I very much agree with this chapter. I believe that independent reading
in school and at home is important. Students are able to form their own opinions
about books. I remember in middle school for the first time gaining the
understanding that I could choose what I wanted to read. This made reading so
much more fun. When I actually liked the books that I was reading I read more
often. When books were assigned for reading I read them less intently.
It
makes me sad that some schools are moving away from silent reading. I do
believe that having reading conferences helps students maintain their attention
and focus in reading a book. This simple check-in procedure helps students see
the importance of reading a book for meaning and pleasure. I think conferences
allow teachers to check for understanding and fluency in the book being read. I
do think that silent reading has a place in the classroom but I believe that
the new suggestions are great additions to this program.
Isn't it interesting that you vividly remember receiving choice in your books--but not until middle school? My hope is that our district is moving toward independent reading, not away from it. We need brave teachers like you who know its positive outcomes to use it and advocate for it, even with our youngest students!
ReplyDelete