Independent reading is a term used in educational settings, where students are involved in choosing and reading material (fiction books, non-fiction, magazine, other media) for their independent consumption and enjoyment. Students that read independently have an emphasized creative choice in what they want to read and choose to learn. Usually, independent reading takes place alongside the ongoing curriculum in the classroom or
homeschool
Homeschooling or home schooling, also known as home education or elective home education (EHE), is the education of school-aged children at home or a variety of places other than a school. Usually conducted by a parent, tutor, or an onlin ...
. Independent reading can be tied to assessment and evaluation or remain as an activity in itself.
More names for independent reading
*SSR:
Sustained Silent Reading
*DEAR: Drop Everything And Read
*Voluntary Reading
Aims of independent reading
Students will
*Read more willingly and more often.
*Become more interested in the printed word in general, including their own writing.
*Become more receptive to enrichment activities related to their reading.
*Discover that they can think and write in a meaningful way about their reading.
*Learn that literature can enrich their lives.
*Expand their vocabulary.
*Receive higher test scores.
How to include independent reading into a routine
Teachers can
*Allot time each to independent, where the student will choose a book and read for that amount of time.
*Set a number of pages that students have to read by the end of a specific timeframe.
*Have a book report due where the student chooses and reads a book of their choice and explains it to the class.
Parents can:
*Set a certain amount of time that their child has to read.
*Have their children read them books of their choice.
[ ullinan, Bernice. “Independent Reading and School Achievement.” American Association of School Librarians. http://www.ala.org/aasl/aaslpubsandjournals/slmrb/slmrcontents/volume32000/independent]
See also
*
Literature circle
A literature circle is equivalent for young people of an adult book club, but with greater structure, expectation and rigor. The aim is to encourage thoughtful discussion and a love of reading in young people. The intent of literature circles is ...
*
Shared reading
*
Guided reading
Guided reading is "small-group reading instruction designed to provide differentiated teaching that supports students in developing reading proficiency". The small group model allows students to be taught in a way that is intended to be more focus ...
References
{{reflist
Learning to read
Reading (process)
Teaching
education-stub