parent says “I don’t like/have time or can’t read.” It is so much fun to escape into a great story, to learn something new, or to visualize some beautiful scene described. I want all of my students to be successful readers and my criteria for success is to love reading so much you don’t want to put the book down. That is when Independent reading will be owned by the readers and not just a time slot on the schedule.

While shared reading offers the chance for discussion, independent reading usually gives readers more opportunity for reflection. Both are vital!

I just finished my 5th year teaching first grade and the way I approach independent reading now varies greatly from when I first started teaching. This past year I gave much more time to my students to independently read than ever before. I was amazed by their ability to maintain reading stamina for long periods of time and also by how much they grew as readers by the end of the year. I am looping with this class to 2nd grade next year and can’t wait to start where we left off by incorporating even more independent reading time into our day. I love the idea of parent book clubs too! What a great way to get parents involved while encouraging conversations of best-loved books!

Idependent reading lets students build thier reading abilty, thier self esteem, and thier love of reading becuase they are READING!

I believe that it is so important for students to have independent reading time and the books need to be of their choosing. This is what really develops life long readers. Isn’t that what we really want them to become?
Because there is not enough time in the regular classroom for this and I believed so much in this, last year that I started an after school reading club with my class. All but four of my students participated on a regular basis. I believed so much in it that I volunteered my time.

I love independent reading. I have my kids read between 15 and 30 minutes daily depending on schedule. I conference during that time and it gives me great insight into how they are doing. I also have them write in their reading response journals. It is great!

This is a passion of mine! I firmly believe in Independent Reading time. I see the vocabulary, background knowledge, and stamina rise from those who read the books they choose. I went through school “reading” but not really reading. I want my kids to find their favorite books, genres, and authors to become life-long readers!

Teaching students to read independently and enjoy it is one of the most difficult but beneficial parts of reading instruction.

Reading is the most important skill a student can learn. They need time to read in school and at home every day. Students need to read at their level (assessment is important) and have a great selection of books at their level available. Success in reading helps develop a life long love for reading.

Scholastic helps enrich many of my lessons. Thanks for providing great ideas and resources!

I totally agree with teachers reading alongside their kids, or teaching while the independent reading is going on!– So many great opportunities to model and share what was read during this treasured time.

I have been teaching kindergarten for eight years and love scholastic. I have found many items that has helped me teach reading to my students.

Independent reading is an awesome way to allow students to learn the love of reading. I found when I allowed them to choose their books, they begged to get independent reading time. I am definitely going to continue with this idea for this coming school year.

Independent reading is where students find a love for reading and want to read for fun not because they were told too.

Over 90% of the students at my school qualify for free or reduced lunch, so their families do not have disposable income to purchase books for home. The Scholastic libraries which we have been able to purchase over the years provide high quality take-home books for my second and third graders. Independent reading practice is the key for learning success!

Time to reading is so important for reading success! I’ve moved away from centers/stations and towards more reading time for my students while I work with small groups. I’ve only seen test scores go up!

I love to have students do independent reading. I plan on having my students begin the day with reading as well as it be a choice during guided reading groups.

Independent reading is extremely important coupled with a great classroom library to ensure a positive reading experience.

So many of my kids are obsessed with sports so I try and relate everything in life back to how someone can get better in sports: The only way to get better at reading is to read books at your level, just like an athlete practices their sport to get better.. I have seen tremendous growth in my students when they are practicing their reading with books that have them hooked. Sure, sometimes I have to sell a few titles here and there. But once they have the time to sit and enjoy a book, they love it and love to talk to me or other classmates about it. I think that the social aspect is important too. What do we do as adults when we’ve read a book that we really like? We tell a friend. And that’s exactly what I have my kids do.

I love Ind. Reading because it gives the children a focused time to practice reading comprehension skills and strategies using a book that they have selected.

My middle school ELA department believes strongly in independent. We devote Fridays to independent reading. While it is a requirement, we hope to guide those struggling readers into becoming lifelong readers. I take out bean bag chairs and let the students lay on rugs, the counters, etc. This makes it more enjoyable for them and helps them settle into their chosen book

Independent reading helps kids discover who they are as a reader. It is like a changing room. They get to try on books and see what fits for them.

Independent reading isn’t something that kids pick up on their own. I spend time in the beginning of the year teaching students to pick out books. I use the five finger method. Students read any page from the book and if they can not read five of the books on the page, it is too difficult of a book for them. I also start teaching them at the beginning of the year about building up endurance while reading. We find nice quiet places where they sit with their book. I time the entire class to see how long they can read quietly. We work our way up to more time each time. It amazes me how independent they become.

