Education Commons^™

How Teachers Can Guide Library Book Selection To Maximize The Value Of Independent Reading Time, Sherri Weber

The Language and Literacy Spectrum

This article shares a classroom application to support literacy development through a teacher-librarian guided book selection program. Twenty students participated in the program which demonstrated the importance of the relationship between the school librarian and classroom teacher. These professionals worked together to guide students to choose library books at their recreational level for independent reading time. The guidance program appeared to impact students' confidence in their reading and in their ability to choose appropriate books. Suggestions for teachers and librarians are discussed.

Pairing And Sharing: A Technique To Increase Engagement And Achievement With Struggling Middle School Readers, Patricia Cameron

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to determine whether reading with a partner coupled with active reading based communication would increase the engagement and achievement of seventh grade READ 180 students. READ 180 was a reading intervention program which consisted of four main components: whole and small group instruction, software, and independent reading. Many students struggled with the independent reading portion of the program, failing to finish books and/or pass comprehension quizzes. During the study, students were assigned a partner. They read together instead of separately during independent reading times. Three primary types of data were collected to monitor …

Reading, Thinking, Developing Responses: An Investigation Of Independent Reading In A First Grade Classroom, Heather Pence

Theses and Dissertations

What happens when first grade students engage in independent reading in which they are reading, thinking, and developing responses about texts at their independent reading level? The purpose of this study is to investigate what type of work and learning first grade students engage in during independent reading time. The focus will be on the type of thinking the students are engaging in and what strategies the students are utilizing while reading independently. This qualitative teacher research study consists of 12 first-grade students in the first-grade classroom during independent reading time of Reader's workshop. The data collected revealed students utilizing …

A Conceptual Study On Effective Independent Reading Practices To Foster An Enjoyment Of Reading, Diana Mitchell

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this conceptual study was to analyze what factors impact students' engagement and motivation to read independently. Further, the study sought to determine effective modifications to independent reading for today's students. Because this study is conceptual in nature, an extensive review of the current qualitative and empirical literature on independent reading was conducted. From there, the data was coded inductively to generate new ideas about what independent reading should entail for students today. Some clear patterns emerged. First, student choice and autonomy were cited as important factors for fostering students' motivation and engagement with reading. Second, simply providing …