I follow the Reading Workshop format in my classroom. Students are engaged in a short mini-lesson that is modeled by me first. They then scaffold learning with a partner as they practice the skill. Students work towards applying the strategy into their independent reading time, which grows from 15 to 45 minutes by the end of the 2nd grade year as their stamina grows. While students read, I work on conferencing with students, pulling small-groups to reinforce specific skills, assess students, or target key phonics needs. Reading Workshop is the most effective hour of my day!

I teach in the high school and do independent reading every day. Although some students don’t participate, I am happy to see all of the students that do want to read. Many ask if they can do that instead of the rest of the activities we have to do.

I always have my kids start class with independent reading, and I teach 7th grade. Obviously the 40 minutes a day recommendation is aimed at elementary – I only have a 50 minute period for reading/Lit! I don’t know, though, how anyone can meet that 40 minute mark with the push toward STAR scores.

Independent reading opens the world to everyone who can read, or listen, to a book. I love assigning independent reading!!!!!

Independent reading is so important for all students, it’s when students get the chance to practice all those wonderful skills they’ve learned. I use The Daily 5, it is a wonderful way for students at all grade levels get the chance to practice independent reading every day!

Independent reading is the most crucial piece of the instructional day. Students need to build reading stamina, discover different genres, have time to “sink in” to a book, and share their thinking with others.

Independent Reading is critically important for children to become life long readers. However, the trick becomes getting them to love reading. Having a variety of books that they can choose from is a good way to start.

Independent reading time made all the difference in my classroom last year. My students read 30 minutes everyday in my class no matter what. I never let anything get in the way of reading. Reading, gotta have it.

Independent reading was an important addition to my daily schedule at school this year. Most of my students were quietly involved in reading their favorites during this time. I did have a few students that were not as involved and these were the students that chose books that were way above their level. Unfortunately they didn’t want to read the books on their level – they wanted to read what everyone else in the class was reading.

I love independent reading. Great way to discover what students like to read and their attitudes towards reading.

When students struggle with a skill, they usually do not want to practice it. That is the dilemma I face with middle school students who are several grades below in their reading level, have disabilities in reading comprehension, and struggle finding material on their interest level. We do need to meet them on their independent level if we want to increase them to the instructional level they need to survive. Any tool that would assist in making this a less painful process would be appreciated!

Time ~ whenever you spend time, you see results ~ we need to let children spend time with books ~ it takes time to become a lifelong reader ~ our society has become “instant” ~ reading needs and takes time ~ I agree with Jennifer!

Independent reading is VITAL to growing successful lifelong readers! I love Jennifer’s suggestion of hosting parent-student book clubs/talks. This past year, I had a guest reader come in each Wednesday and many parents were readers. This year, I plan to include parent-student book clubs!

My teaching partner not only love the idea but we live it! We scheduled our 30 minute block of time for independent reading about 5 years ago. It is sacred and wholly . We firmly believe that our tests scores have improved because of the quality time spent reading.

Because I LOVE reading so much, I want to spark that love in my students, too. It’s amazing to see how they become involved in a book when I say “I’ve read that one and it is so interesting! I think you’ll like that one!”

I make sure that Independent Reading time is the most pleasant time of the day. I make sure they have loads of great book choices. Then I make sure they are comfortable. I have a collection of fun, comfy pillows so they can cuddle up and escape into their books. When it’s time to read, I never say, “You have to read” I say, “Now you can relax and read.” I try to let them know that this is a pleasant time of day!

Independent reading is so important. I start working on building stamina from day one. They love to be able to pick their own books and go to all the cozy areas within the classroom. The children are completely different readers when they are able to choose what they want to read.

I agree that children should be reading at school and at home. To model reading for my students I usually bring to school the book I am reading at home (provided its appropriateness). I will tell them the story line and what I think is going to happen in the end. Usually, they make connections with what I bring in and what their parents are reading. Then off we go to read our journeys……

Independent reading in the classroom is a must. Most of my kids don’t own a single book. When they can spend time with books on their level they develop a love for reading. I continually scrounge yard sales and resale shops for books for my classroom.

Independent reading is essential. I have books that continually rotate through my students and never make it back to the bookcase. The power of a sticky note in the front for a student waiting to read list. Jennifer’s kit would be awesome to have for my school!

I think Independent Reading can be a powerful tool for the students. My problem and concern is not having the books for my kids to use to be successful with this reading element. I would love, love, love to win so I can help my kids be the best readers they can be!

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Independent reading enables students to become bettet readers. I need tips on motivating the reluctant readers in the class. I do find the more I promote a book I have read or are reading that encourages students to try those books!

As a reading teacher in a rural area many of my students do not have reading materials at home
or easy access to the public library. This program would go a long way in encouraging independent reading as well as involving parents. Reading independently has been proven to improve vocabulary as well as writing and other cognitive skills. I want my students to become readers!

Since moving to fifth grade, I struggle to find time for my students to have self selected independent reading time. This year I plan to set aside time for this daily. When I taught lower grades, I always had at least 20 minutes. I’d love to squeeze 30 minutes in this year.

Always wanting to learn more about getting kids to read, guided reading, reading, reading reading!

I believe that independent reading at school is very important because, let’s face it, we don’t really know if it’s always happening at home. The ones that like to read and are good readers probably do, but those that need more practice and don’t like reading, probably don’t. It’s also a time for the teacher to individually interact with each reader, model reader response discussions with peers and keep each reader accountable for this 45 minutes. I like the idea of a “The State of our Class Reading” activity after each SSR session. As a group, each child shares what they read, what page they’re on and 3 are asked answer a particular question about their book like “Who is the main character and tell me about them as a person” or “Show us 2 text features that help you understand better as a reader.”

We really need to work on building STAMINA in our kids reading. Sounds like the perfect fit for our 4th graders.

Independent read is so important, I really think that to become a good reader, readers need to be reading books at their level for at least 30 min. everyday. What an exciting giveaway. Thanks for the chance.

I have been teaching Math/Science and Tech in 4th/5th for several years, while my coworker teaches LA and Social Sudies. This year I will teach everything! I like all your suggestions and advice!

Research clearly shows that the reading of meaningful, connected text results in improved reading achievement. Research shows that the amount of time students spend in independent reading was the best predictor of reading achievement and also the best predictor of the amount of gain in reading achievement made by students between second and fifth grade.

Independent reading is a critical and necessary component of Reading Workshop. This is when students can practice the skills independently that we have taught them and work on strengthening those skills such as fluency, stamina, comprehension. It is also a time for us to continue the important work of coaching and teaching students by conferring and meeting with small groups. Through our conferring and small group work, we are assessing students’ needs and growth to inform our instruction. I fortunately teach in a district that has been affiliated with TC for years and have attended workshops by Jennifer Serravallo. I love that she has published this important resource for teachers and would love to use it! Thank you for offering this giveaway

I do not have set amount of time for independent reading. Some days are more some are less, however I am sure it is NEVER 30 minutes. Interesting for Kindergarten:)

We don’t have a set independent reading time at our school, but last year I realized that I really need to add this. I have already been trying to figure out how to add it to my already packed schedule, and reading that I should be instructing-meeting with students during this time really helps.

I would love this tool! We just move from direct instruction to a reader/writer’s workshop.

I just love reading and I think that this love is something the chidlren need to see and experience. I think the enthusiasm modelled when reading, the sharing of books i love and books they love is really precious! I also believe time is needed to be allocated. I allocate 2 20min lots for DEAR time. I believe the children love this time. The bell rings at the end of lunch and recess… the children charge in to class to find a book to read and a comfy place to sit. I have loads of cushions and mats so they can enjoy the whole experience. I love the chatter that goes on and i encourage during DEAR time as the children read to each other and share fun pages!
This is kindy. I love it so much!

I have taught the ELA block at a low income school on the out skirts of New Orleans for the past 2 years. Most of the students come to me on a low reading level; some as low as 2nd grade (I teach 5th). It is through independent reading that the student soar! Through independent reading, they can apply strategies learned, they can choose books that fit them perfectly (reading level and interest), and it builds skills to use in places outside the classroom. I blocked off almost an hour with both of my classes for the students to read independently this year, and their test scores, fluency scores, and final reading level reflected this change. Implementing independent reading in my classroom has only changed it for the better!!!

I love finding a great book that I just can’t put down. I also love watching a student do the same thing. Students often trust their peers’ opinion over an adults. So when one student says a book is amazing, other students fight to read the book next. In a world full of technology, kids need time to develop a love of reading through modeling. I spend my summers and free time reading books from my library, so I can help students find great books and discuss them with my students.

What joy to see a classroom of students reading and loving it!

Independent reading is so important. It’s the only way we can really connect and develop a deep understanding of ourselves, those around us, and the world. I’m so excited about the Independent Reading Assessment system because it will help give teachers a more comprehensive tool to assess the complex thinking our students should be doing while independently reading, while also giving us guidelines for volume of reading, and giving us helpful tips about how to teach into writing and discussing complexities in the texts we expect students to read. Thanks!